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30.12.20

SANDCASTLES

 

SANDCASTLES

Juan built sandcastles. Every day he went to the beach, collected damp sand from the tide-mark, and constructed dreams. Tourists watched and took photographs – some even threw money into Juan’s bucket, although never enough – but Juan loved the attention.

Lucia wasn’t happy being the only wage-earner. “You must get a real job – the rent is overdue again.”

“I have a job,” Juan replied grandly, “I am an artist.”

But the next night he came home to find Lucia and their possessions in the street – the landlord had thrown her out.

It was time to stop living in cloud-cuckoo land.



Clouds = castles in the air = the train of thought that led to this week's story for Friday Fictioneers. 
Thanks to Rochelle for hosting it for another year, and to Na'ama Yehuda for the photographic prompt.

I won't wax philosophical - there will be enough of that around as it is - so I will simply take the opportunity to wish everyone who reads my stories a very healthy and Happy New Year. I shall be opening the bottle of Prosecco that we didn't consume at Christmas - how will you see in 2021?

34 comments:

  1. Dear Liz,

    Sadly, few artists or authors can support themselves without "regular" employment. Nicely done.

    Shalom and a happy new year,

    Rochelle

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    1. 'Regular employment' sounds so much better than 'a proper job' - Shalom X

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  2. Yep, there are too many of us starving in garrets!

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    1. If you'd told me sooner I'd have sent some turkey!

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  3. Maybe he can build them a castle on the beach! (At least till they can get better housing)

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    1. That would only last until the next crowd of drunk tourists came along!

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  4. Pretending you're an artist can cover a multitude of indolences

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  5. Artists, musicians, actors; so many rose from rags to riches. There is hope.

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    1. Hope, yes, but a roof over one's head is important too.

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  6. Too bad we live in a world where creativity is less appreciated than it ought to be!

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  7. An ingenious take on the prompt. Sad that many talented artists can't make a living from their art.

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    1. Thanks Penny. It would help if more people bought our books, paintings etc!

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  8. Hoping Creatives everywhere have their sacred spaces to create and not have to starve to do it. Happy Holidays!

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    1. It's what we all wish for, Jade, but one must be realistic.

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  9. "Cloud Cuckoo Land" indeed. Well done.

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  10. Unfortunately talent doesn't necessarily pay bills. He may find someone who can help him hit it big but it's way too much of a long shot

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    1. The problem is that sandcastles are ephemeral 😊

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  11. A rude awakening for Juan. I can imagine Lucia's frustration.

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    1. So can I - tourist tips don't pay the rent!

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  12. sadly, some folks live on dreams until reality finally sinks in.

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    1. If he kept one foot in reality he could dream as well.

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  13. It's a shame artists have such a rough go of it.
    Ronda

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    1. It is, for art is one of the things that distinguish us from animals.

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  14. The life of an artist is never easy. Wonderful take, Liz.

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    1. An artist has to be supurb to make a living - very good isn't enough. Life ain't fair!

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  15. I enjoyed this take on the prompt. Some artists need to grow up and accept there is more to life than their art.

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    1. They do, and building ones one's life on sand isn't a smart move..

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  16. Since the landlord threw "her" out, my impression is that Juan is much younger (or less mature, anyway) so he has plenty of time to develop a following. Once the rent is paid! A good, thought-provoking take on the prompt.

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    1. I hadn't considered their ages, which just goes to show that a few lines can be interpreted many ways. Thanks for your comment, Eugenia.

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  17. So now, the artist will be at his best? Aren't they suppose to thrive when suffering? Enjoyed!

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    1. I'm not sure - true, some of the best poetry is written from a base of misery, love lost etc, but whether sandcastles would improve is debatable.

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