Contest Winners - May 2010 Writing Contest - Honorable Mention Winner!

I’m an American, living in Germany, with many hats. Before going out to show a house, I usually ask Hubby; “Do I look like a real-estate agent?”  My normal look is a soiled t-shirt, from one of my three grandchildren. Then there is my golfing cap, my floppy garden hat, and last but not least, my thinker’s cap, which I need when writing a story. Yup, the latter is my all-time favorite cap.

May 2010 Writing Contest - Honorable Mention Winner!

The Pink Remote

“Oh man, does she ever need it!”

I dropped my shopping bags, to catch a neon pink flying object.

“What is it?” I cried, stepping back as the car suddenly lifted in the air and hovered above me.

“Press the back button to the year you would change in your life!”

“What the….! Who are you?”

“Human behaviour analyticians, Honey Pie!”  They croaked, and off they twirled, till they were just a speck in the clouds.

I looked around the Filene’s parking lot. Empty! No witness in sight! The object felt heavy in the palm of my hand. It looked like a remote. In the middle of the display a back button glowed.

I stuffed the remote in my purse and quickly drove home. My three grandchildren were spending the day with me, and I was late all ready.

After clearing the picnic dishes and sending the children off to play in the garden, I snuggled into my porch swing. I couldn’t believe I had the incredible opportunity to zap 43 years back to my college freshmen year! I now knew what I should study; film making, scriptwriting, and my biggest passion of all; illustrating and writing children’s books.

But wait! I held the remote to my heart.

Happy thoughts of me throwing my graduation cap in the air, were quickly pushed aside, as I pictured myself seeking a job in a world of hungry writers racing, neck to neck, to renowned agents and publishers. Fast forward. I see myself falling in love. Where will that be? Los Angeles? New York? Will the decision; career or children be a burden to me? I have struggled so hard to come so far. How could I ever give up this profession, this calling? How could I do both?

Fresh apple blossom scents spread in the warm spring breeze.  I watched my three grandchildren. A sudden twinge shot through my heart. Their voices sounded hollow, their bright clothes began to fade. I realized they never would exist if I change my past.

My granddaughter skipped up the porch steps and gently took my hand. I quickly stuffed the remote between the Daisies. She led me to the picnic blanket where my two grandsons were patiently waiting.

“Tell us another story, Grandma, poleeeeease.”

With hopeful wide eyes, they cuddled onto my lap. Together, we entered a fantasy world of fairies and magic spells. I smiled down at their little trusting faces.

“Look Grandma!” Michael pointed towards our pond. On the edge of a rock sat a fat, grinning, bull frog. Between his front webbed feet, a pink remote gleamed in the sun.

“Rivet” he croaked. Or was it; “Write it”? With a neon rainbow splash, he leaped into the pond, remote and all.

Good idea, I chuckled. I should write those fairytales down!

And the moral of the story?

No dream is too remote. And that ain’t no bull….frog.