Unicorn Challenge

Eccentric

/ Liz H-H / 19 Comments

Many thanks to Jenne Gray and C.E. Ayr for their photo prompt, The Unicorn Challenge (05/10/2024). No more than 250 words in length.

Hildie was at her wit’s end. Franz had always been forgetful, more interested in the mechanics of lock-work, how to build a better mousetrap, and getting just the right measurements to repair the town’s old clock tower. His work was much admired, his prices more than reasonable, so his peculiarities were forgiven by the townsfolk and accepted as the oddities of a brilliant mind.              Continue reading →

Mash Undenied

/ Liz H-H / 11 Comments
Crumbling tomb door decorated with crumbling statuary

© Ayr/Gray

From Jenne Gray and C.E. Ayr’s photo prompt, The Unicorn Challenge (04/05/2024). No more than 250 words in length.

“The band will never be the same without Roger,” moaned Cambria from her perch on the front stoop.

“We’ve been playing the same music for eons,” snapped Claudia from her always-center place. “Largely because of Roger’s abhorrence of rock music. I keep telling you! This is where the industry’s at, Babies.”              Continue reading →

Savage Starfish

/ Liz H-H / 20 Comments

© Ayr/Gray

From Jenne Gray and C.E. Ayr’s photo prompt, The Unicorn Challenge (03/15/2024). No more than 250 words in length.

Trigger Warning: Do NOT read this before bed!  

Stella Starfish had heard all about it from Momma Bear. While Poppa and Baby built sand castles down the beach, Momma had leaned in, broad, clawed toes in the water and gripping the sand, related how Goldie had lured Poppa Bear into an affair with her golden curls, intense blue eyes, and silky hairless skin. Granted, Poppa wasn’t the brightest — some even said he was a couple sandwiches short of a picnic – but still!                                  Continue reading →

F U Kevin

/ Liz H-H / 12 Comments

© Ayr/Gray

From Jenne Gray and C.E. Ayr’s photo prompt, The Unicorn Challenge (02/02/2024). No more than 250 words in length. Otherwise, let your creative flag fly!

I’d had every intention of hopping on the old New Year’s Resolution Fitness Challenge. I’d even signed up for a morning biker’s meetup, unaware that Harleys were the usual ride. Still, they were nice about it, once they stopped laughing.  Continue reading →

Indie Folk Mayhem

/ Liz H-H / 12 Comments

© Ayr/Gray

From Jenne Gray and C.E. Ayr’s photo prompt, The Unicorn Challenge (01/19/2024). No more than 250 words in length. Otherwise, let your creative flag fly!

They played the Farmer’s Market every chance they got. The large Metropolitan area and suburbs had literally hundreds of sites. Being in the Midwest, word did not get around as much as you might’ve expected. Of course, rural areas in the greater part of the state had their own markets, but times were tough. The band had to weigh transportation costs with expected earnings. Gigs paid next to nothing, and people weren’t tipping as much as they used to.  Continue reading →

Dystopic June

/ Liz H-H / 23 Comments
Fenced in area, partially wooded, gate with a sign: “Stop, Look, Listen. Beware of Trains.”

© Ayr/Gray

From Jenne Gray and C.E. Ayr’s photo prompt, The Unicorn Challenge(09/29/23). No more than 250 words in length. Otherwise, let your creative flag fly!

The men waiting outside the gate varied in height and weight, age and attractiveness. They stomped and shivered, pulling at the unkempt grass beneath their feet, sometimes picking out a long, seeded stalk to place in between their trembling lips. Some gave the others the side-eye when high-pitched shrieks erupted from the nearby woods, others chuckled and rubbed their hands, while still others kept their eyes on the ground, having already cased the competition and found themselves lacking. They’d been here before, some several times. Continue reading →