In Christ Alone!

"GRANDDAD'S FISHING BOAT"

Hey Guys,

I just got the response back from my instructor for my third assignment with the Institute of Children's Literature. Unlike my attempt at fiction/fantasy writing she really liked my non-fiction description of a moment I remembered from my childhood. That was exciting. My future may be in autobiographical stuff. LOL I am learning so much from this course. It's a blast! If you're interested in writing for children of any age, you MUST take this course. (I just thought I'd tell you that this Institute gets all FIVE STARS from me!) They even give you seven credits put toward any college upon completion.

Anyways, enough rambling. I just wanted to share my little "story" descriptive moment with you guys. Tell me what you think. (My instructor already liked it, so the rest is icing. haha)

God Bless!

GRANDDAD’S FISHING BOAT © 2006

I stepped off the slippery wood dock into Granddad’s large motor boat. We idled away from shore and into the deep green waters of Lake Nokomis. I maneuvered a stiff bright orange life jacket over my shoulders. It felt like a vinyl covered card board box as I buckled the straps on either side.

I knelt by Granddad’s rusty metal tackle box, lifted the lid and peeked inside. The smell of rubber, plastic, and other artificial lures wafted out. Some lures were shiny silver, some were squishy rubber, some were long and droopy, and others had coarse black bristles that disguised the hook. I closed the partially rusted lid quietly.

Granddad handed me a sticky night crawler from a rotten smelling carton of worms to start with. I carefully pierced it with my tiny hook, hoping I wouldn't have to use the First Aid kit under the bench. It wiggled and squirmed as I pinched and pushed.

I stood up, pressed the black release button on my reel and cast my line out as far as I could muster. My red and white bobber scared away the circular ripples when it hit the water with a miniature splash. I waited, sitting on the bench in the front of the boat, holding my red aluminum pole.

As the boat rocked soothingly the net rapped with a rhythmic sound against the interior. A light breeze whistled through my hair. My arms and face warmed with the bright rays of the sun. A fly buzzed around my dirty fingers. I noticed a muskrat swimming carelessly near the shadowy banks in the distance. A tiny splash behind me caught my ear but escaped my eye.

Avoiding the scorching steel trim, I leaned over the edge of the boat and peered into the murky water. It smelled strongly of fish and algae. I dangled my left hand finger tips into the cool water, listening as it clapped against the sides of the boat.

There was a high-pitch squeak as Granddad sat in his swivel chair. He turned back the key and with a loud roar the motor fired to life again. I began to crank my reel slowly as we started trolling the lake. My line grew taut. Soon my pole jerked in my hand, there was a tug at my line, and a vigorous tension bent my pole. I began cranking quickly occasionally yanking backward. Suddenly, the fishing line snapped and I fell backward.

Looking at his watch, Granddad insisted we start heading back. I laid my red pole beside the metal tackle box and stood with my mouth open wide to catch the Lake’s summer breeze as we accelerated around towards the dock. My lips dried out and a bug hit the back of my throat, but the air was exhilarating.

Long time no comment

9:11 AM, May. 3, 2006 .. Posted by Jocelyndixon

Have you been? Sorry I haven't been over here. I think your story is good and I think you will get some where. I am still editing my 3rd rough draft of my 242page book and I am adding more. I hope to be published within the year.

I have a contest over at my blog so check it out!

Sincerely,
myrtle

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1:44 PM, May. 3, 2006 .. Posted by friends4tea

Wonderful!!!! That was really beautifully written. You are extremely talented!! Keep it up!!! Hugs to you! ~Leah

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3:06 PM, May. 7, 2006 .. Posted by friends4tea

Hi Stephanie, Thanks for stopping by my blog and encouraging me! I think you are going to make a wonderful mommy someday with all your experience with your younger siblings. I am the oldest of two brothers. One who is 11 years younger than me. It's funny because I used to help my mom out with my baby brother and and now she helps me out with my little one. They certainly are a handful. Titus zaps my energy everyday. I don't know how he keeps going. He's just like the energizer bunny! I hope you are doing well! Stay in touch! Hugs to you, Leah

=)

11:09 AM, May. 12, 2006 .. Posted by heartofvirtue

Hello sweet friend! I love your story. I can't remember if I'd already told you that or not. :)

Hugs forever,
Myklin :)