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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Vines (11/21/05)

TITLE: Distraction's Price
By Jeffrey Snell
11/23/05


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April 29th
Dear Mom and Dad,

Hi, how's the landscaping biz going? Wish there wasn't such a long drive between us. Remember the flower bed underneath my bedroom window? I planted hyacinth and daffodil bulbs there. There's some kind of viney weed poking up between the sprouting bulbs. I'm not sure what it is, so I thought I'd ask you if I need to worry about it. I'll email another pic when I can.

May 2nd
Dear Paul,

Great to hear from you! Yes, we remember. That part of your property has great potential! It will be marvelous once it matures and fills in a bit. Regarding the vine, we're not sure. It doesn't sound like it belongs there, though.

Anyway, how is church going? We love you!

May 11th
Hi,

The picture is attached. In the last three days, the weed has grown about six inches. Another few inches and it will be the same height as the flowers. It's kind of pretty, though. I'm thinking about just leaving it. Maybe it will enhance the rest of the flower bed? Let me know what you think.

Church is fine.

May 15th
Dear Paul,

Hi Honey, got your email yesterday morning. The flowers look lovely! We didn't recognize the weed, but you should yank it out. You want to be careful not to uproot the other flowers, but some damage may be unavoidable if it's grown much past what we see in your photo. Better than leaving it, though!

Still teaching Sunday School? Isn't it wonderful to be teaching the God's word to teenagers? You're making a terrific difference in their lives! We're so proud of you.

May 30th

I'm not so sure it's a weed. We've had sunny days, and the vine is climbing the wall outside my room. It's really quite beautiful. It has blossoms coming, too! It's weaving around the other flowers, but I can't bring myself to pull it out quite yet. Might end up being prettier than what I planted, who knows?

About church... actually, I quit Sunday School back in April. I just didn't have time to make the lessons anymore. I really haven't been to church much since then.

Sorry to bother you with the weed question; I'm not worried about it anymore! Write back whenever.

May 31st
Dear Paul,

Tried to call after reading your email, but there was no answer. Is everything okay? Sorry to hear about Sunday School--those kids will miss you. You should reconsider! God gave you gifts for a reason! And you need to get back to church!

Dad and I did some research, and we think we've identified your weed. Can't pronounce it, and I'm not going to write it--it's too long! It's invasive and will eventually kill the other plants by choking off their water supply. It can also damage the house if you leave it. You should really bring in a professional at this point to remove it. Here's a link to a place Dad knows not too far from your house. Hopefully this won't destroy all your hard work!

Please go back to church. The Lord loves you. We do too.

June 19th
Dear Mom and Dad,

Well I've got some major problems now. The blooms on the vine had a nice smell, but it was really wrapping around my bulb flowers. Now they're nearly dead, and the vine is past the window and almost to my eaves! How did I let this go so long? I tried cutting part of it off, but it was like cutting cable with scissors. When I pulled it away, it left nasty grooves and holes in my siding, so now I have to replace several boards. The guy you recommended said the only fix is to uproot it, let it die, then gradually pull it off the siding. If it's into the roof, this could be costly. Ugh! Looks like you were right. I'm sorry, I should have listened to you.

By the way, I am thinking about what you said about Sunday School and church. I'm still not sure where I'll find the time... please pray for me, okay? And I would really love to have you guys come spend a week or two here real soon. After I get my house fixed, that is!

Love you.

June 19th
Dear Paul,

We'll be there tomorrow to help. We love you.


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This article has been read 789 times
Member Comments
Member Date
Jan Ackerson 11/28/05
Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. (Good grief, I sound like Lawrence Welk). But really, this piece is...wonderful!
Anita Neuman11/29/05
Oooh, this is a well-crafted story, with a fabulous message. Most often, the 'letters back and forth' format is done very poorly - but you pulled it off brilliantly! Great entry!!!
Nina Phillips11/29/05
I liked the way you intwined your message with the charactors. Very uniquely done and nice clear writing. God bless ya, littlelight
Dan Louise Mann11/30/05
Yours was one of my top picks this week. Kudos!
Janice Stotz12/01/05
Very clever way to intertwine a message in the vine story!
Debbie Sickler12/02/05
Very creative approach. Well done wouldn't change a thing! Great job!
Andria Cook12/02/05
What a tremendous article, definitely one of my top picks for the week!
Val Clark12/02/05
I'm with Nina! Creative, clever and very well executed. Yeggy
Marilyn Schnepp 12/03/05
Enjoyed the correspondence back and forth between son and parents; but, what melted me into a teary-eyed jumble of mush was the last line..."we'll be there tomorrow to help". Kudos and God Bless.
Dan Louise Mann12/05/05
Congratulations on your win. Glad to see that the judges and I agreed. Kudos!
DeAnna Brooks12/05/05
I found myself utterly captivated by your email exchanges, right away drawing in to the parallels in my own life of those seemingly little things I embrace which soon take over my life. Congratulations on a most creative and meaningful entry.
B Brenton12/06/05
I don't quite get the title, but this was fun and entertaining.
Well deserved win to you, Jeffery.


   
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