Jennifer Pendergast
I grew up hearing my dad’s colorful expressions. I realized as I got older that he’d modified them to make them kid friendly. He tried to spare our tender ears – at least, until he didn’t.
Word count: 101
Up a Creek
“You’re gonna be up Shit Creek without a paddle, my friend.” Dad slammed the phone down and took a handful of seed, throwing it in the wind. “If that rat-bastard thinks he can sell me a bagful of crap and get away with it, why I…”
Looking up, he noticed me standing there, mouth agape. “Sorry, son. You know, I never have shown you where Schitt Creek is, have I? We’ll plan that trip real soon.”
And with a sheepish smile on his face, he turned on his heel, the lousy bag of seed on his shoulder, heading purposefully to town.
To see other stories, please visit the Rochelle Wisoff-Fields site here.
© Erin Leary
erinlearywrites 
Rat bastard! That’s a popular saying in my household. Cute story.
I like it a little too much. 😜
Ha ha. Hope they don’t have to go up the Schitt Creek soon. Nice one.
We all end up there at some point in life. Having the paddle is the key!
Dear Erin,
I remember repeating ‘shit’ when I was about six and getting smacked for it. I was so hurt…not just physically. Daddy was my hero…he said it so it must be wonderful. Live and learn.
Love your story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Yes – I remember my dad smashing his finger with a hammer and changing his outburst to “bird turds” in deference to my younger brother’s still tender ears. Funny guy.
That’s one way of getting away with foul language.. (I lack that particular knowledge)
My dad was good at that. Lots of imaginative expressions.
I loughed out loud. Poor dad, caught red-handed (or mouthed). What a fun story.
Thanks! It was intended to be humorous, so I’m glad it was successful!
🙂 shit creek… so familiar with that navigation.
It’s a universal location, isn’t it? 😉
Cute story Erin! :D:D
Thanks for reading!
My pleasure!
Ha! This is hilarious. I bet there are a lot kids who have a trip planned for Schitt Creek. 🙂 Now, I wonder if it really exists. Great take, Erin.
There’s a new TV show with that name – starring Eugene Levy. Sounds like something I should watch!
I was just going to say that! It is hilarious…
Nice save! We should all be so quick thinking.
My mother always said she learned to swear from us kids. Not sure I really bought that but we certainly gave her some good reasons to do it!
Like Perry said…good save.
Thanks, Dawn!
Fun stuff!
Fun story. Dad’s frustration is evident. I like the POV. Well told.
I think all parents have experienced those moments. Thanks for reading!
Dad was colourful and considerate 🙂 Very ingenious 🙂
What wonderful, and funny, memories you must have about these sayings, Erin. They’re a treasure and it sounds as if your dad was (or is), too.
janet
Sometimes, certain words need to be said. I’d be angry about getting taken advantage of and probably use similar words. Nicely written ….
Isadora 😎
Hilarious, Erin. My dad was careful, but my brother made up for it later. By that time I knew better than to repeat it. Well done. 😀 — Suzanne
Ah … the things that parents say … I remember them saying the things children say to cover-up where the children learnt that colourful language … nice write and brought back some of my own memories! 😉