The next photo is the PROMPT. I can only imagine what’s going through your mind as you look at it. 😉 I dare you to think outside the box. I double-bug dare you!
My story follows the prompt and the blue inLinkz froggy. I appreciate honest comments as well as constructive criticism.
PHOTO PROMPT – Copyright – Douglas M. MacIlroy
Genre: Hysterical Fiction
Word Count: 100
BUG TUSSLE
“Well now it’s time to say goodbye to Jed and all his kin…”
“Dumb show.” Dottie switched off the television. “Bug Tussle. Who’d give a town such a stupid name?”
“Grandpa and I got hitched there,” said Gran without looking up from her knitting.
“You’re kidding.”
“Bug Tussle, Texas.” The yarn strands between Gran’s fingers blurred. “I was only fifteen. Grandpa sure could sweet-talk. Judge Fink officiated.”
“Fink? Don’t tease me, Grandma.”
“James Bates Fink. He’d marry anyone for a dollar.”
“What did your parents say?”
“Well, Daddy lowered his shotgun and hugged us. Your mama came a month later.”
Yes, Virginia, there really is a Bug Tussle, Texas.
© Original Artwork -Copyright Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Trust Doug to send in such a gruesome picture, and you, Rochelle for choosing it ; ) But I love your story, and the image of Gran knitting her web of stories. Just lovely.
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Dear Claire,
I just thought that Friday Fictioneers was long overdue for a challenging photo, reminiscent of Madison’s grapevine ooze. 😉
I’m glad you liked my story.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle! You can really think out of the box. I was expecting some gruesome story apt to the image. Loved the story.
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Dear Indira,
So nice to see you here. I’ve missed you.
I suspect we’ll have more than our fair share of gruesome stories to go with this charming photo. 😉
I’m glad you liked mine. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle, I was off to my daughter’s place and could not have much computer access. I missed your stories too much. Now I am back so will catch up slowly one by one. I was dying to here that someone missed me. So nice of you to say that and thanks a lot.
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Ah.. I feel relieved.. this time my idea came so quickly so I didn’t dare to check your story first. What a wonderful picture into the shotgun wedding.. but at least it seemed to work out well in the end. Good connection with those webs reaching into the past.
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Dear Björn,
I admit, I had fun writing this one. Particularly after my heavy one last week. Glad it worked for you.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Nice twist at the end there. And an original take on the prompt – I’m assuming that there is some television programme here with which I’m not familiar, but any town called Bug Tussle gets my vote for originality. Well done.
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Dear Sandra,
I can’t believe you missed out on “The Beverly Hillbillies” in your end of the world. Such deprivation. It was about a backwoods mountain family from Bug Tussle, Idon’trememberwhere who find oil on their property and become billionaires. It was a silly show that I watched a few times when it first came out in the 60’s. If you have the stamina, you can find clips on You Tube.
As soon as I saw this charming photo I thought Bug Tussle.
At any rate, I’m pleased you like my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh of course, yes we did catch that. And there was me thinking there was nothing wrong with my long-term memory at least. 😦 I don’t remember the name of the town, though the name Jed should have alerted me.
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Phew! For a minute I was worried about our cultural influence. 😉
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Just brilliant.
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Thank you Elephant. Sweet of you to say so. 😀
I hope your WordPress woes are being straightened out.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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One of my favorite shows as I was growing up! I loved the story. A true local family setting.
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Dear Roger,
Funny, after the first few shows I thought it was just stupid. But I’ve never forgotten the name of the town. Bug Tussle. There are actually four of them in the US.
Thank you for coming by and commenting. Y’all come back now, y’hear.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks, I enjoy your blog sites readings.
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As a stiff-upper-lipped English gentleman, there are many American names that make me smile. But then the same can be said of these British Isles, I guess, especially as I live 5 miles from a place called Thong!
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Dear Peter,
I’m always fascinated with names of towns. If some of the founding fathers had had their way, my hometown, Kansas City would’ve been Possum Trot. A few miles south of here is a place called Peculiar and another called Humansville. And the list goes on.
Glad to provide a smile.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
I love how you can turn a prompt on its head and make it dance. Bug tussle indeed. You set the standard for thinking outside of the web. Thanks for using the picture with such glee. I look forward to reading all the stories to find out what the ‘story’ of the week will be.
Aloha,
Doug
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Dear Doug,
What a great prompt to give dancing lessons to. I think we’re in for a wild ride this week…at least I hope so. No doubt some will be scratching their heads in wonder. Why on earth would someone take a picture like this. Glad you did. 😉
Thank you for such a nice comment to warm my cold morning. Lifting my purple coffee cup to you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, Hilarious story. 😀 I remember the TV series, but had also forgotten the name of the little town they were from. Somehow, I’m also not surprised it was Doug who sent that photo in. I’m just wondering where he got it. 🙂 Well written as always. 🙂 — Susan
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Dear Susan,
As little as I watched the show after the first season, it’s funny that’s the one thing I remember is the name of the town. Bug Tussle. Crazy, no?
Glad you enjoyed my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wonderfully entertaining!
Bug Tussle!!!
Somehow, I am not sorry I missed that little corner of Texas… go figure!
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Dear Emmy,
With a current population of fifteen, I can see why Bug Tussle would be easy to miss.
Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I did enjoy that show, Rochelle, along with “Green Acres.” Seems to me that so much on TV now is gruesome, prurient, a/o dumb and dumber, with humor that isn’t. Love the way you dovetailed the name into your story. And I thought Wahoo, Nebraska was unusual.
janet
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Dear Janet,
For whatever reason, I’ve always remembered that the Clampetts came from or lived near Bug Tussle. When I saw the photo it’s the first thing that came to mind. Go figure.
There were quite a few funny shows back then that could use humor without vulgarity. Those were the days.
We have such Missouri towns as Peculiar and Humansville. You might recall we drove by them.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Bug tussle! Is that the first ting you saw?
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Yes, Dawn,
It really is the first thing I saw.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I like it. Isn’t Bug Tussle in Arkansas though,? Hooterville & Green Acres never were referred to as part of any specific state. On “I Love Lucy” Tennessee Ernie Ford lived in Bent Fork.TN. I don’t know if anyone’s that backward but this story gives an interesting picture of it. I’ve always really enjoyed rural imagery
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Dear Larry,
There are actually four Bug Tussles in the USA. I picked the one in Texas for my story because of the story of the Judge Fink.
At any rate I’m glad you liked my story.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That happens. I know of lots of town names that get mileage like that but the Beverly Hillbillies’ Bug Tussle is in AK.
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Another great little story. Rochelle puts “thinking out of the box” a normal train of thought. I never try to guess where she might go. Bugs me all,the time.
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Right outside the box as usual, Rochelle. Touching, realistic, and entertaining all at once. You’re at your best (when are you otherwise?)
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Dear Jennifer,
The box is too confining. 😉 Thank you for your sweet words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Bug Tussle, TX reminds me of the time I drove through a town in Arkansas called “Booger Hollow”. I love funny town names. It’s such fun and gives some character to an otherwise sterile strip of road.
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Dear Melanie,
I have to wonder how some towns got their names, don’t you? We have a town in Missouri called Humansville. Gotta love it.
Thanks for commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ah-haha! I love this. That’s a mighty fine zinger at the end. Grandma is great and she’s a riot. This was brilliant, Rochelle. 😀
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Dear Eric,
I’m happy my story made you laugh.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Speaking of towns….The nearest town where I grew up was called “Hell”. True, I swear. At least I know I don’t want to live there.
DJ
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Dear Danny,
I wonder what the founders of Hell were thinking. ) There are some strange names out there. Peculiar, MO is just down the road from us.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So enjoyable. I wonder what songs they sang at the party after the ceremony.
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Dear Patrick,
Glad you enjoyed.
Perhaps Grandpa sang this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAMJIpDou2o 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oopsy daisy! I’m glad Gran managed to make an honest man out of Grandpa. 🙂 Fun story for a prompt that could seem rather morose. Nice work.
Peace,
Marie Gail
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Dear Marie Gail,
I’m not sure Gran made an honest man of Grandpa. I think it had more to do with the fear of his father in law’s shotgun. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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If I ever move to a place I get to name, the name will be Bug Tussle. Thanks for a light-hearted story and a picture of Jed Clampet (I guess that’s how his name is spelled.).
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Dear Alicia,
I’ll admit that I had fun with this prompt and story. Bug Tussle is a great name.
Thank you;
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle,
this story is an instant classic, I think. When I opened your post this morning on my phone, the title came up before the picture and stuck in my head. This will always be Bug Tussle now for me, no matter how many stories I read. Great job.
-David
P.S. What is happening next week because of Christmas? I’ll do it, although it might be easier if it were a little earlier. Up to you.
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Dear David,
Instant classic? That makes me smile. Sorry this stuck in your head…not really. 😉
I thought about your suggestion. I think I’ll just leave it as is and it will go up Wednesday morning at 0230. Hope you’ll still love me.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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No, its fine. I should have some time so I will be there as usual. 🙂
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Cute story, Rochelle.
I have some friends, who back in the late 1940’s, stayed out much too late. They were afraid of what their parents would do to them for staying out past midnight. No one would believe they were not fooling around. They decided it might be best to just get married and then go home. So that’s what they did.
When I met them, they’d had three boys and a girl and many grandchildren. I was good friends with their adult children.
Phyllis
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Dear Phyllis,
The best stories are the true ones. Seems that that’s one marriage that worked out well.
Thanks for commenting. Glad you liked my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I had a bug tussle with me last week.
but I went to the vet, got me a shot, and feel much better this week.
Fun story. As you know I like to use TV and movie characters in my flash fiction.
Your Great Uncle Randy Clampett
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Dear Uncle Randy,
I’m pleased as punch you done got that bug tussle tooken care ah. And I’m happy you liked mah li’l snippet o’ story dis week. Goin’ ta tend to my critters now.
Shalom y’all,
Rochelly Mae
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Bug Tussle is an awesome name for a town 🙂
Again, great work getting the story across with almost nothing but dialogue – I had no problems visualising the scene, picturing the characters. Dialogue certainly did double on this tale.
Cheers
KT
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Dear KT,
When I read I enjoy stories that include a lot of dialogue. I’m pleased that my use of it worked for you. 😀
Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Fantastic story …. I’m somehow not surprised that a Bug Tussle exists 🙂 … and that was one interesting dialogue! Ciao! Georgia.
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Dear Georgia,
Thank you for the fantastic comment. 😉 I had fun writing this one.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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And I had fun reading it … it certainly was a strange series … Ciao, Georgia.
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Hi-lar-i-ous!!
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Thank-you-very-much!! 😀
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Fun story, and I liked your genre – “Hysterical Fiction” 🙂
I love the way grannie casually slipped the bit about the “shotgun” and “a month later” into her conversation. I can imagine the kid’s face, finding out the circumstances behind gran’s shotgun wedding! Sounds like they needed a vicar who’d marry them fast 🙂
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Dear Ali,
I love it when a reader catches everything. Glad you did.
These days it doesn’t seem to matter much whether the bride is in a family way or not. but in Gran’s day…
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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LOL! Loved this story! Easily invisioned and probably not far from the truth “back in the day.”
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Dear Joy,
Back in the day I wonder if they’d have waited for her eighth month for the shotgun wedding. 😉
Thank you for your kind comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Good question! Probably not. Unless…. LOL
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Wow! Great re-interpretation of an instant gag prompt.
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Thank you, Hilary. I had a lot of fun with this one. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Very funny. Love the grandma. Nothing gruesome in your story, Rochelle. I’m glad about that. I think we’ll all be getting a bug overdose this week.
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Dear Marg,
Your prophecy has proven to be correct. Lots of bugs and ick this week. Glad you liked my story. It was a fun write.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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i suppose it was a shotgun wedding. nicely done. 🙂
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Dear Plaridel,
A shotgun wedding indeed.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ha ha ha, REALLY enjoyed this one. Naughty grandma, eh?
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Dear Shailaja,
There’s a young woman with a past inside every grandma.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This was quite interesting. I like how you used the picture, made the title from it, then went on the way to creating a funny story.
Well done. 🙂
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Dear Miles,
Bug Tussle was truly the first thing that came to my mind on seeing the picture. Well, that’s once I chose it. When Doug first sent it to me my initial reaction was “Eeeeeew, you expect me to use that a prompt?”
Glad you liked the story. I had a blast writing it.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That’s some crafty muscle you have there, Rochelle. Sorry I have to skip the writing this week, but the reading is fantastic.
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Dear Stephonie,
Glad you came by to read from your bed of pain. I miss your writing this week but am happy you came by to comment.
No texting and laughing. But feel free to read and chuckle (gently).
Thank you for the great compliments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Well, now I know there’s a Bug Tussle. Who knew? I don’t think I want to go there, Rochelle. I enjoyed your story though! That’s an interesting ceremony. I hoped they snapped a photo.
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Dear Amy,
There are actually four of them in the US, I’d love to see snapshots from that wedding LOL.
Glad you enjoyed my story. After my last two weeks of heaviness, it was time to lighten up and laugh. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a hoot! Loved the story! Wonder if Bug Tussle is anywhere near Ding Dong or Cut N Shoot? 😉
BTW — I can’t get the link to work. I’ll try again tomorrow, but — just in case — my first story is here: https://girlgoylebanisheddotcom.wordpress.com/2014/12/19/another-crime-scene/
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Dear J,
There are some great town names out there.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle, Bug Tussel, Texas. What a hoot! Mike has a T-shirt that says “Toad Suck, Arkansas) and when we lived in California, people offered as much as $100 for it. That was like $400 now. Unbelievable! Love your story! Happy Holidays! Nan
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Dear Nan,
Research and writing were fun for this story. Toad Suck? Not surprising. Of course Peculiar, MO isn’t far from us and as you near Joplin, there’s Humansville. My nephew actually lives there. And as you see in Doug’s story there’s a Knob Lick, MO. Wonder where that name came from.
Glad you enjoyed my story.
Thank you and happy holidays to you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
PS We really must find a time for the local FF’rs to meet after the first.
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Sounds great to me – right now I can barely type because I’ve been wrapping packages for the mail (Mike is making monograms) Happy Holidays to you too! Nan again 🙂
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The end was very amusing. Well done
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Dear Weltchy,
Mission accomplished. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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There’s a Bugstussle TN, too, in Macon county. Bugtussle rural district, KY. Bug Tussle rural district, AL. Bugtussle, OK.
What an odd name to become ‘trendy’ with settlers.
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Dear Dave,
Yeah…I looked all of them up. The one in Texas had the best story for my purposes. 😉
Thanks for dropping by and welcome to Friday Fictioneers.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Just goes to show our elders often lead a livelier life than we give them credit for.
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Dear Alice,
They weren’t always elders, were they? Everyone has a chance to be young and careless.
Thank you for dropping by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Your stories are always at the top of my list, for this very reason: amazing how you took this photo and wove it into such a charming, fun story! When I opened my email (2nd thing I do each Wednesday!), this photo blew me away… sent my brain in all kinds of directions! Love where you took all of it, Rochelle. Shabbat Shalom! d
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Dear Dawn,
When Doug sent this to me, my first reaction was “eeeeeeeew, no way am I using this for a photo prompt.” But the more I looked at it I thought ‘why not?’
After two weeks of pretty heavy stories, it was fun to write humor for a change. I’m glad you enjoyed it and came by to say so.
Thank you so much for your constant support.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Admittedly, I LOVE this photo. I immediately saw endless stories in this one, so, I’m glad you chose it oh wise one! I was only sad to read that the two muses were crushed after the photo shoot. Eeeeeeew!
Thank you, in return for all of your hard work and kind support. Shavua tov!
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That picture threw me for a minute, but it was fun to work with.
Anyway, what a great story! Offbeat wedding stories are the best, and it’s always fascinating to learn about the strange little towns that dot the country. When I worked as an accounts manager at a local company, I used to see quite a few of those odd names.
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Dear Emilie,
Oh I’ll bet you’ve heard some great names. We have quite a few in Missouri alone. Humansville being among my top favorites.
Glad you enjoyed my story.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Humansville is a good one. My favorite is Horseheads, NY.
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I think your interpretation of this unusual picture prompt is brilliant ~ Well done ~ 🙂
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Thank you, John. Very nice of you to say so. 😀
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Oh! Now I can’t get that song out of head 😦 Enjoyed this piece, Rochelle. Seems shot gun weddings have had their day…even after the kid is born.
Ellespeth
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Dear Ellespeth,
Yeah, it’s one of those songs that plays over and over. Glad you enjoyed my story, though
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle
I was expecting something heavy and instead got taken back in time to those great Beverley Hillbillies – just loved the Clampetts. Well done with your great take on the prompt, loved it.
Take care
Dee
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Dear Dee,
My last two stories were quite heavy. It was time to lighten up a bit. As soon as a I chose that photo it said “Bug Tussle.” Sometimes my mind moves in silly ways. 😉
I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hilarious! Perfect setup for the shotgun wedding ending too 🙂
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Dear BA,
I’m glad came by to read, enjoy and comment.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear C. Bantam,
I love the name Bug Tussle, but not near as much as Toad Suck, Arkansas. They have a big festival every year; Toad Suck Days.
I loved your humor. You had me thinking we were on a sentimental journey until the last line. Nothing like a shotgun staring a young man in the face to get an honest “I do” out of him.
Brilliant! Happy Chanukah
– Prof. Niggard
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Dear Prof. Niggard,
I think it was still a sentimental journey. 😉 Someone else mentioned Toad Suck. I think I’ll have to check out the festival.
Thank you for your shotgun comment. 😉
Shalom,
C. Bantam
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Weeeeell, DAWGIES! That’s a mighty fine thing you did, Miss Jane.
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Why thank ye kindly. I think I’ll take me a swim in the C-ment pond now.
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I have the theme song from the Beverly Hillbillies running through my head. I see Jed, Granny and Jethro and Ally Mae in the jeep. Thanks for the memories. 🙂
Lily
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Dear Lily,
Catchy tune that. 😉
Thank you for coming by…set a spell, take your shoes off, y’all come back now…
Shalom,
Rochelle
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LOL 🙂
Lily
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Dear Rochelle,
I used the dead bug to indicate terrorism in my post…
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