Which do you prefer – the sunrise with its promise of a new day, signalling a new hope or the sunset the welcome end of a satisfying day’s work, the knowledge that you did your best?
But whether it is the sunrise or the
the sunset, both are evanescent or fleeting moments gone in the blink of an eye. Not unlike our lives.
between
sunrise and sunset
our lives
to squander or make it last
forever
Monstrous Tales
Words 201
“Ma, I never want to go to school!”
“I thought you were desperate to start school?”
“There’s a Monster in school.”
“Monster?”
“Yes. He has big fangs that jut out from pink gums. His eyes have streaks of yellow and red. And…” Molly shuddered.
“What?”
“He’s got a long flaming tail tucked in his pants.”
“Who told you?”
“Dada told me.”
“He’s teasing you.”
“He isn’t. I saw Dada’s hand – it was all red with big welts.” Molly clapped a hand to her mouth.
“What?”
“I promised not to tell anyone.”
“I am not anyone. I am your mother. What else did he tell you?”
“You know why Dada has his lunch standing up?”
“Why?”
“Because he can’t sit. The Monster whipped him with his tail.”
“What else does the Monster do?”
“He pinches their ears. Sometimes he puts a pencil between their fingers and squeezes until they scream. Ma, please don’t send me to school.”
“We’ll see.”
“Ouch!” Molly rubbed her arm.
Grinning Dada held up his weapon, a huge toenail.
“Is it the Monster’s?”
“Don’t you know? We chased away the Monster.”
“How?”
“With this nail.”
“Where can I get one?”
“There’s a cupboard full of nails in school.”
***
Written for the Sunday Photo Fiction – a story in 200 words or less. Thanks to Alistair Forbes for hosting this challenge and the photo prompt. To read the other stories inspired by this prompt, click here.
For readers of Moonshine, here's Chapter 145
Thanks for reading – look forward to your comments 🙂
Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge this week is all about Gardens. I haven’t visited any garden recently, besides it’s too hot. But then again who needs to visit a garden when the whole campus is ablaze with Amaltas. I have shared a few pics before but then I cannot resist sharing a few more 🙂
No matter which way you go – this way
Or that way
No matter where you look
down
or look up
No two Amaltas is alike – one may turn completely yellow while the other refuses to let go of her greenery. But then again, all her leaves are not green, some are brown – a true non-conformer. Or perhaps this is her way of standing out from the crowd. 😉
And not just that, the trees change colors and by evening, they opt for a more sober shade of yellow.
They stand there bedecked and dazzling daring you to look away 🙂
Yet barely a week later, she’s back to her sedate elegant green wear, her flamboyant nature firmly tucked away – at least for this season 😉
Thanks you for visiting – hope you liked. Have a great day.
Another (hot and spicy) week begins 🙂
How prescient of him! But like all things, technology has its flipside
Umm…I would have thought she would be glad to have him out of her hair 😉
Smart parents know how to turn technology to their favor 😀
Better make hay or better still, get the upper hand at home by controlling the wifi password. Trust me, the day is not far when keeping it a secret is declared an act of cruelty and torture that is punishable by law 😀
Hope you found something that you enjoyed – none of which are mine by the way. I received all of them as forwards/shares and am just keeping the fun going. Do drop in on Rekha’s blog for some more fun stuff.
Have a super week and don’t forget to have some fun as well 
And do let me know your favorite – or better still post your own and leave me a link I will be along in just a bit.
This one is all decked up and ready for the wedding party 🙂
For Becca’s Sunday Trees 289
Growing up on the banks of the mighty and holy river Ganga, I was fascinated by the mythological story of Ganga’s descent to earth. I never tired of hearing and cannot resist sharing it – the abridged version.
In times more ancient than ancient times, there lived a King called Bhagiratha. His kinsmen had sinned (I shall spare you that story – for now) and were doomed to spent their afterlife trapped on earth with no scope for rebirth or moksha. Pained by their plight Bhagiratha quite literally moved heaven and earth and after a lot of hardships and penance (which involved the cooperation and blessings of both Brahma and Mahesh) brought Ganga to the earth to wash away the sins of his forefathers.
But that is just for context.
In April 2017 we have found out own real live Lady Bhagiratha – 51-year-old Gouri, a daily wage laborer from Sirsi in Karnataka, a southern State of India.
To supplement her meager income as a laborer, Gouri she also maintained a kitchen garden of sorts comprising of banana, areca and coconut trees. But arranging for water for them was a major issue. She needed to urgently find a solution. Which she did in her own unique (and possibly inimitable) style.
Problem: No water
Solution: Dig a well.
Problem: No money to hire somebody to dig it.
Solution: DIY
Problem: Nil
She dug every day for 5-6 hours, over and above her job as a laborer. Despite suffering intense body ache and exhaustion, she dug for three months and ended up with a 60 foot deep well. In the final stages, she enlisted the help of three other women to clear the heap of mud that had accumulated.
Today she has ample water for her life giving trees, has earned the respect of thousands and is an inspiration for women world over.
She has effectively proved that where there’s a will there’s a way well.
Hats off to her grit, determination and spirit.
This is my submission for the monthly We Are the World Blogfest which seeks to promote positive news.
Do share your views, opinions, suggestions and positive news.
Thank you for reading and have a super weekend.
“Some women choose to follow men, and some women choose to follow their dreams. If you’re wondering which way to go, remember that your career will never wake up and tell you that it doesn’t love you anymore.” ― Lady Gaga
Stop crying over your obstacles, it’s time to demolish them, one shovelful at a time…
Words 98
“Congratulations!” Shobha hugged Neha.
“Thank you Shobha Aunty. I admit to feeling victorious! You look stunning and…”
“It’s your day Neha. Let’s talk about you…”
“…And no wonder, even after three decades, Uncle is still besotted with you…oh look – Shobha Aunty’s blushing!”
“Why would I blush? Your Uncle should – he’s the one besotted.”
“Oh but I am blushing.” Uncle butted in. “It’s hidden under the tan!”
Liquor and laughter overflowed.
Shobha’s cheeks hurt from all the smiling.
She couldn’t wait to take off her heavy sari and slip into the tattered nightie that mirrored her wedded life.
***
Written for the Friday Fictioneers – a story in 100 words or less. Thanks to Rochelle for hosting and to J Hardy Carroll for the photo prompt. To read the other stories inspired by this prompt click here
Thanks for reading and commenting 😉
For readers of Moonshine, here's Chapter 144
To see the Google map view, click here
Word 150
“That’s Granny’s house. The others lived down the road.”
“There were four of you right?”
“Yes. Darius was the youngest and I, the oldest.”
“The big boss eh?”
“Yep. I got to decide which games to play.”
“Football?”
“And tree climbing. The middle one was mine. I could climb right till the top.”
“Wow! What about Darius?”
“That little tree was his.”
“Poor thing! Didn’t he protest?”
“Loud and long. But he shut up after I threatened to expel him from the gang.”
“Meanie!”
“Might is right, right? We had tons of fun, running wild, pulling pigtails, unclipping the washing, sneaking into kitchens, until…”
“Until?”
“They caught us sharing biryani from Syed’s home.”
“What happened?”
“In an instant a mob gathered. The screams and the smell of burning flesh still haunt my dreams.”
“What happened to the others?”
“I dared not ask. What if they weren’t as lucky?”
***
Once again I am trying my hand at What Pegman Saw – a story in 150 words utilizing Google Maps. This week Pegman took us to Portland ND. To read the other stories inspired by this prompt click here.
Thank you for reading and your comments – have a great day.
This week’s Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge is all about one color. Hmm a bit tough but let’s see what I can come up with and what all I can get away with 😉
The mist blows in wiping out all color from the picturesque scene
Hey look! The mist clears to reveal the blue sky – okay fine blue & white.
There! That one color enough for you? You can’t even make out where the sky ends and the sea begins 🙂 What? Green and the white disqualifies the photo? Darn it…
Toeing the line, here’s just a bit of the blue sea 😀
View of the corals in the sea through a glass-bottomed boat
Another cropped up view of the sea just for the challenge. Is the sea green because of the corals or vice versa?
This is one of my personal favorite photos taken while traveling between islands at Andaman and Nicobar Islands – unedited.
The bride to be decorates her hands with mehendi – just before she dons the colors of her husband’s life and family.
Green tree tops
The grand finale – amaltas in full bloom just before they bid adieu for the season.
And it is time for me to say goodbye too – thanks for visiting and leaving me a note 🙂
For readers of Moonshine, here's Chapter 143
Words 203
“Dad why is the crowd outside the gate shouting traitor, traitor?”
“They are upset that I ordered machines that may take away their jobs.”
“But why did you order them?”
“It wasn’t my decision. Besides, they were given the option to learn how to operate them. But I guess it’s easier to throw stones.”
“They’re mean!”
“Go and have lunch.”
“It’s so hot here Mamma.”
“The dining room is cooler.”
“Mamma, do you like cooking in this heat?”
“I love the smile on your face when you see your favorite dish.”
“But you don’t like cooking?”
“Do you like studying?”
“No.”
“But you like coming first?”
“Yes. But I love cricket even more! You don’t let me to play cricket but you force me to study.”
“Cricket is not essential for your survival. Education is. Besides, if you are really passionate about something you can always find a way to pursue it.”
“How?”
“You could do your homework quicker, wake up earlier?
“Mamma…”
“Call Bhaiyya for lunch.”
“Bhaiyya! Lunch!”
“I don’t want any.”
“Why?”
“I HATE Dad.”
“Why?”
“He wants me to become a doctor. But I hate academics. I love only music.”
“I think you only love to sleep. And throw stones.”
***
Flash fiction are typically involve two or a maximum of three characters. This one had four, not including the crowd outside the gate! So what do you think? Did it work? Do let me know – thanks!
Written for the Sunday Photo Fiction – a story in 200 words or less. Thanks to Alistair Forbes for hosting the challenge and the photo prompt. To read the other stories inspired by the prompt click here
Stories and more 