Category Archive:Moose Nuggets

Maya Angelou’s poem Phenomenal Woman is the basis for the current theme of Alaska Women Speak magazine (deadline Nov. 15th). I’d like to introduce you to two of the phenomenal women in my life: my mother, Evelyn Ward Mulholland, and her mother, Lida True LeForge Ward Timmons Abbott. No, Grandma wasn’t a royal with all those names – she outlived three husbands.
🙂

That’s my Mom and me. Looks like an Easter Sunday. I can vaguely recall the picture being taken – or maybe I have just looked at it so much it seems like I remember it. Mom was an incredibly strong woman. She left an abusive relationship with my dad when I was 12 years old. Lookng at this picture with my 61 year old eyes – and with the knowledge my chosen field has brought me – I can see the stress in her face. My sister and I were always protected by her. I can only imagine the pain and suffering she endured.

That’s Grandma Abbott there – she was probably Timmons at the time. My younger sister is there to the left of the photo and I am the one in the newspaper hat. I loved hats – and she would take the time to help me learn to fold them.

I did not know my Grandpa Ward. He passed away before I was born. I remember Poppie Tim (as husband #2 was known). He ate peas lined up on his butter knife. And, we watched boat races with him and the family.

Grandpa Abbott drove (the last) Model A Ford – my sis and I loved to visit them in southern Ohio. They would load us up in the jalopey and we’d motor into nearby Athens, Ohio. Such fun. For awhile I thought he had purchased the very last Model A ever sold. It wasn’t until I reached adulthood that I realized it was the last model . . . not necessarily the last car of that model.

I know it’s not Mother’s Day, but I want to honor these two special women. They helped shape me into the woman I am today. I am truly blessed.

The roar of the waves quieted Rita’s thoughts. She’d headed straight from the office to the beach. This was her solace.

Here she could shake the dust off her feet. Volcanoes across the way drew her eyes skyward. She spotted a rainbow. It must be raining in the next town.

She had done what needed to be done. The job took its toll: a sure death of self had caused her to walk out that door. The workplace had stolen much of her inner being.

It felt good to end it that way.

Tomorrow it might not feel as good.

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This week’s 100 Word Challenge by VV is QUIET. The above is my take on that and a continuation of Rita’s adventures in becoming a free spirit once again. Come and play with us – write your 100 words.

Rita hated the way she felt each day walking into her cubicle. She knew sooner or later the belittling would begin. It was covert, of course. It couldn’t be done outright. There are laws against that, you see.

Instead, the moves were insidious – most couldn’t see beyond her boss’ facade.

Rita wondered what people would think when the mass exodus of employees began. She wondered, but didn’t really care. Her desk was cleared. It was time.

Head high, she walked leisurely to the door, turned and winked at the receptionist. She threw a one-fingered salute and walked through door.

Satisfaction achieved.
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Velvet Verbosity’s 100 Word challenge this week is SATISFIED. Be sure to read the words of some very cool writers. And, maybe write your 100 too.

Three women huddled in the back hallway – the only safe place to chat. “Remember when we took smoke breaks and chatted around the watercooler”, whispered Dolly.

“Those were the days. You could smoke and drink and nobody batted an eyelash. Now? We have to eat vegan, drink veggie smoothies, and walk everyday – JUST to get a discount on our health insurance!”

The other women nodded agreement and Ethel snuck a look around the corner. “What are we gonna do about Rita,” she asked.

The widened eyes of her coworkers spoke volumes. Their she-devil boss had overheard.

“What’s up, my women?”
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Carrying on last week’s story – this is my entry for VV’s 100 Words prompt Widened. What say you? Got 100 words inside? Spew ’em out here.

The raging storm caused by their boss left everyone shell-shocked. The office grew quiet; the only sound the clicking of manicured nails on keyboards. Rita thought she might have heard a sniffle or two.

She had lived through a BAD (with capital letters) marriage and a follow-up BAD relationship. She thought she’d never have to go through such firestorms again; certainly not in the workplace.

She quietly began packing her meager belongings; pictures of her kids mostly. There’s no reason to continue to occupy space in a place that shows no respect. Her resignation in hand, Rita entered her supervisor’s office.
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Velvet Verbosity’s 100 Word Challenge this week is OCCUPY. These are my thoughts on that.