Do you bring back souvenirs when you travel?

When I used to travel with co-workers who had very small children, they always brought something back – often bags of airline peanuts or those little soaps and shampoos from the hotels.  It’s the thought that counts, right?

I try to keep the souveniering to a minimum (well, except for books), but after attending the RWA conference in Florida a while back and making a quick trip to the TIffany museum there, I started bringing back art prints by local artists from places that I visit.  Eventually that is going to result in a wall-space shortage unless I start rotating prints, but for now it has been fun and exposed me to artists that I might never have encountered, as well as a wide-range of styles.

I’m looking forward to searching out just the right print to add to my collection while I’m in New York – after the conference workshops are over, of course.

For now, I think I’ll admire the assorted art currently scattered about the living room and then buckle down and get some words on the page.   Perhaps I’ll be inspired as I give today’s story prompt and random words a try.

Care to join me?

For those of you working away on a story (whether a first draft or a polished version on its way to publication), if you’re not feeling random, we’d love to hear a bit – whether it’s a scene, a paragraph, or even a phrase that you are especially pleased with and would like to share.

If you don’t have a story in progress, or just want to work on something new, I hope today’s story prompt and/or random words will catch your creative fancy.

Ready?

What if: “Your penniless character has to buy gifts for an extended family?”

Feel free to include any (or all) of the following random words:

curved            unique        flag               barnacle

pillbox             hero            purple          magnetic 

gargoyle         tin               amulet         elaborate

shag                 avoid          design         flimsy

I look forward to seeing your stories in the comments.  If you’re not feeling in the writing mood today, or don’t have time, feel free to post suggestions you might have for future “what-if” prompts.  Ideas are always welcome.

Happy writing to all!