InSanity~Normalize, Don't Stigmatize Mentall Illness.

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Double Dog Dare, A Pre-Halloween Scare




My Dear Sillies,
   Do you remember the days when blogland was less about begging you to buy and review my books? I mean, pushing our books on each other?  We were merely excited to meet and connect.
   Regardless of our motives and/or writing journeys, we've become a wonderful fanbase for each other. And that's a very nice thing.
   A loving lady, Jenny Matlock, used to do a Saturday Centus exercise. I occasionally participated. This photo was the prompt. The challenge: using all five senses, write about this in 100 words max.
   Here's my story, The Double Dog Dare...











“I double-dog dare ya to go in,” Johnny challenged. He was cute so I acted brave.  

“Okay.” I swallowed my jelly bean whole. Salty black-licorice flavor stuck to my tongue.  Entering the creepy old shack, the smell of mud overtook me.  I was blinded by darkness.

“Welcome!” A boyish voice came up through the floors’ wooden panels.  I noticed a gaping hole at my feet and felt the sudden firm grip of fingers clasping my ankles from below.

“Let me go! Help! Help!”

A familiar giggle slowed my pulse.

“Johnny, you poo-poo head! That wasn’t funny!”
  

34 comments:

  1. A fun take on the prompt. My thoughts went immediately to a darker place. Which says firmly that I am in need of an attitude adjustment.

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    1. Well, my mind went there too. Then I remembered that I wrote it, and I tend to take things to unexpected places.
      Thank you, EC.

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  2. What? We've all turned into buy mes? Say it ain't so haha

    A fun way to go. Might get his fingers stomped though.

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    1. At least, for starters we need to support each other. we're good at that too.

      And Johnny is lucky I wasn't wearing heels.
      Thanks, Pat.

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  3. Well done, Robyn!

    Speaking of consumerism, my post on Friday is serendipitously going to be all about some cool bloggers' items that people should consider for Xmas/holiday presents. The Trumpeter's New Clothes is one of the items included!

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  4. Cute story!

    I still enjoy blogging for the interaction and connection. And to be part of a fan base. :) But I admit, I don't get around as often as I used to.

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    1. How is it that time gets harder and harder to manage? It's become more a matter of quality connections than anything else, right?
      Thank you, Elizabeth.

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  5. creepy pic - the story could go anywhere. Your story is very cute and it made me smile. Very fun and yes, I like the blogging for the connection. Cheers my friend

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    1. You're one of many stellar souls with whom I grateful to be connected.
      Cheers to you, Joanne.

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  6. I wonder how long ago it was that any kid used a term like "poo-poo head?"

    And never mind what she said, Johnny. That was funny.

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    1. I admit, Silver, I gotta give Johnny a high-five, nah, high-ten, for this one. It's brilliant.
      And I wonder if any kid ever used the term "poo-poo head". It's kinda endearing, right? Especially relatives to all sorts of other options.
      Gratitude, Silver.

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  7. All was good except the black licorice jelly bean. Yuck!! LOL

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    1. Agree, girlfriend. I HATE black licorice! Ha.
      Thanks for stopping by, Holli.

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  8. How I love and miss Jenny Matlock. I send her Christmas cards and she responds.

    Love,
    Janie

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    1. Oh, it's great to know she's responding. I love and miss her too, JJ. She was such a shining star in blogland. She really helped me improve my writing, and I had fun all the while.
      Love ya.

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  9. Oh no...not black licorice! That will give me nightmares :)

    That house would give me the creeps. But I'd still go in. Because, you know, good photo ops :)

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  10. Great post! Excellent vignette, Robyn. I enjoy a good take on a photo. Then personal memory kicks in: 38 years ago we bought a property with a little crumbling, crazy old farm house on it. We went inside. The kids cried. We got to work: rebuilt, restored walls, roof, pump, septic system and added a new wing for bedrooms and yet, and yet...it was STILL a crazy old farm house! And always will be. Crazy old houses will tolerate fear, but really just want love. I hope Johnny Poo-Poo-Head learned that by and by.

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    1. That's a heartwarming story, Geo. There is something endearing about crazy old houses. Maybe Johnny's upgrading one too nowadays. What I really hope for him is that someone's given him the scare of his life. He deserves at least that. =)

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  11. Yep. Blogland is very supportive of authors and their releases. I'm grateful for that! But it's also nice to see other content. Variety is the spice of life.

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    1. It's a challenge, that's for sure. Any way we do it. Staying connected is key.
      Thanks, Sherry.

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  12. Yes I remember the early days. :)

    That's a great looking house. Spooky as! You'd have to go far out into the country to find a house like that in Australia now. Everything's getting pulled down for apartment blocks. Well, Melbourne and Sydney anyway.
    I like old house.
    Cute little story too.
    Happy Halloween!

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  13. Fun story, Robyn! And appropriately spooky for this almost Halloween weekend. Blog friends have given me lots of support and friendship over the years. I'm grateful for all of them--including you! :-)

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    1. Our connection has been a pleasure and honor for me as well, Connie.

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