March 16, 2023 TwoWritingTeachers.org
I would like to draw attention to two bloggers I read yesterday: Leigh Anne at A Day in the Life and Cathy at Doodads and Doodles.
When I read their blogs, I found inspiration for today’s post. I used Leigh Anne’s Rememory game card draw and Cathy’s Fortunately/Unfortunately post.
Here are the cards Leigh Anne chose:
a brother, sister or friend; summer; and speaking in front of people
So, I would think in this kind of game, you can get away with changing it up a little. (Especially since it’s my slice of life, I can definitely change it up a bit.) I didn’t really speak much (one word) and not in front of people, but in front of one unknown person. This was the story that came when I thought about those three cards.
Fire
“So when do you think we can get to the beach?” I asked Christine, my high school friend from across town.
“I think I can use Phil’s car tomorrow after he gets home from work. I’ll let you know what he says.”
“That would be gr…Wait! Oh, weird! There’s a strange man that just ran through our house,” I said.
“What?”
“Yeah, I don’t know who it was. I better go see what’s happening,” I bravely said, as I hung up the phone.
I hurried down the hall and saw my mom, brother, sisters, and this guy, apparently from down the street, all scurrying around, very disorganized-like. I heard, “Fire.”
“Fire?” I repeated.
We eventually (quickly) made it outside and looked up at the smoke pouring off the roof.
I can’t remember what happened exactly, but there was a garden hose and fire truck involved.
Fortunately, our quick-witted and keen-eyed neighbor was proactively saving the day.
Unfortunately, someone’s fireworks (midday? post July 4?) flew onto our roof and started a fire.
Fortunately, it was during the day, so we weren’t asleep at night when the fire could have burned disastrously longer before discovery.
Unfortunately, it started on old, dry wooden shingles.
Fortunately, it was caught early and only burned a small patch, which made an unwanted skylight that lit up our attic.
Unfortunately, we would probably need to replace the whole roof, according to the firefighter.
Fortunately, my mom had a slew of kids and sons-in-law to help with the labor.
Unfortunately (and fortunately), within the week, we were up on the roof learning how to nail down shingles.
Here are two unrelated photos for today:
I am participating in the March Slice of Life Challenge: A slice a day for all of March. Thank you, Two Writing Teachers!
Denise,
I know the fortunately/unfortunately format making the rounds but not the other one as I did not read Leigh Anne’s post. I’ll just have to remain befuddled. Anyway, your story reminds me of a kitchen fire my ex-husband started years ago. He should have listened to me. LOL! Did homeowners insurance pay for the damaged roof?
When you started with the word – FIRE – I thought complete devastation. Glad no one was hurt and you learned to nail down shingles! Gorgeous photos!
Oh, Denise, I’m so glad you shared this post. I have a rememory game and a group of sixth grade writers who meet this morning. I’m going to grab the game and see what they can come up with. Thank you for sharing this today! How timely.
I wrote about fire today too. It must have been a bit scary to see a stranger run through your house, but a relief to find out it was for a good purpose. It was lucky the damage was not worse. Your format made for a quick pace and plenty of important details.
It is a good way to present the plus and minus points in life. Thank God the fire did not happen at night.
Denise, I so enjoyed reading your post today. Your unfortunately/fortunately approach was fun and although the situation was dire, I appreciated your tone. Yikes, I would not like to be learning how to put shingles on especially since I’m extremely scared of heights.
I like how you exploded the moment and included lots of details! Great way to integrate the fortunately/unfortunately format too. Thankful no one was hurt and the damage was minimal!
My goodness, imagine if those fireworks had been toyed with during a dry night! You were so lucky. What an experience!
Love that sunlight through your skylight!
Denise,
I love the fortunately/unfortunately format. It reminds me of the folktale where something happens to a character and the town’s response is “how horrible,” but it turns out to be a blessing for the character. As the challenges grow so do the positive results.
Kate
I was a little confused, especially by the guy running through the house, but then I reread and picked up the format. A very interesting event! I’ll have to check out the other slicers.