BRING IT ON...2010

Now that we are finished with the hustle & bustle of the Christmas rush it is time to reflect over the year that we just managed to experience.

For some it will be one of the worst...for others one of the best.

I just want to wish everyone of my blog peeps the best for the upcoming New Year!

Make 2010 Matter...

I intend to see this year out with a Bang...good riddance to 2009...

Come on bring it on 2010, I'm ready for ya!!

Peace and Love to all!

Lulda

FLASH 55 FICTION FRIDAY - "Donut Man"

This 55 is dedicated to the G-Man who had a rough week...Happy 6oth!

Mr. Boyle looked into the box of donuts and decided he had enough of this job.
Everyone made fun of the Donut Man...

Who would be here tomorrow?

Who would give you those extra sprinkles; the extra cream in your coffee?
NOT MR. BOYLE!

OK, so now what?

Maybe...I'll be a Used Car Salesman?!

If you have a 55, used or new, post it and go see the G-man at Mr. Know-It-All and give him a good deal!

Flash Friday 55 - "Boarded"

We stared out into the cold night.
Bars between our freedom.

The food was slop and all we drank was the warm water
to quench our thirst.

We longed for freedom. For the warmth of our bed.
The coziness of home.

It was so noisy here...
We shouted...Why did you Board us again?


Ok, so I'm leaving town again for a nice little get-away and I have to board my dogs!
What's a mother to do?

If you have a 55 of your own just let the gman know at Mr. Know-It-All first before you leave town too!

Friday Flash 55 - "55 Thankful Items"

This 55 is just a random list, not in any order, of some of the things I'm thankful for in my life.

Sunrise, sunset, licorice, Life, Love,
Dogs, kisses, mountains, streams,
Ocean, waves, sand, seagulls.

Movies, radio, tv...
Relatives, friends, peace, quiet,
Books...

Colors, sound, Art, Food,
Wine...
Photos, memories, phones, computer...
Lights, cameras.

Pine Trees, snow, shoes...
Clothes, hand creme, perfume,
Shower gels, Hot showers.

Cars, travel, maps, Pen Pals...
Work, play, sex, spritualism.

Children, heritage, apple pie...
parents, education, miracles, Husband!

If you have your own 55 please post it and check in with the G-Man at Mr. Know-It-All.

FLASH 55 FICTION FRIDAY - "Ramblings"

Driving, I noticed the leaves are almost off the trees...

Why is it still warm outside?

I suppose it's Global Warming!

Ah, it's out of my control...

Just like the changes in the Seasons.

The changes in my life...

I run to grab it and it slips away...

I give up and drive on alone!

FLASH 55 FICTION FRIDAY - "Young Innocent Fools"

" Hey kids, come here."
"You want to make some money?"

"Sure Mista...what do we have to do?"

"Just put these flyers on all the cars in the parking lot...
I'll meet you all back here."

We dashed and darted...and slapped hundreds of windsheilds.

"Hey, where is that guy?"

Ah, young innocent fools!

If you have a 55 park it and shout out to the g-man at Mr. Know-It-All!

FLASH 55 FICTION FRIDAY - "In Memory"

Last Thursday evening my best friends cousin past away, her name was Mickey. She lost the battle with the Big C. It was heredity, bad luck and I suppose faith that took her away...she was only 44! She leaves behind a loving husband, one son, one daughter, a father, brothers, sisters and many relatives and friends.

This weekend some of her ashes will be taken to be released at the beach in Myrtle Beach, SC.
She loved the beach, ocean and good times with friends and family. Since I can not be there to participate in the service I dedicate this 55 to her memory.

"In Memory"

"Oh, Mickey you're so fine...Oh Mickey."
We sang this to you many times at the Girl's Parties.

Your smile was infectious. You were happy all the time;
or so it seemed...

You knew your life was to end soon.

After the senseless suffering, you are now at rest.
Ashes to scatter...we all smile.


If you have a 55 story please check in with the g-man at Mr. Know-It-All.

FLASH 55 FICTION FRIDAY - "Witches Coven"

WITCHES COVEN

The annual Witches Coven meeting was in progress

and Griselda, the Head Witch addressed the crowd.

"Flights to the Northwest sector will be cut by

150 miles."

"Flyovers will be cut by 15 minutes. Any questions?

Brooms ready?"

"OK, now dust off the potion bottles, put on your hats

and give em HELL sisters!"

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Any of you ghouls, witches/warlocks have a 55 go on over to check in with the g-man at Mr. Know-It-All...he'll be waiting for ya! And, so will we....

FLASH 55 FICTION FRIDAY - "DAMN STINK BUGS"

"DAMN STINK BUGS"

Nana Gibson sat on the porch cussing up a storm.
"Damn these pesky stink bugs. Why so many this year?"
Plague? She wondered.

She noticed the sheriff coming up the drive.
"Damn him too," she yelled.

His visit could cause her problems.
You see her "Damn" crop was almost ready
to harvest.

Damn stink bugs...


If you have a "damn" 55 story go over to see the g-man at Mr. KnowItAll and let him know you have a "damn" thing...

FLASH 55 FICTION FRIDAY - "Lady In Waiting"

This 55 is inspired by the g-man's Tuesday TMI post. It was about King Henry VIII.
If you haven't read it, you should! If you have a 55 to post please go see the g-man at Mr. Know-It-All and let him know...


Lady In Waiting

I am bound to obey and serve...
to serve the Queen and the King, if need be.

To be useful in all that I do...
to be available at any given moment.

I am of certain virtue, wisdom and gentleness.

I am summoned to see the KING!

I enter, caustiously...
Into the foul smelling chamber.

FLASH 55 FICTION FRIDAY - "The Winner"

"The Winner"

Billy Bob was so anxious to see Thelma Lou
that he almost forgot his Skool.
Billy Bob would refrain from chewing until
the end of the night.

It was County Fair time and there was excitement
in the air.

For tonight Billy Bob would enter
Thelma Lou in the
Biggest Pig competition...
And surely win!


If you have a 55 go see the g-man at Mr. Know-It-All and join in the fun!

FLASH 55 FICTION FRIDAY - "Ground Control to Major Tom"

GROUND CONTROL TO MAJOR TOM

"Ground control to Major Tom"...

That song played in his head as he looked up at the night sky.

It was only a week ago that he saw something fly by with

blinking lights.

He was not a believer in UFO's, but something was very

different about that craft...

Something was very different about today!

If you have a 55 to share, post it and drop by the g-man at Mr. KnowItAll, to let him know.

FLASH 55 FICTION FRIDAY "Fallen Leaf"

FALLEN LEAF

I didn't notice the first fallen leaf.

I didn't notice the geese starting to fly south.

I didn't notice the hours getting shorter.

I didn't notice your hair starting to change color.

I didn't notice that you didn't notice me.

I didn't notice the memories slipping away.

I didn't notice the first fallen leaf.

If you have your own 55 please post and share, but check in with the G-Man at Mr. KnowItAll...if you dare!

FLASH 55 FICTION FRIDAY - "Look to the Sky"

LOOK TO THE SKY

The breeze gently blew the flaps on the teepee...

My home for many months now,

as I made my way across the land.

In search of my family.

I was just a young boy from the Mohegan tribe when

new settlers came and took my parents away.

I look up to the sky...for answers!

Look up to the G-Man for having us do these 55's every Friday.
If you have one go on over to see Mr. KnowItAll and join in!!

FLASH 55 FICTION FRIDAY - "A Walk in the Park"

photo by Jade Stanley- London, England

Just a walk in the park to pass the time...

look around, smell fresh air, find a dime.

This is the place to be...whether you're young or old.

This is the place to commune with nature...for truth be told.

This is where I find peace.

Listen to Larks.

Just walk in the Park!

If you have a 55 post it and go see the G-Man at Mr. KnowItAll.

FLASH 55 FICTION FRIDAY -"Bye Bye Now"

Bye Bye Now

Goodbye my warm friend, it was so nice to have you here for awhile.
Now it's time to close up shop...put away the shorts and tee shirts.

No more cool drinks to enjoy by the poolside.
No more smells of ocean air and suntan lotion.


Time to turn off the air-conditioner and open a window!

If you have a story to share...stop by the G-man at Mr. KnowItAll.

FLASH 55 FICTION FRIDAY - "LUCKY"

He was late...the train left the station an hour ago.

Damn - this was the story of his life.

Always the last to find out the news.

Always last to get the girl...

He sat on the bench and dropped his bag onto the ground.

He noticed a crumpled lottery ticket.

A train whistle blew...

If you have a 55 to share stop by the G-Man and let him know at Mr. KnowItAll.

FLASH 55 FICTION FRIDAY - "Gimme Sheltie"

This 55 is dedicated to the G-Man in response for his Thursday blog...thanks for giving me my Friday 55 inspiration...and thank you "Lady"!

Gimme Sheltie

There once live a dog who was a sheltie mix.
She was fortunate to live in the Detroit sticks...

Her owner looked mean on his Harley machine
but was a big cuddly bug!

One day she heard a song by the "Rolling Bones"
and barked with glee.

Until Harley Man turned it off at 3:00!!


If you want to partake in the 55 fiction friday please join us and don't forget to check in with the g-man at Mr. KnowItAll....

FLASH 55 FICTION FRIDAY -"Spinning Top"

Like a Whirly-gig she spun out of control.

The hands of time were moving faster than a spinning top.

She felt like she was in quicksand or molasses.

She was in slow motion while life past her by like a tornado.

Get a grip, right now...she thought!

Was he the cause of this chaos??

If you have a 55 post it and go check in with the g-man at Mr. KnowItAll.

FRIDAY FLASH 55 - "40 years"

Can it be 40 years since our rendevous? Why haven't you aged and why have I?

You are so ever faithful. Spinning around me; changing my moods; making me howl.
Making me fall in love; making me write poetry and song.

I want to leave this place and fly.

And land on your peaceful surface.


If you or anyone you know have posted a Friday Flash 55, Please come tell the G-Man!

Mr. KnowItAll....

Flash Friday 55 - Emergency Situation

It was an emergency situation -

More gin was needed for the party.

Daniel said he would make the booze run. He was very happy today.

The guests had arrived on time and were getting into the festive mood.

Daniel walked inside the Liquor store and headed for the gin aisle -

Loud gun shots were fired!

If you have a nice little 55 post it and check in with the G-Man at Mr.KnowItAll!

FRIDAY 55 - "Sad Girl"

BooBoo didn't know what to do do.

She felt left out of the mix.

No one was there to give her her fix.

Mission Bells began to ring loudly and she felt she couldn't sing.

Alleluejah, the bands all here. No one could deny her tears.

No one could deny her fears.

BooBoo didn't care.

If you have a 55 go see the G-Man at Mr. Know-It-All and spread the word!

Flash Friday 55 - "Aloha"

All she wanted was a peaceful weekend. Not too much to ask?

Between the craziness of work, kids, home, husband and dogs

who could blame her for wanting a little peace.

A nice three day weekend was just what the doctor ordered.

Now, decide where to go...get out the brochures.

Ah, Hawaii looks nice!

Friday 55 - "Words"

Words

Sometimes words get in the way...but, sometimes they are exciting and bring good news.

Some words sound ridiculous and others just fly off the tongue beautifully.

Some words are puzzling and some are refreshing.

Some words just sound better in certain languages.

And some sound awful in any language.

Just a Friday 55 observation!

If you have your own Fiction Friday 55 check in with the G-man at Mr. KnowItAll.

FRIDAY 55 - "Now What?"

photo by Lulda Casadaga

I don't want to give up on you...

Many happy memories to share.

Nights of sleeping together...

Comfortable, warm, breathing in sync.

Country rides - Day Trippin...

Visits with friends and relatives.

You should have settled down by now!

Instead there is chaos and destruction...

Why?

I have reached the end of the line!

Now What?

If you have a story to tell in 55 words ...blog it...then check in with the G-Man at

Mr. KnowItAll

Thematic Photographic #51 - "SINGLE"

photo by Lulda Casadaga 3/09

No this is not a Longhorn from Texas...but, from Virginia! Yes, I have seen more than one Longhorn farm down here in VA. My husband and I take many Sunday drives and we find great things just off the beaten path! I'm sure the giant bull head below is one of a kind...

photo by Lulda Casadaga 3/09

Thematic Photo themes are hosted by Carmi at WrittenInc.

FRIDAY 55 - "Mrs. Tidwell's Visit"

Mrs. Tidwell went to visit her sister in Paris.
She didn't care too much for the city.
It was too noisy and she had to dodge dog shit with every step!

Her sister fit in perfectly!

She watched her sister carefully and realized
she hadn't changed. She was still a rude, condescending, and annoying Bitch!!

If you have a mini story to tell for Flash Fiction Friday 55, post it and go check in with the G-Man at Mr.KnowItAll.

Thematic Photographic #49 - "Signs"

photo by Lulda Casadaga 2005

This weeks theme is signs...well, this shot was taken out of a hotel window in Times Square.

Times Square, NYC is the ultimate for signs!

If you have a theme photo check in with Carmi at WrittenInc.

MACRO MONDAY # 9 PINK

photo by Lulda Casadaga 5/09

This is a close-up of my neighbors rhoderdendrum plant. I used to have one in front of my house but my husband had a freak moment and cut it down. Don't ask me why! I just ask that the flower gods in the universe do not judge him too harshly on that last day!

If you have a photo (macro) you would like to display check in with Lisaschaos and check out the other blog postings...

FRIDAY 55 - "Thoughts"

I was consumed with thoughts of him. I promised myself I wouldn't feel like this again.
Why did he have to enter my life now? Long ago someone told me, wait, he will come.

I thought he arrived already. Am I living a farce? Do I test the limits of love or forget it all?

If you have a "55" post it and check in with Mr.KnowItAll....

Thematic Photographic #48 - "HUMAN" - Rituals, Reinactments, Festivals and Fun...

RITUALS: A wedding by the river...Milford, PA

REINACTMENTS: A dance back in history....Harpers Ferry, WV

FESTIVAL: Crabfest...Baltimore, MD

FUN: Posing just like Human buddies...BeBe & Chocko

Humans have a need for rituals. Humans have a need to reconnect to the past.

Humans enjoy large gatherings to share good food & drink. And most HUMANS enjoy having fun...whether they have good buddies or not!

all photos by Lulda Casadaga

If you want to join in go see Carmi at Written,Inc. and post a theme photo. It happens once a week...

Springtime Continues...

I meant to post these for MACRO MONDAY, but missed the boat. So, enjoy these little cuties for Hump Day!!

These little beauties returned to greet me this year. I don't even remember planting them!
I was really pleased to see them because I am definately not a Green Thumb!

"TEARS" - Friday 55

It has been raining here all week and it is times like this I think about my uncle who died in 1954. The night my uncle died it was also raining. My uncle Peter was on his way home when he was hit by a drunk driver. My uncle was on a bicycle. He was only 15 and the drunk driver was only 18!

I think about him sometimes and wonder what he was like as a person, what his life would have been like, etc. I think about that drunken teen who hit him and what his life was like.

I live in an area where we have an influx of Hispanic immigrants and I see many young men riding bicycles every day and even sometimes in the rain. When I see them, I secretly say a little pray that they will be safe.

TEARS

The tears mingled in with the rain drops.

He was only fifteen, new to this country and trying to do the right thing.

The drunken teen who hit and killed him would have to live with this memory for the rest of his life.

The families further shed tears as they lived with the memory!

Thematic Photographic #47 - "Music"

photo by Lulda Casadaga

Can't ya just hear this ole organ pumpin out a tune! Perhaps a gospel or an old folk tune...anyone down for some old time Religion?

This was taken at a restaurant in Helvetia, WV.

For more Thematic goodness go see Carmi at WrittenInc.

Friday 55 - The Battle

The battle lines were drawn...the fighting was over!

The cards were on the table...no more harsh words spoken.

No false statements given.

Put aside the hurt and pain.

A new day begins!

The traitor amongst us is ousted.

No more pretending...No unanswered messages.

The day of reckoning is upon your sorry ass!

This was part of my lessons learned in life:

Keep your BIG Mouth shut, know who your friends are and keep the Psychos away!

If you have a 55 to share, do it up and check in at Mr. KnowItAll!