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 –Anelephantcant
Last week some Friday Fictioneers, including myself, had issues with valid comments going to their spam folders. Be sure to go to your dashboard every so often to make sure it’s not happening to you. Also, you can contact Akismet directly at support@akismet.com to register it, and for further updates, including the experiences of others or check out the following site: http://en.forums.wordpress.com/topic/i-cant-seem-to-comment?replies=24
*Thanks to Sandra Crook for doing the leg -work on this.*
Genre: Literary Fiction
Word Count: 100
ORDINARY GIRL
The surgeon told her she’d never walk again.
Not long after that, Grandpa Farthing came for a visit. “How’s my favorite cyclist?”
“Crippled.”
“Pity-party? Here, celebrate with this.” He tossed a book into her lap. “I enjoyed it as a boy.”
“‘Around the World on a Bicycle’?”
“By Thomas Stevens. Rode it on a big-wheeled contraption called a Penny Farthing.”
“You’re joking.”
“Nope.”
Two years later, inspired by Stevens’ determination, she labored to prove the doctors wrong and registered for her first Penny Farthing race.
The official stared at her signature. “You’re joking.”
“Nope, Miss Penelope Farthing at your service.”
You can find more about Thomas Stevens who rode what was then known as an Ordinary Bicycle by clicking here . For more in depth reading the book is available on Amazon.com.
The ordinary bicycle was nicknamed “Penny Farthing” for its shape:
Great feel-good story! Thank you for the additional information.
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Dear Gabriella,
Thank you for dropping by and commenting. Glad my story made you feel good. It felt good to write…always does when I receive an education in the process. 😉
Going to read yours now.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Gosh!
AnElephant is so excited to see his photograph here.
Now he had better write a decent story.
Thank you, Rochelle.
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Dear Elephant,
It’s a great pic. Thanks for the use of it. I had a lot of fun with it! Looking forward to reading your story.
shalom,
Rochelle
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ps The Spam problem seems to be growing quite serious.
Comments are being lost more frequently in both directions.
Does it help if we flood Akismet with info?
Will it convince them to do something more quickly or just bog them down in mail?
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I can’t say, El. Sandra says that the problem seems to be rectified and was mostly a problem for UK customers. Still, I’d keep checking your Spam folder.
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Your story is informative. I’ve never heard of the Penny Farthing until today. The additional video gives it the punch it needs for your readers. Thumbs up!
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Dear Kwadwo,
I learned of the Penny Farthing in researching bicycles. I love the way a story unfolds through research. I’m pleased that it resonates with you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story with a happy ending. That’s not a bike you’d catch me riding!
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Dear Sharon,
See? I can write a happy ending. 😉 I hope you had as much fun reading as I had writing. I agree, there’s no way I’d even attempt to ride one of those things.
shalom,
Rochelle
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What a lovely story… and I appreciate the story around it.
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Dear Björn,
I’m glad you liked it. I had a blast writing this one, if for nothing else, the digging i had to do for it.
shalom,
Rochelle
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What a great story, and I love the reference to the book as well. I just downloaded the Kindle version of it and look forward to reading it.
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Dear David,
You’ll have to tell me how the book is. I thought about downloading it to Kindle and I still might but I’ve got a rather lengthy reading list as it is. Glad you liked my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It’s on my list but I probably won’t get to it immediately. I’ll let you know though.
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My first time participating! I loved your story. I’m going to have to check out that book now – how intriguing! 🙂
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Dear RCK,
Welcome to the party! Happy you liked my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a heartening story! Very enjoyable. Thanks, Rochelle. 🙂
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My pleasure, Miss KZebra. 😉
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Brilliant take on the story Rochelle. Uplifting. And humorous. Love the twist with the name. And the relationships. Dialogue (I like ‘Pity-Party). I remember … I was going to reminisce about buying sweeties with farthings, then realised this is the story I have to write this week! You have just had a sneek preview. I filled in a form at the Akismet web site about the spam problem. I too came down with this. Interesting it seems a UK problem.
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Dear Ann,
I’m glad you liked the story. I love to play with words. Guess you could call me a logophile.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A nice little story to start my day off right, Rochelle! I’ve always wondered about those big wheeled bicycles. I don’t think I ever want to ride one though!
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Dear Linda,
Nice to hear that I started someone’s day off right. When I chose the prompt, I started with looking up bicycle history. My searching led me this particular bike. Fascinating and amazing that they still race them, isn’t it? You won’t catch me on one those contraptions either.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Penny Farthings are not the easiest of bicycles to ride, either! I rode one at the historical society many years ago. Could barely reach the pedals, and very difficult to balance….probably why they aren’t used anymore…
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We all must overcome some limitations, even if they aren’t as stark as the ones the MC faced in your story. When we do we become stronger and better prepared to face out next challenge.
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Dear Joe,
I had a friend who used to refer to obstacles as opportunities. Thanks for dropping by and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’ve ridden in several trips where we cover 100s of miles ( on a road bike) wonder how far they can go on a farthing?
delightful background and story Rochelle
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Dear Leslie,
I don’t know how many miles they ride those crazy things but there are quite a few videos on You Tube. Even one with instructions on how to mount one. Glad you enjoyed my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
I love the positive mental attitude of your MC. We can if we think we can. And your way of choosing these pictures.
Well done!
-Charles.
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Dear Charles,
Thanks for your compliments on all counts.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Excellent and quite clever story, Rochelle. I’m high in the Sierras… Wait! That doesn’t sound right… I’m camping in the woods and internet and writing time is sparse… but, I’m keeping my eye on you.
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Dear Ted,
I’m so pleased you dropped in from your high place. I’m a little intimidated with your eye on me. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That’s sweet! And I can see why she thought Grandpa was kidding 😉
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Dear Sharon,
Penny Farthing was just too good to pass up. 😉 Glad you liked it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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very lovely and inspiring story 🙂 such a sweet grandpa! i love the relationship they have and i like your character, she has guts 🙂
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Dear KZ,
Glad you stopped by. And yes, the underlying message to the story is that Penny has courage.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ha ha, wonderful play on words.
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Thank you, Dawn.
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I really enjoy the hisory you incorporate into your Flash Fiction.
Gotta love a gal with chutzpha!
I’ve two this week. I haven’t posted the Vamp story yet as I’m waiting on Alastair.
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Dear Jules,
Half the fun of writing is reading and learning. Glad you enjoyed it.
shalom,
Rochelle
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As ever, Rochelle, I enjoyed your story and the education it brought. For me though it wasn’t a favourite – the name felt a little like a punchline and i think the story might have been stronger without it. Just personal opinion though.
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Dear Jen,
I appreciate your honesty. (Never hesitate there.) I’m glad there were positives for you and that you did enjoy my story. To be honest, the name is indeed a punchline and was my intent from the get-go. We’ll agree to disagree on this one. 😉 Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Absolutely. And there’s nothing wrong with a joke story; I just enjoy your deeper ones! Thank you for letting me be honest.
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Thank goodness. I’m glad you don’t discriminate against joke stories. You scared me there for a minute, Jenn.
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A play on words yes. A joke story, no.
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I like her determination and yes, I enjoyed a story with a happy ending from you. I was going to add “for a change”, but who knows how long your arm is? I might think I’m safe in Naperville, but you never know. 🙂 Thank goodness we don’t ride bikes like that anymore!! Now back to le Tour. (Actually, to reading more stories, but that doesn’t have a bicycle ring to it.)
janet
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Dear Janet,
As I recall, last week’s story had a happy ending as well. Mainly the story was about Penny’s determination to beat the odds. She just happened to do it on a bike with which she shared a name.
Thanks for commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Good glory be, book has 1072 pages–almost as many as miles Mr. Farthing rode. Interesting post, Rochelle, and with a feel-good story, as well.
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Dear VB,
Glad you liked the story. Perhaps I’ll think about it a while before downloading the book to my Kindle. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I loved your story. loved it, Rochelle. Some years ago I had researched this subject (for obvious reasons, lol) Thank you, Penny
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Dear Penny,
I’m pleased that you loved my story. Nice to hear. I had so much fun researching for this one. Couldn’t resist the wordplay. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This was so intriguing – I love that we had a good story to read, with an inspiring lift, and then some fascinating facts to get our teeth into !
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Dear Valerie,
I’m so happy you dropped by for a read. It was a learning experience for me in the research preceding the story. Your comments mean a lot to me. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I loved your story. Thanks for including the YouTube video.
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Glad you enjoyed, Terry Toon. 😉
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A positive story — you have to admire Penny’s determination to get in the race. I really enjoy learning about parts of history through your stories. You write fantastic historical fiction.
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Dear Dave,
Thank you for your kind words. I do love a good jaunt back in time. Happy to take you along.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I don’t know if you’ve read any of my other tales, darling, but if you did, you’ll know that I have a sidekick (my lovely, eccentric niece) who goes by Penelope Arcade (or sometimes Penny). This was sweet and brought a lasting smile to my face.
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Dear Helena,
Always happy to bring a smile. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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An inspiration flash, it is a wonder people could even sit and balance on one of these things, let alone ride!
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Dear Neens,
I’m happy you enjoyed my story. I can’t imagine riding one of those things either. Made for good fiction, though.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I wonderef how this would end when Grandpa Farthing entered. Lovely story, and thanks for the extra info.
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Dear Sarah Ann,
First I did make sure that Farthing was also a surname. So it worked out perfectly for my story. Gathering the info’s have the fun. Thanks for dropping by. Safe travels.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Loads of positivity there…
Loved it!!!
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😀
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Love this. very sweet story.
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Thank you, Christina. .
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You do this non-fiction storytelling very well.
By the way, did you read Perry’s story yet about the tree getting glasses? I tried to comment on his site but my phone was acting up, and what I wanted to tell him was his story seems like a great concept for kids that could come together fully with some nice watercolor art work like in your book. Maybe there is a common project there.
Thanks for reading my rambling!
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Dear JK,
I enjoyed reading your “rambling”. Hmmm…never know about the kids book thing. In any case, thank for your kind words.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely!
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Thanks, Freya. 😀
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So far, this one is my favorite story by you.
I love the way she over came her disability.
And I love her being named after the bike.
Great job.
Phyllis
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Dear Phyllis,
Very nice to read. Thank you so much.
shalom,
Rochelle
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That’s a good’n!
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Tanks.
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Hi Rochelle, great pic and great inspiring story. Touched my heart. Very beautiful.
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Dear Indira,
Thank you. Happy you like it.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Typically surprising and terrific! Thanks, Rochelle …
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Dear Perry,
Typically and surprising don’t usually go together but it’s nice to see them together in this context. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
What an inspirational story! I’ve been traveling this week with no access to the internet. Don’t know if I’ll play this week or not, but I’ll still read and comment on as many as I can.
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Dear Waylon,
Thank you for taking the time to comment in the midst of your travels. Glad you made it back in time to play.
Shalom,
Alcea
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I feel so much smarter now than I did a mere 100 words ago =) Thanks Rochelle!
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Dear Troy,
I don’t know that I could receive a nicer compliment. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The race is already won. Great inspiration.
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Thank you, Denmother.
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Lovely story and wonderful information.
salaam 🙂
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Nice of you to say so, Yarnspinner.
shalom,.
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Dear Rochelle,
I always love your stories. You give us such a rich history. I feel smarter every time I read you. Thank you darling woman. Thank you.
Love, Renee
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Dear Renee,
How sweet of you to say such nice things. I’m happy you dropped by.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Ah, loved this! An inspiring tale and a pun! Very nice and upbeat on a hot day in the east.
Here’s mine: http://unexpectedpaths.com/friday-fictioneers/band-of-brothers/
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Dear Maggie,
Every now and again I enjoy some pun and games. Hope things cool off for you soon. Thanks for dropping by with your kind comments.
shalom,
Rochelle
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That was pretty through little introduction to bicycles. A charming story and all the details were delectable.
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Dear Lindaura,
I now know more about the history of the bicycle than I ever thought I would. 😉 Glad you enjoyed it all.
shalom,
Rochelle
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I’ve heard of the Penny Farthing, but never knew the story behind it. Well done as usual! I love your stories as I get educated also and that’s always a good thing. 🙂
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Dear Jackie,
You were one up on me. I didn’t know anything about the Penny Farthing when I began my research quest. I love starting with a kernel of an idea and watching it flourish before my eyes. I’m always pleased when it resonates with someone else as well. Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Loved it! I always look forward to your posts.
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Dear Linda,
Always sweet to get comments like yours. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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May I leave my submission here instead? Mandy Eve-Barnett – http://www.mandyevebarnett.com
“Whose bike is that anyway? It’s been there for days.”
“No idea. Did you manage to get hold of the exterminator? The smell from the cellar is getting worse, bound to be something dead down there.”
The rats nibbled at fingers and toes. The body squeezed behind the large deep freeze oozed dark fluid.
“Good morning, Dan the Exterminator at your service. Where’s this smell then?”
Police tape surrounded the café a couple of hours later. The bicycle’s owner found at last.
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Dear Mandy,
Welcome to Friday Fictioneers. A grisly and believable tale you’ve brought to the table.
However it would be much easier for everyone if you post your story on your blog and provide us with a link. I personally prefer it that way.
The comment section is just that, the comment section! Most of us leave comments on a story and move on, so chances are when you drop your story in the comment box of another person’s blog, the only person who will read it is the blog host.
Thank you and Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, you came through, as usual. Lovely post.
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Thank you, Mary.
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You are teaching me new things every week! Fun story, full of heart.
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Dear Erin,
Good to know. Thank you for that.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle
Lovely story, happy and surprised that you gave us a happy ending. Once again you give us a brief history lesson and more information to check out. I loved the word play and the feel good ending, thank you
Have a great weekend
Dee
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Dear Dee,
That’s actually two happy endings in a row. Last week’s was upbeat, too. Don’t get too used to it though. My muse tends toward the melancholy dark side.
I grew up in a family of punsters and I love to play with words whenever the opportunity presents itself. Glad you liked the story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ah, the positivity. Beautiful story.
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Thank you, Patrick. Nice of you to say so.
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I love that she beat the odds. Good for her. And I learned that a Penny Farthing, a term I’ve heard but didn’t know what it was, is a big-wheeled bicycle. Education and a story that made me smile. It doesn’t get much better than that. My first time here – but you’ve already beat me to a comment and read mine – thanks for that! I’m glad I took the plunge this week. I’ll see you next week!
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Dear Steph,
Happy to have you aboard. I often learn more than anyone in writing these little stories in doing research. I’ve been hooked since I joined a year ago April. In October I inherited the driver’s seat and I’m still as addicted as ever. Thanks for commenting.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Such a beautiful challenge and I love the story:)
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Thank you on both counts. 😉
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I go away for a few weeks and when I get back everything’s changed. Not just the new look Inlinkz, but also Rochelle writing a story with a happy ending! Took me by surprise and made me glow inside. Lovely 😀
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Dear EL,
Really good to have you back among us. I’ve been a little rattled by the changes Inlinkz. I’ve had to get used to new ways of doing things. And I was perfectly content with the other way. Oh well…I suppose they call that progress.
As for the happy ending, well, sometimes even I have to lighten up a bit. 😉 My story last week was also upbeat. (Don’t get too used to it.)
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great piece, Rochelle.
This is my first go with your Friday Fictioneers. I look forward to doing more. Thanks!
~Chris
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Dear Chris,
Again, welcome to Friday Fictioneers, which seems to extend into Tuesday now. I’m happy you liked my piece. I had great fun writing it.
I try to have the prompt up by 0230 CDT which, given our global gaggle of writers, varies. For some this will be Tuesday evening and or others Wednesday afternoon.
I look forward to reading more from you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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a well written happy ending story… I had seen those bicycle’s on tv before but never knew they were called as such.. ur stories are informative 🙂
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Dear Shreyank,
Yes, I learned about the Penny Farthing in the research process. I love to learn as I write. 😉 Glad you liked it.
shalom,
Rochelle
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