Wait, don’t go away. You’re not on the wrong blog nor have I started a food blog. This fish actually has been my only friend today and you will soon know why, If you stay a little longer, instead of just pushing the ‘like’ button.
The story goes like that: I am following ‘Everyday Inspiration’ course. Today’s prompt asked us to quietly observe the world around us and write about what we see.
After having cheated a bit on yesterday’s prompt, procrastinating ‘inspirational’ writing for today, I at first felt like this was a good idea and that I could make something nice out of it. I had to follow simple instructions to find a spot where I could sit and observe for at least 20 minutes, and ideally, watch action and interaction unfold.
As I am home today, I first went to the water side of the canal where I live in Amsterdam. After realizing that summer vacations are over, and all kids went back to school this week, and perhaps ducks, swans, and birds may have decided to get schooled, as neither humans nor animals were nowhere to be seen.
I had to go to an appointment around noon. I went a bit earlier because there is a park close by the office I needed to go. I sat on a bench and waited. There were only three beings there, two dogs and yours truly. I gave up and ran to not be late for my meeting. 
Back home four hours later, I heard the familiar voice of kids on the street side of my house. I grabbed my camera, opened the window, and bang, they were all gone.
Well, I am forced to conclude that this is looking like some sort of vengeance from the God of writing, just because I wrote a way too short post yesterday.
When defeated by Gods, go shopping. That’s what I did. I went to the fish shop to grab some ‘omega’ for dinner. I knew there would be many people there, and finally, I could set foot on my observation post.
I first ordered two raw herrings to eat there with onions and pickles. I know you may not like it but here in this country, we love it.
My observation task started eventually. What I missed to see is that whilst I was enjoying my fish, most people had vanished, and all that was left was three employees, plus of course, salmon, cod, shrimps and all seafood you may have wished. But they didn’t fit the instructions, as no action or interaction unfolded among them. The employees didn’t help me much either, as they focused on cleaning, chatting or staring at me, most likely wondering why haven’t I left yet.
I had no story. That’s when I saw one of the employees bringing lots of fresh dorados. I ordered two big ones for dinner. But before she took them away for cleaning, we looked intensely at each other, and I shot it, but with my iPhone camera.
The lesson of the day: If all you got to observe for your inspirational post is a fish, bake it in the oven.
In preparation for Day Fifteen assignment, I would like to ask your ideas for this post. What would like me to write about? I would be grateful for suggestions on the comments section, or, please send me a message via the e-mail that you can find at my contact page. Thank you!
A good picture worth waiting for. One never knows what could be good material. One has to have a good eye. As your fish dinner picture.
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Thank you.
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that fish looks very happy to offer himself for your dinner! Hope it was delish!
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Not sure the fish was as happy as I was! It was delish, for sure. 😉
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Excellent, Lucile! So very wonderfully creative.
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Thank you so much my dearest Lois!!
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Although it doesn’t sound good to me now, I had raw herrings and onions when I was in Europe in the 70’s and liked it. 🙂 I’ve also take a dead fish shot or two in my time.
janet
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It’s surprising to hear that you liked it, Janet. Most people find it disgusting. I think that was my first shot of a dead fish!
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“Here’s looking at you.” Sorry, I can’t stay away, I had to quote that classic movie line. And I really do like that photograph.
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You are welcome to come back anytime and bring your thoughts. Thanks!!
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Oh the very best f intentions, ruined by the Gods of writing. Nothing wrong with the fish, unless of course, you try to serve it to me – allergic of course. Honestly, my list of allergies is almost infamous 🙂
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Good to know in advance of these infamous allergies. A week ago I prepared a seafood dinner and my cousin didn’t warn me nor have I asked him of his allergies! It was a spoiler and I was embarrassed.
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Oh dear….not good. They are such a pain for everyone
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I learnt a lesson and from now on will always ask in advance.
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there are so many allergies and intolerances these days, so much more than there ever used to be. I do wonder what we are doing to us, our food and our planet.
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Oooh, I love dourada! Can’t wait to get back to Portugal next month 🙂 🙂
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That’s a great plan! 😀
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Your commentary brought a smile. Many levels of content and thought behind your post. Image works well in monochrome.
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Sally, your kindness makes me smile too. Thank you and have a lovely Sunday!
I hope you are out of harm’s way and not in Florida.
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I’m in the Mid Atlantic, which was spared. Thanks.
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Good to hear.
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Oh yes! 😂😂😂 you had me laughing out loud through this whole post. Exactly what I needed. Thank you. Brilliant. Best moral of the story I’ve ever heard. 😂😂
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😂 great to hear that! It’s a big compliment to make you laugh.
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xx
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I can’t stop giggling at your last sentence. This is a much better version of the cliche “If life gives you lemons etc.”. Raw herring though? Hmm. Never heard of herring being eaten raw. Is this some kind of Dutch sushi? 😉
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Hahaha true, even I liked it!
Raw herring is Dutch sushi. It’s very good. Next time I’ll offer it to you.
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I’d probably enjoy it! We have a similar dish here, but it’s sterilised rather than raw herring.
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No animals were hurt to write this story. Well, maybe one, but we all have to eat.
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Not hurt by me, at least. But I’m guilty for having eaten it. 😉
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If you or another human being hadn’t eaten that fish, another sea creature would have, and that after your supper would have eaten more than his own share of seafood.
Warning: Days of eating Pacific seafood may be over before long.
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True. Thanks.,
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Now THAT’s a fish story! I rather like the portrait of Mr Dorado; I think he still looks pretty vibrant for a dead fellow.
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Indeed, Lex. He looked gorgeous and I felt sorry to ‘eat’ his career as a model.
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Some people beat dead horses, some eat dead fish.
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I do both.
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