June 24th, 2011 – Sunday Photo Fiction

The Tower Bridge – Photo by Alastair Forbes

We visited the Tower Bridge back on June 24th, 2011. It was an unforgettable visit to say the least. On that day, we witnessed something remarkable.

It started out as an ordinary day. My husband and I were visiting London and were staying at The Tower Hotel. We took the short walk to Starbucks and then decided to take a walk on the Tower Bridge.

There were a few clouds in the sky, and a good breeze as we made our way to the bridge. My husband was taking video so when we got home he could put together a short film for the neighbors to see.

It was on the way to the bridge that we saw them. Three lights in the sky were in a triangle formation flying to the west. They passed behind the clouds. Emerging they made a sudden turn to the south and disappeared.

There they were again! Two were flying north and the other south. In a flash, they were gone, and so were we. We were on one of the aircraft. We saw the greys and heard the question, “Wine?”

My husband’s camera was still taking video. Won’t the neighbors be surprised?

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There is an actual video clip that actually captured a UFO sighting on that fateful day. To see the video, click HERE!

Thank you Alastair Forbes for hosting Sunday Photo Fiction and for the photo that inspired this story. Thank you dear reader for stopping by today. Be well… ^..^

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The Light at the End of the Tunnel – Friday Fictioneers

The White Light – Photo by Stephen Baum

She closed her eyes. Upon doing so, she saw a bright light. She heard the most beautiful music she had ever heard. It drew her in. Walking along the corridor the music grew louder, the light brighter. She shaded her eyes as she came into the light. There was a crowd of people, and they were smiling at her. A woman stepped forward, hand reaching out.

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Her family surrounded her bed. Her husband was holding her hand. A smile formed on her face as she drew her last breath. “Mom!”

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I hope that you enjoyed my story written for the Friday Fictioneers flash fiction challenge. Thank you Rochelle for hosting this challenge and to Stephen for the photo that inspired my story. And, thank you dear reader for stopping by! Be well… ^..^

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The Hedge – Mondays Finish the Story

Happy Monday! Every Monday I devote my post to a flash fiction writing challenge that I host. It is called Mondays Finish the Story. This is a flash fiction challenge where I provide a photo and the opening line to a story. The writer is to use the opening line and write a story that goes with the photo. The word limit is 100-150 words, not including the opening line. Here is my contribution to this week’s challenge. The opening sentence is in bold and italicized letters.

The Hedge – © 2015, Barbara W. Beacham

“The barista shook his head. That hedge couldn’t have moved closer overnight. Could it?” He scratched his head and wondered.

He went about his morning chores getting ready for the morning rush of coffee drinkers. Time ticked by and no one came in. “Strange,” he thought to himself. Going to the door, he looked out through the glass. He put his hands in his pockets, and looked towards the street on his right.

“Funny,” he thought, “I don’t recall seeing that hedge trimmed in the images of people.” He ventured out the door and walked over to examine the hedge. The leaves appeared newly cut. He turned to go back in.

He felt a tap on his shoulder. Turning, he saw a green man that was transparent. “What?” asked the barista.

He began to feel strange. The green man moved him over to the hedge. Looking down at his hands, he saw leaves sprouting. The green man smiled and said, “Welcome to the family.”

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Mondays Finish the Story

I hope that you enjoyed my story. You can join in too just by clicking HERE!

Thanks for dropping by and have an amazing week. Be well… ^..^

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Women Can’t Fish – Sunday Photo Fiction

The Waterfront – Photo by Alastair Forbes

We head out from The Waterfront on the Sea Witch. We are going to be fishing for rock cod. I love rock cod. I head into the cabin of the boat and settle myself in for the hour and a half ride it will take for us to arrive at the fishing grounds. There are fifteen anglers and I am the only woman on board.

As we head to our destination, I sip on my coffee and read “Orion’s Gift.” The men have cracked open their beer and their voices are getting louder, a clear sign that the alcohol is taking effect. I hear a couple of the men laughing about me being on the boat. I smile to myself thinking, “We shall see boys.”

We finally arrive at the fishing grounds. I put away my coffee and book, and head over to my rod. I am using shrimp hooks. I release the line letting weight of the sinkers take my hooks down to the bottom. I know that I am there as my line slackens. I pull my line up a tad and wait.

I feel the hit of the fish. “Fish on!” I shout. Pulling them up the 250 feet, I have two lings. After one hour, I have hit the limit of what I can take. The men are scowling. Each has maybe one or two in their bags.  “Now who said that a woman cannot possibly be good at fishing? Eh, boys?”

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I am a bit over the word limit, but in order to tell my story, it was necessary.  I hope that you enjoyed this fish tale.

Thank you Alastair Forbes for hosting Sunday Photo Fiction, and for the photo that inspired my story. And, thanks to you dear reader, for stopping by today to read my bit of flash! Have one heck of an amazing Sunday, and be well… ^..^

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Painted Caddies – Friday Fictioneers

Cadillac Ranch – Photo by Jean L. Hays

“What can we do that would be exciting and different?” ask one millionaire of another.

“How do you feel about art?”

“Love it for the most part.”

“How do you feel about Cadillacs?”

“Love them too.”

“Do you like to paint?”

“I was never good at it, according to my art teacher from the 60’s when I was in school. Nor was I according to any teacher after that.”

“Do you care today?”

“No.”

“How’s about we paint up some caddies, sink them in the ground, and then charge folks to see them?”

“Great! Let’s get started!”

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Thanks go out to Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for hosting Friday Fictioneers, and the Jean L. Hayes for the inspiring photo!

Thank you too dear reader for taking the time to stop by! Be well… ^..^

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Sarah Investigates – Mondays Finish the Story

Happy Monday! Every Monday I devote my post to a flash fiction writing challenge that I host. It is called Mondays Finish the Story. This is a flash fiction challenge where I provide a photo and the opening line to a story.  The writer is to use the opening line and write a story that goes with the photo.  The word limit is 100-150 words, not including the opening line. Here is my contribution to this week’s challenge. The opening sentence is in bold and italicized letters.

Sherman City Hall – © 2015, Barbara W. Beacham

“The Mayor and the town manager waved as their next victim approached.” Their smiling faces were welcoming. Sarah waved back at them as she hopped off the train.

“Welcome to Sherman,” said Mayor Gillespie.

“Thank you!” she replied.

“And, what brings you to our small hamlet?”

“I heard that there are some good hiking trails to the wilderness beyond.” What she was here for was to investigate what happened to her brother. His last call to the family was from the train that would drop him off here.

Heading into the building, they offered her a coffee, which she gratefully accepted. It was hot and slightly bitter.

“So, where are you from?” asked town manager Wilco.

“Eugene Oregon.”

“We had another visitor from there. Now isn’t that strange?”

As Sarah looked around the room, she saw her brother’s jacket hanging on the coat rack and stood up. The room began to spin.

“Got us another,” said Gillespie to Wilco laughing maniacally.

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I hope that you enjoyed my bit of flash!  You too can join in on this exciting challenge.  To get there click HERE!

Thank you for taking the time to drop on by! Have a magnificent day and be well… ^..^

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Angel That Rolls – Sunday Photo Fiction

Angel That Rolls – Photo by Alastair Forbes

She was not supposed to have any contact with humans. She ignored the rule. Sitting outside a cafe, she watched people walk by as she sipped on lemonade.

“Ahem,” he said.

Looking over, she saw a man. He had warm brown eyes, rusty brown hair, a strong square jaw and a mustache. He was gorgeous and he was looking at her. They both stared at one another.

“May I introduce myself?” he asked.

Still staring, she nodded. “My name is Charles. Charles Rolls,” he said. “This might seem a bit impertinent, but may I join you?”

Tongue-tied she nodded her head. He pulled the chair back, sat and struck up conversation. Soon they were talking animatedly. The talk turned to cars, and he offered her a ride in his. Off they went.

She loved the ride. At the end of the day, when it was time to go, she kissed him on the cheek. Removing her coat, she spread her wings, winked at Charles and flew off.

Charles never wanted to forget her and the time they spent together. To commemorate her, he had her effigy created. Today one can see her on the hoods of all the Rolls-Royce cars.

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A huge thanks goes out to Alastair Forbes of Sunday Photo Fiction for the inspiring photo and for hosting this flash fiction challenge.

Sunday Photo Fiction

To you dear reader, thank you for taking the time to stop by. I hope that you enjoyed my bit of flash fiction. Have a splendid Sunday and be well… ^..^

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The Garlic Shop – Friday Fictioneers

It is time for another story! Thursday’s I devote the day to writing for the Friday Fictioneers flash fiction challenge hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. The challenge requires that you write a story of no more than 100 words and that the story have a beginning, middle and end. So here is today’s photo and my story.

Garlic Shop – Photo by Kent Bonham

Walking along the promenade, window-shopping, we came across this store called “Trak All the Way.” We could smell the shop before we came upon it. Garlic! I love garlic!

Heading inside we were surprised to find that all they had were religious crosses and, of course, garlic. It was then that we realized the reason that they sold what they did was to keep the vamps away.

The sun was setting as we turned to leave. The woman ran over, hung a cross around my neck and handed me some garlic. “No charge,” she said. “Be very careful going home.”

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Thanks goes out to Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for hosting Friday Fictioneers, and to Kent Bonham for the photo that inspired this story. As to you, dear reader, I thank you too for taking the time to stop by today.

Have an amazing day and be well… ^..^

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Chiming In – Mondays Finish the Story

It is Monday again, and this is the day I devote to the other blog that I write, which is the Mondays Finish the Story flash fiction challenge. This challenge gives an opening line to a story that the writer must use and that they write a story that goes along with the photo. The word limit is 100-150 words, not including the opening line. Here is my contribution to this week’s challenge. The opening sentence is in bold and italicized letters.

© 2015, Barbara W. Beacham

“Hey boys, how ’bout y’all makin’ yer Ma some wind chimes?” This was how it all began for Jimmy Jack and Bobby Roy. They went to work on the wind chimes for ma and came up with the design of a wrench with cans of beans and beer for the chimes.

It went over so well with not only the family, but with friends and neighbors. Word got out and orders for wind chimes came rolling in. Next thing the boys knew they had a thriving business. They were having a hard time keeping up with the orders, and soon realized that they needed to hire help. And so the boys hired cousins and friends. They moved out of the barn and into a warehouse.

When Betty Sue created a website for them, sales went through the roof. Today the boys and ma live in the lap of luxury.

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I hope that you enjoyed my bit of flash. If you would like to take part in this fun and unique flash fiction challenge, then just click HERE!

Thanks for dropping by and have a magnificent Monday! Be well… ^..^

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An Odd Job – Sunday Photo Fiction

Today I am taking part in Sunday Photo Fiction hosted by Alastair Forbes. This is a flash fiction challenge where you use the photo prompt provided and write a story that goes with the photo. The challenge requires the writer to create a story using about 200 words. Here is the photo and my story entitled “An Odd Job.”

As the sun sets – Photo by Alastair Forbes

The sun was low on the western horizon. I watched and waited patiently for it to dip below the horizon. Soon she would be awake.

I am a caretaker of one of the walking dead. It was an unusual job to say the least. I work from dusk to dawn. I prepare meals, enjoy the nightlife, and I travel. It’s a blast!

The vamp that I take care of, Arminell, is a real beauty. It was in the 1600’s at the young age of 17, when she was turned. She has raven hair, flawless skin, and eyes the color of the sky. I was lucky because even though I work for her, she is my friend. Other caretakers are not so lucky.

Ah, there she is. “Good evening Sally,” she says in greeting. She is wearing blue jeans and a t-shirt, her hair in a French braid. “What are we going to do today?”

“Let me get you something to eat, then let’s hit the city.”

“Splendid! What’s on the menu?”

I have created a food bank, you see. It works perfectly. Folks think they’re auditioning for a new stage play. “How about starting with a spicy Spaniard, and finishing with a cool Norwegian?”

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Sunday Photo Fiction

Thank you Al for the amazing photo that inspired my story. And, to you dear reader, thank you for taking the time to stop by for a quick read. Have an amazing day and be well. ^..^

 

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