
This week at the Carrot Ranch, Charli Mills challenged writers to In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about the dishes. It can be the every-single-day activity, a precious collection, or any other interpretation of dishes as objects or activities. Who is stuck with the dishes and why? Go where the prompt leads!
I had a few ideas for this one but couldn’t seem to make any work until I went back to my two young girls Amy and Lucy and their favourite toys. I hope this one works. Enjoy!
The Garden Party
Ellie observed that the table looked delightful. Ollie said he’d never used such fine chinaware before. Teddy commented that the fairy cakes were scrumptious and iced tea was perfect for a warm day. Everyone agreed. Amy and Lucy beamed.
Afterwards, the guests offered to help with the dishes.
“No way,” said Amy. “You’re our guests.”
“We insist,” said Ellie. Swiping swiftly with her trunk, she launched the plates likes frisbees. Ollie deftly caught them and stacked them by the sink. Teddy frothed the soap suds and washed while Lucy dried.
“Many hands,” said Amy, putting cups and plates away.

Thank you for reading. I appreciate your feedback. Please share your thoughts.

Note: The collection of stories made in response to the previous prompt Optimism, including mine, can be read at the Carrot Ranch.
“…she launched the plates likes frisbees” – this part made me chuckle.
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I’m glad. Thanks, Nicole.
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Fairy cake! I’d like to join this tea party!
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You’re always welcome, Elizabeth!
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This was fun, Norah!
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I’m pleased you enjoyed it, Jennie.
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Precious ending! A story filled with imagination, just like children’s.
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Thank you for your lovely comment. 🙂
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The perfect guests indeed!
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Indeed! Thank you. 🙂
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super delightful … I must get the elephant out of my cupboard and encourage him to help with my dishes 🙂
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I know just what you mean! 🙂
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I enjoyed your last tea party short story and enjoyed this one equally, Norah. I wish I could write as vividly and thoughtfully as you. Your say so much in so little words, yet it’s so easy to get your message.
The visual of ‘Swiping swiftly with her trunk, she launched the plates likes frisbees’ made me think that the plates were going to be crashing everywhere 😄 Teamwork can be a bit like that sometimes, different styles and perspectives in the process of coming together – and everyone just makes it work. It is good that the dishes got done in the end. It reminds me of dinners with my Chinese family where sometimes everyone pitches in to do the dishes in the end.
Wonderful writing, Norah. Hope you are enjoying the last month of summer over there
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Thank you for your lovely comment, Mabel. At first the dishes were all going to be crashing everywhere. Then I decided that I didn’t like that and that Ollie (the octopus) could catch them with his eight arms. I preferred that ending. 🙂
I hope you get some warmth down your way before summer ends. Sending some summery smiles. 🌞🌞🌞
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I really liked the image of Ollie catching the plates with his eight arms. Quite an entertaining sight. And a happy ending is always a lovely ending. Enjoy your warm and humid summer, Norah 🌞😊
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Thank you so much for your wonderful support, Mabel. 💖🌞
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It’s always a pleasure coming over here and chatting with you. Thank you for sharing 🌞😊💕
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I enjoy our chats too. 🙂
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Looking forward to coming again soon, Norah 😊
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See you soon, Mabel 😊🌞
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Definitely soon, Norah 😊🌞
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Ha, great teamwork. Reminds me of the cartoon version of the sorcerer’s apprentice in Fantasia.
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I’m not sure that I ever saw Fantasia. I don’t recall the scene, but I’ll take your memory of it as a compliment. Thank you.
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That was a sweet story. I expected some breakage, but they all chipped in to help out — and that’s what friendship is about!
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I started out thinking breakages, but changed my mind towards the end. I was taken with the idea of Ollie (the octopus) catching all the plates with his eight ‘hands’. 😂
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Sweet story. Many hands do make doing chores so much more fun. When our boys were little they liked playing with the dish bubbles, so they were sort of helpful. There was more water in the floor than in the sink at the end, but those where the days.
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Those were the days indeed. It’s good to get the children involved, even if sometimes the little hands make light work hard. 🙂
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Love this, Norah! Heartwarming and you taught your girls well!
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Thanks so much, Annika. Those young girls are story characters. 💖
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That is darling. The iconic tea party.
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Thanks so much, Jacqui.
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What a cute little story.
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Thank you, Darlene.
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HI Norah, this is a lovely little story.
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Thank you, Robbie. I’m pleased you enjoyed it.
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I clearly need an elephant.
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We could probably all do with a team like Ellie’s. 😂
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Cute!!!
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Thanks, Robin.
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cute!
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Thank you, Beth.
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