Ghost Ship

Photo by Josh Campbell on Unsplash

Prompts = Wooden, Pebble, Trip

Young campers huddled around the weak light of a dying campfire. A camp counsellor started talking softly:

‘One night, before the cliff was fenced off, some local kids were up here.

‘Someone went over the edge. Maybe he tripped. Or maybe was pushed. But instead of landing on the hard pebble beach, he splashed into water; the tide running high that day.

‘From a sudden heavy mist, a wooden ship appeared, scooped him up, then disappeared.

‘Legend talks of a ghost ship that captures those that fall from the cliff and are forced to crew it forever.

Someone gulped loudly.

Links to other sites where I publish:

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Facebook = https://www.facebook.com/Parzival-Sattva-427507144484255

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Medium = https://medium.com/100-word-or-less-stories

YouTube = https://www.youtube.com/user/parzivalsattva

And a link to where my Lovely Lady Love (who also operates the camera) posts her art: https://www.youtube.com/user/recyclinggoddess

Join in on the fun of making a story from the same prompts I do! https://www.facebook.com/groups/565109053911712

Bongos? + Just Waiting For My Coffee (2 Fer Tuesday)

Photo by Amir Yalon on Unsplash

Prompts = Website, Bongos, Gregarious

Story 1 — Bongos?

First, I want to say it wasn’t my idea.

Everyone has that one friend who’s super gregarious and energetic, up for anything. If you don’t know who that is, it’s probably you.

Anyway, she calls at 1am to say she’s just booked a free class at this music studio and that I should check out the website. So I said I would, then promptly forgot everything and fell back asleep.

Which is why early Saturday morning she’s banging on my door saying that unless I get a move on, we’re going to be late. Late for what, I asked.

Bongos.

*****

Story 2 — Just Waiting For My Coffee

Hi!

How are you?

I hate waiting for my coffee order to come up, don’t you?

I’m usually a flat white girl but today I thought, why not, go crazy and get the mocha.

Ah, yeah, getting on your phone to get away from that dopey gregarious girl whose chatting your ear off, right? I hear ya.

I read somewhere, probably a promotional website, but still, that increased socializing can extend your life by decades. Sounds insane, right?

I think I’ll just tap the bar impatiently like it’s a set of bongos until my drink comes up.

Ok, bye.

Hi!

Links to other sites where I publish:

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Facebook = https://www.facebook.com/Parzival-Sattva-427507144484255

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Medium = https://medium.com/100-word-or-less-stories

YouTube = https://www.youtube.com/user/parzivalsattva

And a link to where my Lovely Lady Love (who also operates the camera) posts her art: https://www.youtube.com/user/recyclinggoddess

Join in on the fun of making a story from the same prompts I do! https://www.facebook.com/groups/565109053911712

Down Under The Cushions (A Household Item Wrangler story)

Photo by Stephanie Harvey on Unsplash

Prompts = Percolate, Coin, Purse

‘G’day. Let’s talk about what’s down under your sofa cushions.

‘Take a minute while the ol’ java is percolating away to take a gander at the civilization that exists one piece of foam rubber away from your posterior. The untrained eye will see random junk: coins, old receipts, little toys. But to an expert’s eye, it’s a community: diverse types co-existing in harmony. It’s a beautiful thing.

‘Remember, you’re not responsible for them being in there; scientists believe these items are migratory, perhaps for purposes of spawning. Further research will help confirm this hypothesis.

Household Item Wrangler, signing off.’

Links to other sites where I publish:

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Facebook = https://www.facebook.com/Parzival-Sattva-427507144484255

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Medium = https://medium.com/100-word-or-less-stories

YouTube = https://www.youtube.com/user/parzivalsattva

And a link to where my Lovely Lady Love (who also operates the camera) posts her art: https://www.youtube.com/user/recyclinggoddess

Join in on the fun of making a story from the same prompts I do! https://www.facebook.com/groups/565109053911712

Can I Get A Ride Home?

Photo by Matt Popovich on Unsplash

Prompts = Disappoint, Rinse, Feet

Knock knock cough sneeze cough knock knock

Officer Rodriguez checked the security feed to the station. A young boy in a yellow slicker holding the leash of a happy dog. Both soaked. He rolled his eyes.

‘Hello Max.’ The officer addressed the dog. ‘Why are you and Toby out in the thick of a thunderstorm, late, on a school night?’

‘Hi, Officer. Max got out and I…’ Toby clearly had this rehearsed.

‘Hate to disappoint, but there’s no rides home in a police cruiser. Go rinse off, dry those paws and feet. I’ll call your parents for a ride home.’

Links to other sites where I publish:

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Facebook = https://www.facebook.com/Parzival-Sattva-427507144484255

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Medium = https://medium.com/100-word-or-less-stories

YouTube = https://www.youtube.com/user/parzivalsattva

And a link to where my Lovely Lady Love (who also operates the camera) posts her art: https://www.youtube.com/user/recyclinggoddess

Join in on the fun of making a story from the same prompts I do! https://www.facebook.com/groups/565109053911712

Checking Out Shortly

Photo by Damir Spanic on Unsplash

Prompts = Slimy, Creation, Institution (by Aleesha: https://www.youtube.com/user/recyclinggoddess)

Bucky “Two Hats” Bellingham, if asked, says he intends to “check out” from Seagate Correctional Institution in short order. It’s intended to make guards laugh and inmates take notice; he’s serious in his intention.

It’s why I, Peter “No Nose” Johnson, am approaching him with a plan. It involves sliding through pipes. Ordinarily, it’d be impossible to pass through them. But, with the right material, we can slip through them like eggs through hens.

Bucky works in the kitchen. I bet he can make a slimy concoction or oily creation that will do the trick.

Time for a working lunch.

Links to other sites where I publish:

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Facebook = https://www.facebook.com/Parzival-Sattva-427507144484255

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Medium = https://medium.com/100-word-or-less-stories

YouTube = https://www.youtube.com/user/parzivalsattva

And a link to where my Lovely Lady Love (who also operates the camera) posts her art: https://www.youtube.com/user/recyclinggoddess

Join in on the fun of making a story from the same prompts I do! https://www.facebook.com/groups/565109053911712

Disconcerting Or Entertaining?

Photo by Glen Hodson on Unsplash

Prompts = Disconcerting, Thanks, Haste

Sounds associated with the invading alien spacecraft crisscrossed overhead. Inside an assisted living facility, a very crotchety 97-year old widow was being ushered out of her room into a waiting van.

Or so the waiting driver and residents thought. She’d actually locked herself in the bathroom.

‘Mrs. Black, we need to go! Everyone’s waiting!’

‘Why go anywhere? For you younger folks, being invaded by aliens is, I’m sure, disconcerting. For me, it’s entertaining.’

‘But we can’t leave you!’

‘I’ll give thanks if you make haste to wherever you think will be safe. Pour me some bourbon before you go.’

Links to other sites where I publish:

Instagram = https://www.instagram.com/one_hundred_words_by_parz

Facebook = https://www.facebook.com/Parzival-Sattva-427507144484255

Blogger = https://onehundredwordsbyparz.blogspot.com

Medium = https://medium.com/100-word-or-less-stories

YouTube = https://www.youtube.com/user/parzivalsattva

And a link to where my Lovely Lady Love (who also operates the camera) posts her art: https://www.youtube.com/user/recyclinggoddess

Join in on the fun of making a story from the same prompts I do! https://www.facebook.com/groups/565109053911712

Me'n Smalls + untitled (Throwback Thursday)

Prompts = Flag, Forest, Pistachio

Photo by Hannah Cenusa on Unsplash

Story New — Me’n Smalls

‘M’Lord, scouts have spotted ships on the horizon. Step forth you two and describe what you saw.’

‘Pardon your Lordship, me’n Smalls here spotted well nigh a dozen ships about a day’s sail away.’

‘Um… no. My name’s not “Smalls”, that’s just what they’s call me and…’

‘Enough! What colours do they fly?’

‘I think me’n Smalls can agree the flags are green like the deepest forest.’

‘Um… no, we cannot agree on that. I did say that just because you get to go first doesn’t mean you’re right. The ensigns, that being what they’re called, are pistachio green.’

‘Silence!’

---

*****

Story Old — untitled (originally posted here) 

The setting sun cut clear lines through the ragged flag that sagged wearily against the tepid breeze. Nadia trudged home, numb to the surrounding destruction.

Everything she’d had was gone, taken by some marauding army or militia or other — it was hard to tell them apart. Husband and male children forced to join one of them. Her income, her pistachios and the trees they grew on, napalmed and unrecoverable. Her little home in a little forest now little more than a hovel, not fit for a dog.

One foot followed another followed another. Not a single tear fell.

Links to other sites where I publish:

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Facebook = https://www.facebook.com/Parzival-Sattva-427507144484255

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Medium = https://medium.com/100-word-or-less-stories

YouTube = https://www.youtube.com/user/parzivalsattva

And a link to where my Lovely Lady Love (who also operates the camera) posts her art: https://www.youtube.com/user/recyclinggoddess

Join in on the fun of making a story from the same prompts I do! https://www.facebook.com/groups/565109053911712

My Baby Is Sick

Photo by Nathan Van Egmond on Unsplash

Prompts = Disturb, Economical, Filter

‘Excuse me, sir. You asked to not be disturbed but…’

‘But what, Higgins? Didn’t I tell you to hold all calls? That in this moment of crisis I can’t entertain anything that will call me away?’

‘You did sir, but…’

‘And again the “but”! My baby is sick and needs treatment, yet you continue to badger me!’

‘Yes sir. I’ll inform your father that you’ll call him back at your convenience.’

‘Good!’

Higgins stepped into the repair bay. ‘How’s the precious Ferrari?’

The mechanic shrugged. ‘Needs oil and filter, is all. It wasn’t exactly economical to do this house call.’

Links to other sites where I publish:

Instagram = https://www.instagram.com/one_hundred_words_by_parz

Facebook = https://www.facebook.com/Parzival-Sattva-427507144484255

Blogger = https://onehundredwordsbyparz.blogspot.com

Medium = https://medium.com/100-word-or-less-stories

YouTube = https://www.youtube.com/user/parzivalsattva

And a link to where my Lovely Lady Love (who also operates the camera) posts her art: https://www.youtube.com/user/recyclinggoddess

Join in on the fun of making a story from the same prompts I do! https://www.facebook.com/groups/565109053911712

A Scam In Pink + The Sinking Palace (2 Fer Tuesday)

Prompts = Copy, Flamingo, Patronage (by Aleesha https://www.youtube.com/user/recyclinggoddess)

Photo by Marko Blažević on Unsplash

Story 1 — A Scam In Pink

‘Hello folks! Welcome to The Wild Bill Hickok Flamingo Preserve of Greater Minneapolis. I’m so glad to welcome you here today so that you can help us support us caring for these enigmatic, exotic creatures. We value your patronage! The money you spend today goes in their bellies tomorrow!

‘No outside food or beverage please. Our Annie Oakley Cafe serves all your favourites!

‘Flamingos are nocturnal, so you won’t see any during your visit. However, use the free tracing paper you got with admission to copy any picture within our coffee table book, priced at only $100.’

*****

Story 2 — The Sinking Palace

The locals called it El Palacio Que Se Hunde, or The Sinking Palace. Senior El Cortal was the first Spanish settler of any means in Florida and he sought to build a copy of Ribeira Palace in Lisbon, Portugal. Turns out it was too grand; the land swallowed it less than fifty years after its completion.

El Cortal’s first foray into decorating the house didn’t go well either. Maybe it was a sign! The first artist under El Cortal’s patronage insisted he could paint wildlife. Instead, he painted skies with a few pink dots, insisting they were flamingos in flight.

Links to other sites where I publish:

Instagram = https://www.instagram.com/one_hundred_words_by_parz

Facebook = https://www.facebook.com/Parzival-Sattva-427507144484255

Blogger = https://onehundredwordsbyparz.blogspot.com

Medium = https://medium.com/100-word-or-less-stories

YouTube = https://www.youtube.com/user/parzivalsattva

And a link to where my Lovely Lady Love (who also operates the camera) posts her art: https://www.youtube.com/user/recyclinggoddess

Join in on the fun of making a story from the same prompts I do! https://www.facebook.com/groups/565109053911712

When's Dinner?

Photo by Rohan Makhecha on Unsplash

Prompts = Cavern, Relationship, Candle

To celebrate the one-year anniversary of our relationship, and due to the fact that she has to be down here as part of her research, she invited me to come along, to have a candle-lit dinner 1,000 feet underground.

“It’ll be fun” she said. “Don’t be chicken” she said.

I’m not having fun. I’m terrified. I want to be safe in my coop, eating worms. Figuratively speaking, of course.

We’ve entered one cavern after another. Rappelled into one, walked out of a second, climbed a ladder from a third to a fourth.

I want to see the Sun!

Links to other sites where I publish:

Instagram = https://www.instagram.com/one_hundred_words_by_parz

Facebook = https://www.facebook.com/Parzival-Sattva-427507144484255

Blogger = https://onehundredwordsbyparz.blogspot.com

Medium = https://medium.com/100-word-or-less-stories

YouTube = https://www.youtube.com/user/parzivalsattva

And a link to where my Lovely Lady Love (who also operates the camera) posts her art: https://www.youtube.com/user/recyclinggoddess

Join in on the fun of making a story from the same prompts I do! https://www.facebook.com/groups/565109053911712

Rethinking The Project

Photo by Sam McGhee on Unsplash

Prompts = Rescind, Script, Heavy

‘Cut! Break for lunch.’

Roger sat in the Director’s chair, head in hands. Dreadful. Absolutely dreadful. He reached for his copy of the script.

‘Phil! Where’s Phil?’

The long-suffering producer appeared. ‘You bellowed?’

‘I can’t do it! I’d rather cut my throat than do one more take! I do not want to be associated with this treacle-sweet pap of finding out who’s Mary’s baby-dada! I want gravitas! And deep dives on heavy subjects!’

Phil glanced at his watch. ‘Lunch?’

‘How about a rewrite? Rescind our promise to Hallmark Channel of a feel good project?’

Phil sniffed. ‘No.’

Links to other sites where I publish:

Instagram = https://www.instagram.com/one_hundred_words_by_parz

Facebook = https://www.facebook.com/Parzival-Sattva-427507144484255

Blogger = https://onehundredwordsbyparz.blogspot.com

Medium = https://medium.com/100-word-or-less-stories

YouTube = https://www.youtube.com/user/parzivalsattva

And a link to where my Lovely Lady Love (who also operates the camera) posts her art: https://www.youtube.com/user/recyclinggoddess

Join in on the fun of making a story from the same prompts I do! https://www.facebook.com/groups/565109053911712