1 Apr 2012

A - Z Writing Challenge: A




The letter for today is: A, 
where I feature aggravation and apple.

At a young age, eating an apple provided the best of experiences. But I became agitated when I couldn't eat every last bit, consoling myself with nibbling around the seeds and stalk. Agitation plagued me each time I tried to achieve perfection, like remembering a poem to entertain my sisters. At the age of ten, I didn't realize memory wasn't an attribute I'd assimilate.

In my thirties, my children's shortcomings agitated me. How could they forget what I'd taught them? I spent every spare moment setting a good example and they didn't follow in my footsteps. I never gave up hope, although I finally stepped back when they left home.

Of course, maturity brings understanding. It's not so easy to eat an apple any more with my crooked teeth. And as far as influencing anyone else, I might as well forget it.

Each person makes their own choice and must operate within their own parameters. The only person who rouses my aggravation now—is myself.

34 comments:

  1. Maybe you could slice up the apples or just eat applesauce. It's funny how the little things do seem to "aggravate" us the most! Nice to meet you through A to Z, and hope to see more of you! Thanks Francene! Julie

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  2. Clever, short little A-Z post. I know mine was a bit long but I actually cut a fair bit. Ann had a lot to say. However, a reader is always welcome to skip through a post and I'm pretty sure scarcely anyone reads every word. Mine will vary as bloggers share.

    Denise

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  3. I really identify with those A type agitations, right down to the apple. I'd forgotten how I used to nibble right down and round the core. I now grate an apple into some yogurt. It makes a refreshing start to my breakfast.

    Hope you don't mind me saying but I had trouble finding your Follow box. Might be better to bring it up to above all those many many A to Z people.

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    1. Thanks. I've moved the list to the bottom now. Didn't know I could do that.

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  4. I liked that! Words of wisdom and not in the least aggravating.

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  5. Great use of all those A words. Loved the brief glimpse of who you are, not good with memory, wanted to be a possitive influence on your kids. Write on!
    Play off the Page

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  6. I read thru your post twice to see much reflection here. Funny how something as simple as an apple can link almost a life history, compressed into bits (or should I say 'bites'?). I would have liked to know more about those sisters. And poetry. Great start to A-Z.

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  7. Thanks for making me think about apples and letting my aggravation go this morning.

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  8. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Nice to meet you. I'm a new follower of yours. Looks like you're off to a great start!

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  9. hee hee... cute stuff! And apples always make me floss. lol

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  10. Hi Francene,
    You get extra points for using TWO a words! I respectfully disagree with your statement about influencing others. Everyone, no matter what behavior, is influenced by the people around them. You've left your imprint on your children. They may not acknowledge that right now, but it's my opinion that it's true. I wish you well in this challenge, and it was a pleasure to meet you. Thanks for your visit to my place.
    Tina @ Life is Good
    Co-Host of the April A to Z Challenge
    Twitter: @AprilA2Z #atozchallenge

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  11. P.S I love the name of your blog. I'm a stitcher (knitting and cross-stitch) and a write and I love how you combined those in your blog name.
    Tina @ Life is Good
    Co-Host of the April A to Z Challenge
    Twitter: @AprilA2Z #atozchallenge

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    1. Thanks Tina,
      Oh yes. I love to sew, patchwork, embroider, cros-stitch, spin, knit, weave. All of these activities are in the past now, due to age influenced sight. At least I can still mend.

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  12. I know too well about aggravation. And yummy apples. Nice A post.

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  13. Dropping by from A to Z. Interesting thoughts about eating apples and aggitation.
    Thanks for stopping by my blog and good luck with the challenge.

    Monti
    Mary Montague Sikes

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  14. Well, Ms. Francene, you certainly DO influence me (and I'm guessing a whole bunch of IWWers for whom your crits are pearls of wisdom to be cherished and treasured) :D Great post... I love how you took two simple words and weaved them together into a slice of biography. Look forward to more!

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  15. Love the post! I always find having to eat the Apple the cause of my aggravation. (No, I don't like apples) :D

    Konstanz Silverbow
    nothoughts2small.blogspot.com
    A to Z Co-host
    www.a-to-zchallenge.com

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  16. It's funny. I really didn't like apples when I was kid. Even though it was "nature's toothbrush" and my mom was a dental assistant. But now that I'm older, I really do appreciate the ability to take big bite out of one.

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  17. Great A words. I like how you used them to reflect.

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  18. what a wonderful choice of a-words. I really love how you weave them together into a reflection!

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  19. Great start on the month Francene! I look forward to more.

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  20. I had to laugh, Francene. I learned to eat apples core and all. Nothing left to nibble at; I just downed the whole thing. I do like how reflective this short piece is about your sisters, your kids, and you. Very nice post.

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  21. nice post! good luck on A to Z. I will be back!

    best,
    MOV

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Mov.
      However, I can't find the link to your blog. You should add it to your 'about me' page.

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  22. What a clever way to start the challenge! Great post.

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  23. Apples aggravate my teeth these days... maybe because I like them covered in toffee.
    Wagging Tales

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  24. There's always a knife to chop the apple into smaller pieces and patience to break listening tasks into bite sized chunks too. Thanks for stopping by my A post.

    Catch My Words
    http://joycelansky.blogspot.com/2012/04/atoz-abducted-by-aliens.html

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  25. What a image-provoking title to your blog - beautiful. I look forward to learning what memory-inducing fruit begins with the letter C for you.

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  26. Wise point, Francene! And you're absolutely right - but I think even more than your insight into aggravation, I love the line eating an apple provided the best of experiences. It's true - something so simple can be so exquisite when appreciated.

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  27. Francene,
    Good job with A. I'm moving onto your B. Have a great week!

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  28. Super, short, and sweet. Love the A words you picked. I for one always hated biting into an apple -- always preferred slicing it.

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  29. Oo I like your style. Gonna have to join your blog!! And I love this post!

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  30. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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