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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Huh? (01/21/10)
Dear Pip,

You asked what I've been up to, in one word, writing.
But first,how are you? Did you manage to keep the chickens alive while your daughter took a holiday?
Do coyotes still roam out your way?
My mama, she was raised in Arkansas, spins a tale of standing guard over the chicken pen with a twelve gauge shotgun. Her brothers made light of her and decided she was an alarmist, because 'wild animals are rarely seen in these parts anymore', until she brought down a huge coyote as it slunk near the pen.

She pulled the mangy carcass around the house, dropped it at their feet, looked each brother in the eye, and said, "alarmist huh?"
 
Now what do you suppose my 'kookie' writers group topic is? It's 'huh?' You're shaking your head and laughing, aren't you? I can hear the,"huh?"
 
Be my sounding board, as I toss around some possibilities, pretty please?
 
Drag your mind back to fifth grade, Mr. Dasher's class. Remember Jerry Wilson, black hair, dark skin, burr haircut, smelled of Aqua Velva, and had a knockout smile?
I fell into an aftershave induced coma/daydream. Mr. Dasher noticed I was zoned out and went for my humiliation.

I was starring out the window in a prince charming scenario with Jerry playing the prince, when I heard my name.

"Huh?" I said.
 
He repeated the question, "Nancy would you eat an old dead chicken?"
 
"Ooh! no!" seemed the right answer at the time.
 
Jerry Wilson giggled, Mr. Dasher smirked, and you, with the rest of the class, cackled.
 
Dasher chortled out the punch line, "Well, you sure couldn't eat a live one."

Once again, the whole room tittered, as
heat rose from my toes to my face.
 
Horror of horrors, Jerry grabbed my arm and shook me,
"Do 'ya' get it, huh? huh? huh?"
 
Boy, I got it all right, why did I ever dream about 'him'? Never again!
***
 
My other story line evolves from my husbands trip to the audiologist. He wanted to gauge any hearing loss.

On Hubby's return, he shuffled in, a bit disheavled, but appeared unconcerned.
 
"How did your test go, darling?" I asked.
 
"Huh?"
 
I walked closer and spoke a bit louder "HOW DID YOUR TEST GO?"
 
"HUH?" his eyebrows rose.
 
"Oh, I get it." and smacked his arm.

"You are such a nut!"
 
"Huh?" he grinned.
*** 
There you have it, my idea tank is reading empty. Not much to work with, Huh?
 
Much Love,
Nan

***

Two days later...

Dear Nan,

I'm good. Go with the shot gun chicken story, and for the record, I do not, nor have I ever, cackled.

Love,
Pip
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This article has been read 926 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Philippa Geaney 
01/29/10
Well I am surely qualified to comment on this entry since I could claim it is addressed to me -- though I have no recollection of a Mr Dasher and Australia is coyote free. But like the other Pip I do not cackle (sometimes snort if out of control laughing)and I think the writer of this letter would be great fun to meet.Lots of focus on the topic; lots of humour. I feel as though the writer dashed off a quick note (750 is not much after all!) and left me way too soon. Fun.
Jan Ackerson
02/01/10
This is delightful, and it has soooo much potential.

It's best to avoid refering to the topic or the assignment, and to just get to the story. You have a wonderful writer's voice--pick one of the smaller stories and just tell it in your charming way. The other stuff (the letter to Pip, the reference to your writing group) seemed like filler.

I enjoyed this very much, and would gladly read more in a similar voice.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
02/02/10
A unique point of view. I enjoyed the letter format.
Marilyn Schnepp 
02/03/10
Cute story...but yes, listen up to some of the commenters as they're usually correct in trying to help beginners. My only suggestion would be to work on your format a bit, you know, the paragraphing in the first part; but I enjoyed the read - and it was unique. Keep at it! (*.*)
Dr. Sharon Schuetz
02/03/10
I agree, this was a pleasure to read. I really enjoyed it.
Noel Mitaxa 
02/08/10
"as heat rose from my toes to my face." I loved that line, and the totally-engaging way you have recorded your feelings as well as your memories. Any of the stories could have been filled out to stand as separate entries; but framing them within a letter is a very novel and creative approach - almost as if we are looking over your shoulder as you put it together. Very well done.