TIME FOR FRIDAY FICTIONEERS! WRITE ON! FAR OUT! OUTTA SIGHT! GROOVY BABY!
A special thank you to TED STRUTZ for some nice publicity for my book.
THE CHALLENGE:
Write a one hundred word story that has a beginning, middle and end. (No one will be ostracized for going over or under the word count.)
THE KEY:
Make every word count.
THE RULES:
- Copy your URL to the Linkz collection. You’ll find the tab following the photo prompt. It’s the little white box to the left with the blue froggy guy. Click on it and follow directions. This is the best way to get the most reads and comments.
- MAKE SURE YOUR LINK IS SPECIFIC TO YOUR FLASH FICTION. (Should you find that you’ve made an error you can delete by clicking the little red ‘x’ that should appear under your icon. Then re-enter your URL. (If there’s no red x email me at Runtshell@aol.com. I can delete the wrong link for you).
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- Make note in your blog if you’d prefer not to have constructive criticism.
- REMINDER: This page is “FRIDAY FICTIONEERS CENTRAL” and is NOT the place to promote political or religious views. Also, you are responsible for the content of your story and policing comments on your blog. You have the right to delete any you consider offensive.
**Please exercise DISCRETION when commenting on a story! Be RESPECTFUL.**
Should someone have severe or hostile differences of opinion with another person it’s my hope that the involved parties would settle their disputes in private.
***************
My story will follow the prompt for those who might be distracted by reading a story before writing their own . I enjoy your comments.
Genre: Literary Fiction
Word count: 100
Flower power, Woodstock, bell-bottom jeans and moccasins. It was the 60’s. We tuned in, turned on and dropped out.
Although the following information seems unrelated to the previous line, I include it, nonetheless. The Ashamnu is a traditional prayer of repentance recited on Yom Kippur, the Jewish highest of holy days or day of atonement. The word “ah-SHAM-nu” means we are guilty or we have sinned.
**For a “mood music” click here.**
ASHAMNU
Rhoda cast furtive glances in all directions, inhaled throat-burning smoke, held it, and then exhaled, handing the joint to Marcus.
“Don’t be so paranoid.” His bloodshot eyes glittered.
Candles illuminated the corners of his darkened bedroom. In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida blared from the stereo and patchouli incense tickled her nose.
After they’d downed an entire bag of chips, Marcus plopped his yarmulke on his head.
“So much for fasting. Let’s get back before they miss us.”
Side-by-side they sneaked into the synagogue and giggled through repentance prayers.
Every year afterward, when Rhoda dutifully attended services, she chuckled as she recalled the “High” Holiday.
Great story .. and great photo.
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Rochelle this was so …shall I say visions of my youth? The In-A-Gadda-Davida clip one that I played relentlessly…oh how this took me back … 🙂
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Dear Rambly,
he he. Sounds like we’re of a similar ilk and era. Thanks for joining me on my trek down memory lane.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That was a great opening sentence, I could just visualise the scene. Nice story, and great names for the characters, you always choose such vibrant names. Enjoyed this.
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High Holiday puts a whole new spin on it.
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Yes, Lyn, it does in more ways than one, doesn’t it. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Missed the sixties and the purple haze
great story about fasting 😉
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Dear Moondust,
I’m glad you liked the story. As they say, “if you remember the sixties, your weren’t there.”
Fasting?
shalom,
Rochelle
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I really enjoyed this story, Rochelle, and felt as if I were there. Your words were all carefully chosen for best effect and although this was a slice of the 60’s I never experienced, except for the song, I have memories from that time that still make me laugh in that same way. I have to admit that incense doesn’t ever tickle my nose, it assaults it. But your story certain is evocative of the era.
Kudos,
janet
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Dear Janet,
Guess it’s all in perspective. I still love the scent of patchouli…although incense gives me a headache. But back then we used it to cover the odor of the….well you get the picture.
Glad you liked it and happy to have taken you on a little side trip into my “far out” past.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Like wow, man, that’s far out!
janet
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You left out, “Wow Man! What a rush!”
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Groovy and right on!
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someone got a whole lot of repenting to do, high holidays indeed!!!!! Randy 😉
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Dear Randy,
Rhoda has since repented and said Ashamnu many times without giggling. 😉 However, she’ll never forget that day.
shalom and chag pesach samayach,
Rochelle
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such an awesome story..oh i wish i wish i wish i could experience the 60’s even for just one day! ^^
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No you don’t. They say that, “If you remember the sixties, you weren’t there.”
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What would you know about it? You weren’t old enough to be “there” Mr. Colby.
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HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! But, at least, I remember.
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Dear KZ,
Thank you for liking my little memoir in such a big way. It was an interesting time to live…in retrospect.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Remember those days! Don’t regret them but glad it’s over.
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Indeed, Petru. We did some stupid things back then. But, still, there’s humor and grist for the mill, eh?
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh, and who hasn’t done things like this in their youth. Love the story. Brings back memories of the old Sunday rule of “I don’t care what you do Saturday night, but come Sunday morning, your A** better be in a pew!” Mom’s words, echoing in my mind, even as I contemplate skipping church this weekend. The Church we’re attending unfortunately doesn’t really celebrate the High Holidays quite the way i want in my church.
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Dear Buffalo,
I’m happy you liked my story. There are congregations and then there are congregations. Sorry about your hand. Hope it heals quickly.
shalom,
Rochelle
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why do I suspect this tale has an element of reality in it?? 😉
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Why Carrie, whatever do you mean? 😉
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Sweet and naughty reminiscences. I am wondering if Rhoda and Rochelle have something in common? 🙂
Congratulations on the book. I wish you all the success, will check if I can get it in India! 🙂
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Dear Parul,
Perhaps I should’ve named her something like Shifra. Then no one would’ve suspected, right? (wink wink)
As for my book…it is available on Kindle. Hopefully this will make it more accessible for you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Hello Rochelle, thank you for a great photo prompt this week. I really enjoyed your story, you painted such a vivid picture here and even managed to show us something of their characters. A funny last line too. 🙂
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Dear JWD,
Glad you liked both the photo and my story. Thanks for swinging by and leaving a comment.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Suspect you were not alone in celebrating that day–Great photo, Rochelle, and congratulations on your book. You should use Ted’s photo in your PR–a real seller!
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Thanks, VB. Maybe I’ll have Ted’s photo blown up to poster size. 😉
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Oh the happy memories of a misspent youth! Warm and engaging. I really enjoyed this.
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Glad you liked it, Emma. Fortunately not all my youth was misspent. Thanks for commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The vagaries of youth lead us all to do shameful things. Nice photo for the prompt.
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Fortunately Joe those days are a memory.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story, Rhoda!
🙂
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Thanks, Jan. Tee hee.
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Nice story Rochelle. I thought it was only catholic girls who went to church high.
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Dear Kim,
I don’t think the Catholics or the Jews (or anyone else for that matter) have a monopoly on unruly teenagers. Thanks for dropping by. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lol! I guess not. 🙂
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Well now you’re bringing it ALL back! High or not, such innocent times, or we thought they were. Nice tale reaching into herbal days..or daze!
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Dear Managua,
At times it was most definitely school “daze”. Thanks you for dropping in and not tuning out.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh I really feel innocent… hmm or not… probably more on wine… great story nevertheless. And 70s had its charm
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Dear Björn,
We live in interesting times. Glad you liked the story.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Absolutely perfect. Summing up an era, a “moment in time” and poignantly capturing memories of same! Thank you Rochelle, a great story.
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Dear Penny,
Thank you for such a nice compliment.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle,
If I only knew you then… they would all be High Holidays! Loved it. You never let me down. The name Rhoda always reminds me of the show and Carlton the doorman. Good times…Good times..ohh that’s another show!
Peace,
Tom
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Dear Tom,
I actually do have a cousin named Rhoda…this wasn’t her story LOL. Glad I didn’t let you down. Thanks for dropping by and making me smile.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Something about that candle glow makes us feel ornery I guess. Your take today showed kicking up the heels…fun….
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Thanks Claudia.
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Dear Claudette,
What a beautiful picture you paint of days gone by. I never was the innocent type. But I won’t bore you with those stories. – The Rustifariian
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Dear Rustifarian,
I’d love to be bored with your stories. Glad you liked my little piece of “fiction”.
shalom,
Rochelle
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That’s a great contrast between the solemn ceremony and the less-than-solemn. I’ll never be able to hear the words “High holiday” without thinking of this story now. 🙂
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Dear David,
It’s always gratifying as a writer when a reader understands. Thank you for dropping by.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Not me–I was a good girl! Actually, the only thing preventing me from doin’ a doobie was the fact that I absolutely abhor smoking–that and no one ever offered me a brownie. Seriously, a perfect story to tell the grandkids…. 😀
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Dear Daisy,
The brownies were nasty. The crazy thing is that I never smoked cigarettes…was never even tempted. For whatever reason I didn’t see smoking weed and smoking tobacco quite the same way. Go figure.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh my dear I LOVE this. I hope it’s true… I really do. What a great story. Rochelle, there’s no way I can do your photo justice after that great story.
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Dear Renee,
In the immortal words of my ancestor, George Washington-Wisoff, “I cannot tell a lie…I can bend the truth a bit though.” 😉 Perhaps if I’d changed my name to Natalie it wouldn’t have been so obvious. Thanks for your glowing compliments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’m glad you could bend the truth a little. It made for a delicious story.
Fondly, Renee
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no matter what era we grow up in, some young ones find the need for Ashamnu. and WOW…15 minutes for one song video is way trippy. ha ha. 😉 i enjoyed your story immensely. ♥
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Dear Sunshine,
It was a great song, wasn’t it? Glad you enjoyed my venture into the past.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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i always wonder what the radio announcers do when they flip those long songs on the radio…bathroom or coffee break time?? ha ha. 🙂
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Hi Rochelle (or should I say High Rochelle?)
A brilliant mischievous story this week – I love the atmosphere you created here – if only there were a story-time-machine I think a few of us would head straight into this storyline 🙂
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Dear El,
Thank you for the glowing review. Ah reckless youth. Glad you could travel back in time with me.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Imagine my shock when I checked into FriFic to see the photo of the week, and found MINE! Of course I wouldn’t blame anyone who wanted to write a story about this excellent photo and the book it is about. (Which, for the record, I would not have done if it was not a good read… do you have your copy yet?) Everyone who knows how Humble and Effacing I am are shocked as well, I am sure.
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You just have one of those faces, Ted. Thank you so much for your endorsement. I might just have to have your picture made into poster size to take to book signings. 😉
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Rochelle… High Holiday… I loved it! Excellent coming of age story. Miss Rhoda looks kind of familiar…
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Happy you liked my story, Ted. I keep wondering if I’d used a different name….maybe no one would’ve picked up on the autobiographic nature of the story. 😉
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I really enjoyed this one. Ah memories, I don’t of course remember the sixties, but I’ve heard plenty of stories. 😉
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Dear Jackie,
With age comes grist for the mill ;). Glad you enjoyed.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Glad I found your blog through Jackiep, I’m now a follower 🙂
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Welcome aboard.
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oh,bother, I spilled boiling water down my hand and arm today. Will have to come back later in the week for this challemge, typing one fimger is too hard
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Ah, some of the memories of youth.
Mine:http://kindredspirit23.wordpress.com/2013/03/27/friday-fictioneers-darkness-comes-genre-horror-pg/
Scott
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😉
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Thanks for the memories, Rochelle. I wish I could go back to the sixties….but for different reasons. ps: Pretty pic. of you.
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Dear Lora,
Not everyone was a dope-smoking hippie back then ;). Thanks for the compliment. That’s my senior picture. I had to dress conservatively for it.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Just stopped by for another whiff. But I didn’t inhale. Really!
Like wow!!
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Careful, Janet. Wouldn’t want my patchouli to assault you.
Far out and groovy!
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Haha love it – and no mistaking you in the picture, that’s pretty incredible!
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Happy you enjoyed, Brian. Yup that was me…ironed hair and all.
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Dear Rochelle
Evocative of the free-spirited 60s although some were more free spirited than others!
I imagine Rhoda with blue eye shadow, long dangling earrings and lots of bangles, dancing to some great music, aahh those were the days
Best wishes
Dee
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Dear Dee,
I don’t think Rhoda wore blue eye shadow…but definitely the earring and the bangles…particularly rings. “Those were the days my friend…”
Rhoda can no longer wear earrings…something chemical…but she’s still a bit of a Bohemian, and while more reserved, still a free spirit in many ways. ;).
Thank you for dropping by. I’m slow getting around to other stories but will come by yours soon.
shalom,
Rochelle
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A really funny last line! I like how you set this up with the details of bloodshot eyes, eating a bag of chips, and giggling. Nice story!
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Dear Dave,
Glad you picked up on those little details. Thanks for dropping by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I loved this story and I would have liked to have done it all those years ago when spending countless hours in the synagogue during the holidays. Hmmm… I wonder if it’s too late? 🙂
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Dear Michael,
Actually I wish I’d spent more hours in the synagogue, period. But that’s another story for another time. Glad you liked the story.
shalom,
Rochelle
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That was good fun, Rochelle. One is never quite as devious as when one is doing other than their religion expects of them.
Denmother
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Dear Denmother,
Ain’t it the truth.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Being just a misfit of the 1960’s, I knew of but missed out, lucked out, or otherwise escaped some experiences – though they ‘flew’ on around me.
I did try a cigarette once – really I did. But having other family members who were participants of extremes…with negative consequence –
Lets just say ‘staying alive’ was more of my theme song.
Nice write. I love the pun, get it, and giggle along with you.
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Dear Jules,
Thanks for giggling with me. Nothing wrong with being a “misfit” back then. You also missed out on the consequences. 😉
shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story, and a perfect pun! I may have possibly known someone who drank communion wine with the priest. Maybe. 😉
Here’s mine: http://unexpectedpaths.com/friday-fictioneers/doom-and-gloom/
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Dear Maggie,
Someone who drank communion wine with the priest. Now that could be an interesting story.
shalom,
Rochelle
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😀 I have to figure out how to join this, it looks so fun!
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A little trip down memory lane, I guess, and very nicely done. Love the picture! Little Rochelle has a big smile on her face!
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Thanks for tagging along down memory lane, Trudy. Glad you enjoyed the stroll.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Are you sure the genre is Fiction and not Memoir, Rochelle?! Really vivid piece, you took me right into these kids’ experience and left me feeling at least a bit light-headed!
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Dear Jen,
As you can see I’m late getting around “this week” while gearing up for the next prompt. As for the genre you just might be slightly spot on. Light headed? Well if you develop and sudden insatiable appetite my story was more vivid than I bargained for. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Late?! I’ve got today set aside to start reading other people’s stories, Rochelle, so you’re way ahead of me!
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Love this! Even though I’m a 70’s girl and not Jewish, I can relate to, well, everything else. Well done, Rochelle. And what an adorable pic of you!
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Dear Beth,
Youthful rebellion is universal. Glad you liked my story and my tintype.
shalom
Rochelle
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cute pic, great promo – and thanks for the giggle!!!
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Happy to share giggles anytime. Thanks for dropping by.
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Yes, you certainly brought back memories – and is that your photo from the 60s? great. Your story was adorable. Plus, I love that you used Yamulka. They call them something else in England, but I am really from Connecticut, but spent the 60’s in San Francisco, where we all belonged.
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Dear Lindaura,
That is my senior picture, taken my junior year in 1970…just shy of the 60’s. Happy you liked my story. As for Yarmalke, that’s the Yiddish term I grew up with. I think most call it a Kepah, the Hebrew word. I never made it San Francisco, but I did wear flowers in my hair. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Funny twist on high holidays and even nicer memories of days when some people called me “Space Cowboy,” but NOBODY ever called me “The Gangster of Love!” Never cared for In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida, though, or Grand Funk Railroad, I’m proud to say. Thanks, Rochelle!
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Dear Maurice,
I once saw Iron Butterfly in person…at least I vaguely remember that I did…well pretty sure…they told me I was there. Really I was more of a folk music person…Simon and Garfunkle, Peter, Paul and Mary, etc etc.
Glad you liked the story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A haze of nostalgia….I inhaled!
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😉
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“So much for fasting” – Love it and love this story. I ate a huge hamburger yesterday not realizing it was Good Friday. Bad Catholic.
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Oops! Thanks for commenting, H.L. Glad you liked it.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Such a great job capturing the joys and riskiness of youth!
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How blissfully we ignored the potential consequences of our actions. Thanks for dropping by, K
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Hi Rochelle,
This was so realistic, I wondered if it was autobiographical and combined with the photo of you, it made me suspect you are an ex-hippie. Or maybe you just have a very active imagination. Actually, no maybe, I know you do. However you came up with it, you captured a freer time in our collective history. Ron
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Dear Ron,
While I’ve been accused of having an overactive imagination sometimes the truth is just more fun than fiction. Me an ex-hippie? Nah..more like.an aging hippie.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ah yes – crazy with youth in a crazy time. Not an exact match for my memories (maybe not an exact match for yours either) but I certainly knew people who could have been in this story.
Life has suddenly gotten overloaded and out of control – I don’t know if I’ll get a story written this week, but (with luck) I should be back next week.
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Dear Sharon,
I know what you mean about life being out of control. I’m treading water to finish reading the stories.
I have to confess (and have several times) this story is more of a memoir than fiction.
Thanks for taking time to stop, read and comment. I appreciate it and look forward to your story next week.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Got a kick out of your story!
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Loved yours, too. 😉
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I have now read about 3 of ur FF stories. What I like the most about your writing is you seem to be able to paint pictures with words ! 🙂
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Dear Shreyank,
What better compliment to a visual artist/writer? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle,
Nice one. You captured it so well. I felt like I was right there in the room. I imagine that would be something to laugh about years later!
Shalom,
Amy
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Dear Amy,
I have been laughing about it for years. 😉 Just finally committed the tale to print. Glad to have you along for the ride. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle.
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Dear Rochelle,
This story was full of love and light and left me wanting more chips, another toke and, most importantly, other stories from you. Thank goodness for your writing.
Aloha,
Doug
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Thank goodness for your friendship, Doug. 😉
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Hi Rochelle,
Weirdest thing. I found this email sent by you this morning in my inbox regarding a comment back in 2013 by someone.
Well, it took me back to the page and re-read your story about “high holidays” and thought I’d at least say hi – and cause you to wonder, too, how the heck you might have sent it to me.
Ha. Randy
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Dear Randy,
I can’t explain the email. I also had a spam comment from this same spot. WordPress Golems? Nice that they brought you back to this story. It’s one of my favorite “fictions.” Thanks for taking the time to say hello.
Shalom,
Rhoda…I mean Rochelle
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