Pasty Fest holds all the old world charm: Finnish dancers in traditional dress, street-side vendors in the shadow of copper-mining era buildings, and — of course — pasties. Hearty dough enfolds savory meats and vegetables, and old-world debates rage across the Keweenaw to declare who first brought pasties to the region.
Pronounced pass-tee (like from the past, not pastey glue), the etymology is British. Tradition holds that Cornish miners from England introduced expertise, technology, and pasties to the Keweenaw when copper mining began during the 1840s. However, a contender for origination comes from Finland. During ethnic events like Pasty Fest, the Finns of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan declare the food a Finnish specialty.
The dispute doesn’t end with who brought pasties from the old world to the new.
Another debate contends which filling is best — sliced or diced. Those in the veggies-must-be-diced corner claim the “grandma says” rule of filling pasties. Families heatedly argue the issue, though, when one grandmother dices and the other slices. Knife skills aside, modern observation notes that pasties made with sliced ingredients stay hotter for a longer period. Amy J’s Pasties in Hancock (world headquarters to Carrot Ranch) slices. Roy’s Bakery across the Keweenaw waterway, dices. I have taken both to the beach to hunt rocks on Lake Superior, and I can tell you that Amy J’s pasties stay hotter much longer.
What does this tell us? The Cornish miners probably understood that slicing created thermal layers.
The next argument has led to Copper Country divorces and involves veg. To carrot or not to carrot? Well, you can guess my opinion on that subject. Fortunately, the Hub agrees (no divorce lawyers needed). We like carrots in our pasties. The other questionable veg is parsnip. It’s a root vegetable similar to carrots, and likely has old-world connections to Finland. Amy J’s adds both carrots and parsnips to their pasties, and Roy’s omits parsnips. Some add gravy to the filling, other ketchup. I like my veg naked and in harmony with the meat.
Shape creates more consternation. The final shape of a pasty that is. Suomi’s, a local diner that serves pannukakku and remains a place where you can still hear the Finnish accent, mounds their pasties into softballs. Amy J’s conforms to a more traditional (Cornish) half-moon pie. Roy’s fills a pastie that is in between the two shapes. And some, frankly, have no shape at all. If pasty-makers were to be on the Great British Bakeoff, the judges would question the efficiency and aesthetic of their shapes. Does the dough hold the liquid of the filling? Is it appealing?
A more current debate has less to do with pasties and more with land, as in, who claims the Keweenaw. Yes, Canada, sometimes we wish it was you. I’m fond of describing my home as “that thumb of land that juts into the belly of Lake Superior.” It’s part of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, an unwanted mass of land that came with the old world land deals. No one wanted the remote region, but after the Toledo War of 1835, Michigan and Ohio fought over “downstate land” because of erroneous geographical maps from 1787. In the end, Michigan was given the Upper Peninsula. Better historians than me can understand the land dispute, but I get that the Keweenaw was a consolation prize that paid dividends to Michigan when geologists discovered copper.
But Wisconsin is the state to cry sour grapes. Even today, the UP is referred to as “that land Michigan stole” from the neighboring cheese state. It would make more sense for the UP to be Upper Wisconsin (or Lower Canada). Water does not divide us like it does from downstate Michigan. To go to our state capital (and all major cities), we have to cross the Mighty Mac. Recently, a Mountain Dew marketing campaign mislabeled the UP of MI as the UP of WI. The cheese-heads laughed, and Mountain Dew had to apologize. Everyone in the UP got free sodas.
Despite our old world squabbles, we get along well in the UP. We gather for Pasty Fest in Calumet to celebrate tradition as we each best experience it. The city that once boasted a population over 30,000 is now a National Historic Park with 727 remaining residents. The streets feel wide, and the buildings loom tall because it was once a booming epicenter of copper mining full of migrant workers and millionaires. The oldest cobblestone street in Michigan is open to vehicles, though it’s advisable to avoid the jarring drive, especially if you are eating a pasty.
The first Pasty Fest I attended was in 2017. The Hub and I finally limped to our destination the night before. Although we had arrived, I felt defeated. My daughter and her troupe were dancing at the community celebration, and on our way to the performance, I saw the Vet Center Mobile. It’s a mobile unit dispatched to meet veterans in need where they are at. I bum-rushed the staff, pleading our case — my husband needed help, we were homeless, and I was desperate. No pasty could soothe me that day. I didn’t even eat one.
Two years later and I attended Pasty Fest as a guest author in the local author’s booth. I hawked 99-word stories, handed out Carrot Ranch bookmarks, and sold anthologies. I earned enough to eat pasties and drink a thimbleberry margarita. What a difference two years, a ton of advocacy for the Hub, and hard work make. I feel as much a part of this community as I have ever felt anywhere. It’s welcoming, vibrant, and full of history. The Keweenaw has old world charm, and I’m smitten no matter who invented pasties, sliced or diced.
This week, my coursework includes discussion of genre — what it is and how it informs our writing. Even the experts struggle to define genre beyond the obvious ones of romance and cozy mystery. Marketers stretch genre to use them as labels to sell books to audiences defined by reading preferences. Ursula K. Le Guin protested the value judgment critics past on genre writers as if such writing was of lesser quality than literary fiction. Authors often have no idea what genre they are writing. If you want to add your thoughts, give this article a read (keep in mind that it was written in 2011, but it remains relevant).
August 22, 2019, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about old world charm. It can be nostalgic or irreverent. You can invent an “old world,” return to migrant roots or recall ancient times. Go where the prompt leads you!
Respond by August 27, 2019. Use the comment section below to share, read, and be social. You may leave a link, pingback, or story in the comments. If you want to be published in the weekly collection, please use the form. Rules & Guidelines.
Suomi Dancing by Charli Mills
A blonde quartet of girls dressed in blue dances. They twirl, holding hands. Singing, they remake the lyrics of Finland’s midsummer. No longer homeland, home is here, Finlandia, USA. With old world charm, they brighten the backyard of a house owned by the Calumet Mining Company. New life for Finns.
Aunt Jo kneads the dough until it stretches smooth. She slices parsnips and carrots thin the way her neighbor instructed. “Thin layers keep ‘em hot longer in the mines,” she told Jo.
Jo smiles at the children Suomi dancing under maples trees. “Supper,” she calls. “Time for pasties, hey!”
I occasionally make pasties. When i do I make enough to last several days. I tend to use steak, onion, carrot, peas, potatoes, seasonings like salt and pepper, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce, in the filling.
Peas and Worcestershire sauce are great additions and are lacking in the Keweenaw. I know families that do a huge pasty-making day so everyone can take home a bunch and freeze them. I’ve not yet tried my hand at making them. Do you slice or dice?
I tend to dice the vegetables.
Good to know! I would dice. I don’t have either the patience or skill for thinly slicing vegetables.
My husband sampled the pasties (meatpies) at every single shop that offered them as we traversed the North and South islands. Such a beautiful place, yet he most recalls that culinary adventure and his quest for the best.
Which North and South Islands?
New Zealand, 1991. It was the year of the great meatpie shortages there, due to the hubs feeding frenzy. So we then hightailed it to New South Wales.
I wondered if it was New Zealand. They are what we mostly refer to as the North and South Islands. I wish I’d known you when you visited our shores. 🙂
A Cusinart, mandoline, or other food slicer can make life much easier. I’m all about easier & highly recommend, cuz life is short!
I’ve been thinking about learning to play the mandoline with my veg.
Can you hear Rod Stewart singing “Mandoline Wind”?
Yum! They sound delicious! Home-made pasties.
this seems like a tough prompt, but I think I’ll give it a shot at some point over the next few days. thanks for the challenge!
I had the advantage of attending a festival that made me think of old world charm, Jim. Go where the prompt leads you.
knowing that it’s limited to 99 words makes it seem a bit easier!
That’s good to hear — you are taking to the pattern and using 99 words to manage a tough prompt.
Pasties sound delicious. Something I’ve never made before but you know me, always trying new recipes. I’m glad that you feel totally at home in The Keweenaw. This weeks flash is going to be challenging 🙂
I know that you would try, Susan and make something delicious! Another traditional food that pops up around the Keweenaw and is said to be from Canada is poutine. That I love! Cheese curds, french fries, and gravy, oh, my!
Everyone seems to like poutine. Not me though as I don’t really care for gravy. But I will take the curds and fries 🙂
Ha! You know, that makes me wonder if those in the UP who like the gravy on their pasties were influenced by the French. So fun to consider all the possible influences back and forth, including personal preferences. My daughter and I split an order of poutine at the Fitz once a summer. But I’ll eat curds any day!
What are these curds that are so delicious? I think of curds as cottage cheese.
Similar, Norah! Cheese curds, otherwise known as squeaky cheese, is a fresh byproduct of the cheese-making process. Here’s a tasty link: http://www.wisconsincheesetalk.com/2015/07/09/10-things-didnt-know-cheese-curds/
Poutine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auUiA7755Mo
There used to be a place that offered pasties with or without rutabagas, as well:)
Oh, yes, Becky! I forgot about the rutabagas! My two favorite pasty-makers do not include them but I’ve heard native Yoopers mention that they are a must-have. I started adding rutabagas to stews after moving up here because there are yet farms that grow them.
High Tea
The room was lit with yellow light from tired bulbs, heavy brocade curtains hung at the windows and doors.
A fire burned merrily in the hearth, the smell of fresh bread and home made jam wafting across the room to tease my nostrils and make my mouth water.
Tea and scones sat on a table with a heavy cloth topped with a circlet of hand woven lace.
Cakes on a three tier stand stood centre stage, thick cream in a jug alongside.
Tea was always a nostalgic trip going back 50 years when my great aunt and uncle were newlyweds.
Just as I was worrying the prompt might be too tough, Di breaks through and delivers High Tea! I love your description and how it carries us along with you to the memory of relatives long ago.
Thanks Charli.
I remember the room and curtains, but as to the High Tea, I don’t know as they were both in their 80s when I visited with my grandfather. They both thought I was my Mum (I was 14).
I used to visit my grandfather’s aunt and uncle (my great-grands) and I remember how museum-like their house was. But they always recognized me as “Little Charli.”
Di, I’m trying to diet here and I think I just gained ten pounds from your flash 🙂
Me too Susan. Tea cakes in those days were only small! It was the butter, jam and cream that did the damage!
Your description of scones and fresh bread is mouth-watering..also a tinge of sadness in the words, ‘tired bulbs’. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you.
I went to a specialty shop with a friend a few years back to have ‘High Tea’ and it was just as you described!
Oh wow. How lovely! Bet the scones were light and buttery!
I’ve just had breakfast, and now I’m hungry again!
Ha! Sorry (sort of !!!) 🙂
I love high tea. I had one a couple of months ago with a special friend. It is so decadently delicious, but so old worldly too. Well done. You’ve got my mouth watering.
I’m pleased Nora
Not really fiction but …
http://susansplace.blog/2019/08/22/recipes-passed-down/
Susan, I think the recipes that get passed down to us are a treasure. I have several from my great-grandmother.
I have a recipe book that contain many recipes that I’ve come up with and others, and in the front of it I’ve asked for it to be passed down. They truly are treasures.
A recipe book like that is a living legacy.
My brother put together a book of my mum’s recipes and gave us all a copy. It is a treasure.
How nice!
What a nice gift!
[…] is written for a flash fiction challenge over at Carrot Ranch. In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about old-world charm. It can be nostalgic or […]
Let me think about this one, Charli! I’ll be back.
I look forward to where this one takes you, Miriam.
I’m still thinking. Charli!
It’ll come to you!
[…] This week’s Flash Fiction Challenge comes from Carrot Ranch. […]
https://readandwritehere.wordpress.com/2019/08/22/august-22-2019-flash-fiction-challenge/
Thanks, Leanne!
This festival looks to be as colourful as it is fun.
Thanks Norah! I used free images so they don’t convey how exciting and action-packed that these performances really are. If you get a chance, I recommend Shen Yun. They will leave you in awe 🙂
Thanks, Leanne. I’ll keep that in mind if it comes near here.
Wow you got that one in early! Sounds like a tasty though sometimes testy pasty fest. Hmmm.
Ha! I think I might be getting posts early. Thursdays are also the day my initial discussion modules are due for both of my courses. Pasties can lead to heated discussions, even at the festival.
I was a little confused about which day it was too. But then, that’s not always unusual. 😂
A buckaroo is on time for once and confuses everybody! 😀
It does us good to be confused sometimes. 🙂
My in-laws make pastey. I tasted it once. Pot pie by any other name….
Hmmm. I would have thought it would be a bit harder to hold a pot pie in one hand and dig with the other when you’re down a copper mine 😉
You haven’t seen my cooking. 😀
🙂
Aw, Doug, I think the miners got to take a lunch break. Legend says, they left a few crumbs on the floor as offering to the Tommy Knockers.
Ha! Yes, like a pot pie, Joelle!
[…] If you want to participate, here’s the link: CARROT RANCH […]
I had a lot of fun with this. 2020 is the past and I’m talking to my granddaughter (and trying to talk to my great granddaughter) in the future.
https://rantingalong.blog/2019/08/22/99-word-prompt-old-world/
I was happy to see you went sci-fi on this prompt, Joelle. I was wondering if anyone would take the theme to space. And it reminded me of texting with young people!
I liked Joelle’s FF and also Joanna’s FF — both helped me to think thru my own FF about Old Earth: art by an artist-astranaut
An artist-astronaut — that makes me think of the artists who explored the west.
I liked your FF and it helped me to think thru my own FF about Old Earth. Thanks.
LOL! I guess I’m receiving and F on this one. 🙂
What a delightful and history-slice-filled prompt. We have something similar here in my home State here in Australia. No Finns that I know of but more descendants of Cornish copper miners and Cornish pastie aficionados than you shake a flour bag at. https://kernewek.org/
The Cornish left their mark across the world and left pasties in their wake. Thanks for joining us, Doug!
Reminds me of the song “Cousin Jack” which my friends in an Irish Band sing. 🙂
A Challenging prompt…will ponder upon and revert shortly 🙂
Been a while since I made a pasty. Your blog makes me wanna go and bake it. Although me being a vegetarian I usually stuff it with some peas, boiled potatoes and crushed mint and green chillies 🙂
That sounds delightful, Ruchira — I love the addition of crushed mint and chilies! We have vegetarian options in the UP, too but only Roy’s adds different ingredients.
Here’s my contribution. https://sixcrookedhighwaysblog.wordpress.com/2019/08/23/old-world-charm/
Thanks, Doug! And the Cornish Festival in your home state looks like a fun one to attend.
That’s my old world you’re talking about. 🙂
Small world!
😂🤣
[…] is where the August 22, 2019 Carrot Ranch prompt led me. I can’t remember if I published the first segment at the virtual campfire or if I […]
Here Lies
Hope felt pride and belonging here, enjoyed seeing her last name on the neatly arranged stones, many flagged, indicating service as far back as the Revolution.
“Mom?”
Hope’s mom stood at the edge of the woods, still and silent. Hope went down the slope and joined her.
“Mom?”
Her eyes glistened. She placed one of her earrings on the tiny stone before walking with Hope toward the road.
“Who was she?”
“I don’t know Hope. Just a gypsy baby, abandoned they say, over a hundred years ago.”
Winding back through the family plots, Hope’s pride clouded over with questions.
*****
“A gypsy baby? I didn’t know we had gypsies in Vermont. I thought gypsies were from long ago and far away, like Italy, or Romania, somewhere like that. Why is there a gypsy baby in our cemetery?”
Her mom stopped and turned, silently stared back down the slope at the isolated marker. Her long black hair veiled her face.
“Mom?”
“Yes, Hope, ‘gypsy’ does sound Old World; European; maybe sounds more charming than other words they might have used for impoverished dark skinned people wandering homeless in their own homelands.” She sniffed. “Christianity’s an Old World idea too.”
Well done, D. I wondered when and how this one would bubble up in Hope’s story. I have a better understanding of her mother’s wandering inclination — the marginalized often have trouble settling. It contrasts with Hope’s roots that are strong through her father’s European dependency. I think there is much to yet evolve from these characters. Second WIP?
WIP? Oh…
Someday Boss. Prompt to prompt for now.
Prompt to prompt, scene to scene…gateways to collections and chapters.
Hope stood with her mother, looked down the slope at the little grave by itself just beyond the boundary of the old cemetery.
“It’s like she’s on the outside looking in.”
“Yes, it’s like that.” She spoke softly. “The story is, she was found around here and one man wanted to give her a decent burial but the others wouldn’t allow a heathen, a gypsy, amongst their own.”
“I still can’t imagine gypsies around here.”
“Can you imagine Abenaki families? Selling handcrafts, baskets and brooms?”
“Indians? That seems long ago and far away too, Mom.”
“Not so far, Hope.”
“It’s like she’s on the outside looking in.”
To those still looking in, it’s not long ago or far away.
Really beautifully done. Full of Hope, promise, and depth.
Gulp. Thanks. (Sure wish I knew what the story is though; oh well, some day)
Sometimes the muse whispers in our ear–just a few sentences–and we mumble “Huh?” and start to type anyhow…” Winter is coming, the story can be rekindled with what you have here. <3
That was so beautiful and touching. I just came to know a couple of months ago that Gypsies had originally migrated to Europe from the Indian region/State of Punjab(a region where I have my roots too, incidentally). When they first saw those dark-skinned people, Europeans thought they were from Egypt, and that was the genesis for the term Gypsy.
That’s an interesting piece of information. Thank you.
Information? Speculation. At the time this baby was abandoned (not sure if as an infant or a corpse) was a time when native americans survived physically and culturally by hiding in plain sight and traveling about as peddlers, so I had to wonder if the term gypsy was a convenience or misnomer for another marginalized group.
Is fictional Hope’s fictional mother of native american descent? Perhaps.
Anurag, I had not realized that the Roma came out of Punjab and that the misnomer of gypsy came as a derivation of Egyptian. They have wandered for so long and suffered as “other” among many nations. In the US, native tribes hid in plain sight as D. relates in her comment. They took on the role of gypsy because that was somehow more acceptable. History is painfully skin-deep with its cruelty to dehumanize those on the outside looking in. The marginalized need to be welcomed home.
Beautifully crafted and deftly finished. Love it.
[…] This is in response to this week’s Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Challenge. […]
Please find my response here:
https://call2read.wordpress.com/2019/08/23/carrot-ranch-challenge-melanie/
Thanks, nightlake!
<3 , but crying.
[…] This was written with the prompt Old World provided by Carrot Ranch’s August 22 Flash Fiction Challenge. […]
Here’s mine: https://jedigirlblog.wordpress.com/2019/08/23/the-new-world-flash-fiction/
I liked your FF and it helped me to think thru my own FF about Old Earth. Thanks!
Thanks, Joanne!
A solemn moment of Thanksgiving and remembrance.
So sad. Will we never learn?
[…] Carrot Ranch Prompt this […]
The Finnish pasteys are yummy! My Sis in law’s mum makes and sends them!
https://butismileanyway.com/2019/08/23/august-22-flash-fiction-challenge-olde-worlde-new-light/
Ritu, have you had pasties from Finland? There are those here who are skeptical that the Finns ever made pasties back in the homeland! And does your sis’s family slice or dice? You may help resolve a cultural debate! 😀
They make many different things. I shall research further and let you know!!!
Maybe say you need to find out by tasting more! I’ll taste some here and see if I can get a Finn to tell me old world stories.
[…] Carrot Ranch August 22, 2019, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about old world charm. It can be nostalgic or irreverent. You can invent an “old world,” return to migrant roots or recall ancient times. Go where the prompt leads you! Respond by August 27, 2019. […]
Charli,
Your pasties sound similar to Italian Calzones! Here’s my blending of my two Italian Grandma’s and their blessed memory! I’ve got a link to what the candies are made of and a photo at my site.
La Florentine Torrone
Nonna always has old world treats in her pockets those special nugget candies that have nuts, and come individually wrapped in their own boxes. So when the children visit they all run to her.
Nonna used cook, back in the day when standing in the hot kitchen over her famous red sauces and homemade pastas could be found for supper any day of the week.
The other adults debate on whether she knows too much or doesn’t grasp the modern world enough. I think that my Nona, she’s just fine the way she is. I am her secret supplier.
©JP/dh
Awww, so cute. Now I have a craving for Nonna’s pasta 🙂
Jules, on the outside, pasties and calzones are alike. On the inside…one is pizza, the other stew! There’s a restaurant across the canal in Houghton that was once an Italian confectionary. Like pasties, we have remnants of Italian food and treats in the Keweenaw, too. I like that you blended the memory of two grandmothers into your flash.
Gesture
Hopped the Number 3 bus one lonely summer Sunday recently.
At loose ends.
Feeling sorry for myself.
I get that way.
So, I’m sitting there when this young girl boards.
Pregnant, but oh so young.
The bus is full.
Loads of Sunday shoppers: a mob of middle-aged lavender matrons, crinkly codgers, me!
She looked like she was about to pop.
Christ, I thought, I’ll never get to where I’m going.
Wherever that is.
Then this ancient dude, foreign looking, old school-like, smiles at her, gets up, offers her his seat.
You just don’t see classy moves like that anymore!
http://www.engleson.ca
There’s something to be said for old-school 🙂
Love this one. That’s what we were taught to do. We don’t see it often enough any more.
Bill, you write these incredible links of imagery and build a strong story. Love the image your writing conjures.
Thanks, Charli. I probably don’t say it often enough but the pleasure of being included in your community of writers has been so rewarding. I measure my time and frequently have some to spare. Others are not so fortunate. Consequently I am incredibly impressed by how you immerse yourself in projects and navigate your complex demanding life. I am a slug by comparison.
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord Blog Magazine and commented:
Time to refine your stories into 99 words no more no less for this week’s Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction..And a chance to read a delightful post on the various versions and the properties of the pasty.. Having eaten homemade and authentic Cornish Pasties in the county itself, It is a hearty dish that is a family favourite.. so head over and enjoy and find out what this week’s prompt is..
Thanks, Sally!
[…] to 99 words – no more, no less. This week’s challenge is to write with the prompt of “Old World Charm.”This tale has also been shared on Friday Flash Fiction where you can read more short-short […]
Thanks, Donna!
[…] Written for: https://carrotranch.com/2019/08/22/august-22-flash-fiction-challenge/ […]
You made me chuckle with this one!
https://summerstommy.com/2019/08/24/august-22-flash-fiction-challenge-the-old-man/
Thanks, Michael!
[…] was written for the August 22 Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Challenge, old […]
Woohoo, the Toledo War got a shoutout! It’s not a well-known bit of American history, so I’m super excited to see it! I also think I’ve never had a pasty, and probably won’t given that I no longer eat meat beyond fish. 🙁
Anyway, I wrote something, but I’m not 100% sure I got the ‘charm’ part of it right! Still, I gave it a whirl, and we’ll see!
https://hrrgorman.wordpress.com/2019/08/24/trip-to-the-new-world/
***Trip to the New World***
The old world had been good, but not perfect.
What would this new one hold? She’d never been told exactly what this place would be like, and all the souls held in the bow of this ship were similarly confused – if they even spoke the same language.
Which, much to the sailors’ consternation, most of them didn’t.
She couldn’t understand the sailors’ tongues, but she did understand their sticks, whips, and clubs. She understood angry glares, uncaring tones, and raised hackles. She understood the chains around her wrists and ankles.
And she could guess their destination wouldn’t be fun.
Cheers to the Toledo War, H.R.R.! Obscure but with lasting impact. Ohio got Toledo, but Michigan reaped the copper (and Wisconsin won the region from Mountain Dew). Ah, American history. And if you ever get up to pasty-land, we have you covered — vegetarian pasties are a thing. Or might I interest you in some whitefish?
Your flash pokes a stick at the painful history of a nation that spoke eloquently for freedom but expanded through the dehumanizing of others.
Whitefish would be great! I plan on going to Midland sometime in November, so maybe I’ll catch a ferry to the UP and enjoy some pasties.
[…] week on the Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Challenge by Charli Mills the prompt was ‘Old World Charm’ or words to that effect.. in 99 words no more no […]
Thanks, Sally!
A Call Fer Art
“Pal, where yer folks hail from?”
“Hail if I know, Kid. I jist got made up right here at this ranch.”
“But the real folks that come through here, they’s from all over the world!”
“Thet’s right, Kid.”
“I been thinkin’ on Pepe Le’Gume’s idea fer a Buckaroo Nation totem pole. It’s a great idea, if’n we had artists ta make it take shape. A carvin’ ta honor all a us.”
“Reckon the first thing would be ta have folks jist tell what symbolizes their home place.”
“Prob’ly a beaver fer our Vermonter.”
“Thet’s one critter. Speak up, ya’ll.”
Don’t just like; leave your totem.
I’m in with Castor canadensis; I speak for Norah when I suggest also a koala. What else?A carrot, of course.
Maybe a submarine? Or a redwood tree?
Maybe a maple leaf. That would cover Canada and New England Maple syrup.
I’m happy with a koala, though my nickname when younger was ‘possum’. 🙂
A wild mustang, of course! Perhaps with a carrot in mouth. Hail of an idea straight from Vermont! Oh — maybe a strawberry for Pepe (more distinguishable than a bean.
I don’t mind an occasional pastie, Charli. I think most of the ones I’ve tried have had diced vegetables. Perhaps keeping them hot isn’t such an issue here. 🙂
I enjoyed reading your post and the discussions about who makes the best pasties and how. Your flash takes up the story quite nicely to round out the post.
I’m pleased you have found yourself at home in the Keweenaw and that things seem to be working out for both you and the Hub. Is it really two years? It’s a good thing times change.
I found the article about literary and genre writing interesting. I guess the new growth in genres is true. I don’t remember many from when I was a child. When we put away our ‘childish’ books, we went straight to adult literature. My dad used to read Westerns and an occasional mystery, but I don’t remember many other defining genres.
I look forward to hearing more about your progress through your course.
Hi Charli,
I’m back with my contribution: So Last Century
So Last Century
“What did you play on the iPad when you were little, Grandma?”
“There weren’t any iPads when I was little.”
“What?”
“We didn’t even have computers.”
“What? How did you watch movies? On your phone?”
Grandma laughed. “No, we couldn’t watch movies on our phones. They didn’t have screens. And we couldn’t carry them in our pockets either. We went to the cinema to watch movies. When I was really little, we didn’t even have television.”
“Wow! What did you do then?”
“Lots — played games, read books, made our own fun.”
“Can we play a game?”
“Of course, love.”
Norah, I wonder if it’s easier to dice vegetables in a commercial kitchen? Perhaps dicing is a modernization. I still hold onto the idea that slicing was the best way to retain heat, but as you say, it’s less of an issue today. My how things change, as you express in your flash! And yes, some changes are for the better. All that fighting to get the Hub the help and care he needed from the VA has finally materialized into stability, and just as Maslow reported, with stability comes greater actualization. Thanks for reading the article on genre and sharing your experience with it. I have to admit, Sarah Brentyn got me into reading more YA fiction, and D. Avery has a knack for selecting “children’s” books that impart wisdom to adults.
You begin your comment with a good question for research, Charli. There’s many a story that would require that information. I wonder if any of the Ranch chefs will provide us with an answer.
There is a lot of wisdom in Maslow’s work. It’s proven by the practicalities of life.
I’m pleased you’ve got some mentor readers helping you make wise choices in books for younger (and younger-at-heart) audiences. Have a great week!
[…] Carrot Ranch Prompt (08/22/2019): In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about old world charm. It can be nostalgic or irreverent. You can invent an “old world,” return to migrant roots or recall ancient times. Go where the prompt leads you! […]
I’m using a Carrot Ranch Charm to get back to my neglected story-world. It begins in a flash, and continues with a little extra sparkle:
Olde Worlde Charm
“You’re certain this will work?” The charm, clasped in the Anna’s smooth young hand, was redolent of rose hips, cinnamon, and sweet basil…and something exotic from the far southern lands. Eyes shining with hopeful, as yet unshed tears, she clasped the woven bag to her breast.
“Do your part, with an open heart. Your prayer will be answered, anon.”
Molly accepted the girl’s hug; then shooed her away with a smile. It was a gig—keen observation and a little theater kept ‘em coming back. She’d seen the two to-be-lovers together; why did women always doubt their own power?
[Continue ]
Yes! Use the charm to step through the world-building portal, Liz! I love when play can lead back to more serious works afoot. I like this world you have crafted.
Thanks for the vote of confidence!
[…] I wrote this for the August 22nd Flash Fiction Challenge […]
https://tnkerr.wordpress.com/2019/08/25/just-up-from-the-compleat-angler/
Mine might be less flash fiction and more flash documentary. That is, if you can believe anything I write.
Ha! TN, I have a 99-word story I like to read tat concludes a lesson in truth-telling as why I write fiction. The craft of a writer is to make every story believable. 😉
[…] in response to the Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction […]
Here’s my old-fashioned entry for the week, Charli: https://jagahdilmein.wordpress.com/2019/08/26/host-with-the-most/
The ending twist is memorable. Well done.
Thanks, Anurag!
https://reinventionsreena.wordpress.com/2019/08/26/days-gone-by/
Thanks, Reena!
Does accounting have old-world charm?
https://jborden.com/2019/08/25/carrot-ranch-flash-fiction-old-world-charm/
Left a comment on your blog…
(put down the coffee before reading – humor is involved)
thanks for the warning, Jules! 🙂
Hmm, an interesting question and what-if to follow into a story, Jim!
I’m sure it would be a good bed-time story, since it would likely put people to sleep! 🙂
I found it interesting and not sleep-inducing (eyes still wide open).
[…] writing prompt courtesy of Carrot Ranch’s weekly Flash Fiction Challenge. This week, write a story about “old world charm” in exactly 99 words. No more no […]
Clever! That final line…
Thanks, Chris!
Charli,
What an accomplishment in two years, from, “Help me.” to. “Let me help.” You are a great example of what determination and hard work can accomplish.
In my neck of the woods we enjoy Jamaican meat pies at local restaurants. They grind everything to a mass, then deep fry the dough surrounding it. Yours sound a little more healthy and you can tell what you are eating.
That’s One Old Building
While touring a small British town my aunt pointed to the historical plaque on the outside wall of a pub. It said 1158. We commented we didn’t think there was a building in the US that was 700 years old because we tear everything down and build new. We went in for lunch and a pint. The old-world charm was a respite and matched by the personalities of the young owners who asked where we were from in the states. When we questioned how they knew, the answer was, “You are wearing bright colors. Gives you away every time.”
That’s interesting, Susan, I’ve never thought of colourful clothes as a cultural marker. And did you mean 1158 if your pub is 700 years old?
Yes, Anne, my date was wrong. Good catch. This actually happened in the early 1970’s while in London.
I was in Versailles a few years back and my traveling companion advised me that he had some Americans staying in the hotel room next to his. I asked him how he could be sure and he replied, “I can’t be 100% certain but they sounded like they were wearing plaid trousers.”
Sue, thanks for framing the shift for me. Sometimes, even when I write about my own experiences, I miss seeing important points like from “Help me,” to “Let me help you.” I just know that I’m significantly more stable! And I will use what I’ve learned to further the growth of others.
Your flash is also good insight — the new world travelers noting the differences back in the old world and then realizing their colors give them away.
[…] piece was inspired by two things: 1. This week’s prompt over at Carrot Ranch (In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about old world charm), and 2. The fact that my […]
Have fun with the genre lessons! As you described, they can be muddy. LOL
Here’s my contribution this week.
https://allisonmaruska.com/2019/08/26/flash-fiction-lost/
Muddy as all get out! Trying to pin down genre is no easy task unless it’s obvious. So much is not! Thanks, Allison!
such a fun theme for the end of august when a lot of festivals happen.
I keep wanting to say paste (as in the glue) when I read the name of this meat pie – but I know it is wrong – anyhow, loved learning about this in your area – and that “UP” part of the state. Also, it is amazing as to how much can change in two years time.
__
best wishes with school and appreciate what you share – I just read the an author was “multi-genre” and what do you think that means? And do you think that is a good description to use (just curious now because of what you shared in the post)
August holds a flurry of festivals, doesn’t it? If you ever get to eat a pasty, now you know it isn’t glue. 😉
Good question! With what we are discussing in my MFA course, I would say a multi-genre author is one who writes across different genres. It depends on how and who is doing the marketing — I think the old world (lack of) charm in traditional publishing houses would choke before promoting an author as multi-genre. They prefer easy sales and easily identified target audiences, thus keeping the genre labels rigid. Indie authors who authentically write across different genres could use the label. But I can also see it used to describe a single book that is like a western-mystery-romance. Basically, I think the genres labels benefit marketing. That impacts authors though, and what they write and for whom.
thanks a lot – now I understand it more –
and I know my entry this week was “primed” from reading this post and then your entry – because I had dancing and food – and well
I am glad with the way it all worked out – but sometimes I like to take a breather before I write my fiction so I can wash away some of the recent info – well never wash it away completely – because that is what we want right – to gather ideas and to influence and be influenced – but sometimes a pause helps – and this time it did not matter one bit.
have a good week
and not sure if my ping or form went thru – but here is my link for this week
https://priorhouse.blog/2019/08/27/polka-pantomime-carrot-ranch-flash-fiction/
I enjoyed your flash and sorry I missed it in the back end. It’s possible I accidentally swept it away in the spam folder.
[…] Readers, joining in with Carrot Ranch (HERE) flash fiction. The prompt this week is to write a short fiction piece about OLD WORLD CHARM. […]
[…] response to Carrot Ranch‘s prompt to write a story about old world […]
Thanks, Chelsea!
[…] This week at the Carrot Ranch Charli Mills challenged writer to In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about old world charm. It can be nostalgic or irreveren… […]
Sometimes we need these disputes about the right way to go about things to confirm our cultural identities, and arguing about pasties is a much safer way to go about it than many! But what about whether it should contain a section of sweet stuff as a desert to follow the savoury, which I believe the original Cornish pasties contained?
Lovely to be able to reflect on the difference in your own circumstances between your first Pasty Fest and the present, and the whole ranch is celebrating with you about how far you’ve come.
I have a review of another Finnish novel for you while my 99-word story focuses on a lovely old world custom in this part of the world, although I have managed to give The gift of water a darker edge! Plus a few pictures of well dressing in my blog:
Consequences: The Man Who Saw Everything & Things That Fall from the Sky https://annegoodwin.weebly.com/1/post/2019/08/consequences-the-man-who-saw-everything-things-that-fall-from-the-sky.html
What a good insight, Anne. I hadn’t connected the dispute to a way to confirm cultural identity. Now as to including a spot of sweet to go with the savory, I’ve not encountered that. I’d love to learn more about the original Cornish pasties.
Maybe it’s because of my close proximity to a culture that still retains strong connections to its homeland, but it seems Finland is enjoying a bit of artistic renaissance. Thanks for your contribution!
[…] August 25: “Old World Customs,” in response to Carrot Ranch‘s […]