Coffee Blog

Bramble

Writing Sparkle

Resolving to ignore Bramble, my living coffee cup, I sit back down at the table with my laptop. I have writing to do. The rich smell of coffee is teasing my nostrils. I eye the cup.
“So, Bramble how does this work? I mean do I just pick you up and drink?”
“Oh yes, very simple. You drink and I provide.”
Hesitantly I pick Bramble up and bring the cup to my lips. A small sip. This isn’t so bad, it’s just like normal. I think to myself. I set Bramble back down.
“I really wanted to giggle, but I think you might have dropped me.“
“Thrown you is more accurate.”
Bramble goes silent. His snow-coloured lips working to come up with a comeback, but can’t.
I find my groove, sip and type, sip and type. I even become immune to Bramble running from the table to return with a fresh hot brew.

If we were having coffee, I would remind you that for 2023 I’m starting my coffee share posts with a running story themed around enchanted coffee (posted at the top in italics).

If we were having coffee, I would ask you if you ever think about what you favourite authors did for work before being supported by their writing? This wasn’t something I ever gave much thought to. In mind they were always writers. It wasn’t until I was well into reading The Shannara Chronicles that I noted Terry Brooks practiced law for years before he was able to stop and focus on his writing. Sue Grafton was a screen writer. Stephen King was a teacher. Can you imagine having Stephen King as a teacher? How fun would that be? Janet Evanovich had secretarial employment. Brandon Sanderson was a night clerk at a hotel. Robert Jordan enlisted in the U.S Army first in a clerical role and then as a gunner serving two tours. The list of interesting starts for our favourite authors goes on. I like knowing that we all start somewhere.

If we were having coffee, I would share a picture of the first 2023 puzzle I finished. It is a 2000-piece Ravensburger.

If we were having coffee, I would ask you if you have ever heard of a tongue box? Tongue boxes are a creation from Chimera and Curses and another fabrication born out of my parenting experiences. Curious? You can learn more at this link to a Teaser Post that went up Sunday last week: Tongue Box.

By Shari Marshall – 2023

Weekend Coffee Share is hosted by Natalie the Explorer. I hope you have a chance to join us for a virtual cup. Coffee share #5 in 2023.

21 thoughts on “Bramble”

  1. Well done with your 2000-piece puzzle! Some authors that I read had an interesting career or profession before they become full-time writers. Some are working in a day job and writing whenever they can. Thank you for your weekend coffee share.

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  2. Hi Shari – what a fantastic jigsaw! 1000 piece ones are my limit – they fit the puzzle folder I bought and don’t test my patience too far. Interesting about what the famous authors did before becoming famous – I guess everyone has to earn a living before they get discovered.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I typically do 1000-piece puzzles too. I was on a mission last year to try and find a puzzle board big enough for 2000-piece puzzles, but I was unsuccessful. I have a project planned for sometime this year to repurpose an old play table of my boys into a coffee table. My plan is create a cover for it, so I can puzzle on it and cover it so it can remain functional for other activities in between.

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  3. “Trent, for that, go stand in the corner!” “Yes, Mr. King.” “And as you stand there, think about the story I told you of Tim Thatcher who I made stand in that corner three years ago.” “Did they ever find his body, Mr. King?” “Bits and pieces, here and there… Now go to the corner!” “Yes, Mr. King.”
    I can think of down sides of having him as a teacher 😉
    Hope you have a great weekend!

    Liked by 3 people

    2. Haha, love it. I was thinking more along the lines of those classes that were previously boring becoming interesting (perhaps dangerously so . . . ) Haha.
      Thanks for stopping in, Trent.
      And Janet, thank you for stopping as well.
      Hope you’re both having a lovely Sunday.

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  4. humm,
    I had this math teacher in high school who was something of a walking curse for me. We did not have any discussions that I did not think were unneeded because I avoided him at all times, in or out of class.
    In my mind – I still can’t bring up an image of this guy who I tried my best to forget even while his class was in session. . .

    Fun image Shari – um, sorta.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. That puzzle looks like a difficult one with lots of the same colors throughout. I like the last line of the Bramble story. Wouldn’t that be amazing if that’s how things really were. I’ve known a couple of published authors, they had families & were active in the community. #Weekendcoffeeshare

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  6. I’m always fascinated by authors’ previous careers. And I think night clerk in a hotel would be a perfect gig for an aspiring author. All that quiet time to write, plus the weird people you’d meet on the job who could inspire your characters.

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    1. I agree that night clerk is a perfect choice. Years ago I worked as a security guard in a Casino. Depending on what position I was posted to it offered a bit of writing time, but it also offered great people watching time.

      Thanks for stopping in, Janet. Have a great week.

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  7. Happy Sunday Shari!
    I’m a little late to the party but better late than never I always say! Your creativity is inspiring and I had to giggle at Trent’s and Janet’s fun responses. 🤣
    Your puzzles are always AMAZING! This one is really cool and it’s fun to see the completion. I hope you have a great week!!

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  9. Wow that’s a beautiful puzzle ! How long did that take? I impulse bought a beautiful puzzle during my maternity leave. I intended to hang it as art, but I have yet opened the box. I guess I over-estimated my “free” time during maternity leave.

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    1. Julie, I think I puttered at the puzzle for a few weeks. The great thing about puzzles is they will wait till we have time to complete them, haha, no expiry date. Thanks for stopping in.

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