The Official Writing Challenge
BACK TO
CHALLENGE
MAIN
INSTRUCTIONS
how it works
submission rules
guidelines for
choosing a level
ENTRIES
submit your entry
read current entries
read past entries
challenge winners
Our Daily Devotional HERE
Place it on your site or
receive it daily by email.


TRUST JESUS TODAY

  • Share
  • how it works
  • Submit
Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Cup and Saucer (08/28/14)
1955

Sarah's smile beamed as she took the delicate china from the box. The rose patterned tea cups and saucers were of the finest bone china money could buy. It was a gift from her influential in-laws. She touched it ever so gingerly while admiring it.

The footed cup was white on the outside with a fine gold band. Inside boasted a gigantic pink rose with green and blue foliage on a dusky pink background. Sarah rubbed one finger over the gilded handle before placing it onto the matching saucer. She marveled at its beauty.

She could hardly wait to have the ladies over for a cup of tea. This fine china would be passed down from generation to generation. It would have special meaning with each new family.

She was immersed in thought when a neighbor's voice boomed, "Anyone home?" she jerked and cup and saucer fell shattering into countless pieces on the ground.

Emily walked into the kitchen, "Hi Sarah..." Her eyes took in the shards of china scattered on the linoleum floor.

"Hello Emily." Wanting to burst into tears she feigned a smile instead.

"Had a little incident huh? I hate when that happens, the glass seems to linger around for days on end. I wanted to stop by and bring you my blue ribbon apple pie."

"Thank you so much. Be careful where you walk. Place it by the kitchen window while I clean this mess up. I'll put the kettle up for tea and we can chat awhile."

"Yes, we have to figure out who’s going to be on our bowling league, and we need a new secretary at the church."

“Right! I also want to get your opinion about summer vacation with the kids. I was thinking perhaps the Catskills? We have such fun and frolic there, it’s all geared toward family…”

******


1985

"What a beautiful cup and saucer. I've never noticed this before Jane? How quaint, I love the rose within."

"My grandmother gave it to my mom. Originally a set of four. Sadly just two remain."

"Okay, so who’s picking up the girls this week from soccer?"

"Amy, you did it last week...so I guess it's my turn." Looking at their personal calendars they each circled important events.

"Do you have time for the church picnic? I can't attend, our kids want to go and look at the Sci-Fi museum. I have to find some time, I’m so bogged down with schedules. I also have a deadline coming up at work."

"Me too! So, we can coordinate the museum trip. Let's find a good time for all of us to attend..."

******


2014

Built in shelving boasted several items in Jessica's kitchen corner. Among the various items a lone cup and saucer.

"Jared, Tyler, Savannah, hurry with your breakfast. We have to get running, we’re behind.”

The three children sat engrossed in their world of texting. Their beloved I-phones caressed with love. Tyler laughed aloud looking at an incoming text, while Savannah cried out, “I have seventy-five likes on my post, and only posted it two minutes ago! A record for sure!”

“Mom,” Tyler began but stopped when his notifier went off on his phone. “By the way I need to come up with some lame thing old people did years ago. Somebody said board games. What’s that?”

Jessica placed her container into the Keurig one cup coffee machine. ”Something people did a long time ago. Just google it you’ll get the info I’m sure. Now, did any of you remember to gather the bottles and plastic for the global warming cause?" She continued to glance at her tablet as she grabbed her cup.

The question went unanswered as the entire family sat involved in their world of social media.

Jessica placed the item for sale on E-bay, "Paragon vintage 1930's pink rose patterned tea cup and saucer; any wear on the edges can be forgiven for its age..."
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
This article has been read 808 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
lynn gipson 
09/04/14
It is amazing how great minds think alike. This is beautifully written just the finest piece you have written thus far!

I love the way you showed how the cups went through all those generations. My grandmother had a similar set but somehow they were lost after she died.

This article simply shines. I think the judges will sit up and take notice at this one.
PamFord Davis 
09/05/14
This is such a WOW! You know my feelings for teapots, cups and saucers...This article I'm saving and sharing!

Wing His Words
Dannie Hawley 
09/06/14
A superbly-crafted piece. I loved the prose, but dare I say, I'm too old-fashioned to enjoy the ending. I cried, in fact, to think that the lady wanted to sell the cup and saucer instead of giving it to her daughter. I read that part three times just to be sure she was really wanting to sell it. Then, I had to come to grips with the reality presented in the family description--no one cares about the old stuff these days--beautiful, nostalgic or not. Truly sad to me, but you did a marvelous job presenting this sad truth in your story. Thanks for sharing.
Noel Mitaxa 
09/08/14
You've captured real depth without pushing too hard here. Great writing that - instead of showing rather than telling, you've invited instead of showing. Skilfully-worked entry that should do well.
Robert Douglas Brown
09/11/14
I am sorry for not reading your article sooner. I will try to do a better job this week!

This is an excellent article worthy of a top 5 placement. You write such good articles that I enjoy every week. You are a God-sent friend!

God Bless!