Carrot Ranch | But I Smile Anyway...

May 16: Flash Fiction Challenge – Tree Of Memories

17 May 2019 27 Comments

by Ritu in #CarrotRanch Tags: 99-Word Fiction, Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Carrot Ranch, Flash Fiction, Memory, Tree

Charli’s Carrot Ranch 99-word Fiction prompt:

May 16, 2019, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that goes in search of trees. It can be one particular tree, a grove, woods, or forest. What makes the tree worth seeking? Go where the prompt leads!

Tree of Memories

 I need to find it. 
 I know it’s here somewhere. 
 We used to visit here regularly when we were courting. 
 Where is that tree? 
 I think it was an Oak. 
 Huge sprawling branches that created a vast canopy, under which we used to sit, backs resting against the thick, sturdy trunk. 
 It was here we had our first kiss. 
 Here, we professed our love. 
 Here, you proposed. 
 Is it this one? My fingers trail over the rough bark. A spark of memory.
 Yes, here.
 Here, my love, I’ll lay you to rest, scattered amongst the memories of our love.

May 16: Flash Fiction Challenge

May 9: Flash Fiction Challenge – Tooting Marvellous

10 May 2019 24 Comments

by Ritu in #CarrotRanch Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Carrot Ranch, Charli Mills, Flash Fiction, Growing Old

Charli’s Flash Fiction prompt:

May 9, 2019, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about growing older. It can be humorous, dark or poignant. It can be true or total fiction. It can be fine wine or an old fossil. Go where the prompt leads!

Tooting Marvellous

Mabel sat in her armchair and glanced around her surroundings.
Look at them all — old fogies.
She was, undoubtedly, at least ten years younger than them. Goodness knows why they’d put her in here. There must have been some mistake.
But that silver-haired Derek, sat across the room, he looked rather dashing. Someone to get to know and, maybe, help ease the boredom.
Shifting slightly in her chair, she felt a build up in her stomach, and a loud fart escaped.
At least there were some benefits to growing old…No embarrassment factor; she could toot to her heart’s content!
Ritu 2019

May 9: Flash Fiction Challenge

April 25: Flash Fiction Challenge – Exhausted

26 Apr 2019 35 Comments

by Ritu in #CarrotRanch Tags: 99-Word Fiction, Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Carrot Ranch, Charli Mills, Exhausted, Flash Fiction

Charli’s Flash Fiction Challenge:

April 25, 2019, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that includes exhaustion. Who is exhausted and why? Can you make art of exhaustion? Go where the prompt leads!

Exhaustipated

Tired?
Seriously, you don’t have a clue.
Yes, so what? You get up, get ready, catch a train and work 9-5. The evening commute is hard, so you need a drink at the end of the day. Then you sleep. And repeat.
At least you sleep.
Me?
I’m not sure what time I wake up, because I’m not entirely sure I go to sleep. It’s an endless round of feeding, changing, getting housework done whilst he sleeps, then all over again. Babies don’t have a clue about tiredness.
Exhausted?
No. I’m exhaustipated.
Simply too tired to give a sh*t!
Ritu 2019

April 25: Flash Fiction Challenge

April 18: Flash Fiction Challenge – Gender

19 Apr 2019 51 Comments

by Ritu in #CarrotRanch Tags: 99-Word Fiction, Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Carrot Ranch, Charli Mills, Gender

Charli’s Carrot Ranch prompt this week:

April 18, 2019, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about gender. It can be fixed or fluid. Explore the topic on your own terms and open your mind to possibilities and understanding. Go where the prompt leads!

East to West – Which Gender is the Best?

“Hmmm, what is it?”
“Not what. Who!”
“Huh?”
“It’s the scan picture! There. That’s your grandchild right there!”
“Looks like an alien.”
“Well, we all know where the weirdness will have come from, Dad!”
“So, a he or she?”
“Does it matter?”
“No, not to me. Just as long as the child is healthy and happy, that’s all that matters. But you know what the rest of the family will be like…”
“I know, they’ll all want a boy. Typical Indian families.”
“Gender doesn’t make someone right or wrong, it’s their actions. Teach your child well. Make me proud.”
Ritu 2019

April 18: Flash Fiction Challenge

April 11: Flash Fiction Challenge

12 Apr 2019 38 Comments

by Ritu in #CarrotRanch Tags: 99-Word Fiction, Beggars Can't Be Choosers, Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Carrot Ranch, Flash Fiction

Charli is back with her Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction prompt!

April 11, 2019, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story using the phrase “beggars can’t be choosers.” You can play with the words, alter them or interpret them without using the phrase. Give it any slant you want — show what it means or add to its meaning. Go where the prompt leads!

Yesterday, I wrote a little flash for Sue Vincent’s prompt, introducing two new characters to me, Reena and Jay… today’s prompt just helped me add to their story! If you want to read the first bit, click here.

Reena and Jay Do Beans On Toast

It had been a long trek.
Those last three mile had really dragged but finally Reena and Jay arrived back at the campsite.
Kicking off her trainers, she sighed. What she wouldn’t give for a pedicure, long soak in a tub and a chilled glass of Prosecco…
“Reens, can you remember how this works?” Jay was fiddling with camping stove, so they could prepare the feast that was Beans on Toast.
He rummaged around in the food bags, found some cans of lager and tossed one over to her.
Not even chilled. Reena sighed again. Beggars can’t be choosers.