Our Mantra
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PHOTO PROMPT © Fatima Fakier Deria
Please be considerate and try to keep your story to 100 words. Thank you.
***
Genre: Plagiarized Poetry with Apologies to Lewis Carroll
Word Count: 100
*
WHAT’S SO FUNNY?
*
The sun shone on the Med,
Twas shining with all its might.
The sea was wet as wet can be.
Rusty-Drain and Pinky walked hand in hand,
Shuffling through quantities of violet sand.
“If only it were cleared away,” said Pinky. “Wouldn’t it be grand?”
*
“The time has come,” said red-nosed Rusty,
“To speak of many things:
Of poems—purple pygmies—and joy buzzers—
Of snake-proof boots and strings—
And why the Arkansas is boiling hot—
And whether pachyderms have wings.”
*
“O Rusty-dear,” whined Pinky, shedding bitter tears.
“We’ve had a pleasant run
“Alas, wee whoopee cushion have I none.”
*
*
Any questions?
Yep they had it coming… But elephants do have wings I think.
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Dear Björn,
Thank you for commenting. I think that elephant has wings. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Whimsy dotes and dosee dotes
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…and little pink elephants eat ivy. 😛
Thanks for coming by, Neil.
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Exactly!!!
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😀
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This is sweet, I like the poem, too.
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Dear Josh,
You made me laugh out loud. Glad I had set my coffee down. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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😀 I’m all for poems that don’t leave a body lying on the ground.
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No clowns or elephants were harmed in the writing of this poem. Maybe poked a bit. 😉
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Dear Rochelle
Yay! You have joined the Quirky Writers’ Club. Welcome to the land of weird, which I’ve inhabited for a long time.
Funnily enough, I hold Lewis Carroll responsible for my love of quirk and for my inability to write anything normal (thank you, Mother for those original hardback copies of Alice in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking Glass). As a child, I desperately wanted to meet the Walrus. There was such a wonderful illustration of him in the book. As for the Mad Hatter … I would have relished the opportunity to meeting him, too, and attempt to out-talk him and outwit him!
Your poem Is such fun. I see that Rusty-Drain is ominously silent, as yet. Perhaps he is lost for words … for once 😉
All best wishes
Sarah
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PS Typo alert D: [opportunity to meet him]
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Dear Sarah,
My friend and I had to memorize portions of The Walrus and the Carpenter for a High School production of Alice in Wonderland where we played Tweedledee and Tweedledum. I was Tweedledee because I could pronounce, “Contrariwise” and Suzie couldn’t.
I envy you your books. And I thank you for the intro to the Quirky Writers’ Club. I’m honored as well as honoured. 😉
I’m certain Rusty-Drain will have something clever to say…I’m counting on both of them actually. They’ve both had it coming for a long time. And the time has come. 😀
I’m so pleased you enjoyed it.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What? Me? Clever?
The Scot and I have been shanghaied and lampooned.
There are more purple bites around my ankles than if I’d been in a zoo full of chiggers.
If only the bites were cleared away. Wouldn’t it be grand.
And what have you done with poor Pinky?
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I haven’t seen him today. What’s up with that? Do you suppose someone snitched?
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There’s always reason to read all of the comments… Well done
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Dear Trent,
The comments on Russell’s page are always as entertaining as his stories. Last week’s exchange between a certain Scot and himself left me no choice. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’m a little too new to get all of the in-jokes going on in this piece, but it’s plain to see there is a great deal of fun and affection in your interactions.
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Dear Rommy,
I figured some of this would go over a few heads. If you read the comments I pictured from last week it might help you to understand.
My love of purple has been an ongoing subject for many. Russell has taken more than a few potshots so his comeuppance is long overdue. 😉 Indeed…lots of affection in my heart for these two. 😉
Thank you for taking the time to read and comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This was indeed most fun, most fun indeed!
Must be something in the air, I’m reading a book called “Aliss” which is a Quebec take on Alice in Wonderland… will be beyond weird, I can tell!
As for these two… 😛 Methinks it is a proper poke of fun
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Dear Dale,
Indeed, the comeuppance is somewhat overdue. N’est pas? I had fun…and hopefully the comebacks will make it worth the effort. I’m happy that you had fun reading. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Well, as far as I am concerned, it is a fun comeuppance! Looking forward to reading all the back and forth sure to happen today!
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So reminds me of Dr. Seuss. Thanks for the journey, and I can’t wait to fly with an elephant…ach, maybe I have…. LOL! 🙂 Enjoyed this one.
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Dear Jelli,
Before Dr. Suess there was Lewis Carroll. Perhaps I have melded the two. 😉 A high compliment in any case. Thank you, my friend.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ah, that’s the name I couldn’t find in my brain this morn.. Lewis Carroll. 🙂 ❤
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Ah this is going to be fun! Thank you for the link to the original poem. Loved your creativity too – vast quantities of purple sand! 😀
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Dear Dahlia,
I’m glad you found this as much fun as I did. Can’t wait or the targets to weigh in. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’m quite sure I saw a pink elephant fly once, but there could have been extenuating circumstances. I remember the bus at the beginning of this little “Friday Fictioneers” adventure. I knew at that time it would be a fun, if not chaotic, adventure. Well done Oh Purple One, and for the bus riders, keep bringing on the puns. Lol.
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Dear Jan,
I’ve no doubt you’ve see a few flying elephants in your day. Yep, it started with the bus. If he thinks he’s getting his joy-buzzer back, he’s got another think coming. 😉 Pun, fun and wordplay is the name of the game. Thank you mi esposo.
Love,
Rochelle
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Reblogged this on All About Writing and more.
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Now I’m wondering if dear Rusty’s wee whoopee cushion went away with his oversized shoes, and he’s somewhere trying to dance around angry snakes in naked feet. One should never get on the bad side of wee giants, especially purple ones with access to words–I’ve heard their pens are sharp and their memories long, long, long…
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Dear Magaly,
You’ve got the purple giant’s wee number. 😀 Laughing out loud here. Thank you!
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ah, I love the Walrus and the Carpenter.
‘The time has come,’ the Walrus said,
To talk of many things:
Of shoes — and ships — and sealing-wax —
Of cabbages — and kings’
The rhythm of those words and the imagery always worked their magic on me. Though I always felt so sorry for the poor little oysters – eaten every one.
Lovely riff on the poem, Rochelle, and you put those two miscreants in their places, good and proper. Love how you fitted all of that in – from whoopee cushions to flying elephants – and still made it scan! Fantastic.
You really made me smile 🙂
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Dear Lynn,
I’m a great fan of the Walrus and the Carpenter, too…and The Jabberwocky
I’m looking forward to hearing from themselves. 😉 I had fun writing it. Thank you for such lovely comments that made me smile. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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‘Twas brillig and the slithy toves did gyre and gimble in the wabe, all mimsy were the borogroves and the mome raths outgrabe! Beware the Jabberwock my son.’ Didn’t even need to look it up! He loved his words, did Lewis Carroll – even as he made them up 🙂
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He was a wordsmith in the truest sense, wasn’t he? 😉
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He definitely was a one off
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I had to laugh at your picture today. Too cute, you made me laugh and I almost spit out my coffee.
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Dear Bridget,
I’ve been accused of having a silly putty face. 😉 Glad you laughed. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I think you’re very brave to copy the great man’s style–good job 🙂
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Thank you, Linda. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle! This is delightfully fun. Glad you decided to walk on the humorous side this week. Cheers, Lish
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Dear Lish,
Since I went über dark last week, it seemed that it was time to lighten up. Besides, the two characters in question had it coming. 😉 Glad you enjoyed it.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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They did indeed.
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😀
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Oh, Rochelle, I just came across another blogger who posted gorgeous purple pictures and I had to tell you about it! It’s today’s post at thomasbward.com, “A Past-due Purple Post.” Maybe he’s a cousin of yours?
To make things even better, this is a prof of psychology — which means that if you’re having issues in your relationships with other bloggers, he may be able to help you sort them out. 😉
For some idiotic reason, when I was done reading this post, the question popped into my head, “What might Freud have made of Lewis Carroll’s writing?” Your whimsical mood must be contagious.
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Dear Christine,
Just as I suspected. The most well-adjusted folk are purple lovers. I will have to check his out. No relation that I know of other than sharing good taste in color. 😉
Now you have me wondering what Freud would’ve made of Lewis Carroll’s writing. No doubt something to do with his mother.
After last week’s darkness deluge, a little whimsy could be just what the analyst ordered. Thank you for coming by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh, I was thinking he might pick up on all that suppression playing itself out in dreams and give it an interesting analysis. I have a limited knowledge of Freud and am content.
I’m not even going to ask why you want to steal Russell’s red nose.Ignorance is bliss, they say. 🙂
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Actually, Russell can keep his red nose. It just seemed high time to word-poke him after recent comments. All in good fun.
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Dear Louise Clairol,
Alas, poor Pinky and I find ourselves dangling on a spit and skewered over open flames. I hope he doesn’t drip too much and cause my red nose to run. Even Dean Martin would be envious of the roasting you’ve presented here.
I shall return as soon as I get the violet sand flushed from my eyes.
Rusty-Drain
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AnElephantCant understand Wonderland
So he asks his new chum Crusty Brain
Can the Purple Dwarf hurdle
A curdling Mock Turtle
Before the Heffalump flies down a rabbit hole drain?
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Dear Pinky,
It was so kind of you to come
AnElephantCan be so very nice
This purple dwarf can only mock the turtle
But can’t quite make the hurdle
So she’ll settle for laughing at himself not once, but twice.
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Dear Rusty-Drain,
Fanning the flames is great exercise. You shouldn’t have too much trouble with the violet sand with those oversize shoes. If you didn’t try to swim in it you would’t get it in your eyes.
Shalom,
Louise Clairol.
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so much to read between the lines. it was fun to read. enjoyed it. 🙂
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Dear Plaridel,
I’m glad you could read between the lines and enjoy. 😉 I had great fun writing it. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Your poem – it has wings,
my spirit, it now sings.
It did its job very sly,
it made me want to fly.
Blessings.
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Dear Joyful,
I’m happy you enjoyed my verse,
Though not meant to be terse.
What fun to poke
Good friends with a joke.
Thank you for flying by. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautifully bizarre 🙂
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Thank you, Ali. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I really loved your quirky poem. It reveals that your taste goes in other directions as well. Very wonderful.
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Dear Neel,
Your comments/compliments always make me smile. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What can I say, Rochelle? I’m overwhelmed. I think you’ve captured the true spirit of Lewis Carroll 😀 — Suzanne
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Dear Suzanne,
You’ve just put a smile within my smile. Thank you! 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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If this were only cleared away, he said, it would be grand.
I have always loved that line, so typical of those pessimists who cannot look at anything without finding the negative.
Very funny departure from your normal style!
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Dear Liz,
I enjoyed taking a side trail this week. I’m glad you enjoyed it, too.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I have no words. The two deserve the fame, is all I can say. I admire whimsy, I’m horribly bad at it.
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Dear Gabi,
As a rule, I’m not to great with a rhyme, but this week it just downloaded. I had fun with it, too. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Whimsically creative.
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Thank you, Cindy. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A good and timely retelling of a classic.
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Thank you, my sweet friend. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Fantastic!!! I really enjoyed this Rochelle. 😆
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Thank you, Laurie. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This is lovely. And it scans!
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Dear Louise,
I’m not usually the best at rhyming, but with Mr. Carroll’s ‘help’ it worked this week. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Congratulations, Louise. No two guys were more deserving than Rusty Nail and Pink Elephant. The poem has an everlasting quality — Tuck’s Everlasting, that is.
Five out of five suppositories — regular AND menthol.
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Dear Preparation Wm Q,
Are you comparing Pinky and me to hemorrhoids? You look like a scratch-n-sniff kinda guy to me. Remind me to wear gloves the next time we shake hands.
Rusty
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I like to consider myself the C.E. Ayr of proctologists, doing it the old-fashioned way … candles.
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Oh, and you want those gloves with or without KY (and I don’t mean Kentucky … although they STILL use candles, I hear).
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I’ve heard harpoons work well. No need for gloves.
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Yes, to spear the two Moby Dicks … with emphasis not on the Moby.
(Sheesh … “Moby Dick” sounds like a social disease, doesn’t it …?) 😀
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Oh dear, Ahab, I try to run a clean operation here.
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Fanjaberwockytastic!
“It seems a shame,” the Walrus said,
“To play them such a trick,
After we’ve blogged them out so far,
And made them comment so quick!”
The Carpenter said nothing but
“My download speed is too quick!”
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Dear Subroto,
My smile is so broad it hurts.
And my joy is coming in spurts.
Pinky and Rusty-Drain are deserving
So I dished ’em up an extra serving.
I’m happy that you happened by
With kind words for my poetic try.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle! I love nonsense poetry. Edward Lear is my favourite, but Lewis Carroll is a classic. In fact my next historical novel’s main character is a woman who writes children’s nonsense poems and draws the images, too, under a male pseudonym, but it’s still in early stages.
Nice rhythm to your flash, although I’m not too sure I know what it’s about, but I’m not supposed to, am I?
Mine’s a little melancholic this week. Alice isn’t in her best spirits, but luckily she has Billy…
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Dear Luccia,
If you caught Russell Gayer’s blog last week you might get it. He and CEAyr who also has a blog called AnElephantCant have written stories poking fun at me. I figured it was my turn. If you read through my comments and the screenshot I posted of their comments from last week, it might shed some light on my poem. A bit of whimsical esoterica. 😉 I’m glad you enjoyed in any event. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Having missed out on the context of this piece, it went over my head. Sounds like a bit of fun poking one another. Love your take Rochelle, so whimsical!
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Dear Fatima,
First, thank you for the lovely photo. As you can see, it inspired a variety of stories.
Admittedly, the intent of my poem is likely to go over a few heads. At least it made a direct hit on the ‘targets.’ Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Querida Rochelle,
I wish I could be as humorously clever as the others before me, but sadly, I am not.
I guess I should just say … I agree with all of the above comments and will leave it at, well done. I had a fun time reading your story and the hilarious comments. Smiling and a bit of chuckling going on here.
Con carino y abrazos … Shalom
Isadora 😎
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Querida Isadora,
This was great fun for me…a bit of a stretch…and also a bit of a respite. I’m glad you it made you smile. The comments are more fun than the writing, aren’t they? Gracias.
Abrazos y shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle – words fail me – I can only murmur sadly, in the words of the great writer, so life is a boojum , you see …
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Dear Valerie,
I’ll say it in Hebrew–I can’t say it in Dutch, please forgive my plagiarism and thank you very much…(for taking the time to read and leave a comment.) 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Fantastic again, Rochelle. I loved The Walrus and the Carpenter when I was a child but at that age didn’t think it was nonsense at all, it made perfect sense to me, as though it were a factual news item. In fact it makes more sense than some of today’s news as well.
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Dear Michael,
I had to learn The Walrus and the Carpenter when I played Tweedledee in a HS productin of Alice in Wonderland. Great fun. And you’re right, it makes far more sense the world around us. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Such great imagery and fun. Keep reading over and over and getting something new each time.
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Dear Sarah Ann,
This one was great fun to write…I’m glad you enjoyed it, too. Thank you for such a lovely comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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LOL…perfect! A little ahead of poetry month,,but it whets the appetite! 😉
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Dear Dawn,
I don’t know about poetry month, but it was definitely time for the purple avenger to lampoon a pink elephant and red-nosed humorist. Bwahahahahah. Glad you liked. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love this! There’s nothing better than some light-hearted fun with some friendly connections and a bit of Carroll. Now I need to go read some LC.
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Dear Stephanie,
One of the things that roped me in immediately with Friday Fictioneers (that I haven’t really seen with other blog challenges) is the camaraderie of this global community. (I didn’t create it…I inherited it from another writer). Since Russell and CEAyr have poked a lot of fun at me it was high time to poke back. 😉 All in friendship, love and fun. I’m glad you enjoyed it, too. Thank you for taking the time to say so. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Brilliant! I’ve always been a fan of Lewis Carroll so I loved this!
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Thank you, Clare. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I loved The Walrus and the Carpenter when I was a child but at that age didn’t think it was nonsense at all, it made perfect sense to me, as though it were a factual news item. Dear Sarah Ann,
This one was great fun to write…I’m glad you enjoyed it, too.
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