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The next photo is the PROMPT. Remember, all photos are property of the photographer, donated for use in Friday Fictioneers only. They shouldn’t be used for any other purpose without express permission. It is proper etiquette to give the contributor credit.
PHOTO PROMPT © Sarah Potter
Please be considerate and try to keep your story to 100 words. Thank you.
No doubt everyone has their own version of my story. This came to mind on one such night where I solved all of the world’s troubles and none of my own.
Genre: Somewhat humorous
Word Count: 99
EARWORM
I stare at the ceiling fan, hoping to hypnotize myself into oblivion. Instead my tangled thoughts rage with each rotation.
“Sherry ba-abeee…Sher-er-reee.”
Midnight.
“I’m gonna make a you my-yi-yi-in.”
“Authors are a dime a dozen. Chaim Potok I’ll never be. Loser.”
“Come, come, come out toniiight.”
01:45
Every person who’s ever wronged me comes to mind. I plot revenge.
“We’ll dance the night awaaaay.”
03:30. Numpty o’clock. I should just get up.
Finally my head sinks into the hollow of my pillow and I succumb to a delicious wave of drowse.
“Crap! I forgot to pay the gas bill.”
*
*
*
And just because I can. 😈 Buah ha ha!
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
I’ve had bouts of insomnia. I usually give in and either read or watch the TV news. Of course, the news these days isn’t designed to help you sleep. Good writing, Rochelle. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Dear Suzanne,
I think we’ve all had nights like this. The brain goes into spin cycle and that’s all she wrote. Glad you enjoyed. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh…. tell me about it! Good one, been there, got the T shirt. I’ve posted but the ‘add your link’ goes into hang mode. It’s here anyway.https://castelsarrasin.wordpress.com/2017/06/07/hedera-helix-friday-fictioneers/
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Dear Sandra,
Thanks for “hanging” with me. I’m told that all has been worked out with the inLinkz issue. I guess I’ll find out next week. 😉 Fortunately last night I slept like a rock. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yup. That’s exactly how it is. Well-captured, Rochelle
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Dear Neil,
We’ve Ll been there, haven’t we? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You almost made being an insomniac a delightful state of being. Wonderful writing as is always expected from you, Rochelle.
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Dear Neel,
We’ve all been there. 😉 Thank you for such a delightful comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Every song you ever heard, every pill you forgot to take, and what was the name of that one girl in junior year? Excellent piece.
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Dear Josh,
Obviously you’ve been there. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Actually, I am the rare person who can fall asleep in 30 seconds anywhere. Don’t hate me 😉
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I hate you! To tell the truth, I can usually fall asleep quickly and anywhere. I’ve fallen asleep at rock concerts. However, I often wake in the middle of the night and can’t get back to sleep.
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Yep. Typically I fall asleep about a half an hour before my alarm goes off. Luckily this song isn’t that much of an earworm for me 😉
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Dear Trent,
Why is it that after a night of insomnia, drowsiness comes too late? I’ve experienced the same thing. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle – I can’t find a way to add my story to the link up. Do you know if there’s an issue with it, like perhaps the end date was somehow wrong? (I tried to make a linkup this morning and I think InLinkz is doing odd things…. I struggled with it and finally started over with a blank instead of using one of my templates.)
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Trent, there is. It has to do with Inlinz or WP maintenance. Give it a couple hours, try again. I’m in the same boat, and just may wait until morning.
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Thanks. I’ll try again later.
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Or, you could do as Sandra did and just post a link in a comment.
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I’ll try waiting it out, but if they don’t fix it in a few hours, I may do that.
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Hopefully all is well now but it took longer than just a couple of hours.
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I didn’t have a button to submit the link, but about a half an hour after I wrote this comment I checked back and the button was there. I know others (including you!) where still having issues for quite a while. I hope it’s “healed” now.
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Hi Trent,
I’e been at this with a technical person for over 4 hours. It seems that inLinkz did maintenance overnight and now I can’t even link my story. An hour ago the tech had me send a couple of links for her to see what she could do. The next thing I know the whole fershtunkeneh thing is closed. I will try to let everyone know when it’s up and running. I so apologize for this. I’m as frustrated as anyone. At any rate, stop struggling, my friend. It’s not you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ouch, sounds like a huge pain in the behind. Isn’t it great when “maintenance” totally breaks the product? For my little linkup with perhaps a half a dozen people it isn’t a huge deal, but for Friday Fictioneer with upwards to 100 links? I hope they get it straightened out soon! Anyway, no need to apologize. Thanks for the response 🙂
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Looks like it has been fixed. Thanks Rochelle!
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Have had a lot of those nights over the last month and a half. Love it! 🙂
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Dear Jelli,
John Lennon sang “life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” He forgot to mention that those ‘planning sessions’ often happen in the middle of the night. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wretched Woman! Ear worm indeed. Been singing it since I read this!
Insomnia is a bitch, that is for sure. But it worked out into becoming this week’s muse. Kudos to you, Madame!
This was so much fun…
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Dear Dale,
Put your red dress oooooon….he he. Some nights are just like that. Of course drowsiness sets in with the rising sun, doesn’t it? Thank you for everything this week. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
Yes… come sunrise, THAT’S when the deep sleep just happens to want to happen…
Bay-ay-beeeeee!
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A story I’m sure we can all relate to. Excellent job capturing all that random noise that won’t turn off when we want it to.
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Dear Adam,
Sometimes those things have to be put into words. .;) Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh I have those kind of nights too. Nicely written. (And thanks – not – for the ear worm!)
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Dear Claire,
Thank you for your kind comments. Yep we’ve all had them. No apologies for the ear worm. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It’s dangerous to plot revenge or otherwise while trying to sleep. I become even more hyper 😦 Another good fun story 🙂
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Dear Dahlia,
It’s true. Plotting revenge does nothing for relaxation. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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When I can’t sleep, anything runs through my head, songs, gas bills, you name it.
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Dear Jane,
We all go there from time to time. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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🙂
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Love that ‘Sherry baby’ was running through your head – I do exactly the same thing when I can’t sleep. I go through whole songs and films (trying to pace through each without missing lines or scenes) or just stare at the inside of my eyelids and it’s amazing the pictures your brain can pick out – like seeing pictures in the clouds, but fizzing on the back of your eyes instead. I have had a few story ideas in this state – then fall asleep before I write them down and forget them by morning!
Great story, Rochelle and one it seems many of us identify with 🙂
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Dear Lynn,
I’ve done all of the above…watched the sparkly patterns on the back of my eyelids…written stories…etc etc. I’ll stop now and say Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Insomnia is not a pleasant pleace to be – usually best to get up and read a book I find! I hope it only troubles you rarely 🙂
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Ha! I’ve had so many nights like this! I’ve taken to counting backward from 100 – that sometimes helps. Fun little tale.
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Dear Lish,
I’ve memorized Psalm 23 in Hebrew. Sometimes “reciting” it in my mind helps. Counting sheep doesn’t work. They get up on their hind legs and do the Macarena. Sigh. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh! That’s so funny. Sheep doing the macarena. I may never sleep again.
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Oy! I sure know how that goes. Last night I could hear a medley of all my daughter’s favorite kid shows. *sigh* I wish we had more choice in what we got for an earworm. Funny ending. I enjoyed it, Rochelle! 🙂
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Dear Eric,
Those ear worms are quite random, aren’t they? I pulled Sherry out of a hat from which there have been many. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yoiks! torture at its best.
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I know how difficult those moments are!Weaving such a positive flash without a ” whine or cry” is only possible for the masters .
Regards,
Moon
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Dear Moon,
What a lovely thing to say. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Well done. I love this story because I live it with you frequently. It’s a wonder that we get any sleep between the two of us. There we go again, “Just the two of us….”. Every line becomes a song. You go girl…..
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Now I’ll be humming “Just the Two of Us” all day. Thanks, Jan.
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Dear Jan,
“Just the two of us…” Another ear worm. Thanks…like I needed that.
Pleasant dreams, m’love.
Rochelle
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Hey Rochelle – I’m trying to add my link but it’s not showing up. Bummer!
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Hi Eric,
Looks like they took care of the problem and you were able to link. By the way, the email from inLInkz was signed with a hoof print. Should I be worried?
Shalom again,
Rochelle
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Haha! 😀 Yeah, maybe best to be sure your shotguns are safely locked away. 😉
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Ouch… there are so many reasons for insomnia, but having an earworm might be the worst. Whenever I have something stuck like that I listen to Kashmir by Led Z and it flushes that pesky worm.
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Oh yeah. Kashmir works for me, even if it’s the earworm in question. 🙂
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Dear Björn,
I’ll keep this in mind for the next time I have an ear worm. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ha, this was great fun. And here I thought I was the only one that solved all the worlds problems at 3:00 a.m.
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Dear Cindy,
Those solutions seem so plausible in the middle of the night, don’t they? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Reminds me of the many restless nights I have spent 🙂
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Dear Colline,
I think most of us have been there. 😉 Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks Rochelle for running the challenge. Please have a look at mine at https://kittysverses.wordpress.com/2017/06/08/a-day
Thank you all for stopping by and reading.
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While the alarm bell rings, sleep decides to sink in. Nice take, Rochelle.
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Dear Kitty,
Yep. Sleep usually does sink in about the time the alarm goes off. No fair. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yea, Welcome Rochelle. 🙂
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Dear Morticia,
Not braggin’, but I’ve had earworms that lasted for days. If you’re going to have worms, that’s a good variety to get. The other tend to cause problems in the lower tract. I’ve often wondered how some men can sing that high. Does the record producer put a band around their scrotum, or force them to inhale helium between lines?
Inquiring minds want to know,
Uncle Fester
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Dear Uncle Fester,
Perhaps it was all the debt Frankie owed that kept him hitting those high notes. It was either that or Guido broke his kneecaps.
I’ve had rotating ear worms. One leaves my head and another takes its place.
Thank you for dropping by with your enlightening comments. Cousin Itt enjoys your visits. Wait…mail’s in. Thank you, Thing.
Shalom,
Morticia
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Fun 🙂 I hate it when ‘m just finally drifting off and some terrible thought explodes into my mind!
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Dear Ali
I’ve encountered too many nights like that. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I frequently lie awake at night worrying about my insomnia but then I remember the words of W.C.Fields “The best cure for insomnia is to get a lot of sleep.” I that find working in an office lets me do that. Nice story and a good song to match.
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Dear Subroto,
W.C. Fields was a wise (or is that wizened) man. 😉 I’ll keep that advice in mind next time I’m kept awake by busy brain. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
My picture! Thank you. I only noticed today that it was the prompt for this week.
That old thing, insomnia. You describe it so well and with such wry humour, as if you’re joking about an old friend. Insomnia is so exhausting, especially the useless ruminations about past things that one can do nothing to change.
These days I sleep well enough when it’s dark. In fact I nod off over a book immediately it’s dark, although I don’t retire to bed until 11 pm. The trouble is that it’s light very early at the moment (around 4 am, I think) and I’m like an animal, awake immediately. It’s then the hamster wheel in my brain starts if I allow it to do so.
I hope you’re having a good and productive week. Let me know if you’re free for a chat tomorrow, but no pressure if you’re still immersed in artwork.
All best wishes,
Sarah
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Dear Sarah,
I did have an appointment today but it’s having to take a backseat. I’m deciding where to go with the artwork next. Decisions decisions.
I tend to fall asleep quite early…between 7-9 as a rule, but then wake around 10 or 11 and not be able to fall back to sleep. Frustrating times.
Hope to chat soon.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
I’ve been off-blog all afternoon, and have only just re-appeared again. Have been catching up with doing book reviews.
Perhaps we can manage something next week now.
Try to get some rest this weekend, if that’s at all possible.
All best wishes,
Sarah
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I lay awake spelling ‘recurring’ over and over last night. Why I’ve got no idea. Darn brain on a loop of stupidity.
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Dear Liz,
That’s what I refer to as brain on spin cycle. Hate it. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a great story and how I can relate to the mind that would shut OFF! I`ve suffered insomnia for decades but what comforts me since I started blogging was writing keeps me company and there is always someone in another part of the world that it is daytime and I can chat with sometimes. Chaim Pottock would be so proud to read your novels, my dear! What a great way to start my day listening to Sherry:)
Shalom, Cheryl-Lynn
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Dear Cheryl-Lynn,
I must tell you that you and one other friend compared me to Mr. Potok the same week. It was then I realized I hadn’t read his work. I did have a copy of “My Name is Asher Lev” languishing on my bookshelf. What a delight! I couldn’t put it down. And what high praise! Thank you. I would love to see my books as widely read. 😉
I’m plagued with insomnia from time to time. Fortunately it’s not a constant. Glad you enjoyed my story and thank your for noodging me to read Chaim Potok.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Years ago I read The Chosen twice! Then The Promise and In the Beginning Twice again lol. I was so happy when the trilogy of Asher came out and I read them in a row…My Name Is Asher Lev, Danita’s Harp, and The Gift Of Asher. I think I will reread The Chosen again … such a gifted storyteller.
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I related to Asher Lev on so many levels. He made me question myself as an artist and Mr. Potok made me question myself as an author. 😉 A friend of mine who owns a used bookstore is holding copies of The Chosen and Davita’s Harp for me. I’m looking forward to feasting on them. 😀
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The Chosen was my first and rereading it a few years later was still a treat…The trilogy impacts us on so many levels, spiritually, our faith, our purpose…I admired Potok so much for writing all that he wrote…he told us more than a story but let us take sneak peaks in the lives of so many wonderful, rich characters.
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I came here for a nice little history lesson and now I have the four seasons going round and round in my head! I remember my parents playing this a lot when I was a little boy and thought it was the beach boys, not sure I’m going to be able to get to sleep tonight… 🙂
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Dear JWD,
Sometimes just have to break my own mold. 😉 I hope Frankie and the boys aren’t keeping you awake. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hahahaha oh dear Rochelle you poor thing. Oh hate those toss and turn nights! Some thoughts just do the roundabout!
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Dear Laurie,
You realize there’s a song by the group Yes called Roundabout. Thanks for another earworm. 😉 Fortunately this doesn’t happen to me every night. Thank you for your good thoughts and comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ahhhhhhhhhh
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You captured it so well, it can drive you crazy. Thankfully, apart from few months when my aunt was battling cancer which left me awake night after night, I fall asleep the second my head touches the pillow.
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Dear Loré,
I think everyone suffers insomnia from time to time. Fortunately I don’t go into spin cycle every night. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh boy. Great story, but now I have your ear worm. Thanks. I think.
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Dear Linda,
That’s a tough ear worm to shake. Thank you. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Nice story Rochelle but arrrrggghhhh!! thanks(?) for the ear worm!
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فهامت
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You totally have a handle on this ‘sleepless thing.’ And I have to admit that I was just finally starting to relax when you blasted us with that last line. Bummer.
Not only that, but now I’ll go through the rest of my day hearing “Sherry Baby” playing in my head.
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Dear Sandra,
Always happy to share ear worms. 😉 Enjoy…we’ll dance the night away! Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hee-hee-hee-hee-heee! Good one!
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Dear Cuzzin Kent,
Did I say something funny? 😉 You might enjoy the sister piece I wrote for Pegman last week. https://rochellewisoff.com/2017/06/05/head-trip/ Enjoy the trip.
It’s great to see you back at Crazy Corral.
Shalom,
Cuzzin Shelley
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Oh, yes, it was a good story.
Nice to be back in the corral again (“Whoa! Steady, big fella!”).
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marvelous!!! And yes, I think we all have had those nights. Here’s hoping you don’t get them too often 🙂
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Dear Samantha,
Occasionally those bouts of insomnia come around. When the brain goes into spin cycle…we all know those times. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle! I’m a chronic insomniac. I envy those who go to sleep easily without pills. But next whole day I feel like a zombie. Nicely written. Shalom.
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Dear Indira,
I know what you mean about pills. I only resort to them when I’m desperate. I’m sorry to hear about your insomnia. It’s frustrating, isn’t it? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It was dear till I started to use it to learn new things and it proved to be a boon.
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perhaps it’s time for a new mattress. they’re on sale right now. 🙂
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😀 😀 😀 Thanks, Plaridel. I’ll look into that.
Shalom & zzzz
Rochelle
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Querida Rochelle,
I’m still suffering with this awful dental work. YIKES … !!! Hope yours is all done. : )
LOL … on the song. They’ve been advertising the Four Seasons show in a town nearby. The song has been haunting me. 😂
Sleep … awww … that creepy lil guy/gay who goes away. Yet, I don’t know of any teenager that has a difficult time with sleep. Don’t you wish you could sleep like that again. Perhaps, a nice infant sleep. No worries, no cares, just peaceful sleep. Oh well, at least we’re not alone in this dilemma.
Hope you enjoy my late-story this week.
Abrazos y carino, 😍
Isadora 😎
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Querida Isadora,
I’m happy to see you back, but sad that your dental woes continue. For the time being, my mouth is at piece and the new dental implant looks good.
I don’t know of many who don’t have an occasional tug-o-war with busy brain in the middle of the night. Glad you liked my story in any case. The Four Seasons did release some catchy tunes. 😉 Raaaaag Dollll…with a pretty face, should be dressed in lace….” Hee hee.
Shalom y abrazos,
Rochelle
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Querida Rochelle,
I’m hoping to have dental work all clear by the end of June. : 0
My friend saw the 4 Season’s show and loved it. I’m thinking about going because of the music but it’s not my hubby’s style. If you lived in Florida I’d ask you to join me. : )
Carino y Besitis,
Isadora 😎
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If I lived in Florida I would be there in a heartbeat.
Paz y abrazos,
Rochelle
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😍😎
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The problem with insomnia is often you don’t it is insomnia until the sun rises. You lie there in hope that you’ll fall asleep soon. It’s only when the whole night’s been wasted that you realise you’re not sleeping that night. I enjoyed this take, Rochelle, like many I can relate to the situation.
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Numpty o’clock is new to me and I love it. Thanks, Rochelle.
z
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Dear Allan,
Numpty o’clock is how a Scots friend once described the time I’m up in the morning. Gotta love it. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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LOL…well alicia’s story makes much more sense now!
And yes..I had one of those last night…grrrr!
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Dear Dawn,
I’ve had a couple of those in a row this week. Sigh. I love Alicia’s story. I had to print ito off for my personal amusement. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I hate how things come up one by one just to make sure you don’t sleep! Good one.
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How fun and realistic! Great story.
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