Admonitions

September first is tomorrow, a day that for me, feels like the first day of a new year. I stretch my imagination and I swear I can smell change. 9/1 is when I again get serious about life, writing, and following through on goals. It's time to say good bye to the carefree and warm days of summer and begin to welcome structure.

A few years ago I attended a writing conference and sat in on Sheila Bender's workshop. She talked about admonitions and then let us 'popcorn' around the room with ones we remembered from childhood. We laughed as we shared them with each other.

Below are a few of mine. I'll bet you'll recognize some. They make great writing prompts, produce wonderful stories and are fun to boot!

If Susie jumped off a bridge would you jump, too? (my personal favorite)
Get your elbows off the table.
Close your mouth when you chew.
Close the door. We can't afford to heat the outside.
Close the door. We don't live in a barn.
Stand up straight.
Don't slouch.
Don't interrupt.
Don't talk to strangers.
Wait 'til your father comes home.

Have fun. Oh, happy new year :-)