"We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." ~George Bernard Shaw

"Look at everything as though you were seeing it either for the first or last time." ~Betty Smith, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn


Monday, June 20, 2011

Magpie Tales #70


Isabelle couldn't resist the image within the frame.

Having only stopped at the garage sale on a whim


the allure of this face wasn't to be ignored.


Going home she placed the frame on the mantle


and grinned at the lovely face .


Later that evening when coming in from the garden


Isabelle saw the woman behind the screen door.


It was then that she realized the house was no longer


hers, but for the mere price of $1.99 she had given it up.


The word "Leave" was hissed into her ear.




40 comments:

  1. Now, that is one great Magpie, I got shivers.

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  2. Anonymous6:13 AM

    Ooh! I love the way you have developed on the picture. :) Good job!

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  3. Anonymous6:19 AM

    ...and she seemed like such a nice girl from her picture

    Neat twist. I like it.

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  4. ..what a turn of events... great write.

    ~Kelvin

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  5. Can you say 'goosebumps?'

    Chilling ~ and beautifully written.

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  6. Shivers left like moments stolen beyond the frame... Great take on this one.

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  7. Wow, that was a good one.

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  8. Wow! LOVED it! You know, I do not look into mirrors in antique shops unless I feel really right about it, have the right vibes...for the very reason your post sets out! Haha! This was great!

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  9. Whew! that is ghostly- thanks.

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  10. Gave me goosebumps! :)

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  11. I guess that was an ill-spent $1.99?

    In just a few words, you managed to build up quite a lot of suspense!

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  12. Incredible story in just a few words!

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  13. That is a fantastic magpie. I want to know more. What happens next?

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  14. Love your short tale of disposession, and the image in the screen door says it all.

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  15. Sneaks right up on us, as
    you juxtapose sentiment with
    horror, and although dark and
    pessimistic, we applaud your
    verve and cleverness, and
    somehow emerge less
    emotional than when we
    first encountered Tess' version.

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  16. Wow- packs quite a powerful ending...love the additional photo on the bottom.

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  17. Oh my goodness, I wasn't expecting that. Wow! What a fascinating take on the prompt.
    — K

    Kay, Alberta, Canada
    An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel

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  18. Excellent Magpie. Wonderful twist.

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  19. I thought she looked a bit sinister too ... excellent Magpie

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  20. Definitely shivers down the spine.

    Anna :o]

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  21. you made a way to say it..

    nice!

    JJRod'z

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  22. eerie. i wondered whose whisper was that..

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  23. You did it...scared me silly in the morning..what a good take!!

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  24. Ha! Watch out Tess! This is the first non-sad poem I have read from this prompt. Totally fun and creative.

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  25. Fabulous! What a shock! Well done!

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  26. Dear Kath W: Definitely chilling with the ghost lady! BBQ? Love the pic too!

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  27. A shocking Magpie. True, a chill ran down my spine.

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  28. Well, of all the ungrateful ghosts....! Great Magpie, Kathe, and the door pic is rather eerie. I think I'd be off, too!

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  29. A sneaky little ghost and a clever little tale.

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  30. Delightfully creepy!

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  31. Good tale-telling via verse.

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  32. Great little story. Well worth the goosebumps.

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  33. Anonymous7:34 AM

    This is has sort of Twilight Zone feel eerie, haunted fantastic story!

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  34. wowee! got a snap to it!

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  35. There's something very evocative about a screen door. It conjures many memories for me. Nice.

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  36. Oh this is a good one....Just loved it...bkm

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  37. Wonderful! Love your take on this one. Also, the wonderful photo showing the 'new owner' in the screen door. You made my morning.

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