"The Chance I Didn't Take"

This story is based on prompt # 19 on the creative writing prompts website I use (http://www.creativewritingprompts.com/)
The prompt is "Begin a story with 'There once was a chance I didn't take'"

The Chance I Didn't Take

     There once was a chance I didn't take. When I was younger I always wanted to be a famous country music singer. I've always loved to sing, as far back as I can remember. I don't think I ever enjoyed anything as much as I enjoyed singing. I dreamed of recording my own albums, performing concerts, making appearances on the Grand Ole Opry, the crowds screaming and clapping, going wild all because of me. I had visions of award shows with me winning awards such as female vocalist of the year, song of the year, single of the year, album of the year, and of course the big one: entertainer of the year. I remember using my bed as a stage and my hairbrush as a microphone, practicing my performances. I even began writing my own songs so that I would have songs to sing because I didn't realize there are songwriters who write songs for the stars to sing. I told everybody I was going to be a huge country music superstar when I grew up. And, of course, everybody laughed at me. I was told over and over again, by many different people, how big a risk I would be taking if I were to follow my dream. I heard stories about all the millions of people who did pursue that dream and didn't make it and I heard horror stories about the percentage of those people who ended up living on the streets and eating out of dumpsters to stay alive. Those stories didn't scare me, though. I still wanted to pursue my dream. It was a risk I was willing to take. I wanted it that badly. So when I grew up and the time came for me to pursue my dream, of course, I very promptly proceeded to...freeze! "What do I do now? How do I start? Where do I begin?" I had no idea. Of course, back then there wasn't the internet to find all the information you need like there is today and when we did get the internet, I didn't know how to use it well enough to find the info I needed. I asked people what I needed to do to become a country music star, but all anybody was able to tell me was "Move to Nashville." Okay...move to Nashville and do what? I wasn't going to move to Nashville until I knew what to do once I was there. So I never did do anything to accomplish my goal. Over the years I just kind of lost interest in becoming a star. I even eventually lost interest in country music. I really don't even listen to music anymore, but when I do, it's gospel or contemporary Christian.
     So, that's the story...that was the chance I didn't take...and you know...I don't regret it!

"The Object of My Affection"

This story was based on prompt #1 of the creative writing prompt website I use (http://www.creativewritingprompts.com/)
The prompt was "Close your eyes briefly. Think of an object that's in the room and focus on it. Without opening your eyes, recall as many details as you can about it. After 3 miutes or so, open your eyes and write about that object".

The Object of My Affection

     My sweet husband is the object of my affection. He is so handsome! He is tall. He is cuddly like a teddy bear. I love to snuggle with him. He has salt and pepper hair and a salt and pepper beard. His hair is just starting to grow back from when he shaved it recently. His lips are so soft when he kisses me. And his hands...the same hands that are tough and rugged when he's making a living become as soft and smooth as silk when he touches me. And his voice...that same voice that is loud and redneck-sounding when he's talking in general softens and becomes so sweet when he tells me how much he loves me. Today he is wearing a black dress shirt and black dress pants, the same clothes he wore to church this morning. He got out of church, unbuttoned the first couple of buttons on his shirt, and he was ready to go for the rest of the day! He has beautiful big, brown eyes. My husband...sweet, wonderful, amazing, terrific! He is definitely the object of my affection!

"The Smell of Tranquility"

This story was based on prompt #9 on the creative writing prompts website I use (http://www.creativewritingprompts.com/)
The prompt was "Describe what you feel right now using your sense of smell".

The Smell of Tranquility

     All day up until now I've been busy. Housework, going to the laundromat to do laundry, etc. I've finally gotten a chance to slow down and I'm feeling that tranquil peace that you feel when you finally get to slow down after a hectic pace. Tranquility smells like ocean water washing up on the shore when you're relaxing on the beach. Lying there watching the waves roll in, one by one, that salty smell that lingers in the air. The smell of the salty breeze wafts in toward you washing over all your senses, and you just want to inhale and take in that alluring aroma while the sun warms your face and you can feel the spray of the water as it comes in on the breeze. That wonderful, enticing scent. I could just lie on the beach all day with my eyes closed and just enjoy the aroma.

"Sick Day"

This story was based on prompt #30 on the creative writing prompt website I use (http://www.creativewritingprompts.com/)
The prompt was "Write an excuse for not working today".

Sick Day

     Hi, it's me. I'm not going to be able to come into work today. Not feeling too well. Yeah, I woke up with a headache. Excruciating pain, like somebody stabbing me in my skull. Upset stomach, too. Nausea. Been throwing up all morning. Oh, and I twisted my ankle running to the bathroom to throw up. Hurts really bad. I can't walk now. Having to hop to the bathroom when I need to throw up. I've got a cold, too. Runny nose really bad. I've already used an entire box of tissue. You don't want me there. Don't want anybody catching this cold! Also, it's that time of the month. Cramping really bad....Hello? Hello? Hello? Oh, well...I guess he's going to let me miss work today! Good thing I'm not really suffering from any of that stuff! I wouldn't be able to enjoy my sick day!