Charli Mills over at the Carrot Ranch posted her flash fiction challenge:
Seeds of Generosity
Spreading the seeds of generosity from one story to the next.
April 15, 2021, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that seeds generosity. Who is generous and why? Think of generosity as planting a future outcome. Go where the prompt leads!
Write a story about spreading the seeds generosity? Well of course, that would be Gloria. But, how can I tell the story of Gloria’s generosity in only 99 words? Here is my story:
Gloria by Jennie Fitzkee
Gloria. That was the name children gave her. She was old, shy, and people had always called her a witch. When she came into a classroom of children, she couldn’t even speak. They were startled and curious; Gloria was, well, different. She lived in a picnic basket in the classroom. Whenever she visited the children, they were excited. When Halloween came around, children rallied to help Gloria pick a costume. The years rolled on, Gloria became a member of the class. Suddenly the tables were turned. She was the one who was ‘there’ to help children. Tears and hugs.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
Wonderful
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You summed up the magic of Gloria perfectly, Jennie. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
Thank you, Pete. 99 words is a challenge.
A perfect story for the prompt.
Thank you, Darlene. 🙂
And the rest is history. Just think of how many lives that Gloria has enriched. Amazing!
I have thought of that often. Colin is a classic example. So many stories. 🙂
Gloria planted her seeds deep and with your generosity they flourished.
Beautifully said, Pam. Thank you!
these are the true seeds we plant each day. the impact is deeper than the roots we see
Well said, Lori!
You are such a wonderful tonic to my spirit/soul, Jennie! I particularly love this sentence: “She lived in a picnic basket in the classroom.” Thank you for all you do!
“A wonderful tonic to your spirit” – I love you words, Will. Thank you!
Perfect Jennie!
Thank you, Kim. 🥰
Great tie-in to the prompt, Jennie. Gloria is firmly planted.
I think she is, John. Thank you.
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The seeds planted in your classroom through you and Gloria are going to bear fruit for generations.
What a beautiful thing to say. Thank, Deborah. 😊
That’s beautiful, Jennie. Knowing how important Gloria is in your classroom, I think you did very well.
Thank you, Dan. This was my first 99 word challenge, and it would have been easier to write 99,000 words about Gloria. 🙂
Gloria is indeed the epitomy of generosity–and she gets back as much as she gives! Your 99-word story is the perfect tribute to her.
She is, indeed! And she certainly does. Thank you, Liz.
Wonderful! ❤
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And the rest is history! Long live Gloria!
Yes!! Hooray for Gloria. Thank you, Pete.
Hi Jennie, Well-done!!!
Thank you, Charles!
Aww this is lovely, it feels so real. Absolutely wonderful, Gloria living in the picnic basket being apart of the class and then the tables turn and she supports the children, how amazing. Thank you for you lovely blog
Thank you! The post before this one tells the whole backstory on Gloria. She is a hallmark.
Oh wow, I’m going to have a look. I’m looking forward to the read. Have a nice day
Best to you.
A beautiful 99-word story, Jennie. I remember when I spoke to Cotlands Baby Sanctuary [for abandoned and AIDS babies] they said the best gift for the babies was a stuffed toy they could cuddle and bond with. This story made me think of that.
Most every child needs a stuffed toy. We call them loveys. I’m glad Gloria reminded you of that.
A lovely true story, Jennie. I’ve become a Gloria fan too. 🙂
I’m so glad! Thank you, Diana. 🥰
This is so gorgeous, Jennie. I’m pleased you joined in. I hope you join in again.
Thank you, Norah. I will certainly join in again.
A beautiful description of Gloria 🙂 xx
Thank you, Debby!
What a wonderful flash. Is it really your first? I have been slow to make thr rounds lately but am sure glad I came by and read more about Gloria.
Yes, this is really my first. Thank you! Compressing all of Gloria into 99 words was a big challenge.
Cant say it better, like Pete has done. :-)) xx
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It appears I lost the connection to you thanks to WordPress’ glitches – my apologies for not noticing sooner!
I have had this happen, too. Shame on those WP gremlins. No worries, GP!