Below is the PHOTO PROMPT. What does it say to you? Tell me in one hundred words or less.
PHOTO PROMPT – Copyright – Kelly Sands
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
SAUVIGNON BLANC 1940: THE GRAPES OF WRATH
Nine-year-old Laurel shivered and rubbed her eyes.
“Are we going to die, Mum?”
Her mother held her tight and shouted over concussions that juddered the shelter.
“The storm will pass.”
The ceiling caved in, their lantern shattered on the floor and her world went black.
In the morning sirens sounded the “all clear” and by afternoon civil defense workers had dug their way through to them.
Laurel squeezed Mum’s cold, stiff hand. “Wake up. Please, wake up. The bombers are gone.”
****
In the cold darkness of the wine cellar the storm still raged.
Eighty-one-year-old Laurel shivered and rubbed her eyes.
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Rochelle, I loved your use of strong verbs like, shivered, juddered, shouted, shattered, caved, and raged to convey a sense of fearsome assault. The impact that bombings have on those who survive them, lasts a lifetime. Beautifully conveyed.
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Dear Diane,
I write as one who but read and researched the voices of the not all that distant past. I can only imagine the scars.
Thank you for your affirming comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
A bitter vintage indeed! Neatly handled.
Peace,
Marie Gail
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Dear Marie Gail,
Thank you and L’Chaim.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Very powerful story. Can really see it from Laurel’s perspective and a great use of the title.
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Dear Etienne,
You made me smile. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Powerful story, as always.
The bombing of ‘strategic’ civilian targets by both sides is one of the least savoury legacies of World War 2.
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Dear Elephant,
You’ve said a trunk-full. Horrible.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Excellent story Rochelle! There are so many sad stories from WWII and WWI and the Korean War, Spanish/American War, and all the Middle East Wars occurring now. We are a wicked species but when you look at a newborn baby – there is always that “HOPE” in you. Great job Rochelle! Nan 🙂
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Dear Nan,
It’s appalling what humans are capable of. The saddest part of war is the multitude of innocent victims.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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My Mother was a young child ( born 1934 ) growing up in Stamford Lincolnshire during WW2. When we moved to Canada in the early sixty’s we lived near a town hall that blasted a siren at noon and six p.m. She never got used to that and would visibly blanch every time. The fear stayed with her to the end. Although she was quite young when she passed away your story reminded me of her and what she endured. May our children and our children’s children never know this fear.
-Pat
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Dear Pat,
I based this story on several firsthand accounts. Thank you for adding your mother’s story to the mix. It’s gratifying to be told that my fiction reads like fact. I share your sentiment.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great use of verbs and a powerful story. Beautifully done as usual Rochelle.
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Dear Sandra,
Nice of you to say so. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, Excellent story yet again. We were so blessed in the U.S. that we were out of reach of the bombs at that time. No one knew what would happen. Mom said my dad was afraid after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, they’d continue on and bomb the U.S. mainland. My brother was already serving on an aircraft carrier in the Pacific, but wasn’t at Pearl when it was bombed. Well written as always. 🙂 —Susan
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Dear Susan,
We are blessed in the U.S. Although, after 911, I can’t help wondering how long that will last.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story for an amazing photo-prompt ! Your story brings out the death behind the clouds, while clouds are closest to my heart… too much work and a bout viral keeping me away!
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Dear Indrajit,
Sometimes life happens when you’re busy making other plans. I’ve had a week like that and am only just now getting around to reading and commenting.
Glad you liked my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Excellent book-ends on this one — and great passage of time — the nightmare never ends. Well done as always, and good use of the Floyd tune.
FYI, your story is not in the link up, darling.
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Dear Helena,
The Pink Floyd video was a jaw dropper for me. After I posted my story I Googled “Blitz, London” and it was the first thing to appear on the list.
I’m late getting around to everything this week and while I was in VA all I had was the iPad. Not the greatest tool for linking, writing and commenting.
Glad you liked my story. And thanks for the moral support. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I imagine traumatic event like that would stick in the mind. How awful that Laurel could never heal from the wound in her mind. The music accompaniment is perfect by the way. A great one, Rochelle!
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Dear Eric,
I can’t imagine the trauma. Those are the kinds of things that stick with you. To be a child and lose your mother like that. I found my father dead on the sofa when I was 31. Despite the fact that it didn’t come as a total surprise, the image and feelings linger after 30 years. ‘
When I found that video in looking for a link I was amazed.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, today in the WP reader all I saw was the video and not the photo prompt. I clicked, I watched, and suddenly I was channeling something similar to your work this morning. So now, the original photo forgotten, only the video remains…
Which brings me to this: If my writing is from the video, is 100 words exactly, and is from personal experience, is it ethical to link in with the group today? (???)
I hadn’t thought of her over all these years, and after reading your story, I have to wonder: Does my little friend from my youth still live in terror too?
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Dear Lynda,
Just post the photo prompt and your personal experience and we’ll call it your take.;)
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I was thinking this morning how WW2 came at a pretty special moment in Western history when civilians were embroiled directly in war for the first and last time in generations. Such things are still happening in other parts of the world, of course, but the rest of us are cut off from the realities. You brought them flooding back in. As others have said, the verbs are particularly powerful here
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Dear Jen,
WW2 certainly made war up close and personal to our nations, didn’t it?
Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Well told, powerful story, Rochelle. I like your passing of time and reflecting in the end. That would be something that would stay with you forever. I hadn’t expected the prompt so early. 🙂 Maybe I can get this done before I leave town.
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Dear Amy,
I didn’t post the prompt any earlier than usual. Did I? I schedule it every week to go live at 2:30 am CDT every Wednesday. I’ve been out of town as well and have been using an iPad which is a pain for posting, linking and commenting.
Thank you for your comments. Hope your time away is for pleasure.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
I thought I saw the prompt on Tuesday! I may be mistaken. My time is all out of whack. As you can see, my posting schedule is off! I often have to blog and comment with my smart phone, so I understand. I feel your pain! Oh, technology.
I’m watching my son in a water polo tournament. It’s been a lot of fun but a lot of driving.
Shalom,
Amy
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Dear Amy,
California is two hours behind Missouri so if you were up at oh dark thirty (12:30) you would’ve seen the prompt. At any rate, I’m happy to see you made it.
My whole week’s been off. Not only did I take an iPad to Virginia with me but we had a family emergency. I’m still waiting for the outcome on that one.
Life is what happens to you when you’re busy making other plans.
Enjoy the water polo.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle,
That could be what happened. I may have seen the prompt early morning. Way early!
I hope all is well with your family. I’ll think positive for you and say a prayer.
Water polo was a good time! Thanks.
Shalom,
Amy
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A powerful vision, powerfully told 🙂
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Thank you, Helen. 😀
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Cool addition of the video.
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Thank you, Dawn. 😀
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Blind bombing raids…. What more can man do to man? I’m afraid to ask.
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Dear Alicia,
The Holocaust, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and that’s just WW2. Need we ask?
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Excellent. Glad you brought in the video. Very well done. Lucy
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Thank you, Lucy. Yes the video was a particular find.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Powerful and poignant story. It almost leaves this taste in your mouth like sampling a fine wine.
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Dear Anne,
Sauvignon blanc is a personal favorite ;).
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a sad story. A day she will never forget.
so few words can mean so much.
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Dear Phyllis,
A very sad story.
Thank you for stopping by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rachelle,
i finished my novel. It’s with the book designer. I plan to have printed copies this September.
Blessings to you,
Phyllis
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You are right Rochelle, one can only remind the scars. You depicted so beautifully the impact of bombings on the survivors.very sad tale. I love your style.
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Dear Indira,
Thank you for your always affirming words. None of us go through life unscathed, do we?
Shalom,
Rochelle
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excellent tragic story. some memories scar us forever…
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Thank you, Contactrida.
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Lovely story Rochelle. I especially love the line, “the storm will pass”. All we can do is hope that every storm we encounter does pass so we can return to some form of a normal life once again.
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Dear Amanda,
You went exactly where I wanted you to go with the storm. 😉 And we do pray they pass quickly.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, I always look forward to what you will do with the prompts. This week, your story comes on the heels (just hours) of touring the Museum of Occupation, in Århus, Denmark. It is housed in the building that was the headquarters of the Gestapo, when they occupied Århus, and Denmark. It was chilling– so hard to see the photos and read the stories. I’m sure you understand. Your moving story comes straight from several photos I saw of homes that were bombed. The ending of this story, sent a shiver down my spine… knowing how true it likely is, for someone. Have a good week, R. and thanks for all you do!
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Dear Dawn,
I had the same feeling going through Yad V’Shem in Israel.
As part of research for this story I read a few first-hand accounts of those who had been children during the Blitz. I wanted to pay them homage.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story!
Question: Are the steps I need to take to get the link to my story? I do not see the little blue guy and cannot find the other stories either… I feel really dumb!
Thanks R!
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Thank you Rochelle for putting the blue guy back! 🙂
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Dear Barb,
I wish I could take credit but I didn’t do a thing. I think it must have something to do with individual internet service. I’ve had one or two others tell me the blue froggy wasn’t there when he clearly was on my end. At any rate I’m glad he came back for you. 😉
Glad you liked my story.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks for the information! Yes, I did like your story!
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Such a sad story, and Laurel still reminded of it so far in the future. I guess you never forget something like that.
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Dear Ali,
I don’t know how one could forget or get over something like that.
Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Very powerful story – with an interesting cycle closure at the end, bringing it all to an ending, that doesn’t end with the words.
It lingers on the palette and in the mind.
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Dear Pat,
Your comments will linger as well. Thank you very much.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a way to lose a mother. Terrible. Great title. Clever.
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Dear Patrick,
It would be terrible. I can’t really imagine.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A powerful and gripping story – I was emotionally moved.
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Dear Maree,
I’m pleased that my story resonated with you.
Thank you
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Such a poignant, well-written story, Rochelle! A punch in the gut! I might dream of it tonight, but I hope not.
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Dear Lisa,
I certainly hope my story didn’t give you nightmares. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Leah VaTipp,
This speaks volumes in regard to the civilians who suffered PTSD as severely as soldiers. It never completely goes away. Clever title too.
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Dear Russell,
I thank you. My muse thanks you. I can’t imagine something like that ever going away. You just learn to live with it.
Shalom,
Leah
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Such a touching story, Rochelle… Sad that kids have to encounter world’s storms even when they have grown-up…
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Dear Anita,
It is indeed a shame what some children have had to endure.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a way to lose a mother. Terrible. Great title; clever.
(Technically, the bombers needed a clear sky so they could see their targets. It were different back then, lass. No drones, etc. The V1 and V2 rockets – doodlebugs – on the other hand were fired from France and did both damage and created fear. We have modern examples as we speak!)
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Dear Patrick,
Looks like there was a hiccup in the force. 😉 As far as the technical aspects I knew this. You might note that at no time was I referring to an actual storm or cloudy skies. (I hate it that there are modern examples of any of that. But as long as there are humans…)
Shalom again,
Rochelle
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Ishallread more carefully in the future! Patrick
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Concussions that juddered… ooh great writing! I love the time lapse too. Very powerful 🙂
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Dear Jessie,
Thank you for all your glowing words. They make me blush and smile.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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a powerful story Rochelle… an emotional, tragic piece. i can’t really imagine how difficult it is for those survivors whose loved ones didn’t make it. It’s really something that one would never fully recover from… but I’m glad that Laurel had been strong enough to carry on.
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Dear K.Z.
There are so many stories like my fictitious Laurel. Life goes on and some are stronger than others. No doubt it’s the stuff that nightmares are made of.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Bombing raids leave more scars than just the visible ones on the ground. Wonderfully written as always.
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Thank you for your thoughtful comments, Subroto.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Sad! I feel those cold hands.
Lily
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Thank you, Lily for such a compliment. As writers we strive for a sense of reality.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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from little Laurel’s perspective, a moving and very sad moment. what survivors have endured over the years and still today in so many parts of our world. your character really moved me.
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Dear Sun,
Your comment warms and moves me.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You captured the horrendous noise and vibrations that must have been felt underground in that first scene. And I see the older Laurel shuddering and flinching again as she relives it. Wonderfully done.
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Dear Sarah Ann,
You couldn’t have given me a better compliment.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
It is a pleasure to be able to read the stories you write each week. It is obvious to me that you spend a great deal of time and a lot of care on each one. The numbers of your readers will continue to grow long into the future for this reason. It is happening now.
Aloha,
Doug
P.S. Your foot(s) will heal quickly from here on out. You are doing well in spite of yourself. India Lima Yankee.
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Dear Doug,
Your words flood me with warmth and make my eyes mist. You’re very kind and a dear friend.
Shalom,
Rochelle
P.S. From your mouth to my toes.
Delta Tango Yankee Lima India
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Hi Rochelle
Excellent story as usual. And so sad. A very imaginative take on the prompt.
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Thank you, EL. Your comments mean a lot to me.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Awesome job. Hard to put awful things from the mind, isn’t it? Very sad.
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Dear Shirley,
As i said before, it’s great to see you here. 😀 It would be very hard to put such things out of mind. I’d think you learn to function and move on but you’d never forget.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I wrote about war too. Growing up during the cold war colors every aspect of my life. I used to fear seeing a nuclear cloud on the horizon.
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Dear Spectra,
I grew up with the same fears. Thanks for commenting.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Now they call it PTSD. Your stories are always so touching, Rochelle. You do your homework and take it to heart before spilling it onto the page. You chose a great title to go with it, too.
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Dear Patti,
Half the fun of writing historical fiction is the homework. Thank you for your affirming comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Outside, some storms pass. Inside, that doesn’t always matter much. Such an impressionable age for such fear and loss. Sad but well written story, Rochelle.
Ellespeth
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Dear Ellespeth,
It’s those internal storms that are difficult to still. Thanks for dropping by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle
I see what you mean about us being joined at the hip this week!
A very powerful story and sadly typical of those dreadful times.
Loved your title.
Take care
Dee
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Dear Dee,
Knowing that the neighborhood pictured was in the UK, my mind just went to the Blitz. Not sure why, but it seemed right. They were dreadful times.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautifully done! You have a wonderful way with words. The video was especially powerful. I’ve done response to the challenge, though mine is a little late. Vittoria
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Dear Vittoria,
Thank you for your kind words. I was blown away by the video. I found it after I wrote the story.
I haven’t been able to find your story. Can you link to the list. There’s still time today.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
You’re very welcome! My grandfather served in WW II, and I wrote a short story about it some time ago, so I found this particuarly moving.
Here is the link to my story, I hope you like it!:
Kindest Regards,
Vittoria
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What a burden to carry for so many years. Strong writing, Rochelle.
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Thank you, Alice. 😀
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