Fred’s Terrible Day

Summary

A twelve-year-old named Benjamin contributes a short story about a character named Fred's unfortunate day to his father's Medium publication, alongside personal reflections on the family's newfound love for writing and poetry during the pandemic, and an invitation for readers to join a woodworking-themed publication.

Abstract

The website content introduces a personal narrative titled "Fred’s Terrible Day," written by a twelve-year-old named Benjamin Duuude, which humorously details the misfortunes of its protagonist. The story is published on Medium by Benjamin's father, known as Science Duuude, who shares his journey of discovering writing and poetry as a means of coping with the stress of the pandemic. He expresses gratitude for the platform and the genre of poetry, which he previously disliked. Additionally, Science Duuude announces the creation of his publication, "Woodworkers of the World Unite!!" (WotWU), inviting readers to contribute their own stories, ideas, and artwork, regardless of their woodworking experience. He emphasizes the community aspect of the publication and provides his contact information for further engagement.

Opinions

Science Duuude appreciates the therapeutic effects of writing and reading poetry on Medium during the pandemic.
He values the engagement and inspiration provided by the Medium community, particularly poets like Lee Ameka.
Science Duuude is enthusiastic about his new publication, "Woodworkers of the World Unite!!" and is eager to foster a collaborative environment for creators.
He expresses a transformative change in his perspective on poetry, acknowledging its positive impact on his life.
The author encourages active participation from readers, offering them the opportunity to become writers for his publication.

Fred’s Terrible Day…

By Benjamin Duuude

Fred was having a terrible day. His friends got mad at him for no reason and were refusing to talk to him. His girlfriend dumped him. He was sent to the principal’s office for reading past the assigned page of the class reading book. He slipped in a funny smelling puddle in the bathroom and had to get a change of clothes. But the worst was yet to come…. At the beginning of the year he signed up for the save-a-life elective. Today was CPR. By the time he got to class, it had already started. He sat down as the teacher was demonstrating hand compressions, when the dummy woke up — and so did Fred.

A couple other thoughts and background…

By Science Duuude

Ben and I are new to writing, and loving it.

I joined Medium last May soon after the pandemic started as a way to de-stress (for unknown reasons I stopped my normal outlets which included working in my basement wood shop).

Last September I introduced the family to Medium at dinnertime, where I read wonderful a poem by Lee Ameka:

Lee is the first of several poets and writers here on Medium who helped to defuse my lifelong aversion to poetry.

And at recent dinnertimes I’ve read a couple of my entries to Dr. Rangan’s Science Haiku prompts:

I reluctantly thank the pandemic for my discovery of Medium — and poetry for gosh sakes! Poetry!

Last week I started my Woodworkers of the World Unite!! publication to collect my musings and mumblings on projects. But also, to host yours as well (so please click and follow WotWU and submit your stories, half-finished-coffee-thoughts, or drawings by your children or pet parakeets — no wood required).

To make WotWU feel like home, I ask that you put your handprint on the threshold, in the wet concrete of the still-drying website, and submit whatever showcases you.

If you follow WotWU, I’ll automatically make you a writer for the site unless you ask me not to. You can contact me at [email protected] with comments, requests, stories, etc.

Thank you!

S.D.

Fred’s Terrible Day

My son’s first Medium story…

Fred’s Terrible Day…

A couple other thoughts and background…

With My Love Pants Pulled Up

Wearing Love Makes us More

The Scikus collection

S&S — Science-Inspired Haikus