For the next Writing 101 prompt we are asked to write a ‘story’ in our own distinct voice about food- a favourite food from my childhood it seems, or a specific meal.
I am really struggling with these prompts for the blogging at the moment. I started this project with a lot of enthusiasm, really excited and raring to go. But I’m finding that they are way too specific. The story ones for example- I’m not trying to write stories on my blog. And as for this- I cant think of anything to write about food (and I even blog about baking!). I do understand that writing would be improved by trying different styles, and perhaps the challenge of writing a story will make my writing better because I am trying new things… maybe. But it’s not making me want to do the challenges any more, it’s becoming a chore rather than a challenge in a fun way.
Anyway. The best thing I can think of is that we used to have fish in breadcrumbs with peas (and occasionally chips as a treat) on a Friday night- my brother and I would get to eat off our laps in the lounge and watch The Simpsons, followed by Robot Wars on the TV. We often had swimming lessons on a Friday after school and on the drive there I had a carton of juice and was told every time not to squeeze it (of course I took this as a challenge to see how much I could squeeze it without it going all over me). On our way back home it was a race to see if we’d get home by 6, if not we would peer out of the car into other people’s houses to see if we could see if it was on their TVs as we went past. Later, we’d pick which robot we wanted to win and watch avidly- this was in the first years of Robot Wars when Sgt Bash and Matilda were still terrifying and the contestants had to run the gauntlet. Road Block was the first robot with a ‘flip’ mechanism and I think it won the first series, much to our delight. I used to sit and cut all the breadcrumbed bit off my fish and douse it in vinegar, making sure that my peas were kept separate because they are horrible with vinegar- they needed lemon instead. I suppose the routine was good at time- I know I looked forward to it, and I enjoyed the family time. Unfortunately the memory also has a bit of a bad/sad edge to it as my Dad had a car accident on a Friday night, he survived but his injuries have affected him since and will do for the rest of his life, all because of a drunk driver who was driving on the wrong side of the road. I suppose we probably did still have the same meals after this time but somehow I don’t remember it.
I’m sorry that this feels like a bit of a negative post… I am feeling quite frustrated about a lot of things at the moment. I am still trying and want to try, I am reminded of my very first Writing 101 post about happiness and trying to find little elements of good in every day. Sometimes it is just harder than others!
Joy Being Creative 