MULTIPLY Writing Prompt #9: What happens next?

A character in your story (or poem, etc.) overhears something which confirms his or her suspicions that a friend and/or coworker is in an abusive situation and in imminent danger.

What happens next?

******

„Where do you think you are going young lady?“
“Out mum, meeting a few friends.”
“But not that gang at the corner of the street again. You spend far too much time hanging around with them. Nothing good will come of it, mark my words.”
“Mum I am now sixteen and old enough to know what I am doing. See you later.”
and before mum could say more Josephine was out of the door and gone.

Josephine had dressed in her best tight jeans and belly-free top, just like the rest. You just have to belong otherwise no-one really wants to talk to you and of course there was Mike. Mike was the boy she had most feelings for. Ok, he was a bit on the shy side, but he did not talk such meaningless rubbish like the rest. He was no show off, and Josephine knew he liked her as well. Every time the gang went out together, Mike always made sure he was at Josephine’s side and he often put his arm around her shoulders in a protective way. He did not have any piercings in his nose, ears or otherwise on his face and that was one of the reasons why Josephine never bothered with it. Of course, her mother would not have allowed it, but mothers always have something to complain about. “You can never do anything right by mums and dads” she thought.

“Hi Joe” she said as she arrived at the street corner. She always made a point of greeting their leader first of all. She was a little bit frightened of him as he had such a loud voice and was always telling the other boys what to do. He also had the habit of getting just a bit too close to her, but to the other girls as well. Some of them were impressed, but Josephine was a little bit careful. It was nice to belong somewhere, but she sometimes had a funny feeling inside. As if what she was doing was not real, a make believe world.

She looked around for Mike, but he had not yet arrived.
“Looking for someone Josi? Mike is not yet here, he has some schoolwork to do. Seems to be more important for him that us. Think we will have to teach him a lesson, won’t we girls and boys?”
“Yeah of course Joe.” said the others
Josephine did not join in on that answer.
“Girls, looks like Josi thinks that Mike is something better than us” and Joe pulled Josephine towards him with her hair and she felt his smelly breath on her face.
Josephine decided to continue being silent but was just plain frightened. Mike never arrived that evening and in a way Josephine was glad. There was no telling what Joe might have for stupid ideas. She did not sleep very well that night.

The next day was Saturday and Josephine decided to phone Mike and tell him what she had heard.
“Hello, who is calling please”
“This is Josephine Mrs. Stanton, can I speak to Mike please.”
“Mike is not here at the moment. He is helping his father at the kennels. Mike will be back this afternoon, just call round I am sure he will be glad to see you.”

That evening Josephine dressed in her gang dress and left the house for the street corner. Joe and his disciples were all standing around and this time Mike was there as well.
“Hi Josi, well looks like a real sweetheart gathering this evening, your precious Mike is here as well.”
“Leave him alone Joe” said Josephine
“Oh dear, we have to leave our little boy Mike alone, otherwise our Josephine will get angry.”
and all started laughing. Josephine ran off.
“Looks like your girlfriend has turned chicken Mike and now we have a few things to say to you.”
“What’s the problem Joe.”
“Problem, no problem, we just think you spend too much time being the school boy and not enough with us. Now it’s time for us to teach you a few things isn’t it boys?” and Mike suddenly found himself held down by four of the gang members whilst Joe put a brass knuckle duster on his hand and aimed for Mike’s face. However, it stayed at an aim as Joe suddenly let out a scream when the first Rottweiler sunk his teeth into Joe’s trouser bottoms. The second Rottweiler jumped at one of the other boys and pinned him down on the ground and before the third Rottweiler could do any more damage the other boys ran off.

“Help, its hurting, please help me” cringed Joe still in the grips of the Rottweiler’s sharp teeth.
“Got a problem Joe?” asked Mike “You know what Joe, I really enjoy learning things that will be useful for my future life, but I also have hobbies. One of them is helping my dad to train dogs. We specialise in Rottweilers, they are lovable animals really, just have to train them properly. I suppose they have something in common with gang leaders, they also have to be trained in the right way.
“Come Cedric, leave the bad boy alone now” Mike called and the Rottweiler took his teeth out of Joe and ran obediently to Mike.
“OK, Josephine, I think we can go home now. Just help me to get the dogs together” and Mike and Josephine walked arm in arm back to the kennels with the dogs. Josephine was glad that she had visited Mike on that afternoon and warned him of what might happen. It was a good idea for Josephine to run off and fetch the dogs on that evening.

Writing Prompt #9: What happens next?

MULTIPLY Creative Challenge #43: When I am gone - for those left behind

I know it was sudden, but now I am here
It happens to all of us, there is nothing to fear
I hope my farewell went off very well
A party I wanted, perhaps somewhere a bell
Now please don’t forget, to give my cats food
They otherwise may be in a very bad mood
Forget not my blog, it was a lot of hard work
So look after it well, it might even make you smirk
My life was a journey, from beginning to end
so spare me some thoughts, my best wishes I send
children you were born you grew and became wise
so think of me kids, don’t be sad on my demise
I am sure I will find something to pass away time
where I am now I am really in my prime
No stress, no shopping, no washing and no work
it might even get boring, but I will just have to lurk
I have one great wish on my will was not hid
I really wanted a monument, a large pyramid
I found it so nice, the Egyptians had them as well
Perhaps it was difficult, I don’t want to yell
If you think of me now and again its enough
I know it went quickly, I was gone in a puff
And don’t worry if sometimes in the night it might get cold
They told me I can haunt, I can really be bold
I mean no ill will, just want to stay around
It’s too quiet around here, I just want some sound
So if you hear Beatles and also Rolling Stones
just think of me then, I will rattle my bones
I never was one for wise words or advice
So now I will close, life just has its price

When I am gone - for those left behind

MULTIPLY United Friends Challenge #124 - An ideal Warehouse?

Skyerider's Challenge

The setting is in an empty warehouse. List 5 objects you want in the warehouse but pick one of the below conditions.
ALL 5 OBJECTS MUST EITHER (1) rhyme or (2) end with the same letter or (3) begin with the same letter or (4) be the same color.

NEXT PICK TWO CHARACTERS FROM LIST BELOW (no two of same)
(1) a human
(2) an animal
(3) a non-living object

Once you have the ingredients HAVE FUN creating a story.

“This is it“ were the thoughts going through Dave Flint’s head when he made the red circle around the advertisement in the newspaper and he called the telephone number.
“I saw you have a warehouse to let, is it still available?”
“”Yes, certainly, but I must tell you that the person it belonged to just disappeared one day and after waiting, we decided to rent it further. I cannot guarantee what sort of condition it is in, but you are welcome to have a look. Let me know when you will arrive and I will meet you there. My name is Mr. Vlad.”
“Fine, Mr. Vlad I just have one question. Is there any electricity in the warehouse?”
“No problem, there is enough electric current there if needed.
Dave was happy, at last he had perhaps found somewhere for the band to put their instruments and equipment, and they could even use the warehouse as a rehearsal room. He called up the rest of the group, and they told Dave to go ahead, this was just what they were looking for. The next afternoon Dave got himself ready and decided to take Tabby his cat with him. You never know, there might be some vermin in that warehouse and Tabby was always a good mouser. Tabby was not so happy.

“I hope this is not going to be another visit to the vet” he thought as Dave packed him into the cage, so he did a few spits and scratching actions to show Dave his disapproval of the journey ahead. When Tabby noticed that the car was not going in the vet’s direction he relaxed and decided to see what would happen.

The warehouse was in one of the old parts of town that had perhaps seen better times. Although it looked fairly solid from the outside, Dave found that being sandwiched between a graveyard and a church was not the ideal place, but at least if the band could practice they would not be disturbing anyone.
“Good morning Mr. Flint, my name is Vlad, Mr. Vlad. I am the contact person for the warehouse. Please follow me” and Mr. Vlad opened the door to the warehouse.
“What do you have in that cage if I may ask?”
“That’s Tabby, my cat, I though she might be useful if there are any mice around.”
“I don’t think you will find any mice here Mr. Flint, but your cat is welcome to look around” and they entered.
Dave was impressed, so much room and so well built. Mr. Vlad switched the light on, and it really looked great, although Dave noticed a few things laying around.
“Does that stuff belong to someone?” he asked Mr. Vlad
“No, not really, it was just left behind.
Dave let Tabby out of his cage and started having a look at the objects left in the warehouse. The first that caught his eye was a guitar in a corner. He took it in his hands and played a few chords.
“Who woke me up” a voice spoke, but only Tabby really heard it. Tabby was sniffing around for something to eat.
“Did someone say something?”
“Me, of course, and there was a gargoyle standing in the warehouse looking at Tabby with its large glowing eyes.”
“Who are you?” asked Tabby
“I could ask you the same thing. What are you doing in my warehouse?”
“I don’t really know, but I think my human brought me along for company.”
“You mean that object standing over their playing the guitar. That is your human. What does he think he is doing here?
“Looks like he is playing a guitar.”
“Stupid cat, I can see that myself. Good thing that humans only see gargoyles when we want them to see us.”
“Tabby, Tabby, come here. What are you doing in that corner? Found any mice yet?”
“Looks like your human is talking to you, as if you could answer.”
“Humans are like that gargoyle; they think we are here to do what they want. We do understand them, but they don’t have to know everything.”
Dave’s eyes suddenly caught a box in the corner. Being inquisitive he decided to open it.
“Now that is the worst thing you human can do” said the gargoyle to Tabby. We are now going to have trouble.
Dave opened the box and found it full of dried garlic. Although dehydrated it still smelt quite strong.
“Mr. Vlad” asked Dave, what is that box of dried garlic doing here?”
“It must have been forgotten by the last owner. I will have it removed at once.”
Dave did not like garlic, not even in a salad dressing. “No problem Mr. Vlad, I will put it outside and arrange for it to be thrown away.”
“That is a very good idea” answered Mr. Vlad with a sparkle in his eyes.
“What did I say cat, now we will have trouble.”
“Just because he threw away that box. It smells quite strong.”
“That was garlic and it was here for a purpose. It was keeping things out.”
“What things?” asked Tabby
“Things that your feline brain has never seen or heard in this world. Things that are better unknown and unsaid.”
“You gargoyles are funny creatures. What is your purpose? We cats eat mice and sometimes a bird or two, and sleep most of the time.”
“Our sleep can be eternal and we do not need food. It is only when disturbances in our surroundings occur, that we are awake but remain inconspicuous for humans. We just observe. I think your human is in for trouble.”

It was now early evening and Dave found he felt very tired. He then discovered a goatskin rug on ground, spread it out and made himself comfortable. In no time he was in a sound sleep. This did not bother Mr. Vlad at all. He knew that this would happen. He was grateful that Dave had removed the offending garlic and at last the path was free.
Tabby had a funny feeling about the warehouse. He had a gargoyle as company, there were no mice, and a curious smell was in the air, so he decided to keep an eye on things.
“Gargoyle are you awake, are you here. I could hear you from far away. I think the time has come for me.” called Mr. Vlad.
“Do we really have to go through all this again. I thought I could rest in peace and quiet for ever. Stupid human throwing that garlic out.”
“What must be will be” said Mr. Vlad.
It was then that Tabby saw the ground shift in the corner and a grave appeared. The lid shifted on the coffin. When he saw Mr. Vlad disappear into the grave he decided it was time to go. He leaped onto Dave and gave him a painful scratch on his arm. Dave was immediately awake.
“Tabby, are you crazy, that hurt. I must have fallen asleep, what’s the time” he said looking at his watch. “I think we should go, come Tabby, into your cage with you.” It was the first time that Tabby was thankful for the protection of a cage. He had a sort of funny feline feeling inside. They left the warehouse whilst .Mr. Vlad had recovered his grave once again, thanks to Dave and his help removing the crate of garlic.

The next day Dave phoned Mr. Vlad to say that the warehouse was ideal and he and his band signed the contract. Actually he had to call a few times until Mr. Vlad took the phone, it seemed that during the day there was no-one in the office. He only reached Mr. Vlad in the evening. Dave and the band found the warehouse to be perfect. They had some alterations made and it was transformed into a concert hall. As the band were specialised in gothic rock, the setting between the cemetery and church was ideal for the atmosphere. The gargoyle and Mr. Vlad were not so happy about the noise.

United Friends Challenge #124: An Ideal Warehouse?

MULTIPLY - Rita's "Riting" Challenge #11

„Come on kids, time to go – is everyone ready?“ and they came tumbling out of the house and jumped into the car. Joe loved kids, but sometimes they were a handful. Rosa his wife wanted to clean the place out. Her mother was coming to stay with them for a few weeks and so she told Joe to take the children to the airport with him to pick her up. She could then organise things at home and was sure the kids would have fun watching the planes landing and taking off.
“Daddy we want to go in an aeroplane” the twins Jenny and Jill decided, in unison of course.
“Don’t be silly” answered Joel, the oldest. “You can’t just go in a plane, you have to buy tickets and have passports and all that sort of thing, don’t they daddy?”
“Of course, son, planes are not like trains and busses. It all has to be organised.”
“What’s organised, daddy” asked Jenny
“Well it’s like when grandma is coming. She had to book her flight a long while ago, and make sure that all her documents were ok. You have to prove who you are when you get on a plane and travel to another country. Grandma lives where mummy grew up. Now daddy and mummy live a long way away and you can only get there quickly by flying.”
“You see Jenny” Jill said “it is not that easy, but I am sure if we get to the airport we can work something out.”
“Forget it girls, we are now arriving and the first thing I have to do is to check that grandma’s flight is on time.” Joe was hoping it would be as he was not looking forward to looking after five kids while the plane was delayed. He entered the airport, and went to the tracking screens to see how the flight was.
“Oh no”
“What’s the matter daddy” asked Joel “isn’t grandma going to come?”
“That’s ok son, she will be arriving, but the flight has one hour’s delay” and Joe was wondering what to do with five inquisitive and noisy children at the airport for more than an hour.
“Daddy, look a big plane” said the twins and they both rushed over to the windows. Joe found that was the solution so he took all the children to the windows to watch the planes arriving and leaving.
“Daddy, I have to go pee pee” that was Julio the youngest son.
“Can’t it wait son?”
“No daddy, I have to go NOW, otherwise I will have an accident” and Julio was moving from one leg to the other to make sure that his father realised the urgency of the matter.
“OK, Julio, I will come with you to the toilet. Is there anyone else that has to go?” He thought he would ask the other kids just to get it all done and done with.
“Me and Jill have to go as well” said Jenny. This was now getting complicated. Joe could go with Julio, but Jenny and Jill would have to find their own way.
“OK girls, the ladies is next to the mens, so when me and Julio go in the toilette, you two girls go into yours, but please wait for me outside when you are finished. Is that a deal?”
“Sure daddy, no problem.”
“And you other two remain at this window and do not go anywhere, is that clear?”
The two other children nodded in synchronisation. They were boys and were too interested in the planes to want to wander off. At least that was what daddy Joe was hoping.
So Joe and Julio with the twins went over to the toilets.
After a while Joe asked his son “Finished Julio?”
“Not yet daddy, I have to make more than pee pee.” And Joe kept his fingers crossed that the girls would be obediently waiting. They would have waited had they not seen one of the pilots walk pass.
“Do you fly planes?” they asked him.
“That’s my job, yes.”
“Are you flying now?”
“I will be in a few minutes. I have to go. Bye girls.” And the pilot disappeared into the crowds. Well not quite, Jill and Jenny decided to follow; it might be their big chance to fly. They found airports were really interesting places. They even had moving walkways, and so they decided to try them out, after all the pilot man was also at the front on the walkway. Eventually they arrived at an entrance where people were showing their documents.
“Jill, do you think this is the bit where daddy said you have to have passports and things.”
“Think so Jenny, but no problem. If we make ourselves small we can creep in and they won’t see us walking past the desk.” The girls could be very sly sometimes and they soon arrived on the other side of the passport control with no problem. They did not see the pilot any more, but things were really interesting in this part of the airport. They were even nearer to the aeroplanes; the planes were in front of the glass windows.

In the meanwhile daddy and Julio were finished and left the toilets. Of course there was no Jenny or Jill waiting outside.
“Dad, looks like the girls have disappeared. Shall I go and search for them?”
“No Julio, you stay with me. First of all we will have a look to see if your brothers are still where I left them.”
Joe breathed a sign of relief when he saw his other two sons were still looking at the planes, but they were thirsty.
“Dad can we have a cola? There is a machine over there.”
“First of all have you seen the twins?”
“Yes daddy, we saw them. They were riding on that moving staircase following a man with a uniform.”
Now Joe was really confused. The twins were missing and he had to go and look for them, but what to do with the three boys?
“OK boys, I will buy each of you a cola from the machine, but only if you promise to STAY here. No moving, understood?”
“Yes, daddy, but what if we have to go pee pee?”
“Do you have to go now,”
“No dad”
“Then keep it that way. I have to go and look for your sisters. Understand” and Joe was wishing that his mother-in-law was not arriving and that his wife did not have to stay at home to clean the place up. Joe loved children, but was also wondering if it was a good idea to have so many.

In the meanwhile - “Jenny let’s go down that slope where all the people are going.”
“Do you think we can Jill, all those people got special cards before they started walking down here.”
“No problem, we can make ourselves small again. Look I think that is the aeroplane. Now we can go flying.”
“And just where do you two young ladies think you are going?” said a lady to them.
“We are going to fly in an aeroplane” they both answered together.
“I don’t think so, where are your mummy and daddy?
“Daddy is in the airport looking after our brothers.”
“Then I think it would be a good idea if you go back to your daddy. You have to have a boarding card to get on the plane and you only get that if you have a ticket.”
“But when we have a ticket for the bus or train we don’t need a boarding card.”
“Flying is something different. Can you tell me your names.”
“I’m Jenny and that is Jill”
“Fine, but do you have another name?”
“You mean the name we all have, that’s easy, we are Jenny and Jill Gonzalez.”
“Well I think it would be a good idea if you go with my colleague. She will take you back to the part of the airport where you will find your daddy.”

Joe had given each of the sons a glass of Cola and was now on his way through the airport looking for the twins when suddenly an announcement came over the loudspeaker.
“Would Mr. Gonzalez please report to the registration desk. His twin daughters are waiting for him there.”
Joe breathed out a sigh of relief. When he took his daughters into his arms, he didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
“Hey daddy, we were on an aeroplane, but it wouldn’t fly until we left. They said we had to have a card. Can you buy us a card.”
“No, that would cost too much money. Now we will go back to the boys and wait until grandma arrives.”
“But daddy”
“No discussions, is that clear?”
“Yes daddy” and Joe and his daughters went back to the window where Joe had left the sons.”
It would have been a good thing when his sons were all waiting for him, but there was no-one at the window. Joe nearly gave up but suddenly saw his sons walking towards him.
“Where have you been now?”
“Its ok daddy” said Julio “my brothers wanted to go pee pee so I showed them where it was.”

Then the announcement came that grandma’s flight was landing. Joe took the children to the arrival lounge and grandma appeared. She hugged the children one after the other.
“This is a wonderful reception Joe; all my grandchildren together to greet me. Did you have any problems at the airport?”

Rita's "Riting" Challenge #11

MULTIPLY Writer's Block - Challenge #57

Melanie was looking through some old photos when she had to stop at one in particular. It showed her as a little girl on her first journey to France. She was holding her grandmother’s hand. Her mother had taken the picture. It was some years ago, but she remembered the visit so well as if it were yesterday.

The sun was shining as they stepped onto French soil and the sea gulls were forming their circles above. They had to walk through the main street of the small French port to arrive at their target. Melanie suddenly stopped and was staring at something.
“Come Melanie, we have to go this way” said her mother Pat.
“I don’t like this place mummy, look at the shop over there. They have a sign where they are selling pain. I don’t want to buy any pain, it is bad enough when something hurts. This is a funny country.”
“Don’t worry Melanie” and Annie her grandmother decided to apply some grandmotherly advice. “We are now in France and the people speak and read French. That sign saying “pain” is the French word for bread and the house with the sign is a French bakers.”
“Really, oh I see. I was a bit worried that it would hurt in this place. Why did Grandfather John have to come here to die? He should have come home so that I could have got to know him.”
Annie would have liked to have answered that question, but she was not sure herself why this had to happen. Annie had only been married a few months when John was called up to the army and sent to other countries to fight. Pat was on the way, although John only knew this through a letter he received from Annie while he was serving abroad. Annie and Pat with Melanie now walked further and entered the cemetery which was just outside the town walls. There were rows of white stones each one the same size and form and showing names of the soldiers that had bravely fought for their country and lost their lives in this French town. Annie and Pat both knew where John’s grave was.

Annie often asked herself why this had to happen in the last months of the war, but at least she had a grave that she could visit. In 1945 John had been serving in France. The soldiers realised that slowly this terrible war was coming to an end and their job was to patrol the streets to ensure that everything was running smoothly. Although the enemy had withdrawn from this part of France, there were still skirmishes now and again. John was walking along the main road past the shops. He was just approaching the bakers shop and decided to buy one of those French loaves of bread, known as baguette. He like them very much, the soft white bread and the crust was something you just did not get in England and the owner of the shop, Madame Deveaux, was such a nice young lady. She had a little girl, Monique, and they were always very friendly to the soldiers. Just as he was going to enter the shop an aircraft passed above. There were still some isolated attacks and before he could take cover the baker’s shop was hit. John was lucky as he had not yet entered, but the shop partially collapsed. It was then that he heard cries coming from inside under the rubble. He climbed over the stones and bricks and heard Monique crying. Digging with his bare hands, brick by brick he saw a hand and heard a Madam Deveaux’s voice. It gave him courage to continue. Monique and her mother were soon released from their grave of bricks and stones. Luckily the full blast of the attack had been warded off by a table in the bakers shop and apart from a few cuts and bruises they were both ok. John told them to leave and seek shelter in the crypt of the village church. He knew this building had withstood many raids during the war and they would be safe. John made sure that the two survivors were out of the shop but the plane returned to finish the job. This time there was no luck for John. The plane’s bombs hit the shop once more. John was still inside the building and he had no chance of survival.

When Annie, Pat and Melanie arrived at John’s grave they found a young lady already standing there. She had just placed some roses at the grave. Annie was not really surprised as she always found flowers on her husband’s grave when she arrived on her annual visit to France and thought it was perhaps a token from the village. As Monique walked away from the English soldier’s grave she looked back towards the English people that had just arrived. She wanted to say something to them, but decided it was perhaps better not to. Monique’s mother visited this grave often with flowers when she was still alive and now Monique carried on the tradition. They were both thankful to John for their lives.

Writer's Block - Challenge #57

MULTIPLY Poetry Posse Week 21: Presenting Count Dracula

The night was dark, just a solitary moon
casting its shadows, a victim would swoon
Come flying through the darkness bold
It was Count Dracula I was told
His appetite was large he wanted blood
He landed at the window, the damsel heard the thud
“Who is there” she called with a timid voice
“It is me, your master, now you can rejoice
I have made the journey from a far off land
I am now in England and find that so grand
So now open up your window so wide
I need an invitation so that I can come inside
You must look upon my eyes with delight
Oh woman fair, please don’t say good night”
The lady was caught in the vampire's ban
She opened the window, she let in the man
She was engulfed in feelings, she swam in his arms
The pricks in the neck were just part of his charms
He left the maiden after drinking his fill
He promised to return, he lived on the hill
In the early morning hours, it still was quite dark
Happiness was with him, he had now left his mark
Dracula returned to his coffin with a vampire’s leap
The daylight was coming and he needed his sleep
He repeated his visits quite often I was told
The maiden became undead, her life was now cold
But the days were numbered for the count and his gangs
There were too many people that did not like his fangs
One day he was found sleeping down in his crypt
His enemy came, with a stake was equipped
His foe took the weapon and drove in his heart
The time had come for Dracula to depart
His death came so quickly he really had no time
to think about fighting, was the end of his crime
Did Dracula exist? Perhaps only in the mind
Bram Stoker’s good book was an excellent find.

Poetry Posse - Week 21 - Presenting Count Dracula

MULTIPLY Visual Aid #1: From a feline perspective

Now this one is right up my street. First of all let me introduce myself. I am Nera the most intelligent cat belonging to Mrs. Human. At the moment Mrs. Human is busy doing something called housework so I thought I would say a few words about this picture. The thing you have to know is that from the point of view of a human, this picture probably arouses such ideas as “poor little bird out in the cold snow” or “what a pretty sight to see a bird in a tree in front of the window”. The basic impression on a cat is “Look, something fresh for dinner”, although it is not an easy task.

First of all we have the bird up on a tree, which is too high for me and my feline friends. The first thought is naturally how do we get the bird down from the tree? This is not an easy task, but there are birds that like to look for their food on ground level. If you are lucky, it might be such a bird and this example seems to be such a species. The first thing is to wait until the bird descends from the tree. This needs a lot of patience. Generally we feline experts crouch behind a bush in the garden, nicely hidden from the view of the bird. There is a large disadvantage in this picture as the surroundings are wet, full of snow and it is common knowledge that we cats do not like to get wet, at least not from something that descends. Walking through snow is not so bad, although is to be taken in small doses.

So back to the bird, it is hungry and flies to ground level looking for whatever birds look for. I am not so well acquainted with the bird diet but generally the humans give them seeds from plants, although I have seen a bird help itself to a worm from the garden – disgusting creatures really.. We felines now have to be very careful, making no noise and no immediate movements. Birds are not as stupid as you might think. As soon as they notice a movement they are away and they can be very quick.

Coming back to the picture, it is quite obvious that a human is looking out of an open window. If the human makes enough noise, which is probably the case, humans being quite clumsy creatures sometimes, it will probably frighten the bird away, but we cats are watching, following the movements of the flying bird with our eyes and waiting until it settles. We have generations of training in our body and brain. Reflecting to the days when we did a deal with the Egyptians. They needed us to protect their food, and we were well rewarded. The main part of the diet was mouse in the corn chambers, but out in the fields there were plenty of birds hanging around for some corn. We felines were always ready for a supplement and those birds were not hanging around very long when we were there.

Today, things have changed. Birds have become careful and just do not wait for a cat to walk past. The best moments are when the humans actually feed the birds. If you are lucky there will be a few birds pecking away at the food on the ground and that is the time to pounce.

So human, if you see a sweet little bird in front of the window, spare a thought for your feline friends and send it in our direction.

I will now have to go, I just saw a nice small feathery friend fly past the window. Looks like food might be landing in the garden soon.

Visual Aid #1: From a feline perspective

MULTIPLY United Friends Challenge #123 - Schooldays

Sanctuaryrose's Challenge

A, B, C, so easy, as 1, 2, 3, I decided the challenge would be a fairly easy one. The challenge is to write a poem using the ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ method, you must begin every line with a word that begins with the next letter of the alphabet starting with A and the last line will be starting with Z. There will be 26 lines in the poem. Yes, you may write a short story using the same method, if you can, go for it.

Now one last thing, a very important note, the poem must be about childhood. I have written mine all ready, go for it all. You Can do this, I believe in you.

A time to leave the mother’s care
By foot along the way so fare
Come rain or shine there is no change
Do it, yes do it, but keep in range
Every step takes you further away
For this is the time, you cannot stay
Going to school, it is time to learn
Happy or not, you cannot turn
It is time to walk the line in life
Just one step at a time, no strife
Knowledge is a wonderful thing
Looking ahead for the good it will bring
Mother said it’s the best for a child
No, please don’t worry, you will be restyled
Oh and do not forget the friends you will meet
Perhaps for life, that will be such a treat
Questions will be answered, maybe not all
Rules will be given, but just for the school
Sitting in the class learning ABC
Teacher is showing you how to be free
Using your brain is what you will do
Very good exercise above all for you
Winning some prizes when you are the best
Xtremely important if you pass a test
Young you are and full of hope
Zany you might be, but it’s clear you can cope

United Friends Challenge #123: Schooldays

MULTIPLY Pictures to Words #9 - Creative Writing

Sitting outside the Ola Café Bistro brought quite a few memories back. Of course in the days gone bye it had an Italian name which made it even then sound more romantic. The visitors were not so romantic, but they were probably the reason why the café was still so popular. It is amazing what a dark history can do for such a place.

Jack Green entered the restaurant and all eyes turned to him.
“Morning Mario” he greeted the restaurant owner. “Someone seems to be sitting at our table.” And Mario would go to the table and ask the intruders if they would mind taking place at another table as this particular table was reserved for Jack Green and his brothers. There would be no discussion, no arguments. The people sitting at the table would leave the table for the Green family, muttering apologies as they left.

Soon Fred and Morris Green would enter. They were actually identical twins, but the resemblance stopped at their faces. Their characters were completely different. Fred was an easy going sort of person; if you left him in peace he would be fair and cause no trouble. It was just better if you did not cheat or double cross him, the he could show the dark side of his character. His brother Morris was a different story. He did not keep out of the way of trouble, but usually went looking for it and if there was none, he made sure there was. Their mother was proud of all three sons. She was convinced they were good boys, always being generous to her. They never forgot her birthday and there were always flowers for mother’s day. Up to now the boys had all managed to keep out of prison, but most of the local police officers were on their pay list in any case.

The brothers ordered three cups of tea and some cheese sandwiches. Then the conversation began.
“Fred, Morris, the South bank gang have started making attempts to invade our territory; any suggestions?”
Morris hit the table with his fist. “Jack, I think we should send them on a nice little trip down the river. Tie a few stones around their ankles to make sure they stay in the water.”
“Morris, such solutions are not always the best” Fred joined in. “You cannot just get rid of people you don’t like. I would suggest we sit down together and have a talk.”
“Sit down and have a talk, you must be kidding. The South Bank gang have been trying to take over for some time. Get rid of them for good. That’s the solution” and Morris was convinced his idea was the best.
Being the eldest brother, Jack decided to say a few words to keep the family peace. “Morris your suggestion does have a ring of logic about it, but even we have to be careful, even if the police are on our pay roll and Fred I also think that having a drink and a chat might be getting too friendly and arise suspicions.
“So what do you suggest” asked the twins.
“I think a mixture of both would be a good idea. We have to get the gang together in one place so it might be an idea to organise a conference. What happens after the conference, we will wait and see” and so the brothers carried on their discussions and eventually left together. They paid Mario like any other customer and gave a good tip. Mario had no problem with the visits of the Green brothers. He too had grown up in the area and went to school with the brothers and knew that at heart they were probably good boys, but now and again misunderstood.

A few days later Morris came into the café but seemed to be quite annoyed. “Have you seen my brothers?” he asked Mario.
“They were here this morning, but since I have no idea where they are.”
“I am sure they are meeting up with that South Bank gang, I told them to ask me first.” And Morris stormed out of the café. Mario tried to hold him back as he knew when Morris was annoyed he was completely out of control. Unfortunately the boss of the South Bank gang was just walking along the street as Morris left the café. Morris saw him, pulled out his gun and fired three shots. The leader of the gang went down on the pavement. Mario saw what happened but Morris just ran away. The problem was there were too many witnesses to the murder. This time neither Morris older brother Jack nor his twin brother Fred could help. Even the money being paid to the police inspectors was of no advantage; Morris was seen by too many people. He was caught and sentenced to life imprisonment.

The years went past and the other two brothers eventually also received their just rewards and were put into prison for the crimes they had committed.

Mario was getting older, but still owned the café although the name had been changed and it was now the Ola Café bistro. He often had visits from journalists or television people asking about the Green family and the memories he had. Mario even wrote a book about the past history of the gangster visits in his café which became a best seller. The Green family never became free men again and they died in prison. Mario attended all three funerals which were held in the part of town where they had lived. The funerals were gatherings of gangsters and crooks, even some of the surviving members of the South Bank gang attended. The processions came along the road where Mario’s café was situated and they were accompanied by an abundance of flowers and wreathes. Even Mario was asked for an interview for the local newspaper.

It was a few years ago that Mario died and the café was taken over by his son. Things are now a lot quieter around the Ola Café Bistro today, but sometimes one of the Green sons might pay a visit for old time’s sake and would have a nice cosy chat with Mario’s son.

Pictures to Words #9 - Creative Writing