Charli Mills has been away a while, putting the Carrot Ranch into a new mobile home, but is back with a new prompt.
June 22, 2016 prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about home. What is it? How does it impact a character? Explore the idea of home from any spark that creates a story.
This is an odd old time. I’m writing this the day after the world jolted on its axis and we’ve voted to leave the EU. It was a clear vote, more so for England if you take out the Scottish vote.
The spread shows cities voting to stay in and the non metropolitan areas saying they want a different way. England, Britain is my home as much as the building I sit in.
I am stunned but I cannot ignore the fact there are millions who want a change. No one knows how it will pan out but, like a shock within the home – when someone brings you an unpleasant surprise – a death or serious illness, a divorce, an unwanted pregnancy, whatever – you get up, dust yourself off and work out what you can do for the best, to make sure those for whom home is a secure place are supported, helped and included.
Part of me, yesterday, felt like saying ‘Ok, you’ve done this, sort it out’ but that’s the way of the coward, the shallow.
No, up we get, it’s a new day and we will get on with the new paradigm and make the most of it. I’m just not sure how or in what way. Yet.
After all, in my little corner of England, today it is really rather beautiful and whoever is in charge isn’t going to stop my garden growing. And the residents seem to be much the same, irrelevant of the vote..
As for the flash prompt, well how does Mary feel, now everything is changing?
What next?
‘Mum, what does it mean? Are we going to leave?’
‘I don’t know, Penny. I didn’t think it would come to this. We’ll just have to be stay calm. But don’t worry. It is not something you need to worry about.’
‘Mum, you said we’d stay, we’d be alright.’
‘Our landlords changed their minds. We have to leave.’
‘It’s not fair. It’s our home.’
‘No, it isn’t fair, but it’s a chance to do something different. We have each other. And our home is where we are, where are hearts are. That’s what makes us strong. We’ll be fine.’
If you want to catch up on Mary’s story, click here
I’m so sorry I missed all this beauty in your garden. I love Mary’s sum up at the end. Being together and having support makes us stronger indeed and home does not need to be a physical space. Hopefully, UK politicians will have a similar approach.
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They have their work cut out but generally we are pragmatic so I expect we will cope.
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Lovely photos and a calming reflection on the current turbulent state of things. I’m with you – we need to get on with making sure things work out in the best possible way, once the shockwaves have settled.
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Yes, that’s got to be the plan
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It’s all we can do, isn’t it.
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I b….y well hope so!!
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ps – is that your little lady tortoise emerged again? Aw.
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Yes, life goes on. Lovely photos and writing.
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Thanks Miriam. Indeed, we will be fine in the end.
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Great take Geoffles!
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Life does indeed go on…you’ll be fine. 💖
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I expect so. Thanks Van.
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Beautiful photos, Geoff, and hope it’s been sufficient distraction from the mind-boggling result – but do think of me here in the provinces where, unlike London, there was a very strong Leave vote! Hardly dared leave the house on Friday!
Love the flash, and so agree it’s not fair, and hope that Mary manages to hold it together, although many don’t in those circumstances.
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I enjoyed your take on Norah’s post. Thoughtful. And yes I understand how frustrating it must feel. Not sure it’s better here, really because you winder a bit. But on we go.
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Awesome take! And you have a tortoise… so have I! What a paradise you live in. Yes, it is a chance to create something new. I am sure in the end all will be well. Even if it wasn’t your decision. There is no other way but to move on!
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Thanks Erika. Yes. We are all still alive and our health hasn’t changed and our families are still here so let’s move on.
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Right! And things are so much in motion that at the moment I guess you can only sit and watch what happens around you…
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Mary is definitely right, and now everyone needs to stop all the venom and recrimination and we must unite. We have manged worse so we can manage this.
Lovely photos Geoff and your words are like an oasis of calm in an angry tumult! 😉 xxxx
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I hope we get to place where we can begin to move forwrd
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Yes me too and soon I hope. 😃 x
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Yeah I can’t even talk about it yet. Ugh
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That’s one of the few positive, non-divisive responses I’ve seen to this, Geoff. You should never go into politics.
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It has been suggested that my career as a lawyer was doomed once it became clear I couldn’t lie convincingly
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Do they not have courses on that?
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I think they sandwich them between ‘Bullshit in Banking’ and ‘Fees and Adding Value: the Art of the Implausible ‘
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I’ve done both those courses, and recommend them highly.
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Oh, no…not Mary, too! Actually, I think it’s much harder when children are involved. They worry and the patents worry about providing a secure home for them. As for your post, I love the strength of resolve to stand by your country and help those who need it. It is unsettling that change is so badly wanted that questionable decisions are made. We are facing that in November, here in the states. We will not be cowards. We’ll face what needs facing. And ultimately our children learn from our actions.
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Fascinating approach to “home,” especially when unwanted/unexpected disturbances show up on the doorstep.
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Thanks
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Lovely to see your photos of your beautiful garden and gorgeous residents Geoff. We need as much calm as we can get after brexit. I’m still in shock. Nearly everyone I know voted Leave. And some read my blog. But sometimes I can’t keep quiet. Not when my heart is as heavy as it’s been lately, like so many. But enough of all that. I’m heading out of blogland for a while but I hope to try and post flash fiction over at the Ranch here and there. Have a great summer and see you soon, on FB I’m sure. And all the best with your latest novel!
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I heard about the break. Have a fun and successful time.
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Thanks Geoff!
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fantastic photographs! mind blowing! The story is beautiful, touching and truth for so many!
mine is here
https://agnijaat.wordpress.com/2016/07/07/home-for-carrotranch/
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