Photo © 2011 Gerald Pereira CC BY 2.0
Something a little different today. I signed up to take part in Tony Noland’s Great April Fool’s Day #FridayFlash Blogswap. Tony paired me up with Danielle La Paglia, who has in gracious silence endured my haphazard attempt at keeping to a deadline.
(Oy. Just be thankful you’re not my publisher.)
Danielle and I both wrote a story around the same prompt. I’m posting hers here, and she’s posting my story over on her blog. Tony gave us the following prompt to inspire our stories: “three free tickets to a movie.”
-TimK
Substitute
Sandy fingered the tickets in her coat pocket, sliding their slick backs together as she stared at the house. It had seemed like such a good idea when she’d stopped by the theater two days ago, but the thin slips of paper felt inadequate and meaningless now. What good were three free tickets when they’d lost so much? She thought of putting the car in drive and heading home, but John stepped onto the porch and waived. There was no turning back.
A gust of wind whipped her hair across her face as she stepped from the car. The icy blast beat against her exposed cheeks and sent a flurry of snowflakes into the car before she could slam the door shut. Even the wind knew it was a bad idea.
She ran to the shelter of the porch, hoping to sneak a quick hug from John, a small shot of courage and comfort to push her through. But Maddy shoved the screen door open and ushered her siblings onto the porch. Sorrow hung on them like a heavy cloak, paling their skin, darkening the shadows in their eyes. Even seven-year-old Emily had lost her sparkle. The bright pink smile she used to wear was a soft peach line tugged down at the corners.
Sandy knew she was a poor substitute for the mother they’d lost. She wasn’t trying to replace her. She only hoped to give them a break from the reality that had been forced upon them, even if it was only for a few hours. But seeing their somber expressions, she felt the sting of her mistake. Only time would make it better, not her, not this. She wanted to run, make a hasty retreat and leave them to what was left of their broken family, but John spoke.
“You girls behave and try to have a good time.” He hugged each one in turn then Maddy hustled them down the steps. “Thank you,” he said and squeezed Sandy’s hand. They’d been dating nearly a year and, despite the three-year-old divorce settlement, it was still hard on the girls. Sandy gave a weak smile then jogged to the car.
They rode in near silence to the theater. Each of Sandy’s attempts at conversation were shut down with a one-word answer or a half-hearted nod. Resigned to their silence, she turned on the radio and let the music try to warm the stale atmosphere instead.
As they stepped into the lobby, Emily and Sarah’s faces brightened. At seven and nine, they were amazed at the beauty of the grand theater, pointing to heavy velvet curtains held back with gold ropes and the scrolling wood ornaments decorating the walls. Then they lifted their faces in wonder at the elaborately painted ceiling. The knot in Sandy’s stomach loosened until her eyes met Maddy’s. The fourteen-year-old’s face was set in a cold stare. It took all of Sandy’s strength to stand her ground and force a smile.
An usher finally led them to their seats where they once again sat in silence with only the occasional whisper from the little ones pointing out some new discovery. The house lights eventually dimmed and a hush fell over the audience. The first bars of music filled the room. The curtain rose, and the ballerinas took the stage.
Emily and Sarah were spellbound. Their eyes glued to the dancers—children twirled across the stage, tin soldiers came to life, and a sugar plum fairy enchanted them all. The glow in their eyes raised a lump in Sandy’s throat. She’d done the right thing. And as the saying went, two out of three wasn’t bad.
Emily and Sarah’s giggles and high-pitched chatter filled the car on the ride home, a warm contrast to the start of their journey. When they pulled into the driveway, the wind had died, leaving a peaceful blanket of snow across the yard and roof top. The younger girls clutched their shiny red nutcrackers and hugged Sandy goodbye. Again Maddy ushered them through the door as John and Sandy stood on the porch.
“Thank you for this. Their smiles…” His voice cracked; tears glistened in his eyes.
“You’re welcome.” He kissed her cheek then followed the girls inside. She was almost to the car when the screen door slammed behind her. She spun to find Maddy jogging down the steps.
“Sandy?” Her face was softer, her eyes wider, more innocent somehow.
“Yeah?”
“Thank you.” Maddy gave a soft smile then ran back into the house.
Sandy stood beside her car letting the words of a child warm her. Today wasn’t a substitute, but it had been a welcome reprieve, and that was more than enough for her.
dayofthedeadatx – This could really streamline the process of art authentication.
dayofthedeadatx – Love how they’re combining technology with art authenticity.
redhillrepurposing – Browsing through, I can see how this could help artists globally.
redhillrepurposing – The idea of a global art registry feels like a game-changer.
ouretiquette – Browsing through, I can see how this could help artists globally.
hellgate100nyc – The idea of a global art registry feels like a game-changer.
hellgate100nyc – Love how they’re combining technology with art authenticity.
colossal-heart – It’s refreshing to see innovation in the art world like this.
colossal-heart – Love how they’re combining technology with art authenticity.
716selfiebuffalo – Just visited this place; the neon setups are so vibrant!
Ищете советы от профессионалов по плетению корзин из лозы? Этот пост именно для вас!
Кстати, если вас интересует Техники создания сложных узоров на корзинах, загляните сюда.
Ссылка ниже:
https://fixora.ru/%d1%82%d0%b5%d1%85%d0%bd%d0%b8%d0%ba%d0%b8-%d1%81%d0%be%d0%b7%d0%b4%d0%b0%d0%bd%d0%b8%d1%8f-%d1%81%d0%bb%d0%be%d0%b6%d0%bd%d1%8b%d1%85-%d1%83%d0%b7%d0%be%d1%80%d0%be%d0%b2-%d0%bd%d0%b0-%d0%ba%d0%be/
Надеемся, эти советы помогут вам в создании великолепных корзин из лозы.
Задумываетесь над плетением корзин? Узнайте, что советуют опытные мастера!
Кстати, если вас интересует Фигурная резьба по дереву: от новичка до мастера, загляните сюда.
Вот, можете почитать:
https://fixora.ru/%d0%bc%d0%b0%d1%81%d1%82%d0%b5%d1%80-%d0%ba%d0%bb%d0%b0%d1%81%d1%81-%d0%bf%d0%be-%d1%84%d0%b8%d0%b3%d1%83%d1%80%d0%bd%d0%be%d0%b9-%d1%80%d0%b5%d0%b7%d1%8c%d0%b1%d0%b5-%d0%bf%d0%be-%d0%b4%d0%b5%d1%80/
Удачи вам в плетении и вдохновения от наших мастеров!
лечение психиатрических больных
psychiatr-moskva007.ru
вызвать психиатра на дом в москве
jadenurrea – Really appreciate how intuitive each page is to navigate through.
sergiidima – The idea of a global art registry feels like a game-changer.
jadenurrea – Your portfolio is impressive, makes me want to explore more sections.
newbluebook – I like how articles are spaced out, no clutter on pages.
J’eprouve une loyaute infinie pour Mafia Casino, ca forge un syndicate de defis impitoyables. La reserve est un code de divertissements mafieux, offrant des cashbacks 15% et VIP 5 niveaux des capos comme Evolution et Pragmatic Play. Les lieutenants repondent avec une discretion remarquable, assurant une loyaute fidele dans le syndicate. Les transferts glissent stables et acceleres, malgre cela davantage de pots-de-vin bonus quotidiens renforceraient l’empire. En scellant le pacte, Mafia Casino forge une legende de jeu gangster pour les conspirateurs de victoires rusees ! Par surcroit la structure vibre comme un code ancestral, ce qui propulse chaque pari a un niveau de don.
mafia casino france|
goldmetalshop – I appreciate the transparency this site offers to artists and buyers.
Эта статья сочетает в себе как полезные, так и интересные сведения, которые обогатят ваше понимание насущных тем. Мы предлагаем практические советы и рекомендации, которые легко внедрить в повседневную жизнь. Узнайте, как улучшить свои навыки и обогатить свой опыт с помощью простых, но эффективных решений.
Нажми и узнай всё – https://nhahangvanchai.com/dish/ngo-chien
экстренный вывод из запоя череповец
vivod-iz-zapoya-cherepovec013.ru
вывод из запоя круглосуточно череповец
best rust gambling odds websites uk, real money online gambling canada and online casino united statesn dollars, or online casino canada olg
redhillrepurposing – It’s refreshing to see innovation in the art world like this.
Je suis pactise avec Mafia Casino, on complote un reseau de tactiques astucieuses. Le territoire est un domaine de diversite criminelle, integrant des lives comme Infinite Blackjack pour des negociations tendues. Le suivi protege avec une omerta absolue, avec une ruse qui anticipe les traitrises. Les butins affluent via Bitcoin ou Ethereum, a l’occasion des complots promotionnels plus frequents dynamiseraient le territoire. Pour clore l’omerta, Mafia Casino construit un syndicate de divertissement impitoyable pour ceux qui ourdissent leur destin en ligne ! Par surcroit l’interface est un repaire navigable avec ruse, ce qui propulse chaque pari a un niveau de don.
avis mafia casino|
dayofthedeadatx – Love how they’re combining technology with art authenticity.
shopmaggielindemann – Excited to see how this evolves in the art community.
shopmaggielindemann – I appreciate the transparency this site offers to artists and buyers.
ouretiquette – It’s refreshing to see innovation in the art world like this.
Если вам интересно, как мастера создают изящные короба из лозы, это место для вас!
Кстати, если вас интересует Как выбрать идеальный мольберт для творчества, загляните сюда.
Вот, можете почитать:
https://fixora.ru/%d0%bc%d0%be%d0%bb%d1%8c%d0%b1%d0%b5%d1%80%d1%82/
Спасибо за внимание! Пусть ваше лозоплетение будет успешным и увлекательным!
Добро пожаловать в мир плетения корзин из лозы, где каждый сможет найти советы от признанных мастеров!
По теме “Эффективные советы для начинающих резчиков”, там просто кладезь информации.
Ссылка ниже:
https://fixora.ru/%d0%bf%d0%be%d0%bb%d0%b5%d0%b7%d0%bd%d1%8b%d0%b5-%d1%81%d0%be%d0%b2%d0%b5%d1%82%d1%8b-%d0%b4%d0%bb%d1%8f-%d0%bd%d0%b0%d1%87%d0%b8%d0%bd%d0%b0%d1%8e%d1%89%d0%b8%d1%85-%d1%80%d0%b5%d0%b7%d1%87%d0%b8/
Никогда не прекращайте учиться и совершенствоваться, ведь каждый день — это новый шаг в искусстве плетения!
hellgate100nyc – A much-needed solution for artists seeking to prove their work’s authenticity.
colossal-heart – This could really streamline the process of art authentication.
no deposit usa online casino, best usa online casino gambling machine sales (Phillis) bonuses
and odds of winning pokies united states, or best united statesn online gambling
Je suis pactise avec Mafia Casino, ca eleve le jeu a un niveau de boss legendaire. La reserve est un code de divertissements mafieux, incluant des roulettes pour des tours de table. Le support client est un consigliere vigilant et incessant, avec une ruse qui anticipe les traitrises. Les retraits s’executent avec une furtivite remarquable, toutefois les accords d’offres pourraient s’epaissir en influence. A la fin de cette conspiration, Mafia Casino se dresse comme un pilier pour les capos pour les parrains de casinos virtuels ! A murmurer la structure vibre comme un code ancestral, simplifie la traversee des complots ludiques.
mafia iii trailer 3 casino|
redhillrepurposing – A much-needed solution for artists seeking to prove their work’s authenticity.
лечение запоя минск
vivod-iz-zapoya-minsk012.ru
вывод из запоя минск
redhillrepurposing – The platform’s design is clean and user-friendly.
https://neurocaredirect.com/# Neurontin online without prescription USA
ouretiquette – The platform’s design is clean and user-friendly.
Ich bin total fasziniert von Snatch Casino, es gibt eine verruckte Spielenergie. Der Katalog ist einfach gigantisch, mit immersiven Live-Sitzungen. Die Hilfe ist schnell und professionell, erreichbar jederzeit. Die Zahlungen sind flussig und sicher, jedoch haufigere Promos waren cool. Zum Schluss Snatch Casino ist eine au?ergewohnliche Plattform fur Spieler auf der Suche nach Spa? ! Hinzu kommt die Oberflache ist flussig und modern, verstarkt den Wunsch zuruckzukehren.
hellgate100nyc – Love how they’re combining technology with art authenticity.
colossal-heart – Excited to see how this evolves in the art community.
Je suis pactise avec Mafia Casino, ca eleve le jeu a un niveau de boss legendaire. Le territoire est un domaine de diversite criminelle, integrant des lives comme Infinite Blackjack pour des negociations tendues. Le service conspire en continu 24/7, chuchotant des solutions claires et rapides. Les butins affluent via Bitcoin ou Ethereum, a l’occasion des rackets de recompense additionnels scelleraient les pactes. En apotheose mafieuse, Mafia Casino se dresse comme un pilier pour les capos pour les conspirateurs de victoires rusees ! En pot-de-vin supplementaire la structure vibre comme un code ancestral, incite a prolonger l’intrigue infinie.
mafia casino france|
ouretiquette – I appreciate the transparency this site offers to artists and buyers.
hellgate100nyc – It’s refreshing to see innovation in the art world like this.
colossal-heart – The platform’s design is clean and user-friendly.
The cross-chain transfers tools are trustworthy service and seamless withdrawals.
Je suis irresistiblement recrute par Mafia Casino, on complote un reseau de tactiques astucieuses. La reserve est un code de divertissements mafieux, proposant des crash pour des chutes de pouvoir. L’assistance murmure des secrets nets, assurant une loyaute fidele dans le syndicate. Les transferts glissent stables et acceleres, toutefois des largesses gratuites supplementaires boosteraient les operations. A la fin de cette conspiration, Mafia Casino devoile un plan de triomphes secrets pour les conspirateurs de victoires rusees ! En pot-de-vin supplementaire l’interface est un repaire navigable avec ruse, simplifie la traversee des complots ludiques.
stardust casino mafia|
люстры Каждый дом начинается со света. Именно свет создает атмосферу уюта, роскоши и комфорта. В магазине «ОгниСвета» мы собрали для вас коллекцию люстр, которая превратит ваше жилое пространство в произведение искусства. У нас вы найдете: Классические люстры: Изящные модели с хрустальными подвесками, позолотой и вензелями для ценителей вечной роскоши. Они станут центральным элементом вашей гостиной или столовой. Современные и минималистичные модели: Лаконичные формы, металл, стекло и дерево. Идеальное решение для интерьеров в стиле лофт, хай-тек или сканди. Деревенские и винтажные светильники: Уютные люстры из массива дерева, кованого железа и текстиля для создания теплой и душевной атмосферы в загородном доме или на кухне. Роскошные люстры-канделябры: Для тех, кто хочет подчеркнуть статус и безупречный вкус. Многорожковые конструкции, имитирующие свечи, добавят торжественности любой комнате.
alixrice – Just explored this site; the concept of art verification is intriguing.