Man, it’s a hot one
Like seven inches from the midday sun
Well, I hear you whispering in the words, to melt everyone
But you stay so cool
My muñequita, my Spanish Harlem, Mona Lisa
You’re my reason for reason
The step in my groove.
~ Santana, “Smooth”
This ain’t Spanish Harlem and I’m nobody’s muñequita, but if it continues to be hot as Hades in northern Idaho I’m going to take off my clothes and bathe in the garden hose outside. I don’t care whose grandparents are driving by in air conditioned Winnebagos or if the logging truckers choke on their bottled pop. I told my neighbor of my plans and she responded, mortified and modest, that no one would want to see her if she did that, implying no one would want to see me. Well, granted, my husband would leer and most others jeer, but as I told her it’s not about how I look, it’s how I feel.
And right now I feel hot enough to hose off naked.
A record-breaking heat wave sizzles across the west and sucks the very moisture from the air like a dragon inhaling. I’m a whimp. I can’t take the heat. It makes me cranky as a range cow; watch out, I’ll kick if you come too close.
I know a computer puts off heat, but in this cooker-once-my-house I’m near to getting blisters on my fingertips from tapping at my keyboard. The thermometer on the porch picks up the afternoon direct sun and records 111 degrees Fahrenheit. What the blazes? This is the Pacific Northwest known for temperate summers. Even the clover has browned to a crisp and peat most is dry as bone dust!
Don’t get me started on trees and forest fires. Already one burns 200 miles southwest of us in Wenatchee, Washinton where people have lost homes. Only eight miles from where I grew up in Markleeville, California a huge fire has raged for almost two weeks and still remains 60 percent contained. This very place where I live was once ravaged by the 1910 forest fires. I hold my breath when the air turns hot, dry and deadly.
With the Hub and dogs, we take to the mountains and search for relief, escaping the heat. It’s not until the second day that we find access to the Moyie River not far from Canada.
The first day we find Grouse Creek crowded (as in all five camping spots and fishing turnouts occupied). We stop at an overhang and after much internal debate — do I dare, do I not dare — I jump off a ledge into the creek. I dared and I cooled off, though the Hub had to help me get back out.
The third day we grew brave and returned to the Pack River. I bobbed in the golden glow of sunset that reflected on the river’s surface. Yesterday, I officed in the air conditioning of Starbucks. Today, it is tolerable and I drink cold well water and Arnie Palmers.
While cooling off in the Moyie River we were among others seeking respite. Like a voyeur I watched a couple soak in a rocky river pool, smoking and drinking beer. She wore a bikini and they both were comfortable in each other’s presence. In a busy world, the hottest thing a couple can do is just “be” together. Just hang out, cool off, talk or enjoy silence in unity.
I watch the Hub cast and take careful steps on slippery rocks. The dogs tangle their leashes like a nest of vipers, but I’m not letting either one go run with the bears. My ankles are submerged in the cool flow and my bloodstream sooths. I film my fly-fisherman of 27 years and he flicks his line at me, ever the two-year-old in men’s clothing. I don’t mind. We’re together, I’m cool and that’s hot enough for me.
July 1, 2015 prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that includes the phrase, “Man, it’s a hot one.” You can choose a gender neutral replacement for the slang, “man” or any other general address. The phrase can lead, end or show up in the middle of the story. If the prompt leads you to a creative idea to alter the phrase, do it! And stay cool this week!
Respond by July 7, 2015 to be included in the weekly compilation. Rules are here. All writers are welcome!
Facing the Heat by Charli Mills
“Woo-doggies! It’s a hot one!” Carl’s voice crackled across the transmitter.
Lucy maneuvered the tribal fire-engine up the winding Forest Service Road toward thick clouds surging above a fresh lightning strike. The vehicle lumbered over backcountry rocks like a tank. It didn’t carry much water, but she could rig a pump to the lake.
“Lucy! You gonna evacuate those campers?”
“Roger that, Carl. Might bring you water, too.”
“Stealin’ your granny’s garden hose again?”
Lucy grinned. The radio crackled louder.
“Sounds like Canada Rail coming over the peak…”
Carl retreated beneath his bulldozer. He didn’t survive the sudden firestorm.
***
Author’s note: Firestorms are one of many dangers faced by wildland firefighters who are often summer workers or even volunteers from multiple agencies, some federal, some local. A firestorm creates its own violent drafts that sound like a freight train engine. They burn so hot so fast that nothing survives its heat.
###
Carrot Ranch Literary Community 
Oh Charli, I feel for you. The heat gets to me too – makes me feel ill and irritable. I know just what you mean about wanting to strip off and play in the hose water – trouble is: it’s probably hot too! I wish I could send you some of our cool. We’re having a warmer than usual “winter” but tomorrow morning will be our coolest yet this season. I hope those fires burn out soon and leave you alone.
Your flash is brilliant but oh so sad. Lucy won’t be grinning for long once she finds out what has happened. While I understood from the flash, it was good to read your explanatory note for further confirmation. I didn’t know that firestorms sound like freight trains. We are very dependent on volunteer firefighters in rural areas over here too. I admire them very much. In my mind they are heroes everyone, simply by the fact of choosing such a dangerous profession in order to save others.
May you find a cool space and a cool head. The only flare ups we want are flash fiction responses. Take care. 🙂
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You know how I feel! But I am very lucky — our well is deep and cold so hose water is blissfully chilly. I drink a lot of it! What is a typical winter range in temps and weather in your area? I’m hoping for a break from the heat, but at least my garden is responding well to it (provided the plants all get to strip and and play in the water hose each evening)! 🙂
Aren’t those volunteer firefighters amazing? They stand up to do dangerous work for their communities. My sister-in-law volunteers and had her children (as teens, once they were 16) volunteer. Because of that experience, my niece is an Emergency Medical Responder and is working toward her Paramedic certification. I’m very proud of her. And her sister is working on her degree to be a teacher. I’m proud of her, too!
My flash is part BOTS, but all fiction! I know of several tribal firefighters, even a group of elite specialists called Hot Shots and they include women. I know about the freight train from my father — he was a volunteer and his crew got caught in a firestorm that blew up suddenly. They sought refuge under the fire engine. It got so hot his contact lenses melted off and his hair singed. Then they couldn’t breathe (firestorms suck oxygen ahead of the fire and that is what makes it explode). Next it sounded like a freight train was upon them. They lived thanks to a borate bomber who dumped his fire retardant on top of the fire as it reached the engine. And, there was a real firefighter from Idaho who didn’t live when a firestorm struck the area he was bulldozing a fire break. Three backstories in one flash!
Thanks, Norah! You take care, too! 🙂
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Cold water from the hose sounds refreshing. I was thinking of our water from a hose that’s been lying in the sun! YUK! That at least is one respite. I love the image of your plants dancing naked in the spray from the hose. There must be a poem or a story in there! Or at least a wonderful image. If only I could draw!
Thanks for all the additional information about firestorms. How frightening, but lucky, for your dad. I hadn’t realised how close we came to not having you. What a hole there would be without you.
I saw on the news the other night a new invention by a retired Australian volunteer bush firefighter that is designed to help in situations such as you describe your father being in. Here’s a link http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-06-28/wa-volunteer-firefighter-develops-fire-shield/6578956
I love that your flash has three backstories. I guess that what’s we do with life isn’t it. We take bits and pieces from all over and make them our own. You made excellent connections in telling a great, if horrifying, story. I’m pleased it ended better for your Dad. Did he, or the others, suffer any effects afterwards? What happened to his eyes when his contact lenses melted? Sounds horrific.
Brisbane’s winters are usually mild – averaging 10 min – low 20s max C (approx 50 – 72). Mins sometimes go a bit lower and Maxs a bit higher. A day lower than 18 Max is rare and chilly. The last couple of days have been our first real taste of our winter. I have had to put a cardigan on. We haven’t had real jacket weather yet. In August we get winds coming in from the west, across the inland. They are generally cooler. I realised that our winters can be similar in temperature to summers in the UK when I visited there a few years ago! I can’t really complain. Our summers don’t usually get as hot as what you are experiencing. Hope you get some cool soon. 🙂
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What an amazing invention! So practical, too! Firefighters often carry individual tents made from that fire retardant material, but 14 died two summers ago when they had to deploy them. This invention looks much sturdier. Thanks for sharing the link!
My dad said his lenses shriveled and popped right off his eyes! No one was injured beyond second degree burns but many of them were stained red from the borate.
You’ll have to pass along plants dancing naked in hose water to your talented graphic artist! 😀
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Oh, poor Carl! And a timely reminder of the dangers of the sweltering heat. We had the hottest July day on record here yesterday, some of which I spent without air conditioning in traffic jam, but could be worse. Like you, I don’t function well in extreme heat, although I don’t so much mind the odd day of it, just to have the experience of air that scorches your skin. And, of course, your neighbour’s response to your proposal to go naked made me smile. Too polite to say don’t do it, but her disapproval comes across regardless. Hope things are cooling down for you as they are here.
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What is it about heat for some and yet it doesn’t bother others? The Hub tries to tell me I don’t drink enough water, yet I drink it all day! I guess I need to submerge in it. Stuck in a traffic jam without air conditioning sounds horrible! Ha, ha! I caught my neighbor’s disapproval, too! I’ve converted many a friend to the joys of skinny-dipping. I may yet convert her! 😀 More heat wave through tomorrow. Hope your book launch is hot, hot, hot!
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I survive in the rare HOT!! days in North Coastal California with a cooling scarf: a tight-woven piece with two layers that you soak and wring, then drape until the cooling power begins to diminish. When it does, you wave or snap it in the air to bring a fresh surge of moisture to the surface and reapply. At night, I drape it down the upper surface of (bare) skin in lieu of a sheet…
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Ah! I gave this a try tonight while I gardened and wrapped it around mt head! It was gooood! Thanks!
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How strange it is to hear about the heat when we’re having a cold snap! I can’t remember what it feels like to be too hot… though I think I prefer hot to cold. I know on hot days I would just duck my head under the tap to soak my hair and then leave it wet, allowing me an hour or so of cooling off until it dried.
Thank you for the explanation about firestorms! I wasn’t really sure what they were so that helped. Like Norah said, I wish some of our cold could be sent your way! We could even each other out.
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LOL…I prefer cold to hot…let’s swap! That’s a good idea, to soak my entire head instead of just splashing my face. I find that I can tolerate working at my desk better when I put my feet in a big bowl of cold water. Firestorms are extraordinary. If you ever want to read an amazing account of the brave man who discovered the technique of setting back fires to tame a firestorm, read “Young Men & Fire.” Okay, I’m sending extra heat your way…send some cold vibes!
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Sending you cold vibes now! FFvvvvvvvshew!
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Returning a heat wave in return~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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[…] In response to Charli’s Flash Fiction Prompt: “Man, it’s a hot one.” […]
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Here you go! This one was a blast!
http://www.redinkreview.blogspot.com
Stay cool!
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That was a hot flash for certain!
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I’ve done my flash fiction! Glad to be back in the game 🙂
https://versusblurb.wordpress.com/2015/07/02/in-response-to-charli_mills-flash-fiction-prompt-man-its-a-hot-one/
Getting the shakes already, and it was only eleven. Stupid, stupid to do this walk on so little breakfast. She slicked back her sweated-soaked fringe and muttered, “Man, it’s a hot one.”
Forests should feel cool, and if this was cool it must’ve been blistering down the coast. She spied a red post, her brain sluggishly switched gears…
“Halfway…”
A new sound caught her ears.
“The stream!”
Giving in, she dropped her backpack, stripped off her shoes and socks, and jumped feet-first into the water. The rest of the track could wait… she’d just float here for a bit…
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Glad to have your contribution this week! Hope the effort was warming. 😀 I love your flash and the self-preservation of the character to take a dip!
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Thanks for being so supportive Charli. Your prompts are the best!
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Thanks! 😀
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Feel sad for Carl. And in Mumbai after a sweltering summer we are blessed with showers and a salubrious weather. Thanks Charli for acquainting me with firestorm.
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Those rains must feel so good after the heat!
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I’m Running a Fever this month with my Camp NaNoWriMo project, but my flash fiction diversion is my draft of cold water after a writerly “running in the desert for hours” this morning. ( http://goo.gl/3DyzYm ).
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Ahh….what a serendipitous encounter with you this morning Pat. Felt like your post was just for me…another solitary runner on a track that stretches out, endless, before me. I took inspiration from your words. And that punch at the end of your post … another great analogy for a writer, slogging along, stumbling, sprawling all akimbo on the trail.
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Sad truth, though, that the runner may hope for rescue and sympathy from fellow campers, but the writer is more likely to encounter “I told you so” and condescending sideways looks at a stumble: “What did you expect? Thinking YOU could write a book…”
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Wishing you a fire of inspiration as you camp out on the NaNoWriMo word front. Glad this could be a cool water diversion! And thanks for the cool tip, too!
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Ah, but then the Rough Writers will gallop out to find the missing brethren and say, you can do it!
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Just love your vernacular in this one! In both your reflection and your post. And sad but disturbing to note how others in the country are now experiencing what we folks in Arizona take for granted come May/early June (at least we are prepared for it.) I want to believe in northern retreats! It sustains me as I lie stifled indoors till 6:00 pm or later in this, our Valley of the Sun, to know cool lands still float blue and dappled out there. Here in AZ we just passed the anniversary of the Yarnel forest fire in which 19 elite fire fighters, the Hotshots, lost their lives in a sudden firestorm when the wind shifted. As for the image of you naked in the spray of a garden hose, only a jerk would jeer. I would either cheer or join you, or both! Hope to get a flash in on this one. Had so many ideas for “dirt” and then the deadline passed. Must get a handle on how to balance my client’s work with my creative endeavors 😦 For now I will simply ask, “Hot enough for ya?”
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Keep believing in cool land north! At least I now have a cool spot to go and sit in the Moyie River and it is pure pleasure! That or a naked hose party in my garden…all who are willing are welcome! 🙂
19! I was thinking it was 14. HotShots are the best and that was so sad. I think Arizona (or maybe New Mexico) has an elite team of all-female Native American firefighters. Did you see the link Norah left in her comment further up about the invention of a fire protective rigging? Of course, the HotShots usually hike or parachute in so they depend on those individual tents, or setting backfires but I’m not sure how accepted that practice is. We westerners have a fascination and fear or wildland fires that are as much a part of our landscape as the beauty of wide open spaces.
I understand how tricky the client/creative balance can get. I’d like to think I’m getting better but…:-)
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http://ideasolsi65.blogspot.in/2015/07/fiery-hot.html
The pink hue of my cheeks heralded the mercury dipping and the salubrious
weather pregnant with foodie-adventure.
The holy month of Ramadan spills humanity on the roads to savour the
delicacies, pampering and salivating the taste buds. My eyes feasted
on the succulent pieces of meat kebabs imprisoned on the iron skewers,
dripping of fresh spicy yoghurt marinade, the fire from the charcoals
hissing, roasting a coat of crunchy layer.
Succumbing to the temptation, “Aminbhai, one plate kebab”. Digging
into the fiery hot piece, my tongue yearned for the coolness of Kulfi.
“Man, it’s a hot one”, me winking.
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Hot, indeed! Sultry, foodie-sensational hot! Love the way you mix the season, the holy month and the food vendor. What great mouth-watering details!
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Wonderful post Kalpana, the enticing, exotic way you associated food with heat, the description of humanity spilling onto the roads, the verbs you chose to convey a sense of the sensuousness of the experience (savor, pamper, salivate, feast, dripping, hissing, roasting). And then the contrast of that hint of coolness at the end. Perfect.
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That was one hot piece Charli. I loved the voices of the characters, and I wanted much more than just the 99 words allotted. You set the bar for FUN!
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Fingerprints Tell Stories Like the Rings of A Tree
Fingerprints tag each person as unique. Mine are similarly unique with a lesson seared into them…
Old enough to remember, but too young to remember why. In adulthood, I believe it’s a condition coined…”selective hearing.”
Childhood: ”I know you know, but how am I supposed to know what you know, unless I try for myself?”
Adulthood: ”I know you think that I should know, but we haven’t exactly talked about that before, so…”
The phrase: beg for forgiveness and not permission. Works now, but then…
“David, it’s a hot one.”
I still smell scorched flesh at a parent’s directives.
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Great interweaving of lessons to carry the story and the riveting final detail of the smell of consequences. Creative way to express the story!
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Thanks, Dave!
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Great post Charli.
I hope the heat breaks soon – but from what I understand – it’s still going to be a while yet. And so it is here much further east – we fall into true Summer weather – the heat – usually manageable – but throw in the humidity – and yuck!
Hard to bear – hard to manage – hard to suck it up and think back to when it was winter and too cold – and so it is we are never seemingly satisfied.
Interesting flash fiction post – too many suffer unfortunate consequences of battling the wild fires – because ultimately, fire is unpredictable. And so – for all who do – to serve and protect – they are the unsung heroes.
Great write and great prompt. 🙂
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I’ve found natural air conditioning not too far from here so I think I might yet survive! It’s so dry, but I am thankful not to have the extra burden of humidity! Yes, wildfires are so unpredictable and plenty deserve hero status for what they do! Thanks!
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Well … we’ll do the best we can – in terms of surviving the heat – so be well and safe and yeah, get out the hose and strip it off and play 😉
Who says childhood innocence should be curtailed in the name of health and welfare?! Honestly XD
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[…] response to Charli’s prompt where she […]
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[…] response to Charli over at the Carrot Ranch where she […]
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I feel for you with your heat wave. Europe is having one as well and I think although the temperatures are lower than what we experience here because they are so unusual they don’t have the means of protecting themselves from it unless they can find, as you have, a nice river to laze in. I hope it cools down for you soon. Fires are not a nice accompaniment. Imagine the temperatures the fire fighters would be struggling with. We used to burn in winter so that we would not have what our local neighbours called a “hot fire” Our cold fires felt pretty hot to us but I have never experienced one like you described.
Your flash was great but so sad. Interesting about the noise of the train.
Mine is http://irenewaters19.com/2015/07/05/99-word-flash-fiction-man-its-a-hot-one-2/
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I had to make a hurried trip back to Helena and as we crossed Montana, I learned that the heat wave is killing off our cool-water trout and that the osprey have had failed nests. The day I left a fire started 40 miles from our place. I’m feeling the pressure of heat from all sides.
I hope people in Europe can find cool respites, and have access to cool drinking water.
Great flash and I love the photo you paired with it. Humorous, yet a cautionary tale (or tail)!
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Sending hugs to you and Kate. That the heat is doing that is indeed a dire warning. Hope the fire near you is under control and hope you are travelling with many memory sticks. I hope you are holding up okay.
I’m no poet so I’m glad you enjoyed my effort this week. I didn’t know at the time it was going to fit your heat wave so well.
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Hi! In my contribution to this week’s challenge, the heat is on but it doesn’t have anything to do with the weather.
http://edandednastories.blogspot.com/2015/07/hot-stuff.html
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I watched a guy do this at a sushi bar once, with the pillow of wasabi… Really hot, as usual, Larry!
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Yikes! Ed is experiencing a firestorm!
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Yesterday, summer storms blew in and the temperatures dropped 20 degrees in a matter of hours. Much needed rain fell sporadically throughout the day. A wonderful reprieve from stifling warmth and dangerous forest fire conditions. Today, we are much the same. Allowing my mind to be directed away from the hot weather and the horrific results it can bestow on the world. I am moved to a place of cool thoughts and different outcomes. I hope you get some of our cooling weather in your part of the world, Charli.
It’s A Hot One
By Ann Edall-Robson
For days they had been listening to the rumbling from afar. Akin to cannon fire on battlefields. Interrupted only by loud moans and creaking.
They had been told before they left that it’s a hot one. Getting to the destination in time would be paramount in experiencing the phenomenon.
The thunderous sounds drew closer with every ventured mile. To miss it would be devastating. To get to close or in the way, could be fatal.
Under a blazing night sky of northern lights, they arrived. The shear rocks of the narrow fjord giving way to the massive calving glacier.
http://www.annedallrobson.com/99-words/its-a-hot-one
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Great play on the prompt, turning to a cool sight!
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http://geofflepard.com/2015/07/05/hotter-than-hades/ Ah well, you just have to sit it out, don’t you. Here’s my little piece and a memory from primary school about ‘a hot one’
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Not a bad place to sit it out, though I’m thinking you must have encountered some gorgeous dipping spots on your journey.
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Oh yes, you”d have loved it
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Hi!
This is my first attempt at 99 word flash fic, though I have read several submissions written by friends. I love the challenge of the limitations and the community found among the writers taking on the challenge! My first attempt can be found on my blog,
http://cjswriting.com/ – direct link to this post is http://cjswriting.com/2015/07/06/hot/
Hopefully I did it right. 🙂
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Welcome to Carrot Ranch! I’m glad you found this challenge through friends. It’s the friendly place here. I’ll get over to your flash soon. I’m in a travel transition at the moment.
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Isn’t it strange that it can be tolerable on the golf course, though, out in the sun exercising, then you walk into the A/C of the clubhouse, and it’s obvious how hot it was? Loved the “best game ever”!
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Excellent job CJ, I am so glad you joined the challenge this week.
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Thanks for wrangling in another hot writer, AJ! 😀
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[…] is this thinking that has led to me my flash response to the challenge set by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch this week to In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story […]
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Hi Charli,
Here is the link to my post and contribution for this week: http://wp.me/p3O5Jj-uG
However I am providing the text here as I have inserted it as a pdf on my blog.
Man, it’s hot!
Side by side in a field stood two men one day
Watching the antics of children at play
Seen from a distance they looked both the same
Silently watching, not joining the game
The sun warmed them gradually, ever so slow
The heat barely noticed till both had to go
“Man, it’s hot!” said the first as he left that day
The second said nothing, just melted away
Later the children came looking around
Nary a trace of the men could be found
With sadness they realised what they’d forgot:
That snowmen can’t last when the weather gets hot!
Thank you, Charli. I enjoyed this one. I’ve done my usual and been contrary though. 🙂
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I thought perhaps the men were a mirage on a hot day. I did not expect snowmen. Love the twist!
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Thank you! I always enjoy a twist at the end. 🙂
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I am in awe of anyone who can add ANOTHER limit to the flash-99 and produce poetry! It also reminds us that “it’s a hot one” may be relative…
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Thank you Pat. I appreciate your lovely comment; and yes, it is indeed relative. 🙂
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What a fun flash and noting the difference between the two men! Thanks for another educational post, too!
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Thanks for your kind words and encouragement, Charli.
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“Man, it’s a hot one,” the disc jockey howled, his chippy tone lost in the static. Clyde wiped at the sweat on his forehead and sneered.
Marla bit her lip. Clyde was not seventeen and he certainly wasn’t sweet.
The last report mentioned Marla by name. A hopeful sign, she guessed. She flinched as Clyde crunched the can then tossed it back into the dust cloud behind them. He motioned to the cooler. Marla tugged at her shorts, hoping her father was following the cans, but visualizing exactly how he’d taught her to jam a knee to the groin.
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You got the complete vignette into 99 words, Pete! And even if Marla misses, a knee to the bladder after all that beer…
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Great flash that feels like we get dropped into the fleeing car and the dangerous situation. This is a cool-headed, thinking girl!
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My flash:
Neighbors
“It’s a hot one today. Isn’t it, Carl?”
“Yea, Gus. My brain’s so fried, I can’t think.”
“Come on over for a cold one, neighbor.”
“Why don’t you come over here for a dip in the pool.”
“So you think you’re better than me, Carl? You and your pool. Turning your nose up at my beer. I think I’ll just stick to my side of the fence drinking my nice cold beer. Thank you very much.”
“I didn’t mean any disrespect, Gus. I’m not a beer drinker.”
“You think you’re better than me?”
“No, Gus. I’m a recovering alcoholic.”
I’ll post a link tomorrow.
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It seems the heat got to the neighbors, but in the end the root of the tension was revealed. Fine flash! Good to see you, Ula!
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Thanks, Charli. It’s nice to be here. I hope to participate regularly from now on. Here’s my link: http://wp.me/p1VeFf-rS
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Thanks, Ula! 🙂
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Hi Nan!
My first attempt at Flash slightly-not-Fiction about my move to Kansas.
“Man, it’s a hot one.” I state the obvious while contemplating the people born and raised in this hell. They dance and laugh and celebrate holy matrimony. How could they possibly live like this?
Fast forward 18 years. I live like this, albeit with some amendments: stay indoors, don’t walk on the grass, and hibernate away the stifling summer afternoons. This too shall pass.
And it does pass soon enough. Snow and ice now hang on for weeks. I yearn for the heat of the summer afternoon and dream of lazing on the sweltering deck. What was I thinking?
Renee
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Welcome to Carrot Ranch! I know you have been a dedicated reader, and I’m so delighted to see you get in the saddle and ride! This made my day (and you know what a sucky day it’s been). It made me laugh, too!
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Not sure if my stuff is making it or not but here is the link to my Flash Fiction “Man its a hot one”.
http://www.redinkreview.blogspot.com/2015/07/flash-fiction-man-its-hot-one.html
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Got it, Bill! Thanks for contributing to the Ranch! I’m out of town and my online time is spotty.
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[…] 1, 2015 prompt over at the Carrot Ranch Communications: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that includes the phrase, “Man, it’s a hot […]
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There are so many great stories!
It’s been a while, but here’s mine. 🙂
The Devil’s Contract
By AJ Prince
https://fictionandfood.wordpress.com/2015/07/07/man-its-a-hot-one/
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Yay! Good to see you ride in this week! And thanks for bringing a buddy!
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[…] This flash fiction is in response to Charli Mill’s Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Challenge. […]
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[…] cheating slightly by combining the photo/story challenge with Charli’s prompt for this weeks Flash Fiction […]
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In a crazy rush Charli, just getting this my post off now. Will return to comment properly. Sending love and hugs your way… ❤
http://sherrimatthewsblog.com/2015/07/07/five-photos-five-stories-challenge-day-one-hot-stuff/
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Thanks, Sherri! Good to see you back online and back in the saddle!
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Thanks Charli…great to be back *waving Stetson in the air* 😀
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[…] Flash Fiction: Carrot Ranch Communications: July 1, 2015 “Man, it’s a hot one.” […]
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Squeaking in my the skin of my teeth – what an odd expression!
Here is my post:
http://rebelleangel.com/2015/07/07/prompt-climate-changes/
She twisted and turned in her own skin, the heat and humidity considered a sin. Hell’s fires burning out of control, no relief in sight for days, as foretold.
Deliverance by rains – storms brewing on the horizon, welcomed relief, for this was a form of dying – pressures building in body’s barometer – “Man, it’s a hot one.”
“Climate change is false notion” sounded in her brain, fueling her pain, anger raging.
A sudden flash, a thunderous roar – the rains soaked down – the heat no more.
She ran outside – stripped and free – and danced wildly amid the wilderness – with welcomed glee.
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You know, that is an odd expression — skin of teeth! Might have to have a prompt of such oddities one time! Love the flash!
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Thanks! It *is* an odd expression. Prompts based on odd expressions -well that definitely would be interesting 😀
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[…] https://carrotranch.com/2015/07/02/july-1-flash-fiction-challenge/ […]
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*squeak*
https://julesinflashyfiction.wordpress.com/2015/07/07/a-river-of-tears/
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Ha, ha! Squeaking in works at the Ranch, especially when it’s the lead buckaroo!
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jeez this sun is tormenting all…my kid left for camping on sat and below is the story behind this heat 🙂
http://abracabadra.blogspot.com/2015/07/camping-under-blazing-sun.html
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Glad to have you back in the saddle, Ruchira! Hope your visit was pleasant! 🙂 The heat is blazing!
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Hi again Charli. I just wanted to add that I was very moved by your flash. I read it three times and each time the poignancy of it grabbed me harder. I do hope and pray that by the time you read this, the fires near you have abated. I didn’t know about that sound a firestorm makes. It reminded me of that movie – ‘Back Draft’ was it? – about firefighters? Such a dangerous job for them all. And scary as hell. So glad you have your river waiting for you… ❤
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