Happy “National Tourism Day” (if you’re reading this on May 7th). Possibly not the best of days to celebrate right now, considering we’re still not clear of the pandemic; perhaps “National Dreaming of Tourism Day” would be more appropriate. If you’re feeling a little wacky, it’s also “National No Pants Day.” Feel free to interpret that one however you want.
On the more serious side, it’s “National Provider Appreciation Day,” celebrating all those who help working parents.
“Childcare workers are celebrated on this day, including teachers, nannies, and caregivers, all of who are essential workers in helping working parents continue to provide for their families. The day focuses on building awareness of the holiday, thanking childcare workers, and showcasing their contributions to their communities. From a simple thank you and gifts to social media posts and hashtags, this holiday is deserving of our attention.”
I’ll be busy celebrating “Finally Taking Care of Some Tasks I’ve Been Ignoring Too Long Day.” Fortunately, the number of tasks I need to take care of is shorter than that sentence! I’m hoping to get an early start on the day so I can do what needs to be done and then relax for the rest of the day, but that’s probably pretty unlikely.
Whatever I do, and whenever I do it, I’ll be adding another minute to my elliptical workout routine and giving 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 either today’s random words or writing prompt will catch your creative fancy.
Ready?
Prompt: Finishing Something
Feel free to interpret the prompt any way you choose (or ignore it completely) and include any (or all) of the following random words:
muzzle contagious practical children
private bedtime eerie bang
frog moment picnic harmony
daydream money pattern wig
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 writing prompts. Ideas are always welcome.
Happy writing to all!
Eight Ladies Writing 
Best wishes for finishing projects, Elizabeth! This day is timely for me, as I’m also hoping to finish some projects. Only time will tell. 🙂
Finishing It All
Aunt Eugenia had wigged. You couldn’t say otherwise.
Aunt Desdemona had had a moment of clarity. But only one. All the money in the world couldn’t buy Aunt Desdemona more than one moment of clarity.
“Put a muzzle on it,” Aunt Sue ordered. “It’s not like it’s contagious.”
Aunt Sue, as always, had a more practical view. Well, she would, wouldn’t she? Growing up with those two as sisters couldn’t have been a picnic. Even as children, Eugenia and Desdemona must have exhibited patterns of behavior that would strike moments of terror in any parent’s heart. In public, they were all harmony. In private, watch out.
Their bedtime rituals had long since evolved into eerie parodies of their youth. Sensitive and narcissistic, they poked and prodded at themselves before mirrors cracked and spackled with age. I’d almost given up the daydream of ever leaving this place. But my latest foray into independence had given me greater bang for my buck, so to speak, than I’d ever hoped for.
“Really,” I said. “The way you two are carrying on, you’d think I’d put real frogs in your bed.”
(Fake) frogs in the bed? Sounds like someone is trying to finish *someone* off. Nice job, Kay. Hope you managed to finish a project or two as well.