Rod leaned on the counter pleading. “It’s Mom’s 86th birthday. I have to be there tonight.”

The clerk listened, nodded, repeated: next flight is 2:30 a.m. You will have to wait until then.

————————————————————————————-
After looking several times at the picture provided to us by those photogenic Trifecta editors, I noticed way in the dark background a young man leaning on the counter. Hmmm, what is HIS story? Thus these 33 words. I imagine there is much more to tell.

Posted: May 19th, 2012 under I wanna go home!, trifecta, words.
Comments: 5

No, Janelle. Really. It’s no trouble at all. I can watch the counter for you and run my reports, too.

Sharon was surprised at the sarcasm dripping from her own tongue. Her coworker didn’t seem to notice and Sharon breathed a sigh of relief. Trouble comes in many shapes and sizes. Letting it get in the way of her workaday world would not be wise.

Taking over work for another was really not a problem, although it could be a challenge to switch brain gears from her own job to the other. Nevertheless she could rise to that occasion more quickly than switching gears in her private life. At least the work situation was temporary.

Changing life gears would be more challenging, but achievable. Nobody need know until she was ready to share.

Not sure when that will be, Sharon mumbled.

What? No, Ma’am, I’m sorry. I was talking to myself. How can we help you today? Janelle? She’s on a break. I’m happy to help you find what you are seeking. No, it’s no trouble at all.

Working at the upscale boutique had been one of the things Mark liked about her. He liked the opportunities to rub shoulders with designers at the many cocktail parties. “I’m bringing my portfolio tonight, Sharon,” he’d say as they dressed for a party. It was over her objections that he did so again and again. Janelle never let her live it down during the week following each party.

“Mark is sure eager, isn’t he?” she’d snipe at Sharon. “Tacky of you to let him bring the notebook,” she’d go on. Sharon would nod, trying not to let it get to her. Later she would breathe heavily into the mirror, mouthing the conversation she wished she could have with Janelle.

Which to dump first? Mark or this job? Sharon heard her Mom: “You’ve got a good head on your shoulders, Sharrie. You don’t need anyone. Go out and get them.”

Mark then. She dialed his number.

——————————————————————
It’s TROUBLEsome, but the feisty editors at Trifecta challenged us to write 33-333 words on trouble. This is a bit longer than I generally write, but Sharon needed her say. Who are you speaking for today?

Posted: May 15th, 2012 under Moose Nuggets, trifecta, words.
Comments: 13

Mary bowed her head. “Yes, Mother.”

She arose and walked to the door.

Her penance was in the acceptance of her fate.

Mary would hang up her habit and leave the convent forever.
—————————————————

Take two on the Trifextra challenge word: Mother. There may yet be a sentimental post. Cogitating.

Posted: May 11th, 2012 under Moose Nuggets, trifecta, words.
Comments: 12

You Mother (beep)er!

“Cut! Dude, you cannot say that!”

Don’t tell me what I can say on my own mother (beep)ing show! It’s MY show!

Producer: “Howard, you’re fired. It’s my show now.”
—————————————————————————–
For this Mother’s Day weekend those motherly editors (lamenting added gray hairs caused by the trifectans) challenged us to write 32 words and adding MOTHER within for the requisite 33 words.

Now, I’m as sentimental as most Moms and truly expect my children (both mothers themselves) to call/text me, but my mind went totally into left field on this one. I may write sentimentally, too. We’ll see.

Happy Mother’s Day everyone.

Posted: May 11th, 2012 under Moose Nuggets, trifecta, words.
Comments: 11

Marty liked keeping them guessing: wearing clothes fit for a man or woman; a body that was slender, but muscular; crossed legs demurely at ankles or (sometimes) at a manly 90 degree angle; gray hair cropped cleanly.

Marty’s voice was gravelly, the product of too many years smoking cigarillos. That could also be the reason for the creases scored deeply into Marty’s face. Years of wind, sun, and hard living added to the aged, but ageless, face looking back from the mirror across the bar.

Marty seldom left with another person. When someone had the balls to guess – or ask – on which side of the fence Marty rode the answer was short, sweet, to the point, and no-nonsense: “I’m an enigma. Got the nards to find out?”

That generally put an end to the conversation. Marty would raise a finger with nonchalance to the server and a beer would appear. All was right in the world Marty traveled.
——————————————————————————————————————————

Have you ever walked into a room – a bar, the train station, your pick – and wondered “is that a man or woman?” Did you then decide it was nonaya? (That is, none of your business.) Yeah, me, too. Here’s to the Martys in the world – godspeed and safe journey. I love your right to be an enigma.

Trifecta tossed down yet another challenge. The above is my answer. Where is yours?

Posted: May 7th, 2012 under Moose Nuggets, trifecta.
Comments: 10