This image was provided by Madison Woods as inspiration for the Friday Fictioneers
My dad showed me how to pluck berries from among the thorns, how to gather the precise right amount for a single emergency pie, how to stir the cornstarch with mashed ones and sugar until it thickened. We used oreo crusts and a layer of cream cheese between crust and filling. I was the best picker because I wouldn’t eat them; I had strategies for efficiency and fastidious concentration.
Something is unlikely about it.
In sports I have always been distractible. I am clumsy even with furniture, let alone thorns. I eat small things impulsively.
Yet raspberries, somehow, I can pick.
For more flashes prompted by this image, and to learn more about flash fiction, visit Madison Woods and explore the Friday Fictioneers.
Unlikely things happen. You can even surprise yourself . . . which is one of many cool things about life.
I love picking wild fruits, we have them in our garden in th hedgerows too and I too am able to resist the immediate temptation as I’m looking forward to more treats with them later. Nicely observed and thanks for the reminder of myself. Here’s mine too: http://womanontheedgeofreality.com/2012/06/28/friday-fictioneers-revenge-is-a-dish-best-served-cold/
This one was interesting. Sort of introspective. I’m on the list but am unable to see any links that are on it so, in case other people are having the same problem, here’s mine: http://marilynkaydennis.wordpress.com/2012/06/29/madison-woods-friday-fictioneers-brambles/
Interesting and intelligent way to approach this prompt. Like it, mine is here
http://boomiebol.wordpress.com/2012/06/28/the-poison-friday-fictioneers-628/
I like this. It’s so kool to see how differently people’s minds work.
see my take on the prompt: http://niftitalks.com/2012/06/28/scarlet-lady/
Dear Lime,
I have missed you.
Your story about raspberry picking and the distinctions that separate your protagonist from the field was wonderful and illuminating. (And I’ll bet the end result is delicious.)
Aloha,
Doug
http://ironwoodwind.wordpress.com/2012/06/28/486/
Love the appellation ‘lime’! People are such fascinating bundles of contradiction, and here, the great picker of raspberries who runs into furniture and can’t play sports, yes! I believe it, it matches a couple of people I know who are great at one thing, but bumble through everything else. Wish I know why this particular feat matters so much to the narrator. The pie or the dad or something/someone else’s approval long ago? Nice piece! Lorelei
http://www.westcoastwriters.blogspot.com
Ah, pie….the eighth emergency service….I must admit I’d eat as I went, and then hope someone would share some of their pie with me.
http://pmaoaudioblog.wordpress.com/2012/06/29/friday-fictioneers-a-tragedy/
Your first paragraph made my mouth water a little.
Thanks for sharing.
http://logo-ligi.com/2012/06/28/w-m-d/
How interesting…clumsy in everything except berry picking. Hmmm… Wonder how a therapist would analyze that. Well done. Find me on the list.
I remember strawberry picking one time, and I always ate the best ones as I went. Interesting how someone can be naturally clumsy with everything except one thing. Good story.
Here’s mine: http://sphrbn.wordpress.com/2012/06/29/friday-fictioneers-sharp-ends-part-10/
I really liked this little snippet. Its like window into his/her mind, and it also gives a little insight into her relationship with her dad.
We’re on the list, but here’s one of the links: http://writersclubkl.wordpress.com/2012/06/29/friday-fictioneers/
I can relate to that! Mine is here: http://oldentimes.wordpress.com/2012/06/29/friday-fictioneers-collecting-jewels/
I was clumsy too when growing up and taht irritated my folks. Somehow, I’ve had the last laugh. Inspirational and illuminating. Thanks for sharing. I’m linked and over here: http://readinpleasure.wordpress.com/2012/06/29/fridayfictioneers-seduction/
I enjoyed this, we all have sweet spots
Great narrative. There is something amazing about ripe berries – one whiff of them and I am back in the brambles as a child, picking earnestly, hearing them thunk into the container. They smell like warm, sweet sunshine….mmmmm. Mine is here: http://wp.me/p1Wqon-bl
raauuulllll
love you
The personal insight is fascinating and flowed very well, but now I really want some of that pie.
As I walk the dogs around our property, I eagerly await the ripening of the berries…first the salmonberries, then the blackcaps, red raspberries, and brambleberries. I make a lot of cobbler, but never a pie with a cream cheese layer. That sounds amazing…and as delicious as your story. I love how your character is able to shine in this one area…
~Susan (www.susanwenzel.com)
Hi Lime,
Nice little essay examining who you are. The unexamined life is not worth living, sombody said, and I think that’s true. My story is here: http://bridgesareforburning.wordpress.com/
I think maybe the father’s influence is at the heart of this unlikely discipline, but that’s just be reading things into it! Nice flow to the piece.
Brian (http://pinionpost.com/2012/06/29/the-tenants/)
This prompt brought me back to pies as well. Much appreciated. Thanks for sharing.
http://thebradleychronicles.wordpress.com/2012/06/28/flash-fiction-friday-hallowed-ground/
I love pie. I’m hungry, now. Power of suggestion. Works every time.
http://ebooksscifi.wordpress.com/2012/06/29/telestial-by-ilyan-kei-lavanway-for-madison-woods-friday-fictioneers-100-word-flash-fiction
I can never get home with even one raspberry left. So, of course I’ve not yet had the raspberry pancakes I’d so love to have, lol. I wait all year for them and by the time they’re ready, I’m way beyond patient.
Great thoughts and memories.
Best not send me to pick the berries!!!! Enjoyed very much!