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.
- 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.***
- 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
**Note: My response time after Thursday might be a little slow. I’ll be hosting fellow FF’r Janet Webb (meeting her in person for the first time! :D) and she’ll be accompanying me to the Ozarks Writers League-OWL-conference Friday. I’m looking forward to seeing a few more of us there. Wish we could all meet face to face. ;)**
Genre: Literary Fiction
Word Count: 100
DAUGHTER OF VOICE
For two years I saved to travel to the Holy Land where I dreamt of walking in the footsteps of the great Bible prophets.
After five days of touring ancient ruins and being dragged into schlock shops, I’d had no transcendent revelations and didn’t feel any closer to heaven.
On the sixth day I saw the violinist. No crowds gathered around her, yet she performed with captivating passion that would’ve humbled Paganini. I dropped several coins into her open case. And there…
…in Jerusalem’s Cardo, amid patrons and peddlers, I came face to face with the unpretentious face of God.
The Cardo
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
This is fabulous Rochelle, loved it. Well done.
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Thank you so much, Summer. 😀
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The mystery of God and his unlikely habitats?
I hope the MC is able to carry the feeling she found to wherever she came from.
All the best at the conference too, enjoy!
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Dear Charles,
I believe that when we look for God in the lofty places we have a tendency to walk right by Him. I the MC came away with few insights that will stick with her for a lifetime.
Thank you for commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Love the story. I hope you enjoy Thursday and Friday. I’m sure you will. Meeting other bloggers in the flesh is awesome 🙂
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Dear Al,
Nice to read that you loved my story. Some fact, some fiction and a lot of good memories. Kent’s hoping to get some video footage to post here and share with the rest of the gang.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh wow. I didn’t realise there was fact in it. That will be great if there is some video as well. Thank you
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I snapped the photos following the story in 2006. I never forgot the violinist. Keep your fingers crossed for the photo and video ops. 😉
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Yay I will 🙂
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Beautiful anecdote Rochelle, well done. And lovely photos too. Enjoy yourself at the conference.
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Dear Sandra,
Thank you for dropping by. The lady violinist is one of my fondest memories of the tour. I’m looking forward to meeting Janet in the flesh and seeing a few FF friends.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautiful story and redolent with the true meaning of art and our transcendence with it.
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Dear Lindaura,
Your insightful comments leave me smiling. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautiful! Loved the idea of the unpretentious face of God seen through a violinist!
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Dear Georgia,
My favorite line, too. 😉 Glad you liked It’s not about pomp and circumstance, is it?
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yes Rochelle, not at all about pomp and circumstance! 🙂
Ciao, Georgia.
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The desperate search to find revelation in places like Temples and historical sites, and the feelings of inadequacy when you fail to do so, is something I don’t particularly miss about religion. A person does not need to be a religious leader to inspire you.
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Dear MissKZebra,
While historical sites can be inspiring, we often miss what we’re looking for when it’s standing in front of us. Thank you for commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I think we can see God in many people and places if we just stop long enough to look. I know I see Him every time we’re vacation in Wyoming! Thanks for the beautifully-written reminder.
janet
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Dear Janet,
He’s easy to miss sometimes, isn’t he? We often strain at a gnat…Thank you for taking the time to comment. Soon it will be face to face and in the flesh. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Reads like a true story, Rochelle, although I note you’ve said it’s fiction. Either way, an important message, well portrayed. If God is with us, it’s in the people alive today, not just the history of the ancients.
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Dear Jennifer,
Well, as you might guess by my photos, some of the story is true. Some details have been fictionalized. Glad it rang true.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I know this song well. I’ve had some transcendent moments with it. I love this story because it points out that it’s not only the big things (holy sites) that matter. Spiritual clarity can arise from anywhere, anytime, from anyone. We have to keep our eyes open or we’ll miss a very small, very important moment. Wonderful writing Rochelle!
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Dear E. A.
I guess it goes back to the overused, but true, expression, “you can’t see the forest for the trees”. Men build monuments and cathedrals while missing the “still small voice.”
Thank you for your lovely comments. I’m warmed and smiling.
shalom,
Rochelle
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The “unpretentious face of God”. That is an incredibly apt description of the transcendent God. He needs no pretension. His greatness is manifest in meekness.
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Dear Joseph,
Thank you for your insightful comments. Glad you hear the still small voice.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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🙂
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Lovely as always, darling. Snapshots of humanity in the quiet places are always beautiful.
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Dear Helena,
Thank you for visiting and commenting. I’m a fan of quiet places myself.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This is a beautiful story, Rochelle, especially as we move into the holiday season. May we all see “the unpretentious face of God” in the frenzy of contemporary, American celebrations.
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Dear Lisa,
Amen and thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Also, have fun with Janet!
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I did. Not sure the world (or OWL) was ready for the two of us together, but we had great fun.
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Lovely as always. A reminder that one doesn’t have to travel to ancient and traditional religious places to come close to God.
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Dear Draliman,
Thank you for your lovely comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Made me think of that violin player I e-mailed you. Serendipity. And you captured the moment, too. I felt the same way. Very good.
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Dear Kent,
You were somewhere in the Cardo that day. I’ll never forget this lady. While some of this is fiction, the memory of her violin solo will stay with me. Thank you for your compliments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I see Him so often in the clear eyes or children. Great realization
Enjoy your time. I know it will be full of info and fun
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Dear Leslie,
Short conference, lots of fun. How can you not look at children and see Him? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This story is lovely.. surely music can move you everywhere.. so nice to meet other bloggers. Has not happened many times here.. Stockholm is so far away…. 🙂
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Dear Björn,
One of my dreams is to meet each FF’r in person. I suppose that’s time and cost prohibitive for the majority of us. 😉 I wonder if Skype could handle a 100 person conference?
Thank you for your comments and compliments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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We expect to see God in the profound, but not in the profane. This is a great reminder. Thank you.
Steve
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Dear Steve,
Perhaps it would be better to say “mundane” than “profane.” 😉 Thank you for commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The violinist wields the power to make us weep.
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Indeed, JK. Nothing takes me transports me or brings me to tears quite like it.
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Hi Rochelle,
It’s getting to be that time of year when I wish I had a river I could skate away on. I liked the philosophic bent of your story, that profound beauty is all around us and you just have to be open to it. Ron
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Dear Ron,
Exactly!. Thank you for commenting.
shalom,
Rochelle
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There is no more wondrous feeling than stumbling upon an artist performing for herself, for god, for whomever comes along. I haven’t had that in a bit but your story reminded me. Thank you. I’m headed to work with a smile on my face.
P.S. That is so cool about meeting Janet. It surely would be grand if we all were in a room together one day.
One day…
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Dear Dawn,
I would love to meet each and every FF’r in person. Alas, I don’t know how possible that will ever be. I did have a great time meeting Janet and seeing others from this group at the conference. (Yes, Russell is just as funny in person as he is in print. ;))
Glad you liked my story. If it sent you to work with a smile I’ve accomplished my mission. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Sometimes the most memorable experiences are the unexpected ones. Lovely memory, Rochelle. I’m sure you, Janet and the other Fictioneers will enjoy getting to know each other at the conference.
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Dear VB,
Thanks for coming by with your kind comments.
The conference was fun. So much going on at once didn’t leave us much catch up time. I did have fun getting to know Janet better. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautiful, Rochelle.
Scott
Mine: http://kindredspirit23.wordpress.com/2013/11/13/5564/
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Thank you, Scott. Happy you liked it.
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A gorgeous story with a gorgeous song!!!
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Thank you, Jan. I’m pleased you liked both.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
Ninety percent of life is learning to see (hear) the miracles around us. You have mastered this well. (Expressing it may be the other ten percent and you’ve got a lock on that, too.)
Say hello to Lady Kady and Janet for me. Wish I could be there.
Aloha,
Doug
P.s. Joni rocks
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Dear Doug,
We are blinded by negativity around us, aren’t we? Children see the miracles and adults have to relearn to see them.
Thank you for your sweet comments. I greeted all the Friday Fictioneers who were there and said, “Doug sez hey.”
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Very nice! Really liked the story! It’s amazing where you find God, when you least expect Him. 🙂
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Thank you, Deanna. Glad you liked it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The hubbub of a market was the perfect place to set the violinist; music organises thought and creates stillness in the surrounding chaos. I, too, have several experiences of this phenomenon. Nicely told.
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Dear Mike,
I couldn’t tell you what was going on around me at that moment. Thanks for commenting. Glad you liked and related to my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle,
Your lovely story captured the feeling of spiritual wonderment for me.
Beautiful.
Karen
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Dear Karen,
Your comment fills me with warmth. Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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such a beautiful story. just in time for the holidays. maybe you can expand it into a little book for children.
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dear paridel,
who knows? maybe one day i will expand it and illustrate it. 😉 glad you liked it.
shalom,
rochelle
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I love that the narrator found God in the passion and joy of an artist. Simply beautiful.
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Dear Dave,
He’s there in the smallest details. Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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I almost shed tears. The feeling of finding salvation- peace. Beautiful story
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Thank you very much, Camgal.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Aunt Matilda,
It seems God likes to stay low key, and come to us in unexpected times and places. Another well written gem that touched my heart and conscious.
Looking forward to seeing you Friday evening
respectfully,
Count Monte Crisco de Pillsbury
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Dear Count,
The only thing that would’ve made seeing you better would’ve been more Friday Fictioneers shmooz time.
Nothing’s more gratifying than knowing that a pieced touched another, especially when the other is a gifted writer.
Thank you and Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautiful. isn’t that so like God.
Blessings,
Phyllis
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And blessings to you, too, Phyllis. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle,
What a captivating story, packed full of mystery and discovery. Sometimes you find light in the places you’d least expect. How wonderful you’re meeting Janet and other FF’rs. Have a blast! Don’t worry about us. We’ll be fine. Of course, I’ll miss you, but often do you get to see your fellow writers in person. Enjoy!!
Amy
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Dear Amy,
As you can see, the conference was short. I had a great time visiting, laughing and getting to know Janet better.
Glad you liked my story…thank you for your lovely comments.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Really neat! The small moments are the ones that sometimes mean everything.
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Thank you, Danny. 😀
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Only one word, Rochelle – beautiful
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Dear Valerie,
One word of sincere praise is worth a thousand full of empty flattery. Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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An unpretentious god. That’s my sort. Hope to meet sometime.
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Dear Danny,
My sort, too. Thanks for dropping by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautifully written and I think looking for God in temples or churches is foolish-God will always be within us and in our fellow human beings!Am so glad you saw God in that unpretentious musician’s face:-)
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Dear Atreyee,
I’m glad you liked my story. Your warm comments make me smile.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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🙂
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beautiful, Rochelle. and that last sentence was just perfect. 🙂
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Thank you, KZ.
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Beautiful little vignette, and speaking truth. I have had such moments … almost choked on a cup of coffee once. I often wish I could travel the world – or at least the US – visiting blogateers and fictioneers. I know a girl who did that. Have a nice time. I’ve been a bit sick last few weeks and also my computer decided to turn into a bucking bronco.
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Dear Ann,
Thank you for your comments. I did enjoy meeting with other FF’rs and wish there were some way we could all meet. I’ve always wanted to visit the UK 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Come and visit! I’ve only once met up with someone I met on the Internet. She turned out to be a bit of a disturbed person. Ah well!
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Away from the ramped path and possibly barely fiction? And yet so true as to be pardoned easily as the ending dictates? 😀
Shalom, Tay.
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Dear Tay,
Caught me. There are elements of fiction, but for the most part a memoir. No need to pardon, non-fiction is allowed, as long as it stays within the 100 word parameter. 😉
Thanks for commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So shouldn’t it be Friday Anythingoers then? Probably not as catchy though? x-?
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A few times I’ve thought of changing the name to something like Weekly Writers since about half the group posts on Wednesday.
However, our founder, Madison Woods named it. The original concept was that the prompt went up on Wednesday and you had two days to conceptualize, write, polish and post.
So while Fictioneers isn’t always true, neither is the Friday part. Most weeks I have entries trickle in through Tuesday. No matter, as long as it all relates to the prompt in some way.
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Thank you for the explanation, Rochelle and in return receive this funny piece of info :
I was so certain it was a timed assignment that I wrote all 3 entries of mine so far within 2 hours of reading the prompt and hoping not to get scolded by the headmaster?
I guess I’ll relax a bit hence, Tay. 😎
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Dear Rochelle
This is just lovely and the last line is perfect.
Take care
Dee
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Dear Dee,
For such compliments I can only answer, “Thank you.”
shalom,
Rochelle
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Cool story as ever.
And Joni Mitchell.
What more can AnElephant ask for!
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Dear Elephant,
Glad you liked the story. Just had to post that song. It’s the perfect epilogue. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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