Monday, May 31, 2010

First a Giggle, Then a Memory

It's Memorial Day, the unofficial or meteorological start to the summer.  It's already too hot here and yes, I'm whining and fussing about it to Ms. Fickle M. Nature.

Most of the kiddos have a few more days of school but it's essentially over.  Be careful out there!  Recently freed teenage drivers are EVERYWHERE!

I have something serious for you down below but before we get to that I have to share with you a warning that was posted in the manual for my new dishwasher:

To avoid dishwasher damage, do not load the dishwasher 
with paper products, plastic bags, packing materials, 
or anything other than normal, 
dishwasher-safe dishware and kitchenware.

Yeah, somebody probably did.

Now for the serious bit.    I'm piggy-backing on the Saturday Centus writing group today and using the following phrase in a story of 100 words or less:

"May I help you, miss? You look puzzled.”

“Mmmm… thank you, I’m just looking for my father. We came in together a moment ago, but he seems to have wandered off.”  



 *One Moment, One Memory

It's a typical July day in Texas, hot and muggy with a slight breeze.   White specks color the green hill on the horizon.

Reffie checks her purse for a tissue.

"May I help you, miss? You look puzzled.”

“Mmmm… thank you, I’m just looking for my father. We came in together a moment ago, but he seems to have wandered off.” 

 Reffie helps her mom and follows the others.  Words are spoken.  A flag is presented.  Heads bow.

Staring at the tombstone, Reffie whispers, "Mmmm....yes.  I think you are right. He is not here."  


I first noticed these stories over at Tom's Sophisticated Lunacy blog.  Tom is an awesome writer.  Check out his Saturday story here.


*My father was a veteran but he wasn't killed in action.  He's buried in the Veteran's Cemetery in Dallas, Texas.


I hope everyone is enjoying a safe weekend and pausing for a moment to remember.  

Have a great week!

17 comments:

MrsBlogAlot said...

You did that phrase proud my friend.

And yes, we should all take a moment to remember and watch out for those newly freed drivers.

http://howtobecomeacatladywithoutthecats.blogspot.com said...

Wonderful Centus, Reffie... What a great way to capture the essence of Memorial Day.

Leeuna said...

What a wonderful story Reffie. You did a fantastic job with the phrases. So fitting for Memorial Day too.

Anonymous said...

Awww that was sooo good and nice Refsters!

Great job.

Now hand me a tissue, please.

Ed & Jeanne said...

I'll trade you some endless rain for some heat? We haven't seen the sun in two weeks over here. Oh, and I liked your story!

Unknown said...

Love the story. Happy Memorial Day!

Unknown said...

Remembering our veterans 24/7. Watching out for freed drivers 24/7. It's kind of like the running of the bulls.

ReformingGeek said...

Thanks for the kind words, you'll!

Quirky, here's your tissue. Oh sorry. That one is used. Here's a fresh one.

VE - You want some sun? I'd gladly trade you for some rain.

Zyada said...

Re the dishwasher warning...

You mean, like my mom? (And no, I will never let her live that down)

Ziva said...

Me being all European and all, I don't celebrate Memorial Day, but that was a very lovely story no matter where you're from.

Also, I'll take some of that sunshine. You didn't give it all to VE did you?

The Old Silly said...

Nicely done, Reffie ... and no Evil Twin this time to mess things up? Excellent control...

ReformingGeek said...

@Zyada - Well.....oops.


@Ziva - Thanks. I'll hold some sun for you.

@Marvin - Thanks! Yes, Evil Twin was down for a nap.

The Constant Complainer said...

Happy Memorial Day to all. And thank you to all the Veterans out there and those that have lost their lives.

Chris said...

That's the thing with those "seemingly obvious" warnings on things. Someone, somewhere, actually proved that they were indeed necessary.

Warning: Coffee is hot.
Warning: Do not eat ( on a packet found in new shoes.
Warning: Toaster not for use in the bath tub.

People are friggin' stupid.

Tgoette said...

Excellent Reffie! Really pulled at the old heartstrings. Thanks for the shout out and kind words. I'm so glad you gave this a try...it's a nice bit of mental gymnastics, eh? LOL!

Deb said...

Great job with the Centus (thought your were lisping while talking about the US Census)!

Thank you to your father and those before and after him who have served our country.

sewa mobil said...

Love the story. Happy Memorial Day!


"1.00s, 1.50s, 1.75s for the short arms. If you know what I'm talking about, you're probably old, too."

"Boomer brain fog: What was the last, middle, and first part of what you just said to me?"