A Blessing in Disguise

 Mortgage over-due. Bank Balance in negative.

John is sitting on his dry land that has disintegrated due to lack of rains.

Now he has only one hope.

That his continuous bawling, sobbing could wet his land with the hope that he could reap the crops and gain his self-respect.

 Politics and Weather lead to the loss and debt.

While continuing with his sobs, he felt a few trickles.

Looked around, to no luck!

Looked up to see Nature joining him in his cry.

That made him euphoric since Mother Nature's whimper is a blessing in disguise.

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In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about the need for help in an extreme weather event. Is the help local or global? Does it arrive or the plea go ignored? It doesn’t have to be fire. Think about extreme weather occurrences and consequences.
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A Mixed Bag

Every morning seeds are poured into the bird feeder. There is an assortment of seeds thus, attracting birds of all sizes. 

Through their constant chirps, I can get a feel of their happiness, and good spirits as a result pigeons, sparrows, blue jays and crows are pecking upon at the same time. Contentment is never in their charts. Thus, they continue to feast upon and not get frenzied by the human company until I tripped over a sparrow, thus making the flock fly away.


I carefully picked up that feeble bird and decided to nurse it back to health.

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In 99 words (no more, no less) write the common premise: “I ran over a deer (or other animal) and have decided to nurse it back to health.”

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Beat the Drought

The weather may be getting hotter, but the Californians are exceeding the state government’s expectations by conserving a record amount of water.

The State Water Resources Control Board reported that consumers cut their usage by 29% in May, one-upping the government’s request for a 25% reduction by the end of June.

Dozens of communities across the Golden State have risen to the occasion by shortening showers, using water-efficient appliances, and turning lawns into drought-resistant gardens, cutting their use upwards of 30% in some cases.

The mantra, "United we stand, Divided we fall" holds true for all aspects!


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In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that is ripped from the headlines.
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Priorities of Life

'Bills to pay. Miles to go before I breathe my last' was the constant chant of Chuck.

The family would wait up each weekend to catch a sight of him. Enjoy his company for those 48 hours and then he would disappear into the thick air of Monday to Friday 24 hour work schedule where even his vibes would breathe of physical, mental pressure.

Years rolled by!

His mantra was fulfilled.

He had riches stashed in the bank. Every country in the world marked as visited. But no family around him to enjoy the memories that he created in a jiffy.

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 In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that has a shift in perspective. 
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The Bank of Memories!

Nazneen was sweating extensively as tears were rolling continuously down her cheeks. She kept swearing, cursing and nodding her head left to right as if refusing to see the truth. Just then a hand on her shoulder made her pause. She turned around, stared into his eyes, and could not resist.

Her cry now was intense, deafening; while she was trying to express some incidents with her family thus, leaving her breathless and gasping for air in between. 

Alas! Memories are known for drowning anyone in deep agony and pain while forgetting their physical self. 

Nazneen was that victim.

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 In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about a breathless moment. Write about life.
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Camping under the blazing Sun

The boys arrived at the camp wearing rain jackets since the forecast said 60% rain. Overjoyed at the fact that the drought struck CA will get some sprinkles, these scouts did not want to dampen their spirits by being indoors. 

Within minutes of their arrival, they were sweaty, perspiring and dripping.

 "Boy! It is a hot one! How did the weather forecast rain with not a single cloud in sight." said one exasperated scout while removing his rain gear.

"Oh! rain, please come for thy children soak themselves in their sweat and are tormented," came a melodramatic dialog from behind.

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99 words write a story that includes the phrase, "Man, it's a hot one!"
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A Rose and a Life

Chaplin's vitals were not co-operating; leaving the docs confused. He was equally dejected since he wanted to live and be around the empire that he built. 
  
With moist eyes, he looked out the window and observed a bud that had bloomed into a rose, which eventually withered away. The process had been continuous for days, and this gave him the essence of his being. 

He had to let go his diseased body and make himself liberated from the bondage of sentiments. As he stared at the dry rose, he breathes his last, shedding his flesh and sorrows. 

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In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that includes a Rose. 
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Just a Soul

Jane was pensive, yet persistent as she was staring at the pen.

Took a deep breath, blinked a couple of times.

"I am not the body. I am not even the mind," she chanted as she disinfected a small area of her thigh and placed her pen over it. 

Clicked the pen, and the pain was intense. Her eyes were moist by the ache.

She waited for the syringe fluid to enter her body, while she continued her chant, "I am not the body. I am not even the mind."

Released the pen, and wiped the drop of blood.

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In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that shows a hard place and a connection. 

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This post also written for  #1000Speak.

A couple of Sneezes and Gratitude

Annie was rubbing her nose briskly with her gloved hand as the other paw was digging the soil and aerating it.

Achoo! 
Achoo! 

Aha! Much better.

With watery eyes, but a broad smile she continued playing with the dirt and securely placed the roots of a plant while bringing the grime together.

With an arch, she watered the plant gently and hummed a lullaby as if welcoming the new life she rooted recently.

After repeating the above scenario few times.
She appreciated all the flowerpots from a distance cause once life will bloom, will be worth all the sneezes.

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In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that is a snapshot of spring
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A Bigot

"I can do this. Please give me a chance" came an urgent request.

Ann scrutinized him from head to toe and stamped his papers with a wiggly nose.

He quickly scanned them and fetched his uniform.

With lots of apprehensions, entered the work scenario.

He could feel the stares and ogles of his co-workers. But with shaky hands, he adjusted his turban and pushed the long strands inside.

Just then, a few men surrounded him.
His hands gave away to the cloth; his eyes widened when he felt the pressure of their friendly grips and a unison, "Welcome!"


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 In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that tackles racism.
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Nurture thyself

Ann jumped into the train. She could squeeze herself partially through the door, and that alarmed her co-passenger. Was about to pull the chain, but instead she shouted, "I have a 9am crucial meeting. Let the train go on!"

She would always be coaxing herself to go on, strive for the best!

Until one day, her body collapsed on the road.

She was in the hospital, and while the doctors and the medicines helped recuperate her organic structure, she chose to meditate and chant while nourishing her soul that was bruised by her continuous vexations, and negative stimulus.


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In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about nurturing.
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A Rose and a New Life

MaryAnn pulled her curtain for the night while eyeing the bud in her yard.  A New day with the hope that all her swelling will be gone thus, allowing her to get back her mobility, flexibility, and her routine back. 

 Alas! She woke up and found her inflamed joints to be around while the rose had bloomed, and eventually withered away in a couple of days leaving her in that sad state.

With tears flowing, she eyed her infant. 

Wiped them off; took a deep breath and spotted another bud in her garden, prior to retiring for that evening. 

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 In 99 words (no more, no less) write a renewal story that proclaims, “This isn’t the end; I will go on.” Join in the fun at CarrotRanch.

The Smell of Peace

Zeenat woke up to loud screams, sirens, and gunshots. She was quick to peep out the window; after smelling fear, and anger she collected her essential resources and ducked in her basement.

Stuffed her ears with cotton and started chanting. Hours ticked to days and soon to a week.  Finally, everything was quiet.

She came out with her face covered cause of clouds of soot. The residue had turned everything brown and burnt sienna. However, she lifted that cloth and inhaled deeply cause the smell of peace is far more wholesome and harmless than any destruction caused by mankind.

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In 99 words (no more, no less) write about the day the earth turned brown. How did it happen? What else might be going on?
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Happy Holi

Ragini's heart was racing when fingers were pointing in her direction.

 She had to decode this fear and get into the groove of fun for Holi or else she would be dragged outside and colored with all the possible hues.

Just then, she accidentally tripped over a table that had a bowl of dry green and blue color. The mixture flew like pixie dust and got sprinkled on her, giving her a whiff of the color tone, thus helping to bring clarity to her thoughts.
'Stepped out with confidence as the turquoise color had shown her the way!


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In 99 words (no more, no less) color your story turquoise. Join in the fun at CarrotRanch

A Wish turned into a Reality!

Kate was toddling in the stream and humming along as the cold temperature was rejuvenating her from the daily grind. 
"Are you done?" came an urgent inquiry, "Can we go to see that waterfall around the corner?"
She turned towards him, "Nah! not yet. I am loving it to such an extent that I wanna merge into it." replied with a giggle.
Just then a loud shriek was heard, followed by panic, agitation and soon the voice got drained off.
Her companion was devastated to see her float away," Jeez! Nature was quick to say Amen to her thoughts." 

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In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that includes a river and a person (or people). Think about MacLean’s famous line that “Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it.” Give it your own meaning. Join in the fun at CarrotRanch.

A Plate of Food

Sarita opened the door to her maid, who had brought her kid to work.

"He is my son; Jay." introduced the maid in pride.

" Friend's?" Sarita's son, Hari extended his hands towards him.

"Sure" nodded Jay and they walked towards the toys. 

While playing, Sarita brought a plate of food for her son. 

Jay pretended to play while Hari was being fed. Just then, a morsel came towards him.

He looked up to see Hari's hand holding a snack.

With moist eyes, he took the grub and soon both the boys were munching and giggling away.

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In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that demonstrates compassion.

Life, a Staircase

Tina stumbled over a step, but she was quick to put her palms on the ground thus avoiding to fall flat.

"Darn it!" she mumbled while cursing her legs that could descent with ease but when it came to ascending, they would take one step at a time. 

She grabbed the pole gingerly and pulled up her torso while her legs hauled her to a standing position.

 "I wish you would not follow the pattern of life, by making your ascent out of hard work and descent out of laziness or voluntary action," she talked to her hind legs. 

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In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about steps, stairs or a staircase. Join in the fun at CarrotRanch!

A Dream!

Laura was stirring the soup while humming her favorite song, Choices by George Jones. 
"I've had choices since the day that I was born
There were voices that told me right from wrong
If I had listened, no I wouldn't be here today
Living and dying with the choices I've made."

Just then she got a call, and that made her jump, twirl and weep all at the same time. 

Hung up, wiped her tears, grounded herself and texted her better half, "Finally! Dreams do come true! My publication will soon be seen on celluloid worldwide".

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 In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story inspired by your muse.

CarrotRanch is here! 

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A Yellow Boat

Charles was wading in water on a summer afternoon, with thoughts keeping him company, when a boat at a distance caught his attention. 

After focusing hard, he realized that the yellow boat was drifting towards the shore with no anchor. Curious, he started walking towards the riverside, and waited patiently for it to arrive.

Just then he jumped in fear, as he heard a  loud bang. 

He turned towards that direction, to see fireworks in the sky and a group of known faces appear on the yellow boat in the river with joyful and perky birthday wishes for him.

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In 99 words (no more, no less) include a yellow boat on a river.

The Defeat

Pedro is moving his feet briskly in the ground trying to level off the mud.

His mind is moving aimlessly that he did not notice his coach come near him and direct him to start the game.

Looks up towards the voice, frowns for a microsecond, then brings his attention to the surroundings by a quick nod, and a silent, "I can do it."

He propels his first ball after a deep inhalation, which helped pacify his mind that was drifting flash forward to a scenario where he gave away runs that led to the defeat of his team.

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In 99 words (no more, no less) show a character confronting something worse than death.