Rantum Scoot. This is a term for an outing with no destination. A rambling with no fixed point; a journey. The term originated in 1916 on Nantucket, an island off the coast of Southeastern Massachusetts.
We are staying indoors here in Austin as good citizens of the Republic and doing the social distancing thing. Our routine each day is open to a page of the digital or paper news and throw a finger down. In the general vicinity of that pointer, the picker pronounces the no-more-than-three word writing prompt for the day.
We select over coffee, write at any time during the day and read each other’s prose aloud before dinner. The content provides glimpses into learning dozens of new things about ourselves, our relationship, and our world. Tender and concerning and surprising and funny things.
It’s also a way to capture this unfamiliar time in 2020 that we’re trying to navigate. I’m going to start putting them here in my blog: Prose in the Pandemic. Comments and feedback welcomed.
Prose in the Pandemic 
1st read most enjoyable… takes me back! So very proud and blessed to know you❣️
Well, you’re my guiding light. You held me up until I could stand on my own. 💕
What a great idea! Love the post, and will definitely start the practice. Good to know you’re well. We’re thinking of blockading the bridges to deter the furriners from bringing the virus across state lines. Love, Mara
I’ve always been in favor of blockading the bridges! Especially when I’m on the Island. Hope all is well!
Very very cool. I love the part about learning things about each other. Interested in a few nuggets.
Thanks, sweetie. It helps to have a bit of the routine in these open-ended days!
Love this – my creative, thoughtful friend. Look forward to more “Rantum Scoots”. Be well and take care!
Thanks, my little meatball! Love you.
Love you too golumpke! ❤️
🎼Where are you going? Can you take me with you? For my hand is cold and needs warmth. Where are you going?🎹
Remember the beautiful harmonies in this song? Let’s FaceTime and re-create it! ….far beyond where the horizon lies…
(BY MY SIDE-GODSPELL)
Something to look forward to Curl! Glad you guys are doing well!
You’ve planted the seed for an Austin Salon, a la Gertrude Stein. I hope you will invite all of the smartest new artists and writers who are creating in such an avant-garde adjacent city such as Austin. Should the muse land on my shoulder I might come knocking on your door.
This is a very good tip especially to those fresh to the blogosphere.
Brief but very precise info… Thanks for sharing this one.
A must read article!