Working Vacation

Lorraine needed a vacation. She was physically and emotionally exhausted and frequently on the verge of tears. No matter how frustrated or disappointed she felt though, she kept her lips curved up in a pleasant smile and continued on. Anything less would have shown ingratitude, rudeness, and other such negative traits.

So she continued, watching the days get ticked off the calendar one by one. On the last day of the week, she breathed a great sigh of relief. Finally, it had arrived and in no time at all, her husband, two children, in-laws, and their three children would pack up and leave what the other's referred to as a little piece of heaven to head home.

Just the sound of the word home made her giddy. She'd suddenly have charge of only her children. She'd have access to transportation and would be able to enforce the rules of her home without hesitation or trepidation. She thought she smelled the scent of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies and knew she would soon be on vacation from what was suppose to be her vacation. Home felt like heaven.

*** Daily Writing Practice ***

Tale

"Read me a story, mommy, read me a story!"

"Okay, what kind of tale do you want?"

"How many can I have?"

"It's late so just one."

"Ummmmmm..... how about a............. kitty tail."

*** One Word ***

Saturday

The sun shone brightly above and a chill wind raced impishly through the meeting of the eight brothers and sisters of marked time. Seven of them had chosen names for their domains (and carefully etched them onto the time continuum map). But the last sister sat by, uninterested in work, dreaming of play. She could not be roused to interest by the discussions around the table. The twins of Two's Day jested that her land should be called Sat Her Day in recognition of her contribution. And so it came to be known as a time for play and daydreaming.

**** One Minute Writer ***

Diamond

I watched him, the intensity of the moment etching heavy lines on his tan face. He stepped forward focused, unable to hear the deepening silence that was surrounding him. Our small community-- defined by the tall fences, smell of hotdogs and beer, and the blinding sunshine-- held it's breath in anticipation of success or failure, the line between the two being so thin. The CRACK echoed across the field and over the stands; on its heels was a thunderous roar of gratitude as the same tan faced man leisurely rounded the baseball diamond.

*** Daily Writing Practice***

Interview

I stared into the flickering flame of the electric candle and watched the small light bounce off the fabric of the fake pink rose next to it. 'How did I get talked into this?' I wondered. I hated interviewing! Reaching up, I smoothed back a lock of hair that had fallen from my ponytail holder and smiled sarcastically at my friend down the way.

He sat down across from me. The table separating us was narrow and he kicked my leg while trying to settle himself. His apology was quick, but I found myself drawn in by the quicker blushing of his young face. His smooth skin, dark hair and deep eyes. His clean hands and prominent chest muscles.

Picking up the small clipboard, I checked the box "will see again" next to the name that matched his badge. Maybe speed dating wouldn't be so bad.

*** One Minute Writer ***

Lights On???

I've decided to change your prompt to lights on, because it makes more sense. President Obama was in town today and everywhere I went, I saw flashing red-blue-and whites atop the police vehicles. He visits frequently, I believe this is his third since being voted into office, and every time it causes political excitement in conversation and traffic delays on whatever route they've determined the best option. The first time I saw his motorcade, I sat for 15 minutes waiting for his car (and the cars of secret service agents and the large police escort) to pass while the milk warmed in the backseat. Yesterday, however, I've never seen the likes of. In the 12 miles I drove, I saw at least 60 police cars, nearly all of which had their lights on. Every turn around (meant for emergency vehicles only) were blocked with the biggest bright orange construction trucks I have ever seen. Men and women in bright safety vests milled around on the shoulder while cars sped by at a controlled 5 miles an hour over the speed limit. That was the show 4 hours before his arrival! But, I guess I wouldn't expect much less when shutting down an interstate and expressway.

*** Daily Writing Practice ***

Schedule

"What a funny prompt!" she thought when the word appeared on her monitor. Her schedule this week would be crazy, hectic really. In addition to all of the regular running around, she had a hair appointment, tutoring session, school meeting, birthday party, and of course, she couldn't forget the traffic slow down caused by the presidential motorcade.

*** One Word ***