Their marriage was good. They had dreams.
He wanted a farm.
She needed space; wide open space to breathe.
Their friends lived on the adjoining farm.
Dad rode his tractor in cover-alls, a plaid shirt and a straw hat Mama made him.
Mama’s floral house-dress draped with her home sewn apron, worn proudly, was as stylish as she wanted to be.
She’d carry brother on her hip while holding a wash cloth in her other hand.
It was a time for fixing things. Things we kept forever. Things we treasured.
It was a way of life they loved.
2018©Isadora DeLaVega
Genre: Flash Fiction
Word Count: 100
Photo Prompt: Nathan Sowers
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My designated car seat was behind my father who drove while smoking unfiltered ‘Camel’ cigarettes.
He was a chain smoker. A habit he’d picked it up in the service.
Ashes would blow into the back seat as he drove us to our weekend park picnic outings or Sunday beach getaways.
I had the pleasure of inhaling carcinogen nicotine chemicals.
Despite complaints I’d felt like vomiting, the car ride would proceed with minimal sympathy.
At our destination, I’d have to sit until the dizzying feeling passed. Seltzer was the beverage I drank to settle my stomach meanwhile my siblings drank cokes.
2018©Isadora DeLaVega
Genre: Short Story
Word Count: 100
Photo Prompt:Yvette Prior
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Although weakened by her chronic arthritis, she managed to make her usual egg, toast and coffee breakfast.
She enjoyed her quiet mornings. She’d never thought she would. Age had greatly slowed her vitality.
Eyeing her window garden, the sun shone brightly on it. She cherished it. Thomas had planted the herbs for her.
He was the sweetest caring grandson. He’d told her to add the herbs to her salads and foods everyday. He’d said they’d help with her arthritic pain. They did.
She’d never been much of a gardener but would hate to disappoint Thomas if they didn’t continue to grow.
2018©Isadora DeLaVega
Genre: Flash Fiction
Word Count: 100 Words
Photo Prompt©Rondo El Baccio
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There’s been an abundance of SPAM sneaking around my computer.
Yes, they’re little snake-like creatures we can’t see. They create havoc of every imaginable kind. I have no clue on how they do it. I have a pretty good idea that no one else does, either. If they do know they’re keeping it quite hush-hush.
It’s fascinating the way the computer repairman looks you straight in the eye and says, “These things just happen”.
Really?
I felt like a cartoon character with a big question mark above my head. Aren’t Firewalls and web protection supposed to prevent these little villains?
My computer froze on my homepage with what seemed like quite an official letter from the FBI. The letter read that I was in violation of paying my fines to them. If I didn’t submit $500.00 dollars to them I would be taken to federal prison. There was a drop down with the amount on it and directions on how to get this money to them.
Well, my first thoughts were whether or not I had sent in the tax money that I owed good old Uncle Sam. As all good Americans, I had instructed our accountant to submit our business and home taxes and to pay the owed fees.
After checking on all that, my second thought was that I could use a nice vacation with three hot meals, use of an extensive library, exercise room plus a television lounge room. Then, I got angry and thought that whoever was doing this was a creepy low life individual that has nothing to do except create chaos in my business and home life.
There were other SPAM messages from time to time like:
I wish I could say that these SPAMS are funny but after a few 100 times of deleting them from my SPAM box it gets a bit old. In addition, when it takes over my computer and prevents me from running my business, I feel frustrated.
I believe technology is important but something has to be done to prevent this from happening.
Who do you think is doing this?
Who do you think should be preventing this?
2018©Isadora DeLaVega
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Wednesday Writing Prompt – Life with Technology: a blessing or curse
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Despite the severe high temperatures of the mid 90’s here in Florida,
a drive to our local marina / park in Punta Gorda is a nice way to cool
off while enjoying everyones activities.
The marina / park is a spot where children can play in one of the water spout areas
while adults can go fishing, ride a bike or enjoy a relaxing walk on a scenic path.
We’d been admiring the sailboats swaying on the calm blue water.
A young gal began flying this colorful kite in the grassy field
directly behind the bench where we were seated.
It soared high while fluttering the edges of its’ wings.
It was mesmerizing to watch.
The colorful kite was peacefully meditative.
A bit of artistic imagination with my photo created
this marvelous image that reminded me of the old fashioned
post cards I used to pick-up when vacationing.
2018©Isadora DeLaVega
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Lens-Artist Photo Challenge – Blue
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Enjoy a little jazz instrumental while you take a tour of our favorite town to visit: Sarasota, Florida.
In April, the jazz club of Sarasota has a cool jazz cruise along Sarasota bay.
We look forward to it every year. My husband is a former jazz musician.
He enjoys the club and all of its’ activities.
These photos of the jazz cruise are from last year. We missed it this year due to my daughters wedding in New York.
The ferry leaves from the Sarasota marina. Le Barge was the host boat.
The glass mirrored mermaid mascot was our guide along the waterways.
A light menu if offered along with alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages.
The band changes from year to year. Unfortunately, I can’t recall the name of this band.
It was a bit cool for April as you can see by the bands light weight jackets.
The sky was a beautiful azure blue. The condos dotted the skyline like sculptural statues.
The once laid back cracker traditional Florida houses and cottages now gone to progress.
Boats await their captains for a day on the water.
This sailboat far off by itself created the perfect picture postcard
of a Florida boating vacation.
Since the jazz cruise takes place in the beginning of April our rains hadn’t started.
This is a photograph of what happens when the waters are low.
Boats, birds and pelicans all vie for water.
There are many nests on those dry mounds.
Of course, the mansions along the way showcase the wealth of Sarasota.
The rich and the famous, yes, stars do have homes here.
Many are part of the summer stock theater productions and the arts.
Each home is as individual as the people who occupy them.
People dot the waters edge at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.
This is a favorite place I love going to visit. They specialize in orchid growing.
They have lectures, different exhibitions every year,
greenhouses with unusual orchids,
concerts on their magnificent grounds; especially, on Mother’s Day
or you can enjoy leisure walks in their luscious gardens.
Speed boats race along the waterway creating sprays of salty air.
The white caps, their signature, left behind.
After a beautiful day of cool jazz on the water, a walk among the palm trees,
flowering trees and plants is a perfect way to end the day.
2018©Isadora DeLaVega
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Lens-Artist Photo Challenge – Cooling
Week #2
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She held the gun with stiffened arms in front of her.
Coming into the bedroom, he said, “Hey, handle with care honey, it’s loaded.”
“Why?”
“No sense in having a gun for protection that’s unloaded,” he said with a sarcastic tone.
“Is this the one you’re using for your wife?”
“I told you, I’m not taking any chances. I’ve hired a professional for that.”
“I could do it.”
“Really?” “You’re a woman.” “What if you freeze?” “I’d be dumb to hire you or any woman.”
She moistened her lips as she gripped the gun tighter.
“Surprise, honey.” “Your wife did.”
2018©Isadora DeLaVega
Genre: Flash Fiction
Word Count: 100
Photo Prompt: Liz Young
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A tree grows in concrete
As such, a sight to see
I hadn’t given much thought
To how lonely it might be
One tree, weatherworn, twiggy bark
Hardly standing, day in and day out
Alone, trying to be burly strong
In need of care, no one did
City life, concrete at its’ feet
Rain, sleet and snow
No breaks, nothing but woe
Yet, there it stands for all to see
2018©Isadora DeLaVega
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Wednesday Writing Prompt –
Speak to or of your city of ultimate bliss:
the city you grew up in or the city you grew to love.
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