Yes. You buy a 250g block and recipes say 25g, 50g and so on. We don't have sticks. I think sticks is a US speciality. Someone told me what a stick was, I think it's like, a quarter of our block or something. I'll have to look it up again 😅
It sounds like one of many abominations they sell in other countries that are labelled as British things. They sound expensive and gross 😂 I seriously need to try lemon curd and cream on a scone though. I bet it tastes better than whatever one of those things are.
In California we sell pineapple bagels and strawberry tortillas. We muck up all kinds of ethnic foods, never leaving well-enough alone. Always the twist... ridiculous.
"The holy Macarena of anxiety." Hah! Yes! I see it. And the older you get, the more important that dance is. What a delightful story. I, of course, was anticipating a happy ending with the girl in the car, but that wouldn't have been real life. That would have been the dreaded Hallmark moment. Nice work, Clancy. I loved it.
I really liked this. For me, this story is about vulnerability, taking risks, being in the moment and being kind, even when you get nothing back for it. In this increasingly transactional world, where it’s all about “Me first, my country first,” it is refreshing to do good and be good, even when no one expects it. That is therapy in itself. No one knows the final outcome of the Good Samaritan parable, just like no one reads the final outcome of this story, post scone, either. And, by the way, lemon scones with coffee are good, although I much prefer raspberry!
Carole -- what a great and insightful comment. I didn't even think of this story as a sort of parable but like much of my writing (I posted about this yesterday) I do think it can be regarded as such. I do agree that today's problem is that people are individualists and are propelled that way by social media. But mostly, you are are right, it is about taking risks and being in the moment. And being kind - empathy. thanks so much for reading and welcome to PNP
thanks George. it's one of those I really wondered if I accidentally stole the 'macarena' thing. I looked all over for it but I think it just came to me
Poor guy. Haha. I love how he just talks on and on to a stranger like that. I don't blame him, though. A lemon scone does not sound good. I can barely eat a lemon Starburst. Great read, Clancy.
thank you parker!! seems like you’re new to substack fiction, so welcome. there’s a lot of great writers here, depending on what you like. i see you’ve published on amazon, so you’re a step farther than me!
Yeah, man. I've been writing my Fairfax & Glew series for years but with little promotion. I thought I'd promote it on here but now I'm into writing new stories on here. Really digging it. I'm going to check out your reading list and see who else to follow. Your stories are the best so far. Gonna switch to paid shortly. Thanks for cranking out quality work, man.
Oh bless his heart. I just want to wrap your narrator up in cotton wool 💜
And thank you for the nod to dry British humour - we are indeed, in dire need of the sweetness of a bit of a laugh 😂
I reckon the lemon scone represents empathy, perhaps an olive branch - am i hot or cold? If she had been more receptive, or just have been having a better day, maybe he would have felt more positive about socialising 🤦♀️
hey nicole! I think he is someone who would love to be wrapped up and protected from all and ANYTHING, but I don't know if that'd be best for him! I think he needs to get out there, you know? the lemon scone can represent whatever you want, but as you pointed out in your other comment, to me I think it's empathy. thanks for reading!
The lemon scone would appear to be a kind of gift offering, in the true sense of the word meaning that you give it without expecting anything in return. She didn't thank the narrator for it, but it was an act of generosity all the same.
I feel seen. The awkwardness and over-explaining! The nice and friendly made weird. And the sting of not being understood when the woman just rolled up her window without even a thank you! I’m certain I’ve been this narrator. How beautifully you capture it.
aw thanks Liz! yeah I think this one resonated with a lot of people simply because lots of people know anxiety and how it comes in its many forms. thanks again for reading :)
Lemony scones are rather obtuse
Trying to eat one is of no use
If you give it away
It could end in dismay
Oversharing is a form of abuse
this is so good clancy! I love this character and how much life you gave them in such a short story. bravo.
thanks for reading EJ! i hope they’re not too unlikeable
the opposite!
What's a lemon scone? I have never had one of these, and now I fancy a scone with cream and lemon curd.
you have me questioning if this was a real thing and apparently it is: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/229571/amazing-lemon-scones/
I know my dad has made them before. I chose them because myself, in real life, actually I love lemon flavored baked goods.
Now they look really nice! Now I just need to work out what a stick of butter is and I have plans for the weekend 😂
hahaha omg. stick of butter. it's just... the whole stick of it! the long rectangle. IS BUTTER DIFFERENT IN BRITAIN?!?
Yes. You buy a 250g block and recipes say 25g, 50g and so on. We don't have sticks. I think sticks is a US speciality. Someone told me what a stick was, I think it's like, a quarter of our block or something. I'll have to look it up again 😅
a stale muffin
It sounds like one of many abominations they sell in other countries that are labelled as British things. They sound expensive and gross 😂 I seriously need to try lemon curd and cream on a scone though. I bet it tastes better than whatever one of those things are.
i promise it's a real thing here! thanks for reading Hanna
In California we sell pineapple bagels and strawberry tortillas. We muck up all kinds of ethnic foods, never leaving well-enough alone. Always the twist... ridiculous.
How dare you! You’ve never had one of mine. I sit on the Iron Scone in the Game of Scones.
Seriously, mine are not dry and ghey. I will literally seal some in fa ood saver bag and send them to you to prove this statement false.
"The holy Macarena of anxiety." Hah! Yes! I see it. And the older you get, the more important that dance is. What a delightful story. I, of course, was anticipating a happy ending with the girl in the car, but that wouldn't have been real life. That would have been the dreaded Hallmark moment. Nice work, Clancy. I loved it.
sharron -- thanks for reading as always. thanks for pointing out the inverted trope of the ending and you're right -- it wouldn't happen in real life.
PS. Scones are meant to be eaten with TEA. The dryness is ameliorated.
but not coffee. if only the narrator knew
I really liked this. For me, this story is about vulnerability, taking risks, being in the moment and being kind, even when you get nothing back for it. In this increasingly transactional world, where it’s all about “Me first, my country first,” it is refreshing to do good and be good, even when no one expects it. That is therapy in itself. No one knows the final outcome of the Good Samaritan parable, just like no one reads the final outcome of this story, post scone, either. And, by the way, lemon scones with coffee are good, although I much prefer raspberry!
Carole -- what a great and insightful comment. I didn't even think of this story as a sort of parable but like much of my writing (I posted about this yesterday) I do think it can be regarded as such. I do agree that today's problem is that people are individualists and are propelled that way by social media. But mostly, you are are right, it is about taking risks and being in the moment. And being kind - empathy. thanks so much for reading and welcome to PNP
Glad to be here😊
That opener dude...I spit out my coffee on the tower windows
thanks George. it's one of those I really wondered if I accidentally stole the 'macarena' thing. I looked all over for it but I think it just came to me
Poor guy. Haha. I love how he just talks on and on to a stranger like that. I don't blame him, though. A lemon scone does not sound good. I can barely eat a lemon Starburst. Great read, Clancy.
thanks parker! it’s funny, i didn’t even know that lemon scones were kind of frowned upon in england, but i personally quite like them.
Oh yeah? Well, I might try one. You never know. You write great stories, man. I’m impressed.
thank you parker!! seems like you’re new to substack fiction, so welcome. there’s a lot of great writers here, depending on what you like. i see you’ve published on amazon, so you’re a step farther than me!
Yeah, man. I've been writing my Fairfax & Glew series for years but with little promotion. I thought I'd promote it on here but now I'm into writing new stories on here. Really digging it. I'm going to check out your reading list and see who else to follow. Your stories are the best so far. Gonna switch to paid shortly. Thanks for cranking out quality work, man.
Oh bless his heart. I just want to wrap your narrator up in cotton wool 💜
And thank you for the nod to dry British humour - we are indeed, in dire need of the sweetness of a bit of a laugh 😂
I reckon the lemon scone represents empathy, perhaps an olive branch - am i hot or cold? If she had been more receptive, or just have been having a better day, maybe he would have felt more positive about socialising 🤦♀️
hey nicole! I think he is someone who would love to be wrapped up and protected from all and ANYTHING, but I don't know if that'd be best for him! I think he needs to get out there, you know? the lemon scone can represent whatever you want, but as you pointed out in your other comment, to me I think it's empathy. thanks for reading!
Sorry, just read your note at the ending - haha you tell us it's empathy 😂😂
Great story, Clancy. I feel I can relate to the thought processes, hehe. Very vivid and loved the internal perspective.
thanks for reading Nathan! yeah I think the main quality of this story is relatability, you’re not alone!
I love anything lemon flavoured, but I still enjoyed this story and the narrator's inner monologues.
I actually love anything lemon flavored as well Maroun. I'd never give mine away! thanks for reading anyway.
The lemon scone would appear to be a kind of gift offering, in the true sense of the word meaning that you give it without expecting anything in return. She didn't thank the narrator for it, but it was an act of generosity all the same.
I agree jack. I like to think that, sometime afterward, she thought about it and was truly grateful. thanks for reading!
Loved it
thank you Ayesha! love you for reading
Excellent as always
almost as excellent as you. thanks Keith.
Pshhaww🤗
I feel seen. The awkwardness and over-explaining! The nice and friendly made weird. And the sting of not being understood when the woman just rolled up her window without even a thank you! I’m certain I’ve been this narrator. How beautifully you capture it.
aw thanks Liz! yeah I think this one resonated with a lot of people simply because lots of people know anxiety and how it comes in its many forms. thanks again for reading :)
I feel seen.
thanks for reading :)
seems like so many other did too. no idea I was writing such a relatable story.
I think the guy needed attention. :)
i think we all need a little attention sometimes. thanks for reading Nevena :)