Remember the goal is to write a COMPLETE story. BEGINNING, MIDDLE AND END.
The next photo is the PROMPT. What speaks to you? Tell us in a hundred words or less.
*Note: To share a photo you think would make a good prompt please send it to this email address: runtshell@gmail.com. Thank you*
My story follows the prompt and the blue inLinkz frog. I enjoy honest comments. 😉
PHOTO PROMPT – Copyright – Jan Wayne Fields
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
WORDS OF WISDOM
“I pressed your clothes,” said Mary. “Mind Dad and look after your brother whilst I’m in hospital.”
“Thanks, Mum.” Paul buttoned his shirt. “Deese are me bezzies.”
“Stop it. I’ve taught you better, now haven’t I?”
“Not half.” He quipped in falsetto. “The Queen’s English. Ever so posh.”
She looked as if she wanted to scold him more. Instead, she embraced him and said, “If I don’t come back…”
Emptiness flooded the boy.
“Of course you’re coming back. Who’ll cook for us if you don’t?”
“There will be an answer.” Mary McCartney kissed her son and whispered, “Let it be.”
*
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Oh wow. This really hit hard —- telling a story we all thought we knew — beautifully too.
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Dear J,
There’s always more to the story, isn’t there? Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I should stop reading these stories at work. It’s hard to hide the tears.
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Dear Loré,
Don’t take this wrong, but your tears made me smile.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Sorry to bother you, but I don’t see that little frog, so I have no idea how to link my story.
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Wait for it. It’ll be around again
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I don’t see it either…may have to change computers and see if it shows up on a different browser/OS
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Somehow selfishly I say, a big loss for Paul became a bliss for the world. Maybe only through such pain can beauty be born…
I felt what was happening, but the pieces came together only in that last sentence.
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Dear Björn,
Out of great pain beauty is often born. Deep calls to deep. As for the pieces coming together in the last sentence, that was my intent. Yeah yeah yeah.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Tragically beautiful. Major loss was a huge factor for more than one Beatle. I just watched “Nowhere Boy” last week. Sadness and creative genius seem to go hand in hand. Thank you for sharing. 🙂
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Dear Luna,
I hadn’t heard of “Nowhere Boy.” Looks like a good film. The Beatles have always fascinated me.
Thank you for such a lovely comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A very sad story, and more so, given that events were to repeat themselves later in life. Nicely done Rochelle, I liked that simple “who’ll cook for us?” How like a child to initially reduce tragedy to a very basic level. Well observed.
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Dear Sandra,
It is a cruel irony that Sir Paul lost the two greatest loves of his life to the same disease, isn’t it?
Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely read.
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Thanks, Peter. 😀
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Beautiful telling Rochelle. I can feel the potential pain in the words.
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Dear Joseph,
Your warm words are welcome on this cold winter day.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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🙂
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just beautiful
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Thank you, IB. 😀
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very nice. very touching. Randy
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Many thanks, Randy.
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I LOVE it, Rochelle! It was moving and tender, and perfectly structured. And I always felt so bad for both Paul and John, both children of tragedy — but I’m glad Paul had some consistent love in his life, until his mother died.
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Dear Vijaya,
Paul did, from all accounts, have a loving home life, didn’t he? Perhaps it’s the reason he’s been able to face other tragedies with courage and grace.
Thank you for loving my story and stopping by to say so.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You portrayed the ordinariness of tragedy so well here, Rochelle, the worry about little things that masks the unfathomable worry about the biggest thing.
janet
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Dear Janet,
It seems, from all the accounts I’ve read, that Mary McCartney went out of her way to shield her children from the tragic possibilities. Ordinariness of tragedy. I like that. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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And so begins a legend. The story gave me a chill. I always thought the reference in the song was religious.
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Dear Michael,
A lot of people thought the song was religious which seems out of character for any of the Fab Four.
Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom and let it be,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
LIke Michael, until I read your story, I always thought this song held references to the Mother of our Lord. But that always flummoxed me a bit. Your explanation holds much truer. I enjoyed this one. It is the fourth and final of your Beatles tales, is it not? Would you consider reposting all four together later in the week so we can have the pleasure of reading them all together?
Peace,
Marie Gail
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Dear Marie Gail,
I think your idea is a grand one. You might just see all four stories by the end of the week, minus the prompts. I think it’s fair to let them stand alone. 😉
I remember seeing Sir Paul on an interview years ago when he shared his inspiration for the song. .It somehow gave me new appreciation for him. I think he’s been wrongfully accused at times of being crass and unfeeling.
Glad you enjoyed and came by to say so.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh yes! I think they should stand alone–although I wouldn’t complain if you included a few music videos when you post the four stories together.
Peace,
Marie Gail
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Lovely, Rochelle, and very real. I never knew this bit of Beatles history, and as usual, I’m so glad you shared it.
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Dear Jennifer,
And now my Beatles series is complete.;) I enjoyed sharing it and am pleased that you liked it.
Thank you for saying so.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Who’ll cook for us if you don’t? Although this seems a selfish thought, there’s so much love in it. Well done! The last line is gorgeous.
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Dear Alicia,
Some people have more trouble showing their feelings than others. I think that young Paul was one of those. He probably didn’t know how to voice his underlying fear and love for his dear mum.
Thank you for your kind comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’m so glad I clicked on the “Want More?” link. Knowing the story now, gives the song so much more power. Absolutely brilliant, Rochelle. The story alone is powerful and touching. The additional story affected me strongly. Another wonderful piece!
By the way, the blue guy is missing, and I can’t add my link. Would you let him out?
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Dear Eric,
I’m basking in your words and I’m also pleased that you took the time to check out the link. I believe that, in many cases, Sir Paul has gotten a bad rap because, unlike John Lennon, he doesn’t share his emotions in public. Still waters run deep.
As for the blue guy, he doesn’t seem to be responding to my coaxing. There is a little square where he usually resides. If you click it it will take you to the list. Alas, I have no control over him.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Well, fudge. I can’t even find the little box. Here’s a link to my contribution anyway. Just in case it appears later.
https://momusnews.wordpress.com/2015/01/14/the-warning-friday-fictioneers-2/
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My heart skipped a beat, I think, having recently had a similar conversation with my son and husband. You know, a just in case sort of talk about passwords and such. “Here, I wrote them all down for you, just in case,” I said. Who’d do the cooking never came up.
You always bring the power, Rochelle. Very powerful story.
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Dear Stephonie,
When I had my surgeries it never occurred to me that I wouldn’t be coming back. Perhaps I’m just a Pollyanna. 😉
Thank you for your heart skipping comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Let it be. The magic words of surrender when facing what can’t be changed.
Very moving.
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Dear Emmy,
Those words are hard to hear in some situations, aren’t they?
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I could hear the voices — cheeky Paul doing the posh accent, his mother, the rough Liverpudlian voice…. So well done.
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Dear Helena,
Compliments don’t get much better than this.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautifully told Rochelle. I didn’t know that’s where the inspiration for that song came from.
Claire
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Dear Clair,
Most of us really didn’t know the actual inspiration for the song. I believe I found it out in an interview on series the Beatles did in the late 90’s called The Anthology.
Thank you for your sweet words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Although I have read this story a number of times, it always bring both, sorrow and joy in the outcome of sorrow in our lives. Wonderful story based in true history. Although I live with you, you amaze me every day.
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Well done, Rochelle. I learn so much from your pieces. And, to now know the inspiration for “Let it Be.” She sounds a wonderful, calming presence in his life, to lay out clothes before going to the hospital. Now that is dedication and love.
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Dear Amy,
When I read the accounts of Mary McCartney I couldn’t help but mourn her family’s loss. I’m pleased my story illustrated it.
Thank you for such kind compliments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautiful but poignant. Moved me to tears also.
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Dear Irene,
What more can a writer ask for than tears from a reader.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, I’d never heard about this till now. How beautiful, and sad. Thank you for sharing it with us.
(Hey, I think that little blue frog is on hiatus. Do you know when he will be returning so I can post my story?) 😉
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Dear Lynda,
Sorry about the mess up with the blue frog. I think I’ve figure out the solution but it looks like you did as well.
Thank you for your lovely comment on my story. Good to see you back.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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LOL, I just went to another participants page and followed the link, then copied the URL. BTW, I notice that many WP users are able to get the little froggy to appear on command, but I still can’t get him to sit and stay.
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sad story. it was said that she was the first woman who broke his heart.
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Yes, Plaridel, she was. The articles I read made me ache for him. How hard to lose your mother at an age when you need her most.
Thank you for coming by and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Personally, I go for “A Day in the Life”, “Let it be” was just the last gasp of an already-deceased band.
But I s’pose it doesn’t fit the prompt photo quite as well.
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Dear Dave,
“Let it Be” wasn’t necessarily my favorite Beatles song. As a matter of fact it’s far down the list. However, the influence for the song is what helped Paul through that difficult time as the band fell apart.
Thank you for your comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle:
This is such a moving story .. I never realized what was behind this lovely song but it has helped me time and again to get through “times of trouble” … thanks for writing this. Ciao … Georgia.
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Dear Georgia,
It really is a lovely song. Like most of us, I used to think it was a religious song. I love the story behind it.
I’m glad you liked my story. Thank you for coming by to say so.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’ll repeat that this was lovely Rochelle. I also didn’t know the story of Paul’s life. You presented it in a very natural and heartfelt way. I understand that song better now. Well done as always. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Dear Suzanne,
You may repeat such a nice compliment any time. 😉 I enjoyed researching and writing this one.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Such a sad story. I Googled it just to ensure I knew the correct ending. You told it so well.
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Dear Ali,
You had to Google it? I had a link. At any rate I’m glad I passed the audition. 😉
Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh yeah, I see it now! I think I assumed it was part of the music video link and didn’t click it because I was at work 🙂
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thank you Rochelle. i never knew the origin of this song. now it all makes sense…
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You’re quite welcome CR. My pleasure.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautiful story Rochelle, you carved it nicely and thanks for the link. After reading it your story touched me more.
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Dear Indira,
I’m pleased that it all fit together for you. Thank you for your sweet comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Moving story. I can remember the release of Let it be (ah, London in the sixties) but wasn’t aware of the inspiration behind it.
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Dear Patrick,
I don’t think it was until much later (or maybe I just missed it) that Sir Paul shared the influence for Let it Be in an interview for The Anthology. At any rate, I’m pleased that my story touched you.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a two-fer! Great flash fiction, and the Beatles.
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Thank you, BR. Your words made my day.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Now I know the rest of the story. Thanks for the background on this great song. I was clueless until today.
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Dear Allan,
Happy to help. No one should have to remain clueless. 😉
Thanks for dropping by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Losing two to the same disease—that is pretty unfortunate. A soulful artist, he still sung through his pain to the point of wear & tear with his voice.
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Dear Adam,
I’m sure that music is catharsis for him.
Thank your for your comments. Always appreciated.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a poignant story. I hadn’t a clue about the background of the song…thank you. You do such a wonderful job with dialogue!
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Dear Kirsten,
Without knowing the background of Let it Be, it’s easy to mistake it for a religious song, I know I did.
Thank you for your lovely compliments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wonderful, but a bit heart wrenching, especially after I read the story of Paul McCartney’s mother. As always, your story has touched and educated me.
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Dear Lisa,
I appreciate your kind words.
Thank you and Shalom,
Rochelle
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A sad little piece of history engagingly told. The voices bring them to life. Thank you for the link – very informative.
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Dear Marg,
Thank you for such a lovely compliment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A beautiful tribute to the lovely Sir Paul and his wonderful mother, who had a strong influence over the kind of person he became.
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Dear Helena,
Thank you for such lovely words. I’ve always been a great admirer of Sir Paul, besides being an avid Beatles fan. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Good story even without me getting the whole Beatles thing… 🙂
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Dear Jenn,
That’s the ultimate goal, to draw a reader into the story.
Thank you for letting me know I did that for you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I had no idea of that McCartney story. Apart from being entertained (and this was very nicely written), I feel like I get a little better at Quiz Night Questions every time I visit.
Cheers
KT
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Dear KT,
What a lovely thing to say. 😀 I’ve been told I’m good with trivia, but I’m not so sure. And please don’t quiz me about names and dates.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Knowing how she died makes this so sad.
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No linky?
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Dear Alice,
Yes, very sad. It’s hard enough to lose a parent, but to lose her when he was young and then to lose his beloved Linda to the same beast.
I’ve gone back and reinserted the linkz code. I’m not sure what the problem is, although the little square above the link would’ve taken you there.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I never really had any idea about how much the Beatles could touch people’s lives until I read stories like this one. And I guess it goes to show that having your own life touched is what spurs the creation of great art on, for both you and for Paul.
Also, it lieu of the mysterious missing blue frog, I’ll leave my story here for now:
https://marshalhopalop.wordpress.com/2015/01/16/friday-fictioneers-presentation-is-everything/
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Dear Marshall/Michael,
I love learning about the lives behind the stars. The Beatles have always been a personal obsession of mine. It was great fun to write their stories.
Also, I think I’ve solved the link problem. Try again.
Thank you for your kind comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This is one of my favorites, Rochelle. A huge fear – Who will feed and care for and love me if not you? My memory of you.
Ellespeth
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Dear Ellespeth,
I’m always happy to hear that one of my stories is someone’s favorite. Sir Paul admits to being one who doesn’t show his feelings and it was particularly true when he was a boy.
Thank you for your kind comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Really sad…
Here is my submission…https://theyyouandme.wordpress.com/2015/01/16/waiting/
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Dear Mira,
Sad indeed. And a little insight to one of the Fab Four.
I think I’ve fixed the link problem. Please try again.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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https://theyyouandme.wordpress.com/2015/01/16/waiting/
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Actually I meant to try and link your story to the inLinkz list by clicking the blue frog icon. 😉
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Ok…will do
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She tried to get him to avoid having too broad a Scouse accent. She died while he was still only a kid.
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Dear Larry,
Yes to both. He’s said that one of his greatest regrets is the way he antagonized her wish Scouse.
Thanks for dropping by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear BB,
Perhaps Martha Stewart wouldn’t mind cooking for Sir Paul when she returns from her stay in the Ritz-Carlton correctional facility. I’m sure she’d have some words of wisdom for him too. – Robin
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Dear Robin,
Interesting thought that. I’ll pass this along to Sir Paul.
Thanks for the suggestion and for dropping by.
Shalom,
BB
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Beautifully tender. Mary comes alive in this. Well done.
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Dear Sarah Ann,
Thank you for such a lovely compliment. You made me smile.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This is my favorite of all the pieces of yours I’ve seen. I love the way you used the lyrics from “Let It Be” to close out this poignant story… well done!
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Dear John Mark,
I’m glad you liked my story. I had a great time writing it.
Thank you for commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, you never cease to amaze me! You were there?!? OMG. Too cool. And I loved all four stories. The last one made me tear up. Very, very nicely done. And a lovely photo by Mr. Fields as well.
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Dear Erin,
I was where? If you mean at any of their concerts or met any of them…no, only in my imagination.
The young man in the photo is actually my eldest son on a tour at Hyde Hall in upstate New York. Jan seized the opportunity for a great photo.
I’m glad you read all four. I probably had the some of the most fun with them of any of my FF stories.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, you are so great at digging out and telling the story!
Lily
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Dear Lily,
What can I say? I love the research, the writing and the feedback.
Thank you for yours.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautifully done, as usual. Tugged at the heartstrings!
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Dear Tiffany,
I have to tug at heartstrings because I don’t play any other strings. 😉 Seriously, thank you for your feedback and kind compliments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Words of wisdom from Mother Mary…
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She’s standing right in front of me…;) Nice to see you here Sharon.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Good to be here! (I’ve given up on making promises for the present, but I hope to visit again soon. 😉 )
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So sad. And yet so beautifully written.
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Dear Colline,
Nothing’s sadder than real life tragedies. Thank you for your sweet comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I especially like the concept and image of emptiness as a flood.
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Dear Ann,
It’s nice to see you back.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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🙂
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Well, the master of historical flash fiction strikes again — and very effectively. You may soon be responsible for a Beatles music comeback. It’s hard for most of the public to relate to popular performers as real people, isn’t it? But your stories bring home the “real” for your readers.
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Dear Sandra,
It might be hard for the Fab Four to make a comeback when they’ve been reduced to the Terrific Two. 😯
I’ve always loved biographies and love finding out what people are really like. Sometimes it’s a disappointment and heroes have a way of falling off of pedestals.
Comments like yours make it all worth the effort.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Touching story this one, Rochelle and as always wonderfully done! 🙂
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Thank you, Vinitha. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle, Excellent story as usual! The Beatles theme was great! Love it! Nan 🙂
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Dear Nan,
The Beatles stories have really been among my personal favorite flash fictions. I’m pleased that you like them, too.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Brilliant, Rochelle! I look for a twist or a historical hook with you. I was reading carefully, watching for cues, and still, those final, perfect lines, were a wonderful “gotcha!” Reading it again, was a joy, with that song running through my head. You’ve outdone yourself this week. Fantastic!
A side note: check your *note in the FF instructions at the top… I think there are some typos.
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Dear Dawn,
All I can say to a comment and such high praise is thank you.
Todah Rabbah,
Shalom,
Rochelle
I found one typo and fixed it. Didn’t see anymore. Thanks again. 😉
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Dear Rochelle
Beautifully written as always. Not many people know that the ‘Mother Mary’ in the song is actually a reference to Paul’s mother and when you find out, it makes the song all the more poignant.
George was always my favourite Beatle – we all had one didn’t we? I loved the way he and Paul were like a mirror image on stage – he right handed and Paul being a leftie. Thank you for the trip down memory lane.
Take care
Dee
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Dear Dee,
I was immediately enamored with Paul and his beautiful brown eyes. I think at this point I’d be hard pressed to say which is my favorite. They were and always be my first loves in rock music.
Glad you liked the story. Thanks for such nice comments to end my Friday Fictioneers week.
shalom,
Rochelle
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