Month: May 2024

Posted in Musings

Monday Moments – Musings – May 6, 2024

Posted on by R.M. Carlson

The Garden

So much on my mind today that I would have to write a book to share it. Instead, I’m going to share a piece of it and that is my flower garden. Things are blooming and are beautiful! Not everything yet. Some perennials bloom later than others.

From left, top to bottom: Clematis, iris, peonies, rhododendron bush, iris

From left: Japanese painted fern, (not sure of variety of fern), hostas

More will bloom as May goes on!

The rhododendron is native to the area in which I live – the Daniel Boone National Forest in the U.S. The rest are perennials that I have added to my garden. The flower garden has a problem right now. It needs to be heavily fertilized with an organic fertilizer. It is raining so much here, almost daily, that I can’t use my fertilizer right now.

Later today, I am driving to an excellent vegetable market to pick up produce. I try to eat as healthy and natural as I can. That’s tough here in the winter, but spring has come and the vegetables are flooding into the local vegetable markets. Unfortunately, the closest market (25 miles) has not received their order yet. The next closest market is 50 miles away and we are making a trip there today. I try to buy fresh produce at least once a week. It’s a considerable drive regardless of what I’m shopping for.

If we make it to a local market today, I will take pictures of their wonderful offerings to share with all of you.

Posted in #unicornchallenge, Challenges

The Love Canal – #TheUnicornChallenge – May 3, 2024.

Posted on by R.M. Carlson

Photo prompt by Ayr/Gray

Lily always took her morning walks along the banks of the canal. She loved to watch the graceful and elegant swans as they glided across the water glistening in the morning light.

Lily was nostalgic about her own life. She loved the old, dilapidated boat docked there and she could see its potential. The boatman who owned it seemed content to leave it as it was.

One morning, Lily was standing near the old boat on the canal dreaming of taking it to far away places. A big, white dog bounded up to her full of joy and love. She wondered where he belonged and when she looked up, she saw a man approaching, calling the dog. He was an older man and handsome in a distinguished sort of way.

She and John fell into a conversation about their mutual love for the canal. Over the next few hours, John regaled her with stories of the history of the canal and they set out to explore it together. Over the next few weeks, John filled her heart.

One morning, John told Lily that he had bought the old boat from the boatman. He then declared  his love for her, and she fell into his arms.

A few months later, they started off on a magical journey in the old boat. As they left, the swans danced in joy.

One year later, Lily thought back to that day. She was glad they hadn’t known what would happen during the coming year.

Thank you to CE Ayr and Jenne Gray for hosting #TheUnicornChallenge!

Posted in #FridayFictioneers, Challenges, Fiction

An Eerie Smile – #FridayFictioneers – May 3, 2024

Posted on by R.M. Carlson

Photo Prompt @ Ted Strutz

All that’s left is that sock puppet,” Maisie said to her husband.

Bill replied, “I thought I threw it away. Was it your favorite?”

“Not really,” Maisie said. “ I don’t know why Mom boxed it up with my doll furniture. I thought I threw it out. Please put it in the garbage.”

Maisie and Bill were spring cleaning their house. Later, Maisie found the sock puppet on a chair in their living room. 

”Here it is again, Bill,” Maisie shouted out. Bill walked into the room, and they looked at the sock puppet.

It was smiling at them.

Thanks to Rochelle Wisoff for hosting #Friday Fictioneers.