The Inkblot Romance

/ roughwighting

inkblot, romance, inkblot testI love romance.

I dream romance, read romance, believe in the power of romance.

Even though I’m as single as they come.

Yup, 40 and never been married.

Forty, and I haven’t had one romantic moment in my life.

Or, at least, not romantic (enough) for me.

Sure, I’ve dated lots. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not the old maid type who wears 20-year-old long skirts, peasant blouses, and Birkenstocks.

No, I sell stocks; yes, I’m a stockbroker, and I work around tons of testosterone.

But there’s little romance in testosterone, let me tell you.

I’ve learned early to not date stockbrokers. Yuck. Materialistic, selfish, and sad.

So, I date their brothers, who tend to be college professors or store clerks.

The professors are too academic (“There is no such thing as love.”) and the clerks too casual (“Wanna come over and watch the fish in my aquarium?”).

I’ve dated surfers (but I hate swimming), bank tellers (see above about store clerks), consultants (they think they know everything), and engineers (they know they know everything).

About a year ago, I gave up.

Until last night, when the bartender at my favorite watering hole invites me to visit the modern museum’s newest collection with him today.

For some strange (dare I say, romantic?) reason, I agree.

We’re standing together now in one of the large museum rooms,  perusing a pen and ink drawing that looks like an inkblot.

“Let’s each write down what we think this is,” Michael suggests. “Then share.”

I find two index cards in my purse, and two pens.

He looks impressed.

We write.

Mine says, “Two dancers locking lips at a costume party.”

Michael’s says: “You and me, after a night of passion, vowing to love each other for all eternity.”

Oh my. I’m hooked.

Our romance begins.

creative writing, writing prompt

(A fictional response to a prompt – “what do you see?” – from one of my creative writing classes.)

 

118 thoughts on “The Inkblot Romance”

  6. This has the ring of truth? Oh and I’m a consultant … an odd one! As each year goes by I realise how little I know but I can tell a convincing ‘story’ and get paid for it!

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  9. When two kindred souls intersect to share a vision, there planted is the seed of love.
    Although, I must say Pamela, I was questioning everything about the origin until I reached the part about fictional creative writing prompt. I love the places fiction can take you 🙂

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    • I know, Dave. Most of my blog posts are non-fictional – the real deal. But every once in a while I like to show off my fictional chops. Sometimes I think I have too much fun. 🙂 🙂
      But, as always, you have a wise thought about the origin of a story – fictional or not.

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  12. Wow, I didn’t know you were a stockbroker. Writing is your creative outlet and balance to a lot of pressure. I really enjoyed your story. Not sure if it’s fact or fiction. Love the inkblot — I see two poodles dancing or a butterfly.

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    • Hi Patricia. This Inkblot piece was total fiction (unlike most of my posts – I like to switch it up every once in a while). I like the humor in this character’s voice – but I have no idea where she came from! :-0
      Ah, a butterfly dancing – that’s beautiful. xo

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    • I must agree with you, if it was me looking at this inkblot, I’d also see two poodles kissing it up. Fortunately, my character and her ‘potential romancer’ had a better view. 🙂

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  15. I see poodles with pompadours!

    On a completely unrelated note, I’m reading Sleeping with the Fishes by Mary Janice Davidson. It’s about a downright cranky Mermaid named Fred who works at the New England Aquarium.

    Given your recent encounter on the beach, I thought I should mention it.

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  19. So much fun, Pam, and a great response to the prompt. Your classes must be fun.
    I love the note cards in the purse–my kind of person. 🙂

    I definitely see figures kissing. They could be poodles, or women with 18th century high hair–that French court was pretty wild. 🙂

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  23. I see two poodles kissing.
    She had my sympathy from the beginning–Forty and never been married and yet a romantic. Then I was starting to get mad at her–too picky. And then the promise of a happy ending. The story was short and successful.

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  24. Oh my, what fun! We have such high expectations of love and romance I believe, which on the one hand is no bad thing, but on the other can result in missing out on simple sweet beginnings that ripen with time, even if they’re not full of fireworks to start with. There’s a lot to be said for the slow burn. And anyone who likes museums and art galleries can’t be bad…in my book 🙂 Love and hugs, Harula xxx

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    • I did have to laugh when this character kind of stereotyped “old maids,” so to speak, and how they dress. I, on the other hand, would never do that! I think one of the most fun parts of writing is the author’s surprise at some of the things her character thinks or says out loud.

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  27. Pingback: Mention in Dispatches – Political correctness, Shrimp Salad and Inkblot Romance. | Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life

  42. How in the world did I miss this fun and romantic short story, Pam? I must have focused on the grandson and didn’t move backwards that week(?)
    I like looking at clouds, so I imagine Rorschach patterns and modern art would all lead me to romantic and sexy thoughts! This romance between them makes sense since she needs fun and frivolous moments after her busy and serious professional life all day!
    Perfect, Pam. ❤

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