It’s with mixed emotions I post my story inspired by Ron Pruitt’s photo prompt. This is Madison’s last week as Friday Fictioneers leader and my last week as one just of the gang. She will be one tough act to follow. Click here for other FF stories. Enjoy!
My offering this week is a tribute to Madison and our diverse global community that I hope continues to grow and flourish.
*Note: I don’t think I can put the linkz tool on my blog without upgrading. So it looks like we’ll be back to posting our blog addresses here and in our comments. I’m open to any and all feedback or instruction on this.
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copyright-Ron Pruitt
Apprehensions whelmed the new driver. How could she steer this behemoth? Her feet barely reached the gas pedal.
A lithe maiden with pointed ears and iridescent wings floated past her. Next was an imposing man whose black silk cape skimmed the floor. One by one, diverse passengers stowed their baggage and found their seats.
“Welcome,” said the last in line. “I’m Russell.”
Warmed by his congenial smile she tried not to stare at his plastic clown nose and grasped his offered hand.
Zzzzzzt! His joy buzzer sent shockwaves to her shoulder.
He chortled. “Are we there yet?”
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Dear Rochelle,
You nailed it. What a great tribute to Madison and a perfect story to illustrate the magnitude of the task you’ve taken on. If there is anything I can do to help us reach our destination, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll be your Keanu Reeves on Friday’s Bus.
What a great story to start off your tenure as rodeo master.
Aloha,
Doug
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Not sure I like the comparison to “Speed”!! And if Dennis Hopper shows up, I’m out of here!! all the best with this, Rocelle. I know you’ll do a great job.
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If Dennis Hopper shows up I’ll be outta here before ye!
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Dear Keanu,
I’ll be sure to let you know when I need your help. Thanks for everything.
Shalom,
Sandra B.
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Best of luck behind the steering wheel! We’re a varied bunch for sure, as your story shows.
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A great tribute to Madison. I look forward to seeing you behind the wheel.
Tom
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Thanks Tom,
You could almost call this chapter 2 to your story.
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I think we could!
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Nice one Rochelle, a fitting one for this changeover. Glad you’re in the driving seat, I think we’re in for an enjoyable ride.
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A fine tribute to Madison, and you are going to do steer just fine…well done on this
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What a fun story. Thanks, Rocks!
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Thanks Terry Toon!
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Thanks for taking over Friday Fiction, Rochelle.
The story has cheered me up, especially after I have read a …er… very different one moments ago. (I am not putting the link so that I don’t spoil for others 🙂 )
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Well, I’m definitely on board. You cracked me up with the nose and buzzer line. I’ll suppose you’ll either put me in the back of the bus or the front row (where you can keep an eye on me). Shall I bring my whoopi cushion next week?
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I expect nothing less, Russell. Having you on board keep the ride entertaining.
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You might want to put him in the luggage compartment under the bus, Rochelle… but let him out on Fridays. Loved your story, and knew exactly who you were talking about.
I kind of missed the interaction among writers when the Linkz thing started… See you next week Rochelle…
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Hey… how did that Pingback get up there? I didn’t do that. I’m not even sure what they are or how they work… but as long as it’s my story…
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I think the Pingback happened when you put my link in your intro. I have another one as well. No sweat. I really appreciate the plug and the support. As for Russell, I don’t know if we should let him out at all. Just let him out for potty breaks and feedings.
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Sad… you’re throwing Russell under the bus.
Randy
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Nice one, love the “are we there yet”. So thankful you picked up the torch. Would be a pity to just have started with my second entry..
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Happy to oblige. I think it will be fun.
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That’s a great one. I guess you never know what you’re going to get, but I’m glad there’s always a crazy clown around. Thank you for volunteering to drive. I might not get the chance to add a story this week, but will be checking in for more adventures.
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Thank you for donning the uniform responsibility of driving our bus. Love your take and tribute. Just one thing, I won’t sit next to Russell unless you confiscate his joy buzzer! LOL
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Thanks, Turnip! We’ll all have to watch out for Russell. 😉
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Hi Rochelle,
I just got on the bus. Do you take bus transfers? I just had beans for lunch, do you mind? Are dogs allowed on board? Have you seen my I-pod? When did you get your license?
Whose the guy with the funny nose? Ouch, I just sat on that Zapper. When will we be get there? What’s your birthday? You’re nice. So you going to be driving us from now on? Wow, pretty bus driver lady. I’ll be quiet, I promise. Really. Ouch, tell the guy with the nose to leave me alone….
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I wouldn’t ask for you to put this clown off the bus, but neither would I complain if he were ushered to one of the back rows. Maybe next to the toilet? And good luck with the driving. Hope it’s a long and pleasurable drive.
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Bus Lady. This man is accosting me. And it’s a costing me as much as him to ride this bus. Put him in the back. Toilet humor, ha.
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Thanks, Paul, I’m sure it will be.
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Rochelle,
Loved it, and thank you so much for being there for us. You’ll do great! Boy, those Friday Fictioneers sure are a funny looking group, aren’t they? Ron
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Good and funny post! Also, true thanks for keeping FF going. I have come to truly enjoy it and wished I could have handled the load. I am so glad you stepped up to the plate.
Scott
Mine: https://kindredspirit23.wordpress.com
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Dear Scott,
Thanks for your kind words and support. I’m so glad everyone wants to keep FF going. I think this burden will be light. This weekly endeavor has become my passion in the short time since I joined in April. I just couldn’t let it die.
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Very good. I’m not sure we’re quite as diverse as that crowd, but then …
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Wonderful story, and you’ll do just great. Madison laid great groundwork. Looking forward to working with you!
Here’s mine: http://unexpectedpaths.com/friday-fictioneers/an-inverse-relationship/
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You did that very well!
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Love the ‘are we there yet’ line and the story, Rochelle 🙂 I do wonder who the lithe maiden is. Not me, that’s for sure! 😉
All good things come to an end – but that doesnt mean that a change can’t also be a good beginning. Looking forward to seeing where we go with you!
And thanks for your comment on mine already. 🙂
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I think the biggest change will be the link tool we’ve gotten used to. But, hey, we’ll all know our blog addresses very well, won’t we?
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Hehe, yes we will 🙂
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Great story, Rochelle – glad you brought Russell in for the clown character and I hope your driver’s day improves. As the new driver of our bus, I’m sure you’ll do a great job, and hopefully won’t have too much trouble even from the naughty ones!
I’ll just sit here, by the window… http://elmowrites.wordpress.com/2012/10/19/friday-fiction-on-tou/
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Hahaha, loved how you incorporated some of the personalities I recognized from here! Great story 🙂
I’ll see if I can put the link thing on my old defunct .com blog and if it works, I’ll let you know how it worked.
Cheers! *clinks goblet* Long Live the Fictioneers!
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What a lovely metaphor for our diverse crew! (Anyway, that’s how I read it.) Good luck to the nervous new driver!
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You are correctomundo, Sharon.
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Looking forward to your time at the wheel, Rochelle! Your posts are always well done and your comments, insightful and meaningful. Great match.
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I’m warmed and encouraged,, VB. Thanks.
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Aloha (Goodbye) to our wonderful, beloved FF creator Madison and Aloha (Hello) to generous Rochelle. No fear friends. FFs bus is in Rochelle’s able hands. If she can make a beautiful cake, she can steer our FF bus…BUT I’m not sure she can handle that strange character with the red clown nose, zapper and whoopi cushion.
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Thanks, Lora. Although I’m not sure that decorating a cake and steering a bus have anything to do with each other, but I relish your support.
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Hey, I was wondering…I don’t know how Madison came by her photos, but if we have one or find one from a friend that we can let you have printing rights to, can we submit it to you? and just how?
Scott
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Nice! You’ve got Russell pegged! You’ll do a great job. I know of absolutely nothing in my skill set that would help you, but if you come up with something, let me know. One thing I can give is my warmest best wishes.
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clever girl. clever clever.
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Todah rabbah.
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with cheese please.
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I hope the cheese is kosher
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As long as it’s not on a ham sandwich we’re good to go.
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good one, and I like the purple!
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What’s not to like? Purple is the best.
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Bill, your daughter is quite the artist. I don’t know if using graphic art as opposed to a photo is jumping protocol as a prompt or not.
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Thanks Bill.
BTW Where’s your link this week? Doug pointed me to your wonderful story this week. Otherwise I wouldn’t have known to look for it.
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thanks a million! I forgot to link it.
don’t know if this helps, but my daughter drew a picture that to me speaks about sci-fi and humanity. you are welcome to use it as a prompt if you care to.
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Cool parallel.
Drive that bus!
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Thanks, Perry. However I might have to make you and Russell sit in separate seats.
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This is great, Rochelle! I love it!! Don’t worry, we’re all behind you in this. I will support you anyway I can. Thank you so much for taking it on, our fearless leader.
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HAHAHA! Brilliant! I promise to keep my hands and feet inside the vehicle at all times. Mostly.
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Ahh what a great tribute. No better way to hand over the torch.
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Great analogy, Rochelle. I have confidence in you.
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Very nice analogy Rochelle! Even if we aren’t there yet, we’ll get there!
I like your bus already! 🙂
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Welcome aboard, Parul! Just watch out for the guy with the funny red nose. 😉
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Hi,
This is not really a comment.
Do we need to Follow your blog to be notified about Friday Fictioneers or is the transfer automatic?
(I do not see a Follow button on your blog)
Abraham
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Follow is up in the top left hand corner, Abraham. But if you click on Friday Fictioneers at the top of the page it will take you to the prompt. Thanks.
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Apparently the top left Follow does not result in email notifications, but I followed when I made the previous comment 🙂
Thanks
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This is my first time on the Friday Fictioneer bus. Looking forward to many fun trips!
Mine: http://waitingforaname.wordpress.com/2012/10/24/friday-fictioneers-his-last-ride/
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LOL – Sounds like a bus full of Halloween party revelers. I can see this picture real well. (I wonder what they all would have been dressed like if they all claimed to be Friday Fictioneers’ writers). 🙂
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I got to cackling so much with laughter that coffee came out my nose! That was hilarious! I’m just picturing it, and I can’t stop laughing…. ROFLMAO!
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Dear Buffy,
I couldn’t ask for a better reaction that coffee out the nose. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle,
I read you mention this Madison person before but honestly I thought it was all you and I have been participating since the end of December 2012. Nonetheless I loved this story and “know” Russell well enough to “get it”. I have no doubt you are up for the challenge and I continue to be inspired by you and your writing.
And now I must go re-think my story since I have been going on Ron’s picture all morning rather than yours. Sigh….
~ Dawn
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Okay..boy was I confused! This is from last year and so are the comments.
I’m awake now.
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Dear Dawn,
I’m sorry for the confusion. I hoped I was clearer. In any case I’m really happy you came to this page and checked out my auspicious beginning as the Friday Fictioneers Cat Herder.
Madison had this going long before I joined and, for me, writing flash fiction was love at first write. When she announced that she was quitting and looking for someone to take it on I begged for the job. No regrets. I wouldn’t trade the past year for anything. I’ve made some lasting friendships and been able to travel around the world without leaving my office. And you may count yourself among the many fascinating writers and friends I’ve met. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’m touched and honored. Thank you Rochelle. You are the perfect hostess.
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Lovely story. Delighted your feet are more than touching the pedals. Keep steerin’, baby!
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Dear Patrick,
It’s still a stretch. I’m only 5-foot-nothing. 😉 No plans to give up my seat anytime soon. Love the passengers and their stories.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That was awesome and good piece of writing since this is an important day to you 🙂 http://camgal.wordpress.com/2013/10/23/the-wheels-on-the-bus-go-friday-fictioneers/
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Dear Camgal,
I’m glad you came by and read this story from last year. It has been a great year and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. No regrets about taking on Friday Fictioneers. Not one.
I’m going to read your story. I hope you realize that the prompt for 25 October is the keyboard. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This was a fun read, what a great crew. Happy anniversary!
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Many thanks, Patti. I’m happy you dropped by to read. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, I like your story and am so glad you took this huge job as you have done a magnificent job! You are funny, articulate, educated, quirky, cute, and a darn good writer!
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Dear Nan,
I cam’t believe it’s been 7 years already. I’ve no regrets. Admittedly, there’ve been times I’ve felt like I’m a cat herder, but the rewards outweigh the drawbacks. Not to mention all the friends I’ve made through Friday Fictioneers. Thank you for the compliments and for being a part of FF. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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