As I write this post, I’m sitting here on the couch, enjoying the sparkly lights on the Christmas tree while the cat sleeps peacefully beside me. A far cry from years ago when the cat was a just a kitten and the tree had to be wired to a bolt in the ceiling so that neither he nor the puppy could bring it crashing to the ground.
Oh, how times change.
Now the only thing the cat finds interesting about the tree is the water bowl underneath, which he considers his own personal beverage dispenser. Maybe this means it’s finally safe to put the breakable ornaments back on the tree.
I’m enjoying this time of “staring off into space”, because I’ve managed to wrap-up some major tasks, both at home and at work. The week will have a busy ending though – it’s quickly-wrap-up-everything-before-year-end time as well as annual-goal-setting time at the day job again, plus Friday will include all-day strategy/planning session.
What could be more fun?
I can think of several things, including doing some writing sprints. Once my meetings are over, and I’ve had a chance to unwind at the gym, I think I’ll give today’s writing 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 random words and writing prompt will catch your creative fancy.
Ready?
What if: “Your character is on the run?
Feel free to interpret the “What if” any way you choose (or ignore it completely) and include any (or all) of the following random words:
hooves hotel original disbeliever
parade blinking illegal puppet
alarming antique freakish hiss
alcohol tragic property lullaby
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!
Eight Ladies Writing 
Another fun one, Elizabeth! Here we go:
Best-Laid Travel Plans
Blinking in the harsh light of mid-day, Destiny McQueen crept out the back door of the hotel to hear the rather alarming sound of pounding hooves. What the hell was this? They were supposed to be making a run for it, not mounting a bloody parade.
She stood with her hands on her hips at the edge of the property, waiting for Lumbago LaMartine to halt his freakish ride. The horse was a tragic mess, an antique, sway-backed steed of uncertain pedigree, much like Lumbago himself, who was, additionally, rather the worse for alcohol.
“That’s a horse!” she hissed, almost disbelieving what she saw. “What on earth are you doing with a horse?”
“You shaid find transhportation,” Lumbago said. “Voila!”
“You stole that horse.” Normally a puppet in her schemes, Lumbago had as of late shown an alarming tendency to original thought. That had to end. “That’s illegal, you know.”
“No more illegal than what you have there.” Lumbago nodded to the carpet bag at Destiny’s feet.
Now was not the time for arguments. The original plan had been, find a car, get away. Well, there wasn’t a car. And now the horse, tired from his exertions and evidently mistaking their discourse for a lullaby, had fallen asleep.
“This won’t work,” Destiny said, picking up her carpet bag and turning back to the hotel. “Lumbago, you’re a big pain in my backside. As of right now, you’re fired. I’d rather take my chances with the authorities.”
Good job, Kay. I love the “evidently mistaking their discourse for a lullaby” line.