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. However, I respectfully ask for your consideration. Please refrain from taking the liberty of posting 200 words or more as a Friday Fictioneers story. Thank you.)
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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- Like us on Facebook
- 😉 My story follows the photo and link tool. I enjoy comments and relish constructive criticism. 😀
- Shalom,
Rochelle

Copyright – Randy Mazie
Special thanks to those who have contributed photos. I’m building up quite a library. And on that note, I have a request. Please when emailing your jpgs (some have sent more than four at once) put your name on it somehow. I’m not always the most organized nor do I have the best memory. So far I think all are named and accounted for. Thanks. Don’t stop sending them.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
BRIGHT BLESSED DAY, DARK SACRED NIGHT
Life in 1907 New Orleans made Rebecca Karnofsy question the “land of the free”. As in Russia, they were still persecuted. Scapegoats.
After circling her hands around the candles, she recited the Sabbath prayer, ending with, “Omayn and Gut Shabbos.”
“Gut Shabbos.” Louis’ smile eclipsed his midnight-brown face.
“A fine boy.” Bernie patted his head. “Already he’s repaid my loan.”
One of the Karnofsky boys sniffed. “He just bought a dumb old horn.”
Eyes wider than wide, Louis jumped up from his chair. “Someday dis whole wonderful world gon’ hear my trumpet an’ know my name is Louis Daniel Armstrong!”
*****
As I followed the research threads that led to my flash fiction I found plenty of conflicting information. I did glean from all of it that Louis Armstrong was indeed taken in by the Karnofsky family when he was seven. All versions of the story reported that he wore a star of David around his neck in honor of the people who showed him love and respect when he desperately needed it.
http://www.karnofsky.org/name.html
Very nice. As one interviewer once said, “Louie, how did it feel to be a perspiring young performer?” Actually happened! Haha!
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Well, he did a lot of that, too. 😉 Thanks for commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely story! I had no idea about Armstrong and his links with Judaism. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
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Dear Gabriella,
When I set out to write my story I had a completely different idea. As often is the case, in the research, the threads took me in a totally different direction and I enjoyed the ride. Glad you came along and enjoyed it, too.
shalom,
Rochelle
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I did indeed! 🙂
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That was interesting, didn’t know that. Well done Rochelle, great take on the prompt.
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Dear Sandra,
Thanks for commenting. I love to research because I learn so much. I didn’t know this story until this week. It gave Mr. Armstrong a whole new dimension in my eyes.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That’s quite fascinating, especially since it’s based in reality. You tied this to the picture on several levels. On one hand, the scapegoats, but also, when you mentioned horns and Judaism, I thought of a shofar. I’ll bet Louis Armstrong could get a good sound out of one of those. 🙂
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Dear David,
The most fun of writing this story for me was discovering something new. It pleases me that you caught the nuances I intended.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Well, hello Dolly! You learn sumptin’ nu ev’ry day!
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Dear Randy,
Thought you’d appreciate this one. Who nu? How much do I love research?
Shalom,
Rochelle
PS Great photo. Thank you.
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Interesting backstory on Louis Armstrong–one which I had never heard before. Enjoy getting new insights from Fictioneers’ writings and prompt photos. Great job, Rochelle.
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Dear VB.
I, too, learned something new about Mr. Armstrong. It was a story I could not refuse to write. Glad you enjoyed it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Armstrong is one of my favs. Great story, you did him just and gave me a few ideas as New Orleans is a magical and mystical city to be sure. Nothing like sitting in a little hole in the wall place on Bourbon listening to today’s musicians pay tribute to Armstrong and the other greats.
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Dear Jenn,
I’m guessing you’re referring to Preservation Hall. One of life’s greatest experiences for me.
Glad you liked my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story, and once again you put me to shame with your tangential glances on the picture prompt. Thank you for researching and sharing such wonderful pieces of history for us all.
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Dear Jen,
Thank you for your glowing comments. “R” stands for Rochelle and Research. 😉 Glad you liked it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Sadly that is one of the few Armstrong songs I know well enough to attribute to him. He was an conic talent, unlike any on the scene right now with a trumpet.
On a side note I am having issues putting the blue winky guy on my post. Which link is correct?
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Dear Joe,
I’m really not familiar with a lot of his songs either, but he was an institution during my childhood. I loved watching that beautiful face. So expressive and sweet.
As for the winky-linky guy I think the second is the one you’d use.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Louis prophetically spoke and it came to pass.
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Dear Kwadwo,
To the best of my knowledge, the ending line is pure fiction. In any case he lived the story. He was a marvel.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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How do I send photos?
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Attach your jpg’s to an email and send it to Runtshell@aol.com
If at all possible, put your name in the title so I don’t lose it in the milieu. Thanks, Dawn.
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Thanks
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Loved it, Rochelle! The history behind it was great.
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Dear Wanderer,
Always nice words to read. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks for writing this — I learned something new!
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Dear H. Ken,
In this case, the teacher is also the student. I happened on this story in various forms of conflicting information. Glad you liked it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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thank you, we always learn something new from your stories and at the same time enjoy masterfully written fiction. the fact that the story’s inspired by reality makes it even more effective 🙂
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Dear KZ,
Thank you for your glowing comments. I’m warmed by them. always happy to share new bits of information. The true story was new to me as well.
shalom,
Rochelle
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great background on this talented musician
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Thank you, Moondust.
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Ah! What a nice heartwarming story. And that video is very touching! 😀
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Dear Linda,
Did that man have an amazing face or what? I keep watching the video over and over. Glad you liked the story, too.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle – he was indeed brilliant artist, thanks for the insight. 🙂
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Dear Bill,
Always happy to share as I learn.;)
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Indeed!
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🙂
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once again, an intriguing ,entertaining story that taught me something 🙂
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Dear Carrie,
Compliments don’t get much better. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Another week, another interesting bit of information to learn, from you as well as from others. FF is not only a writing learning experience but any number of doors opening up new horizons each week.
One thing that reading your stories has reinforced is that if you’re Jewish, you have an entire background from which to draw that’s not available to non-Jewish people. I know it’s “available” in the sense that you don’t have to be Jewish to write stories about Jewish people or incidents, but it’s not the same. It wouldn’t even be the same if I wrote stories about Germans, even though that’s my ancestry. It’s like dual citizenship, I guess, is the best example I can use. Anyway, you use it well. 🙂 (And yes, Perry, Randy and others, so do you.)
janet
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Dear Janet,
I hadn’t really thought about it in quite that way. Jewish is who I am and have always been. Kind of interesting to see it from the other side. I’ll admit that when I came across Armstrong’s Jewish connection, it was as natural as breathing to write this story from the Jewish woman’s point of view.
Thanks for your kind comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love to learn new things. This is such an inspiration in a world filled with bigottery.. Love your take Rochelle, and you do historical fiction as no-one else. The connection to the scape-goat is hilarious (never crossed my mind)
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Dear Björn,
Interestingly the scapegoat is a part of Jewish history and scripture.
Thank you so much for your kind words.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Mrs Phelps
Your stories always teach me something I never knew, partly the result of your heritage which draws on such a wealth of experiences from Jewish people all over the world, and partly because of the journey you take us on with your own particular take on the prompt each week.
Long may it continue to be so.
Over and out
Dee
🙂
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Dear Dee,
Your comments overwhelm me. Thank you so much. Stay tuned for the next mission. 😉 It won’t be impossible.
Shalom,
Mrs. Phelps
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Zoopity-doo-zap-zee-doooooo! (That’s scat for “lovely, darling!”)
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Skit-dad-in-dee-da-da (Thank you, dear)
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I had no idea about this. Thanks for weaving a wonderful tale based on a true story.
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Dear Dawn,
For me truth enriches the best fiction.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Loved, loved, LOVED this! Well written and well done. Gave me goose bumps.
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Dear Ms. T,
What can I say to a comment like that other than “Thank you.”
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I really enjoy the history you share with your posts. I almost forgot it was Wednesday. While the little one was napping I got to pop-in and check my mail and Alastair reminded me it was time to write! I watched my grandson for a good part of the day because Mom and dad are at the Woman’s and Babies hospital waiting on the arrival of his sibling. Grandson is with Nana and Pop-pop now. No news to report yet…
But it is about 9:30pm here and I’ve just posted my side of the A & J continuing story 🙂
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Thank you, Jules.
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I loved this, and as always, the “extras” were delightful! I always learn something from you:-)
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Thank you Jan. I’m glad you enjoyed it as much as i enjoyed writing this one. Great fun in the process and discovery.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a wonderful story! I didn’t know about this, so it was neat to learn. Armstrong gave the world lots of fantastic music; I liked this story about people giving Armstrong love as a child.
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Dear Dave,
I, too, learned something with this story. I happened on this story quite by “accident” as I was pursuing a different story line. I’m pleased that you liked it.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Most of your stories appear to be “quite by accident”, but they really aren’t. They are due to your very vivid imagination, and meticulous research, which always seem to send you in a different direction. I am jealous of your phenomenal talent and dedication to your writing.
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Loved your story, Rochelle. I feel so ignorant but thanks to you for sharing your knowledge. I had to read it 3-4 times. Loved your Louis’ smile eclipsed his midnight-brown face.expression ‘ . Loved the ending. I enjoy your blog and others stories also.
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Dear Indira,
I’m glad you liked the story despite our cultural divide. No need to feel ignorant. Our experiences are different which makes this so exciting for me.
shalom,
Rochelle
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great story Rochelle made more interesting by the learning in it 🙂
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Dear Shreyank,
Thank you for your lovely comments. My favorite stories to write are the ones that teach me something I didn’t know before. This is one. Glad you enjoyed it as well.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Fascinating piece and I knew nothing about Armstrong’s boyhood. Parallels about the black/Jewish experience in America make an this extremely telling piece.
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Dear Perry,
Until a few days ago, I knew nothing of it either. One of the things said about Armstrong was that he, too, saw the parallels and that the Jews in New Orleans were treated like the blacks.
Thanks for commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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love it!
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😀
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Awesome story, Lady Victoria. This week you truly are the Queen of Cerebral Enlightenment. I really enjoyed the video. I’ve always considered that one of the most beautiful songs ever written.
Sincerely,
Alfonso
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Dear Alfonso,
So happy you liked it, story and song. I can’t stop watching the video myself. You may kiss my ring.
Shalom,
Lady Victoria
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I loved this. I knew about Louis Armstrong’s links with Judaism, so this was a lovely reminder. And an unusual prompt… 🙂
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Dear Freya,
You are in the happy minority on this one. I only discovered Armstrong’s Jewish connection in researching for quite a different story. Happy you liked it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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As usual, touching and insightful peep into the past.
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Thank you, Linda.
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Tidy tale with a lovely bit of background. thanks for that – it was something we didn’t know about Louis and really appreciated it. He was always very warm and wonderful to musicians coming up, giving them places to stay, places to crash with him, etc.
thanks again,
Lindaura
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Dear Linda,
I wish that I could’ve known him in that way. In performance there was something very special about him. An aura, if you will. In any case, this story was a learning experience for me and a joy to write.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Loved it Rochelle, especially as it dawned on me. Great research we can learn as we enjoy a read from your wonderful head!
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Dear Neen,
Happy you liked it and, together, we learned something new.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That’s a wonderful story. And nice that it’s true. Echos of Trevor Huddleston giving an old trumpet to Hugh Masekela in apartheid South Africa.
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Dear Patrick,
Happy you liked the story. I’ll have to look up Trevor Huddleston and Hugh Masekela. Sounds like another fascinating story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh, I was raised on Louis Armstrong records and Dixieland jazz. I always knew him more for his trumpet playing and songs like “When the Saints go Marchin In” and “Didn’t He Ramble.” Armstrong was a genius. Ahead of his time. This is a great ode to a great man.
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Dear E.A.
Thank you for your kind words. Nice to know that Armstrong’s music was far reaching.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Every time I hear “Wonderful World” from now on, I’ll remember this great insight into one of the best musicians of our time. A wonderful homage.
Here’s mine: http://unexpectedpaths.com/friday-fictioneers/judas-goats/
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Dear Maggie,
Thank you for your warming words. It makes me happy to know this story and song left an impression.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story. One of the reasons I love research so much is you learn new things all the time. 🙂
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Dear Jackie,
If only I’d been so excited about research when I was in school. The mere mention of a “research paper” struck terror in my heart.
Glad you liked the story.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely tribute! I enjoy learning something new when I read.
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Dear Erin,
Pleased to be of service. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle,
I love how you made this connection. It’s a bit of background most people wouldn’t pick up on and I think that you naturally related to this story makes it even more interesting. I too often find I start out with a completely different idea than what I end up writing.
Educational and entertaining as always!
Honie
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Dear Honie,
Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape. Actually I love it when a story that I thought I was writing takes a detour into a different place. It’s true that when I learned of Armstrong’s Jewish connection I was drawn in and scratched at the internet to find more.
Thank you for your kind compliments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, Excellently beautiful. Thank you for your wonderful words about a wonderful man and a small piece of his history!
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Dear Penny,
Thank you for your wonderful words. Nothing is more fun than sharing new-found knowledge. Glad you enjoyed it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I liked the ‘scapegoat’ approach, which turned into a true tale. Didn’t know this about Louis. Very original take on the prompt. Omayn! (Hope that means what I think it means). Ann
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Dear Ann,
Glad you liked “scapegoat” …I like to give the prompt a nod before leaping out of the box. As for Louis, I didn’t know that story until this past week either. If you think Omayn means Amen, you would be correct. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This is such a wonderful and inspiring story. Love the way you got in so much information about the relationship between Louis and the family.
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Thank you, Randy, for such a wonderful picture to work with this week. Afraid it left me a bit morose for the write, though. Reminded me too much of my hubs favorite goat from childhood. I’ve heard all the stories of his beloved Zantippie… My story is for him…
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Memories of my dad who just adored Louis Armstrong. It’s a lovely story Rochelle.
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Rochelle, I loved your story about “Satchmo”. I also like the idea of writing the story one finds in a photo. Perhaps it is time to consider the 100 word challenge?
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Just testing here Rochelle; WordPress are telling me they’ve put the problem right now.
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Yay! And it would appear they might be right.
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I learn something new each time from your stories. Thanks for pointing this out to me.
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