Below is the PHOTO PROMPT. Can you tell me what this photo says to you in a hundred. (Complete story: beginning, middle and end) I dare you to step outside your comfort zone. I double dare you!
PHOTO PROMPT – Copyright – Adam Ickes
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Word count: 100
RESULTS
“Elise? We need to talk about your labs.”
It’s been over an hour since I sat down in the waiting room.
‘What if’s’ torment me. I comb my hair with my fingertips, loop a curl around my pinkie and imagine myself bald.
Stop that!
Just because my doctor has concerns she wants to discuss doesn’t mean it’s…
Oh God, what will Steve do without me? Will he remarry? What about the kids?
My eyes sting.
Pole-vaulter to conclusions? Sue me. I’m an Aries.
The nurse enters to summon the next patient and stares at me. I hold my breath.
“Elise…”
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Superb.
Tense and funny, a hard one to pull off.
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Thank you, Elephant. I find it therapeutic to find humor in a tense situation.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I was enjoying the read but also thinking, “what’s this got to do with…” and then you stuck that great line in: “sue me..”
Very good!
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Dear Peter,
Caught me. 😉
thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, you do such a great job of thinking laterally about a picture, taking it from an unexpected angle. I like, as Elephant said, how you can write a story with deep emotion and humor in it. It works because it’s so realistic. I guess you left it like I left mine last week, letting the reader decide the results. I’m going with a happy ending 🙂
-David
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Dear David,
Somewhere around my 16th FF story I looked at the photo and thought, “What will most people write about?” and went the other direction. I guess it’s like figure drawing at the Art Institute. I got bored with nude models and went for bits of background or even just drew the model’s caricature.
I’m pleased my story rang true. Elise is hoping for a happy ending, too. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I understand the feeling. I used to do that with the tone: if it looked like a serious picture, I’d do a comic one and vice versa. I still try to do that, although I mix things up however I can.
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I couldn’t see the link until I’d read it a couple of times – and then it hit me. A great take on the prompt, a mixture of a potentially terrible situation which most of us approach at some time or another, and the light-hearted. And that’s exactly the way it goes… the mind leaping on ahead with the ‘what if’s’. Well done Rochelle, and I liked the way you left it hanging.
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Dear Sandra,
The idea of ending it one way or the other felt like it would weaken the impact of her inner turmoil. I’m pleased that you caught the connection and don’t feel at all guilty that it took you a couple reads to get there. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I read it twice also. Prompt was very cleverly weaved in. Great writing.
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Dear FF,
Cagey way to get more than one read out of people, he? 😉 Glad you liked.
Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Took me awhile to see the link with the photo as well, but eventually it clicked. I like to think she got good news, but I doubt she did. “We need to talk about your labs” doesn’t seem like something that screams “hey, I’ve got some good news for you!”
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Dear Adam,
Glad it clicked. You never know. It could be good news. Maybe?
shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh, this is just dripping with suspense and chilling tension! I can only imagine how easy it is to experience those racing thoughts in such a significant situation. Hopefully, no matter what the results, she can keep her good humor and self-realization. Very amusing and moving story, Rochelle!
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Dear Adelie,
I think we can all relate to Elise at one time or another.
Thank you for your affirming comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
No matter how many times you’ve done it before, you speed down the approach, plant hard and pole vault over the bar and into Rochelle’s landing pit. These dry runs are never good practice for the real thing and most of the time you’re dead wrong anyway. I look forward to the day when you no longer pole vault, but instead act as a guide to those flailing through the air toward pits of their own.
Your story is excellent. Remember it.
It is happening now.
Happy landings.
ILYVMSD
Aloha,
Doug
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Dear Doug,
The trouble with landing in Rochelle’s pit is that I rarely land gracefully. Little by little, with the help of a good friend, I’m cutting that pole down. Soon it will just be a back scratcher and I can put it to better use.
Thank you for the generous reminders. TDSVM
Internalizing success that’s happening now.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, Well-written story yet again. I’m going to be an optimist and say the news may be important but not frightening. The nurse’s attitude seemed to be surprise that Elise took the message so seriously. Well done. 🙂 —Susan
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Dear Susan,
Important but not frightening. I like that. I’ll make sure Elise internalizes this and stops pole-vaulting to conclusions.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Funny and yet touching at the same time, there is no guide book for a time like this. I also agree with your comments about going the other way with a story. Something I try to do too.
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Dear Subroto,
You put it well when you say there’s no guide book.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Humour is often the only thing that allows us to cope with situations that would otherwise consume us. It tides us over until hope and healing have time to creep in. – Nicely captured. I fear Elise’s lab results are not good, but I hope her sense of humour will get her through.
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Dear Siobhán,
Humor has gotten me through more than one situation. As for Elise’s lab results, we can only hope for the best rather than wallow in fear of the worst.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love how we tend to over think in tense situations, so much it becomes hilarious. Good one Rochelle 🙂 unique direction as usual lol
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Dear Amanda,
I’ve been told I’m the queen of over-thinking…pole-vaulting if you will. So I have to stand back and laugh at myself. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Your anxiety was palpable. The fear, the worry, the second guessing, the bargaining with yourself — all part of the process.
I do hope all is well, darling.
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Dear Helena,
Mine? You mean Elise’s. I’m a Virgo. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I am a Gemini and I had to read it twice to understand it and i loved it.
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Dear Kalpana,
For what it’s worth I’m a Virgo. I looked up Aries in hopes that it would have the proper characteristics for a pole-vaulter. 😉 Google is my friend.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh so sad. That must be difficult to sit in a doctor’s office waiting for bad news like that. I imagine most people think about the things Elise does. I like the connection you made, Ram’s Head/Ares. Most cool. Another touching story, Rochelle.
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Dear Eric,
I know I’d be thinking exactly what Elise is thinking. Biting my nails, fiddling with my hair and drumming my fingers on the armrest.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I tried all morning to see something other than my first reaction to this picture but I had tunnel vision and just went with hi. I applaud your take and ability to see what others do not.
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Dear Dawn,
There’s always more than meets the eye and I strive to find it. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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May the diagnosis be kind.
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Thank you, Alicia.
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How wonderfully elliptical and allusive! Also, the implications of her “what ifs” range from very sad to very strange (I mean, it could be a horrible disease spelling death, or the emergence of horns where she would go bald. Also, in Shakespeare’s time, a husband wearing horns was a reference to being cuckolded, but now it seems reversed. The possibilities are endless …)
I love them all, and I love your story.
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Dear Vijaya,
Now there are possibilities I never thought of. 😉
Thank you for your imaginative and thought provoking comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love how you always do something unexpected with the prompt! And as always so many emotions in such few words.
Liebe Grüße
Carmen
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Dear Carmen,
It’s so nice to see you here again. Thank you for your affirming comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Completely different , touching take Rochelle. The suspense but I hope for the best. I can relate, once i was in same situation, thinking of family i cried myself. Beautifully written. Love the style.
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Dear Indira,
A tough situation to be in, I’m sure. I don’t envy Elise and am hoping with her for a happy outcome.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Very realistic, I could picture her in the waiting room.
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Thank you, Cole.
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Oh to be an Aries. Tropic of Cancer is where I dropped into the world. I wish the Zodiac authorities would change my sign to something less ominous and more to the point like crabio or moodytarius. We too pole vault to conclusions.
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Dear Honie,
I’m actually a Virgo. I’m not sure if pole-vaulting is one of the traits but I’m told that I do it very well.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Polly Dent,
You really cleaned and polished this one (as I predicted). I sent me wandering around in Elise’s, head leap-frogging from one conclusion to another. And I’m a Scorpio, whose motto is, “What, me worry?”
Connie is an Aries. I guess after almost 40 years some of it is bound to rub off on me.
Thanks for the reality check,
Rusty Ram
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Dear Rusty Ram,
You’ll have to ask Connie if I pegged the Aries. I’m a Virgo, the artistic, sensitive type and if you don’t agree with me I’ll belt you in those polished teeth of yours.
Thank you for coming by.
shalom,
Polly Dent
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Be careful, Polly. I have a partial in the front and I’m told by the grandkids, who are honest, that I look ugly without it. You might even color out a couple of teeth on the front of my book if you’re curious.
Connie is an Aries and will confess to being a Worry Wart. And you know me, the Alfred E. Newman of the family. I’d say you hit the nail squarely on the head.
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Dear Russell and Polly Dent (love that name Russell). I’m a Libra, as is Ann (Twin A) and we were born 6 1/2 weeks early, does that count? I’m butting in – sorry, but it was fun and I had a good time laughing at your teeth. Nan 🙂
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Are you identical twins, Nan? My mother was a twin but she and my uncle weren’t identical. 😉 You’re not butting in. I personally love the exchange and involvement of friendly banter.
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As I belong to Aries too, I take this story with optimism 🙂
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Thank you, Anita. 😉
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“Pole-vaulter to conclusions” LOL Wonderful line Rochelle 🙂
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Thank you, Lyn. 😉
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Even I couldn’t find the use of the prompt until I read it in one of the comments and realized it! Marvellous Rochelle!
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Dear Ankita,
I’m pleased that you were able to figure it out. I never like to be obvious if I can help it. 😉
Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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I too love that oblique reference to the picture – very clever, and how you left it open at the end. I think it will be good news. (And please know that the timing of my comment might be prompted by our conversation, but not the sentiments – Claire.)
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Dear Claire,
I’m seriously glad we had the conversation, whether it prompted a comment or not. As you can see Elise and I are both pole-vaulters. 😉
I’m pleased you liked the story and took the time to come by and say so.
shalom,
Rochelle
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I really enjoyed reading your story, Rochelle. I love the way the story is revealed through the wild thoughts of the narrator. Fabulously written.
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Dear Karen,
I couldn’t ask for better compliments. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh! The ways we torture ourselves…I liked the way she told herself to ‘stop that’! 🙂
Ellespeth
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Dear Ellespeth,
It’s easy enough to let one’s imagination run wild, but with the advent of the internet it’s even easier to self diagnose.
Thank you,
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’m Aries too – is that why I imagine so much, all the time? Well written!
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Dear Liz,
I can’t answer that. I’m actually a Virgo but I certainly have a penchant for letting my imagination run wild.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, Queen of FF. I’m not an Aries, but I do imagine all the time. Weird! Love your story and I hope Elise gets good news! Nan 🙂
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Dear Nan,
I’m not an Aries either ;). But I’m told that I’m the pole-vaulting queen. We can but hope for Elise.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It’s a fine treatment of an intense subject. If an aries gets to keep a ram as a souvenir , what do we virgos get?
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Dear Larry,
Good question. I really am a Virgo, too.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oooh the classic open ending so cleverly done! ! ! I’m obviously not as clever as the rest of the bunch and still can’t see the link to the photo. Please share!
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Dear Jessie,
If you’re not familiar with the zodiac it can go right by. Aries is the ram, with one of the characteristics being impulsiveness.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ahhh of course! Brilliant!
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I’d love to know what the nurse saw and what the meds told. I read metamorphosis in this. I should read the other comments to check, but I’m lazy and anyhow, Ilke my reading of it.
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Dear Patrick,
The jury’s out on what the nurse or the doctor saw. Glad you liked reading it.
Thank you
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I don’t usually take to the cliffhanger ending, neither reading nor writing them, but yours is so craftily written! The plus to your not providing the ending is that the reader has a chance to provide their own conclusion. 🙂
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Dear Lynda,
Now that’s a compliment to aspire to. Seriously. If an author can change your mind about something then she’s succeeded. 😉 Normally I’m not crazy about open endings, but this story seemed to beg for it.
Thank you very much
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh wow leave us hanging! So much suspense!
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Dear Riya,
Suspense of the hardest kind. Thank you for commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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“Pole-vaulter to conclusions? Sue me. I’m an Aries.”
great line. Brought the story and pic together.But I didn’t realize you were Polish.
Randy
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Dewar Randy,
Glad you liked the line. As a matter of fact I am Polish on my mother’s side. Lithuanian on my daad’s. Ashkenazic through and through.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’ve self-diagnosed for years. Bad habit of over thinking and worrying. One good side effect…I’ve learned to enjoy reading informative books…not that I completely understand everything. At least I get the general drift, which helps me ask questions when I see the doctor…and understand what it is she’s trying to convey. Great writing…as always, Rochelle.
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Dear Millie,
With all the info out there, it’s easy to self diagnose, isn’t it? Elise and I are both guilty of this. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
This is exquisite … I like the way you get into the photo and come out with such original stories. This was an interesting look into the anxious mind … have we not all at least once been running through the gauntlet of anxiety … lovely. Georgia.
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Dear Georgia,
I feel very close to Elise so it was easy to write her tream of consciousness. Thank you for such lovely and insightful comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
I understand … and you’re welcome for the comments.
Ciao,
Georgia.
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She better leave the hair alone or she really might go bald. Doctor’s office have a way of making you pull your hair out.
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Dear Alice,
Hair twirling is one of my unconscious habits, too. And amen on the doctor’s office. The moral is to take a really good book or as most these days have good games on your cell phone.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’d be feeling just the same in that situation I think. I love the way you find different ways of seeing the picture every week – I’m always very literal rather than lateral in my thinking!
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Dear Ali,
I still shoot out the challenge to you to push your self-imposed boundaries. 😉
Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Wonderful writing, Rochelle. The line, “Pole-vaulter to conclusions,” is fabulous! I love it. Nicely obtuse, the Aries reference… bravo!
As for the link that several people refer to, I seem to be missing it all together! I seen no link.
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Dear Dawn,
I think people are referring to my stories link with the photo, ie Aries and the ram’s head. Aside from that, I’ve posted no link. So you aren’t missing a thing.
Hope you’re resting from your travels and thank you for the glowing comments. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’m not writing about that damn goat head. It’s freaking me out, man.
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Dear Chuck,
There are other things in the picture, you know. I dare you!
shalom,
Rochelle who started wearing purple a long time ago. 😉
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Had to do a double take on your story and then it clicked. Nice play! Be well – ^..^
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Dear Barbara,
Glad it clicked. I hate to be obvious but was also hoping people would pick up on the link to the photo. 😉
Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle,
I’ve missed the past couple of Fridays, but it’s so great to be back again. This story of yours is heartbreaking, suspenseful and just wonderful to read. Very clever way to work the ram in there, too.
Wonderful work, as always.
Take care,
Emilie
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Dear Emilie,
Welcome back. Thank you for your kind comments. I’m pleased you got the connection with the ram.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Waiting is hard and we tend to imagine the worse scenario.
Lily
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Dear Lily,
Guilty as charged.
Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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i like the way you linked the zodiac sign to match the photo . . . my dad being a headstrong Aries would find solutions to any obstacles. i’m guessing your character will too. smiles.
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Dear Sun,
Your dad sounds like a good man. Thank you for coming by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, I have two sisters who are Aries, oh, and you should see them when they get together! They truly butt heads. They are both so strong-willed. So, this made me laugh a little, even though it ‘s not comical. Forgive me. I like the “Pole-vaulter to conclusions?” sentence. Very effective. Great original story!
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Dear Amy,
For what it’s worth, I’m a Virgo. I’ve been told I’m the master of pole-vaulting.
Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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“Sue me. I’m an Aries.” Love this. And I am. An Aries with a broken shoulder at the moment, but my fingers still work! This is exactly what goes through one’s head in this type of situation, so you wrote true. And comedy is always a mask for tragedy. 🙂
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Dear Ann,
I’m so sorry about your broken shoulder. That has to be painful. Those of us who use the mask know the truth of your statement. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love how you used the ram. And the phrase ‘Pole-vaulter to conclusions’ is wonderful at evoking all those racing thoughts. I think she needs to breathe a little slower and see what the doctor actually has to say, but I’m travelling with her now and will it to be good news.
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Dear Sarah Ann,
Elise appreciates your good thoughts and is looking for a positive outcome. I’m pleased you got my ram reference. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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HI Rochelle
Not an Aries, but I have to admit I am also prone to this. Not just with negative things but with the positives too – a little bit of recognition and I’m waiting for the TV networks to call and interview me 😀
(Maybe one day…)
Great story – one of my favourites of yours)
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Dear EL,
I’m not an Aries either but have been accused of pole-vaulting. You never know, though. Those TV interviews could be just around the corner. 😉
Thank you,
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Interesting and powerful post Rochelle – although I have to admit, this is a bit of a trickster prompt.
According to Adam – he titles the image – “goat” – when indeed, the distinction between Goat and Ram is sometimes hard to determine and classify.
And so, I have wrestled with this prompt – even after 2 different writings – but I’m still intrigued by so many different perspectives and stories that have been offered for this version of FF.
And so, one again, Rochelle, a very succinctly, well devised and written post – truly enjoyable.
Cheers!
Pat
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Dear Rochelle,
I have written my story, but the link has closed…
Too late this time…
Here, sharing it for you:
http://anitaexplorer.blogspot.in/2014/07/and-they-danced-in-rain.html
Please do read and comment 🙂
Regards,
Anita
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