Our Mantra
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Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
LOVE LIKE YOURS
Like white feathers, snow drifted past the window and blurred before my eyes. I dropped a coin in the jukebox on the table and selected our song. The one he wrote.
I swirled a curly fry through a mound of ketchup then let it fall from my fingers. “I can’t believe he’s gone. Just like that.”
Bill’s cheeks glistened. “He’d want us all to move on.”
“It won’t be the same.” I blew my nose in my napkin. “There’ll never be another.”
Joy eclipsed my grief when Bill slipped a diamond on my finger. “Will you marry me, Peggy Sue?”
*
*
Singer Don McClean called it The Day the Music Died and some historians refer to it as Rock’s First Tragedy. On February 3, 1959 the “Winter Dance Party” tour was cut short when the plane carrying Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper and Richie Valens crashed near Clear Lake, Iowa.
*
*
Waylon Jennings could have died and been remembered only as a name in the history books.
Great stuff, Peggy Sue. 😉
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Dear Cuzzin Notnek,
Waylon Who? How that music used to make me smile and so does your comment. Thank you.
Shalom,
Peggy Sue
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😉
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Your descriptions of the jukebox and the fries made me feel like I was there with them! Lovely little story. Now I feel like fries!
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Dear Jessie,
Curly fries are still one of my faves. Thank you for such a nice comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wow, Rochelle, that brought back some memories. In 1959 I was a senior in high school. Good writing as always. Happy Holidays to you and yours! 🙂 — Suzanne
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Dear Suzanne,
I imagine that you have memories of this horrid event. Thank you and Happy Holidays to you, too. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You evoked the atmosphere perfectly, Rochelle
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Dear Neil,
Thank you for such an affirming comment. 😀
Shalom and Happy Holidays to you and yours,
Rochelle
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Happy Holidays Rochelle – although the stories so far aren’t full of festive cheer! Great take on the prompt, a sad day, and 2016 has had quite a few music icons passing away too.
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Dear Iain,
Too many icons have passed in 2016…David Bowie…Glen Frey…Prince…I’ll stop now. Too depressing. This group does tend to play on the dark side, doesn’t it? Thank you re my story.
Happy Holidays and Shalom,
Rochelle
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And The Great Poet, Mr Cohen
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How could I forget him? Thank you for the reminder, Mr. Ayr
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You captured a moment in time accompanied by the absolute best music. Love Buddy Holly and the Crickets.
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Dear Bernadette,
A generation lost in space…;) Buddy Holly was an amazing musician. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love this. The diner definitely has a 50s vibe. In my bi-weekly commute, I drive right past Clear Lake and the Surf Ballroom where Buddy played that fateful last concert. Who knows what that guy would have done? He was just getting started, and what he did was revolutionary.
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Dear J Hardy,
It was such a tragedy. I, too, have often wondered what Buddy Holly would’ve accomplished had he lived. Richie Valens, too. Might make for an interesting novel. 😉 Thank you for such a wonderful comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Without even thinking of the reasons why, I had a character called “little Susie” in my story. The image must have subconsciously put Peggy Sue into my thoughts. And this was before I even read yours 🙂
All the best for the festive season,
PaulC.
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Dear Paul,
The image sent me to diners as a kid…they always had a table jukebox. I’m sure you get it. 😉 Thank you and a happy season to you as well.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It was a bad moment indeed. Such a loss. Great story though.
I read that the diners are disappearing from New York – http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/23/nyregion/diners-new-york-city.html
Tragic.
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Dear Patrick,
Thank you for the link to the article. As with the way of all things nostalgic, the diner is going the way of the drug store lunch counter. Thank you re my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I always wondered what became of Peggy Sue. Great story–it really took me there.
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I can tell you:
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Thanks for that, C.E. I don’t think I’d heard this song.
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We can always dance at the divorce party, m’lady
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Dear Karen,
I guess we both know now. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I can taste the fries! Great story and wishing you a very merry Christmas.
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Dear Louise,
I think I might have to go out for fries today myself. Thank you.
Merry Christmas and Shalom,
Rochelle
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I remember hearing that news. You took me back there, Rochelle, effortlessly.
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Dear Sandra,
Always happy to direct tours down Memory Lane. Thank you for your lovely compliment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story, great song, and perhaps the first of Rock’s great singer/songwriters.
‘something touched me deep inside’
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Dear C.E.
I’ll take Buddy Holly over Elvis any day. He was a brilliant star snuffed out way too soon. February did make us shiver. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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But not an either/or situation, two very different talents, I respectfully suggest.
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Good point. Like comparing apples to oranges. However…
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Truly a sad bit of history. Imagine what might have been!
Merry Christmas. See you next year.
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Dear Caerlynn,
We’ll never know what would have been. But it’s for certain Buddy Holly etched an indelible mark into many hearts. Thank you.
Merry Christmas and shalom for the new year,
Rochelle
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Excellent writing, you managed to create the scene so superbly. Loved it.
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Thank you, Loré, Such a lovely compliment.
Holiday Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh gosh! I love how you brought a little joy to compensate for the grief. Lovely snippet of a beautiful moment.
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Dear Jade,
Thank you for such a nice comment/compliment.
Holiday Shalom,
Rochelle
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I can see you and Jan in that diner. Nice story.
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Dear Ted,
Perhaps, Jan and me but in February of 1959 I was only five which means Jan was twelve. 😉 Always happy when you pop in for a visit. Thank you.
Holiday Shalom,
Rochelle
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Well, I didn’t mean 1959! Have a Great Hanukkah and a Merry Christmas.
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He he. You didn’t expect me to leave the comment alone, did you? Surely you know me better by now? Merry Christmas, Ted.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I can smell fries and hear Buddy Holly’s music. I don’t know how many nights I’ve danced myself silly listening to his songs. Thanks for the memories.
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Dear Alicia,
I love his music, too. Glad you liked the story. Thanks for dropping in for an order of curly fries. 😉
Holiday Shalom,
Rochelle
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A very nostalgic story tinged with sadness. Great writing.
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Dear Neel,
I’m glad you liked my story and took the time to say so. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You have a unique way of writing dear Rochelle. Loved this. Shalom.
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Dear Indira,
What a lovely thing to say. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a wonderful tie between music and story… somehow I feel this image will give sentimental stories.
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Dear Björn,
As you can tell by now, the image definitely inspired sentimental stories. I think the photo coupled with the season made for a perfect match. 😉 Glad you liked my bit of sentimentality. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Unforgettable songs are often paired with great memories, maybe that’s what makes them unforgettable. Well done Peggy Sue 🙂
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Dear Bridget,
There were so many songs to choose from to couple with the story. 😉 Buddy Holly is a legend for sure. Glad you liked my story. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A wonderful ode to the late great buddy Holly. Once again you stir the heart, Rochelle. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
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Dear Eric,
Thank you for such a wonderful comment. Reading it on Christmas is like opening a present.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Happy Holidays Rochelle! Thanks for this timely tribute to times past and times to come.
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Happy Holidays to you as well, Anne. Thank you for reading and leaving a nice comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I recall that era well, for me the diner and juke boxes are pure happiness as was Peggy Sue.
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Dear Mike,
Nostalgia. Gotta love it. Thank you for dropping by to put another nickle in. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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it was a big loss. may he rest in peace.
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Amen. Thank you, Plaridel.
Holiday Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle, I’m new to your blog. I love the Friday Fictioneers, as a novice writer it is fun. 1959 is before my time, but I know of the Buddy Holly, Richie Valens from a movie that was made about the plane crash. I love your story angle on it.
Happy Holidays !
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Dear FFD,
I was still a little puppy in 1959 so I don’t really remember the incident firsthand. I do know that Buddy Holly made a huge impact on rock and roll. At any rate, welcome to my blog. Feel free to join in Friday Fictioneers whenever you feel ready. It’s a great place to meet other writer/bloggers from around the world. Thank you.
Holiday shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh I jumped right into Friday Fictioneers. This was my first attempt https://ffdwrites.wordpress.com/2016/12/22/1959/
Looking forward to the next one.
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I missed it because it’s not linked in the link up. You’ll get more reads using it. Let me know if you need any help.
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Actually, I took the liberty of linking you. I hope that’s okay.
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You are #77 on the list. 😉 Welcome aboard.
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That’s great. I was going to ask more on how to go about it. Thank you. So do I need to do anything else for the next Friday Fictioneers post? Post a link somewhere?
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Okay I have just seen the link icon on December 23rd prompt. I get it now.
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Dear Felece’d Ya,
Wanna hear me howl “True Love Ways?” I didn’t think so. The Buddy Holly story is fascinating one. The pioneer rocker who incorporated orchestra music with rock & roll. An inspiration for generations to come–especially influential to your favorite band–the Beatles. They both sang a lot about love. Nothing wrong with that in my book.
Ho, ho, ho
Santa’s Frugal Helper
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Dear Frugal Elf,
Thank you for not singing. We all wonder what Buddy Holly would’ve become had he lived. On the other hand, he might not have become the legend he is. Also makes me think of Jim Croce. Sigh. As for the Beatles they did cover a Holly song or two.
Enjoy!
Thank you for stopping by. Happy garage sale-ing.
Shalom and Happy Merry Christmukkah,
Felece’d Ya
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I was fortunate enough to see Jim Croce perform about a month before the fatal plane crash. It was a great concert and I’ll always feel blessed that I got to see him on stage.
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Now there was a wordsmith. His songs were brilliant flash fictions, ie Roller Derby Queen.
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You didn’t post her song! Great story, though I do have to admit I didn’t get it until I read the background and then it all clicked into place. And I did like the song, even if it wasn’t hers 😉
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Dear Trent,
You’re such a youngster. 😉 Actually, I was only 5 when Buddy Holly died. He did so many wonderful songs.
So you won’t be totally disappointed, here’s her song.
Thank you for reading and commenting.
Shalom and happy holidays.
Rochelle
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I do have a CD of Buddy Holly’s music, but it was a little before my time. As a preschooler I was listening to the Beatles and was about 5 when they died (split up).
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A hint of happiness in the wake of such a tragedy. Nice one!
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Dear Ali,
Life is like that, isn’t it? Bittersweet. Thank you.
Holiday Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story that brings back good as well as bad feelings. I remember the crash it devastated me as I was very much into his music. I grew up playing the jukebox and that era songs.
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Dear Jan,
You were a few years older than I. Since I was only five, I wasn’t too aware of music at the time, aside from my parents’ 45’s of 1940’s music. 😉 I do remember the jukeboxes and the diners. Thank you for stopping by to reminisce.
Love,
Rochelle
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Lovely story. We saw a stage play of Buddy Holly’s story many years ago in Brighton – his music was part of my youth.
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Dear Liz,
I’m glad my story resonated with you. His music was wonderful. Such a waste of talent. Thank you.
Holiday shalom,
Rochelle
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Diner’s just evoke jukeboxes, rock and roll and ketchup and you nailed it Rochelle…again.
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Thank you, Michael. 😀
Holiday Shalom,
Rochelle
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I loved this Rochelle! And, believe it or not, I was raised on this stuff… my parents loved the 50’s music and played them all the time…rock ‘n’ roll and country – the music of my childhood…
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Dear Dale,
I think kids are often raised on their parents’ music. I grew up lip syncing 1940’s and early 1950’s music. Big band, Bing Crosby, etc…etc. Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you.
Holiday Shalom,
Rochelle
PS Add a cup of wine to the chicken soup. 😉
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I couldn’t agree more! Good stuff, I say…
Holiday love your way!
Oh… and remember *exactly* one cup…
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Diners, dives and drive thrus, Amercan icons and American rock and roll together. Good piece.
La paz be with you,
Tracey
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Dear Tracey,
Now to chow down on the curly fries and a juicy burger. Thank you.
Holiday paz contigo también.
Rochelle
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Happy Holidays. Happy Chanukah! Liked your story as always.
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Thank you, Stephen. A Happy Chanukah to you as well.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely story! Tragic and sad about Buddy Holly. He was a talented artist and his music is still enjoyed by many today, including me.
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Dear Arl,
I love Buddy Holly’s music, too. Thank you.
Holiday Shalom,
Rochelle
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How long between the death and the proposal? Just wondering.
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Dear Alice,
My thought was the the death and the proposal were pretty close together. Perhaps the next night. Thanks for dropping by.
Holiday Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle, Love this! You put so much into so few words, but it seems effortless when I know it’s not.
Thank you for welcoming me into Friday Fictioneers for these past few months. I have loved being here.
Happy Holidays to you and Happy New Year!
Best wishes, Sascha
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Dear Sascha,
Thank you for such a lovely compliment. Happy to have you aboard the FF mega bus.
Holiday Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh this was touching, sad and joyful at the same time. What a terrible tragedy that took those brilliant artists too soon.
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Dear Laurie,
His loss does still impact us, doesn’t it? Thank you for such a lovely comment.
Holiday shalom,
Rochelle
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Nice one Rochelle. Had me googling again, don’t know if you also found this reference to the Spanish Yoko Ono http://www.texasmonthly.com/articles/the-widows-pique/
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Dear Subroto,
I had not seen this article. I’m looking forward to reading it. Thank you and thank you for the comment on my story. Always happy to send someone on the Google trail. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It really was the day the music died. It was before I was born, but it is one of those that is felt throughout the decades to come.
I like the interaction with it. Good story Rochelle.
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Dear Al,
it was only a few short years after I was born. 😉 But it’s for certain that Buddy Holly left his mark on the music industry and on our hearts.
Thank you.
Holiday Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great capture of the diner ambiance, Rochelle. I love how you incorporated the time and place with music and the jukebox. Lovely story. Happy Holidays to you and your family! xox
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Dear Amy,
No charge for the trip down Memory Lane. My dad owned these types of restaurants. Some of my earliest memories are of standing on a chair wearing my daddy’s apron that reached my ankles filling glass creamers. Thank you for such a nice comment. Happy holidays to you and your family, too. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a sweet memory! I want to see pictures now. 🙂 Thanks, Rochelle. Best to you and your family. I hope you’re enjoying the holidays together. My sister is visiting tomorrow. I can’t wait!
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Ouch. In a year when we have lost so many celebrities you capture the grief of the loss of one of the first modern music stars, taken far too young.
Thanks for being Queen FriFic for another year, here’s to more in 2017.
Sending Love from England,
TRG
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Dear TRG,
We have lost too many this year.
As for being Queen FriFic, it’s comments like this one that will make me ascend the throne for yet another year. Sending love from Missouri in the middle of the USA.
Holiday shalom,
Rochelle
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🙂
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Peace Rochelle,
It takes time, but life does move on and love heals all. I like the Holiday card of you and your hubby.
May your Holidays be filled with great memories and lots of Love.
Blessings,
Phyllis
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Dear Phyllis,
Thank you for stopping in to read and comment. A Happy Holiday to you and yours.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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“The Day the Music Died’ came out when I was 12. I learned every word and in turn the history that inspired it.
Your story is a lovely reminder.
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Dear Dawn,
Great song from Don McClean. I think I have a year or two on you. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A lot of contrasting emotions weaved in this piece. Great write as usual.
Shalom and Happy Holidays. 🙂
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Dear Yarnspinnerr,
Thank you for the lovely comment and the Holiday wishes.
Salaam,
Rochelle
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the diamond ending was nice….
🙂
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Thank you, Ms. Prior. 😀
Holiday Shalom,
Rochelle
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I knew just where this was going, but loved the delivery and sweet twist all the same! thanks for another wonderful year of FF, Rochelle and all the best in this New Year–– Happy Hanukkah!
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Dear Dawn,
As my drama teacher used to tell us, sometimes you just have to give the audience what they want. 😉 I’m glad you enjoyed. Here’s to another year, “L’chaim! and Happy Holidays.”
Shalom,
Rochelle
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As Felix and Oscar would say, La Forza del Destino/die Macht des Schicksals Happy Hannukah
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Dear Larry
Indeed. Thank you.
Holiday Shalom,
Rochelle
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Well, you nailed this one: setting, atmosphere, fries swirling through ketchup, and the reality of just how abruptly teenage emotions swing from one end of the spectrum to the other. Great job.
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Dear Sandra,
That comment is a head-sweller. Thank you very much.
Holiday shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle
I’m a bit behind with my reading here, and ran out of time to contribute to this FF with any story of my own, but didn’t want to miss yours…
From sadness through to joy in a flash, or a “sparkle”, should I say? I guess teenagers’ emotions are often heartfelt but speedily shifting on a hormone roller-coaster that’s hard for others to keep up with. This comes over perfectly in this little sketch. Well done.
(I seem to recall Janet Beckett playing with her food in the same moody way in a scene in Desiccation, which probably means that the author did this, too, when she was a teenager!).
Hope you’re having a joyous and restful holiday.
All best wishes
Sarah
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Dear Sarah,
The author has a rather wonky history with food. 😉
I don’t know that I had the teenagers’ emotions switching on a dime as much as the joy of becoming engaged being juxtaposed against the sorrow Bill and Peggy Sue obviously share. (How’s that for a run on sentence?) In any case, it’s sweet of you to take the time to read my story. I very much appreciate it. Thank you for your lovely words.
Shalom and Happy New Year,
Rochelle
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