Prompt Nights – Glimpse Into the World of Edgar Allen Poe

| Sandra Pavloff Conner

This week on “Prompt Nights” Sanaa has challenged us to get our inspiration from Edgar Allen Poe. I’m super pressed with my regular teaching this week, so I don’t have time to write a brand new piece, but Sanaa assures us that previously written work is welcome. So since the theme immediately brought to mind a story I wrote some time ago — and since it’s a story I think even Ol’ Edgar himself would appreciate — I’ll share it this week. (Those of you who have read it previously have my permission to skip it this time.)

THE FOG

LIGHTHOUSE WITH FOG
The fog’s especially heavy tonight. I can’t see three feet past the door, so I guess it’s a good time to stay inside and write this letter. The lighthouse on the island has sounded the foghorn every two minutes for hours now.

I haven’t been back to the island since that night. In some ways, I wish I had moved away when you did. I’m sure it’s a lot easier on you not having to look out across the water and see that island every day. I know the spot is overgrown now, but I can still pick it out as clearly as if we’d left a marker. And hearing that blasted horn blow every time the fog moves in really gets on my nerves.

Tonight it’s as thick out there as it was the night we buried him. I often wonder what would have happened if the fog had lifted in time for someone to see us digging the grave. But, of course, that wasn’t likely to happen. Once the dratted stuff moves in, it clings to us like a shroud for the whole night.

I wish you were sitting here with me, sharing a bottle of our favorite whiskey. I hate being alone with my thoughts. I’m always chilled and shaky when there’s fog. And it feels as if something’s choking me. I wonder if that’s how he felt as we tightened that rope around his neck until he stopped breathing.

I sure wish you were here with me. I hate fog.

~~~

Daily Post Prompt: Successful

| Sandra Pavloff Conner

I decided to respond to today’s prompt with a picture. It’s one of the most “successful” pieces of photographic art I’ve seen in many years. And, of course, it’s from my wonderful photographer/artist friend, Terry Valley.

midnight-swan-full-size

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Saturday Mix – Lorraine

| Sandra Pavloff Conner

Lorraine is the challenger for this week’s Saturday Mix. She has offered three possibilities to stir up our writing egos. I was most drawn to the 25-word challenge based on the picture. But you may enjoy the other two as well. So if you like writing and want to stretch yourself a little, take a look at the details of the challenge here.

My story is below the picture.

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Photo copyright: Lorraine

FROM THE CELLAR

A twelve-year-old, I gaped at the twister roaring toward us, tossing houses and livestock like matchsticks. From the cellar, I watched my world change forever.

~~~

Dream Big

| Sandra Pavloff Conner

 

CONSTRUCTION OF LEGO BUILDING

 

I spent some time with my eldest nephew,  his wife, and their three lovely children last night. The kids — my great-niece Lucy, my great nephews Gideon, and his brother Josiah, are all gregarious, super-intelligent, happy, well-adjusted people. I’m grateful for that fact, and, of course, I know personally that the family’s strong faith and commitment to the Lord and His Word is the reason for that healthy situation.

I always enjoy talking with my great niece and nephews because they are thinkers. They are not self-absorbed, but are aware of the world around them and the other people who are in that world. They care about people, and they enjoy interacting with them.

They all three have wonderful imaginations, but the middle child, Josiah, has more than an imagination. He has a vision. This child loves, loves, loves building things. He just turned 7 this past year, and he has put together more buildings, vehicles, and other structures than I can count — with various building supplies available in kid versions these days.

He sees himself as a successful architect in the future. But Josiah doesn’t want to build just certain kinds of buildings or bridges or parks. He wants to build everything. And for well over a month now he has been telling us about the city he is going to build. Last night, he talked to me at great length about this city. He has plans for building various kinds of houses for families of all sizes. He has plans for businesses – including grocery stores and specialty places like coffee shops. He plans on laying out hiking trails around the city, as well as camping facilities. In fact, he has given the whole concept serious, creative thought. He shared specific details of how he could make homes special so that they would meet specific needs and preferences for the individuals who would live in them.

I sat and listened in amazement to his excited plans, and he wasn’t done when I had to leave. I needed to get to a meeting, so he’ll have to tell me some more the next time we’re  together. I wouldn’t be surprised if he has a few blueprints drawn up by then.

After I left, I started thinking about how large his vision is. I’ve taught school most of my adult life — at several different levels — so I’ve spent a good many years hearing children and teenagers share their ideas about what kind of work they want to do and what they want to accomplish when they become adults. But I don’t think I remember hearing anyone younger than 18 share a vision so large or so well-thought out.

Now, I’m not trying to say that my nephew is any smarter or more creative than all other children. What I am saying is that I believe the children of this generation have had so many advanced learning opportunities —  and so much access to the whole world and the people who make it up — that they are capable of thinking bigger, broader, deeper, and farther than previous generations when it comes to what the possibilities are for their future. Their imaginations have more to work with and more incentive than ever before.  I’m thrilled when I think about that fact. And I’m excited when I realize that if a 7-year-old can envision – in detail – the construction of an entire city today, there’s nothing big enough to stand in his way fifteen years from now when he’s ready to break ground for the first building.

So I’m going to take every opportunity I can to encourage the young people I come in contact with — whether physically or through the written word — to dream as big as their hearts desire. I know we see a lot of problems in our societies and a lot of dangers just waiting to grab the younger generation. But I’ve decided that I’m going to focus on the wealth of talent, creativity, and fortitude that is in the kids today. I’m going to encourage them and help them in every way I know how. And I’m planning on living long enough to enjoy the benefits of what this generation is going to create.

 

 

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Saturday Mix 1/14/17 – ‘Last-Minute Decisions’

| Sandra Pavloff Conner

This week is the first time I’ve taken part in the “Mindlovesmisery” writing challenges. This week we are to write a story in 100 words or less. The host site offered a picture for inspiration, but I put that aside because the idea I wanted to work with didn’t fit that particular picture. To take part you can visit here.


wedding-cakeLAST-MINUTE DECISIONS

The auditorium was full of guests, the organist waiting for her cue. The best man stood at the door, ready to enter as soon as the groom came back inside. He’d just stepped out for some air. Where the heck was he?

Suddenly Carter hurried into the room, passed by his best man, and entered the auditorium. Looking at the guests, he took a deep breath and spoke:

“Sorry folks. Seems my bride eloped with someone else.” He laughed. “She took the car I’d arranged for my own last-minute escape.”

 

 

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An Odd Combination

| Sandra Pavloff Conner

 

We’ve had ice and rain since last night — and continuing through today. The roads, sidewalks, and steps are totally ice-free and sloppy wet. But the trees, bushes, and porch rails are covered with ice.  It’s a rather odd combination of sights. I suppose I could include these shots in this week’s WP photo challenge as well because they do provide their own kind of ambiance.

Exif JPEG

 

Exif JPEG

 

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Daily Post Prompt: Capable — Free Verse

| Sandra Pavloff Conner

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I am capable of loving, deeply and profoundly.
I do so at every opportunity.
I am capable of hating,
But I choose not to hate.

I am capable of faith, enough to move a mountain.
I believe in things considered “unbelievable.”
I am capable of doubting,
But I choose not to doubt.

I am capable of courage, in face of mortal danger.
I use it to stand up to all life’s battles.
I am capable of fear,
But I choose not to fear.

I am capable of choosing; it is a priceless gift.
And I take care to use that gift most wisely.

 

 

Visit Daily Post to participate.

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Prompt Nights -1/6/17

| Sandra Pavloff Conner

This week’s prompt: ‘Tomorrow when the sun will rise, who knows what the tide could bring.’

brendas-ocean-side-cropped

TREASURE FROM THE TIDE

Each morning eight-year-old Aran, his mahogany skin warmed by the sun, trekked to the shore to greet his best friend. The brilliant blue of the water delighted him, and as the waves danced and frolicked on their way to the beach, Aran waited eagerly for them to spill onto the sand at his feet so that he could dance with them.

After splashing in the tide to his heart’s content, he then hurried to the small cave set into the rocky cliff overlooking the beach, where he kept his stash of sea-polished rocks. Daily, he scoured the beach, collecting new ones, always anticipating some special treasure that he was sure, one day, would be deposited on this tiny island by this best of friends, the ocean.

Today he’d found that gift. But what was it? Coral? It didn’t feel like coral. It wasn’t quite hard enough. He examined it closely, his nimble fingers tracing the scores of tiny hollows that formed a pattern and offered a mystery.

He carried it home at lunch time to show his mom and Grandfather. “What is it, Poppy?” he’d asked Grandfather. He knew Poppy had traveled to distant lands many years ago, and he would surely know what this beautiful treasure was.

“It’s a wasps’ nest,” was the rep!y, and then, because the island had no wasps, Poppy had to explain about the insects and how they built their homes.

Fascinated by Poppy’s words, Aran held the delicate structure close. Here it was! His anticipated treasure from another world! His connection with people and adventures that were beyond his ocean! He would treasure this gift … keep it safe … and some day … some day he would set off from this tiny island that had been his home for eight years, and – carried in the arms of his best friend – he would discover the rest of the world for himself.

~~~