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Daniel O’Donnell's avatar

Loved these Sharron. 2, 3 and 5 are my favourites! 👍🏼🙂

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thank you, Daniel! Another experiment. I hope readers will add one of their own!

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AnnieKate Nicholson-Phillips's avatar

Ooo, Sharron. I LOVE number 2 and 5 in particular. Here's my response to your prompt.

It seemed like a playful gate, with its peaked “roof” over the half barrel-shaped lintel, bounded on left and right by wings. There was a road crossing close behind the gate: a choice of two directions, left or right, but brambles with thorns blocked the way straight ahead into the country. Outside the gate, golden trees stood as noble standards, left and right. However, the trees beyond the gate were gray and some bare of leaves. For all its playfulness, it seemed a false invitation to levity. And indeed, the rusty lock on the chain which slithered through the bars of the gate was intended to keep me out. But I in my ghostly form, walked right in.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Cool, Annie! Thanks so much for taking part in this little experiment. I especially liked the sound of these:

"...For all its playfulness, it seemed a false invitation..."

"...I , in my ghostly form, walked right in..."

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Kate Henry's avatar

Come through the garden early, most days its over 40 degrees. Grampa built the gate 100 years ago, just enough ornament to be elegant but not flashy. Its the Autumn Gate, same colors as the leaves on the ground. The others are different colors for the seasons. Driveway crunches under my feet and curves left to the house. Road close up goes to town right, estates left. Two guard houses face out to welcome visitors and trades to know which turn to take. Birthday lights hang from the wires of the old flag pole. They can stay. Quote above the arch is in old German, too fancy to read. Check the mail and head up for breakfast. Write the day plan for house and gardens help.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thank you Kate, for playing along in this invitation. I love the idea of an "Autumn Gate" and one for each season. As an Indianan, you are much more aware of the changing of the seasons than we are. Happy gardening to you!

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palmisanocj@yahoo.com's avatar

LOVE these—just so clever. I really related to #1. #8 was my favorite followed closely by #7.

I have to ponder a bit to devise a starter that measures up to yours. In the meantime, here’s what my cornball head came up with as I stared at your Challenge Gate (house):

#Abandon all heartbreak ye who enter.”

Cheers, Sharron

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palmisanocj@yahoo.com's avatar

*devise (arggggg! I hate when I make stupid errors!)

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Oooh I like this variation on the warning "Abandon all hope, ye who enter." Abandoning all heartbreak sounds wonderful to me. And it would be a great new direction for you as well. I hope you are getting over your cold. Mine is still hanging on. Urrrgh.

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palmisanocj@yahoo.com's avatar

I knew you'd get the reference. I initially considered: "Abandon all hopelessness" but felt it was too obvious/easy.

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palmisanocj@yahoo.com's avatar

Cold/virus nearly worked its way out. Dr. says I should be fine to perform this weekend. Fingers crossed! Sorry yours is being stubborn; grrrrrrrr

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Sue Cauhape's avatar

The massive gate blocking the road told her that her ancestors were not quitters. They held steady, bonding together to defend and protect their own. She hoped they would allow her to enter therein, to learn their stories and the customs that made them a strong people. She hoped she was worthy because somewhere along the way through the generations, something was lost.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Yes... something is invariably lost! I wish I had the temerity, the strength and resolution of my Norse ancestors. I am right with your sentiment here, Sue. Thank you!

See: https://sharronbassano.substack.com/p/a-viking-heritage?

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Sue Cauhape's avatar

You are a warrior who swings a different sword.

Having put away the genealogy for awhile, I hear my ancestors calling me. Don't just leave us here! Tell our stories. On TG, I told one to my one-year-old granddaughter about a brave g-g-g-g-grandmother who collected blankets and warm clothes and drove them to Valley Forge for the soldiers. I can only imagine what the details of that entailed, so I filled in a couple of holes. She smiled with delight. I knew she didn't understand a word, but my daughter now knows the story. It's time to share more.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Beautiful! Write that story for everyone, please. And any others you know!

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James Ron's avatar

What a neat idea and story starters!

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Jump in Ron. I would love to see a story-starter for a gateway from you!

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Switter’s World's avatar

He always carried a 13/16” end wrench that he called his key to the locked Forest service gates that his curiosity could never resist.

I learned early on that the wire loop at the top of the post on a cowboy gate is always too short unless you hold your mouth just right.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

I love this! Yes, I , too, have found that success is often in the set of the teeth!

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Janice Walton's avatar

Gate No 7 was my favorite. Finally, having the key to open the gate and explore what is on the other side.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Oh Janice, at our age we have to check and double- check before we set out on a journey - money, passport, Tylenol, hankie., wits .. key. Thanks!

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Janice Walton's avatar

Isn't it the truth!

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Jim Cummings's avatar

Loved them all, especially #4.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Jim WIlsky did one on the same theme today. Check it out.

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Jim Cummings's avatar

How sad for them whose way is blocked,

by fence and gate, by rusty lock.

Access denied, forest and stream,

a meadow nap, a summer dream.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Sad, indeed. How many times have we had to just turn around and go back, wondering what we missed? Lovely, Jim. Thank you.

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Jim Cummings's avatar

I just read it again. Those, not them. I need a full time grammar checker!

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

I saw that right away and decided to butt out. ha ha ha! Made no difference. I loved it just as it was.

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K.C. Knouse's avatar

Simply beautiful, Jim.

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Jill CampbellMason's avatar

I have several photo books called "Doors" each has a theme...many are doors with address numbers in other countries, for example Doors 1-20 in France...so difficult to get photos of all with their numbers, but so worth the time and effort. Gateways to stories pull up those memories.

Thanks.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Oh yes, I remember books like those. I loved all the different sizes, shapes, colors and trims of the doors - and letterboxes and flower pots and brass signs. They sort of give one insights as to who lives there. I have seen a book with only windows, too.

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Jill CampbellMason's avatar

I actually have made them and sold some, never my primary intent, but so much fun to create! And many with Doors whose addresses are single digits!!

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Have you presented them in a post on Substack? That would be very welcome.

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Nathan Slake's avatar

Great selection, Sharron, and the photos are a lovely touch to go with the words.

#4 my fave.

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just mud by Ron's avatar

A lovely collection of gates, Sharron! #6 seems the most mysterious; a gate to nowhere, or is it? Thanks for these; one back.

The two dogs surveyed the new enclosure, seemingly built to contain cattle. Sturdy wire mesh secured the perimeter between heavy posts. They scanned for an exit, their eyes finding a friendly looking, cedar planked wooden gate-about 4 feet in height. But there was no latch. The old farmer had hastily looped a bit of wire through the door and the adjacent fencing. The latch lay on the ground, tomorrow's work. The two dogs looked at each other. . .

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Them dogs is on to something! Smart boys. Thanks Ron. What a great example. Post it on Just Mud. Go here for the exact right photo: https://unsplash.com/s/photos/gate

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just mud by Ron's avatar

Thank you Sharron.

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Jim J Wilsky's avatar

Simply terrific Sharron. Really enjoyed all of these. Creative, unique and thought provoking. Just excellent in every way. - Jim

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thank you, Jim, for coming over to 🌿Leaves to read. I have enjoyed our conversations today.

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Yael Gelardin's avatar

I choose to listen. What does soothing voice! And the starters are great. Thank you.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thank you for the yes vote.,Yael. I am not too sure about voice overs yet, but I am glad you like the experiments!

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