Have a nice day

Assignment: Give and takeWrite a post based on the contrast between two things — whether people, objects, emotions, places, or something else. Today’s twist: write your post in the form of a dialogue. You can create a strong opposition between the two speakers — a lovers’ quarrel or a fierce political debate, for example. Or you could aim to highlight the difference in tone and style between the two different speakers — your call!

 

There was a time I lived in a very rural area of upstate NY. Living away from the everyday world was a choice yet still on some occasions one has to come off the Mountain to purchase supplies or just to visit other areas. One fine spring day, I borrowed a fellows car to go to town, I don’t remember the reason but I do recall an experience.

Moving down the Highway

I had accomplished my errands, and was headed back home. The day was beautiful, with nice fresh spring breeze, the road before me was long and wide open. Music blaring from radio or could have been a CD? I was enjoying the moment, windows open, singing out loud, the trees whipping by. Then, I spotted him. That dark car parked at the edge of the line of trees, slowing down after I passed,  too late.  I looked behind to see the police car coming behind me, now the lights. I slowed more and pulled over to stop. Letting down the window while searching for my licence and other important documents I may need.

Turning to the window which was now block by the middle section of the police offices dark uniform, tightly fitted to his form. “Good afternoon Officer!”

Bending over to look into the car, strong hard voice says, “Afternoon! License and insurance please.”

“Yes sir.” I replied, handing over them over.

“Do you know how fast you were going? In a rush somewhere?” He ask.

“Not at all. I was kind of spaced, enjoying the day. The car is a friends and I am not aware of its power.” Lame statement, made before my mind could catch up to my mouth. The officer walked back to his car.

Sitting there for what seems to be eternity, wondering about a ticket, how much, what my friends going to say, how will I pay this, and on and on. You know how it goes.

Catching movement from the patrol car, the office emerges, placing his cap back on his head. Again his midsection darkens my window, bends over face inches from mine, handing me back the licence and insurance card. “Everything seems in order here. Next time pay attention to the speed limit and your driving. This is only a warning notice. Enjoy your day”

I sigh in relief watching him walk back to his car again. I take a few moments to be thankful. Start the car, driving off to enjoy my day!

enjoy your day

22 thoughts on “Have a nice day”

  1. OMG!
    The same thing happened to me once, and like you, I lucked out and got away with it.
    I know what was going on in your mind related to your pain.

    “Enjoy your day”

  2. I had to laugh when you told him you were spacing out, just enjoying the day. I was doing just that with my 2 daughters in the back seat. They had their ipod speakers turned up and were listening to a song from the Mama Mia movie. We still laugh at the song we were singing to when I got stopped. “Money,Money”….Yup I saw money go pretty fast that day!

  3. Interesting encounter! Watch out for license (this is correct sp.) the use of than when you want then, and one or two other minor errors. I would have liked to know more about your emotions and tone of voice. Was your voice wavering or were you pretty firm? Did you sound angry when you spoke? Just a suggestion. One phrase I loved, “made before my mind could catch up with my mouth” – been there, done that, lost count of how many times!!

    1. Betty,

      Grateful for you comments. I thought license didn’t look correct. and I always confuse than and then. I will keep an eye on that. As for tone and emotion there is always time to improve.

  4. I agree with fantasticbetty 100% on everything she said. Its a cute little story, but I truly wished this dialogue played out more and took up the majority of the piece. If I were judging on level of contrast, I’d have to say it was low. This said, if I didn’t know the assignment, and you played around with the the whole bad day good day thing, this would be a nice read.

    1. Laura,

      I wish the dialogue had played out more too. When you are only given 24 hours to put something together, something that you had not really consciously done before. Getting it written and publish was my main objective. If I had played with the piece I would not have gotten it written.
      Thank for your honest thoughts!

  5. A wonderful day only to be ruined momentarily …
    Similar thing happened to us the other day . Driving through country lanes a police car started to follow us . My husband , who began to get hot under the collar, tried to think of all the things that we’d done wrong …none . Then he just took off down another lane …we must have had a guilty conscience hee hee!
    Cherry

  6. Jeff, it was a fun and interesting read. I really like what the dialogue added to the piece. You did experience a golden moment there, thank goodness!

  7. I love the way you told this story. Especially, “Turning to the window which was now block by the middle section of the police officer…” There’s not many of us who can’t relate to that up-close-and-personal experience.

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