WELCOME TO FRIDAY FICTIONEERS.
As always, writers are encouraged to be as innovative as possible with the prompt and 100 word constraints.
Henry David Thoreau said it best.
“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.”
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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.
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My story will follow the prompt for those who might be distracted by reading a story before writing their own . I enjoy your comments.
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Copyright – Sarah Ann Hall
To post the prompt to your page simply right click on the picture and then left click “Save image as…” This will download it to your computer. Then paste it into your blog page. Please respect the copyright and use it only for Friday Fictioneers purposes. Any other usage requires permission from the photographer. Thank you.
One – two – three… eight feet long
Two strides across, the rest is dark…
Life is a fleeting question mark
One – two – three… maybe another week.
Or the next month may still find me here,
But death, I feel is very near.
I could have been 23 next July
I gambled on what mattered most,
The dice were cast. I lost.
by Hannah Senesh, executed by firing squad 1944
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Genre: Historical Fiction
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Word Count: 99
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WIND IN THE GRAVES
Esther’s leg throbbed where a Nazi bullet lodged against the bone. Fueled by adrenaline, she refused self-pity and inched through the sewer on her belly, stolen rifles strapped to her back. Her partisan unit’s need for weapons outweighed her pain.
Once outside, she eased down in the weeds, unslung the guns and handed them to her sister. “Leave me. I’ll only slow you down.”
“You’ll bleed to death.”
“Better here than Auschwitz. Go!”
Tears streaming, Rachel took the guns and raced after the others.
Esther watched them disappear into the tree line, bared her leg and unsheathed her knife.
.
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.In memory of these Jewish Partisans and countless, nameless others we cry out, “Never again!”
Can I ask what this is a picture of?
p.s. Good work with your story Rochelle!
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According to the caption on the picture on file it’s an aqueduct.
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Ah ok. Decided on a story since I posed my question. Now really doesn’t matter what it is but it’s always good to know.Thanks.
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Dear Rochelle,
The poem by Hanna Senesh? Was it found on the wall of the cell she was describing? Very moving and and tragic and a fitting lead-in to your stellar (as always) story.
Loved the title, too. Very evocative and a testament to your following Mr. Thoreau’s dictum that you post every week. I love reading your stories because I know how much work and love you put into them and because, in the end, when you have put the final punctuation mark in place, they will be riveting examples of flash fiction and examples to us all of how to tell a tale.
Aloha,
Doug
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Dear Doug,
The poem was indeed found in Hannah’s cell after her execution. She was an amazing young woman.
Your kind words warm me and spur me on to write more.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Well said, Doug. This little gal can sure write.
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What? I am first? Wow, I guess when you wake up in the middle of the night strange things come with it.
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Welcome to my world, Joe. Bwahahahahaha.
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amazing and brave. Painful and touching
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Dear Night,
These women were amazing and brave. I only hope I did them some justice. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a story… amazing and touching. I’m drawing a blank at the moment what to write.
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It’s still early, Björn. Don’t rush it. I’m sure inspiration will come.
Glad you liked my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I got a little inspired… and now I’m soon ready.
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A heroic tale.
A brave and inspiring woman – you do her justice in remembering
Thank you
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Thank you, Leslie.
The story really melds two women into one. And they were only two of many others.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That’s a great story. Those are hard times, but as Esther said, better than the alternative.
Thanks for clarifying in the comments what the picture is, although I immediately thought of it as a graveyard. I can see now that it’s not.
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Dear David,
Funny. I originally saw this as a cemetery.
I can’t imagine what these people endured or the courage they had. Thank you for your kind comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Shalom, and may we never forget! I interviewed an Auschwitz survivor. I asked her why she agreed to my interview, and why she so willingly shared a story that I could see caused her such pain to relay. Her response was that we (meaning the next generation) needed to know what happened so that we could make sure it never happened again. Her words, her story, to this day still inspire me. When I struggled to learn to walk again, I had a copy of her picture taped to my walker. In her I saw a strength of faith, of hope, of sheer determination that could not be found in any who had not faced what she faced and survived. Her story began my 20 years of research and recording the personal stories of people faced with such… sigh… we all know that if we forget, then millions will have died in vain. Thank you, Rochelle, for reminding us and keeping the memories alive!
Shalom, Buffy
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Dear Buffy,
Sounds to me like you have a compelling story of your own. Thank you for your inspiring and encouraging comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I struck so speechless.. the story in my mind that goes with this would take far more words than the limit… I didn’t see cemeteries or aquaducts in this pic, what I saw was a gateway into a garden… could it be eden? could it be the overgrown remains of what had once been a gulag, or an auschwitz? Either way, it is inspiring. When I recover from the shock of the story and video, I’ll post something.
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Dear Buffy,
Once more, your comments overwhelm me.
As for your story…it’s not what’s there in the prompt per se, it’s what it makes you see. There’s plenty of time to post. Let it percolate.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Very inspiring these women and your story that pays tribute.
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Thank you, Jenn. They deserve the tribute.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That’s moving.
I think it’s going to have to be a graveyard for Raynard this week 🙂
Mine will be late as I have a date tonight.
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Enjoy your date. Don’t bite her on the neck. 😉
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😆 Funny enough, her name is Saskia. Just kidding
Thanks Rochelle
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It’s finally up 🙂
http://wp.me/pOTN0-1JL
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Oh, Rochelle, this is a touching tribute and a well written story of bravery in the face of certain death. Just lovely, darling… off to read it again now.
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Dear Helena,
What better compliment than you’re wanting to read it again.
shalom,
Rochelle
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This is one of those stories I want to read again and again, Rochelle. So powerful, in so few words, becuase of all we know went with it. I’m sure this prompt will yield a great variety of stories… hopefully I’ll have chance to read a good proportion this week!
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Dear Jen,
You humble me with high praise. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle,
I could feel the adrenaline. Hear her wince in pain. Taste the salt and metal. This story holds truth and tenderness in one hand and the gritty texture of harsh reality in the other.
Moving. Deeply, deeply moving.
Honie
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Many thanks, Honie. To hear that it evoked so much in you evokes gratitude in me.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Nice story Rochelle.
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Thank you, Nifti.
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Searingly, painfully honest and true. Life stories that should (and will) not ever be forgotten! We won’t let them Rochelle! Well done! Very well done indeed!
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Dear Penny,
Admittedly, these types of stories are at the top of my fascination list. These women were amazing. Always makes me wonder what I’d do in the same situation.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I have a hunch on that one, Rochelle – you’d do exceedingly well! 🙂
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What a good tribute to the brave Jewish Partisans. Your stories describe shining moments and suggest much more beyond the action that’s immediately happening. Good stuff!
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Dear Dave,
Many thanks for many compliments.
shalom,
Rochelle
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I know well of Hannah Senesh. I actually was in a very progressive Jr, High in the late 1960’s that showed some films/news footage/documentaries of that time period. And what your charactor says; “Better here than Auschwitz. Go!” Are indeed truth even if the rest of your words are fiction.
Thanks for the prompt of how to get the photo, but alas it is still not enough for one such as computer illiterate as I. I did the right click but got stumped when my computer asked me what to do with it, as in where to file it to retrive it or how to name it. Maybe next week with the help of my son…
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Dear Jules,
Hannah Senesh deserves all of the accolades. But so do so many other partisans who didn’t write poetry. They simply fought with courage and dignity.
shalom,
Rochelle
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So many rigtheous were never recognized, that much is also true. Thank you for keeping this/these memory/memories alive.
Peace.
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I never read the other stories before I post my own and then I read yours first. As always I am floored by the amount of passion you exude in 100 words. Amazing.
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Dear Dawn,
Thank you for your kind words. I do love writing and these little flashes are a passion of mine.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Must … have … MOOOOOOORE!!!!! Bwaaa-hahahahahahaha!!!!!
Homerun, Empress!!! Home run! The winning Powerball Lottery of stories.
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!רב תודות
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One of the saddest movies I’ve ever seen is “The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas.”
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I haven’t seen that one, Lyn. But there are so many out there.
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After all those lovely, and accurate, comments, there isn’t much left to say. I think historical fiction is the thing you do best and I always enjoy your stories, even when they aren’t enjoyable. I’ve read a lot about WWII and your story brought some of these stories to life again. As far as any of the camps were concerned, her line rings completely true and was, I’m sure, said (and acted on) many, many times.
Bravo!
janet
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Dear Janet,
Guess it’s no secret that historical fiction is my favorite. I love doing the research and learning about those who lived before us.
This particular story was one of the most educational for me. I spent an entire day just watching interviews and reading articles. Hannah Senesh I knew but the others I didn’t. And these barely scratch the surface.
Said all that to say thank you for the kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love how you frequently link history to your pieces. I learn AND I enjoy a great bit of writing 🙂
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Many thanks, Carrie. Glad you enjoyed.
shalom,
Rochelle
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wow, the story and the poem are very moving. i honestly don’t know what to say next. you’re really great with these historical fiction pieces.
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You said it all, KZ and I humbly thank you.
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Beautiful as always! I loved the story as well as the “extras.”
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Glad you liked the extras, Jan. This story cried out for them this week. Thank you for your kind words.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Very moving. You packed a lot of detail and emotion into a short space. Definitely one of those where I wish there was more!
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Thank you, Steve. As P.T. Barnum said, “Always leave ’em wanting more.”
shalom,
Rochelle
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Chills down my spine – well done.
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Thank you, Roger. High compliment.
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Bless you Rochelle. Bless you, and never again.
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Thank you for your sweet words, Troy.
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A beautifully moving story Rochelle. There are many such stories to be discovered on our travels through France. Such brave people. Well done.
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Dear Sandra,
Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I am currently reading this book called – “Man’s search for meaning” written by a psychiatrist who survived the Auschwitz concentration camp. Moving. Some experiences, no matter how much you have listened about them, never fail to shock and appall.
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Dear Parul,
There are too many shocking stories to recount. A black spot in history.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A well-developed, powerful, moving story, Rochelle, and the accompanying video added to the drama of those infamous days..
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Thank you, VB.
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Such powerful stories.
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And so many more to tell.
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I’m certain there’s a number of true stories that played out like this. These are the forgotten heroes of ww2. It wasn’t only bombers and battleships that won the war. Civilians, ill-trained for combat, endured great risks for freedom.
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Dear E.A.
Indeed there are numerous true stories to be told. My little piece of fiction is based on two very true stories.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So brave and so sad. Is she planning to try to cut the bullet out, all alone? And of course, antibiotics were barely known at the time and she’s just been crawling through a sewer. The more I think about this story, the more chilling it is – and even so, “Better than Auschwitz.”
All right, now I have tears in my eyes. You keep doing that to me, Rochelle. Good job.
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Dear Sharon,
A writer can’t receive a nicer compliment than a reader with tears in her eyes.
Yes, she is about to cut the bullet out of her leg as did Eta Wrobel, one of the ladies pictured.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Your story and the video gave me goosebumps. This one will stick with me for a long time.
signed , Chigger-picker
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Goosebumps? Thank you, Chigger Picker
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Astounding as always Rochelle. Thank you.
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Thank you, dear Renee
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It’s important that these things / people be kept in the light.
Scott
Mine: http://kindredspirit23.wordpress.com/2013/05/15/friday-fictioneers-5172013-genre-horror-humorous-pg13/
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True story Scott. Thanks for dropping by.
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Figured it was.
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Hi Rochelle. Your writing made the desperation and bravery of this moment so vivid. Wonderful job, as always.
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Thank you. 😀
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Such tension and power in this story, even more so because of the weight of history behind the words. A genuinely moving read.
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Thank you, Trudy.
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This story is emotionally devastating and a tribute to such bravery both. The line “Better here than Auschwitz” is perfect. You have done great honor to these brave women and men. Thank you.
Here’s my frivolous offering: http://unexpectedpaths.com/friday-fictioneers/sex-drugs-and-rock-and-roll/
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Dear Maggie,
The weight of your words both validate and humble. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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May we never forget. Moving story. Long live the Partisans.
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Amen.
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Compelling because of the deep research and truth-saying. I like this: “I gambled on what mattered most,The dice were cast. I lost.” But contradict. She didn’t lose. Ann
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Dear Ann,
Hannah was a hero indeed. Thank you for your compelling comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love your stories based on truth and history. Very well done as always. It makes me wonder if given the same circumstances if I would be as brave. I would like to think so. Thank you Rochelle.
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Dear Jackie,
I, too, wonder if I could be as brave under the same circumstances. Glad you liked my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Extremely touching.
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Thanks, Neen.
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A strong, emotional piece, Rochelle. Your words are powerful I thank you for the sensitive reminder through such a wonderful medium.
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Thank you, Debra for you lovely compliment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle. A powerful story again – the poem by Hannah grounded it, made it real. Excellent stuff.
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Thank you, EL.
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Dear Rochelle
You never disappoint. A strong, emotional story, very moving
Dee
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Thank you, Dee.
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A good story. And the poem is wonderful.
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Thank you, John. The story I take credit for, the poem I cannot. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Keep telling these stories. They must be told – over and over again. So that it will “Never (be) again”. Randy
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Dear Randy,
Every chance I get. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I was crawling along with Esther – another powerful and vivid tale. We need never to forget partisans and resistance fighters.
I have just finished reading all the stories prompted by my photo. I don’t know how you, Janet and the others who read and comment on every story each week do it, but thank you for doing so.
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Dear Sarah,
Thank you for the photo this week and the info with it. Amazing how different minds interpret.
Thank you for your kind words for my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Sorry, everyone, just too much this weekend with Dad. I wrote a bit using the pic for inspiration, but it became a part of a scene from my newest WIP. That said, the scene is 447 words and doesn’t fit the criteria here. If you want to look at it though, here’s the link: http://writingiandad.wordpress.com/2013/05/20/swiftly-swings-c3c-rough/
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What a powerful and riveting read, Rochelle. Yes, we must never forget. I was reading a story about the Holocaust to my son last night and thought about him hearing about it for the first time. It was about a feather bed that later became a feather pillow, but it survived the Holocaust and made its way back to the little girl and her mother.
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Thank you, Amy. There are so many incredible true stories from that horrible time.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, I love Leonard Cohen’s lyrics and very much liked your prose.
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