Trifextra: Week Fifty-One

Sometimes a one-word prompt works when we don't expect it to, and sometimes the opposite is true.  Idle was a struggle from the word go.  We were looking for the third definition, which uses idle as a synonym for shiftless or lazy.  In hindsight, it was a darn tricky prompt.  Let's make a deal--you guys triple-check your word usage, and we will triple-think our choice of words on this end.  Deal?

In first place this week is The Misanthropic Muse with Attack of the Killer Dust Bunnies.  It may be Trifecta's first winning epistolary piece.  At any rate, it's funny.  And we like funny.

Dear Advice Lady, 

I could really use a bit of help and I really have no one else to turn to. I think the dust bunnies in my house are not as idle and harmless as they first appeared to be. I fear they might have started plotting against me in order to acquire more resources. You see, they have started gathering in large numbers but always in secret. 

They hide behind the bookcase, under the bed, numerous places in the attic, and most recently, I found a large number of them gathered around the moldy half-eaten cookie that lives under the fridge. I often wonder if he is their leader. I have tried talking to him on many occasions but I am always ignored. I’ve never seen such an openly hostile cookie. I always thought cookies were supposed to be sweet! 

How do I regain some control around the house without declaring an open act of war or disturbing their delicate ecosystem? I have tried sending in my gerbil, Inky, as a good will ambassador to their most populated regions but she was a disaster. She desecrated several of their sacred places with her teeth. Now, they are probably going to think I gave her the orders! 

The one thing I have going for me right now is that they know I have the ultimate weapon at my disposal. I am not a violent person but if it ever comes to the point where it’s them or me, I will vacuum every inch of this house, so help me god! 

Do you have any suggestions for me? I am getting desperate and a tad bit scared. 

Sincerely,
Dusty Dolly
of
Walla Walla, Washington

In second place is Draug who surprised us all this week with 60 Cupcakes.  You know what this piece says about Draug?  The girl's got range.  Am I wrong?

And rounding out the top three is Castelsarrasin, who gave us A Different Drum.  If you haven't read this yet, you really ought to.  It's referential and lovely, a delightful read.

Before we move on to our weekend challenge, we want to direct you over to our Featured Trifectan Tab.  There is a new Trifectan highlighted this weekend, interviewed by our previous Featured Trifectan, Barbara.  Check it out and then sit tight until your name is called.  We hope you are enjoying this feature as much as we are.

And now, on to our Trifextra.  We want you to choose one of the pictures below and give us a 33-word response to it.  Your responses will be judged by the community this weekend.  If you use the photo on your blog, you must include the attached accreditation (with active links).  

Bruno. C. / Art Photos / CC BY

ZeroOne / Foter.com / CC BY-SA

VinothChandar / Nature Photos / CC BY

This weekend's challenge is community-judged.

• For the 12 hours following the close of the challenge, voting will be enabled on links.  
• In order to vote, return to this post where stars will appear next to each link.  To vote, simply click the star that corresponds with your favorite post.
• You can vote for your top three favorite posts.
• Voting is open to everyone.  
• You have 12 hours to vote.  It's not much time, so be diligent! We'll send out reminders on Twitter and Facebook.

Good luck!