Saturday, August 21, 2010

** Saturday Centus Time **

It's another Saturday Centus, from Jenny Matlock.

I haven't participated in this for a few weeks, but thought it was time to get back into the groove. Every Saturday, Jenny posts an "assignment" for anyone who cares to join. You don't have to be "an official writer". Just follow the rules and have fun!

WEEK 16 ASSIGNMENT

Do you remember how during the first week back at school the teacher would make you write an essay about what you did over your summer vacation? Well, school has been in session almost two weeks here so I thought we'd try this for something different.

Your story must be written in first person AND must be exactly 100 words long. It can be fact or fiction.

So...

Exactly 100 words, first person, fact or fiction...What I did over my Summer Vacation. AND What I did over my Summer Vacation is the title of your essay not to be included in the 100 words! Any questions? Go directly to Jenny's blog.

Okay....Here's my story for this week, coming in at exactly 100 words, not counting the title.

** Big Oops!! It appears as if I've made a blunder! I didn't realize everyone's title was supposed to be the same: "What I Did Over My Summer Vacation". Sorry! As you can see, I titled mine with the date.....

June 6, 1968

I sat alone in the dark living room, although it was hot and sunny outside. The drapes were kept closed in an attempt to keep the heat out, since we had no air conditioning. I watched the terrible events unfold on the television, as regularly scheduled programming was interrupted.

Robert F. Kennedy had been assassinated. I will never, ever forget those black and white images appearing on the screen. I will never, ever forget my fear, my dread, my sadness. I cried. I cried for the world.

A fifteen year old girl shouldn't start her summer vacation feeling so hopeless.

25 comments:

  1. That's for sure. I remember, too.

    Great take on the prompt, and well done!

    =)

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  2. I am so glad to see you back here, Becky! Yes, I remember that summer too, and I had all those emotions. I was dressing for a seminar on teaching Head Start where I was to be a summer aide. I was so sad to hear the news, stunned for the rest of the day....

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  3. I remember finding out in elementary school and the nuns crying. Then watching it on TV. It was truly a tragedy that one never forgets where they were. Good job.

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  4. i have always heard "the nation cried" in reference to kennedy's death... it was good to read it from one girl's perspective. fabulous!

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  5. Only 6 when JFK died; 10 with MLK and RFK died. I don't know which year was worse.

    Glad you're back in the game this week.

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  6. I was just two when JFK was assassinated. It is one of the few clear memories of my childhood. I remember more the emotions and how dark the world seemed all of a sudden.

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  7. I remember that, too. It was quite shocking.

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  9. Very nice and unexpected ;-) Thanks for your visit to my posting...curious about your lengthy comment that did not take...Peace

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  10. This was 3 days before my 18th birthday and just a week before I graduated from High School in Southern California by the way. We were stunned and so sad!!! I love how words can instantly take you back over 40 years like it was yesterday!

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  11. It was the last week of 6th grade. No 24 hour news programs then, or I'm sure I'd have seen the pictures sooner.

    Made me so sad, and I wondered why anyone would ever want to run for President.

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  12. Wow! I love how my story brought more comments about your own histories, rather than the meme itself. Most of us are also giving away our ages, but who cares about that? Not me! or is it Not I?
    I was in the 5th grade when JFK was killed, and the announcement came over the loud speaker and my teacher, a nun, began to cry. Our class just had "art" the rest of the afternoon....Between that shocking death and then MLK Jr, and RFK within months of each other five years later, I really was very worried about our future.

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  13. Well, I was only 6 too so I don't remember it. I have only heard and can only imagine. I spent all day on the phone with my friend as we agonized over the shooting of Ronald Reagan.

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  14. I remember the day like it was yesterday. You captured it wonderfully.

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  15. oh man...how powerful. I was not here yet for that but reminds me how I felt on the morning of Sept.11 when I woke to the news and sat in silence all day - watching waiting, fearing...

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  16. You took me back to that date! We must be about the same age. The RFK assassination really shook me to my roots. I am so pleased that you thought of that particular day to write about!

    I just posted my contribution. Please stop by!

    Malisa

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  17. i typed a comment, but don't know where it went. this may turn out the 2nd. you did a good job in your story. thanks for your sweet comment on my blog. i'm behind reading posts,so don't sweet it. have a good Sunday. rose

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  18. This was beautifully written Becky. I was right there with you. I remember this day so well. I vaguely remember JFK's assassination (I think I was 3?), but this day stands out in my memory like few others.

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  19. Hello Permanent Posies, PJ, Terra, Malisa, Rose and Kat. Thank you so much for stopping, reading, and taking time to comment! I really do read and appreciate every comment I receive!

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  20. That was a very sad and thoughtful piece, Becky! Beautifully done!

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  21. Hi Tom ~ Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a comment. I was just thinking the other day I hadn't heard from you in awhile, and I realized it's because I haven't participated in any memes lately! Thanks again!

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  22. Gosh - what a great post. Brought back memories!

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  23. Hi Julia ~ Thanks so much! I really appreciate you stopping by!

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  24. Becky, Oh my goodness. What an evocative and powerful 100 word essay.

    This was really excellent.

    I remember this announcement, too.

    And you told this so well.

    Thanks for participating.

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  25. Becky, hi! Can you get on the next link, Kaelin's? It keeps throwing me off. I want to read it but I can't get in at all. I'm just wondering if you might be able to leave her a comment to let her know I'm having problems. Thanks!
    Hugs,
    Jenny

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I'm still getting quite a few spam comments that are Anonymous, so I'm trying "User with Google Accounts." If anyone tries to comment that I know, and it won't let you, send me an email, okay? Thanks so much.