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.
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My story follows the photo and link tool. I enjoy honest comments and welcome constructive criticism. 
- Shalom,
Rochelle
Copyright – Ted Strutz
Genre: Literary Fiction
Word Count: 100
CHARON’S FIRST MATE
Dawn broke over the estuary. Marion watched her husband launch his fishing boat and head out to sea.
She drank in his image, every beloved line and crease. The sunlight reflected off the water and limned his white hair. He waved and smiled.
In the weeks following, detectives interrogated her.
“He left? Just like that?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“To spare me his suffering.”
“Admit it. You murdered him for the insurance.”
“And you got your badge from a Cracker Jack box.”
They never found his body.
Marion walks along the beach. Sunlight reflects off a white seagull. She smiles and waves.
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.
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© Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charon_(mythology)
Scroll down for message:
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THREE MAJOR HOLIDAYS THIS THURSDAY, THE 28TH!
© Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
CHANUKAH
THANKSGIVING (for us Yanks)
It’s the perfect time to say I am thankful for Friday Fictioneers. All of you have a special place in my heart.
and…(drumroll)
MY ANNIVERSARY!
42 years married to Jan Wayne Fields
I love you, Pop-Pop
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Once again you set the bar very high!
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Dear Elephant,
Happy to hear. I try to keep myself challenged as well. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Since today’s a travel day and I don’t want to spend our family time online over the next five days, I won’t be writing a FF story this week. However, I’ve been asked about the trip to Branson and meeting other FF, so here’s my story about that instead.. Rochelle beat me to it, so I waited a bit so that it didn’t seem that I was copying. 🙂 So re-live the moments if you like and whatever you’re celebrating this week, even if it’s “just” being alive, may it be blessed.
janet
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COPY!!! 😯 Heaven forbid, Janet! We would never think that. I am surprised you didn’t correct her grammar.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving with your family, and thank you for your insight on the gathering. It would be fun for all 8 in that photo to do it. 🙂
(I never do smiley faces, but I see you like them)
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Ted, you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, too. As for smiley face, I like them sometimes and I do smile a lot, so….
janet
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Tis true.
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Rochelle,
Fabulous story. I decided he is an old Eskimo or Hawaiian lovingly drifting off to meet God where the sun kisses the horizon. Shark Dialogues-esque. Ignoring the mythology of course, to properly romanticize your story. A friend of mine’s boss committed suicide via kayak in such a fashion to leave his wife the life insurance from his “accident”.
Happy Chanukah, Thanksgiving and Anniversary. A lot to celebrate there.
L’chaim,
Dana
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Dear Dana,
I couldn’t have received a better review of my story. The mythology in the title, in this case, is meant to be a garnish and not the entree. I’m pleased that you understood and liked it. Thank you for all the greetings and well-wishing.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I like this story, and have a happy anniversary tomorrow Rochelle.
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Glad you liked it, Al and thank you for the anniversary wishes.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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🙂
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Happy Anniversary. Many more.
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Thanks, Maryann.
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Extremely beautiful, from your title choice to your ends repeat of the sunlight reflections: “Sunlight reflects off a white seagull,” just as the sun reflected off the water to light up her husband’s white hair. Another great offering.
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Dear Lindaura,
Thank you for your beautiful words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hello Rochelle congratulations on your anniversary tomorrow. The characters in your stories are always so full of warmth it’s no surprise to hear you have such a happy and enduring marriage.
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Dear JWD,
Thank you for your kind wishes and your complimentary words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Happy Anniversary Rochelle. Your story reminds me of a play my cousin in Oregon recently produced. The setting was the Chesapeake Bay so she used some of my photographs for the promotions. She sent me the script and i read it in a few hours, devouring every word. The name of it is The Outgoing Tide. http://www.cohoproductions.org/onstage/a-sneak-peak-at-cohos-20132014-season/the-outgoing-tide
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Dear Dawn,
It sounds like your cousin and I were on the same wavelength with this one. Perhaps Marion’s husband’s name is Gunner. 😉
Thank you for the anniversary wishes, it was a good one.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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🙂
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I’m a bit confused as to what exactly happened to him, but I’m a little slow today. Maybe it’ll sink in later.
Happy Anniversary!
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Dear Adam,
He’s going out to sea to save her the agony of watching him waste away from terminal illness.
Thanks for the anniversary wishes.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Since many of the greek gods took human lovers, it only makes sense that the Ferryman would do this too. A bittersweet story. I like that she waves at the seagull in the end.
Happy Anniversary!
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Dear E.A.
She waves at the seagull because she knows his soul. Thanks for commenting and the anniversary wishes. Long time.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Loved the opening imagery: whitening sunlight; then BAM!! change of pace for the questioning – sharp, neat dialogue with humour; then the return to the beautiful whitening sunlight. Makes for a very satisfying read. Good stuff, Rochelle.
(Oh, and Happy Anniversary)
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Dear Mike,
Thank you for reading and commenting. Glad you liked.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Happy Anniversary, Rochelle, and here’s wishing you both many more happy years. As for your story, the grief is palpable; you leave many mysteries in my mind and I wish you could have given me more clues.
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Dear Jennifer,
Thank you for the anniversary wishes and taking the time to comment.
The main thrust is that she loved him enough to let him go and he loved her enough to spare her the agony of his wasting disease.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Happy Chaunukah, Thanksgiving, and Anniversary! What a foxy bride! Nice pic of Jan and that kid is either going to be a police detective or a writer… what inquisitive accusing eyes.
I’m glad you liked my photo. The other day you and someone (Sean?) talked about thinking of a photo being FriFic Worthy when taking a photo. That is what I thought when I took this one. I will explain it when I write my story.
I will remember you at the Thanksgiving table tomorrow, because you are someone every FriFic is thankful for.
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Oh, your story. A Limned Seagull. I learned a new word. Sweet story.
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Dear Ted,
Thank you for the use of your stunning photo. I was waiting for just the right time to use it. As you can see, it inspired some unique stories.
Thanks for you sweet comments. I am also thankful for regular Friday Fictioneers such as yourself. Foxy bride indeed. (blushing)
Glad you liked the story. We both learned a new word, then. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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happy anniversary! your characters always stand out. and i always feel like i somehow ‘know’ them just by reading your 100 words. and i love the description during that moment when she looked at him. 🙂
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Dear KZ,
Thank you for such beautiful compliments. My characters are very real to me and it’s gratifying to hear that they’re real to a reader as well. Yes, Marion adored him and wanted to remember everything about him.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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“And you got your badge from a Cracker Jack box.”
LOVED that line! Great story. Also, congratulations and happy anniversary!
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Dear Tiffany,
I thank you. My muse thanks you. 😉
shalom,
Rochelle
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You are both welcome. 🙂
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A poignant love story to precede tomorrow’s happy celebration. Sending wishes for many more happy years, Rochelle and Jan.
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Dear VB,
Happily, this isn’t a true story…at least not for me. Thank you for the kind comments and anniversary wishes.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A very moving story, with a crisp contrast in the dialogue. There was a similar story line in a series we get over here, Doc Martin, (you won’t have seen it – it wasn’t exported) and your story brought that back. Beautifully done.
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Oh, and happy special occasions! 🙂
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Dear Sandra,
Thank you for your lovely comments. Now I’m curious about Doc Martin. Perhaps it’s available on DVD. I’ll have to google it. In any case I’m happy that my story moved you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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I was going to mention Charon in my story today, in fact, the secondary character is kind of based on him. If I’d had more time, I probably would have written something different based entirely around him, and the coin they used to place on the tongues of the dead to pay him. I loved Greek myths and legends when I was younger, and had this amazing illustrated book of them.
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Dear MissKZebra,
Thanks for dropping by. Actually, the mention of Charon in my title is a garnish and not the entree. 😉
shalom,
Rochelle
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Ooooh YEAH! Score points. Seems to resonate like a Twilight Zone episode.
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Dear Kent,
I suppose it could be a bit TZ’ish. Thanks for the extra points.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh three times the reason to celebrate.. many cheers back. the closest we can get is that on that is the lighting the first candle of advent on Sunday.
Love your mythological connection… I went a little sinister myself… darkness works well.
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Dear Björn,
Thank you for the cheers. Personally, Glad you liked my story, darkness and all.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thought provoking as always. Gets the brain cells moving…
Happy, happy anniversary! What a handsome couple…and sooo young. 🙂
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Oh! And a very, very happy Thanksgiving with your loved ones.
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Dear Millie,
We were very young when we got married. 😉 Happy to stir your brain cells. Thank you for the greetings and comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A sad story, but in the end a love story. Nicely done!
Happy Anniversary, and Happy Thanksgivikah!
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Dear Jan,
Indeed a love story. Thank you for your comments and well-wishes.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This was beautiful ! I’m rather new to this prompt so very impressed nonetheless !
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Dear Ducky,
Welcome again. Your comments make me smile. A word of caution. This flash fiction thing is highly addicting.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Deja Vu.. Talesfromthemotherland told me that also. I renamed it saying I was suckered. Tsk.
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My oh my… you went left of center this time, Rochelle! Quite unexpected… I choose to believe in Marion. Love the way you have me guessing! Do you know where this photo was taken? It looks very local to me… Washington state ferry, or possibly BC? Happy Thanksgiving, Rochelle. I am so grateful to you, for your efforts with Friday Fictioneers!
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And happy, happy anniversary!
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Dear Dawn,
This was a bit of a departure for me. One of the things I love about writing these vignettes is that it’s a great place for experimentation. While I don’t know Washington personally, Ted gives the background on his site for the ferry. http://tedstrutz.com/2013/11/29/friday-fictioneers-invitation-to-take-a-ride/ (just in case you haven’t been there yet. 😉 )
Marion didn’t murder him. She adored him. As far as his being dead, well, he lives on in her heart no matter what.
Thank you for your comments and well-wishing.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I am working my way through, but missed that part… thanks for the link! I figured Marion didn’t do it! Hopefully he’s just fishing away… 😉 Shalom.
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A pleasant surprise that warm ending. Thanks for not going the criminal way with that one. Happy Anniversary to you and Mr. Fields! 🙂
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Dear Eena,
It never occurred to me to go the criminal route. Marion’s love was all encompassing and she understood his need to leave. 😉 Thank you for coming by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Well done story! Happy Holidays and congrats to you both!
Regards
Jim
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Dear Jim,
Thank you, thank you and thank you. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, this is quite a momentous time of year for you. Happy Anniversary, and all the rest. I like the connection between the man’s white hair and the seagull’s white wings. Beautiful story.
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Dear David,
I’m so pleased you caught the connection. As always, you’re an astute reader. Thanks for the well wishes and the kind words.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Another great one, Rochelle! I have been watching a lot of mysteries on the set.
This goes right up there.
Scott
Mine: http://kindredspirit23.wordpress.com/2013/11/27/ff-friday-fictioneers-the-restaurant-at-the-end-pg13-11292013-horror/
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Dear Scott,
Perhaps in the eyes of the police this is a mystery. Ah well, this will forever remain in the cold case file. Thanks for your compliments. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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My favorite line “She drank in his image, every beloved line and crease.”
Wonderful story 🙂
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Dear Anja,
Glad that line came across. With only a few words to use, I wanted to establish the fact that Marion adored him. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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lovely story..love her waving to the seagull at the closing.
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Dear Paints,
Glad you liked my story and Marion’s beloved seagull.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Happy Anniversary and wonderful story that reminded me of a novel I once read 🙂 Childhood memories.
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Dear Camgal,
Thank you for the greetings and the comments. Hope it was a good novel. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Congratulations on all counts Rochelle, hope you have a very happy anniversary, and am madly envious at your grand-baby
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Thank you, Valerie. That’s an older photo of Olive. She’ll be 3 in March and we hardly know each other. She lives across the continent from us. We’re proud of her, nonetheless.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Good one, Rockstar. Happy Thanksgiving….Happy Hannukah!!!
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Thank you, Lora. Nice to see you here. Happy Thanksgiving to you, too.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Your stories always impress me. How well you an write . Happy Anniversary, love and hugs.
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Dear Indira,
Thank you for the love, hugs and sweet compliments. All humbly accepted.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Congrats Rochelle…and great photo of the writers’ conference. A sad little tale, or happy one, depending on whose viewpoint one takes. Hers wins out though. Nice thought.
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Dear Managua,
I loved the fact that you could see my story from both points of view. Marion misses him terribly but honored his wishes and knows where he is. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a beautiful story, Rochelle!
Congratulations and Happy Holidays. May your path be full of lights.
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Thank you on all counts, Emmy.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
This one made me cry. You know my beliefs run to just such happy coincidences and your story hit all the right buttons. I’m on record as saying I’m going to check out that way. Look for me on the wind.
RMVYLI.
Aloha,
Doug
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Dear Doug,
There’s no higher compliment to an author than to know her writing has evoked such emotion. DTVMYLI Such comments are the wind beneath my wings. Mahalo, my friend.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I try to write my story before I read yours, Rochelle, so I’m not unduly influenced by your great ideas. However, this time we were on the same wave-length. I came back to read your story and found that we were both bumping off the men this week. I loved your character’s sass and smile at the end. Now, I’m off to get me some Cracker Jack! 🙂
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Dear Karen,
Sometimes bumping off a man is good for morale. .;) Although my man’s death was by choice, I’m not so sure about yours. Enjoy those Cracker Jacks.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Esmeralda,
I loved your story. The time will come when we all will cross that wide expanse to that undiscovered country from whose born no traveler returns–except, of course, seagulls, doves, and birds of paradise. Happy multi-holiday, and most especially Happy Anniversary.
– Delbert C. Flat
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Dear Delbert,
I’m pleased that you liked my story. And a good time is being had by all.
Shalom,
Esmeralda
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my best wishes and congratulations on your 42nd wedding anniversary. you were simply awesome in that wedding dress.
as for your story, I just hope he caught the big one. 🙂
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dear paridel,
thank you for the compliments. i believe he met the big one. 😉
shalom,
rochelle
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Hi Rochelle,
Taking a break from writing this week. Just going to enjoy reading stories by some of my favorite writers. I thought your story this week was particularly well written. The pacing and clues were just perfect. Congrats on your anniversary. Maintaining a relationship for that long is quite an accomplishment. Ron
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Dear Ron,
Hope you’re enjoying your break as much as I enjoyed your comments. And happy birthday.
Your compliments and observations on my story mean a lot.
As for the long term relationship: we’re two very stubborn people. Divorce has never been an option. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’m thankful that you’ve hosted us every week! It’s really a lot of fun. I also liked your story a lot. The main character did a noble thing – and you can sure drop a zinger when you want to! The cracker jack comment was great.
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Dear Danny,
I’m pleased you caught my intentions in this story. Thank you for your sweet comments.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Wonderful story…and hoped you pased well these lovely holidays and anniversary celebration!
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Dear Georgia,
So far, it’s been a lovely holiday. Very different this year with drastic changes in family dynamics. I’m happy you liked my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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🙂
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Happy Anniversary!
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Thank you.
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What a beautiful story with such intensity-loved that he came back to her though others could not see him as she did-so apt and symbolic:-)
Wish you and your husband a very Happy Anniversary Rochelle-42nd-wow!Must be so wonderful to be celebrating your special day together with so many beautiful memories and heart full of love-God Bless you both and may you celebrate many more ! I am half way there-celebrated my 26th on 4th July:-)
Happy thanksgiving to you and your’s as well:-)
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Dear Atreyee,
In this day and age, 26 years is nothing to look down one’s nose at. Thank you for the anniversary and thanksgiving wishes.
I’m pleased that you saw that he came back. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ah,true but we belong to another era-my parents had 50 years of married life :-)Fortunately it is still not an aberration to be celebrating 25 yrs or more of marriage in India -as yet but divorces ,previously unheard of- is slowly making it’s presence felt-at least in Urban India-sigh!
Yes,I did and I thought that it was so beautiful and full of love:-)
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Loved your story! Happy Anniversary to you and Jan! Happy Chanukah too!
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Dear Barbara,
Thank you on all counts. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hugs to you Rochelle!
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Lovely, lovely, lovely. Just enough mystery to keep one wondering.
Happy Thanksgivvukah, and mazel tov on your anniversary! Mr. Fields is rather dishy looking.
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Dear Erin,
Thank you for your lovely comments. You made Mr. Fields smile. Of course I think he’s pretty hot. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ah, in some ways a Viking funeral. Very touching and romantic. Happy Channukah and Happy Anniversary to you!
Here’s mine: http://unexpectedpaths.com/friday-fictioneers/puzzle-pieces/
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Dear Maggie,
Thank you for the comments, well-wishing and compliments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Have a wonderful Anniversary;, Rochelle. A moving story very well told.
PS: I’m back! 🙂
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Dear Celestine,
I’m so pleased to have you back among us. Thank you for the anniversary wishes. Glad you liked my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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As a believer in reincarnation I thought your story was delightful. I know plenty of people who would do what he did. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Also, hope your day yesterday was magnifique!
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Dear Jackie,
I’m pleased that you understood and liked my story. It was a good anniversary and Thanksgiving. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story as always, and happy anniversary!
The old man must have loved her very much to just sail off into the sunset (as it were) to save her watching him die (that’s the way I read it anyway!).
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Dear Draliman,
Thank you for the comments and compliments. You are spot on in the way you read it which makes this author very happy.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Strange tale, beautifully told.
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Dear Lady Kady,
Great to see you back with Friday Fictioneers. Thank you for commenting It means a lot to me.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Quite a story, Rochelle. I feel like I shouldn’t even write one after reading yours (ha ha). Happy Thanksgiving and Chanukah, and Happy Anniversary, too! Wow, wonderful. I hope I can write one this week. If not, I’m just so glad I stopped by! Have a happy celebration.
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Dear Amy,
You should definitely write a story. But thank you for the high compliment and the well-wishes.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle,
I did it! I’m always happy when I do. I only said that because your story was so good! Thanks for the push.
Amy
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Rochelle, you have the gift of being able to write multi-layered stories in only 100 words. It’s always a pleasure to read them.
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Dear Steve,
And you have a gift for warm comments. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So filled with love and sadness. You can feel the women’s anger in her altercation with the police. I loved it.
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Dear Joseph,
Glad you could feel her anger and liked the story. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Love it 🙂 It brought thoughts of Tolkien’s ‘Grey Havens’, mixed with all kinds of reincarnation beliefs that he is now the seagull, starting over on his quest for Nirvana 🙂 To me, it was a tale of hope in a new life 🙂 (I hardly ever see things the way most people do 😉 ). Good writing!
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Dear Alice,
There’s a lot to be said for those of us who see things a bit differently than the majority of the herd. 😉 Thank you for your perceptive comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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