So I find myself in a bit of a bottleneck. The Rodeo is unfolding with a TUFF Free-Write contest, and that first bull is about to blast out the shoot in…24 hours and 32 minutes. I spent much of my day navigating not one but two school systems, and for an adjunct unfamiliar with any school systems, my brains are curdling.
It’s all good! After all, I counted 34 hibiscus buds on the northern-hardy geo-engineered plant out front, and that assures me winter is not yet here. Maple leaves might be flaring crimson in patches, but summer hangs on, and I still have time to figure this all out.
The biggest puzzle pieces fell into place with the Hub on Thursday and a follow up with his Vet Center therapist who might yet achieve Super Angel status. She took that puzzle piece and worked it some more. I wanted to write about it — about moral injury and how combat PTSD is a different beast than how it’s classified. We learned he suffers emotional flashbacks multiple times a day. It explains much of why he is stuck. I wanted to contrast the beast to hibiscus buds but time forces me to push through the bottleneck.
The point of a free-write is to learn to “let ‘er rip.” Sometimes, in business, you have to create copy or write an article on deadline. You don’t have the luxury of waiting until inspiration strikes. You have to go — write, write, write! The wisdom is to give yourself enough time to edit. The adage is a day or two. So after fast writing, let it sit for more than 24 hours and then edit. After you edit, then go back and proofread.
A 24-free-write is the closest approximation to that drafting without editing and the pressure to write without stopping. It can be unnerving. It’s your eight seconds on the bull. You aren’t meant to turn in a flawless piece. I’m looking for how creative you can write on the fly. How well can you craft under pressure? Can you let creativity take the reins and flow like champagne bubbles in your imagination?
That free-write is on my heels, already written and scheduled for 12:00 a.m. Saturday, September 1. I had hoped to get this post out earlier, to give you all a head’s up, but I got caught up in the details of a new class, brain matter, and stopped momentarily to consisider the meaning of hearty hibiscus. Yesterday’s trip requires pondering, and I’m leaving again in the morning to visit my son in Wisconsin.
But like a late summer flower in a place that knows winter all too well, he has some hope. Maybe this bottleneck, this juncture where too many things are trying to pass a narrow spot in time and place is the momentum we need. It might pop. It might fizzle. But it will move.
And if you miss the speed at which the free-write explodes out the chute, know that you’ll have four more chances. The next one will post September 7. Go for it!
August 30, 2018, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about a bottleneck. You can be literal or use the term to describe congestion. Go where the prompt leads.
Respond by September 4, 2018. Use the comment section below to share, read and be social. You may leave a link, pingback or story in the comments. Rules & Guidelines.
Idiots on the Road (from Miracle of Ducks) by Charli MIlls
Ike passed cars like a Hollywood speed-chase. Danni put her hand on his knee, “Slow down.”
“These idiots on the road are going to cause an accident.”
Danni kept her opinion that Ike was the one driving like an idiot. You’d think he was chasing down Al Qaeda in a Humvee the way he swerved around slower vehicles.
Stands of pines zipped past until traffic ahead came to a bottleneck at Culvers Point. Ike swore smooth as opera. Tourists stopped in the road to snap pictures of a mama moose. Danni reminded Ike, “Remember, we’re in Idaho, not Iraq.”
It’s all good Boss.
Every bottle of bubbly has to effervesce through the bottleneck to uncork. I’m waiting for life to pour me a fine glass one of these days. 🙂
It’s on its way!
Looking forward to it! 🍾
Lots to think about and work through, I feel the pulse of time in your post and in your flash. So much to do. Just do it, do it, do it, it seems to say. Now, now, now, faster, faster, faster. It’s time to breathe. Deep. Slow. Calm. Time with son will do that. Time away to allow for a new perspective to settle on the ever-changing vision. Take care. The bottleneck will find release and what will be will be. Enjoy!
Wise words, Norah. We seem to drive quickly to the bottleneck and have to show down any how. Taking time to just take time this weekend. On our way now!
I hope you have had a wonderful weekend. 🙂
I back with my story. I hope you enjoy it. https://wp.me/p3O5Jj-1cW
Lemons, Limes and Other Mysteries
She hit the brakes and thumped the steering wheel.
“Mummy swore.”
“Didn’t.”
“I heard.”
“Why we stopped, Mummy?”
“There’s a traffic jam.”
“Jam? I love stawbrey jam sammich.”
“Not that jam — must be a bottleneck up ahead.” Please be a merge, not an accident.
“We learned ‘bout bottlenecks today.”
“What?”
“Live in the ocean. Maminals, like us. Where’s bottleneck, Mummy?”
“Not bottleneck, Jamie, bottlenose.”
“You said bottleneck.”
“I meant — aargh!”
Finally, they were home.
“You look frazzled, hon.”
She rolled her eyes and took the beer.
“Why lemon is in your bottle neck?” asked Jamie.
“Because it’s not lime.”
I’m back. (I was stuck in my story. 🙂 )
Ha, ha! The pacing is perfect to match the carefree spirit of a young child and the limping gait of a frazzled mum. “Maminals” is one of my favorite words because my children misspoke that one, too. Such a dry-humor ending and a good call on stuffing a lemon in the bottleneck of a beer.
Thanks, Charli. I’m pleased you enjoyed the story. I had fun writing it. My spell checker had fun with some of my spellings in this one. I might go down a notch or two in Grammarly this week. 🙂
When I Googled the lemon and lime beer question, it seems the answer is almost one of those ‘just because’ responses. 🙂
[…] Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Challenge […]
thanks for the prompt Charli. Here is my take
https://syncwithdeep.wordpress.com/2018/08/31/bored-panda/
That’s a funny bottleneck where no answer is going to bode well. Good one, Deepa!
Thank u charli
And just to let you know, Deepa, I did get this flash in the form. Thank you for your patience with using it!
[…] Written for: https://carrotranch.com/2018/08/31/august-30-flash-fiction-challenge/ […]
Hello Charli, my thoughts this week
https://summerstommy.com/2018/08/31/august-30-flash-fiction-challenge-stuck/
Thanks for your thoughts, Michael!
[…] August 30: Flash Fiction Challenge […]
https://reinventionsreena.wordpress.com/2018/08/31/bottleneck/
Thanks, Reena!
“Idiots on the Road” is like a snippet from my life on the drive back from our last camping trip. It was bison though and not a moose. Anyway, nicely written and it gave me a chuckle. Thanks for sharing.
Ha! Yes, that scenario plays out often where narrow roads contain both campers and wildlife.
Bottleneck by Frank Hubeny
Some say your real brains are in your gut. Bill knew his wasn’t in his brain. Sharon doubted he had any in his gut either.
That’s when she got pregnant and started worrying.
That’s when they had to move to a smaller apartment.
That’s when it looked like he would lose his job.
That’s also when he didn’t lose his job, but got an indirect promotion.
That’s also when they realized they loved that new apartment.
That’s when he held her and told her he was glad she was pregnant.
That’s when she changed her mind about his brains.
Frank, this is lovely. So sweetly satisfying without being cloying.
Thank you! I was trying a “reverse” technique–going negative half way and then coming back up. I am glad it worked for you.
Frank, I enjoyed how you structured the story and showed the influence of circumstances on perspective.
Thank you, Charli!
What they said. It is very effective, great use of the 99 with the repetition and the reversal.
Thank you!
This is really nice – well thought out – fun to read.
I am glad you liked it!
I agree with the other comments. A fun read.
Thank you, Jules!
The gathering, the squeeze, and release…beautifully constructed!
Thank you, Liz!
What a great way to change the bottleneck of frustration and doubt into hope and joy.
Bottlenecking
I peer into the darkness.
Stella’s driving.
The fog’s thicker than shower steam.
“There’s the turnoff,” I point, bumping my digit against the windshield.
“I see it,” she snaps. “I’m not blind.”
“Sorry…” I apologize, shaking my bent finger.
“Did you hurt your pinkie?” she asks.
“No. Just nerves.”
The offramp quickly turns into a one-lane cow path.
“I can barely see,” she offers.
“It’s a good thing you’re driving,” I confess. “I can’t see squat.”
Suddenly, a tiny wooden bridge appears.
“THAT,” she says, “looks flimsy. I’m turning back.”
“Can’t. Bosses party.”
“And we’re…?”
“Yup. The only guests.”
http://www.engleson.ca
Turn back, Stella! I’m sure it’s going to end badly.
Bill, it reads like an unfolding horror story and when we realize the event, it’s even more horrific! Great mounting tension.
You will continue this for us, right?
Not to coin a phrase, it might turn out to be a flash in a pan piece…
Still can’t say that flash didn’t pan out.
You could always open your ending …to pass the buck if you’re not wanting to see where this goes. But yep… I’d turn back… Can’t they hear the ominous music playing or maybe the rain is drowning it out.
Wow! A tense tale that sounds like it’s about to take a turn for the worse.
Music pulsed, matching the thump of my heart in my ears as I leaned in and gave the wine bottle a carefully planned spin. Breath held. The circle tightened. Julie Jennings’ knee touched against mine, the bottleneck now a whir of fate.
Thump. Warmth hit my cheeks as the wand settled on Julia. A nervous laugh. What now? But with a giggle Julie nudged it two more places—miles it seemed!—to the metallic smile of Christina Cash. A small terror in my chest. A gust of strawberries. Julia shrugged, winked, then shoved me off towards her best friend.
Pete, such dizzying games of blooming adolescence. You write all the hope and discomfort into the scene as the bottle and the game spins.
What a dreadful use of a bottle. It yet may have been a vehicle of fate, pointing at a confident girl who is loyal to her friends.
Bit of humour from me Charli
https://pensitivity101.wordpress.com/2018/08/31/august-30-flash-fiction-challenge-stuck/
Not exactly an hour-glass figure.
‘You need to go on a diet.’
‘Don’t you start! How can I help it if there’s so much to choose from, I want to try it all?’
‘Somehow seeing you stuck like that is doing you no favours as regards your street cred.’
‘I’ll have you know this colour is very fetching! Brings out the natural blue of my eyes.’
‘At the moment they look a bit bloodshot. You’ve probably cut off your circulation, you’ve gotten so fat.’
‘ No need to be nasty. I’ll just make a wish!’
‘But that’s cheating!’
‘Ha! I’m a Genie darling! I’m allowed!’
Yay for the genie. Clever twist, I loved it!
Hello Anne. Thanks for your comment. I’m glad you liked it.
Ha!
Love the surprise ending!
Glad you did! 🙂
Ha, ha! Good use of an expanded hourglass figure! Your comedic timing comes through (easier than the genie’s hips).
haha. Thanks
Bwahahahaha! I love the twisted ending.
Glad you did! Thanks for commenting.
[…] prompt this […]
Here you are Charli!
https://butismileanyway.com/2018/08/31/august-23-flash-fiction-magic-2/
LOL! The bane of every writer!
Totally!!!
I recognize that vintage of bottleneck, Ritu!
It’s a good un… But you get an almighty hangover from it!
Hi Charli
wishing you a safe and sound journey to Badger Territory!
Saifun
Ah! Yes, it was Badger country, indeed. With the opening of school, they were swarming. 🙂 I love that part of Wisconsin. Thanks!
Glad you’ve found that angel for hubby, your fiction echoes his tragedy!
Thanks, Kate. I’m glad for her, too. She is Angel to many.
those guys need it …
Puzzle pieces fitting into place and hibiscus buds – there is no winter in sight on the Ranch, Charli. I cannot imagine having multiple flashbacks of a traumatic experience on a daily basis. I sure hope the Vets find some help for you hub. Happy Memorial Weekend – oh wait. It’s Labor Day, isn’t it? How did that happen so fast???
Here is this weeks offering:
Chester makes amends
Chester knew he had to dig himself out of a crater after he gave the wrong impression to his wife, Ruth.
He settled on his strategy and said, “I remember the exact moment I knew you was the one. And though it was magic, my decision to ask for your hand in marriage had nothin’ to do with a silly eight ball.”
“Oh?”
“Yes. I chose you in the fifth grade.”
“Really?”
“Remember the party at Rosie house? We gathered in a circle, and I spun first. When the bottleneck pointed in your direction, I knew you’d be mine.”
https://www.shallowreflections.com/chester-makes-amends-flashfiction/
Oh… I remember THAT game. Let’s give Chester some brownie points.
We can do that, Jules, but I’m not sure if Ruth will. 😉
So….what bomb created the crater? I need a prequel!
Have to read this one from the week before. 😉 https://www.shallowreflections.com/the-magic-of-decision-making-flashfiction/
Thanks, Molly. Combat PTSD is so complicated. The moral injury component and flashbacks without actually thinking of the events (just the emotion of them) make it hard to grasp what is happening. But the brain gets hijacked, for sure. Not our hibiscus, yet. No hijacking of late summer though I think we skipped a month.
As for Chester — amends or a deeper hole? 😀
Charli,
The amount you accomplish it seems to me you always have too much going on at the same time. I admire your ability to keep is all straight. Fantastic news that a big important puzzle piece has been identified for the hubs. May it soon lead away from the bottleneck and into a smooth peaceful road. I’m looking forward to the rodeo since this will be my first.
On to the prompt.
A Lesson in Trust
My grandson’s dentist appointment was after school which meant dealing with rush-hour traffic. While sitting on the overpass waiting for the light so I could turn onto the expressway ramp, I could look down to gauge the usual traffic bottleneck. Bad news. Traffic was completely stopped. I said, “We’re going for a little ride to avoid the expressway.”
“Ok.”
I wound my way around side streets going north and west.
I heard from the backseat, “I have no idea where we are!”
After two more turns he saw familiar buildings. “You weren’t lost after all Grandma? I was worried.”
I used to have to get lost to figure out where I was going…
I feel for this Grandma! As I am directionally challenged.
LOL! That was a fun ride.
Sue, you are going to ride just fine in your first rodeo! Somehow, I think it all comes together, or else falls apart. We pick up what we can and rebuild a new day. I think veteran families experience that a lot. And your flash also captures the trust we need to have to get through and yes, the youngun in the backseat got a lesson.
My grandson is my favorite buddy to drag places. He even likes quilt stores and shows.
What a great buddy to have! I’m sure he loves hanging out with you.
[…] August 30: Flash Fiction Challenge […]
[…] If you want to participate here’s the link: https://carrotranch.com/2018/08/31/august-30-flash-fiction-challenge/ […]
Yep, rubbernecking for no reason is one way to jam up an otherwise clear roadway.
I did read the other day about a food truck that got stuck in traffic and made a good business before the mass started to move again.
Thanks, Joelle!
Slow and Steady Kid
“Hey, Pal. Have a beer with me. Ever wonder why bottles is shaped the way they are, with the long neck?”
“Mebbe it’s so it’s easier ta pour. But we got no glass nor class, drinkin’ right outta the bottle.”
“If ya hang onta the bottle neck yer beer doesn’t git all warm.”
“Jist drink it down fast. Gimme anuther Kid.”
“I like coozies, ‘specially handy with so many switchin’ ta cans.”
“Don’t need a coozie, jist drink ‘em right down. ‘Nuther, Kid.”
“You prefer bottles, or cans, Pal? Pal?”
“Uh…”
“That was fast. Pal’s downed from downin’ beer.”
https://shiftnshake.wordpress.com/ranch-yarns/
That part about the beer getting warm makes sense.
There’s always a lesson with these two. We learn to read to read to learn.
That’s a pour way to find out one’s tolerances, ha, ha!
Wishing you safe passage through the bottleneck, Charli. You do manage to juggle an awful lot of balls! Having played with your TUFF challenge today, I feel I’m about to hit a bottleneck myself – or is it just a bottle?
My 99-word story is quite a sad one, albeit in solidarity with nations around the world where the police refuse to recognise that all lives matter. I wonder if you got to hear about Hillsborough, April 1989 in the USA?
And you’ve prompted me to blog about the publishing bottleneck – although I might have had more to say if I hadn’t succumbed to TUFF
Pushing through the publishing bottleneck: is there an ingredient X? https://annegoodwin.weebly.com/1/post/2018/09/pushing-through-the-publishing-bottleneck-is-there-an-ingredient-x.html
Another well done post and flash. Are things managed differently since that tragic event at the stadium?
Oh, yes, I should have mentioned that in my post. At the time, supporters stood in “pens” – standing had always been the way of it but they had introduced the barriers at the front to stop people running onto the pitch, as there had been an increase in unruly behaviour. After the incident, those barriers have been removed and seating introduced which puts a limit on the numbers of punters in the area. I think it was quite a cultural change for football supporters (of which I’m not one, but I do remember the atmosphere at the few matches I attended long before this debacle) but much safer.
So it was partly the environment, but serious mistakes were also made in the policing. However, the worst of it was the denial from the authorities and attempted cover-up, including the police altering their records.
I remember having to fight through crowds to get to nose-bleed seats.
I’ve stopped going to venues that have thousands of people trying to see a small patch of anything, sporting or otherwise.
Hubby volunteered as an EMT one year for a race sporting event where the whole middle of the field is more or less open to revelers. The biggest issue is heat exhaustion. But fisticuffs can also result in tragedy.
So sorry to hear about a tragic loss that still hasn’t been but right.
Thanks, Jules. Likewise huge crowds are not my thing. I think football has numbered seats now, so less of a fight. and not much chance of heat exhaustion over here!
Anne, I’m pleased you succumbed to the TUFF challenge and awakened a competitive drive. I tend to not be competitive but recognize moments when the drive to achieve takes over and gives me clarity at that moment. The publishing bottleneck is real, although different issues may stop the flow depending upon the type of publishing. I have heard about the tragic events at the Hillsborough, but not from the time of the event. We learn (or don’t) from such hard lessons. I’m not a big fan of sports (although I love rodeos, which tend to be small local events) and even for ones I enjoy, watching from the pub or living room is more fun.
Yup, now I’ve tuned in to the TUFF challenge, I’m gutted I won’t be able to make the next one!
[…] Carrot Ranch August 30, 2018, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about a bottleneck. You can be literal or use the term to describe congestion. Go where the prompt leads. Respond by September 4, 2018. […]
Busy with cat and bird sitting… and free-writing…
I’ll be back but for now …I’m clear for now –
(remember the icon doesn’t go to the post but the title is the link:
Bottlenecked
Sometimes I can’t breathe through my nose. I get air
in through my mouth. I wait for the over the counter
medicine to give me some relief. That’s what the
change in the weather does. I get stuffed, or a burning
drip. Neither one allows for present enjoyment, much
less the capability to even sleep.
I want a drill to unclog my sinuses. Or a plumber to
stop the constant running… He teases; Does your
nose run, do your feet smell then you’re built upside
down. There’s more to that with Longfellow and
Dickens… but I can’t think straight.
©JP/dh
‘S not funny, really.
D – being stopped up isn’t funny… but I found the missing piece to the rhyme – it was actually the lead in or maybe just a different verse altogether:
You’re a poet
but you don’t know it
but you’re feet show it
’cause they’re Longfellows
and they smell like the Dickens.
Cat-sitting! Me, too (so I’m glad you reminded me). My neighbor has not left her foursome of cats before. They are sweet, but one hides. Hmm, you have a bird in the midst? A clever take on the prompt although it might not feel clever with a stuffed nose. I get that, too.
Forgot how much fun this writing thing is!
—
Bottleneck Binkins came crunching across the gravel lot of the Red Rooster. “I know what I saw.”
I tried to explain. But Cookie, her sultry billboard eyes on the overpass, was distracting. It must’ve lured in every trucker and preacher from here to Tulsa.
Bottleneck reared back, bottle in hand (oh, so that’s why…), when the back door swung open.
Cookie, half dressed and screaming about some jerk getting touchy.
Bottleneck froze, then turned and lumbered off to find his next victim.
I rubbed my ear and smiled. Blew a kiss to the billboard and got in my rig.
Right? Sometimes double fun.
Pete! Never forget! It’s fun! Love this, “…lured in every trucker and preacher from here to Tulsa.”
[…] Written for the August 30th Flash Fiction Challenge […]
https://tnkerr.wordpress.com/2018/09/01/acrostic-bottleneck/
Something a little different.
Thanks all!
Acrostic Bottleneck
Beneath the quiet, dormant wheels
Of this sharp, sleek, motionless luxury automobile
The motorway lies still, inert and unmoving despite my serious objections. Roll up the windows then,
The heat is relentless and the malodourous exhaust fumes of a thousand cars
Lingers and mingles languidly with the
Ether that surrounds us.
Needless to say, we should take the next available
Exit, we should find a relaxing spot to picnic; or a back road we might use as an alternative – a means to
Circumnavigate this bottleneck, else we won’t be home before
Kwanzaa, and it’s not yet Guy Fawkes Night.
Nice use of an acrostic to give the reader a feeling of a bottleneck in the text. I like the phrase “serious objections” in the circumstances.
Thanks, Frank. I’m pleased that you liked it.
Thom, that’s a clever structure for your flash! It pushes the creative envelope but it’s the lyrical language that drives it all home.
Thank you, Charli – I’m truly enjoying the challenges that you, so kindly, provide us.
[…] week’s Carrot Ranch prompt […]
Thanks, Geoff!
[…] August 30: Flash Fiction Challenge […]
https://rantingalong.wordpress.com/2018/09/02/99-word-prompt-bottleneck-2/
Oh, boy. Some things you just can’t plan for.
I know. I think it’s part of Murphy’s Law.
A perfect storm and the bottleneck destroys his ambitions with ketchup. Good one, Vickie!
Thanks Charli! As soon as I saw the prompt I saw red.
[…] 30, 2018, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about a bottleneck. You can be literal or use the […]
You might like my tale, of how the bubbles first got into the bottle.
https://gordonlepard.wordpress.com/2018/09/02/the-miraculous-drink-of-the-dean-of-st-pauls/
Sounds like a tale to require some bubbly! Thanks, Gordon.
Hi Charli,
You and your team are great coaches! Thanks!
So: Jist practicin’ : Dialogues:
(not quite FF… yet….): Title — “Breakthrough”
“… to be or not to be …”
“Hey sis! What’s up?”
“Learning to write a story with dialogue.”
“That’s a monologue. Soliloquy, to be exact.”
“Yeah. But it’s a great story … Hamlet … greed, desire, murder, ghosts, revenge …”
“There is one problem. A huge bottleneck.”
“Yeah?”
“Li’l sis, greenhorn, you’re no Shakespeare! … And I’m outta here!”
Saifun
Every greenhorn decides to be or not to be! Great use of dialog, getting you warmed up for the Rodeo, Saifun.
[…] Written for the Carrot Ranch Literary Community Flash Fiction Prompt: “Bottleneck” […]
[…] Written for the August 30 Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Challenge. […]
Thanks, again, Charli!
Here’s a link to mine: http://saschadarlington.me/2018/09/02/you-made-your-bed/
It’s good fun to get to play with our art. Thanks for contributing, Sascha!
[…] August 30: Flash Fiction Challenge […]
I finally got a flash. This is rodeo themed.
Lil’ Ugly
When he drew a bull called Lil’ Ugly the other cowboys laughed.
Bow legged and barrel-chested with a bottle neck and a jug head, he endured a great deal of ribbing. He disappointed his tormentors by walking away. They could tell they angered him but could never get him to throw a punch. In addition to picking on his looks they questioned his manhood.
As he approached the chute the others joked, wondered who was going to be on top.
They didn’t wonder any longer than eight seconds.
They knew now what he did with his bottled up rage.
I did a better job of it here:
https://shiftnshake.wordpress.com/2018/09/02/lil-ugly/
Sharp rodeo writing, D.! You maneuvered this hard-luck character to show his stuff.
[…] Carrot Ranch August 30, 2018, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about a bottleneck. You can be literal or use the term to describe congestion. Go where the prompt leads. Respond by September 4, 2018. […]
Charli,
It is good to hear that your Angel is looking out for you. To finally know some answers is always a relief.
I came up with a second entry (remember the icon goes to a closed site) the title is the post link:
*Champagne Wishes and Caviar Dreams
Tammy wondered if it was always this hard to buy your
first home. You had to prove you were, have been and
would be employed – able to make mortgage payments.
What started out as a simple bottleneck situation turned
into a log jam. The red tape became like a thick hungry
boa constrictor wanting to squeeze the very life from her
with having to fill out form after form after form.
There would be a celebration eventually. Hopefully soon.
One where she’d invite her best friends to uncork a bottle
of champagne. When she finally held her home’s key.
©JP/dh
That describes a tight bottleneck but also determination to see a dream come to fruition. Good (second) one, Jules!
[…] https://carrotranch.com/2018/08/31/august-30-flash-fiction-challenge/ […]
[…] CarrotRanch 99 word challenge […]
Thanks, Patrick!
Wow! Thanks Charli for another inspiring prompt.
My contribution:
The Slide
She sees it. Poking out from under the sofa. She reaches down, closing her hand around the smooth green glass.
Just like Gramma’s! When she played the big guitar. Special for her.
“Honey, this is a bottleneck slide. It goes on my finger. Look!”
Then Gramma would smile, wink and whisper…
“This song is just for you.”
Pressing on the strings, she’d slide the glass. And sing. And fill them both up…
”If not for you…I’d be sad and blue if not for you…”
The little girl finds her there.
Holding the green slide. Tight.
“You found it!”
http://oneletterup.com/2018/09/02/flash-fiction-challenge-bottleneck
You certainly stepped into the inspiration on this one! Your flash is filled with promise that comes from the sharing of music and words.
[…] This week at the Carrot Ranch, Charli Mills challenged writers to In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about a bottleneck. You can be literal or use the term … […]
[…] August 30, 2018, prompt is to, “in 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about a bottleneck. You can be literal […]
[…] Ranch Literary Community Flash Fiction Challenge, hosted by Charli Mills. Charli’s prompt this week was:August 30, 2018, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about a […]
Here’s my entry for the week Charli: https://jagahdilmein.wordpress.com/2018/09/03/the-real-winner/
Thanks, Anurag!
It’s a classic car chase, like none I’ve seen before. And I can just picture it. What a rapid scene, Charli. Such wonderful turns of phrase.
Thanks, Kelvin. I appreciate your feedback!
[…] If you want to participate, here is the link: https://carrotranch.com/2018/08/31/august-30-flash-fiction-challenge/ […]
My entry for the week: https://memorycellar.wordpress.com/2018/09/03/jessie-99-words-flash-fiction/
Thanks, Kay!
[…] Carrot Ranch Prompt (08/302018): In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about a bottleneck. You can be literal or use the term to describe congestion. Go where the prompt leads. […]
So, I guess this means I’m an old fogey…Lol!
Quality Control
“There’s your bottleneck,” Justin nodded at the bleach-blonde woman at the end of the production line. A stack of TMPuregold Widgets sat to her left. Picking one, she held it up, squinting along its length, and nodded.
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Nothing wrong with being an old fogey, Liz!
[…] Carrot Ranch Literary Society Prompt […]
Backcountry Bottleneck
by Ann Edall-Robson
A body and soul drive along gravel roads riddled with potholes is nothing short of bliss. The gray matter lodged between the ears has no expectations other than to watch for what Mother Nature has to offer. There is no rush in this journey. It is a plethora of whoa, stop, back up moments soaking in the sights on a trek to an unknown destination. Traffic lights do not exist, and the only bottleneck to endure may be a herd of cattle coming at you on the road. There is nothing like the backcountry to rejuvenate the writing mind.
http://www.annedallrobson.com/99-words/backcountry-bottleneck
Sounds like a little bit of much-needed Heaven~~
<3
Every chance I get, Liz.
Amen!
Soothingly cool…
Worst bottleneck like that I ever saw was in Australia, with the dogs running over the sheep’ backs to get to the front and get them going. Way better to sit behind all that than to be in the Big Dig of BeanTown.
It would be neat to see the dogs working like that.
Ann, this is bliss: “The gray matter lodged between the ears has no expectations other than to watch for what Mother Nature has to offer.”
It most certainly is, Charli.
Great story! Reminds me of riding across Canada.
Here’s mine, just under the wire, I think:
One Night, Both Ends of Life
By Paula Moyer
6:30: the call. Finally, that night.
“Today’s the day.” Her nephew Max, about his father, Jean’s brother.
“Did he die?”
“Yes.” The wait/weight – done. Alcoholic organ failure – complete.
7:30 p.m.: the text. “My water broke.” A very pregnant woman’s message to Jean, her doula. “But nothing’s happening.” Jean gassed up anyway.
9:30: the call. The husband. “It’s time.”
Jean battled State Fair traffic, road work, bridge closures.
10:10: Raced into the birth center. “Waaa.” On the floor: Chux pads, blood everywhere. On the bed: parents and one angry baby.
11:30: the drive home, joy and grief wedged in together.
https://paulajmoyerwrites.wordpress.com/2018/09/04/one-night-both-ends-of-life/
Joy and grief- often in the same bottle, coming and going.
What a bottleneck, Paula. Deeply captured in the structure of writing, too. <3
here’s my rather ordinary one 🙂
https://arousedblog.wordpress.com/2018/09/05/commuting
Extraordinary writing arises from the ordinary, Kate.
thanks so much Charli … really appreciate your comment!
Extra ordinary for the relatabilty of it. That was the worst bottleneck of all the one that stood between sushi, comfort… home.
lol nice one … had to inject a bit of normality, thanks for your comment 🙂
[…] Carrot Ranch: August 30, 2018, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about a bottleneck. You can be literal or use the term to describe congestion. Go where the prompt leads. […]
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