WELCOME TO FRIDAY FICTIONEERS!
A Happy Valentine’s Day
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:
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My story follows the photo and link tool. I enjoy honest comments and welcome constructive criticism.
- Shalom,
Rochelle
Genre: Let the Farce be with you.
Word Count: 96
TAKE A NUMBER
“To Randall B. Johnson. My first husband.” Marilee raised her glass. “Good riddance.”
“To my Randy,” Juanita lifted her half empty goblet. “The snake. Glad I divorced him.”
“Yeah, but he was pretty, wasn’t he?”
“Pretty slimy.”
“I hear he’s getting married again.”
“Who’d be that stupid?”
Juanita raised an eyebrow. “Two ex-Mrs. Johnsons walk into a bar.”
“You could’ve warned me.”
“Like you’d have listened?”
“There is that.” Marilee sipped her sangria and relished its bitter-sweetness. “Suppose we should educate the future ex-Mrs. Rat Bastard Johnson?”
“Nah, let’s just plan on a threesome next year.”
Nice one here. Hope Johnson meets his match in the next date 🙂
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Hi Charles.
We can only hope. 😉 Glad you came by and liked.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Seems like the impending holiday has you feeling a little risqué. I aim to take your lead 🙂
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Go for it, Dawn. 😉 And have fun with it. (I did)
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yes you did! 🙂
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I love the double entendre of the bitter-sweetness in sangria and marriages.
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Dear Liz,
Glad you liked and caught it. Thank you for swinging by
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This sounds like the inaugural meeting of the First Wives Club. Made me laugh, women at their indomitable best. Well done Rochelle.
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Dear Sandra,
This seemed like a good week to lighten up. I hadn’t thought about the First Wives Club. It’s based on an actual conversation. Glad to make you laugh. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The internet at the apartment is down so I may not make it this week. Writing this at a chinese restaurant at 10.00am! 🙂 Thanks for the laugh.
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I hope you can make it this week, but I understand. Bon apetit. Chinese is one of my favorites.
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Rochelle,
Mr. Johnson is accumulating quite a number of women in a love-hate relationship with him. I really enjoyed this one. I always love your sense of humour. 🙂
-David
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Dear David,
I have a friend who’s always noodging me about my dark stories. She says, you’re so funny in person, why don’t you write humor? There, Terry. Happy now? Glad you liked it, David. I really did have a great time writing this one.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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To be fair, I like all your writing, but you do have a sparkling wit. 🙂
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Ah.. better not be a slime-ball… or at least Mr Johnson should be careful with his Sangria next time…
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Ah, Björn,
Sad to say…both of the “Mr. Johnsons” this story is based on are the epitome of slime-balls. But I think these ladies are just happy to be separated. Thanks for commenting. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Brilliant!
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Thank you, Zainab. 😀
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haha this was lovely 🙂 wonderful humor. it’s great how they were able to form friendships because of their slimy rat of an ex 🙂
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Dear K.Z.
Happy to make you laugh. It’s based on fact and a delightful conversation I was once privy to. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
Nice title, better story, perfect names, awesome author.
Kia Ora,
Doug
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Dear Doug,
Great comment. Wonderful muse. Awesome friend.
Shalom, Kia Ora and Aloha,
Rochelle
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Sounds like Randy is not really a keeper. Hopefully wife # 3 gives him a run for his money. Great story ( as always) Pat
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Dear Pat,
Randy is as his name suggests. 😉 Glad you liked my story. Thank you for commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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very Nice.. 🙂
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Thank you twice in one day. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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WC
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Hey Dear Friends Please like me on my Facebook page please because i want to win a game.Please like it
https://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Blog-Piyush-Pujara/583345715090487
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Enjoyable story. A private detective would have been useful to those ladies. Maybe they should suggest that to the wife-to-be.
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Dear Patricia,
I’m afraid wife number 3 is going to find out for herself soon enough. Glad you enjoyed. It was fun to write.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great minds, Rochelle – I went with the bittersweetness of Sangria too. I love these women’s attitude and your tag “men are pigs” 😉
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Dear Jennifer,
Glad you made it home safely. 😉 I missed your comments last week. It’s nice to know that someone actually pays attention to my tags.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Love it, Rochelle! 😀 Really made me chuckle. I like this story very, very much; one of your best 🙂
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Dear Victoria,
Thank you for your kind comments. Glad you liked it. I had fun writing it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The ex wive’s club! I like it! I agree that warning the fiancée is pointless. She’ll probably see them as bitter and unreliable.
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Dear Gina,
You are so right there. I’m sure she thinks it’s eternal love. 😉 Glad you liked.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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We are on the same wavelength with this one. Nice little vignette.
I’m having trouble making the linkz thingie work so here is the url to mine in case I never get it to behave: http://sorchiadubois.wordpress.com/2014/02/12/friday-fictioneers-the-sangria/
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Dear Kay,
I see that you were able to link up. Good. Glad you liked my story. It was a fun write.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Nice, gave me a smile.
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Always happy to share a smile, M. Thanks for coming by and commenting.
shalom,
Rochelle
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That is a nice one. The dialogues are well written. 🙂
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Thank you Anmol. 😀
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Touche, Rochelle, Touche!
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😀
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Very well done–especially considering that you are a happily married woman 🙂
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Dear Jan,
Some years ago, before Jan and I were married, I was with his mom on a trip. I got to be privy to her conversation with her second husband’s other ex. Seems they bonded over their, shall we say, experience with this man. One of two times I’ve seen my MIL tipsy.
Yes, I am happily married. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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There’s nothing like the gathering of a “first wives club” on Valentine’s Day. The ending has a great punch.
Cheers!
Marie Gail
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Dear Marie Gail,
It was fun to write and based on fact. Glad you liked. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That was awesome! Reminds me of the movie- The other woman starring Cameron Diaz and Nicki Minaj 🙂 They decide to join forces instead of having a cat fight over an undeserving man. Wonderful Valentine’s day fiction Rochelle.
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Dear Camgal,
I never saw that movie, but I think it’s a great theme. I really didn’t have any movie in mind. It’s based on a true conversation between two ex-wives who’d made the mistake with the same man. Glad you liked it. Awesome is always nice to hear. 😉 And a happy Valentine’s Day to you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, You know what they say about the power of a trinity. Next year he is in real trouble. Could be the end of his run of Ex-wives. Very fun.
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Dear Dana,
Hopefully the third time will be the charm, but with what I know about the guys this is based on…probably not. At least not until someone poisons his sangria. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Raising my glass to your story! Great fun. Hmm, maybe I should reach out to my ex’s ex’s. hahaha! Great fun read Rochelle.
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Dear Jackie,
Stranger things have happened. Glad you liked the story. It was fun to write and based on a good memory.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Haha, love it. And I love the genre for this story. The farce indeed.
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Dear Tiffany,
Nice to know that someone looks at the genre. I didn’t want to say “humor”. What if people didn’t think it was funny? 😉 Glad you enjoyed my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I think it’s interesting that you always include the genre. Indeed! You had it covered. You’re welcome. 🙂
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Love it 😀 “Plan for a threesome next year” Great touch
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Thank you, Al. 😀
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You’re welcome 🙂
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Well, I know sangria can be bitter, darling, but this takes the cake! Nice to see you can do funny, too!
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Dear Helena,
Your comment makes me smile. Funny was fun to do. Glad it worked.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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My Dear Rachelle,
I am happy to say that you inspired this week’s FF.
Thanks & Blessings,
Phyllis
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Dear Phyllis,
Always happy to inspire. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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;0)
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I feel oddly voyeuristic dropping in on the conversation, yet strangely glad I did.
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Dear Etienne,
Thanks for eavesdropping. Glad you enjoyed.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Cute story!
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Thank you, Bryan.
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Oh my Rochelle, this on is delicious from the first sip! Love it!! “Marilee sipped her sangria and relished its bitter-sweetness.” Fantastic play on words. Bravo! Witty, clever, tightly written, and just fun to read… great job!
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Dear Dawn,
Your comment puts a huge smile on my face. It means a lot to me for you to say such nice things. Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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I only say what I mean Rochelle… this story rocked!
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Man he’s a real slime ball. A least the new friends will have something to bond over.
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Dear Kim,
I wonder how many ex-wives there are who do bond this way? It’s based on a true conversation. Glad you liked.
shalom,
Rochelle
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I would imagine more than we would think.
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haHaha fun girltime… Loved your story
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Thank you, Rajlakshmi. 😀
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Hi Rochelle. A clever and funny take on the prompt and so true to life. I know two exs who met last month in just this situation. But they had tea – and I’m sure they wouldn’t have put sugar in it. Good one! cheers, Karen
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Dear Karen,
My story is also based on an actual meeting of two ex’s of the same man. Glad you liked it. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Reminds me of some of the tv my wife watched. Nicely done
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Dear Weltchy,
Thank you. I think the scenario is more common than people realize. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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if he writes a book, i’ll buy it. 🙂
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😉
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Love the idea of an ex-wives’ club, Rochelle. Amusing and clever piece.
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Thank you, Hannah. I didn’t even think about the movie The First Wives Club when I wrote this. It was based on a conversation between my MIL and a friend. Both of them had been married to the same slime ball and had seen the error of their ways.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I could picture them clinking glasses on the addition to the Wives Club. I have been there and really all you can do is laugh and have a cocktail. I enjoyed this quite a bit!
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Dear W.O.P.
Glad that you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It’s my turn to run late and have all the good comments taken, so I’ll just stick with this:
Nice one, Rochelle. I enjoyed it.
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Dear Adam,
I’ll accept that. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ha!ha!This is hilarious Rochelle!Just loved that “pretty..slimy” and the ending too 😀
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Glad you liked it, Atreyee. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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🙂
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Like “The Three Wives Club”…except with one husband. Wonderfully funny!
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Thank you, Millie. 😀
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Great story…and true to life. I think I know these women! LOL!
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Dear Courtney,
Very true to life. It’s based on an actual conversation…or rather bash-fest. Glad you liked and commented.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh I like this a lot 🙂
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I’m glad, Celestine. Thank you. 😀
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There’s this assumption that people can’t accomplish anything if they just stew in bitterness. I say the best friendships are formed that way. 😉
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Dear Lauren,
There’s bitterness and then there’s birds of a feather. 😉 Based on fact, I had fun with this one. Thanks for commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great dialogue, Rochelle. I’ve heard it said that three’s a charm–perhaps the new wife will be his match and tame that bad boy.
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Dear VB,
I’m not sure anyone ever did tame that bad boy. 😉 But at least these friends have something in common, eh? Thank you for the kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh the bonding of women over a shared loser. 🙂 very humorous and lovely read.
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I’m happy you enjoyed it, Deanna.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I see a pattern here – I wonder how many women he can make mad. Funny!
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Dear Nan,
I think there’s the potential for him to repeat the pattern several times. Randy’s a narcissist. They don’t learn. Glad you liked.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Julia C,
Poor Mr. Johnson. Obviously, the man has so much love to offer that it would be unfair to the rest of the female population if he limited himself to only one woman. I can understand their bitterness and disappointment, but let’s not turn sweet wine into sour grapes.
Dr. S. Freud
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Dear Dr. Freud,
For some reason my sympathies just aren’t with Mr. Johnson. Nope. Not feeling it. But thanks for the advice. 😉
Shalom,
Julia C.
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These women! When will those three meet again?
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You never know, Patrick. Female bonding is a lovely thing.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle,
Very fun story. The playfulness of the dialog and the way the relationship between the two women is revealed really makes it hum. I’ve always suspected that women could get tired of too much Johnson. Ron
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Dear Ron,
The prize for double entendre observation goes to you this week! Couple that last name with Randy and…need I say more? Glad you liked the story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Nice one Rochelle, lol. Nicely revealed relationship between two women, brilliant. Shalom.
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Dear Indira,
You always say the nicest things. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Because I’m truly impressed by your writing dear. Shalom
Indira
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Great dialogue which creates a brilliant story, Rochelle.
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Thank you, NIna. 😀
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Nice one! I like the idea of their growing numbers as the “snake” barrels his way through wife after wife. Maybe number three will prove to be his match?
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Dear Ali,
We can only hope. 😉 But I wouldn’t make any wagers. Glad you liked.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I see this becoming quite a party in years to come with all the ex-Mrs. Johnsons needing to rent a room. 😉
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Dear Sarah Ann,
Oh I see a rented room in their future. Do I hear four ex-Mrs. Rat Bastards? Thanks for commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wicked dialogue here. Need a story from Randy Johnson’s pov too 🙂
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Dear Subroto,
Wicked indeed. I’m sure his POV would be a bit of fantasy. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great dialogue. I love the cynicism and the inevitability of adding another ex-Mrs. Johnson next year. Great read.
Here’s mine: http://unexpectedpaths.com/friday-fictioneers/sweets-to-the-sweet-farewell/
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Dear Maggie,
Thanks for your kind comments. Glad you liked.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Love this story!
Did not see the blue guy so here is my link:
http://salmonfishingqueen.wordpress.com/2014/02/14/the-last-glass-friday-fictioneers/
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Dear Barbara,
Glad you liked. Thank you. Also, it appears you settled your issue with the inLinkz. Good.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Funny and visual Rochelle. Great characterisation. Ah, those poor bittersweet creatures, nothing to do on Valentine’s Day but get drunk in a bar and act like victims! Ann
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Dear Ann,
On the other hand, as I recall, the two ladies I base this conversation on were anything but victims. Glad you liked it and thought it was funny. 😉
Thanks for commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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My apologies to your two ladies. I hope it is not ‘curtains’ for me, with them.
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Very funny with great dialogue. I particularly liked the ‘Two ex-Mrs Johnsons walk into a bar’ quip.
🙂
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Dear JWD,
That’s one of my favorite lines, too. 😉 Nice to know it worked for someone else. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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just a perfect story, Rochelle. i love the friendship forming between these women. he better get ready for the showdown. ha-ha.
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Dear Sun,
Perfect? Pretty high praise. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great job pulling the reader in, it really feels like you are there, at the table with them!
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Dear Riya,
Your comment makes me smile. It’s the ultimate goal as a writer to make the reader feel that she’s there. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Well i almost heard those women speaking inside my head! Amazing dialogues!
I do wonder when the ‘snake’ will be vile enough to deal the killing blow 😛
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Dear Smudged,
Glad you could hear the voices. I try to write what the voices in my head tell me. 😉 Sooner or later the snake will reap what he’s sown.
Thanks for coming by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Very nicely done! I love your take on this prompt.
-Alicia Audrey
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Dear Alicia,
I couldn’t ask for a nicer comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Tch, poor foolish Randy. Gotta love his “ex” women though, they sound super smart and totally in control! 😀
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Dear Tinkerbelle,
Randy will eventually pay and we’ll all smile.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Haha! Loved the ex-wives club theme here!!
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Dear Anjana,
Glad you did. 😉 Something women can bond over.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Looks like a super popular prompt this week.
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As I read this, I tried to picture my grandfather’s first two wives as Juanita and Marilee. It woulda never happened. They were too busy hating the idea that the other existed to focus on how poorly my grandfather had treated them both. I think, for many women, there’s a whole different attitude towards the other former wife (wives) today…more of a survivor’s club!! Great story, and the two Mrs. Johnsons joke made me giggle. 🙂
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