Word-High July: Indak ni Nanay

Indak ni nanay
Tugtog ni tatay
Mahilig si nanay na manggantsilyo
Parating dala yung bag ng lana
Nagmamaneho si tatay ng trak
Naghahatid ng yielo sa mga tindahan
Nagkakilala sila sa sayawan
Isang bumabagyong gabi
Kwentuhan at tawanan
Habulan at may tampuhan din
Simpleng pamumuhay
Simpleng kaligayahan
Musika at tawanan

Mother’s dancing
Father’s music
She loves knitting
With her bags of wool
He used to be an ice trucker
Delivering ice to shops
In the dance floor they met
One blustery night
News and laughter
Chasing and drama, too
Simple living
Simple happiness
Music and laughter

(c) ladyleemanila 2016

For: Night of Symphonies and Indak. Also for: Friday Flasher: On The Dance Floor by A.L. Mabry

Craig – Fiction Friday Prompt #13 and Prompt 34 – Weekend Wordle #5

Today’s prompt is to write a story about a construction worker who makes a discovery of a lifetime at a construction site. You set the scene, decide the discovery, and figure out how it will impact his/her life.

Words in our Wordle: Garden, Deep, Wings, Home, Daughter, Trap, Journey, Pot, Feather & Jewel

“Bye, Dad, don’t forget to bring me back some chocolates!” that was my daughter bidding me goodbye this morning. Jessie is a lovely girl, my own jewel. She was playing in the garden with her dog Pogi.

My name is Craig and I’m a construction worker. My work starts early and it’s a hard job. I’ve learned the trade from an early age, as my father was a construction worker himself. I used to be his assistant. He taught me everything he knew. I work as a freelance constructor, getting contracts from different firms and projects. I earn enough to keep my small family being fed and clothed. There’s Louie, the love of my life, 10 year old Ben and 5 year old Jessie. We have got a cosy home in the suburb of the city.

Today was a normal day. The journey from home to work was about an hour. We have to construct a building in the heart of the city. It’s a big project. First we have to dig deep for the foundation to be laid. I didn’t know what happened but I was trapped in one corner. I was there for about an hour before my colleague saw and helped me get out of there. That hour was the longest hour in my life. I thought about my life, my family and how I would do everything to make them happy. That I appreciated what life has offered and given me so far and that I was very grateful for all the blessing that was given to us. When I came out of there, I felt as light as a feather, feeling free and ready to see life in a different way. If only I have a set of wings, then I could fly and be home sooner.

I bought Jessie her box of chocolates, a big bunch of flowers for Louie and a toy car for Ben. I even bought Pogi a chewing toy. I told them how much I love them and said we’re going to go on holiday this summer. They can choose where we can go. They chose Garda Lake. And so that little accident made me think about my priorities in my life. I’d say I found my own pot of gold at the end of a rainbow and I’m very grateful for it.

https://therattlingbones.wordpress.com/2015/07/03/fiction-friday-prompt-13/
https://aprompteachday.wordpress.com/2015/07/04/prompt-34-weekend-wordle-5/

Too Hot To Handle – Fiction Friday Prompt #12

Two years ago, Him Indoors decided to plant a variety of chillies. We love eating spicy food and it was a new project for him. So he ordered the seeds and was so excited when they arrived. He printed and made some labels with their descriptions and the level of hotness for each variety. Some of the chillies were Jalapenos Hungarian Wax, Serrano, Aji Amarillo, Scotch bonnet, Habanero, cayenne pepper and Bhut Jolokia or Naga Jolokia – from 2,500 to 1million Scovilles.

It was still winter when he started so he germinated them in the house, in a sort of incubation boxes, then moved them near the window sills where the sun shined. They started growing. We watched them grow, some faster than the others. He looked after them, watered them and fed them. Soon, he transferred them to some pots and as the weather improved, he moved them out in the garden.

When they were a bit bigger, we gave some away to friends as presents, so they could also have their chilli plants. They were delighted to receive them. We harvested them when they were ready. It was a delight seeing a variety of them in different colours and sizes – orange, purple, red, yellow, green. We cooked curries, salsas, jerks, arrabiatas, and add a fresh chilli or two every time we prepared our meal. We dried some of them by putting them in our airing cupboard and some were made into chilli sauce by adding some lemon juice, oil and pasteurising them. He used goggles and hand gloves when he made the sauce. We had to open all the windows as he cooked them. They were too hot to handle. Or sometimes, I cycled or walked out of the house, did some errands so I didn’t have to experienced their vapours.

One time, he was making a sauce of the hottest variety, the Bhut Jolokia (1,001,304 Scovilles – now, truly the hottest chilli pepper around). He took all the precautions, by wearing eye goggles and hand gloves. The kitchen became too hot as he was cooking them and he was getting uncomfortable and sweaty. Not thinking properly, he took his goggles off and wiped his brow with his gloved hand, but oh boy, he regretted that. Too hot to handle – he quickly washed his eyes and face with cold running water, muttering some swear words under his breath. Poor Him Indoors, what an experience with his chilli plants.

https://therattlingbones.wordpress.com/2015/06/26/fiction-friday-prompt-12/

From a Distance – Friday Fiction, Finish It! #9 and The Prompt Week 64

Sitting on the rock, his feet dangling in the water. It was the place he could relax, where all the pressure was lifted off his shoulders. He wished, he could share it with her though. While his eyes scanned the ocean he wondered where she would be right now, what she was doing and whom she was with.

The last time he saw her was at EDSA, they were part of the protestors at Camp Crame, wearing yellow shirts. It was in February 1986, to be exact. They were part of the crowds praying, shouting and singing together in front of tanks and armed soldiers. That was a tough time, they didn’t know what to expect. They just joined them in the spirit of cooperation and unity. They wanted freedom from dictatorship, from corruption, from poverty. They handed some sandwiches and flowers to the soldiers and the other people near them. They wanted to make a difference. It took 3 days for the revolution to be over. They were proud to be part of that history.

And then she was gone. Away from him, away from this country. She was returning to Britain where she was to get married. She always wanted to be different, to spread her wings, to explore. She went from one country to another, venturing out, experiencing life and somehow, was successful in her endeavour. She met her future husband in the chemical laboratory in Germany, where they were both training.

And as for him, he also started having a family, with 4 children in tow. He was very proud of what he has achieved, having his own business and quite successful, too. The children were all doing well in school. But from time to time, he still thinks about her. About what it could have been had they been together, what could have been had she not left the country, what could have been had he had the courage to let her know what he felt. He always wondered where she would be right now, what she was doing and whom she was with.

Friday Fiction Is Changing
https://authorsbmazing.wordpress.com/2015/04/09/finish-it-9-2/

The Prompt 64

Friday Fiction – Anticipation

“Ladies and gentlemen, we’ll be landing in half an hour. So please fasten your seatbelts, put your chair in an upright position and secure all baggage underneath your seat or in the overhead compartments…Enjoy the rest of the flight.” That was the captain speaking. Luzviminda could hardly contain herself. She was coming back home after four years of being away from everyone. She left a girl, now she was coming back a well travelled lady and a fiancée. She couldn’t believe all the experience she had in those four years.

After college Luzviminda was lucky enough to be invited by her aunt to travel to France and stay with them. It was in the winter and she could still remember the delight of first seeing snow. She asked her aunt to take a photo of her and sent it to her family. France is totally different from her country and she had to learn fast. She had to learn French to start with, so she watched all comedy shows and cartoons and tried to learn the language. She also started looking for a job. It wasn’t easy but she persevered. Luckily, she managed to get a job in one of the Consulates in Geneva. Her knowledge of English got her the job, as she was doing the English correspondence, while the others were doing the French and the Amharic ones. She loved that experience.

Then, after a while, she applied to do an apprenticeship in one of Germany’s chemical company. Actually, she applied to hundreds of companies in Europe. That was one determined lady! She was accepted to do the apprenticeship in the Inorganic Department. There, she met her future husband. After six months, they had to part their ways, as he had to go back to finish his studies and Luzviminda decided to visit her father in the USA.

In America, Luzviminda found a job in a Cosmetic Company, doing the Accounts Payable. They loved her there and were impressed with her ability to learn the job well and precise. The future husband followed her there and spent summer with her. They decided to get married in the UK in a year’s time. So Luzviminda decided to go back home and informed her mother and siblings.

“I can’t wait to tell them about my experiences. I can’t wait to see them all again. Life has been good to me. And now before I start a new life, I’d like to go home first, say thanks for everything that happened and get my Mother’s blessing. Half an hour more and I’ll be home!”

Friday Fiction – Anticipation

Aurora is my Name – Friday Fiction – A-Z Story

Aurora is my name and I’m the youngest in the family. Baby, they call me and I don’t really mind. Chocolates, cartoons, cycling and going to the cinema are some of my favourites. Don’t get me started and I can carry on and on. Excited now is what you’re making me feel. For we are going on holiday – yay! Great, I shouted and started packing my bags.

“Hold on a minute,” my Mum said, “we haven’t decided yet where we’re going.” India, Indonesia, Iceland – you pick, Mum, I shouted from my room. “Japan, I always wanted to go to Japan,” that’s my big brother talking. “Korea would be interesting,” injected the middle one. “Lapland, to see Santa Claus!” that’s Lolita for you.

Mum looked at Dad who hasn’t said a thing. “Not a clue,” he said. Or we can go and see Granny and Grandad – I tried to be useful. Perhaps they will be happy to see all of us again. Quest for the perfect holiday, where would it be? Rajasthan, Ranthambhore to see tigers, that’s definitely a treat! Singapore, South Africa, somewhere nice?

“Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago or Tanzania?” asked my brother again. “Uganda – oh no, there’s trouble there,” the middle one is getting frightened. “Vanuatu,” Lolita’s getting clever now. “Wales!” – shouted my Dad, “that’s where we’re going.” Xxx, can’t think of anywhere else. “You said it, we’re going to Wales,” my Mum said. Zzzzz and we’re soon asleep.

Friday Fiction – A to Z Story

The Housewarming Party – Friday Fiction

This is an attempt at a 7x7x7x7 poem. The idea with this is to go to a book shelf, take the seventh book, turn to page seven and find the seventh sentence – this then becomes the first line of a seven line poem. Here’s mine:

He glanced toward the neighbouring garden
A lot of people there and full of action
A lady was wearing the latest fashion
Invited him to join the fun
And made his day brighten
He started drinking bourbon
And his face turned crimson

Friday Fiction – Jokes for Dads

Our Way of Surviving Winter – Friday Fiction

We decided to combine our lists into one Bucket List
Things we want to do and places to visit
We started with Santorini then Sicily came next
Today we’re packed and ready to go
Trip to India for two weeks
Delhi, Jaipur, Agra and Ranthambhore
To see tigers, too
In the warmth
Of India
Joy!

Friday Fiction – Surviving the Winter

Bayanihan – Friday Fiction – Celebration

“Bayanihan” mural by Carlos Francisco

It took quite some time when Ricardo and Corazon decided to move to another barrio*. Ricardo’s father recently died and he’d like to be near his mother for her old age. The children Maria and Jose were happy to be living near their Lola*.

When news spread that they were moving, some friends and neighbours volunteered to help the family move to their new place. The day was set and everyone was there. It’s called bayanihan* in the Philippines. It literally means carrying the house to its new location. This was done by putting bamboo poles forming a strong frame to lift the stilts from the ground and carrying the whole house with the men positioned at the ends of each pole. There must be around 20 men carrying the house. The rest of the neighbours helped carry their other belongings. They sang and made jokes as they walked to the new place.

When they’ve reached their destination, the women started preparing for a small fiesta* for everyone – volunteers, friends, neighbours. They cooked rice, adobo*, sinigang* and other Filipino dishes and desserts. Ricardo and Corazon hosted the fiesta. It was their way of saying thank you to everyone. Now it was time to celebrate! Three cheers! Mabuhay!*

*barrio – a district in town
*lola – grandmother
*bayanihan – spirit of communal unity or effort to achieve a particular objective
*fiesta – feast
*adobo – chicken or pork cooked with soy sauce, vinegar and garlic
*sinigang – sour soup, usually with tamarind or guava leaves
*Mabuhay! – Cheers! (could also be Welcome!)

Friday Fiction – Celebration

Friday Fiction: Family

Luningning always felt that there was something missing from her life. She couldn’t get satisfied or complete, no matter how much she achieved or did. She asked her mother. She knew she was adopted when she was a baby and she loved her new family. They treated her as one of their own and have given her love and acceptance. She asked for the name of her biological mother and the name of the hospital where she was born. To her surprise, there were two baby girls born from the same woman. She has a twin sister, who was also adopted when the mother died at giving birth to them. She knew then that her twin sister was the missing part of her life. She asked the hospital for some information, on how she could look for the people who adopted her twin sister. After thoroughly searching and asking around, she managed to find the name of the woman who adopted her twin sister.

She wrote a letter to Mrs. Josepha Delos Santos and told her about her story and how she’s just found out that she has a twin sister and would like to meet her. Josepha wrote back telling her about Tala, her adopted daughter. She didn’t know that Tala has a twin; had she known that, she’d have adopted the two of them because she didn’t want them to be separated. She’d like to meet Luningning and she’d tell Tala about her and their story. So when Luningning went to their house, Tala opened the door and they both saw a mirror image of themselves. They knew then that their lives would be complete now, seeing and meeting their long lost twin sister.

Friday Fiction