Accord Hospice 100 Story Challenge

Recently--well, in the last four or five days--I've gotten two e-mail queries regarding this fund raiser. Though I did send personal replies to those persons, I also decided to post a note on the blog, as well, to answer any queries visitors may have.

First, I was asked--and this is not the first time--if Accord has officially sanctioned this fund raiser.

No. Accord doesn't even know about it, as far as I know. I have never told them. I have no affiliation with Accord, whatsoever. I am doing this, because I was seeking some relief from my present situation here, where I am pretty much stuck in one place--literally, I've not been further than 2 or 3 miles away in nearly a year, and it was, honestly, getting to me. So I decided I needed a positive creative outlet--and, I decided that a small private fund raiser would fill the bill nicely. About this same time, an internet acquaintance send me a lengthy e-mail, about Mrs. MacDonald and about Accord. I was deeply, deeply moved. My dad died of lung cancer so I decided that, even tho' I've never been to Scotland (other than flying over it in a plane)--or any part of the U.K. (other than a 3 hour layover inside Heathrow), around the 20th July, I made the decision to support Accord, as my designated charity. Two days later, this blog was begun. But, at no time, have I ever contacted Accord, nor have they ever contacted me. So, it's safe to assume, they are blissfully unaware of the 100-stories blog.

The next question was in a similar vein, so I will address that as well: No. David Tennant knows nothing of this fund-raiser either. Even if I had a clue how to contact him--which I don't, I would not. It's true, I have dedicated part of this fund raiser, in memory of his mum, but, NOT because she's Tennant's mum, but because Helen MacDonald's courage, reminded me very much of my own mum's. I think my mum would have liked Mrs. MacDonald. And I think what she'd done, to help make Accord a reality, was just...brilliant. I was truly touched by the story. So, no. David Tennant--tho' I wrote some stories featuring him--is in no way connected to this effort, and, I assure you, the gentleman will never even know about it, as far as I know.

Also, no. This fund raiser is in no way connected with any other Dr Who/David Tennant Accord fund raiser. In fact, at the time I began this (22nd July) blog, I did not even know about any of those other fund raisers at all. It wasn't until a week or two later, that I found out about them--and I cannot praise them highly enough, for all the work they've done to raise funds. I think they've done a fantastic job.

And, yes. All these stories are EXACTLY 100 words long. They are drabbles, 100-word stories, chosen to make things a bit more challenging for me--and hopefully, helping to inspire others to donate to the effort. At this time, I am no longer asking for "guest" writers. I am still a little shaky, health-wise, as it's a long-term situation, but for now my health--tho' I do tire easily--is on an even keel for a while. I do thank my two guest writers for their assistance. In fact, I did write, and will continue to write, all but three of these stories. Yes, they are all original.

Where do I find my ideas, was one query. Well...all over. Old illustrations, folk tales, life experiences, stories told to me, true stories, Dr Who, old stories I'd read--like those of the French realists, and Edgar Allen Poe and such. Recently, I tried anagrams--a failed experiment, sometimes, an idea will just pop into my head out of the blue, and sometimes, I've had suggestions from friends.

And finally, yes, Justgiving really is endorsed by Accord. You can, in fact, donate to them on their own website, through their Justgiving widget, just like the one on this blog. I really will not see a single penny of these funds, not ever. And I prefer it that way. Justgiving has a premier reputation as an online fundraiser.

Hope this answered some of your questions. If you have any more you can always e-mail me at: friespaardfan@yahoo.com

Thanks, Nancy.

Accord Hospice 100-Story Challenge: Day 89

Accord Hospice provides free care for those who need it most. Won't you please consider sponsoring this effort by donating as little as one pound ($2) by clicking on the Justgiving widget to your left--Justgiving is officially endorsed by Accord. Accord's operating budget for the coming year, is over 2 million pounds, and every little bit helps--by helping Accord, you helping to ease another person through their final stage of life. Please consider giving today--help me to meet my 250 pound goal by 29th October. Thanks! N.

Remember, all stories are written in honour of the patients of Accord, and in memory of Mrs. Helen MacDonald, whose work helped make Accord a reality.

DAY 89

STORY #89

The Holiday-Makers

Alan Clark straightened his cravat and did his best to look professional, as manager of the new resort. The coach carrying the first guests of the season was coming up the drive. Alan was surprised --there’d been a bad storm last night, half the valley had been washed away.

The carriage pulled up, full of happy guests. Abruptly, one of the maids came up, saying the local constable was at the back door. Ten minutes later, Alan returned, ashen-faced. Not surprisingly, the carriage was gone--for the police just informed him they’d all perished in the flood, last night.