“A Writer’s Playground” –A place to find wordplay, writing, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart.”
“Before and After–Apron Remodel” by Linda Martin Andersen
“I didn’t know people wore aprons anymore,” my sister said when she learned that our mother was sewing one for me. “Well I do,” I responded. Mostly, I wear the one from a couple of decades ago when I “moonlighted” as a part-time waitress. See definition of moonlighting here: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/moonlighting
I prefer a bib style apron, as did my grandmother. I inherited a few of her aprons, which I wear on special occasions. Or I did until their last wash left them thread-bare. I decided it was time to put these aprons on “inactive duty” and buy some new ones.
While shopping at the local downtown Farmer’s Market, I spotted some handmade aprons. I asked the vender if I could see the one hanging behind her in the booth. I loved its quilted skirt. Somehow the bib didn’t seem quite right to me. It was a little “loud” as my grandmother would have said. The bib pattern was mostly red, not pink or lavender like the skirt. Too bad it wasn’t the same material, so the two sections would blend perfectly. I tried to think how I could modify the bib–perhaps add a lace panel to soften the color. But as I stated to the clerk, “I’m not a lace kind of girl.” As I pondered some more, the clerk discounted the price, saying that people didn’t like the quilted bottom–that it was too heavy. Funny, because that was what attracted me to it. The vendor wanted to move on the sale. I bought the apron and walked away determined to find a way to change it to “fit” me.
At home, I tried on the apron again and decided I could sacrifice some of the skirt length. If I did, stripes could be added across the bib to tie the two sections together. There was enough material to make three stripes. Sounded just right to me. I also needed a way to adjust the tie around the neck.
Next step: Call in the expert. My mother took my vision and added her skills. That’s teamwork! Thanks, Mama. I’m pleased with the outcome.
Apron–Before. Copyright 2015 Linda Martin Andersen
Apron–After. Copyright 2015 Linda Martin Andersen
This is pretty much how I approach my writing. I get a story idea–the before. I write it, get it critiqued, revise and I may even try to sell it. If I am not successful, I usually decide to let the story rest. Time to write some new stories, I think. But every once in a while, something reminds me to pull an old story back out for a remodel. And guess what? The one that’s calling me now is about aprons. Imagine that! I’m thinking on how to modify it. I’m hoping I’m not still tied to the story’s apron strings. For explanation of this expression see here: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/apron-strings
After I revise the apron story, I’ll call in “experts.” My critique partners. I’m thankful for them. And after making additional changes, I’ll shop my story. Finding just the right buyer will be my apron celebration story!
Writing Prompt: Have you ever been tied to someone or something’s apron strings? Who helps move your projects from before to after? Thank you for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.” I look forward to your comments. Please remember that children 13 and under need an adult to comment for them. For more fun, sign up to follow my blog. Thank you!
A Writer's Playground 