Back on February 1st, Carrot Ranch kicked off the Sue Vincent Rodeo Classic as a way to support Sue in her in journey through cancer and show her how much she is loved by this creative community.
Winners were announced on March 22nd. And what a fabulous outpouring of talent. To read all the 99-word stories and 99-syllable poems based on Sue’s photo prompt, click HERE.
I’m delighted to share one of my entries.
The Proposal
When he’d asked for her hand, he’d promised a white-washed farm in the patchwork valley. Verdant fields and tart cherry trees perfect for pies. He’d offered gardens and pearls and the earnest comfort of old-fashioned love. And each time, she’d denied him.
Then they’d climbed her autumn hill, where the valley flowed like an emerald river, and beneath the woolen clouds, the sun’s long brush painted the mountains with light. He grasped her hand and dropped to a knee. “If I build you a cabin on this golden hill, will you marry me?”
So certain was her answer.
Yes.
Myths of the Mirror 
I always love your imagery; can’t remember if I told you I liked this one, so here I am!
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Thanks, Chelsea. I enjoy these flash challenges. I wrote three for this photo, which added the complexity of having to make them all different. I’m back from a break and will be by soon to say hello. Have a lovely Sunday and week ahead. ❤
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I’m on permanent unexpected breaks schedule, myself. I guess it’s part of momming.
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Here too. I feel for all the moms (like my daughter). Start, stop, start, stop. I wish everyone would just get vaccinated so we can get back to “normal” instead of dragging this out for years.
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And then, I wish for a permanent vaccination. Is there an end?
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Boy, you want it all. Lol. I don’t think so. It will probably be a yearly thing. And get ready for the next one… With climate change, I think we’re going to see more of these. We better get efficient at handling them.
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Loved it, would love reading your every writings.
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Thank you for stopping by to read. I appreciate the visit. Have a wonderful week and Happy April.
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https://wp.me/pcVb1G-B
This is a lovely story that will make you fall in love with
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Thanks for sharing your story.
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Thanks, Hope you like it and be with the story
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[…] The Proposal […]
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Thank you for sharing. I’m glad you enjoyed the story. A bit of romance to lighten the mood. Happy April.
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Wow. What a beautiful post, Diana. Keep writing.
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Thank you for the kind comment. I’m so glad you enjoyed the story. A bit of romance in 99 words. Have a lovely day.
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He became wise over time. Who would marry for the practical working life? I’m glad his charm came through and happy for the romantic and touching happily ever after! Great entry, Diana!
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Thanks for reading, Miriam. Yes, he finally figured it out. And who wouldn’t love that view?! It was fun writing a little romance and HEA. Have a lovely afternoon. ❤ ❤ Hugs.
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This is so charming and the descriptions are amazing – well done Diana!
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Thank you, Meg. “Charming” was the goal. I’m glad you enjoyed this mini-romance. Have a wonderful week!
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Wonderful!
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Thanks, Jennie. It was a fun little challenge and fun writing a bit of romance! Have a wonderful week ahead, my friend. 😀
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And it was a great read. Best to you, Diana! 😀
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The beauty of your writing sweeps me away, how could she possibly resist? 🙂
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Thank you, Jacquie. I tried my hand at a bit of romance. 🙂 It was super fun to do a little HEA. Yes, this fellow finally figured it out, and he got the girl. Happy Writing, my friend. ❤
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Wow what a proposal😊
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He finally got it right, Vaishnavi. Thanks for reading my little 99-word romance. Have a wonderful week. 🙂
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happy weekend😊
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Beautiful imagery as always Diana. And I love the sweet story of fresh love ❤
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A touch of romance, Debby. It was fun to write something besides blood and misery. Lol. Have a lovely Sunday, my friend. Hugs and more hugs. ❤
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I hear you girl! ❤
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Oh, Diana, this is such a lovely story with vivid imagery. Beautiful! 🥰
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Thanks so much for reading and for the kind comment, Lauren. I enjoy these 99 word puzzles and trying to condense a story into its core elements. Glad you liked this one. Hugs!
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Lovely ❤❤
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Thank you, Beauty. I’m glad you enjoyed this little story. Have a wonderful day and week ahead. 😀
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I’d take the golden hill too! What a gorgeous story:-)
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Thanks, Suzanne. How about that view?! I could live with that. I’m so glad you enjoyed the mini-story. Have a great week!
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Oh I would say yes for that!!
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Thanks for the visit, Joyce, and for the kind comment. Yes, this fellow finally figured it out. Ha ha. A bit of happily ever after. Have a wonderful week! 😀
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Yes.. he did. And the place is heaven.
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Wowwwwwwwwww…. beautiful lines.. touched my heart.
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Thank you, Kirti. I’m so glad you enjoyed this. A bit of romance, which was great fun to write. Have a lovely week ahead. ❤
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Hi there, just wanted to jot you a note that your link to your site isn’t working. You probably changed your URL at some point and it needs to be updated in your gravatar. Here are some instructions if you need them: https://mythsofthemirror.com/2019/04/06/7-steps-to-a-user-friendly-blog/
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Ahhhhhh, I see there is problem … thank you for such help.
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I hope it works!
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Diana, What a delightfully perfect little story!! Once again your vivid and engaging imagery lives on in my mind.
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Indeed, Tara! Diana’s mastered the art of pithy-but-powerful writing — a skill I will likely spend the next thousand years cultivating to little avail!
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I always find your prose filled with clarity and courageous insights – and that’s pretty powerful, my friend!
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Pithy but powerful. Lol. It’s such good practice for tightening our prose, Sean. I tend to write on the long side and squeezing a story into 99 words forces me to whittle and whittle down to the core. Thanks for the visit and Happy Writing!
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Thanks, Tara. I appreciate the visit. I enjoy these 99-word challenges and went with a bit of romance on this one. 🙂 Have a wonderful Sunday and week ahead. Hugs.
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That was perfection, Diana!
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Thanks, Teri. You see, I can write something besides blood and misery. Lol. A touch of romance was fun. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Have a great weekend and Happy Writing!
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Yep, I’d go for the cabin on the hill as well, Diane. Enjoyed the story. A few words saying a lot. –Curt
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Thanks for taking the time to read, Curt. There were a few valley-dwellers in the comments – usually focused on the cherry pies. Lol. But I’d take the mountains any day. Have a wonderful weekend.
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I’ve never been much of a flatlander myself, D. Thats what we used to call people who lived in the Sacramento Valley as opposed to the Sierra foothills. Cherry pie is good. 🙂 –Curt
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This is so beautifully written, Diana. I love the descriptive phrases. Thank you for sharing!
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Thanks for swinging by, Jan. I love writing from photo prompts, and it was wonderful to try my hand at a little romance. Now I know why authors enjoy writing it! Have a wonderful weekend. Hugs!
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Just like drafting a new story, sometimes it takes a few tries to get the desired result!
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Ha ha. You have to know your audience, right? This fellow finally figured it out. And success! Thanks for the visit, Sean. Have a wonderful weekend!
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Have to admire the young chap’s perseverance. Keep going until you find the key to her heart. Oh yeah, bring your tools along.
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Ha ha ha. He finally figured it out, Pete. And he’ll be glad he did. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by to read and for the lovely comment. Have a wonderful weekend!
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I love, love, love “The Proposal”!! Beautifully written and the use of metaphor so wonderfully subtle!
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Thanks, Liz. I’m glad you enjoyed this one. I rarely write romance, and it was a lot of fun thinking about this relationship. Have a great weekend and Happy Writing. 😀
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What’s not to love! ❤
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Thanks, Bette. A bit of romance and forever after here. 🙂 Happy Friday!
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Your poem is so beautiful and I’m also in awe of the other’s that participated and even more so with Sue and her inspirational wisdom in living and dying. I feel particularly blessed to know her for this short period thanks to you and Marsha dn all the others sharing her beautiful and heartfelt poems! 💖💖💖. Thanks Diana! 💖💖💖💖
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A lovely comment, Cindy. She has such a beautiful, generous, and wise spirit. It’s been wonderful to be able to something small to tell her how much she’s loved and how much she’s meant to this community. I’m glad you enjoyed this. ❤
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Thank you Diana! Yes, you are so right and I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to hear from her and her kind heart. It’s such a lovely tribute to one who has given so much!💖
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Beautiful words, Diana. I loved the story
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Thanks, John. A bit of romance which was so fun since what I usually write blood and misery. Lol. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Have a lovely evening.
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Your truly do paint glorious pictures with words. Bravo. 🙂
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Thank you, Andrea. They’re fun to write, and they make nice short shares. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Enjoy your day, my friend, and Happy Writing! I’m heading into my final 18 editing passes on the new book. Lol.
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Thanks, Diana, I will. And I’m thrilled to know you’re powering through on the book. Go girl! 😀
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Beautifully written and so romantic, Diana.
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Thank you, Robbie. I can write a bit of romance between all the blood and misery. Lol. It was actually kind of fun! Thanks so much for the visit and the kind comment. Happy Writing, my friend. ❤
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You too, Diana
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Damn, no pies then for him! He should have proposed first in the hills when its cold and snowing and got ‘yes’ in the valley when the sun is shinning.
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LOL. He can have blackberry pies in the hills, Eric. And that view! And the love of his life. And he doesn’t have to buy pearls. Ha ha. Thanks for the visit and the laugh, my friend. 😀
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My first thought is: What an exquisite prose! But then that is your signature style, I tell myself and go into the depths of the story… needs to be expanded into a book! Yes, a romantic fantasy Diana. Go ahead!
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That’ll be the next one, Balroop. Lol. Sue’s prompts have inspired books before, so why not again. Thanks so much for reading and for the wonderful comment. Happy Writing, my friend. Hugs.
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Just wonderful, Diana a lady who knows what she wants and gets it 🙂 x
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Ha! Yes, she was holding out for him to get the picture! Thanks so much for reading, Carol. I’m glad you enjoyed this one. Have a lovely day!
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Diana, I loved this. So romantic and descriptive. It’s all about timing and he finally got it right. 🌺🎶📚 Christine
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Thanks, Christine. He finally figured it out! Lol. If was fun writing a bit of romance. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Have a lovely day, my friend. Hugs.
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Diana, I’d say write more romance. You have a flair for it. 😍 Hugs back! 📚🎶
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Maybe a romantic fantasy?? Ha.
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YES! Great idea. Looking forward to more romance, even in fantasy. It makes a great secondary story. 📚🎶
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Oh such a romantic story, Diana. Loved the enchantment and the picture too. Hope Sue gets well fast. God bless her.
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Thank you, Kamal. The outpouring of love and support for Sue has been important in so many ways as one journey comes to an end and the next one begins. It was my pleasure to participate in this challenge. I’m honored that you enjoyed the story. ❤
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Always welcome dear Diana and yes she sure requires love and support from all of us. Loved your story ❤️❤️❤️🤗🤗🤗
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I enjoyed reading this over on the site:) I would hold out for a cabin on the hill too!
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Thanks, Denise. There are a few cabin-dwellers it seems. Not that the farmhouse with the cherry trees is that shabby. Ha ha. I’m glad you enjoyed this one. Your poem was a lovely transition into hope and spring.
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Gorgeous words that mirror that view.
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Thanks, Julie. I decided to try my hand at a little romance. 🙂 I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Have a wonderful day, my friend. Happy Writing!
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I love this entry.
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Thanks, Darlene. I was blown away by the amazing talent in this competition, including your trip to heaven. So many gorgeous pieces of writing. And such fun to participate. Have a wonderful day, my friend.
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I agree, such talent. It must have been difficult to judge. Glad you liked my story.
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❤
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I love this! It actually gave me chills – it is that beautiful. I’m so glad you shared it. 🙂
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Thanks for the wonderful comment, Tessa. It was fun being a bit romantic for a change. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. ❤ Have a lovely day, my friend.
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Lovely story and scene setting. I might even say yes! 😜
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Ha ha ha. I would too, Brad! 🙂 And I wish I had that view from my front porch! Thanks for reading my friend. Have a lovely spring day.
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Agreed about the view. Unlike mine which has been rain all day, but that will feed the rivers and flowers!
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We’ve been all rainy too. A couple more months and the sun should start coming out more frequently. 🙂
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Luckily we don’t have to wait months. I love the northwest climate and geography, except for the extreme number of gray days.
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Fantastic, Diana. Prayers on the way to Sue.
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Thanks, Noelle. It was lovely to participate in this community effort, and though Sue gushed about the “love” that came with this project, the donations came in handy too. Have a lovely day, and Happy Writing.
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Beautiful and exquisite descriptive writing, Diana; your words make me appreciate the majestic landscape even more! The story is a delight and so glad he got the answer he longed to hear! Awwww … xx
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A little romance, Annika. The light bulb finally went off in his head. Lol. I’d say yes too. Thanks for reading and for the lovely comment. Happy Writing!
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I would too. Smart woman.
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Oh yeah. She’s an introverted hill person for sure. Ha ha. Thanks for reading, Jacqui. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Happy Writing!
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What a beautiful entry Diana. So romantic.
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Thank you so much for the visit, Gabriela. I found a couple of your comments in spam! I have no idea why since they are lovely. Thank you so much for reading and I’m glad you enjoyed the romance. ❤ ❤ Have a lovely day, my friend. Hugs.
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Always a pleasure to read you Diana. Have a wonderful evening 🌹
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Your descriptions are gorgeous and you manage them in 99 words. My 99-word pieces are stark. Beautiful.
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It’s hard for me not to get all descriptiony with such a beautiful image, Sarah, but I think you’ve hit the mark that it’s my go to as well. Landscapes are full of emotion for me. And your starkness is fabulous. I should experiment for some fun. Happy Writing, my friend.
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Perhaps I should experiment with description… Eh, I’m not sure I can. Seriously, that would be a trip. Such a departure for me. Your descriptions paint such beautiful pictures and you do it with a light, skillful hand.
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I would have liked to see your “starkness” with this one. I love your writing.
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Thank you. ❤ (Mutual Admiration Club)
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That’s lovely, Diana.
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Thanks, Staci. It was a happy one, so extra fun to share. I appreciate the visit. Happy Writing!
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Okay…you knew I was going to love this, didn’t you? Beautiful, Diana!
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Ha ha ha. It was so fun to write a romantic one. I know why you love the genre, Jill. It made me happy to put that “Yes” at the end. Thanks for making me smile this morning. Have a wonderful day!
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As always, you paint beautiful images with your words, Diana. Just outstanding!
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Thanks so much for the visit and comment, Mae. These 99-word stories are a fun challenge. Coming up with three different ones for the same prompt was something I hadn’t tried before. I’m glad it worked. Happy Writing, my friend.
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I’d want a cabin on the hill with that view too. No wonder she said yes. Good flash story!
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Thanks for reading and for the lovely comment, Priscilla. I’m all for the cabin too. Elizabeth commented that she’ll take the farmhouse and cherry pies. Lol. Happy Writing!
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Lovely stuff! I’d rather the pearls and cherry pies!
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Ha ha ha. Isn’t that funny? I’m all for the cabin on the hillside. Thanks for the chuckle, Elizabeth. Happy Writing.
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Listen, I’m an old lady now, and I like my comforts!!
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❤ Me too, Elizabeth. 🙂
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So lovely. Not a lot of words to set the scene and tell the story, but you have done a fabulous job.
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Thanks, Laurie. I love participating in writing challenges, and when it can help out a lovely friend at such an important time, it’s a no-brainer. According to Sue, the donations made a difference as did all the love. ❤
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Wonderful!
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