March 2nd is the birthday of the incredible Theodore Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. Last year, Vivian Kirkfield put together a contest based on Random House founder Bennet Cerf’s 1960 challenge to Seuss to write a children’s book using only 50 words: and the classic Green Eggs and Ham was born. It’s true the story has over 700 words…but only 50 unique words. Vivian’s 50 Precious Words challenge is a bit different: MAX WORD COUNT for the entire story is 50! You can join in on the fun here.
Following is my entry in Vivian’s 2nd annual #50 PRECIOUS WORDS WRITING CONTEST.
Sally Sparkle
Sally arrived for first day of school in her favorite vintage flapper costume. On Saturday, she wore polka-dotted hat and gloves to the grocery store. Sally’s mom scolded her for dressing outlandishly. Her grandmother winked at her and said “some people are just meant to sparkle more than others.”
©2017 Kelly Lenihan
(wc=50)
A little back story: as a child, I pretty much marched to my own drummer, bopped to music no one else could hear, and was forever designing amazing fashions for my barbie dolls and trolls (IMHO). I loved to mix and match my own clothes, one of my favorite outfits at age 6 or 7 was a floral top and checkered capris (they were in the same colors, so mixing prints was fine by me). Another favorite was my beloved go-go boots, textured stirrup pants and a fuzzy mock T-neck – I thought I was the cat’s pajamas! In my twenties, I wore a lot of vintage clothing, or outfits from other countries. I also favored wearing all black with rather astonishing eye-catching accessories – from jewelry to scarves to shoes – I had a lot of fun planning my outfits. I remember once walking down the sidewalk with my boyfriend and he wouldn’t walk next to me. It turns out he was embarrassed by my outfit – a very cool chartreuse ensemble with a cropped jacket and matching pants with peplum – oh how I loved that outfit. Anyway, although I’ve toned down my outfits these days, in my heart, I will forever be attracted to the eclectic, colorful patterns and textures of my youth.
Joanne Roberts says
This is sweet. I love it. Awesome.
Kelly Lenihan says
Thank you Joanne.
Gregory E. Bray says
My son doesn’t like wearing sweats anymore because none of his friends do. So this story hits home. Good luck!
Kelly Lenihan says
Thank you Gregory.
Vivian Kirkfield says
Here’s to the kids who know who they are and those who are searching to find themselves! I love your mc…and her grandmother. And I’ll bet you looked fabulous in all of your fashions, Kelly! Thank you for playing along. 😉
Kelly Lenihan says
Thank you Vivian, your challenge was a lot of fun.
Corine Timmer says
Hello Kelly. I didn’t know you participated as well! I must confess I missed quite a few stories but did catch up and am reading yours now. I used to love dressing up into my mothers’s party dresses and heels. And like Sally, I too had a lovely grandmother. In fact, I had two. Sometimes subtle understanding skips a generation. Great message! I love people who are brave enough to wear what they like and what suits their personality.
Kelly Lenihan says
Thank you Corine!