Recap: Last week, I announced a contest celebrating my new website. Entrants had to write a story, 100 words or less, using the words Giraffe, Cutlass, Hook, Chicken, Pink, Clock, and Pie. Bonus points were awarded for using “AAAAAAAAR” in a way that was neither pirate-speak nor an exclamation of pain.

The winning writer will receive a copy of my favorite illustrated Peter Pan, the 100th anniversary edition with artwork by Michael Hague:

And his/her choice of a tote bag or t-shirt featuring the best pirate giraffe the internet has to offer:

Onward Tote Bag, Studio 6

There were quite a few entries, and all were wonderful! Each person should consider him or herself a great big winner! Albeit, most are great big winners without a prize, but such is life, right?

My agent, Brooks Sherman, and I spent some time in intense deliberation this morning before agreeing on a winner.

Honorable mentions to Grant S., an inventive ten-year-old boy who took us on quite a journey, and Jeff DeCoursey for making me hungry.

Runner up: Karin Archibald who displayed an impressive creativity in her use of the words. See?

Time to Go

She picked up his plate that held only crumbs of a chicken pot pie.

“Are you having dessert”?

No answer.

She refilled his coffee cup and gazed out the window. His faded, pink Oldsmobile Cutlass was parked in front of the diner. The filthy windows made it hard to see what was inside, but she swore there was a large stuffed giraffe in the back seat.

She looked at the clock and realized her shift was almost over.

“AAAAAAAAR YUUUUUUU HAAAAAV-ING DE-ZURRRRRRT”?!!!

He wiggled the hook of his hearing aid.

“WAAAAAAAT”?!!

And now, without further ado, the grand only prize winner, Andrea M! Her entry was hilarious and had a surprising twist.

The giraffe was back.

It was peeking in Captain Salty’s kitchen window. Third-floor kitchens are irresistible to giraffes.
Salty looked at the clock. The minute hand clicked.

AAAAAAAR!

“Bleedin’ timer.” Salty grabbed a potholder from the hook on the wall. He retrieved an apple pie from the oven and set it on the counter next to the roast chicken.

A pink giraffe tongue poked through the open window and inched toward the pie.

Salty unsheathed his cutlass. He raised it above his head and slashed the air.

The pie was now two pieces.

The giraffe gobbled up both.“Bleedin’ giraffes.”

Andrea, check your email!

Everyone else, thanks for entering or simply reading along. I’m so glad you’re here!