The bubbly and sunny-natured Ritu, of the blog But I Smile Anyway, invited me to join in for a freestyle writing challenge. Okay–this is a bit nerve-racking as I’m one who usually finds that words flow most easily when I’m writing about something I’ve pondered and feel emotionally connected to in some way. Also, I’m “edit girl,” enjoying going through a number of rough drafts, moving words around like furniture in a room to get just the right perspective.  So, here are the rules:

1.Open a blank document.
2. Set a stop watch timer to 5 or 10 minutes, whichever length you prefer.
3. Your topic is at the foot of this post BUT DO NOT SCROLL DOWN TO SEE IT UNTIL YOU ARE READY WITH YOUR TIMER!!!
4. Once you start writing do not stop until the alarm sounds!  Do not cheat by going back and correcting spelling and grammar using spell check (it is only meant for you to reflect on your own control of sensible thought flow and for you to reflect on your ability to write with correct spelling and grammar.)
5. You may or may not pay attention to punctuation or capitals
6. At the end of your post write down the number of words to give an idea of how much you can write within the time Frame.
7. Put the whole document onto your post and nominate 5 others and give them a new topic. Remember to copy paste the rules in!

My challenge was:

What you thought life would be like as an adult, when you were a kid?

I don’t know that I ever considered what life as an adult would be like when I was a child.  The main point that I understood as a child was that adults were in charge, and that I was not.  So, I basically tried to do what I was told and stay out of trouble.  I guess I was so ensconced in my own blissful childhood that I didn’t really think about it much.  My childhood days were spent running around the family farm, visiting Grandma and Granddaddy Rieley who were next door; and, of course, my favorite pastime of rescuing any willing barn cats that were need of some tender loving care.

I suppose if I really think about it, the thing that I most associated with being an adult was being busy.  I grew up on a farm, and all of the adults around me were always busy doing SOMETHING:  Busy planting a garden, getting-up hay, waterin the garden, mowing the grass, weeding the garden, picking vegetables, picking black raspberries, making jam or preserves, fixing a fence, painting the front porch or a shed roof, snapping beans, husking corn, canning beans, making a cobbler, repairing the tractor, planting flowers, pruning and grafting fruit trees, cleaning out the barn—-YOU GET THE PICURE.  There is always something to do on a farm!

I have so many fond memories of watching as well as helping my parents and grandparents perform these everyday activities.  I especially loved holding the colander on my lap as I sat with Grandma Rieley, helping her to break-up green beans in her sunny kitchen.  I also looked forward to picking black raspberries and assisting Grandma with making preserves.  She would always have a little left over that she didn’t need for her jam jars.  So, she would spread some of the warm, freshly made preserves on a slice of bread for me to taste.  It was like a little bit of heaven.

I think the impression I gained of adulthood when I was a child was that there is dignity and satisfaction in hard work. My parents and grandparents took pride in a day’s work:  a neat lawn with pretty flower beds, a picture perfect vegetable garden overflowing with a bounty of beautiful vegetables to share and preserve for winter, and well-kept fields and barns.

Here’s the thing:  I learned that work isn’t something to be dreaded, but something to be embraced.  I realized that self worth is developed through accomplishment—doing something, whatever it may be, and doing it well and with enthusiasm.

Word Count:  428

Time:  10 minutes

My nominees:

I chose five bloggers whose blogs are always a joy to read.  They are all excellent writers with interesting perspectives and observations on life.

BARNRAISED

Riddle from the Middle

catterel

Almost Farmgirl

The Sock Mistress

**Scroll down to find out what you need to write about!

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**Topic:  That moment that took your breath away.

There is no obligation! 🙂