Nicky and Mike over at We Work For Cheese have been running this a writing challenge throughout February. And today is the final day! Better yet, nobody has murdered either of them; I feel happy and sad all at the same time.
And, kidding aside, thanks to Nicky and Mike for running this circus. I know how much work is involved, and much as I’ve grumbled, I’ve had an amazing month. Ziva gets my vote as winner.
Okay, school’s out now! You can all go home and chill. If you’ve just been reading, thanks for keeping us company. If you’ve been writing, you deserve a medal.
But I hope to see you all here again very soon.
Indigo
I feel thoroughly miserable.
As I slam shut the hatchback on my car, I kinda want it to complain, to object to the load that the car contains. For its hesitation to indicate that the car is too full, that I have too much stuff.
But this is a stupid thought, and Life affords it the disdain it deserves; the hatchback closes smoothly.
It’s September 1998, and the garden is a carpet of crunchy orange leaves. I hear footsteps.
Good morning, Indigo! breezes Bear, as he appears around the hedge and strolls up the driveway, And isn’t it a beautiful day? As if on cue, birds begin to twitter cheerfully in the trees. Frankly, I’m surprised the little devils don’t flutter round my friend's head and land on his outstretched paw, to sing sweetly as he chuckles; Walt Disney would have be proud, I conclude sourly.
Man, I’m in a bad mood today.
Yeah, morning Bear, I mutter. My companion, all seven feet of him, stands next to me and gives me a manly hug; I can sense he’s thinking without looking at him.
Though his dayglo Hawaiian shirt demands some attention.
So, it’s the big day! He indicates the loaded car. It looks like you’re all packed. Are you ready to move house?
Moving house is always a chore.
I hate moving house Bear, I grumble, and look how much my life boils down to!
Bear knows full well what I mean, I’m sure, but he’s tricky; he knows how to get me to talk, I guess. How do you mean?
I wave two-handedly, somewhat despairingly.
My life fits in a car! Bear pats my shoulder reassuringly as I continue, It wasn’t even that difficult to shut it! Seriously, is that all there is?!
His chuckle is dark and throaty. You measure your life by how much volume it takes up? No, that’s not what I meant, and he knows it.
Of course not. I feel I’m lying a little.
Oh, so it’s about how many things you have? That’s not it, is it?
No. Of course not. My tone is defiant, but I’m pretty sure I’m lying now. How can my life fit into one tiny little car, with nothing on the front seats, and no doors squeezed shut?!
That’s good. Because you’re a decent person, right?
I like to think so. Yeah, I guess.
And you have good friends, who appreciate your qualities? I squeeze him back slightly, manfully, tho I’m fairly sure I’ve just been slighted in some way. In italics.
The best. This one’s all true. I feel a little brighter.
And the new house looks amazing. I heard there may even be some badgers in the back garden. I smile; I do adore badgers. Bear has more good news, tho. There will be another lodger there at some point, but the landlord is quite fussy. So I don’t think we’ll get anyone objectionable.
Well, that’s a comfort, too. Uncertainty is next to Uneasiness in my dictionary.
Yeah, I say brightly, It’s going to be great.
Bear turns me and gives me a meaningful look.
Quite so. And believe me, I’ve known you a long time, he cuffs my head gently, and I don’t measure your life by the meagre possessions in this car. You have skills, talents and imagination by the bucketload, and they occupy no space whatsoever.
This is flattering, and somewhat of a smackdown. He’s good at this.
Yes Bear. You’re right. I manage a smile.
The black bear thumps my shoulder enthusiastically.
So, can I drive?
I don’t think twice. Sure, that’d be nice.
Wait, what?!
I realise too late that I've been suckered again.
Never let a bear drive.
We scream off the driveway on two wheels into an adrenaline-fuelled future.
Indigo
This blog entry is protected by copyright © Indigo Roth, 2012/2013
Hari OM
ReplyDeletewheee - you did it! congrats. ditto on having such friends. I'm a great fan of friends like that. Welcome to March. xxoxox
Thanks Yamini! It's been something of a pleasure taking part ;) But a lovely treat to meet you. I look forward to the future, see you there =) Indigo x
DeleteThat was a fun February wasn't it, Indigo? I enjoyed stopping by here and exchanging insightful(?) comments on each other's blog. Can't you just wait for the next one? yeah, me neither.
ReplyDeleteHey Dufus! I hear ya, buddy. If Nicky suggests another one, I may have to beat CheesyMike to death with a tyre iron; well, she's too pretty, and has such nice shoes. I salute you Sir, and you're on my blogroll now, goddammit. Indigo
DeleteA fine piece to end the challenge with, Indigo. I'm glad I got a chance to find your blog through this challenge and I look forward to continuing to follow it.
ReplyDeleteHey P.J.! The pleasure was mine! See you soon! Indigo
DeleteAww, thank you so much for your vote! Although I hate to break it to you, but this wasn't really a competition. ;)
ReplyDeleteBear is a very wise.. well, bear. You're a rich man, indigo, and I'm not talking about your possessions, or the money in your bank. :)
Hey Ziva! I beg to differ, and kneel to the Empress of Entries. We love ya, Z! And thanks, I think he's a smart cookie. Ooooh, cookies! Thanks for your relentless support during this challenge =) Indigo x
DeleteIt's been fun reading along! Your stories are always entertaining!
ReplyDeleteHey Amy! A pleasure to have you here! The challenge never ends for me, tho, as I'm writing a book based on this blog and its happy population. So, the adventures will keep on coming! See you soon, Indigo x
DeleteWhat a wonderful piece to end with. And I can just see Bear in his gaudy - no, his cheerful - shirt, hurtling into the future with his exceptional writer friend.
ReplyDeleteTake a bow, please :)
Hey Jenn! Yes, the shirts are never gaudy - "tastefully exuberant" is closer. And thank you, it's always a pleasure to see you here =) Indigo x
DeleteNothing like a big rush of adrenaline to pick the spirits right up! And Bear is right. The depth of your wealth cannot be measured, my friend.
ReplyDeleteHey Jayne! You're a good friend, Red. Thanks for enjoying this with me. Love to the lads! Indigo x
DeleteAs Vlad once told me, "You know, mom, you really are rich.... because you love what you do." Wise boy, that. I wonder who raised him? If you love what you do half as much as we love reading what you do, you are most definitely rich beyond measure!
ReplyDeleteHey Paula! That's a very kind thought, and a lovely way to round the month off. You've been here since the beginning; I'm delighted my nonsense has yet to wear thin. See you soon, BoomBoom! Roth x
DeleteWell, of course your car wasn't full... King had most of your ties, remember? :-)
ReplyDeleteIndigo, it has been a real joy having you participate in this challenge and a pleasure getting to know you. I loved each and every post. Thank you for playing with us and especially for all your extra efforts with the t-shirt designs. I really appreciated that you continued even after the batteries in the cattle prod gave out. :-)
Hey Nicky! Oooooh, you're a few years too early, but how right you would be these days! My rack of twenty silk ties has been reduced to two spattered with zebra carbonara and marinara sauce, and a pair of odd shoelaces. And truly, it's been my pleasure x Indigo
DeleteDon't encourage him Nicky. This man LOVES a cattle prod.
DeleteAlistair, hush. They'll all want some.
DeleteLife isn't about the stuff you've collected, but it is a gentle reminder of all that your life has been about. If one's stuff (read here way too much stuff) was a measure of one's life, mine is rich. On the other hand, it is really one's experiences that really enrich your life. This challenge has been enriching as well. It has enabled us to reach beyond our usual and expand ourselves as writers.
ReplyDeleteHey Linda! Yes, all true. I have a handful of special mementos, worthless trinkets that are priceless to me. But sadly, fewer ties than I used to have. Indigo x
DeleteIndigo, my big blue friend, I've really enjoyed hanging out with you and your strange menagerie of animal friends this month. I've been a longtime reader for a while now, and you reminded me why. :)
ReplyDeleteHey Mike! Thanks matey, it's been my pleasure to have you here. I think we deserve a pizza for getting through February? Yes, for sure. I hope your face will be rejoining you for March? Or at least dinner; I scare easy. Indigo
DeleteExcellent last piece for the challenge, Indigo. I've enjoyed reading you all month. And I'm still loving that stylized wedge of cheese I'm seeing everywhere. Awesome :) - mike
ReplyDeleteHey Mike! It's heroic cheese, I can't deny it. And thank you, I've really enjoyed yours too; I'll continue to follow your and Nicky's adventures. Indigo
DeleteWhat a fabulous ending to an amazing writing challenge! Congrats for surviving!
ReplyDeleteHey Mia! Thanks for your support throughout the challenge! Indigo x
DeleteCongratulations!
ReplyDeleteNot only have you passed the finishing line but you did it in a most triumphant way; head up, arms aloft and with the crowd behind you. You've shown you're no slouch and though the race was tough and the competition fierce, you got there in pole position.
Not that I watched of course. It's on record and I'll catch the highlights later. yadda yadda yadda.
Great stuff bud!
Alistair! Thank you for your canned applause and warm sporting metaphors. Not to mention the recorded-after-watching-the-race-on-tivo comments. I salute you Sir! See you and your good lady in ten days! Indigo
DeleteCanny wait!
DeleteI'm doin' the porage, mind.
Ooooooh, porage!
DeleteWonderful post Indigo! Made me think about my own life and my own situation these days, and it made me feel better too!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations again on finishing this thing, and finishing it strong!
Hey Kato! Thanks, m'dear! I've been thinking of you on your new adventure, and hoping for cool and hoopy things to head your way =) Indigo x
DeleteYour imagination occupies a magical space, you know that, Indigo? I love the sense of closure this entry brings to the month of February. It's been a pleasure reading your entries during this long, trying challenge. I'll definitely be dropping in on you every now and then, my friend.
ReplyDeleteHey KZ! Thanks matey! And yep, I agree with your February thoughts wholeheartedly. I'm still near comatose. And you're in my blogroll, so expect visits. Indigo
Delete