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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- 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.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
When an Amish youth reaches the age of 16, he or she is given a time to explore life outside the polarized community that’s changed little since the 16th century. If the child returns all sins are forgiven and she will be baptized into the church and subsequently married.
90 % of Amish teenagers will choose their parents’ lifestyle. This time of sanctioned rebellion is known in Pennsylvania Dutch as…
RUMSPRINGA
Out for a walk in the night, lost in thought, I didn’t see him until we collided. I apologized repeatedly.
“No, it’s me. Without me glasses I’m fair blind.” He pointed at my bonnet. “Costume party?”
“Amish. I’m in New York to choose my future—my parent’s home or the modern world.”
“Do you like rock and roll?”
“What’s that?”
“You really don’t know, do you?”
“No.”
“What’ll you choose—1694 or 1964?”
“Not sure. I hate big crowds.”
“So do I.” He offered his hand. “Pleased to meet you, Miss…”
“Julia.”
“Fab name.”
“And you, sir?”
“John. John Lennon.”
Rochelle,
that’s quite a fab story. I like the might-have-beens mixed in with it. I wonder which she will choose?
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Dear David,
Glad you liked the story. I always love a good “why not”. Honestly I don’t know what she’ll choose. I started to write her decision but just ran out of words. Drat that limit anyway. 😉
shalom,
Rochelle
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I know what you mean about the limit. On one hand, it keeps you on your toes, but it’s so frustrating when you’re trying to cram a 110-word story into 100 words.
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I like the different cultural settings that you incorporate each week. Well done, enjoyed it.
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Dear Sandra,
Thank you for your kind words. I’ll admit to enjoying the cultural explorations. As always, I learn a lot in the research.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh, the research is fun, is it not! I love researching other cultures, including my own.
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Very clever use of two very different life styles! A story which made me smile.
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Dear Hannah,
It makes me smile to make you smile. 😀
shalom
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
Help, I need somebody. Help, not just anybody.
You keep me hanging on.
It’s been a hard day’s night.
Thank you.
Aloha,
Doug
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Dear Doug,
Love flows on within you and without you.
Thank you for your comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’ve got your help, but you’ll have to hop into my yellow submarine for a trip around the world. LOL!
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Not a big Beatles fan but a big fan of your stories This is another example of the articulate, enjoyable renderings of your flexible writer’s mind.
janet
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Dear Janet,
Wow. That comment was almost poetry in and of itself. Thank you.
I was and am a huge Beatles fan. Funny the stories that come to one while exercising and watching a documentary of the Beatles’ first US tour (which started in New York), isn’t it? The rest of it, of course, took a little research.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Love the pop-culture meets old school culture. Some Julias chose the 60s and others returned home
delightful Rochelle as always…
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Dear Moondust,
I’m glad you liked my “when cultures collide” story. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle,
I’m quite fond of reading Beverly Lewis’ books on the Amish. So, when I read your little story on Rumpringa I smiled. I can just picture them spending the afternoon together. John Lennon would have been thankful to spend an afternoon with one not tainted by his fame, one who would see him as a person first. Julia would enjoy the day as well, talking to sucha handsome gentlemen despite his strange accent. What an excellent image to carry me into a great weekend!
Buffy
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Dear Buffy,
I’m glad you liked my story. I thought, too, that if any of the four lads would want to escape the screaming crowds it would’ve been John.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, not knowing the term rumspringa I read your story and then had to read it again. Then I looked up the term. Clever!
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Dear Lynda,
Happy you liked my story and glad it was a learning experience as well. I love writing historical and cultural pieces because ultimately they’re educational for the author.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Worlds collide. I love how your stories always take me so far from the picture and into another time or place.
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Dear Jen,
Happy to be your tour guide this week. Glad you enjoyed.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The research you carry out really pays off – it gives such depth and detail to your tales, and always fits in so seamlessly. This one had some particularly strong moments in only 100 words. I laughed aloud in delight at first reading, then read from a different angle. What a great story to launch a discussion or debate too!
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Dear Managua,
How gratifying and delightful to me as a writer to read your comments. I love to write a story that launches discussion. Thank you so much for your kind words. .
shalom,
Rochelle
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Hello, Rochelle. I am a new visitor to your blog. For this piece, I think you executed great balance. You managed to keep the twist a surprise, but when I went back and re-read John’s lines, they were believable. Nicely done!
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Oh, gee, Amber, reading your comment, now I want to go back and look at the words. 🙂
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Dear Amber,
Welcome, welcome. Glad you have you aboard, Amber. Happy to know the dialogue was believable for you. I enjoyed your story as well.
shalom,
Rochelle
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My darling Rochelle,
If I were Julia, I would have run away with him. To be loved by John for even one night would have been a dream come true. First of all, because he was British. Secondly, because he was handsome. And third, well third, is because he was a writer of course. Who wouldn’t want to share a moment with a man like that???
Always,
Renee
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Dear Renee,
Here it is Sunday and I’m finally getting around to answering my own comments. As John wrote, “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.”
Actually as a kid I was a Paul McCartney fan. In retrospect I find that I relate to John more.
In this instance, at least in my mind, I don’t think Julia would’ve considered running away with him, nor he with her. I do think to have met someone so isolated and unassuming would’ve been refreshing.
Glad you liked it, my friend. Thank you for your comments…always welcome. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
Of course they wouldn’t have run away together, but what a fun night they would have had. Can you imagine the memory of it, even as she aged? And then the torment should have felt when she heard the news of his death. She would have been shattered.
John was one of those poets that I’ve always identified with. He was ‘out there’, but I understand everything he did.
I stood by his memorial once. People had laid flowers on the peace sign. I, though I never knew him, became teary eyed. I looked up from the stone and took in the gas lamps of the Dakota where he was shot. I wondered why a poet’s blood was spilled. In that instant, I was 11 again, lying in my bed, crying for a man that I never knew.
Love, Renee
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Dear Renee,
Thank you for your sweet reply. I think in a way they did have a fun night. It seems to me and what I know (very little really) of John that at this point in his life he would’ve just relished the peace and friendly conversation with an adolescent girl who wasn’t fawning all over him. All manner of things to speculate, aren’t there?
shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
I’m sure you’re right. He would have enjoyed the simplicity of a quiet night and a cup of coffee. He wouldn’t have had to do anything but be himself. He’d tell her about the city. Maybe take her to the top of The Empire State Building. They’d look out at the city and possibly hold hands for a moment. In that night, she may have decided to go home. To live the quiet life, because he couldn’t anymore. She did have that choice didn’t she? To go back to anonymity. John never did get that choice. He became a legend after being assassinated. You know, she probably didn’t ever hear about his death.
Love, Renee
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I actually felt some chemistry between them, so I have an inkling of what she might choose! Love the story, Rochelle.
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Dear Sandra,
Glad you liked my little “what if” story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Cute. I saw this ex-Amish author speak last year. http://salomafurlong.com/
Her story starts about 1:05, 1:06 in the PBS documentary linked on her site, where she talks about making the same kind of choice Julia is about to make.
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Actually that’s 1:05:00 to 1:06:00, somewhere in there. Though I think her choice was as much for a chance to continue her education that had stopped in 8th grade, though it was also for love and the freedom to make her own choices.
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Dear Kelly,
I haven’t had a chance yet to follow your link. I’ve watched a few of those types of videos of the Amish Rumspringa and the choices made. A lot of them out there.
Glad you liked my story and interesting that you decided to write a similar story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Sweet story, Rochelle… I can see that happening just the way you wrote it. Always an education to read your stories.
I love Janet’s photo, and hope inspiration strikes. I am so busy right now it has to come out of the blue it seems, and then to have time to put it together. I always thought ‘you should make the time to write’… it isn’t that easy it seems.
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Dear Ted,
I’m glad you took the time to swing by. (And liked my story). Often, I’m the one who receives an education when I write these historical pieces.
I understand about time. It’s Sunday and I’ve finally finished reading stories and commenting. Now getting around to answer comments on my page.
Thanks again and Shalom,
Rochelle
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I was just reading some of her blog @ http://aboutamish.blogspot.com/.
Two things struck me: the Amish actually call outsiders “the English”. Also I didn’t know that there was a market for very chaste “Amish romances” and had to laugh at the mention of an “English” woman hiding her Amish Romance book when she went to the gym!
I may just read other FF stories this week since last week I posted a story but never got the chance to go around and read the other stories. My muse doesn’t seem to be around this week, anyway.
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Dear Kelly,
I’ll admit some influence came from a couple of Amish movies and subsequent research. Fascinating culture.
Glad you stopped by to comment and share.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This one was so much fun, on so many levels! What a great set-up for a movie it would be!
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Thank you, Kristin.
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I recall a “Cold Case” serie with that Amish ritual… Prety amazing. and the whatif of this story is pretty amazing… 🙂
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Thank you, Björn. Glad you liked it.
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Great story–a really creative interpretation of the prompt! I like the way that it ends, leaving the reader to wonder. Since she was still wearing her bonnet, I imagined that she had just arrived in the city and still had a lot of experimenting to do 🙂
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Dear Jan,
Actually in the documentaries I recently watched it seemed the girls were more likely to stay with their Amish garb through Rumspringa. Although for Julia to not have an inkling with whom she spoke, I tend to agree that she must’ve just arrived.
Thanks for your kind comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Loved it Rochelle!!
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Glad to hear it, John. Thank you.
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That was nice. I love that sort of “what if?” story. Very imaginative Rochelle.
On a slightly different note, I can’t wait to see what Russell will call you this week 😀
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Thank you, Lyn. “What if’s” are fun to write.
As far as Russell’s concerned, I too look forward to my weekly name. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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OMG. You just HAD to go there, didn’t you? 😉
Glad you DID, though! Enjoyable!
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“Half of what I say is meaningless, but I say it just to reach you, Julia.” 😉
Glad you liked it Kent, I enjoyed writing it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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And thank you for knowing just where it was I went. 😉
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However … why was John Lennon walking the streets of New York City since, with that hair, he was so noticeable?
Answer: because it’s in the STORY!!!!
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Probably was wearing a cap over the hair…possibly 3:00 in the blessed a.m. Two cases of insomnia going on. His and Julia. He wants to get away from the crowded hotel room. In my head it works.
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Exactly!
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Oh my, I am embarrassed to admit that that made me swoon.
It was a nice feeling, thanks Rochelle. 🙂
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Aw, Dawn…how sweet of you. 😀 I don’t know if anyone’s ever swooned over one of my stories before
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lol…if you had of used Ringo or Paul the feeling wouldn’t be the same. Good choice.
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It seemed to me that if any of the Fab Four were going to make a break from the adoring crowd it would’ve been John. 😉
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I wonder how many John Lennon’s we’ve lost in 1694. Lovely story.
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Dear Roger,
To each their own choices. 😉 Thank you for the lovely compliment.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh Rochelle! What a wonderful “what if” story. I loved how you combined two sweet people from two completely different worlds. I’m beginning to see a pattern here. You’re a darn good writer!! Next week I’m hoping for a story about how Yoko Ono turns Amish . . .
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Dear Linda,
That was a darn nice thing to say! However think a “what if” such as Yoko Ono turning Amish is a stretch even for me. 😉
The challenge, once I had the bones of the idea, was to find a young girl in 1964 New York City who didn’t know about the Beatles. But I’m here because I love the challenge.
Thanks for your comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Fascinating story, as usual! But was half of what they said meaningless?
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Dear Perry,
Ocean child calls me…so I sing the song of love…
Thanks for the comments. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Salaam,
Thanks for the prompt.
Loved the line 1694 or 1964?
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Dear Yarnspinner.
Glad you liked the prompt. When Janet sent me the picture I couldn’t wait to use it. and I’m glad you picked up on that line. Thanks to my midnight muse.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle
A wonderful idea! Maybe she’ll head back to her world singing: All You Need Is Love!
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Dear EL,
You never know. Glad you liked my story. Whether or not she went back she certainly had a story to tell her grandchildren.
shalom,
Rochelle
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I don’t know much about Mr. Lennon and wasn’t sure if this was a true story. Curious what she might have decided.
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Dear Joe,
To my knowledge, this is a work of complete fiction. I’m not sure myself what she might have decided. I probably won’t pursue this one as a longer piece. Feels complete to me.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Fab 🙂
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Thanks. 😀
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I love the idea of a chance meeting like this, and I think Lennon was the perfect Beatle for her to bump into – he seemed very open to new ideas and ways of looking at the world.
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Dear Trudy,
I thought so too. I also figured if anyone was going to jump ship for a while it would be John. He didn’t enjoy the screaming hordes. In one interview, when asked why he didn’t wear his glasses onstage, he said so he couldn’t see the crowds.
Thank you for your kind comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That was wonderful! I loved it!
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Thank you, Pam. 😀
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Rochelle,
I’m so amazed that you incorporated the Beatles into this prompt. Fab! So unexpected and rich.
Amy
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Dear Amy,
The ideas are often unexpected when they pop in my head. This one came as I was watching a documentary about the Beatles first American tour, starting with NYC. The rest is…um…er…history. 😉
Glad you liked it. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, I thought this was just brilliant. My heart sank when I realised Julia is meeting John Lennon. I wanted to protect her. This vaguely resembles his marriage to his first wife Cynthia who, apparently, was also a bit of an innocent, at least well protected middle class young woman when they met at college. She didn’t come out of it too well. Yoko Ono was, however, a good match for him.
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Dear Petru,
True. Poor Cyn and Julian got the short end. However my intentions in this story were simple. No romance intended. This was a very young John Lennon out to escape the crowds of shrieking teens. Julia had no idea who he or the Beatles were.
Nice that the story evoked emotion for you. Thank you for your kind comments.
shalom,
Rochelle
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That’s hilarious. And awesome. She doesn’t know who she just met! 😛
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Dear LW,
Once the idea implanted itself it was a challenge to come up with a teenage girl in 1964 NYC who wouldn’t know about the Beatles. Glad you liked it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story! Lots of speculation about who Julia was in the song, and you gave a whimsical and yet plausible explanation. Loved it!
Here’s mine: http://unexpectedpaths.com/friday-fictioneers/put-on-your-red-dress/
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Dear Maggie,
Glad you liked the story. I didn’t realize there was a lot of speculation about the song. I’d read and heard in more than one interview that the song was a tribute to his beloved mother, Julia Lennon who was hit by a car and died when John was a young teen.
Although it’s nice to think my Julia could’ve factored into his song. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love reading your stories. I never know what I am going to learn next! Also helps when you are such a good writer. 🙂
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Thank you, Jackie. I never get tired of compliments like that. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a clash of cultures, but that’s what happens in cities. I imagine she went with him to find out what rock and roll was all about if nothing else. Such a great idea.
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Dear Sarah,
I suppose it’s a distinct possibility since Rumspringa is about seeing the outside “English” world. Glad you liked it. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Your earned the nickname “Magic Wanda” this week. The wave you weave beautiful stories from these prompts is truly magical. Outstanding!
Yours truly, Homer Sapien
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Dear Homer,
Thank you for your kind words. Magical and outstanding. I like those words. Will have to use my wand to shrink my head down to normal size.
Shalom,
M. Wanda
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Loved that! You always come up with good ones.
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Many thanks, Linda.
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Dear Rochelle
Loved this.
A great Beatles fan, their music was part of my growing up, a lovely reminder.
Take care
Dee
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Dear Dee,
I was and really still am a Beatles fan. I remember seeing them on the Ed Sullivan show. Love at first sight (Paul, in particular). Glad you liked the story.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle a great story in dialogue – loved that it was Lennon and that Julia who wouldn’t have known who he was! A big Beatles/ Lennon fan here too.
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Thank you, Neen. Glad you liked it. What’s not to like about the Beatles.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh, I loved the prompt, and especially enjoyed reading everyone’s take on the pic and prompt! I was offline Friday due to storms, so this morning was make up time reading! It was lovely! 🙂
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This is the first time I’ve done one of these. It’s not a 100 words for I have combined it with another blog challenge but here it is if you want to read it.
http://artifactsandfictions.wordpress.com/2013/06/02/flutes-silver-lining/
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lucky girl! 🙂 i always learn something new from your stories. wonderful.
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Dear KZ
I’ve been missing you this week. Thank you for your kind words. Glad you liked the story. (I, too, learned something new. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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as i trail in at the end here…like many of your readers, i love this historical fictional story. makes you wonder how it would turn out. i think for a famous person to meet someone as innocent as Julia, it would be a refreshing moment. she could see not the famous John but just another guy. great story.
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Dear Sunshine,
Your comment, like your story, makes me smile. You went exactly where I wanted you to go. I think, even by February, 1964 when this takes place, John had already grown weary of the being chased and pawed. Seems that he, more than the other three, got more than he bargained for in his quest for fame.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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i read a biography on J. Lennon. he did appear to struggle the most with fame. it seems his home life was not ideal so that in itself created stumbling blocks in later life. i think it was good he and Yoko got together. actually, when i look at their photos together, they almost look alike. amazing. ♥
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I always love when fact and fiction collide! This was a fun read!
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By the way, I just stumbled here recently, (thanks to Penny). And I must say Rochelle, your blog is enjoyable and brilliant!
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Dear Shainbird,
Thank you twice. Writing and Friday Fictioneers are two of my passions. Glad you dropped by .
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wow, talk about different universes colliding! More, more – I want to know what happens next 🙂
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Dear Sharon-Come-Lately,
P.T. Barnum said, “Always leave ’em wanting more.” 😉 Glad you stopped by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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And you’re a woman after old P.T.’s heart! 😉
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