Today Pegman finds himself in the once-great forests of Minnesota in the American Midwest. Your mission is to wander around using the google photosphere until something inspires you to write 150 words. When you’re satisfied, post your link to this week’s InLinkz site to share with your fellow participants. Remember, reading and commenting on other stories is part of the fun.
Have a good time, and do your best!
Thanks to Josh for keeping the lamps lit and the wicks trimmed.
My research trail set my feet firmly in Split Rock Lighthouse. Keep your hands clean and sanitized. Be well and enjoy the read. 😉
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 150
LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE
“G.T. did I ever tell you about the time a sea monster came up out of Lake Superior.”
The boy’s eyes grew round as wagon wheels. “Really?”
“Holy oh jumpin’ up and down mackinaw city bobcat rooster! Big as a cockingaway.”
Tom Hassing raised his hands over his head for emphasis. “Would I lie?”
“There’s no such thing as cockingways, Grandpa.” G.T.’s sister Terry giggled. “He’s just making it up, isn’t he, Grandma?”
Anna tugged Terry’s ponytail. “It’s all those hours in the tower keeping the lamp burning so ships don’t get lost in the night.”
Despite the years of isolation between the 1930’s and 40’s she never lacked for entertainment with her lighthouse keeper. How he loved telling tales, first to their two children and now to their daughter’s children.
Anna took a pan of sticky buns from the oven, basking in the yeasty, fresh-baked cinnamon aroma and laughter.
Assistant keeper Tom Hassing came to Split Rock light station for a half-season in 1933, returned in 1938 and stayed there with his wife, Anna, until he retired in 1953. During these years, the posting was year-round and they lived there with their children, Evelyn and Harry. Later, after she was married, Evelyn Hassing Amell’s son and daughter, Tom and Terry, would spend time with their grandfather at the light. My story is based on an interview with grandson Tom, called G.T.
Well, you have plenty of time to think, and fabricate stories on that job. Imaginations can run wild at night with ghostly lights. Good job.
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Dear Jan,
Keeping calm knowing our buns are protected. Thinking and telling myself stories and writing what the voices tell me. ❤
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What a vivid character and a lovely, warm story to boot! I can imagine the keepers sitting round, telling tall tales about ship wrecks and sea creatures. So much better to have his wife and kids with him than when men only ran the lighthouses – too many grumpy men in one place causes trouble! Great piece of history, Rochelle
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Dear Lynn,
When I found the interview with a now grown up G.T. I knew what I had to write. I’m glad you enjoyed and too the time to say so. Your comments always warm me. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Excellent story, Rochelle. I was just commenting to Lynn how every lighthouse has its share of stories. Love it. Thanks for participating!
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Dear Josh,
The book Ahab’s Wife is a great one that takes place partly in a lighthouse. Glad you liked my take on it. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love lighthouses and have often wondered how wonderful or how lonely it must have been to be a keeper. Enjoyed your story.
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Dear Dee,
I’m so glad you read and enjoyed my story. Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle
Lovely warm story. I loved your compound word to describe the size of the monster. It’s good to read of a happy family time when we’re isolated in our own homes.
Shalom
Penny
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Dear Penny,
Whoever dreamt we would see such things in our lifetime? I’m glad you enjoyed my story. I actually quoted words an older GT told an interviewer his grandfather made up. 😉 Hard to stretch that truth. Thank you so much. Stay safe and well, my friend.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle
Scientists have been pretty sure this was doing to happen for several years – 2013 I think was the first year it really looked likely. We’ve been lucky with SARS and MERS, and the reason we’re as well ahead as we are in finding a vaccine and treatment drugs is because scientists have managed to put some resources into the necessary preparation. Let’s hope that now their warnings will be taken more seriously.
Look after yourself, dear friend.
Shalom
Penny
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Fun story!
Shalom,
Ronda
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Thank you, Ronda. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
What a perfect story for the times we are in. Families (whose kids have not moved out, that is) sticking together, having meals together, telling stories, playing games. I haven’t spent so much time with my boys in years! Silver linings and all that… Plus, Iain has made me breakfast three days in a row plus supper one night. I’m thinking I’m kinda liking this forced lockup…
Shalom and lots locked-up love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
Being a bit of an introvert, isolating’s not altogether a bad thing. I might go a little stircrazy in a lighthouse. Or not. No one’s making me breakfast here. 😉 Thank you for taking the time to read and leave silver words in my cloud. 😉
Shalom and lotsa isolated hugs,
Rochelle
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Nah… Not all bad… I might even be inspired to clear some paperwork…
I would go completely nuts stuck in a lighthouse!
Always my friend…
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Being alone can lead to lots of wild imaginary adventures. That’s what always keeps me going
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Dear Larry,
As a writer, I enjoy many hours of seclusion. 😉 Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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