WELCOME TO FRIDAY FICTIONEERS!
Seize the opportunity to free your muse and allow her take you on a magic carpet ride.
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.
-
- ***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 – Björn Rudberg
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
JUMPING FLEA
“Better to harvest the sugarcane fields in Hawaii than starve in Madeira,” João Fernandes told his reluctant wife.
During the monotonous, sometimes perilous, four months at sea, he entertained his fellow immigrants on the braguinha.
Enamored with the new music form and João’s lively style, the Hawaiians treated him and his little guitar like royalty. Even Queen Lili’uokalani requested private evening concerts.
One lonely night, homesick for her mountains, Senhora Fernandes waited up for him.
When he greeted her with, “Behold the queen’s favorite musician!” she seized his ukulele and smashed it to pieces over his head.
“Behold your instrument!”
.
.
.
Just for fun:
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Ah .. so fun to see my own picture… it’s true many people leaved Madeira to seek fortune elsewhere… I can imagine some of them making it as as musician…
LikeLike
Dear Björn,
It was a tough choice. A lot of great pictures to choose from.
Of course this is historical fiction so the events are pretty much true. I love history!
Thanks for a great picture.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I remembered I actually saw an ensemble of young students playing on different types of Portuguese guitars.. some of them looked like Ukuleles .. other bigger. The other interesting thing is to listen to fado.. Guitar and a very specific singing. We went several times to restaurants were there were fado-performance together with grilled fresh fish… Recommend that..
LikeLike
Eeps-an irate wife can outdo any Queen,lol!Liked this Rochelle-a light fun read-to me:-)Off to post mine now.
LikeLike
Dear Atreyee,
Glad you liked. This picture and my research just didn’t bring darkness this week. 😉 Thank you for commenting.
shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Am so glad about that Rochelle-I love happy and fun tales:-)
LikeLike
The terraces in the photo remind me of those in La Gomwera, our neighbouring island. I love the wife’s reaction to her pompous husband!
LikeLike
Dear Liz,
Our own Björn took snapped the photo on his recent trip to Madeira. Where do you live?
Glad you liked the story. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I have been to Tenerife many times.. and I think that La Gomera would have terraces similar to La Gomera…
LikeLike
Poor Joao, back to full time in the sugar cane fields to earn return passage to Madeira (or to pay for a new ukulele–in which case, he ditches the wife). Fun story, Rochelle.
LikeLike
Dear VB,
An interesting ending. 😉 Thanks for commenting. I had fun writing this one.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
It looked very much as if you did – it was good to see your words smiling this week!
LikeLike
Thank you, Troy. 😉
LikeLike
Give me Hawaii over Madeira any day but each to his own… I think his lucky streak has just ended Nice one.
LikeLike
Dear Sandra,
I’d like to see them both in person one day. Hawaii more than Madeira, though. And in the midst of another arctic Missouri blast, Hawaii sounds quite inviting.
Thanks for your comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Sounds like some ‘hysterical fiction’ for Joao… but I do not blame the Senhora! I’m surprised you resisted calling him Juan Ho. Cool pic from Bjorn.
LikeLike
Dear Ted,
History wouldn’t allow me to call him Juan Ho, but now that you mention it….
It is a great picture.
Thanks for dropping by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Hell hath no fury like a woman whose husband gets all full of himself because of a little attention from a queen! Entertainment at its best, Rochelle.
LikeLike
Dear Honie,
Pride does go before a fall. Thanks for the affirming comments. They make me smile.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I don’t think the queen is going to be very happy with her…
LikeLike
No doubt, Adam. 😉
LikeLike
Ha! A great ending to a charming story! Loved looking up and learning more about the migration of Portuguese people to Hawaii. You always lead me to more knowledge!
Also looooved the music, and the musician’s voice is delightful 🙂
Just one little typo–should be spelled “Madeira” in the beginning of the story.
LikeLike
Dear Jan,
Nothing makes me happier than knowing I’ve passed on some just-learned knowledge. Thanks for the typo-tip. Surprisingly I was able to fix it on my phone. Another wrinkle in my brain for having figured out how to do something new.
The musician is Sarah, my youngest son’s girlfriend. She is delightful. 😉
shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Rochelle,
It sounds like he was adjusting to life a lot better than she was. When a couple goes to another culture together, it’s not uncommon for them to grow apart, one taking to it, while the other longs for home. Of course, in this case, there might be more going on. 🙂 Great story. (I found a computer this week in my travels, so I can read and comment much more quickly.)
-David
LikeLike
Dear David,
I’m so pleased that you were able to find a computer to write on. I found it challenging to correct a typo on my phone yesterday. Besides the fact that I write my stories in Word and then copy them to my blog. This way I can (usually) correct typos beforehand.
I’ve been fortunate in that I’ve never been uprooted for my husband’s job. As for the story, history didn’t afford me with much information. 😉 Glad you liked it.
shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
You enlighten me with your touching historical fictions Rochelle. lol, beware of homesick wife. Shalom.
LikeLike
Dear Indira,
You make me smile with such sweet comments. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
There is a group of teens at my daughter’s school and fellow members of the high school band that have a ukulele ensemble. It is a totally different form of music, but something enjoyable as a change.
LikeLike
Dear Joe,
I never really thought of the ukulele as a serious instrument until I caught some clips of Jake Shimabukuro who plays Bohemian Rhapsody on one. Amazing.
I bet the ukulele ensemble is a fun to see and hear.
Thanks for coming by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
The photo was beautiful, the story was fun, and the video was marvelous!
LikeLike
Dear Ed,
Thank you on all three counts. I’ve watched the video over and over. Ukulele Sadie (Sarah) is Christian’s girlfriend. I haven’t met her in person…only on Facebook…but I find her to be delightful.
shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
As a wife who left home for her husband’s job, I can definitely sympathise with your main character, although I’m sure he thought he was doing the right thing. I’m interested that you call this historical fiction – is it a true story?
Autobiography from me this week, for a change.
LikeLike
PS do you mean Madeira rather than Mardeira in the first line?
LikeLike
Dear Jen,
You are a long way from home, aren’t you? I hope your experience has been better than Senhora Fernandes. 😉
Originality is the art of concealing your source. 😉 Yes, it’s a true story as told by João’s granddaughter. The fictional part is the set up and execution. I love it when my research and muse take me unexpected directions.
Going to read yours now.
Shalom,
Rochelle
PS Thanks for the typo alert. All fixed now.
LikeLike
Love the frustration. Behold your instrument. Fun story.
LikeLike
Many thanks, Kim.
LikeLike
“Behold your instrument!” 🙂 🙂 i definitely enjoyed reading this. it’s funny, i tend to get homesick so I can just imagine her pent-up irritation.
LikeLike
Dear KZ,
I think it would be hard to uprooting and moving to a different culture would be enough to make anyone homesick. Glad you enjoyed. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Perhaps if he remembered his wife was the queen it would have been smoother sailing.Poor Joao however will he get attention now.
LikeLike
Dear Dana,
I think João is going to remember from now on who the true queen is. 😉 I think perhaps he was able to get another ukulele.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Hi Rocelle,
I agree with DCTdesigns, he should have paid more attention to his wife.
Cute story.
Blessings,
Phyllis
LikeLike
Dear Phyllis,
Glad you liked my story. I had fun writing it.
shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Hi Rochelle – I read a story or two (which I liked) and wanted to leave a comment or two…but unable to because I’m not with WordPress. Sorry about that.
Lora
LikeLike
Of course I love this, Rochelle, being a native Hawaiian. You take me back to my childhood sojourns on Maui where I was born and raised. hugs…for the memories…and the humorous twist to which I can relate. I have moved several times because of my hubby’s job…the first when we left the islands. So I totally understand where your wahine is coming from.
LikeLike
Dear Millie,
I’m happy to know that my little story brought back happy memories for you. I had to look up wahine. 😉 I would love to travel to Hawaii some day.
Thanks for commenting,
shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I was thinking the same thing! (as the wife)
LikeLike
Yes, Dawn. João had it coming. 😉
LikeLike
Loved the wife’s character! I actually cackled in delight at the ending! 😀
LikeLike
Dear Tinkerbelle,
Your comment has me smiling. Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
dear Rochelle,
I love the Twist at the end – this sad lonely wife is changing completely, and by the way, she ist right 🙂
Liebe Grüße
Carmen
LikeLike
Dear Carmen,
Glad you enjoyed by little tale. I agree about the wife. Enough is enough. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
So often happens. One partner has an interesting job which takes them into new areas, the other is left behind. Your story is a pithy well told reminder to us to either get an early divorce or pay more attention to the others in the family. And to hide the ukulele.
LikeLike
Dear Patrick,
Your insightful comments make me smile. My husband is learning to play the ukulele. Should I be worried?
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Those tiny bubbles are murder on a relationship. 🙂 I’m not sure the extra time he’ll have to spend with her now will do the trick. Maybe he can take up surfing.
janet
LikeLike
Dear Janet,
Murder indeed. Particularly a bubble that involves a ukulele. 😉 Incidentally, Jan’s learning to play. Should I worry?
shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Only if he’s playing while on the Harley!
LikeLike
Yes, that could be a little dicey. Plink, plank, crash!
LikeLike
How you arrived at Hawaii or Madeira is a mystery to me! However, your story about the Ukelele, one of the most ridiculous sounding instruments ever invented, was charming.
LikeLike
Dear Lindaura,
Have you heard Jake Shimabukuro play Bohemian Rhapsody on a ukulele?
I had the inside that the photo was taken in Madeira. I started with Madeira’s history and followed the research path to where it led. In the process I learned a bit of history I never knew before. Great fun.
Glad you liked my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Oh Just loved the ending. Sugar cane is an interesting thing to eat raw you know 😉
LikeLike
Dear Lala,
I had raw sugar cane once, but wasn’t too impressed. Now I don’t eat sugar in any form. Glad you liked my story. Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Dear Cuzin’ Pearl,
I rather expected a clip of Tiny Tim singing “Tip toe through the tulips” after reading your tale, but this one works too. Sounds like Big Mama is a little jealous of his new found fame. Maybe it’s time for a few verses of Blue Hawaii.
Yours truly,
Jed
LikeLike
Dear Jed,
I thought of inserting a clip of Tiny Tim, but decided on Sarah instead. She’s dating my youngest son and since I think she’s a pure delight, I asked if I could share her video.
For once I decided to follow your humor trail. I hope that it worked but don’t want anyone to think I’ve gone soft or something. 😉
Shalom y’all,
Cuzin’ Pearl
LikeLike
What a terrific tale! Never upset your wife!
LikeLike
Thank you, F.G. Nice to see you back.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
This is a great little story Rochelle.
LikeLike
Thank you, Bryan.
LikeLike
Yes, I do have a certain ambivalence about those little guitars….. 😉
LikeLike
Dear Freya,
Fair enough. I think they’re cute and in the right hands can do some amazing things. To each their own. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Indeed! I think the key point is ‘in the right hands’! 🙂
LikeLike
I try not to read any other stories before I write my own, but then a day later, I’m catching up! While I listen to Why Do Fools Fall in Love! thanks for that gem. 🙂 Have you ever listened to Jake Shimbukuro? You must, and you should start here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puSkP3uym5k. That is my gem to you.
As always, Rochelle, your story is alive with place and character. I love that your characters leave Madeira (I wondered where this was, had to ask Björn) and go to Hawaii… such a dynamic journey! Both places bring mystery to the story, even as the wife delivers humor. Well done!
LikeLike
Dear Dawn,
I actually have listened to Jake Shimabukuro and hope that others will see your link and follow it. The young lady in the video is my youngest son’s girlfriend. She’s such a charmer, so I chose her over Mr. S.
I prefer not to read anyone else’s story before writing my own. Before I became the bus driver of this group I never read anyone’s first.
I followed the history threads from Madeira and found my way to Hawaii. It was a great trip for my muse and I. Glad you enjoyed.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I love how you do that: follow the links, find a muse and take us on such a great journey! How wonderful that this is someone you know, in the video. I loved listening to her!
LikeLike
Poor woman…she’s the one he should be treating like a queen! Good story.
LikeLike
Dear Tiffany,
I hope that João learned his lesson. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Me too! You’re welcome. 🙂
LikeLike
what a story…poor dear and poor instrument! and i hear the instrument is not cheap. thanks again and also, cute video. 🙂
LikeLike
Dear Sun,
If João had paid better attention to the queen of his home he wouldn’t have to worry about the expense. Glad you liked my story and Sarah’s video. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
it looked like senhora’s needs were being neglected. by the way, which head and instrument
LikeLike
were being referred to in the story? just kidding.
LikeLike
dear plaridel,
kudos to you for picking up on the innuendo. 😉
shalom,
rochelle
LikeLike
He spent so much time with the queen, he forgot the far more important queen at home. Such is life for the man without a happy wife. Great story Rochelle!
LikeLike
Dear Eric,
João’s head, it seemed, was turned by fame. How many sacrifice true wealth for that? Glad you liked my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Hell hath no fury………. 🙂
LikeLike
You know it, Celestine. 😉
LikeLike
Oh dear – he’s been living the high life and completely forgotten about his wife’s happiness. Serve’s him right!
LikeLike
Dear Ali,
It does sound that way, doesn’t it? Thanks for commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
This is such a rich nugget of fiction. Multi-layered, too, for although it is humorous there are seams of deep feeling too: what can be worse than homesickness, or feeling jealous and lonely, and all set against the unknown, the hopes and anxieties of a boat full of people seeking a living in a foreign land. Gosh you packed a lot in here.
LikeLike
Dear Tish,
You’ve made my day with your generous comment. Not everyone notices the intended nuances so it’s gratifying when someone does. Thank you so much.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Four months passage could test anyone’s patience so smugness is not recommended!
LikeLike
Right you are, denmother. Thanks for commenting.
shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
At least it was just his musical instrument she broke. haha! Great story.
LikeLike
Dear Jackie,
You caught that, eh? 😉 Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Great story Rochelle, and loved the ukelele. Why DO fools fall in love? Really good piece – thanks, Nan
LikeLike
Dear Nan,
I thank you and Sarah (Ukulele Sadie) thanks you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I see they didn’t really see eye to eye on this one! I loved the instrument crashing over his head at the end. I’d say he had it coming! Great, well crafted story, Rochelle.
LikeLike
Dear Amy,
That he had it coming seems to be the general consensus. ) Thank you for your comments and compliments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I don’t like the wife! He’s trying to make a better life for the two of them and he’s lucked into something good and she’s annoyed? Alright so he’s a little obnoxious — I don’t want to hang out with him,but she married him!
Okay, said my piece….
LikeLike
Dear Perry,
Afraid you just might be the minority on his issue. ) Glad f you to came by to share another point of view.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
No wonder they say musicians suffer for their art 😉
LikeLike
Dear Subroto,
I’m not quite sure this would fall under the heading of “suffering for one’s art.” 😉 Thanks for commenting. 🙂
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I had a good laugh – very satisfying to see an annoying husband get his come-uppance Rochelle!!! Great fun !
LikeLike
Dear Valerie,
The thought of your laughing at my little story makes me smile all over. Glad you enjoyed it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
And the moral is: if you play music with Queen, don’t forget Crazy Little Thing Called Love! 😉
LikeLike
Dear Steve,
No doubt João’s head was turned by the attention causing a lapse in judgement on his part. I think the ukulele across the skull was a good reality check for him. Thanks for commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
LOL! Some light-hearted history. 😉 Thanks for the comment on mine. (I was at a writers conference this weekend and had no time to read until now.)
LikeLike
Dear Maggie,
Ah those pesky writers conferences. What would we do without them? I hope you had a great time, networked with the right people and learned much. Glad you liked my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Love the Portuguese in there. Fun south sea story.
LikeLike
Thanks, Kent. Glad you liked and thanks for stopping by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Dear Rochelle,
A great story that fires on all cylinders as it explores the origin of ukuleles, migration to Hawaii, the preferences of a queen and the perils of serenading same with mixed success.
Well done.
Aloha,
Doug
LikeLike
Dear Doug,
Your comment is like a deliciously rich dessert to savor. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
A lovely story and so interesting to find out about the ukelele…poor lady, must have been desparate to break it over his head though or perhaps she felt it might be a way to help unswell his head a bit… (lol)
LikeLike
Dear Georgia,
Not sure which was her motive, In any case, she’d had enough. Glad you liked my story.
shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
🙂 yep, I’d say she’d had enough!
LikeLike
Maybe he should have treated his wife like a queen? (This has the feel of something based on history – is it, or are you getting really really good at writing convincing historical fiction, Rochelle?)
LikeLike
Dear Sharon,
As I told Elmo in an earlier comment, originality is the art of concealing your source. My muse led me on a delightful trail of discovery this week. Most of it is historical fact but the fiction is in the construction.
Thanks for commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Hi! Funny story Rochelle 🙂 I love the cheeky husband getting his just deserts from his feisty wife – spunky women make the best characters!
I read that short story writing is often more difficult than to write a book – (I haven’t wrote a book yet!) but the person who said that wasn’t kidding; it’s taken me all week to get my story written – with 51 minutes left to add the link!!
Someone also said to not ‘give up’ on a story and to keep writing, however hard, til it’s finished…. 100 words isn’t easy (well, 119 words!), but I’m glad I did it.
I await the next challenge. And Thank you for being there 🙂 My writing efforts are most definitely being stretched 🙂
~Vic
LikeLike
Dear Vic,
Better late than never and Welcome to Friday Fictioneers. I’ve found that writing a complete story in 100 words or less daunting, exhilarating and a learning experience. It’s taught me how to make every word count.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike