A while ago, I wrote this 99-word story for the Sue Vincent Classic at Carrot Ranch, and I never got around to sharing it here. Sue has since passed away, leaving a hole in our writing community, and I miss her. I hope you enjoy the story.
My Mother’s Song
Even on a day of grief, the living abide no idleness. Bodies need nourishment, goats tending. The hearth yearns for fire before the wind sweeps us all beneath the dirt. I loathe our hill, the leaden clouds and cold toes, black spots on the moldering potatoes.
For years, I’d griped about my tasks while my mother had sung with the rhythm of her washboard. Of a beauty I couldn’t behold.
Now, without her, I face the quilted valley, the snow-laced mountains, branches gilded by the sun. Only now do I see, and my heart bursts with my mother’s song.
Myths of the Mirror 
Sweet and melancholy at the same time. Exquisite one!
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Thank you so much for reading the story. I love these flash pieces. Especially with the beautiful prompt. Have a lovely day. ❤
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I’m so sad to read of Sue’s passing…I visited her blog here and there over the years and this lovely story is a wonderful tribute, Diana.
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Thanks for the visit and lovely thoughts, Kim. This is my last story based on her prompts, but over the years I’ve accumulated dozens of them. She is sorely missed. It’s lovely to hear from you. I hope you’re doing well and enjoying the approach of spring. ❤
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My days fly by and words are hard to capture but a few lines have found their way to the page, today I wanted to wander through WP and say “hello”. It’s always a shock to read that our world has lost another voice…
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It is. Over my nine years of blogging there have been a few. I remember them with fondness.
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Excellent setting, as always, madame.
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Thanks, Chelsea. The last of Sue’s photos and a story I’m fond of. Have a lovely weekend, my friend. ❤
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I remember my mom using a washboard. This is beautiful, Diana.
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Thanks for reading, Mary. This was the last of Sue’s prompts and my last of dozens of stories and poem I wrote for them. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Bless all the wonderful moms out there. ❤ ❤
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So beautiful and tender, Diana! Those songs will stay with you forever, carrying you through life! ❤️
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Thanks for taking a peek at the story, Annika. I’m so glad this one struck a chord with you. This is the last prompt from Sue, and I’m glad I finally posted it. Have a lovely weekend, my friend.
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Your song is beautiful. The imagery, like the photo at the top, is breath-taking.
The name Sue Vincent is familiar. Was she a part of the blog community? If so, what was the name of her blog?
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Sue was part of our community, Betsy. Her blog was The Daily Echo. She had wonderful posts about ancient England and the sacred land as well as photo prompts. This was the last one. I have dozens of stories based on her prompts. She passed very quickly from lung cancer. Thanks so much for asking. And I’m glad you enjoyed the story.
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Oh my, yes. I’m pretty sure I’ve visited her blog a few times sporadically. What a shame. She will be missed. May God rest her dear soul.
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❤
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Beautiful and poignant. Such a loving tribute.
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Thank you so much for the sweet comment, Francina. I love writing to photo prompts and this one was special. The last of Sue’s. I’m glad you enjoyed the story. ❤
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That is just beautiful. I miss Sue, too!
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Thanks so much for reading, Jennie. This is my last story related to her prompt. I’m glad you enjoyed the bittersweet tale. Have a wonderful week, my friend.
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My pleasure, Diana. 🥰
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Oh, Wow, tears brimming…a beautiful, moving poem, Diana. For me, you share sadness and beauty in the same breath.❤️
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I’m so glad your liked this and found it moving, Erica. There’s something universal about aging that brings greater understanding and acceptance of our parents. I certainly feel that way and it’s poignant to recognize that it’s part of growing up. Huge hugs, my friend.
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Absolutely stunning:-)
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Thanks, Suzanne. I have such fun making these. They take hours and hours, but they’re also relaxing. I work on it at night when my husband is watching boring television. Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Writing!
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One of these days I’ll have to try it myself! Maybe once I get that quilt done…
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Lol. Yes, one project at a time. The hardest part with fantasy is coming up with the images, but other than that, it’s just PowerPoint. 😀
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So beautiful and touching. 😩❤️
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Thanks so much for reading, Jude. 😀 I’m glad you enjoyed this, and I’m smiling. Have a lovely weekend and Happy Writing!
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My pleasure. Have a nice weekend too.
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I think of those who are lucky enough to remember their mother’s voices… All I have it the half of her she gifted me at birth.
A lovely rememberance.
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Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Jules. I hope you had wonderful people in your life to fill you up with song and inspiration. I was a tough teenager, but was lucky to have some strong role models, even if I didn’t appreciate it at the time. Thanks for reading and have a joyous weekend.
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I was very angry when younger… took a while to get out of that mode. But it is much better now 😀
I think all of our experiences help us in our writing.
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So true! Happy Writing!
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Diana, I felt your words in my heart. A beautiful gift. Thank you. xo
My mom passed away suddenly 24 years ago. She was only 50. I miss her every day. I’m approaching 50 and with that, I’m graced with a clarity that only time and an open heart can bring.
Thank you for sharing this with us. Sue, bless her heart, is indeed smiling. xo
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Thank you for the beautiful and personal comment, Natalie. I’m sorry that you lost your mom at such a young age. I think many of us do come to understand our parents more as we mature and to appreciate the many gifts we received and took for granted. True for me. One of the poignancies of life. Have a wonderful weekend and you keep smiling too. ❤ ❤
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Wow! I love this Diana. 🙂
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Thanks so much, Mark. I do enjoy these flash challenges and it was an honor to write for Sue’s prompts through the years. This is the last. I’m so glad you liked it. ❤ Happy Writing!
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This is beautiful, Diana. Hope your Bookbub promo went well!
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Thanks for the kind comment, Teri. The promo went well, but it takes a while for all the retailers to report, so I’m still on pins and needles. What an experience! I’ll share some thoughts when the results are in.
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I relate to this post more than you can ever know. So much metaphor and symbology and truth in this evocative piece. I think of Sue often!
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One of the ironies and blessings of life, Pam. Age and experience open our eyes and with that comes understanding, compassion, and appreciation. And sometimes regrets too for the whole growing up thing taking so long! I’m certain though, that your kids hear their mother’s song already. ❤ ❤ Thanks so much for reading. Huge hugs.
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Age brings clarity. This is beautiful, Diana. I miss Sue, too.
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Thanks for stopping by, Jacquie. Too bad that when we’re teenagers we think we know it all and we know nothing! That was me anyway. 😀 Have a lovely evening and keep up the writing!
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I’m getting close to the end now- whew!
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Great to hear!
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Oh, wow, Diana, this is so beautiful and poignant. I’m glad you shared, and although I didn’t know Sue, I’m sorry to hear of her passing. Sending hugs..💗
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Thank you, Lauren. I have dozens of stories and poems from Sue’s photo prompts. This was part of a challenge in her honor before she died. My last one, which makes sharing it extra special. Have a wonderful day, my friend. ❤
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Lovely, Diana and poignant. You are a talented writer!
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Thanks, Noelle, for the visit and the lovely comment. I do love these challenges – trying to fit a story into so few words. This is my last story based on Sue’s prompts and I’ll miss them. Have a lovely day and Happy Writing!
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