Writer’s Blocks

February Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Statues”

Find the right words through play.

Neither my son nor my daughter wanted to climb on the blocks to have their picture taken, and I was disappointed. I’d been looking forward to sharing Riverfront Park with my kids — a place I remembered so fondly from childhood. They were not impressed.

The kids just wanted to get back into the car and start the drive back to Minnesota, but I insisted that we would have fun first. We were going to play! I was going to take pictures and relive my memories.

I walked ahead, pointing out every statue, every landmark. I transformed into a 6-year-old girl, running and skipping to show excitement. “Look, guys! Isn’t this cool?!”

It wasn’t.

When even the giant carousel didn’t draw their attention, I admitted defeat. I hung my head and kicked a pebble. I sat down on a bench and crossed my arms until my husband walked over and put out his hand to pull me up.

He bought me kettle corn on the way out of the park.

The picture brings back memories of my fun, childlike side, the part of me that helps my writing the most. Playing with words and ideas can help me break through the blocks when I'm stuck for words.