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 a few words over the 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. (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).
- While our name implies “fiction only” it’s perfectly Kosher to write a non-fiction piece as long as it meets the challenge of being a complete story in 100 words.
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- ***PLEASE MAKE NOTE IN YOUR BLOG IF YOU PREFER NOT TO RECEIVE CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM.***
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**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 follows the photo and link tool. I enjoy honest comments and relish constructive criticism. 
- Shalom,
Rochelle
Copyright –Claire Fuller
Genre: Literary Fiction
Word Count: 99
VESTIGES
The day Eleanor entered the convent her parents wept. No amount of pleading would change her mind.
“It’s my calling to live my life for Him.”
With bridal joy, she hid her cropped auburn hair under coif and veil and pledged her troth to God until death.
Years passed. Her faith waned and the church, once her safe haven, became a stone-walled Purgatory.
Her reflection’s faded brown eyes scrutinized her from the cracked mirror. Headpiece abandoned and threadbare habit a crumpled heap on the floor, she smiled at her silver-gray locks.
With renewed purpose, she faced the future.
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
In different ways,your stories always reach out of their 100 word allowances…dramatically so. Again the subject matter is so real, and true. Your story had a beautiful ending, with that inspirational ‘never too late’ theme, but it reminded me of the shock I learnt recently that for hundreds of years in countries in Europe such as Spain, Portugal, Italy and France at least one daughter was expected to become a nun, whether she liked it or not, and thus spend her life in the convent from a very early age – not the romantic vision Hollywood, French,and Italian cinema studios has turned it into I think somehow. In fact very tragic.
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Dear Managua,
Your comment is in itself another story. Thank you for the validation, glowing comments and the education. It’s sad the things we sacrifice for tradition, isn’t it?
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle,
this is quite a tale of transformation. You write these types of stories very well, where they are sad, but always end with hope. It’s never too late for a new beginning.
-David
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Dear David,
it is indeed about transformation. There’s always room for growth and change as long as we’re aware and breathing. Thanks you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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A new beginning..the gift to oneself. Lovely story.
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Dear Patricia,
Thanks for your lovely comments and,again, a great story this week.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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My only criticism would be that you you don’t seem to mention what the renewed purpose is, unless I missed it. A big deal is made in the beginning out of her original purpose, but at the end its just a one liner about whatever her new purpose may be. Almost makes it seem a little less important than the first purpose where, to me anyway, it should be the more important of the two. Otherwise, a very engaging piece. Well done.
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Dear Adam,
I appreciate your honesty. Originally the word was direction instead of purpose. Perhaps that would be clearer. Or maybe not. That’s one of the issues of the word limit, isn’t it?
Thank you for your thoughtful comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A lovely story. We don’t always know what we’ll want when we’re older, or what we give up when we’re young. I especially enjoyed the imagery of the main character’s hair in this piece.
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Dear Rachael,
Hindsight’s always 20/20 isn’t it? How many times have I caught myself saying, “If I knew then what I know now…” Thanks for taking the time to comment.
shalom,
Rochelle
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I only hope she did not stay too long after she realized the church wasn’t what she wanted anymore. She doesn’t seem the kind to wait for too long.
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Dear Miss KZebra,
Hard telling, not knowing how long she stayed. At least long enough to know what she did and didn’t want from her remaining years.
shalom,
Rochelle
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a beautiful story about change, awakening and about beginnings. and a wonderful message that it’s never too late.
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Dear Kz,
And you summed it up in fewer words than I. Thank you for your lovely comment.
shalom,
Rochelle
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I expect it’s the same with many dreams we have in our youth Rochelle, I’m sure regular marriages have also felt like traps after a while. At least she followed her heart. Glad I stopped in to read your story, I’ll make it back some day I know.
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Dear Anne,
I’m glad you stopped by. I miss the Orchards in Friday Fictioneers. I understand that other things have to take priority. How often the passions of youth become prisons later. Disillusionment often happens and we wonder why the “truths” we held when we were young turn to something else later on down the road, doesn’t it?
shalom,
Rochelle
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I will never be a nun!
Thanks for the story
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Dear Ines,
I could never be a nun either. But then, I’m Jewish. 😉 Glad you liked the story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You’ve created a fascinating character, darling! I want to know what happens with her, what her new purpose is, where she’ll go… All with 100 words. Very well done.
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Dear Helena,
I’m pleased that you liked my Eleanor. If I had another 100 words I might’ve expounded on her future. This was more about her decision. Thank you for dropping by.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Another lovely story again this week Rochelle, delivered with your usual grace and style. ‘Her reflection’s faded brown eyes scrutinised her from the mirror’ pulled me up slightly, making me wonder whether it was a tad tautololgical. I’m still thinking about that. But another great take anyway.
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Dear Sandra,
I appreciate your thoughtful concrit. After taking it into consideration I’ve decided to leave it as is. The cracked mirror is a metaphor and needed to remain. As for “reflection’s faded…” it needed to stay as well, tautological or not. BTW, thank you for teaching me a new word. 😉
Glad you liked the story in any case.
shalom,
Rochelle
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I like the never-too-late motif here, Rochelle. I imagine marriage to God, like any marriage, has its tough points and in this case eventually its end. The silver locks were great to show she’d stuck it out a long time.
I’d have liked to see a little hint of where she was going, and whether there was anyone there to show her the world – perhaps her mother still alive or something. But that would probably have needed 50 more words, not the one you had to spare!
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Dear Jen,
I agree. It would’ve been nice to be able to expound a little more on where she’s going. Foiled by.the dastardly word limit again.
Indeed, you did get the main message…it’s never too late. As Harley riders will tell you, it’s all about the journey, not about the destination.
Thank you for your honest and thoughtful comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Nice theme. It is a well-written story, encompassed in 100 words. I liked the ending where she is looking forward for a change in the future. Never too late… but sometimes it is, in my opinion.
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Dear H.A.
I’m sure in some instances it is too late. I believe in Eleanor’s case it’s not. Thank you for your kind comments.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Ah Rochelle! This is one of those stories so well told that even though it’s a scant 100 it will stick with me!
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Dear Linda,
You made my morning with this one, even though it’s taken me several mornings to get back to you. .
Shalom,
Rochelle.
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Rocks, Love your story. My take from it is that we all grow and change throughout our lifetimes. Passions at one age may not be the same at another.
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Dear Terry-Toon,
How true the song and verse…A time to everything… Different seasons, different passions…one human. Thanks for swinging by.
Shalom,
Rocks
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Rochelle – thank you for your consistent prompting and providence of instigation for creativity. Friday Fictioneers has pulled me through some blanked-out empty weeks.
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My pleasure, Nathan.
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A lot of story content in your flash this week. I connected with the character immediately. Proof it’s never late to make a fresh start.
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Dear Neens,
Always happy to know when someone makes a connection to one of my characters. 😉 Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle- I love the evolution of your character in this story.The waning of passion over time and a sense of renewal rebirth in her advanced years. I also learned something. I always thought the habit was the headpiece not the robe.
I am happy I found Friday Fictioneers. It is so inspiring.
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Dear Dana,
I’m also happy you found us.
We grow and change, if we don’t there’s something wrong. I’m sure there are those who enter the order that never regret their decisions. Eleanor isn’t one of them. 😉
Thanks for commenting,
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, lovely piece. I like how you moved from the auburn hair to a smile of her lovely silver-gray locks. My mother almost was a nun, so I thought of her when I read your piece. Indeed, there was a time when that was just one of the few options. I’m so glad she chose to be a nurse instead! Now…I want to write something else than previously planned. We’ll see!
Amy
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Dear Amy,
Thank you for commenting and sharing some of your story. Glad your mom chose nursing and nurturing over nunning. 😉
shalom,
Rochelle
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She denied her parent’s dreams for her so long that it became too late to live them out in a lifetime. Now she starts late to the game. A lovely piece.
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Dear Joe,
A bit of autobiography here I suppose. Not in the nun-sense, of course. But it’s only been the last ten years I’ve found my voice as a writer. New dreams. New passions. Never too late. 😉
Thanks for liking and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, very well told story about change and the resolution to face the world again… still filled with the sadness of lost years between her being a nun and leaving…. those years of fading faith is what fills my mind after reading your story.
Tack så mycket
Björn
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Dear Björn,
Thank you for reading and seeing.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
I hope her ending took her to an even better beginning. I know how she feels to leave the comfort of one haven, while trying to create another. Great story as always my friend.
Love, Renee
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Dear Renee,
I believe life is made up of chapters. It’s never too late to turn the page. And I’m a “few” years ahead of you in that story. 😉 Thank you for commenting. Glad you like it. Missed your writing this week.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
You’re not ‘that’ old my dear. 😉 More experienced, yes. But not old….
Your stories always move me. I’m not sure why. It’s not like the subject has happened to me. For some reason I can always ‘feel’ what the main character is going through. Is that strange?
I had a title and a story ready to write, but too much of my life got in the way to pen even 100 words. It was about Joan of Arc. Her story will have to wait.
Sincerely,
Renee
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Dear Renee,
18 with 42 years experience .;) that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
I’m happy to see that you read between the lines and read my story. Very validating for me as a writer and as a woman.
I understand about life and priorities.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Powerful tale, again, my lady, and superbly crafted.
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Dear Elephant,
You humble me with high praise. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle,
Get thee out of a nunnery. Sometimes it takes a lifetime to figure it all out. Interesting take on the photo. Ron
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Dear Ron,
Thanks…I think.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely story of growth and understanding coming late in life. Like some other readers, I related to the imagery of the hair/ young vs. old, auburn vs. gray. It could have been heartbreaking, but your ending was satisfying. Thank you for that!
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Dear Jan,
Thank you for your comments. I’m a firm believer in “it’s never too late to begin again.”
shalom,
Rochelle
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I hope she finds her way.
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She will. 😉
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Dear Rochelle,
So much time and feeling in this, I really like how it ends in a beginning for her. Peace, Shainbird
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Dear Shainbird,
Many thanks for taking the time to read and comment. Glad you liked it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Well written and as you specify, beginning, middle and end, and even in the end… there is a new beginning.
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Dear MT,
It’s a challenge sometimes but well worth the effort. I’ve learned since I’ve been participating how to conserve words and make every one of them count. Thanks for your kind comments.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Reblogged this on things change. people change. and commented:
I’ll be doing this when I wake
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Dear Neil,
Compliments don’t get much better than a reblog. Thank you very much.
shalom,
Rochelle
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No problem, just trying to find ways to keep my sentences sharp.
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Goodness me, that’s an apt story this week. Not that I’m a nun, think about becoming one, or anything like that (too naughty, apart from anything else!). But the idea of faith being shaken – now that is true. I like the hopeful uplift at the end 🙂
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Dear Freya,
I’m not a nun or even a Catholic. But shaken faith is universal. I’m glad you liked the story.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Fabulous piece as usual
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Many thanks, Carrie. 😀
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Another sad story – a wasted life, but very sweetly told. I hope she has a lot more life left in her.
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Dear Lindaura,
I believe she has a lot more life left. Hence, her smile at the end. Time to experience things she’s heretofore denied herself. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I know it’s a different faith, but I can’t help picturing Tevye singing Tradition!!! That may not be the correct name of the song from the movie Fiddler On The Roof. Isn’t it interesting, no matter the culture, the expectations are so similar? I love that she realized she has a choice. Thought provoking story.
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Dear Honie,
I happen to be of that different faith. And have practically memorized “Fiddler on the Roof” so a more perfect reference you couldn’t have used. 😉 I also think of the song “Chavaleh” Indeed, it’s always tough on a parent when her child flies in the face of hopes and expectations.
And so often youthful fervor turns to disillusionment, doesn’t it? My philosophy is that as long as I’m breathing and cognizant it’s not too late to write a new chapter.
Thanks for commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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My son’s school did a production of Fiddler on the Roof. He wasn’t in it, but we loved it just the same. It’s one of my favorite stories of all time, encompassing every human emotion and the highest and lowest of human behavior. New chapters are my specialty. 😉
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I think we could have some great conversations some day over coffee. 😉
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Today I had read 4 Friday Fiction stories all scary, this one for a change is different. Lovely, Her faith waned…….wasted youth but she had a choice and strength.Thought provoking. I loved the ending.
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Dear Indira,
It’s not surprising to me that the old church and gnarled tree elicited scary stories. Although to me, more frightening than vampires or things that go bump in the night, would be to come to the end of life with nothing to show for it. Glad you liked my story in any case.
shalom,
Rochelle
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I wonder how many times this story has played out down the years, and how many women had the inner courage of your character to step outside their world and begin their life anew so late. Not enough I suspect. Nicely done, as always Rochelle. 🙂
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Dear JWD,
Thanks for your lovely comments. It does take some intestinal fortitude to make changes later in life. Better late than never…for me this has held true.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wonderful story. The words “stone walled Purgatory” were perfect. Like any “good” Catholic girl, I thought I wanted to be a nun, but I dismissed the notion pretty quickly. I loved the symbolism of shedding the veil and habit as becoming free. And the immediate acceptance of her new self? Very moving. Well, well done.
Here’s mine: http://unexpectedpaths.com/friday-fictioneers/necessary-sacrifices/
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Dear Maggie,
Although I’m not Catholic, I used to play with a little girl across the street who was. We used to put petticoats on our heads and pretend to be nuns. I had a very romantic image of nuns.
Glad you got the gist of the story and liked it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I guess the world is full of people who have, despite (because of?) parental advice, made bad choices in terms of career, life partners, personal philosophy and have found it difficult to make the correction. Good for Eleanor who made the change before it was too late. I reckon she would be an extremely interesting person to meet.
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Dear Patrick,
I can think of hundreds of things I did against my parents’ better judgement. I believe Eleanor to be an interesting person. Perhaps at some later date, I’ll explore her as a character in a larger work. So many things to write, so little time.
Thank you for your comments.
shalom,
Rochelle
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I really liked the sense of liberation this one gave me – I felt like I was shaking off the habit and heading to some new adventure. I wasn’t catholic, but my Irish roots made me think of being a nun, nonetheless. My parents put an end to that idea early.
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Dear Erin,
You could say the habit in this case is a double entendre. I’m pleased that you caught it. Compliments don’t get much higher. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Optimism and determination in defiance of decay. Well said, Rochelle.
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Thank you, Pratibha.
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‘…a stone-walled Purgatory.’ paints such a depressing and miserable existence. Your story ended with such hope and positivity. Eleanor comes across as having great determination that I’m sure she will be happy and make the most of her, albeit late, freedom
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Dear Sarah Ann,
Glad you liked my story. They can’t all be dark and dismal.;). This one, as you may’ve guessed, has a personal significance for me. Thanks for dropping by. I’ve missed you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Florenda,
When the Gayer clan first immigrated to America in 1805 they were part of the Harmony Society in Pennsylvania. It was sort of a religious commune from what I gather. Their eldest son, John, left the group at age twenty-one and moved to Indiana, partly because the group practiced celibacy. Maybe that caught up with Eleanor too. 🙂
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Dear Russell of the Clan Gayer,
It must’ve been a rather small commune if they practiced celibacy. As for Eleanor….could beeeeee.
Shalom,
Florenda
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I would have made a terrible nun, if I was of that religion. Which I’m not. come to think of it I’m not religious at all, but that didn’t keep me from enjoying your story. The ability to change one’s mind and go a different way in life after so many years doesn’t have to stay in the form of religion so I could relate very well to it. Great story btw. 🙂
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Dear Jackie,
I’m afraid if I’d been Catholic and became a nun I’d have found a way to start an order where all the habits were purple accessorized with rhinestone rosaries. So it’s just as well I was neither Catholic nor nun.
As your comments indicate, you see that this story isn’t really about a particular religious form. Thanks for commenting. Glad you liked.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This was powerful! I have to go read it again! So many layers to chew on.
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Dear Ms. T,
Thank you. I’m glad you saw beyond the surface story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I went to look for your title after I read this, convinced it was “Shedding Her Habit”, I should have known it would be far more classier and sophisticated.
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^^^^OMG the typos! So sorry.
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No problem, Dawn. I corrected “went to” ;). It’s the beauty of the blog beast. Thanks for the compliment, in any case. As a good friend of mine is fond of saying, “A good title adds another hundred words to a story.”
Shalom,
Rochelle
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True!
Thanks for correcting. 🙂
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Hi Rochelle, this story is not necessarily my cup of tea, topic-wise, but I am consistently impressed by how much of a complete narrative you create within the 100 word limit. Nicely done.
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Dear Ben,
Thank you for such a high compliment. It’s all about creating a complete story. We’re all drawn to different subjects but it’s still about the writing, isn’t it?
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle I tried my best but could not come up with something better . Please feel free to say anything I like criticism, as it will improve my writing. I am not giving my link in link pool . http://amaltaas.wordpress.com/2013/08/24/friday-fictioneers-4/
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Loved that one. And I haven’t heard of Mary Hopkins or that song for years. Whatever happened to her?
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Dear Shirley,
Glad you liked my story. As for Mary Hopkin here’s a link to answer your question. http://www.maryhopkin.com/pages/biography.html
I’m thinking “The Sparrow” was the flip side of “Those Were the Days” on the 45. I love her music and this song just seemed to fit my story. You may be the first person to actually listen to it. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Enjoyed this one immensely!!!
Scott
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Wonderful character development in this. An amazing feat in so few words. I love the imagery of the crumpled habit on the floor. That alone describes her state of mind so well. Excellent writing!
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Lovely story…how so very true that youth’s choice, made impetuously, can become an embittered prison…wise to accept our change in perspective and move on.
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