Summer is the time for vacations, picnics on the beach and reruns on the telly. For me it’s a time to meet a deadline in July for my third novel in my series entitled AS ONE MUST ONE CAN. Many thanks to those of you who responded to my plea for your favorite reruns.
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The following photo is the PROMPT. This week’s retread request is from Sandra Crook. If you’re one of those who wrote a story for this prompt feel free to re-post it and enjoy the respite. Remember that all photos are private property and subject to copyright. Use other than Friday Fictioneers by permission only.
PHOTO PROMPT – © Adam Ickes
The following story is dedicated to Lucile Wilson, Doris Wullschleger and Grace Cowling, three special ladies who gave of their time to a group of girls known as Troop 499. They had much to do with who I am today.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
TRAIL OF THE TREFOIL
“What on earth are you doing, child?”
Twelve-year-old Rose read Papa’s upside-down lips and said, “I’m using my head.”
“Surely, that’s not what Miss Daisy meant.”
“Surely it is, Papa. Yesterday at Girl Scouts she stood on her head.”
“Rosy-Posy, you’re a delicate little girl.”
“Miss Daisy says I can do anything I set my mind to.” Rose lowered her one leg, planted her foot on the carpet and reached for her crutch. “I’m going to be a doctor.”
“Remember, you’re also deaf.”
“So’s Miss Daisy. She says all that means is that she never hears anyone tell her ‘no’.”
Center: Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low-The founder of Girl Scouts in America
Daisy was an amazing lady. Here’s a bit of history to whet your appetite.
Girl Scout Trefoil
Troop 499-Can you find me?
*Final Note: Juliette Low held the first Girl Guide (later Girl Scouts) meeting at her house in Savannah, GA on March 12, 1912. The troop had 18 members divided into two patrols named the Carnation and the White Rose.
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
You did it! You avoided the literal pull of the image and made it symbolic
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Dear Neil,
To be honest, I work at not being a slave to the prompt. 😉 I’m glad this one worked. I digress and refer back to Mr. Thoreau. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great piece of writing. Would you consider linking it on Friday to my Feminist Friday column. I am always looking for stories.
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Dear Bernadette,
I’m glad you like my story. I would be honored to link. Tell me how and where. Thank you
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Never mind. Figured it out. It’s linked. 😉
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On Friday go to my site and at the end of my post will be a link to tap and then just add your post. You don’t need to do anything more. Looking forward to seeing you Friday.
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What a wonderful, uplifting story! And that picture…2nd row, 2nd girl from the left? Cute girls, all of them. 🙂
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Dear Gabriele,
I’m pleased you liked my story. All those years in Scouts I never realized what an amazing founder we had. Yep, you found me. 😉 I’m actually in contact with most of those girls thanks to Facebook. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That’s amazing. Social media does have its uses!
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As authors in this day and age we can’t do without it, Louise. 😉
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But without it there would be no Friday Fictioneers! 🙂
It’s also useful for people who grew up in insular environments and cults.
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Good point!
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Terrific story on the power of positive thinking.
What I most admire is how you make three different people come to life in so few words.
Astonishing.
And my guess is the tall blonde girl, right in the centre.
Do I win a prize?
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Dear CE.
Your sweet words warm me and make me smile.
As for your guess…um…er…well you might be off a tiny bit. 😉 Thanks for playing.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a wonderful story, Rochelle! I so love how you do that…take a real-life person and weave it into a 100-word piece of art!
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Dear Dale,
I hope I can still do it when i start posting new prompts. 😉 Thank you for your sweet words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Not even worried…😉
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Lovely story, and I adored the ending. Too many times people hear ‘no’ and give up – best to ignore the doubters and carry on! Iain
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Dear Iain,
I’ll admit to giving up too easily sometimes when I’m told no. Fortunately that lady didn’t. Thank you for such a nice comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Second row second in from the left. It’s a good point you make about not being a slave to the prompt. Thanks for reminding me about my happy memories of the Clubs.
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Dear Michael,
I’ve always been pretty easy to spot, it seems. Even when we played the game where you had to guess everyone’s baby pictures.
As for the prompt…whatever it inspires…as Thoreau said, “it’s not what you’re looking at that matters, it’s what you see.” There have been times when I had to explain how I got from point A to point B. 😉
My happiest childhood memories were in Scouts. Glad you feel the same way. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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“…and reached for her crutch.” LOVE it.
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Thank you, Peter. 😀
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What a heartwarming story about overcoming adversity, and the power of positive role models! I have such fond memories of my many years of Girl Scouts, and especially the feeling of wonder and adventure – and camping!
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Dear Joy,
Had it not been for Girl Scouts I would have never known the joys of camping. I loved long hikes and being with friends. It was decidedly the best part of my childhood. Thank you for your comments re my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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My sister and I were lucky to get to go camping with our parents, including lots of outdoor cooking, hiking in many woods, and “adventures” in mines and caves. (Although of course at the time we were jealous of our friends who got to stay in hotels and go to proper “tourist” places.) But there was something so special about camping with a bunch of other girls my age, both new friends and old, and learning all those great camp songs and sharing things together. Very happy memories!
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Wonderful story Rochelle. You show us, week after week, how it is done. True 100word fiction. You’re an inspiration.
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Dear Graham,
What a wonderful comment. Thank you so much.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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brilliant.loved it
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Thank you, Shaktiki. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What an inspiring tale, Rochelle. So fantastic for that little girl to have a leader that filled her with enough confidence to take on the world and its prejudices. Wonderful stuff 🙂
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Dear Lynn,
Thank you for such a wonderful comment. I think Daisy Low must’ve been a force to be reckoned with. As a former Girl Scout, I’m forever in her debt.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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She certainly sounds like it! An admirable woman indeed 🙂
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Very inspirational Rochelle! Thanks for writing this! Surely sky is the limit if we decide!
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Dear Sabina,
It starts with a decision doesn’t it? Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I also think you’re 2nd from the left in the second row. My daughter was in Girl Scouts. It’s a great organization. Good story, Rochelle, and good writing as always. I followed the link and really learned something. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Dear Suzanne,
I seem to be pretty easy to pick out in that photo. I think that’s a good thing. 😀 I have such wonderful memories of those days. And I’m delighted to be back in contact with a few of those girls. Thank you for your kind words re my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Such a lovely story Rochelle. I really enjoyed it, and the photographs too. Naturally I found you straight away. Your eyes were grinning even then. 🙂
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Dear Sandra,
Easy to spot means I haven’t deteriorated too much over the years. 😉 I’m pleased you liked my story and too the time to say so. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely tribute, Rochelle. It reminded me (although I think yours came first) to reread my own Brownie guide story from a few years ago: https://elmowrites.wordpress.com/2014/09/03/friday-fiction-an-owls-eye-view/
I will have to study that photo on a bigger screen!
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Dear Jen,
I loved your story. Lovely memories. It doesn’t matter which story came first. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks for taking the time to post today.
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Rochelle, You introduce us to so many wonderful women from history in an elegant way! Lovely story.
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Thank you, Ansumani. Such a wonderful comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So much wisdom in your story. Ignore the pessimism of others. It can take your dreams from you. Stay positive!
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Dear Bridget,
Daisy had a wonderful lesson that still holds true. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love the story, I love her courage even more.
Well done Rochelle.
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Dear Chioma,
I’m glad you liked the story and its message. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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this is one inspiring and empowering piece, Ms. Rochelle. ❤ I love the symbolic take. 🙂
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Thank you, Ms. Rosema .:D I’m so glad you liked it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You’re welcome! 😀
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Lovely piece with such a positive message!
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Many thanks, Ali. 😀
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Dear Sheree Godiva,
I always knew you were quite the little trooper. We used to have a sign in the the conference room at work that read; There are two kinds of people. Those who say they Can. And those who say they Can’t. They’re both right.
I love stories about those who support, inspire, encourage, and won’t let us quit. The best we can do for ourselves and those around us is emulate their behavior.
It makes me feel like singing,
Claude Bawls
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Dear Claude Bawls,
Fortunately I’m far enough away that your singing won’t assault my ears. There’s always something to be thankful for, isn’t there?
I love the conference room sign. One of the things our Scout leaders used to instill in us was that ‘can’t’ is not a word. We weren’t allowed to use it.
I’m glad you liked the story.
Shalom,
Sheree Godiva
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How inspiring to read about a deaf young girl with a crutch standing upside down, reading lips upside down, learning never to accept a “no”. You crafted the story nicely.
Randy
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Dear Randy,
Thank you for your kindly crafted words. I admire anyone who can stand on their head. I never mastered that skill.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, your story brings back fond memories of being in Girl Scouts. I started a brownie, moved up to Senior Gold, and even did a few years as a Leader before they went and changed everything. Very fond mems indeed! 🙂
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oops…. it was the one place where my steel braces and crutches didn’t stand in my way of success. Kinda wish the world was like that.
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Dear Jelli,
Your comment just gave my story profound validity. Thank you for that. Girl Scouts was my oasis in the storm of a somewhat abusive childhood. My fondest memories take up residence with that group of girls and the sweet leaders.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Many of the survival skills that I use when times are hard, like hunting, building shelters, etc. I still use. When we lost our home after a job loss, I used those skills to keep us alive (Hubs had made too much ‘gross’ for us to get any help for the year though we were homeless and jobless). We didn’t starve, and the tent made a decent little home. My wallet was stolen last week, so I’ve been hunting an foraging meals for us, saving what little funds we had in bank for fuel to get to work. I am saddened when I see the “new” girl scouts where basic survival is no longer taught.
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Adorable story! I was a Girl Scout too when I was younger. The last sentence made me smile. I think Rose understands very well.
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Dear Anne,
I suspect that if Rose were a real person, she achieved her goals. 😉 Thank you for your affirming words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What an amazing woman. Great story Rochelle (new laptop so I may be able to take part more often now – yay)
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Dear Al,
Congrats on your new arrival. Happy to have you back i the Friday Fictioneers Fold. Thank you for your comments re my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You’re welcome ad thanks. I should be able to take part every week now
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Awesome story Rochelle!
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Thank you and Kia Ora, Joyfulness.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story with a moral entiwned. Did you see a ridge tent in the distance or a long walk for a one-legged child?
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Dear Liz,
Actually I think my take on the prompt was the trail. It put me in mind of all of those wonderful Girl Scout hikes we took. Thank you re my story. It brought back sweet memories for me.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautifully told. I have no doubt that you’ll be back in the flash fiction saddle when you can slow down again.
Tracey
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Dear Tracey,
I think I’m about ready to get back in the flash fiction saddle. Now that the manuscript for the third novel is being read by my agent (whilst I nibble at my nails) my fingers are itching to write.
I hope you’ll read it when it comes out. I sat and watched an emergency C-Section on You Tube. It was a tutorial for New Zealand doctors. All that so I could write from a physician’s POV. Do I get a medal for this? Right after after that my husband came home from work and asked if I was ready for lunch.
Thank you re my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yes a medal is in order. There’s nothing pretty about a c-section. The first one I saw in med school was brutal.
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I also have fond memories of Girl Scouts from my youth.
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That makes me smile, Alice. Girl Scout activities were my happy spots as a child.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Never hear anyone say no… i love this line.! What a terrific story… i really loved this one.
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Thank you, Laurie. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Very inspiring story! Love the line, “All that means is that she never hears people tell her no.”
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Dear Kevin,
That’s the line I built the story around. When I read that about Ms. Low I laughed out loud. What a woman. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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this is one instance when it pays to be deaf. nice story. 🙂
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Dear Plaridel,
I guess there are pros and cons to everything. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I loved this story – there’s a lot of back story that is eloquently implied, and the actions tie in perfectly with the dialogue. (And thank you for opening my eyes to the history of Girl Scouts.)
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Dear Vijaya,
I learned a lot about Girl Scouts in researching for this story. Although our leaders told us stories about Juliette Gordon Low, they were never in depth. What a delightful person she must’ve been. Of course I’m always pleased to receive such nice reviews on my stories. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle YFBM
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Dear Rochelle
Lovely story and i found you straight away, your smile lights up your eyes. Great to learn more about the movement – we were ‘Brownies’ here on the UK then when we were older ‘Girl Guides’ Happy memories.
Best wishes
Dee
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Dear Dee,
Of course Girl Scouts originated in England. And I personally thank you for that. Such happy memories here, too. Thank you re my story, too. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Soopah-doopah!
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Thank ya, Thank ya verra much. Pass the peanut butter and banana sandwich, extra grease please.
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HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I am SO infectious with that, I see. 😉
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I remembered this story and the second girl from the left in the middle row. So many years and you haven’t changed 🙂
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Dear Subroto,
You kin words make me smile. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This is such a tale of optimism and refusal to let a (in this case physical) handicap thwart one’s dreams. I loved it.
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Many thanks for such a glowing comment, Clare. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love that. I wish I had known this story when I was a Girl Scout leader.
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Dear Dawn,
I wish my Girl Scout leaders had gone into more depth about Ms. Low. I really enjoyed the research for this story. What an amazing legacy. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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