WELCOME TO FRIDAY FICTIONEERS
For me this week marks a significant anniversary. One year ago, Madison Woods passed the FF baton on to me. It’s sometimes been a wild ride. I’m particularly thankful for the friends I’ve made. To read my transitional story click Ron Pruitt’s photo below.
(Scroll down for this week’s prompt.)
……….
***Now back to matters at hand. ***
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.
-
- ***PLEASE MAKE NOTE IN YOUR BLOG IF YOU PREFER NOT TO RECEIVE 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.
- Like us on Facebook
My story follows the photo and link tool. I enjoy honest comments and welcome constructive criticism. 
- Shalom,
Rochelle
copyright – Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
Genre: Biographical Fiction
Word Count: 98
THE BEAT GOES ON
“What’s the matter, Princess?”
With his thumb Bob brushed a tear from Laura’s cheek.
“I’m flunking kindergarten.”
“Why?’
“I don’t know howta skip.”
“Can’t let that happen. Follow me.”
Outside, in the driveway, he showed her how to hop from one foot to the other.
Haltingly she followed his lead. Then he played a tune on his synthesizer, his recent invention, to accompany her.
“Find your beat.” Gradually, he increased the tempo.
Her heart pounded with excitement. “Look at me! I’m skipping!”
Historians remember Bob Moog as the Edison of electronic music. Laura remembers him, simply, as “Dad.”
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
What a beautiful story. Lovely.
LikeLike
Thank you, Summer. 😀
LikeLike
Lovely; that second line was so visual. Well done.
LikeLike
Many thanks, Sandra. Glad you liked it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Who is that under the wig on your linkz page?
LikeLike
Bob Moog. who revolutionized rock music with his invention of the synthesizer.
LikeLike
hi rochelle. 🙂 you are undoubtedly the master of beautiful life stories.
LikeLike
Dear KZ,
How very sweet of you to say so. This was one of those joyful discoveries in my research thread. Glad it worked for you.
shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Loved this story, it gave me a happy shivver reading the last line…beautiful!
LikeLike
Dear Georgia,
You just made me smile all over. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike
Dear Rochelle,
I’m glad we’re sometimes up at the same time. My late nights are your early mornings. The Beat Goes On was a wonderful composition. Notes of tenderness fill your song of love. You are the maestro.
Aloha,
Doug
LikeLike
Dear Doug,
Many emotions and thoughts well up at your kind words. Mahalo and todah rabbah for your friendship.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
As always, the master of research winds another master short story from observations around her. The prompt from our son’s apartment in Chicago winds up in a wonderful story. Watch out….you may be next.
LikeLike
Dear Anonymous Hubsand,
It means a lot that you read and comment on my stories. Actually, I have the goods on you and YOU might be next.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Oh no….I am so afraid
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Bastet and Sekhmet's Library and commented:
Friday Fictioneers!
LikeLike
What a beautiful insight into the reason for invention… I have to think about what to write for this… and that means it’s jubilee for me too… I actually wrote my second entry for this picture…. very nice
LikeLike
Dear Björn,
Finding the human behind the history is always exciting and fun for me. My research always takes me in such unexpected directions. Glad you enjoyed. And I really enjoyed hearing your voice this week.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Wonderfully simple and yet very moving. Nicely done.
LikeLike
Dear Paul,
I simply say, “thank you.”
shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Very sweet story, lovely.
LikeLike
Many thanks, Indira. Thank you for reading and participating.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
A delightful reminder that behind every important or well-known person is someone’s “just” Dad or Mom or other family member or friend. Or an Anonymous husband. 🙂
janet
LikeLike
Dear Janet,
One of these days I’ll get Mr. Anonymous to sign up for Word Press so we’ll know who he is. It took a week once to figure out that he’d made a comment.
I love to find the person inside the history. When research leads me there I get excited. Glad you liked.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Like you I’m always curious when I receive an anonymous comment. From the words left, I try to figure out if it’s someone I know…or a stranger come to call. Very intriguing. BTW…your stories always make for a wonderful read. They’re like very short stories with very substantive messages. 🙂
LikeLike
That’s such a sweet story and always, the historical tie-in is great. Congratulations on your 1-year anniversary as captain of this eclectic group. Glad to be aboard. 🙂
LikeLike
Dear David,
I’m happy to have you aboard. Just watch out for Russell. He’s such a rowdy one. I’ve got his joy buzzer in custody but haven’t managed to nab his whoopie cushion. 😉
Glad you liked my story. It was great fun to write.
shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
A happy 1 year anniversary for you Rochelle. Here’s to another year of skipping to the beat. I’m loving the history you are sharing with us
LikeLike
Dear Leslie,
It’s been a great year. I’m glad you’ve come along for the ride.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Rochelle! Congratulations on your anniversary – you’re doing an amazing job! I loved this week’s photo, so many ideas to choose from. I love your story this week – very tender and beautifully told. The last line is just perfectly pitched. I imagine Bob was at least as proud of his little girl as his invention.
Jen
LikeLike
Dear Jennifer,
I’ve no regrets at taking the wheel of this delightful and, sometimes, challenging group’s bus. You’ve been a chief encourager and favorite author along the way.
Of course I’m glad you liked my story. It was fun to put some discoveries into words this week.
Many thanks,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I always come away from your stories feeling educated. Thanks Rochelle.
LikeLike
Dear MissKZebra,
You couldn’t pay me a higher compliment. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Ah, Mr Moog who invented the soundtrack of our future. It was nice to know he was a good dad too.
LikeLike
Dear Mike,
My research tells me that he was a good dad. Makes the music sweeter. Thanks for dropping by and joining our gang.
shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Wonderful! This story also causes me to reflect on the seemingly wide gulf between our public persona, developed through work, community, faith community, etc and the more private world of family.
Regards
Jim
LikeLike
Dear Jim,
We all leave footprints, don’t we? I often wonder how I’ll be remembered by my children. It’s easy to become so intent on service that we forget those closest to us.
I’m pleased that you liked my story.
shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Ah yes, Moog’s had a major impact on music. I still love to crank up Jeff Beck’s “Wired” album and listen to Jan Hammer go to town. Great stuff, Rochelle!
LikeLike
Dear EA,
The current generation, whether they’re aware or not, are influenced by Bob Moog. What a legacy that I was unaware of until just recently. Thank you for your comments. Happy you liked.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
A moving tribute to a brilliant man, who died recently. As I’ve said, I love your blending of fact and fiction, moods and Moogs. Nice work, Rochelle!
LikeLike
Dear Dawn,
I guess 2005 is recent. 😉 I love it when my research trail leads me in unexpected directions. That’s most of the time. Thank you for dropping by with compliments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I read something recently about someone connected with Moog synthesizers dying, I thought. Clearly, I have it confused. This week I seem to be stepping in trouble all over the place: this, the color green, oh my! I read the pieces and respond sincerely… but sometimes, I fall on my face. 😉 Alas…
LikeLike
No problem. I’ve done the same thing, then end up backpedaling to cover my lack of erudition.
LikeLike
Back peddle, back peddle! 😉
LikeLike
Rochelle, This is a tender and loving tribute to Moogs, Dads and music. Beautiful.
LikeLike
Many many thanks, Dana. 😀
LikeLike
Beautiful story!
LikeLike
Thank you, Dawn. 😀
LikeLike
I OFFICIALLY LOVE YOU, darling! MOOOOOOOOG!
Growing up in the 80s, the synthesizer was the soundtrack to my childhood. This was a very sweet story, and I’m so glad for your thirst for knowledge! You always teach me new things each week!
LikeLike
Dear Helena,
Most happy to oblige. 😉
shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I love how each week I learn something new from your stories, fab 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you for such a high compliment, Helen. 😀
LikeLike
Entertaining and touching.
Well done, again, Madame Rochelle.
LikeLike
Many thanks Monsieur Elephant. 😉
LikeLike
Your story was touching and filled with your wonderful details. And I loved the flashback to last year’s stories too. You’ve carried the baton with confidence and skill and have added a wealth of healthy growth to the Fictioneers.
LikeLike
Dear Madison,
I can’t thank you enough for allowing me to adopt your baby. I’ve done my best to keep him diapered, burped and satisfied. I really appreciate your help along the way. Taking on Friday Fictioneers has been a life-changing experience in more ways than one.
It’s so nice to have you among us this week. Thanks for dropping by and making this anniversary more special than it already is.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
So sweet.
LikeLike
😀 Nice of you to say so, Lisa.
LikeLike
All of that we gained because of flunking kindergarten–amazing!!
LikeLike
Dear Laura,
I think there was more to the invention than potentially flunking kindergarten. Glad you stopped by. It’s amazing the things we learn from research. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Another great story, and I learned something along the way. You should see me skip now! 😉
LikeLike
Dear Patti,
I’m picturing that skipping. Glad you liked the story.
Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
What a delicious little story Rochelle, a perfectly rounded little anecdote, that taught me something too…
LikeLike
Dear Valerie,
Your comment fills me with smiles. I’ve already learned much from you so if, in some small way, I’ve been able to return the favor I’m pleased. Thank you for coming by and taking the time to read.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
In such a short space you’ve captured Bob’s character beautifully through action and dialogue. A gem.
LikeLike
Dear Karen,
Again, welcome to our little writing community. Thank you for your comments. I’m pleased that you liked my story. You made me smile from the inside out.
LikeLike
Delightful story, Rochelle. And Congratulations on Year One of Fictioneer Leadership–Good job!
LikeLike
Dear VB,
Thank you for both the congrats and story compliment. Glad you’re still aboard the bus.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Thats lovely..
Reminded me of how my mum used to teach me to skip..
And even today I shamelessly admit that I was not a good student 😦
LikeLike
Dear Satya,
There are more important things than being able to skip. Although, as a dancer, I still like to skip. 😉 Thank you for your comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Happy Anniversary!!! I’ve done another stand alone. And am going to attempt to add to the vampire story once a month.
Know anyone who wants an old piano…all they have to do is come and get it!
I’ve actually looked on some sites and well no one wants old pianos anymore. They take up too much space. There are sites where hundreds of folks are willing to give their instruments away! No takers. But when no one plays it anymore….
LikeLike
I really enjoy the historical aspects of your pieces. Wonderful to be remembered as a loving parent.
LikeLike
Dear Jules,
Thank you. I’ve become such a history junkie over the past few years. Glad to bring you along.
shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Hi Rochelle,
You work so much history into your stories, often slipping it in so unobtrusively. Have you seen Oliver Stone’s The Untold History of the United States? I think you’d love it. It has some startling revelations.
Hard to believe you’ve been our leader for a year. I guess time flies when you’re having fun. When you took over, I didn’t know you, wasn’t sure how the transition would work out, but I have to say you’ve been superb and you have all the right qualities to lead this diverse group, consistency, energy, devotion, a sweet nature, but enough of a hard edge to keep things in line. I want to thank you enormously for all your efforts and I’m extremely grateful you’re there for all of us and keep this party going. Ron
LikeLike
Dear Ron,
I will have to check that out. Sounds interesting and you never know what details might end up in a flash fiction. 😉
Your comment left me speechless and smiling. I worried at first that Friday Fictioneers would dissolve after I took over. There have been a few challenges, but, for the most part it’s gone beyond fun. I’m good for another year, how about you?
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I guess you get the sweetness baton back for the week. Maybe I’ll take it back for next week’s prompt since Winger will be going on hiatus for awhile. Speaking of prompts, where do I submit photos? I might have a couple to offer.
LikeLike
Dear Adam,
I’ll be sure to pass on the sweetness baton next week. 😉 Have to do those once in a while. Submit photos to Runtshell@aol.com. Please try to make sure your name’s them somehow…all those numbered jpgs get confused. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
What a tender and sweet story, Rochelle. I loved it. All she needed was a little helping hand and the gift of music. I can’t believe a whole year has passed. Really?!! Oh, wow! You’ve been a wonderful leader for this group. I can’t thank you enough for your dedication and inspiration. Thank you, Thank you!
LikeLike
Dear Amy,
Thank you. This year has gone fast and it’s been wonderful because of writers who have become friends, like you. At first I feared that when I took over (don’t really like that terminology) it would all end. I was still kind of the new kid on the block compared to the rest but I couldn’t let something I loved so much just end. So again thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
some people might just remember him as the man with the funny surname 🙂
Great story. Happy Anniversary!
LikeLike
Dear EL,
Thank you. Great to have you back among us. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
What a great story! When I took an electronic music course in 1971, the Moog synthesizer was huge–it took up an entire wall of a large room, with additional equipment on the adjacent wall, connected with zillions of cables. Today, the whole world enjoys the technology 🙂
LikeLike
That was sweet, now I wish it was really true. 🙂
LikeLike
Dear Jackie,
Sometimes in my research excavations I unearth some golden nuggets. There may be some fact involved here. ;). Thank you for commenting.
shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Oh, sweet, sweet story! And Mazal Tov to you too! 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you, Freya.
LikeLike
Beautifully sweet, and again, I learn something new from you, Rochelle! Congrats on your first anniversary in charge of the bus 🙂
LikeLike
Dear Joanna,
I never tire of hearing that someone learned something from what I’ve written. Getting that bus tuned up to run for another year. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Dear Trixie,
For a minute, I thought this story was going to be about Wally Piano instead of Bob Moog. Thanks for clearing that up. I bet he was playing a polka for Laura. – Rocky
LikeLike
Dear Rocky,
Wally Piano? Sorry to disappoint. Bob Moog seemed like a better idea at the time. Come to think of it, he’s still a better idea.
Shalom,
Trixie
LikeLike
You always find the one nugget in a person’s life which makes them a real human being. We always celebrate Moog for his technological compliment, but here’s a glimpse of a good father. Well done.
Here’s mine: http://unexpectedpaths.com/friday-fictioneers/noisy-ghost/
LikeLike
Dear Maggie,
There has to be a human being behind every story IMHO. For me it makes history a living, breathing organism. Thanks for commenting and complimenting.
Shalom
Rochelle
LikeLike
The teaching way of the father here is priceless. What a wonderful moment between father and daughter. A real feel good story.
LikeLike
Thank you, Denmother. I’m pleased you liked it. It was a fun write.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I love the reminder that the great names in history were also fathers, mothers, sons and daughters – real people with more going on than just their invention or discovery.
LikeLike
Dear Draliman,
That’s why I enjoy writing historical fiction so much. The research and the nuggets I’ve managed to unearth are priceless. Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
A moving little number. Made my heart skip a little faster.
LikeLike
Thank you, Patrick. You make me smile. 😀
LikeLike
Is Laura really Bob Moog’s Dad? I loved your story, just the remembrance of all the new things we had to learn when we entered Kindergarten – just having to adjust to other children, to use scissors and glue, all those tasks that were so difficult for our tiny fingers and short legs….But, as an aside, also for Perry, I knew Bob Moog. He was absolutely a pure scientist, and a clever business man. He had great respect for the Theremin and its inventor, Leon Theremin.
LikeLike
As another aside, I went back and read the article on Moog. He will certainly be immortal, just as Leon Theremin is…
LikeLike
Dear Lindaura,
Yes, Laura Moog Lanier is one of his four children. I’m always delighted when my research muses tell me stories. 😉
What would today’s musicians do without Bob Moog’s ingenuity?
Thanks for commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Excellent! I love it when something strikes historical and I can follow it.
Scott
Mine: http://kindredspirit23.wordpress.com/2013/10/23/friday-fictioneers-ff-102513-personal-music-pg13/
LikeLike
Dear Scott,
Glad you liked. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Absolutely delightful, Rochelle! To tell this much story in 98 words is creative genius.
LikeLike
Dear Sandra,
So happy you liked it. Genius? You humble me and make me smile. Your comments mean a lot. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Wonderful story, Rochelle. My son has a band and writes a lot of music and he is heavily influenced by Moog. Oh and learning to skip to music. What a wonderful concept!
Congratulations on your anniversary! It must be a big job herding all of us Fictioneers each week! Thank you so much for making this possible for all of us! 😀
LikeLike
Dear Linda,
Glad you liked the story. I only just learned of Bob Moog in writing this story which is kind of surprising when you consider that all three of my sons are musicians and so is my husband. Amazing the things I learn on the research trail.
One FF’r has dubbed me the cat herder. It’s a labor of love. Thanks for joining the kitty ranks.
Meow and shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike