Ah, it’s a’ rockin’ on toward that time once again. Friday Fictioneers is just around the corner and we here at Crook’s (I say “we”, yet, it is just “I” alone here. But that’s another story . . . ) are throwing our link in early. Friday Fictioneers – a weekly challenge from another fine WordPress blog, Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted To Purple – has posted their challenge photo. The challenge – look at the picture and write a story of 100 words (I’m guessing, being that I don’t often read directions, that it is 100 words including title). No problem, right? Yeah, right!
This week’s comes from one of the fictioneers themselves – a fine writer, Douglas M. Macilroy (Check out his blog and his entry for last week. It is an awesome story alone, much less a great take on the prompt!).
I must admit, I first saw this picture and thought, “No way in hell!” But, I came back to the prompt this morning and remembered what my sister Lisa said to me once, “It’s not, “Can I?”, it’s “Will I?”.” Blast! Thanks, Wheezie!
So, on my sister’s insistence like an angel (or devil!) on my shoulder, here is this week’s flash fiction short based on the picture. It is aptly titled “Projects and Profanity”, mostly because I wanted to say “F*ck this!” initially and about half way through. But once it started to flow, I enjoyed it as always. Hope you do as well.
As always, feel free to comment/critique/rant/rave/applaud/laugh/ridicule/laugh some more/throw rotten veggies . . .
I just wanted a moment’s peace for some Castle Age. Sophie had to have the project done tomorrow, and, of course, it fell to me to make sure it got done. The lovely wife couldn’t help – interceding plans of a disc golf tourney. I was on my own. Sophie sniped, “Dad, get off your ass!” She had a one-of-a-kind sensibility.
“Soph! Do not use that language in this garage, or anywhere, for that matter!”
As I turned from her insistence, my chat window popped. Anna, my older daughter, sniped, “Dad, get off your ass!”
This made me chuckle. Put profanity in the mouths of children and it sounds right somehow. And let an adult add to that…”Robert, get off your ass!”
better get off his *** and do it or he’s in for a ton of nagging!
If my kids ever talked to me like that…. But of course, different generations. Nice take!
lmao too cute and too real
Dear Crookster,
As an avid disc golfer (hence the three goals visible in the picture [two regular and one portable in a red bag against the wall] I am happy to see that someone recognized those objects. I would have said, “Get the project done yourself, darling daughters, i’m going disc golfing with mom.”
Good job keeping your story very real and anchored in the garage while using all the elements shown in the prompt. (Not that that is a requirement. Just sayin’.)
Aloha,
Doug
HAHAHAHAHA! Ah, the irony and impatience of youth. Nice job.
Exactly! He’s got no choice now.. And that’s how they are!
The daughters need to be left to get their a**es working instead!
Nice work!
Poor old Dad, Surely the teachers realise they are setting the projects to the parents?
Dear Crookster,
I can’t tell you how glad I am you didn’t pass on this week’s prompt. I actually applauded at the end. Great use of the total picture.
Although funny in the twist at the end…Dad needs to grow a pair and do something with his unruly family.
Great job!
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thanks for all the comments, y’all! They are much appreciated. And, in response to most of the comments, this story is the main reason why I have no children!
Lol…I’d either be a little Hitler or a big pushover! Probably the latter!
Hahaha…poor dad. While we wouldn’t use ass with my dad…we sure sweat him like you beautifully described here
The poor guy can’t catch a break. He’s getting it from all sides.
LOLLL!!
I seem to be the only one thinking “Those daughters must have picked up that language from somewhere/someone!”
Good story!
I have a feeling he got off his ass and the project was finished in time. ron
Sometimes the kids nail it right on the head, language notwithstanding. Nice job.
Oh man, dead on with the projects (they’re endless) and my son’s 12 and we’re constantly having to correct the language these days. Though he then switches to ‘holy flying monkey nuts’ as a backup.
well done. at least the kids care enough to yell at you. a good sign!
Seems to be tough work to be a father. A garage should be a sanctuary
Thanks again for all the comments and compliments. They are appreciated!
Wonderful story.
Good one! I’ve been there. Liked the ‘pop up’… clever.
Very cute.