Freakin' Q

Sorry Folks! I'm throwing in the towel on the A to Z Challenge. I'd personally like to blame "Q". My world for Q was Quagmire, and I just couldn't take it seriously. I couldn't get past that goofy dude from Family Guy. He totally ruined my mojo--which was going pretty well until then.

Ok, maybe I've been a little busy too.

ANYway, I wish you all the best of luck, and if I can get some time, I'll try to catch up on reading your awesome A to Z blogs.

So long A to Z Challenge May we meet again next year.

P is for Perspiration: "Habanero Tears" #AtoZChallenge

This year, for the A to Z Blogging Challenge, I'm writing Micro Fiction (or Flash Fiction) that is 100 words or less around a set list of words provided by my BFF (Kemari Howell). Today's letter is "P", so today  P is for Perspiration.

 

Habanero Tears

Sweat dripped off the tip of Paul’s nose as he prepared his stomach for the last Habanero pepper. Pressing it to his lips, he glanced at the photograph above the bar—just one more, and he would steal the all-time record from his old man.

He took a breath and closed his eyes, saying a little prayer. Then it was gone—the last pepper he would ever eat. The crowd went wild, as he pumped his fists in the air, tears rolling down his face.

“He would’ve been proud,” the barkeep said, handing him the old photograph. “You earned it.”

~2

Feel free to leave your short pieces of fiction (<100 words) in the comments below. The word for today is Perspiration.

Oh No She Dih'ent #AtoZChallenge

This year, for the A to Z Blogging Challenge, I'm writing Micro Fiction (or Flash Fiction) that is 100 words or less around a set list of words provided by my BFF (Kemari Howell). Today's letter is "O", so today O is for Offend. 

Oh No She Dih'ent

Olivia clicked “report this photo” one last time before exiting her Facebook account for the evening. “That’ll teach that bitch to post photos of cupcakes while I’m dieting,” she grumbled, stomping out of her room.

~2

Feel free to leave your short pieces of fiction (<100 words) in the comments below. The word for today is Offend.

Neon Impressions #AtoZChallenge

This year, for the A to Z Blogging Challenge, I'm writing Micro Fiction (or Flash Fiction) that is 100 words or less around a set list of words provided by my BFF (Kemari Howell). Today's letter is "N", so today N is for Neon. 

Neon Impressions

The cameraman followed Nicole’s every move as she prepared for the night’s date with Bachelor Number One, “Try to pretend I’m not here,” He said.

“That’s easier said than done,” she smiled, curling her hair.

The night was a disaster—Bachelor Number One talked too much about himself, insisted that they split the check, and put the moves on her in the parking lot. In her reflection, Nicole said, “What a waste of time! I think his shoes made more of an impression.”

“His shoes?” The cameraman asked.

“They were neon green.”

“No. My shoes are.”

“Oh.” She blushed.


~2


Feel free to leave your short pieces of fiction (<100 words) in the comments below. The word for today is Neon.

Marigold #AtoZChallenge #Late

This year, for the A to Z Blogging Challenge, I'm writing Micro Fiction (or Flash Fiction) that is 100 words or less around a set list of words provided by my BFF (Kemari Howell). Today's letter is "M", so today M is for Marigold.   

Marigold

Sometimes, it’s hard for me to tell where the land meets the sky—both are equally grey and heavy with ash. I view it only through my picture window—perfect drifts of dirty clouds as far as the eye can see.  

Inside is much the same—cold and melancholy. Many survivors have withdrawn to their private spaces to avoid small talk and fake smiles, but I’m still hopeful. In my room, I hide a packet of marigold seeds. I pray that one day they will grow and forever break this cycle of grey.

~2

Feel free to leave your short pieces of fiction (<100 words) in the comments below. The word for today is Marigold.

Lamp Light Dreams #AtoZChallenge #Late

This year, for the A to Z Blogging Challenge, I'm writing Micro Fiction (or Flash Fiction) that is 100 words or less around a set list of words provided by my BFF (Kemari Howell). Today's letter is "L", so today L is for Lamp. 

Lamp Light Dreams

“It’s magic, Lauren, “he told her, plugging the lamp in next to her bed.

She crossed her arms over her chest, trapping Mr. Bear in a headlock. “Why can’t I just sleep with you, Daddy?”

“You can’t always run away from your problems, Sweet Pea.” He turned off the light and sat down on the bed next to her. “Look,” he said, flipping the lamp’s switch.

Lauren gasped at the shadow of a massive warrior on her wall—sword drawn—ready for battle. “It is magic,” she whispered.

“Goodnight.” He kissed her forehead.

“Sweet dreams?” she smiled.

“Sweet dreams.” 


~2




Feel free to leave your short pieces of fiction (<100 words) in the comments below. The word for today is Lamp.

K is for Kangaroo #AtoZChallenge

This year, for the A to Z Blogging Challenge, I'm writing Micro Fiction (or Flash Fiction) that is 100 words or less around a set list of words provided by my BFF (Kemari Howell). Today's letter is "K", so today K is for Kangaroo.  

K is for Kangaroo

“This better be good, Kane” I grumbled into my phone—half asleep.

“Dude, you’re never going to believe where I am. Guess.”

“My brain isn’t working yet. Why are you whispering?”

“I’m hiding… in a bathroom… at the zoo.”

“That’s awesome.  I’m going back to…”

“Don’t hang up! There’s a kangaroo in here.”

“What?”

“A kangaroo! I think he’s washing his hands.” He giggled.

“Whatever.” I hung up on him. A minute later, my phone beeped. I pulled up the text—a photo—a freaking kangaroo. I buried my head under a pillow and tossed the phone across the room.


~2


Feel free to leave your short pieces of fiction (<100 words) in the comments below. The word for today is Kangaroo.

J is for Jail #AtoZChallenge

This year, for the A to Z Blogging Challenge, I'm writing Micro Fiction (or Flash Fiction) that is 100 words or less around a set list of words provided by my BFF (Kemari Howell). Today's letter is "J", so today J is for Jail. 

Home Away From Home

Reeking of piss and vomit, Joshua slept on a concrete slab with a sham of a blanket. Tomorrow morning he would be released out into the world. Tomorrow night, the Drunk Tank would welcome him back with open arms.

Feel free to leave your short pieces of fiction (<100 words) in the comments below. The word for today is Jail.

Impatience #AtoZChallenge

This year, for the A to Z Blogging Challenge, I'm writing Micro Fiction (or Flash Fiction) that is 100 words or less around a set list of words provided by my BFF (Kemari Howell). Today's letter is "I", so today I is for Institute. 

Impatience

For the past week, Ignacio stalked the postman on Cooper Street, awaiting a reply from The International Institute of Underwater Basket Weaving. He postmarked his application before its due date, but still no word from the school regarding his acceptance.

At first he casually checked the mail at his convenience, but as the weeks went by, he became more aggressive.

“You, there, in the bushes,” the postman growled. Ignacio crawled out and dusted off his jeans. “Your package came today.”

“Thanks,” he said, ripping it open. After a long sigh, he smiled.

His parents were going to be pissed.


~2


Feel free to leave your short pieces of fiction (<100 words) in the comments below. The word for today is Institute.

Handsy #AtoZChallenge

This year, for the A to Z Blogging Challenge, I'm writing Micro Fiction (or Flash Fiction) that is 100 words or less around a set list of words provided by my BFF (Kemari Howell). Today's letter is "G", so today H is for Hungry.

Handsy

Hannah choked momentarily, coughed, and pushed the morsel back into her mouth. She shook her head in disgust as Paul’s life dripped from her chin. So damn eager… too bad really. He was cute.


~2


Ok, this may be cheating just a lil bit... this is a re-post from 2010, but I changed the character's name to fit with the A to Z theme.

Feel free to leave your short pieces of fiction (<100 words) in the comments below. The word for today is Hungry.

Garbage Disposal #AtoZChallenge (Late)

A Day Late! 
This year, for the A to Z Blogging Challenge, I'm writing Micro Fiction (or Flash Fiction) that is 100 words or less around a set list of words provided by my BFF (Kemari Howell). Today's letter is "G", so today G is for Garbage.

Garbage Disposal

Gia sat in the empty gallery surrounded by beautiful bows and sparkling wrapping paper. Mascara stained the front of her Marchesa gown.

She sobbed quietly into a bouquet of the whitest azeleas.

Everything would go back, except the flowers and the dress. Much like her heart, they were soiled beyond repair. 


~2


Feel free to leave your short pieces of fiction (<100 words) in the comments below. The word for today is Garbage..

Self Diagnostics #AtoZChallenge

This year I'm writing Micro Fiction (or Flash Fiction) that is 100 words or less around a set list of words provided by my BFF (Kemari Howell). Today's letter is "D", so today D is for Delusional.

Self Diagnostics 

The World Wide Web: Feeding Delusions since 1993

Dagby hunched over her laptop, throwing shadows across her bedroom walls. Her husband’s snoring masked the hum of her computer as she tapped the keys, searching her symptoms.

Headache, nausea, fatigue… pain.

She glanced at the wound on her arm—even in the dark, it looked angry.

I hate cats.

She continued to read, stopping occasionally to feel her face or take a deep breath.

Progressive symptoms include: anxiety, confusion, terror.

She looked around in the dark—heart racing.

Hallucinations, paralysis, DEATH!

 She slammed the lid shut and pulled the covers up over her head. Tomorrow she’d call her doctor.


~2


Feel free to leave your short pieces of fiction (<100 words) in the comments below. The word for today is Delusional.

Champagne Wishes #AtoZChallenge

This year I'm writing Micro Fiction (or Flash Fiction) that is 100 words or less around a set list of words provided by my BFF (Kemari Howell). Today's letter is "C", so today C is for Champagne

Champagne Wishes

I told her it was champagne—the ginger ale. She giggled, saying the bubbles tickled her nose and complimented my refined taste.

She had a glass at dinner, another with dessert, and another on the patio of my apartment.

“Chance,” she said, grabbing my hand as she wobbled on bare feet, “You’re not trying to get me drunk, are you?” Her doe eyes twinkled with a thousand stars.

“Of course not.” I smiled, leaning in for a kiss—the ginger ale sweet on her lips.

Squeezing my hand, she pulled me inside. I closed the door.

~2

Feel free to leave your short pieces of fiction (<100 words) in the comments below. The word for today is Champagne.

Happy Birthday, Beefcake! #AtoZchallenge

I don't think I formally announced that I'm participating in the A to Z Challenge this month--my bad. I had a lot of fun last year with it, so I thought I'd do it again. This year I'm writing Micro Fiction (or Flash Fiction) that is 100 words or less around a set list of words provided by my BFF (Kemari Howell). Today's letter is "B", so today B is for Beefcake.

Happy Birthday, Beefcake!

Baylor stood backstage, sweating in leather chaps and not much else. Thankfully, his friends let him wear a mask to hide his embarrassment and/or horror—he hadn’t decided which just yet. Unfortunately, the inside of Ronald Regan’s plastic façade was muggy and smelled of tacos and spearmint gum.

“I can’t do this.” He said, sneaking a peek at the crowd.

“Good evening,” the announcer boomed. “Shady Acre's Retirement Center would like to welcome Mr. Beefcake 2012!”

Baylor swallowed hard as three sets of hands pushed him through the velvet curtains onto the stage. “Happy Birthday, Beefcake!” they said, laughing.


~2


Feel free to leave your short pieces of fiction (<100 words) in the comments below. The word for today is Beefcake.

One Brown Acorn #AtoZChallenge

Kicking off the A to Z Challenge this month: A is for Acorn. A special thank you goes out to my six-year old, Brynn, who suggested the acorn and the quest of a squirrel who just wants to make friends.

One Brown Acorn

Alex twirled the acorn in his little squirrely hands. Western Oklahoma promised adventure, but he only found disappointment and loneliness.  He missed home—his parents were back east. With one brown acorn, Alex was determined to get back to his family.

He traded the acorn for a pen, a pen for a biscuit, a biscuit for a carrot, a carrot for a ride plus some pocket lint, the pocket lint for a skateboard, and a skateboard for the most magnificent red paperclip.  Standing on the doorstep of his childhood home, Alex traded a red paperclip for his mother’s embrace.

~2

Feel free to leave your short pieces of fiction (<100 words) in the comments below. The word for today is Acorn