May you always…

There are certain things you (can) do to get your mind off certain circumstances. Especially when those thoughts cause a change in mood, dishearten you and bring you down. One of the most recommended one is to clean the house. It is the best way to keep yourself occupied. Plus you get the added bonus of having a clean lodging afterwards.

When Marie put on her rubber gloves and took to general cleaning, she never expected the surprise she found wedged between the living room wall and the bookcase.

It was a note folded in four. It appeared worn in the sands of time.

It was handwritten in a blue pen with calligraphic lettering that revealed sentiment in the script.

“May you live each day as if it is a wonder. May you revel at each new experience. May you never cease to learn, to read, to live. May you always be inspired by everything around you so that you too may be the inspiration for those around you. May you acknowledge your worth even when others don’t.  May you never stop caring for others, no matter who they are, small or big, two-legged or four-legged, bigger or smaller. May you dream, aspire, struggle, accomplish. May you comprehend that we achieve something even in our failures. May you be brave enough to survive the hardships, take the tough choices and be courageous enough to change things when it is time. May you always smile. May you never stop believing in magic.

It was signed ten years ago. Love, mum.

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Things to do with a bucket

A bucket is a very useful object to have. Mainly because it is light and very useful for a range of things. Here are some ideas:

1)      You can kick the bucket – but you don’t want to do that metaphorically – literally, however, you may consider it, especially if at the receiving end there is something (or someone) that will help you vent out your anger, given that you still haven’t obtained that punch bag we were talking about.

2)      You can always fill the bucket with water and leave it on the edge of your window/balcony. The ‘woosh’ as it falls and the water splashing out into the air as it hits the ground (hopefully not any passer-by) is priceless.

3)      You can always use it for what it was initially meant to be used for – that is to fill up with water to be used for things such as cleaning. Just don’t forget the mop, otherwise it’s not much use.

4)      You can loan it to a circus. Buckets are a big part of clown acts. You know, one clown steps into the bucket of (usually) paint, and gets stuck, the other climbs a ladder and drops another similar bucket on the head of the other clown, and so forth – you get the picture.

5)      You can use it as a basin to contain the water leaking from a broken pipe or a hole in the ceiling that causes your apartment / house to obtain its own little puddle, as those responsible procrastinate in ever fixing the problem.

6)      You can use it as a prop in an animated version of the catchy-song between Henry and Lisa – but you might want to open a hole in it first, so as to match the theme.

7)      You can use it to create your own “bucket list” – it is simple: create any list and place it inside the bucket. There you go!

There are many things to do with a bucket – some even involve tearing it apart and using the pieces for e.g. ornaments, etc. – all you need is some imagination!

The Clock

The grandfather clock in the hallway was ticking away as dusk was approaching the window and the cold wind crept its way into the living room. It was quiet and the ticking sounded all the more loudly. As if a little woodpecker was chiming in tune with the seconds that past. I loved that grandfather clock. Mostly because it did belong to my grandfather, but also because it seemed so tall, graceful and elegant. So honourable and noble.  And mainly because it reminded you the time, if like me, you had no sense of it whatsoever.

Everything seemed so calm and relaxed. I always dreaded moments like this in movies, because they usually seemed to validate the expression “the calm before the storm”. I was wrapped up under my fleece blanket lying care-freely on the softness of the couch.

Bang! I sprang up startled. Oh, it was only the remote control. It had fallen on the floor. Good thing it wasn’t me who had fallen off the couch! Apparently, I had fallen asleep while watching a movie. Or was it a cartoon? I can’t really remember. And as a reflex while dozing off, I turned the TV’s volume down, so I didn’t know what happened next, what I was actually watching, or more importantly, what time it now was!

I had drifted off and still needed a few minutes to return to reality. But then it happened.

I heard the car door slam, and immediately looked at the clock. OMG! How long was I asleep? They were already back? And I hadn’t done anything! I was right where they left me?!

Jolted up like an elastic spring-bolt, I rushed to the bedroom, gathered up all the clothes and shoes that were scattered around, opened the closet door, and dumped them in. Then, unable to fight the compulsive cleaning obsession that overpowers me, I charged back, took out all the clothes and shoes, and with the tune of Benny Hill in my head as a backdrop, I folded up everything, paired the shoes and tidied it all up in no-time! I then sprinted along the apartment skidding along as the clothed-broom gulped up all the dust. Then ran and threw it in its place again. Ran back to the kitchen – thankfully I had fallen asleep so hadn’t managed to eat anything – rinsed the two glasses in the sink, returned to the living room, tidied up the tea tables and jumped onto the couch, just when the key turned the lock and they both came in with a smile.

“Back so soon?” I said, cheekily. “Time does indeed fly!”

“And you’ve been busy I see,” she said, beaming with pride, “spotless!” she added as she screened around the room!

“Yes, I’m exhausted,” I replied as I crawled back under the blanket. And I could almost swear that I saw that grandfather clock wink at me! He was the only one who knew…

The story is a response to today’s Daily Prompt: The Clock writing challenge