GARDENING LEAVE
Lynne was digging absently, her mind on her
latest plot, when Ron’s voice broke into her train of thought. “What’s for
dinner?”
Lynne sighed. “I’ve already told you twice – stew and
cabbage.”
“No potatoes?”
“There weren’t any – shelves stripped bare.”
However early Lynne went shopping, the locusts beat her to it. Putting food on the table was hard enough without Ron’s
constant whining. She stabbed her fork viciously into the compost heap and continued plotting.
A few months later Lynne’s novel was finished, the
garden was awash with green, and Ron had potatoes coming out of his ears.
For some reason I couldn't copy the photo on Rochelle's blog, so I've used a copy of the lovely painting she did from the same photo - I hope that's okay? To read what other writers made of the image, go to https://rochellewisoff.com/ and click on the frog.
My story is not - repeat NOT - based on fact, just on daydreams! I hope you are all well, and if the virus hits you, get well soon. We are self-isolating as much as is possible - we do need to eat. Thank goodness the Off-licence is considered essential by Boris and his government! Cheers!
It's going to be a productive time for novelists. Perhaps also for domestic violence.
ReplyDeleteShe was only re-purposing something useless!
DeleteGosh, Ron had a lucky escape there. Thought she was going to fish out something from the compost heap for his meal!
ReplyDeleteRead it again, Helen :)
DeleteDear Liz,
ReplyDeleteI liked the locust analogy. Apt description. Here it's toilet paper and paper towels, cereal and pasta. People are crazy. I most certainly don't mind your using my painting. ;)
Well done. Stay safe and well.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Don't know why I couldn't copy the photo, and I tried several times. Should have asked first - sorry! Toilet paper & pasta here too - we're considering tearing up newspapers!
DeleteWe've managed to get potatoes so far. But pasta and toilet roll are like gold dust. Very strange! I shall not complain about any meal I get! Take care Liz
ReplyDeleteMy OH had better stop complaining too!
DeleteAbsolutely love this Liz, thank you! The lawyer in me is half-expecting a new, COVID-related defence to murder/manslaughter to emerge in times to come. Hope you are safe and well.
ReplyDeleteWould that defence work? Just curious - only asking from a writer's point of view, of course!
DeleteThat--was masterful! Made me laugh, picturing poor Ron with his ears full of potatoes :)
ReplyDeleteHe will have made good fertisliser.
Deleteall's well that ends well. it must be music to his ears. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting, Plaridel.
DeleteLovely story, Liz - and so pertinent to how our lives have taken a sudden turn!
ReplyDeleteSusan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
Thaks Susan!
DeleteA tale of our times with a welcome portion of humour!
ReplyDeleteHere's mine!
Thanks Keith.
DeleteThree birds with one stone.
ReplyDeleteA good plot, and end to whining, and lots of potatoes for one!
Thank you for that, CEA 🙂
DeleteLiz, I enjoyed reading your slice of life, and, like your story, in awhile this whole covid mess will be a distant memory.
ReplyDeleteLet's hope it's taught the Chinese not to eat anything that moves, especially endangered species.
DeleteToo Funny. Hubby's been given part time hours during the lockdown, which is a good thing I think, but I think it is going to be very interesting times. Well penned.
ReplyDeleteYes, this time is going to make or break a lot of relationships!
DeleteSo relevant to what's going on today. This is the perfect time to write that novel!
ReplyDeleteYes, I nkow, just can't seem to settle!
DeleteSo Ron finally become useful... not sure I would eat potatoes coming from his ears though.
ReplyDeleteYou'd have to be careful digging them up.
DeleteIf you're not too bothered where your potatoes come from... :)
ReplyDelete