Author Archives: Ross Mannell

Wednesday… what can I say?

Just the seeing Wednesday come around is enough to bring chills down the spine. If there’s trouble, you know it’s Wednesday. When Wednesday is coming, we prepare ourselves for what might happen.

Someone has drawn on the wall. It’s Wednesday.

Toys have been left scattered over the floor. It’s Wednesday.

A bottle of drink has been spilt. It’s Wednesday.

“Wednesday!” I call out in frustration.

A little face appears from the next room, “Yes, granddaddy?”

I smile at the innocent face, “Granddad needs a hug.”

Wednesday is here. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
 

 
“I finally bought a present for Julia’s 60th.”

I was a little dubious. John’s ideas for a gift were, well… let’s just say they aren’t always thought out.

“What have you bought her?”

Afraid someone might overhear, he whispered.

“You bought her what!? You can’t,” I was surprised he’d outdone himself.

I couldn’t talk him out of it. He was determined.

Tweet to John: “Julia here. I know who you are and where you live.”

Seeing her post about a scarf she thought more of a bolas, he had decided to send her a cow so she would have something to floor and brand.
 

 
I hope Julia doesn’t mind me using her photograph.

Click on this sentence if you want to see the mentioned post from Julia.

To see the original story, click on “Swim or Die”

The story was chosen at random from the entries for Week#26.

The Critique..

“Swim or Die” tells the story of a group of Aquamarines facing a dire situation. With an overloaded aircraft and few supplies, it becomes obvious for many to survive, some will be sacrificed. There is fear on the faces of the rookies as they know their inexperience makes them less valuable for the survival of others. The experienced, showing calm while fearful inside, knew what choices were ahead.

This short story, a mere 105 words, sets a tense scene. The Aquamarines live by their motto, “Swim or die trying”.

Who will survive?

We are left hanging at the end.

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No aeroplane for me! I enjoy the freedom of the air passing as I glide through the clouds drifting high above the waters made aquamarine by the reflection of light. What greater freedom than alone above the world’s worries?

Wind shear!

Aghast, I acted on instinct after the initial shock of the earthward plummet. Pulling back on the stick and adjusting yaw, the pitch of the glider started to level the craft. The downward fall had allowed me enough speed to regain height.

The ground now much too close and my landing field too distant, sweat beaded my brow.

“This glider simulation software is brilliant!”
 

“Joy to the world,” we all just sang but my joy is cautious.

In these times when so much is shared throughout the world through social media, why do we still see suffering?

My moment of thought passes as I lift up my eyes to see my friends. Joy returns as I remember this is the time to celebrate a beginning. This is our chance to start anew and bring joy to all the world.

“Joy to the world,” let this be our cry as we face a new year and try to bring an end to suffering and want.

This is a small section of a photo by Gilly Goldsmith who allowed Julia to use the full image. I hope Gilly doesn’t mind me reproducing a small section to show readers who the subject of the story is. Gilly Goldsmith’s blog is ‘Lucid Gypsy’.

 
joem18b’s “Subway Buskers Corner: Holiday Hint #53“

Now for my part 2 to continue the story….

So went the advice for a simple fair for a busker’s Christmas.

Community in themselves, buskers gather in their locations to share their talent, or not, in the hope of a few coins or notes. What greater way to enhance their earnings than something to remind passers-by of the season.