Our Mantra
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 © Dale Rogerson
Please be considerate and try to keep your stories to 100 words. Thank you.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Word Count: 100
PERSPECTIVE
Linda sat at Bridgette’s kitchen table and pointed at two floral arrangements. “Who are they from?”
Bridgette’s aquamarine eyes sparkled. “One’s from Noah and the other’s from Frank.”
Even in her late 40’s Bridgette maintained her slender form and vibrant red hair.
“You’re such a femme fatale.” Linda sighed and gulped her espresso. “Me? I’m just fatal.”
“Nonsense, ma chère! You’re adorable. I just haven’t found my Prince Charming like you. I’m jealous. You have it all.”
Linda fingered the crumpled divorce papers in her pocket served by her adulterous Prince Charming that morning. “Yes, I’ve certainly had it…all.”
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Oh this was a fantastic take on the lines of ‘The grass is greener on the other side’. Well done, Rochelle. A very interesting prompt as well. Cheers, Varad.
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Dear Varad,
It’s easy to look at that pretty person and think they have a better life, isn’t it? Glad you like the photo. I can’t take credit for anything other than choosing it. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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More like “had it” than had it all. I love the title. It certainly depends on one’s POV, doesn’t it?
Five out of five “free at last, free at last’s.”
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Dear Cuzzin Kent,
We do have a way of seeing people through our own lenses, don’t we? Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Sometimes those lenses need a better prescription, too.
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Love the story. You never know what someone who seems to have it all goes through.
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So true, Lata. Everyone has a their own story and has to fight his or her own battles. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Two views of the same reality in 100 words? A tour de force, Rochelle
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Dear Neil,
Thank you for such a wonderful comment. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Perfect title. Maybe Linda’s fate teaches Bridgette that there are no Prince Charmings, only people. I hope both find what they’re looking for.
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Dear Gabriele,
We all have our own perspectives, don’t we? I’m reminded of a conversation I had not too long ago with my older brother. I was sharing with him all of the things going on in my life, ie the books and artwork. He cocked his head and said, “You got all of the talent, I didn’t get any of that.” And I always felt like I lived in his shadow because he was the intellectual. We learned a great deal about each other that day.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A nice and meaningful tale, Rochelle.
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Thank you, Kitty. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Welcome, Rochelle.
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No-one knows the reality of another person’s circumstances, do they? I think Linda might find that there’s much more to be had yet. Nicely done, Rochelle, as always.
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Dear Sandra,
I think once Linda’s over the initial shock, she’ll indeed find there’s more to be had. 😉 thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I absolutely adore how you say it and how that makes all the difference.
Regards,
Moon.
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What a lovely comment, Moon. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Love this. This mother’s day I sent my mom a ludicrously enormous bouquet from her local florist, signing the card “With love from one of your sons.” She called to thank me. I asked her how she knew and she said “Your brother’s always says ‘thanks for giving birth to me.” I didn’t need to ask which bouquet was nicer! 😉
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Dear Josh,
Glad you sent your mom flowers. Nice gesture. And I’m glad you loved my story. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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😉
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Clear away the old to make way for the new and exciting 🙂 Enjoyed your story Rochelle!
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Dear Joyful,
I hope Linda can see it that way. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story. Others’ lives always look perfect…. from the outside at least.
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Dear Trent,
True enough. We can always see our own failures and insecurities while thinking the ‘other guy’ has it all together and never suffers the same pain. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A dialogue well done, a sad tale well told. For Prince Charmings, too, the grass can seem greener at the castle next door—until they actually have to live there.
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Dear Christine,
Well said. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh how tragic. It’s always sad believing you’ve found true love only to discover that it was fleeting.
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Dear James,
It is tragic when true love turns false. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great little twist there. You are certainly a “twist-smith”. A good lesson also. You just don’t always know someone’s inner turmoil based on their outward expression. Good job.
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Dear Jan,
Hence the admonition to walk in the other man’s moccasins. Thanks m’love.
Rochelle
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Prince Charmings often turn back into frogs over time I find and no amount of kissing will turn them back! Lovely dialogue – very fresh and natural – and a sad twist at the end there. A sad end to the Fairy tale.
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Dear Lynn,
So much for ‘happily ever after.’ 😦 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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PS I fear that kissing frogs only gives us chapped lips and a bad taste in our mouths. 😉
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Ha! Very true 🙂
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Perhaps Linda can use her friend as an example of a fresh start to help her get over the divorce. Nice look at two sides of the coin of life.
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Dear Iain,
I think Linda will be seeking her friend out even more. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
Ms. Tracey better be happy you chose this pic! 😉
As for your story: perfect take. One NEVER knows what’s going on in another’s life. For so many it’s smoke and mirrors… even for Miss Femme Fatale!
Lots love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
I’m glad you liked my story. I think there are plenty of Princes out there who aren’t so charming. And the femme fatales might just be the lonely ones.
Thank you, my friend.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Without a doubt, my friend…
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Everyone has a story. This is something i tell my kids all the time. You can’t go by what you see.
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Dear Dawn,
It’s for certain that everyone has a story. Some happier than others, but each with their own individual battle. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I hate to come on here effusing praise, but damn, this is a good one, Rochelle.
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Dear Ted,
Effuse away. 😉 I don’t mind. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wow! That’s such a turn of events. Heart breaking story.
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Dear Fluid Phrase,
The other person always has it ‘better’ than we do. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That was tragic. It happens many times. people think the other person has it all.
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Dear Shivam,
I’d say that, if we’re honest, we’re all guilty of this. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So ironic that HE should be serving HER with papers when it’s so clear he is the one in the wrong.
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Dear Alice,
My guess is that he’s wanting out of one marriage so he can be free to fool around. Thanks for coming by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So sorry for her! Just when it seems like she’s doing well in the end, she isn’t. I’ve noted though, that very attractive women like Bridgette aren’t necessarily luckier. They may have more temporary successes, but they also have more failures. Great story, Rochelle!
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Dear Eric,
Each of us has a story, don’t we? I also suspect that Bridgette isn’t as happy as she lets on. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ouch, that one bites.
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Yes it does. 😉 Thanks Jelli.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great dialogue; good story arc; nicely contrasted characters. I liked it!
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Dear Penny,
Glad you liked it. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So many stories behind the mask. Beautifully done dear Rochelle. Shalom.
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Dear Indira,
We all have a mask of sorts, I think. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Two women looking at love from two very different perspective. Nicely done and very thought provoking.
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Dear Cindy,
It’s easy to look at the other woman and think she has it all together, isn’t it? Not always the case. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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If that’s what ‘having it all’ means, no thanks. 😉
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Dear Magarisa,
I’m sure Linda would agree with you. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So often we look at others and think, if only. Then find they don’t have it all. Walk a mile in my shoes… and all that. You captured the feeling in your story. Delightfully done.
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Dear Lish,
Who among us hasn’t been guilty of looking at that person who has it all with envy only to find that the grass isn’t any greener…? Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh, so sad. Things aren’t always as they seem, are they?
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Dear Linda,
More than likely things aren’t as they seem most of the time. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yes, very thought provoking… you could almost call it a story about loneliness … femme fatales are still looking, and it sounds as though the other protagonist may start looking too…and we all need perspective … on our lives and everyone else’s… so many things going on in this brief hundred words… very clever, Rochelle…
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Dear Valerie,
What a pleasure to welcome you to my corner of the blogosphere. Thank you for such a wonderful comment. You made me smile. Something I’m very much in need of at the moment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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i didn’t expect that ending. what a twist.
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😀 Surprise! Thanks for reading and commenting, Plaridel.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Sad but lovely little story
Click Here to see what Mrs. Dash Says
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Thank you, Dee Dee. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You packed quite a punch in these 100 days. A lot happened around an espresso, isn’t it? And what wonderful dialogues here. Rochelle, there never can be a dull moment when reading your sweet little stories. Loved this to the maximum.
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Dear Neel,
When I corrected your spelling of espresso, I’d completely forgotten that someone drank espresso in my story as well. Great minds think alike. 😉 Thank you for such a lovely comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear JD Rockefeller W(T)F,
Linda WILL have it all after her lawyer takes Prince Charming to the cleaners. What will his mistress think of him then?
Judging from Bridgette’s bouquets, I’d say there’s quite a bit of difference between Frank and Noah. Did they bring chocolate too?
Just the facts, ma’am,
Detective Lowry
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Dear Detective Lowry,
Always sniffing out pertinent information, aren’t you? A man who’s worth his keep always brings chocolate and wine.
I do agree. Once Linda takes her prince to the cleaners he’ll have to rent out his castle.
Thank you for coming by. Leave your flowers and chocolate on the way out.
Shalom,
JD Rockefeller W(T)F
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The flowers are beautiful and their fragrances seems to waft though the group. lovely photo prompt, Rochelle.
Only the wearer knows whether the shoe pinches and her Prince Charming has given her enough bites.
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Dear Kalpana,
“Only the wearer knows whether the shoe pinches.” I’ll remember that. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ouch. Nice dialogue, and I loved the “Me? I’m just fatal.” but 🙂
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Dear Ali,
I wondered if anyone would say anything about that line. Glad you liked. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Right Linda, dye your hair red, shed a pound or two and start again! Femme fabuloso!
Click to read my FriFic
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Thanks for stopping by, Keith. Glad you liked.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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nice as always, i wish someone would buy me flowers
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Dear Claire,
Flowers are nice to receive. Sometimes I buy them for myself 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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me too
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Dear Rochelle
Great dialogue. Your story demonstrates how easy it is to put your foot in it inadvertently, with a few badly timed words. I bet that Bridgette felt like kicking herself later for her lack of tact.
It’s a sensitive path one walks sometimes and jealousy can prove a very sharp sword indeed.
Well written, as always.
All best wishes,
Sarah
PS Skyping might be a possibility for me tomorrow, if you’re around. I might be talking too soon that I’ve more or less caught up with myself now, but… (shhh, the work gremlins might hear me).
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Dear Sarah,
I suspect Bridgette will feel somewhat sheepish. In my mind though, at the present it’s as big a shock to Linda as it’s about to be to her friend. More than likely Linda has kept up the illusion of perfect marriage and home. Thank you.
As for Skype, I’m leaving town tomorrow for the weekend, but not until afternoon so it might be doable early in the morning. Keeping my fingers crossed.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Any time between 8-10 am your time (2-4 pm mine) should be fine, I’ll sign in to FB at 2 and you can message me if and when you’re ready. If I’m not around (cause someone has found something for me to do), then I’ll let you know.
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Sounds good to me.
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We never really know what’s going on in other people’s relationships!
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Dear Liz,
Everyone has a story that we don’t know. Thanks for coming by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Everyone is going through something, perfection is an illusion. You captured that beautifully.
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Dear Tracey,
I think of the Rod Stewart song, “Every picture tells a story, don’t it?” Bad grammar, great song. 😉 Thank you for suggesting the photo and for your kind comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oooo the grass is always greener huh. I guess we never really know what someone else is going through. A great moment captured, Rochelle.
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Dear Laurie,
Many of us are great at presenting a happy face when we’re dying inside. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Isn’t it scary how we mentally trade places so willingly without realizing that our POV might be a skewed .
Good story
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Dear Chioma,
It’s easy to think the other person has it so much better when she might be looking at us in the same way. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Reblogged this on All About Writing and more.
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Thanks for the reblog, Henrietta. 😀
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You are welcome!
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Nice – Tragedy with a light touch…
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Thank you, Martin.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A twist in the tale.
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😀 Thank you, Zainab.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ooh. That is really good! Such a strong ending.
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Many thanks, Lily. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a wonderful quote, thanks.
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Dear Cecilia,
I assume you mean the Thoreau quote. I like that one, too. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You never know what is happening in other people’s lives. The surface may be shining but dig deeper and the decay is obvious. Nice one.
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Dear Subroto,
I think most people are adept at putting on a happy face while the inside is much darker. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle
Shalom.
Another lovely story from your fingers, it is so interesting that your story’s theme was the same as mine published on The Drabble a few days ago. I choose rage as the reaction, whereas yours is so sedate, no less real, just a different take from over the other side of the pond were divorce is as much a way of life as getting married. Of course, now some shrewd reader will quote numbers disclaiming my claim.
Thanks for posting, such charmingly sparring dialogue, a hallmark of yours me thinks.
Kelvin
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Dear Kelvin,
Alas, no matter what the number crunchers might say, divorce is as much the norm as marriage. No one is untouched…sadly. Thank you for such a wonderful comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So well done, Rochelle. The grass always seems greener and yet it rarely is.
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Dear Sascha,
We never know what someone else is going through unless we can walk a mile in their moccasins. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle,
Got my Echo Delta India Tango Oscar Romeo hat on. Victor India Bravo Romeo Alpha November Tango in place of the twelfth word in third paragraph. IKWYM as written, but even a single vivacious hair can clang and from such tiny things are readers thoughts derailed.
LYVM,
Doug
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Dear Doug,
Your hat is fitting well. Golf Oscar Oscar Delta Charlie Alpha Tango Charlie Hotel. The bell clangs for you, my friend.
Shalom In Light Yellow
Rochelle
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The drawback of beauty is it attracts ‘all’ sorts, and beautiful people often have to work harder at finding their true partners.
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Dear Fatima,
It’s inner beauty that lasts. Sadly some of those who are fair of face are dark sepulchers on the inside. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Good afternoon Rochelle, I love the ending of your story, it makes it complete and unique. Everything is a matter of perspective, isn’t it? None of us really knows what is going on in others’ lives. Our imaginations often lead us to assume things, if we don’t move on to inquire.
Great story 🙂
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Dear Hallie,
So glad you liked my story and took the time to leave a comment. We do have a tendency to look at the book’s cover and make our assessments, don’t we? Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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We do and miss out on the essentials. Your story illustrates that so well. It was my pleasure. Shalom, Peace to you too ❤
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The reality is so often different from what it appears! I love stories which show a different perspective – they teach me to be less judgemental and impatient. Thank you for another lesson 🙂
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Dear Dahlia,
I wonder what would happen if we could see beyond the outside of a person? Thank you for a lovely comment. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
Well written as always. The grass is seldom greener and we never really know what is going on in someone else’s life.
‘Walk a mile in my shoes,’ as the song says…
Take care
Dee
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Dear Dee,
One of my commentors said it beautifully, “Only the wearer knows whether the shoe pinches.” So pleased to see you here. You’re often in my thoughts. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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…And you in mine.
Thank you Rochelle.
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Poor Linda. Perhaps she can move in on Brigette’s fellows. Enough room for everyone.
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Dear Patrick,
Linda might do just that. 😉 Thanks for stopping by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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wow, I think there is nothing left to say. Great story, in many directions usable…even I can put my story inside!…: )….highest respect!
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Dear Anie,
That in and of itself is a high compliment. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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