Over the course of two years I’ve written well over a hundred flash fiction stories for Friday Fictioneers. Four of my favorites stories about the Beatles. I’ve been a fan since I saw them on the Ed Sullivan show fifty-one years ago. It’s been suggested that I post a blog with all four of these stories which seems like a grand idea. I hope you’ll indulge me.
The first in my unintentional series is a complete work of fiction. One of those ‘what if’ stories.
RUMSPRINGA
Word count: 100
Out for a walk in the night, lost in thought, I didn’t see him until we collided. I apologized repeatedly.
“No, it’s me. Without me glasses I’m fair blind.” He pointed at my bonnet. “Costume party?”
“Amish. I’m in New York to choose my future—my parent’s home or the modern world.”
“Do you like rock and roll?”
“What’s that?”
“You really don’t know, do you?”
“No.”
“What’ll you choose—1694 or 1964?”
“Not sure. I hate big crowds.”
“So do I.” He offered his hand. “Pleased to meet you, Miss…”
“Julia.”
“Fab name.”
“And you, sir?”
“John. John Lennon.”
____________
Later on, down the road, another prompt put me in mind of George Harrison. Up until this one I hadn’t intended on making it a series. Nor did I truly plan for it after this one.
ALL THINGS MUST PASS
Word Count: 100
“‘A sunrise doesn’t last all morning,’” I sing and strum the chords that take me back to a New York television studio thirty years ago.
There to meet a friend, I loaned my Martin to an aging musician for his last live performance.
“You don’t happen to have a capo, do you, Miss Guitar Lady?” he asked.
Something in his serene eyes and genuine smile reached to the depths of my soul.
My fingers move on the fretboard where his once did. I never changed those strings.
And as VH1’s cameras recorded history, George Harrison made my guitar gently weep.
____________
This is the story that sealed the deal.
WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS
Word Count: 100 words
The boy stared out the window beside his bed and listened to his Alyn Ainsworth record. He tapped his fingers on the night stand in time to the music.
Sentenced to the ‘greenhouse,’ a children’s sanitarium, he’d celebrated his fourteenth birthday with tea, boredom and Streptomycin. Yet, after a year of incarceration, the doctors still considered Ritchie too ill to go home.
“Join our band,” said a nurse. “Bring your new banjo.”
“I’d rather play drums.”
Ten years later Ritchie smiled over his drum set at a sea of screaming teenagers as Ed Sullivan cried, “Ladies and gentleman, the Beatles!”
_________________
It was only a matter of time until a photo prompt would inspire a story for or about Paul.
WORDS OF WISDOM
Word Count:100
“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.”
Although some have believed this to be a religious song, Mother Mary is none other than Paul’s dear mum who passed away when he was only fourteen.
Marie Gail, this blog’s for you. 😉
I miss those happy carefree days filled with flower power, free love, and the Beatles. I enjoyed reading this very much.
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Dear Joy,
I had so much fun writing these stories. When Marie Gail suggested I put all four of them into one blog, I jumped at the chance. Why not?
I’ve been a Beatles fan from the moment I saw them on the Ed Sullivan show fitty-one years ago. Damn! What happened? I’m still that kid in my head. As a friend of mine is fond of saying, “Those numbers just don’t compute.”
I always appreciate comments. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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😀 We were both probably watching the same Ed Sullivan’s show, his REEEAAAALLLLY Big Show!
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I loved reading all of these stories together – especially as i had read none before. Thank you for sharing them today Rochelle.
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Dear Colline,
One of them is this week’s entry. 😉 I’m glad that you came by to read all of them. I enjoyed writing them.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I hadn’t noticed the set until you pointed it out, although seeing them all together I recognise John and George’s stories. The Ringo one is new to me, and once again, you’ve taught me something I never knew. The Beatles were my parents’ music, so I grew up on them and remember many happy summers with my cousin playing endless card games and endless LPs in our living room. Don Mclean was really the only interruption in our Beatles-a-thons … until Guns n Roses and Bon Jovi came along, of course!
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Dear Jennifer,
I’m always happy to learn and teach something new. I’ve long been a Beatles fan. I imagine your parents and I are contemporaries. I love Don McClean as well.
I’m glad you enjoyed my little series.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great stories. I liked Paul’s the best. But then, he has always been my favorite.
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Dear Emilio,
I had quite the crush on Sir Paul for a number of years. 😉
Thank you for coming by and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a glorious idea. I hadn’t read any but the last. They fit together like a well-tuned band. Marie Gail was right to suggest this and i’m glad you followed her suggestion.
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Dear Alicia,
Ah the power of suggestion. 😉 I had a fab time posting all these in one place. I didn’t know that you hadn’t read any of the others, so I’m glad you got to catch up.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wow, Rochelle. Look at this! This is marvelous the way it just came together unintentionally. It was meant to be. A fine collection!
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Dear Amy,
After the second story, I entertained the idea of doing stories with Ringo and Paul, but I had no intention of forcing them. Honestly, I’m amazed at how and when stories come to mind when I’m not really looking for them. Of course after the Ringo’s story came into being it was only a matter of time before I wrote one about Paul.
Glad you liked.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I remember each of these, Rochelle, from when you originally posted them. It’s so great you did one for each of them. I think I like the George Harrison one best, although that might be just because I really love that song.
-David
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Dear David,
Naturally I chose personal favorites when it came to songs. 😉 Although I can’t say Boys is a favorite, but it was the best one for Ringo and had a decent video.
Thank you for taking the time to comment on stories you’ve already read.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear David,
Naturally I chose personal favorites when it came to songs. 😉 Although I can’t say Boys is a favorite, but it was the best one for Ringo and had a decent video.
Thank you for taking the time to comment on stories you’ve already read.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love ‘My Sweet Lord and Cracker Box Palace and I forgot, This Song.
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Dear Foghorn,
There were too many good songs to name. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Nice, mellow, and touching pieces. Randy
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Thank you, Randy. 😀
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Like many from my generation, I can’t separate growing up from the songs of The Beatles. Every song brings back a memory of a time long ago. I have a Beatles Room in my house! Thanks for combining these stories and sharing them.
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Dear Ruth,
We are of that same generation. I fell in love, first with Paul, when I saw them in living black and white on the Ed Sullivan show. I still love them…all four of them. I’d love to see your Beatles room.
It was fun revisiting these stories and knitting them together on one page. I’m glad you enjoyed.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Serendipity do dah! Nice work there, Obi-Wan.
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Thank you, Stephonie.
Yeah, yeah, yeah!
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle~
Wonderful! How precious. I too saw them on Ed Sullivan on a Sunday night. We were all blown away and in awe. I feel like the little stories you wrote, bring them all here to us on a Friday in January.
Thanks!
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Dear Gardenlilie,
I’ll never forget that night. It was a time of change. We were recovering from Kennedy’s assassination, the war in Vietnam was heating up and I was on the verge of puberty. Interesting times those.
Thank you for your sweet comments on my little collection.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
These four stories, grouped under the perfect title, show me what you are, what you are becoming and what you will be.
Aloha,
Doug
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Dear Doug,
I’ve been blessed with precious travelers beside me on this path to becoming who I will be. Count yourself among them.
Yank thu from hottom of my beart.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh I loved them grouped together as they should be..
Who next? Brian Epstein?
Very enjoyable,
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Dear Björn,
I’m glad you like the four together. Brian Epstein? I suppose it’s possible but it could get out of had…I mean there was Mal Evans, George Martin, Billy Preston and let’s not forget the Beatle wives…and…and…
For now I think I’ll just let it be.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Very cool Beatles compilation 🙂
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Thank you, Ali. 😀
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Really good grouped together. I especially enjoyed this because I hadn’t read the three before Paul’s. Well done as always. Thanks Rochelle. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Dear Suzanne,
I’m glad you came here and got to read the other three.
Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’m nowhere near old enough to remember the 60’s_born in 59_ but the Beatles have always been my very favorite.That era is poison in many ways (says he as a staunch conservative) but I can’t resist the show biz, styles & a few other things
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Dear Larry,
There are only six years between us. I saw the Beatles first on my parents’ black and white TV when they appeared on the Ed Sullivan show. I was and am forever hooked. I agree with you about the era, but I harbor fond memories of it nonetheless.
Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts and comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Awesome Rochelle. 🙂
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Thank you, Celestine. How wonderful to see you here.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A nice quartet of Beatles-themed stories. Clever.
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Dear Kate,
Thank you for such a lovely compliment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’m so glad you took my advice! This is fabulous. I enjoyed each story alone, but having them all together in one place makes them stronger. Ending with Paul, although I realize this was mostly circumstantial, is most appropriate.
Although her music is quite different from that of the Beatles, you might enjoy this song by Enya that contains an allusion to Abbey Road:
Peace and chicken grease!
Marie Gail
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Dear Marie Gail,
As you can see, your suggestion went platinum. 😉 Thanks so much for a brilliant suggestion. I really had fun tying the stories together in one place.
Thank you for sharing the Enya song as well. I really like her music.
Shalom and schmaltz,
Rochelle
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Reading the stories together was a real treat. And of course, so was hearing the boys play. 🙂
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Dear Emmy,
I’m so happy you enjoyed my collection and the music.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That was a wonderful and touching trip down memory lane, with great stories attached. I even went on to listen to Hey Jude. Thanks so much.
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Dear Hilary,
I have all of the British recordings on CD. Some days I listen for hours. I’m glad you enjoyed the trip. Thank you for coming by and saying so.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It really is a grand idea dear Rochelle. I had missed the first two and now got the chance to read them. It seems a good tribute to the Beatles. I come know to about lots of new thing through your stories. Thanks. Love and hugs.
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Dear Indira,
I’m glad you enjoyed all four of my stories. They were some of the most fun to write.
Thank you so much for your sweet comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks for sharing all four. I am new and had not read them. I love the Beatles. I share them with my class!
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Dear Roger,
I’ve been a fan most of my life. I remember the thrill of seeing them in living black and white on Ed Sullivan. I’m glad you enjoyed my stories.
Thank you for dropping by to say so.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear BB,
I love your Fab Four collection. Now, you can start on the Stones. I’m sure Mick and Keith have some interesting tidbits hidden in their history too.
– Robin
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Dear Robin,
I’m sure the Stones have some interesting tidbits. I’m just not sure I’m interested. or if time is on my side
Shalom,
BB
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Loved all of them, individually and together. You don’t let me down. Because. I was a toddler when the Beatles split up. But twisting and shouting while listening to my father’s LP and with a little help from my friends led to the long and winding road of becoming a fan of the fab four.
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Dear Subroto,
In my life, I’ve enjoyed the long and winding road as well. Yesterday I was a Beatles fan and if tomorrow never comes I’ll still be one. So good day, Sunshine and than you for commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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These are lovely. I didn’t know about Paul’s mum and the song. So very touching.
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Dear Scottishmomus,
I’ve know that about Paul’s mother for some time, but digging deeper into his life was a lot of fun.
Thank you for reading and commenting.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Inspirational. Nice story, Rochelle 🙂
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Thank you, Anita 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
How in the hell did I miss this post? Ah.. I look at the date. I only started FF in March 2015… was not yet one of your followers…
This is absolutely a wonderful idea to put together all four posts…each one perfection.
Lotsa love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
Hard to remember the time before you joined us. 😘 seems like you were always part of the Hollywood Squares. Thank you for visiting. 4 of my faves. 😜 The stories and the lads.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I swear… I keep checking to see just when I did start… and when I officially joined your fan club…
You done with your floors yet? 😉
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And lunch. 😁😎💜
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😉 So much for my working in the garden. I’ll just read a couple of stories, I said.. no problem… already time to shower and get ready for work!
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