What does the photo prompt below say to you? Tell me in a hundred words. 😉
PHOTO PROMPT, Copyright – Claire Fuller
Genre: Realistic Fiction
World Count: 99
WHAT’S ON THE MENU?
“There’s so much I haven’t seen, Mom.”
“It’ll keep. You’re only eighteen.”
“I’m a woman.”
“You’re still a child. The city will eat you alive.”
“It’s a full scholarship.”
Three months later, miles from parental scrutiny, Evelyn strolled into the university studio, virgin sketchbook under her arm.
She lowered herself onto an art bench, looked up at the statuesque model on a raised platform, held her pencil erect at arm’s length to calculate perspective and, with great relish, contemplated all that nature had bestowed upon him.
“Study hard,” her mother had said.
Evelyn smiled.
“I will, Mom, I will.”
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Hi Rochelle, I can’t see the picture in Reader. Just thought I would let you know 🙂
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Hi Dragonfly
I don’t think I have any control over what appears in the reader. At any rate, thanks for letting me know.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, I love this story for it’s humour and clear succinct writing. As a former art student I know just what’s going through her mind…
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Dear Karen,
I was also an art student, although I wasn’t quite as enthusiastic as Evelyn when I entered my first figure drawing class. I turned at least 50 shades of red I think.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, I like your clever use of words to both paint a clear image for the reader and to encapsulate reality – 18 year olds are so often streets ahead of their parents.
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Dear Diana,
I’m not sure I was ahead of my parents at 18, but I certainly thought I was. Ah hindsight.
thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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“Virgin sketchbook”? I love the play on words that this cojured up.
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Dear Liz,
Yep, that was intentional. Glad you liked.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Love the story. Hope you had a good fortnight off 🙂
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Dear Al,
Glad you liked the story. I did enjoy my time “off.” Although as you can read in my previous blog, it came to a rather painful end. 😉
Hope your time is going well.
shalom,
Rochelle
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I will read your other post. I am hoping that things can get back to normal this week, and I want to use this prompt as it would fit in well with comedic Gods that I have done a couple of posts on.
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My first day back at work proved to be painful at best. Naturally I was the butt of a lot of jokes, which I didn’t mind. 😉
I look forward to your take on the prompt.
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did you have to toe the line on your first day back? Or was something afoot? 😉
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😀
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Sounds like a very good girl – either that or she hasn’t discovered the university bar yet!
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Dear EL,
Evelyn’s still pretty naive, but I don’t think that’s going to last long.
Thank you for dropping by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I think she’s pursuing her vocation with … er … dedication. I like to see a girl who takes an interest in nature. Nice one Rochelle. Hope your toe is on the mend.
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Dear Sandra,
Evelyn’s most definitely an aficionado when it comes to nature. 😉 Wish I could say better of the toe. 😦 First day back at work was challenging.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You have a great way with words Rochelle, loved the way you use words.. Enjoyed very much. She is sure going to study hard.
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You choose fascinating titles for all your posts.
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Dear Indira,
I was once an art student. I had a lot of fun with this. 😉
Thank you for all your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Did you contemplated all that nature had bestowed upon him with great relish and worked hard.
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I goofed off a lot and our models weren’t very attractive. 😉
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So sad. You writ so beautifully in just 100 words amazes me.
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Oh the newness of a virgin sketchbook. So much promise! Nicely told. Walk softly, Rochelle.
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Dear Honie,
I think Evelyn’s going to enjoy college. 😉 Thank you. (Walking as softly as I can in a 5 lb. boot.)
shalom,
Rochelle
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Sometimes I like a story that’s as stiff as my drink. Well done.
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Dear JK,
All I can say to that is thank you. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, Good story and well written as always. I never heard of that type of course when I was in college. It was rather a conservative city college in a midwestern city in the 60’s. I was studying mainly elementary education courses anyway so I wouldn’t have taken it. Hunorous and well done. I hope you’ll feel better soon. 🙂 —Susan
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Dear Susan,
I went to the Kansas City Art Institute. The first time I walked into a figure drawing studio, the model was male. Every try to act sophisticated and nonchalant while you face is turning fifty shades of red? After a while, however, I grew accustomed to and even bored with nude models.
Thank you for the compliments to my story and the well wishes for my battered tootsies.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Clearly those broken toes haven’t thrown you off your game! Having gone to drawing studio like this in Chicago, I can really imagine a young girl doing it for the first time. Nice job.
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Dear Dawn,
There’s a bit of autobiography here and whole lot of fiction. 😉 I still remember my first figure drawing class with a nude male model.
At least my fingers aren’t broken, right?
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I was an adult when I had my first class, and I still had to reframe from some rather Beavis and Butthead-like comments! 😉 I still have the drawings.
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I still have the drawings, too. 😉
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Some day our children will be going through our things, and have something to wonder about…
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Ah, to go back in time when we were young and naive…Or maybe not? Good one, Rochelle.
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Dear Loré,
Maybe if I could go back there knowing what I know now. 😉 I don’t think Evelyn’s going to be naive for long.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh my, that banged toe brought out a naughty girl.
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Dear Ted,
Naughty? Who you calling naughty? Sometimes a story’s just a story.
shalom,
Rochelle
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My, this is loaded with puns. I expect she enjoyed “nature” as much as she could that first year, opening herself up to new experiences. This is a wonderful story Rochelle. You’ve given me a great smile to start the day.
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Dear Eric,
A little wordplay is always good for the soul. 😉 Happy to have given you reason to smile.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story, Rochelle!
I thought of you yesterday during my brisk walk. The toe I suspect I broke 30 years ago, started throbbing. Yes, you will feel it until the day you die, not everyday but enough of them.
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Dear Deb,
I’ll be happy when I can shed the 5 lb. boot contraption. I’ve no doubt I’ll continue to feel discomfort. Ah well, I’ll just add it to my list.
Thank you. Glad you liked my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Think of the muscles you are building with that extra 5 lbs! Lol…
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It’s a bit fresh but only implicitly
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Why thank you, Larry. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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simply perfect — in all its glory — and having been an art student myself, it definitely makes me smile – clearly gods/goddesses can have shining moments of glory, in all forms and shapes!
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Dear Pat,
I have another artist friend who said I wrote her experience. I was also an art student so a smattering is taken from personal experience.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Well I do believe there is a universal quality to the piece — and in some way, most would be able to relive that first experience of setting down to sketch with a live model. Lol —- it can be much more than anticipated, no matter how well prepared we may *think* we are.
Shalom Rochelle 🙂
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Mother hen seems to be afraid of letting the chick leave the nest which is perfectly understandable, but the little chick needs to experience the world and grow on her own. I believe she is well on her way to doing so.
I find this story quite realistic. Thank you.
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Dear Barry,
Glad you found the story to be realistic. Some is from my own personal experience. I think Evelyn’s going to be just fine. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The end made me chuckle and reminded me of when I “left the nest” about a million years ago.
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Dear Alicia,
I hope those leaving the next memories are good ones. Happy to have made you chuckle.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Virgin! Erect! Nature’s blessing! Is this all fit and proper for FF?
And where is Evelyn’s Adam?
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Dear Patrick,
What? I just used descriptive words. 😉
Perhaps Adam’s on the platform.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Some delicious plays on words here, Rochelle. You’ve conjured both her wordliness and – I think – her naivety and given me a smile to boot! Great to have you back.
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Dear Jen,
Good to be back. The break and the visit were nice. I’ll be soon sharing some photos with everyone.
Thank you for your kind words on my story. Playing with words is one of my favorite games. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ooh, I loved the wordplay here! Great – made me smile, which is a job well done this evening!
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Dear Freya,
Nothing like a good round of wordplay. 😉 Happy to make you smile.
Thank you,
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you, Rochelle.
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Great story, Laughed.
I love nature.
Happy. happy, Rochelle.
Randy
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Dear Randy,
And I’m happy happy to see you here. I’m glad you laughed.
Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Nice! Sweet and short and complete. I like it’s all hopeful and stuff. Yay for supportive parents.
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Thank you, Jamsun. Glad you liked. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Loved it 🙂 the last line made me smile 🙂
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Dear Sarah,
Now you’re making me smile. 😀
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hilarious! Very very funny….perfectly dosed!
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Dear Hamish,
I couldn’t ask for a better compliment.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
Evelyn is a girl after my own h…. heart. I wish I had known her when I was young. I think the city is on the menu.
Aloha,
Doug
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Dear Doug,
I’ll take one from column A and two from column B. And for dessert…
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, this is so different from your norm that it really surprised me. Too funny and I loved all the wordplay!
Thanks for the naughty giggle with my coffee this morning. ~ L
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Dear Lynda,
Nothing like a little exploration from time to time. But naughty? Why do people keep calling this naughty? 😉
Happy to send giggles over coffee.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ah, yes, one must indeed study life in order to imitate it in one’s art. Fun take on the prompt. I especially enjoy the double entrendre of “There’s so much I haven’t seen.” So much indeed!
All my best,
Marie Gail
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Dear Marie Gail,
I shamelessly admit to having a great time with this piece. Evelyn certainly got to see the sites of the city, didn’t she?
Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Virgin sketchbook, held her pencil erect, all that Nature had bestowed, study hard… Oh yeah, this piece is chockful of innuendo. As a matter of fact, I’ve always thought the word innuendo was an in you end o; )
Love your word-play!:D
P.S. Do you happen to know where/of whom this statute might be?
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Dear Deb,
You could be right about innuendo. 😉 I’ll admit to having a good time with this story.
Here’s the link that Claire shared for the whereabouts of the statue. http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stowe/things-to-see-and-do/photo-gallery/
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hm, there are at least a gazillion photos and links on the National Trust website. Trying her webpage to see if it’s there…
And peace be unto you: )
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There’s enough subliminal sexuality in here for anybody’s taste— virgin sketchbook, statuesque model, raised platform, pencil erect, lowered herself, great relish, study hard? I need a cold shower!
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Dear Perry,
Mission accomplished. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great writing on a delicate subject. Very funny and cute! Thanks! Nan 🙂 Hope your toes are better – we have a huge roll of bubble wrap here – and it would help your toes to be wrapped up! 🙂
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Dear Nan,
I’m glad you thought it was cute. It was a fun write. But can you imagine? Some FF’rs are calling me “naughty.” 😉
Bubble wrap has been suggested. I seem to be a danger to myself . I’d like to find a medicalert bracelet that says, “Klutz.”
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle, Well, your story was chock-full of innuendo and it made me laugh. You are a very clever Klutz! Nan 🙂
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Of course! It’s always easiest to study the things we love. *evil grin*
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Dear Alice,
Yes indeed. .Evelyn will certainly enjoy this course of study. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Delightful story! And we must commend the young lady on the seriousness which she’s applying to her studies 🙂
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Dear Georgia,
Evelyn’s nothing if not diligent. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle, So I understood! 🙂 Ciao and have a great 4th of July! Georgia
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Cheeky! I’m glad she’s enjoying her university education 😉
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Dear Ali,
I think Evelyn will score high marks. At least in figure drawing. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Cheeky and delightfully funny. If this is what happens when you break a toe, maybe we should send a toe crusher around 😉
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Dear Subroto,
Toe crusher won’t be necessary, thank you. Twice is quite enough. I’ll admit to having fun writing this one.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a delightful story, well done 🙂
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Thank you, Amanda. Glad you thought so.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Lady Astor,
Plenty of subliminal sexuality throughout this little tale. Even if the model wasn’t truly blessed, she could always make improvements on the sketch pad. Hazel of Havertown would definitely approve. – Cepheus
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Dear Cepheus,
We were definitely joined at the…hip this week. As for Hazel, I was thinking perhaps you should’ve gone to see Alice instead. Keep a stiff upper…lip.
shalom,
Lady A.
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Couldn’t help but to laugh. I was a model for art classes myself see? And remembered that girl, lol. On the literary side, the shift into naughty was plenty subtle, two thumbs up Roach Boss!
Peace, Tay.
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Dear Tay,
Nice to hear from the other side. As an art student in those classes I couldn’t help but wonder what went through the models’ heads as the stood stock still and stark naked. Thank you for the two thumbs up.
Shalom,
Rochelle/Roach
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Love your story, Rochelle! It made me giggle like a school girl. 😉
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Dear Lisa,
Your giggles make me smile. :).
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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“There’s so much I haven’t seen, Mom.” lol! Such a delightful story, Rochelle. I laughed and laughed. And I’m happy to see that you enjoyed your break! You most certainly deserve it. 🙂 🙂
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Dear K.Z,
It appears you’ve taken a break as well. It’s nice to see you back. 😉 Yes, this is one vacation that will linger in my heart for a while. Good friends do that.
Happy to make you laugh.
Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle
Love the story, well written.
I have posted a piece myself, first time so not sure if I have done it right though, so any pointers much appreciated
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Dear Niff (or is it McNiff?)
Thank you for commenting on my story. Glad you liked it. I had a lot of fun writing it as it’s just east of my comfort zone. 😉
As you’ll see, I’ve posted some suggestions. I did enjoy your story. Certainly a dysfunctional family.
Thank you again.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle
Yes, its Mc Niff, most usernames I tried were already taken.
Suggestions duly taken on board. I have always had difficulty with punctuation, Will certainly work on that in the future.
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Dear Rochelle,
Your creativity never ceases to amaze and please! I loved the humor, the subtlety, the gentle hint at a blossoming sexuality and artistic ability, the dialogue … all of it! Great take on the prompt!
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Dear Vijaya,
Your comments make me smile. All I can reply with is a humble thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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you undressed a very entertaining story considering all you went through while you were supposed to just be enjoying some down time for yourself. hope your feet are healing as they should – take care. 🙂
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Dear Sun,
This story was the epitome of downtime. I had a blast writing it and had personal input from a good friend during his visit. What could be more fun than that?
As for the feet. Sigh.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yes, Evelyn is studying very well indeed!Real fun story, I enjoyed it 🙂
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Thank you, Sam. It was a fun story to write. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Naughty, but nice… Ah to be young and not so naive again.
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Dear Lindaura,
If I knew then what I know now…;)
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautiful, Rochelle. 🙂 I like your wicked sense of humor. I’m really late replying this week since I just moved back to this side of the world, but I’m glad I caught yours all the same.
-David
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Dear David,
Welcome back to the U.S. Not to worry about being late posting and replying. I’m happy you did both. 😉
Wicked? He he.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Very nice and clever story. I enjoyed this…so much in so few words!
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Dear Traces,
Thank you for stopping by and leaving traces of kindness and nice comments. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Aww, love it, Rochelle. I’d like to join her. 🙂 Sweet story, well told.
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Dear Amy,
I’m glad you thought it was a sweet story. I’ve been called naughty by some and cheeky by others. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ha ha. I’d hardly call you cheeky! Naughty is more like it. 😉
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Sounds familiar! I was an art student at one time. I worried about him on the platform. What will he do? 🙂
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I miss those days when ONLY studies mattered!
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I must get My Friend Rosey to read this!
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Dear Keith,
Thanks for taking the time to come back and read. I did have fun writing it. I can’t say I was as enthusiastic with my first male model as Evelyn is with hers. 😉 After I stopped blushing…
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
Oh my goodness this was great! Virgin notebooks, nature and no parentals? Sounds like Evelyn is truly getting a whole new education! Love this!
Shalom and Lotsa natural live,
Dale
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*love…
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Dear Dale,
I’m glad you enjoyed. I think I’m going to have to rerun this one in the very near future. I’ll use a different photo prompt though. You can guess where most went with this one. 😉
Shalom and lotsa creative hugs,
Rochelle
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