Thursday, July 16, 2009

In a few words

I read about a story competition on 60goingon16: writers were invited to write a story about parks, in no more than 50 words. I was too late to enter (not that I have written even such a short story since college days) but I liked the idea of condensing ones thoughts about a topic into a few words. Here are my 42 words on parks:

Three parks define my childhood. Sutton Park for everyday:swings, see-saw, roundabouts, bread and jam and play. Sherdley Park on Sundays: walking sedately round gardens in white dress and ribbons. Taylor Park on high holidays: boating lake, tennis courts, picnics and cousins.


If you would like to play with 50 words about any aspect of your childhood, not just parks, then please leave a comment and I'll put all the pieces in a future post. I won't make it a competition but there could be a few bookish rewards.

9 comments:

  1. What a good idea - I'll think about it and see if I have any thoughts in any language left when my gusts have left. (Before the next guests arrive).
    Margaretha

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  2. Central Park was like the countryside where grandparents lived in my childhood story books -- as a kid, I thought it the most beautiful place in the world and still do.

    I hope anyone who visits New York will take at least a couple of hours to see the park.

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  3. Margaretha
    I look forward to your few words when you have time to write them. I am so impressed by your English, I don't know 50 words of Swedish, I'm afraid.

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  4. e,
    I would love to visit Central Park. It has featured in so many books and films through my life that it is a symbol of America for me. Perhaps I'll have that cup of tea with you there one day?

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  6. It's a date! Tavern on the Green the park a wonderful place for tea.

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  7. madrekarin, you lived in the real countryside like the one where grandparents lived in my primers and story books. How nice for you.

    We made sure that our kids had the reverse experience than we did. It was their grandparents who lived in the city while they lived in the countryside much like the one you describe.

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  8. Karin, that sounds like an idyllic childhood. Thanks for sharing it. I think the word limit really distils the atmosphere you want to recreate.

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I love to read your comments and promise that I will reply as soon as I can leave my garden, sewing room or kitchen!