Thursday, February 23, 2012

First Campaigner's Challenge

Rachel has come up with a challenge for us, and here it is from her website, 'Rach Writes' :



Write a short story/flash fiction story in 200 words or less, excluding the title. It can be in any format, including a poem. Begin the story with the words, “Shadows crept across the wall”. These five words will be included in the word count. 
If you want to give yourself an added challenge (optional), do one or more of these:
  • end the story with the words: "everything faded." (also included in the word count)
  • include the word "orange" in the story
  • write in the same genre you normally write
  • make your story 200 words exactly!


 Well, I took the challenge, and below, is my piece. I also kept to exactly 200 words, used the word 'orange' in the text, and ended with "everything faded":                                        



                                                      THE CLIMB


 Shadows crept across the wall as I stood in the dark room.  It had been 14 years since I visited the old homestead.  But, this time it was different.

Gone were the carefree days of youth, when the wind caressed my face as I swung higher and higher, seated on an old board secured on both sides with a rope.  My favorite tree, a strong and sturdy oak, had thick limbs reaching in all directions, hearty enough for a makeshift swing. I would run to that swing when I was troubled, and needed to think, or, at times, talk to God.

I danced and twirled as I made my way through the field of orange poppies, almost tripping as I went. The anticipation was too much.  Wanting to beat my last record, I attempted to swing higher than the day before, stretching my toes to meet the sky. I had carved marks on the trunk of the massive tree to commemorate my climbs.  At one point, it occurred to me that I could reach so great a height, that as I leaned back, it would cause me to flip backwards and spin through the air.  I did.  Then, everything faded...


 There it is...something I have never done before! I'm accustomed to writing for children, or sharing my thoughts in a devotional. So, Rachel's challenge has stretched me. Thanks, Rachel! What do you think? I'd love any comments you might have to help me hone my craft...

29 comments:

  1. I LOVE this!! Very beautifully written! And I love how your character returns to this place of childhood. I could totally feel what they were feeling. Great job!

    I'm entry #19

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  2. You have such a good atmosphere here!

    I'm number #109

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  3. Nice entry. I enjoyed reading this.

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  4. Thanks so much, Jess! I'm looking forward to reading yours...tomorrow morning I have some free time. I appreciate your comments!

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  5. Thanks Gwen...I'll be back to read yours tomorrow morning. Today is another full day with a voice recital this evening! Good to meet you!

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  7. Thanks for stopping by Melissa! I appreciate your comments.

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  8. A very descriptive piece. Nice one! :)

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  9. And you've been tagged!! http://www.tracikenworth.wordpress.com

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  10. Thanks for your comment, David! I appreciate any feedback I can get...this has been a great campaign so far.

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  11. Thanks, Traci...I've been tagged by Stephanie (yesterday), too! I'm not sure of the protocol...do I answer two sets of questions? I suppose it's an honorable dilemma!

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  12. Way to go! This could be for children don't you think?

    Nice twist at the end. :)

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  13. Thanks, Clarike...I'll need to ponder that one a bit. My creativity ended with the 200th word! I appreciate your encouraging comment...

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  14. Awesome imagery! Love it! Thanks for sharing!

    Hope you like mine #189

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  15. Thanks Jamie...I will check it out. Welcome to the campaign!

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  16. I love the memories here. Very vivid. A lovely story.

    I'm entry #207.

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  17. Thanks Nick, for your insightful comment. I'll look forward to visiting other sites today...yours, too! See you along the way...

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  18. I love the scene you painted. I want to be on that swing. Thanks for dropping by my blog last week! I'm #198.

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  19. I loved this--wonderful memories of childhood. It seems I care more about getting scraped and scratched than I did then! Definitely a carefree time!

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  20. Thanks, S.M. For your kind words. I'll be back to visit you soon!

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  21. You are right, Ashley...those were carefree days. Now, they are careFULL! Thanks for stopping by...

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  22. I loved all the imagery in your piece! I almost felt like I was there with her. Very nicely done.

    Michelle :)
    www.michelle-pickett.com/blog

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  23. Thanks for your encouragement, Michelle. I hope to read more blogs today...I love the support of this group!

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  24. Thanks for sharing that nice quiet little piece. I love how you worked in all the challenge elements!

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  25. Thanks Chris, for your words of encouragement...it was a bit of a challenge!

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  26. Thanks, C.M...I appreciate your input!

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I would love to have you comment...thanks!

Journey into the Promised Land

Journey into the Promised Land
From Egypt to Israel