Featured Bloggers
- LIZ – TEA AND PAPER
- KIRSTIN – TROYERS LOVING LIFE
- LADY LEE – LADY LEE MANILA
- SADJE – LIFE AFTER 50 FOR WOMEN
- TERRI – SECOND WIND LEISURE
IT’S EASY TO PLAY ALONG WITH #WQWWC
This weekly writing challenge runs from Wednesday through Tuesday. The only rule is to use a quote.
If you want to participate, create a pingback to link your post. Not sure how to do that? See how to create pingbacks here.
“A quotation in a speech, article or book is like a rifle in the hands of an infantryman. It speaks with authority.”
Brendan Behan
WQWWC #37 TOPIC: LAKES, OCEANS, WATER
“When the well’s dry, we know the worth of water.”
– Benjamin Franklin
As a child, I wanted to live on a lake, or a river. Indiana had plenty of lakes, but my house was in the middle of a mid-century subdivision – no lake – no trees – no stores – no history – just flat half-acre lots with a few new brick houses holding two to three kids each, lined up on a block-long street with no sidewalk.
“What’s that got to do with water?” you ask.
“Water does not resist. Water flows. When you plunge your hand into it, all you feel is a caress. Water is not a solid wall, it will not stop you. But water always goes where it wants to go, and nothing in the end can stand against it. Water is patient. Dripping water wears away a stone. Remember that, my child. Remember you are half water. If you can’t go through an obstacle, go around it. Water does.”
― Margaret Atwood
Childhood Improvising Where There Is No Lake
We had the “big ditch” at the end of our street that sometimes held a bit of water or more likely mud. All the kids in the neighborhood skated on it in the winter through the tall reeds that grew up through the ice. It was not magical, yet we played in it all year long.
“Water links us to our neighbor in a way more profound and complex than any other.”
― John Thorson
One Indiana February when I was about nine, my neighbor Gene, who was about eight, and I found a glorious pond created in the vacant lot next to his house by a recent rain. It wasn’t cold enough to freeze, so we couldn’t skate on it.
It didn’t start out as a swimming party. The pond wasn’t very deep, but much deeper than our boots and neither of us could stay upright. Once we were soaked, we noticed some rocks from which we could launch ourselves into the pond. We had a fabulous time. I had no feeling of guilt or wrongdoing as we sloshed home.
Mom saw things differently. We arrived at my house covered from head to toe dripping with muddy water. She sent me to the basement to undress and wrap in a blanket while Gene did the same in the garage and then crossed the street in his make-shift winter clothes, and went home, presumably for a hot shower or bath just as I had to take.
Water can be dangerous, especially for kids, so teaching safety around water is important, as my friend Terri from Sunday Stills teaches. But kids will improvise and have fun even if parents think there is no body of water nearby and it’s the wrong time of year to enjoy water sports.
My Favorite Water Quotes
“In rivers, the water that you touch is the last of what has passed and the first of that which comes; so with present time.”
― Leonardo da Vinci
“Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it.”
― Lao Tzu
Now It’s Your Turn
What water bodies or waterways have dominated your thoughts and dreams in the past or are you living them now?
fountain at a condo 
backyard pool 
Las Vegas Venetian 
Las Vegas water show 
bird bath responsibility 
the Arizona Canal Scottsdale
Fountains, waterfalls, swimming pools, water slides, rivers, ice skating rinks, swamps, sprinklers, and bayous, brackish water, bog, bathtub, tidepool, mud puddle, a cold drink of water on the back patio, rain, snow, ice, hail, monsoons, floods.
“Thousands have lived without love, not one without water.”
― W. H. Aude
Kaweah River 
Bravo Lake
Share your experiences, thoughts, poems, pictures along with a quote.
This list should at least prime your pump to think of water in ways I’ve forgotten.
Thanks for playing along with me today for Writer’s Quotes Wednesdays Writing Challenge. If you love challenges and are short on time, you have mountains to do before tomorrow — combine. As Cee Neuner says, “Just have fun with it.
Going On Right Now
- August Story Chat “A Dress for a Princess” by Wendy Fletcher. Hosted by Cathy Cade
- 10 Month Analysis of Story Chat
- #PPAC 7 continues until Friday. Link your post about public art to Cee’s or my post each week. This is my week.
- Challenge Interview Series Do you know someone who hosts a challenge or enjoys participating in challenges? Please contact me for an interview.
Marsha Ingrao - Always Write 
45 responses to “#WQWWC #37: Lakes, Oceans, Water”
[…] ….thanks to Marsha for hosting WQWWC https://alwayswrite.blog/2021/08/11/wqwwc-37-lakes-oceans-water/ […]
LikeLike
Thanks for the link, Carol. It was too late to go on this week’s post about education, but it will be in the comment section for people to find.
LikeLike
Your story reminds me of a summer when we had an above normal amount of rain that created a similar puddle to the one you described. My daughters called it Mystery Lake. They had a blast in Mystery Lake for about 3 days until it evaporated. Would like to join you gals for these posts. Need to put them in my agenda and then remember to open my agenda!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL Are we related?
LikeLike
So overnight NZ have entered into a sudden Level 4 lockdown – more than ever we need to keep calm and carry on. I will continue to gaze out across the ocean from my window. Here is my contribution.
https://lightwritelife.wordpress.com/2021/08/18/wqwwc-37-the-therapy-of-lakes-oceans-water/
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so sorry about the lock-down. You seem to be taking this latest lockdown calmly. My heart goes out to people whose lives are in shambles over it and to the people who have suffered with the virus.
LikeLike
Yes it is such a shame for those most affected. We are so lucky in our little patch of paradise. Although with our recent extreme weather event our road is closed and only open at limited times for residents so in effect we are locked in and locked down! I’ll have to spend more time with my camera.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, how do you get supplies? I’ve been inside for most of this month, not because of lockdown, but I fell on my face and about 1/4 of it was bruised and scary looking, then I twisted my knee and tore my meniscus. Lockdown can take many forms. I’m so sorry yours is mandated, but I hope it will end soon with everyone much healthier.
LikeLike
Oh that sounds very painful – so sorry to hear that – torn meniscus are awful but damaged face as well – no wonder you have been inside. Take care. We can drive out but only at specific times so we shopped for groceries on Tuesday then got home to hear we were going into lockdown at midnight for 3-7 days. Just waiting to hear if it is going to be extended. That will slow down road repairs too as nothing will happen whilst in Level 4. I have lots to do though – will just have to write and read more.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It sounds like you are coping well.
LikeLike
[…] https://alwayswrite.blog/2021/08/11/wqwwc-37-lakes-oceans-water/ […]
LikeLiked by 1 person
[…] I’ll leave you with some burly water since Terri was so kind to link to my #WQWWC Water prompt. I love when we can link one post to several challenges, don’t you? I hope some of you […]
LikeLike
[…] tying in water to this post for Marsha’s Writers’ Quotes Wednesdays Writer’s Challenge. How does one find light brown water—perhaps we really don’t want to know…but I did have one […]
LikeLike
[…] #WQWWC #37 Lakes, Oceans, Water […]
LikeLike
Hi Marsha, here’s my post;
http://lifeafter50forwomen.com/2021/08/13/wqwwc-37-lakes-oceans-water/
Thanks
LikeLiked by 1 person
[…] Marsha is the host of WQWWC […]
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks again for the link, Sadje. 🙂
LikeLike
[…] #WQWWC #37 Lakes, Oceans, and Water […]
LikeLike
[…] written in response to Writer’s Quote Wednesday Writing Challenge (#WQWWC) hosted by Marsha Ingrao at Always […]
LikeLike
Great quotes and pictures Marsha!! 💖💖💖👏👏👏👏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Cindy. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
💖💖
LikeLike
[…] #WQWWC #37 Lakes, Oceans, Water […]
LikeLike
Hi Marsha, I love this week’s theme. Water has always been a favourite topic for me. Your Brave lake photo is stunning. Here is my link:
https://teandpaper.ca/2021/08/12/water/
LikeLiked by 1 person
[…] with WQWWC. The theme this week is Lakes, Oceans, […]
LikeLike
Marsha, I grew up in a state with water everywhere – creeks, springs, lakes, rivers, the Atlantic ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. I have many childhood memories associated with water. Thanks for conjuring them up with your story. Water is the source of life for the body and soul.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Without it we would die, but it’s a major source of enjoyment and pleasure. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
[…] #WQWWC #37 Lakes, Oceans, Water […]
LikeLike
Love these Marsha. The monsoon video reminded me of being in Ohio last year and a storm blowing in. WOW! It was crazy. Loved all your photos and the quotes.
Here’s mine
https://troyerslovinglife.blogspot.com/2021/08/wqwwcaugust-11th-themeoceans-lakes-water.html
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love your story about your playtime in the muddy waters in every season, Marsha! While playing in Milk Creek in Oregon as a kid, we all sat around this swimming hole surrounded by rocks, almost like a hot tub. Well, I slipped in and didn’t know how to swim (no parents around to watch me because who did in those days?). As I sank down, terrified, I reached out and grabbed the other kids’ legs, and hauled myself back up. Still not afraid of water. But I respect it and stay safe. You have some beautiful pics of water in lots of unique locations! Can’t wait to show you what I came up with for Sunday Stills and how I connected water to my color challenge 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yippee! I always look forward to Sunday Stills. That would be very scary. I did that in a private swimming pool. I bounced over to the edge. The adults there weren’t even concerned because I got myself out. I never went there again! I had lots of experiences in Oregon Rivers. A friend took me kayaking in the Sandy River. I had just put on my life vest when the boat flipped and I went over a little waterfall under the boat. Somehow we got back in the boat and the rest of the trip was calm and beautiful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good grief, that sounds crazy. I think us Waterbury have been through it all!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was, but again didn’t stop me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I actually meant waterbugs, LOL!
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL. I read too fast, and don’t bother to check for understanding. Very embarrassing. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
[…] #WQWWC #37 Lakes, Oceans, Water […]
LikeLike
great post, Marsha 🙂
https://ladyleemanilablog.wordpress.com/2021/08/11/wqwwc-37-lakes-oceans-water/
LikeLike
Thanks! So is yours!
LikeLiked by 1 person
[…] For: https://alwayswrite.blog/2021/08/11/wqwwc-37-lakes-oceans-water/ […]
LikeLike
Thanks for the link Lady Lee.
LikeLike
That is a very cute story, and so right, kids will always find a way. They see adventure in everything. Great post Marsha. KL ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, KL. Did I miss you last week? I looked through my links, so just let me know and I’ll add it. No worries otherwise. I considered a week off this week after twisting my knee playing pickleball, but I’m doing much better,
LikeLike
Oh no, I hope you feel better soon. No unfortunately I didn’t get one entered last week but I still stopped by. Hopefully get time this week. KL ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s actually a relief. I’m just glad I didn’t miss you!!! Thanks for stopping by. I have to do that, too with some of the challenges I love. I appreciate you being part of the WQWWC community.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Marsha,
Of course, I love your prompts. My entry this week:
https://new2writing.wordpress.com/2021/08/13/the-loneliness-of-a-wild-lake-a-short-story/
KL ❤
LikeLike