
The January 23, 2023 story challenge from Charli Mills at Carrot Ranch is to: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that is optimistic. Feel free to explore optimism in all its forms from a positive mindset to toxic positivity. Is it a heartfelt story or a devious one? So much wiggle room for the optimistic writer. Go where the prompt leads!
I am delighted to have Marge and Ilene show up for this prompt! It’s just another scene but I’ll take it.
The Pursuit by D. Avery
“My glass is always half full.”
“That’s because you’re a slow drinker, Ilene. Mine’s half empty but I’ve already got another round coming. Power of positive drinking.”
“You asked about my exes, Marge. This one’s glass was always half empty.”
“I’m listening. A half-glass sad-ass.”
“That’s about right. I finally realized that happiness is a personal responsibility. And unhappiness is contagious. I’ll tell you from experience— men age about as well as fish on the counter.”
“And yet you always seem to have one.”
“My indomitable optimism, Marge. And, it’s catch and release— gives the fish another chance too.”

Be sure to go to Carrot Ranch to read the complete “Shadow Lady” collection from last week. And there’s always the Ranch Yarns with Kid and Pal’s responses HERE.
That’s an interesting point of view 😂
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These characters used to share their outlooks on life fairly regularly but they’ve been quiet for a long time now. I’m glad they are finding their way back to the page even if it’s a little disconnected and out of context at this point.
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What fun to have regular characters making frequent appearances. 👍🏼
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I liked this!
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That is gratifying for me. Thanks!
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You’re welcome.
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Ha, Ha! I love these gals. “A half-glass sad-ass.” That was my ex from many years ago, now. LOL!
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Glad you’ve upgraded! Ilene would be proud.
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Ha, Ha! That is the best line… I wrote it down to use again.
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Catch and release…sounds like the title for a self-help book. (K)
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Hmmm….
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Oh Ms. d you do make me laugh. Old fish, indeed! 😂😂
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LOL. Well done!
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Thanks!
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Great last line, D, and good to see Marge and Ilene back. (If they were social media icons they’d be Margarine by now, like Brangelina.) 😉
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Whoa, wait a minute… do you mean they are NOT media icons?
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🙂
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Well played, D. ❤ ~ and well written!
~David
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Thanks. I love when these characters come out to play, mostly because they write themselves.
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Cath and release….i love that❤️
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Catch and release is my dating motto from now on, if’n I ever get me one!
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Well, yeah, catching is the first step. But not catching saves two steps, and maybe more.
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Ah! That explains finally having time to get things done! 😂😂😂
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So much truth in this.
“That’s because you’re a slow drinker, Ilene. Mine’s half empty but I’ve already got another round coming. Power of positive drinking.” – is a perfectly crafted quip.
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Marge knows her way around a pint. I realize this is not the first time she’s struggled with those who are half full though.
I do enjoy these characters.
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Great story. That was a well used metaphor with the catch and release.
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Thanks! It fits, as these two both enjoy fishing. (For fish)
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I’m late to the party (procrastinating from going out to shovel, so I am catching up on emails missed…)
I am right with her. Catch and Release is the way to go before they stink up the counter!
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