12 July 2013

Published July 10, 2013 by rochellewisoff

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.”

********

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).
    •  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 follows the photo and link tool. I enjoy comments and relish constructive criticism. 😀
  • Shalom,

              Rochelle

goats_and_graves_3_randy_mazie

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. 

 

get the InLinkz code

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!”

*****

Young Louis Armstrong with his mother and sister.

Young Louis Armstrong with his mother and sister.

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

100 comments on “12 July 2013

    • 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

      Like

  • 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. 🙂

    Like

  • 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.

    Like

  • 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.

    Like

  • 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.

    Like

  • 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?

    Like

    • 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

      Like

  • 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 🙂

    Like

  • 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

    Like

    • 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

      Like

  • 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
    🙂

    Like

  • 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 🙂

    Like

  • 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.

    Like

      • 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.

        Like

  • 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.

    Like

    • 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

      Like

    • 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

      Like

  • 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

    Like

  • 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

    Like

    • 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

      Like

  • 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.

    Like

  • 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

    Like

    • 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

      Like

  • 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

    Like

    • 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

      Like

  • 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.

    Like

  • 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…

    Like

  • 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?

    Like

  • Speak to me so I know someone's reading me. (Your comments brighten my day.)

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple

    Growing older is inevitable. Growing up is optional.

    Linda's Bible Study

    Come study God's Word with me!

    Just Writing!

    A place to improve my writing skills, and that's all.

    lindacapple

    Writing from the Soul, Speaking from the Heart

    Real World Magic

    Bringing Visions to Life

    Riverbrat

    Navigating the mountains and valleys of everyday life on the riverbank.

    Our Literary Journey

    Driveling twaddle by an old flapdoodle.

    Saania's diary - reflections, learnings, sparkles

    Life is all about being curious, asking questions, and discovering your passion. And it can be fun!

    Invincible Woman on Wheels

    Conquering the World

    This, that and the other thing

    Looking at life through photography and words

    Kelvin M. Knight

    Reading. Listening. Writing.

    Na'ama Yehuda

    Speech Language Pathologist, Writer, Blogger -- musings, anecdotes, stories, quotes, life lessons and growth

    Diane's Ponderings

    Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

    Penz-o-Paula

    Paula Shablo

    Lost Imperfect Found

    Self-discovery through self-reflection.

    Sarah Potter Writes

    Pursued by the muses of prose, poetry, and art

    Sammi Cox

    Author Aspiring

    Neil MacDonald Author

    A writer's journey

    Autumn Leaves

    For those who enjoy fiction

    Native Heritage Project

    Documenting the Ancestors

    Living In Eternity

    If Eternity Is Forever, Am I There Now?

    Rereading Jane Eyre

    Author Luccia Gray