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 © Ted Strutz
This lovely photo shows the moon rising over the trees as viewed from a ferry boat. What story does it tell you? Can you share it in 100 words or less?
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
FULL MOON FEVER
“The year I turned 10,” he lay back in his hospital bed, staring at his bandaged hand, “my uncle invited me to the movie set. I’ll never forget it. There he was. The King. At that moment I knew what I wanted to be.”
“A rock star with a nasty temper?” The nurse adjusted his IV. “The morphine should kick in soon.”
His fingers throbbed. “The doc says I broke five bones and I might never play guitar again.”
The nurse’s eyes brimmed. “I’m truly sorry, Mr. Petty.”
“Don’t be.” He murmured as he drifted off. “I won’t back down.”
*
*
*
The story in his own words:
NO MORE DANCES WITH MARY JANE
R.I.P. TOM
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Reblogged this on All About Writing and more.
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Thank you for the reblog, Henrietta.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You are welcome!
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Inspirational
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Thanks.
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Moved by your tribute to Tom Petty. Creative take on the prompt Rochelle. Loved it.
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Dear Lavanya,
In the midst of all of our nation’s turmoil over the past couple of days, one of the icons of rock and roll slipped away without saying good bye. 😦 Thank you so much for your comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Nice send-off story. Will you be reading it at the funeral. Dylan will be there. Of course, he’ll be in the back, with shades on, hiding behind a tree, head down, muttering to himself. Maybe you can draw him out?
Randy
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Dear Randy,
Can you imagine what that funeral will be like? The icons are leaving us…this one without so much as a note. Needless to say, his death struck a chord with me. Oh my my,..oh hell yes….Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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😉
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A very timely story. RIP Tom.
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Thank you, Trent.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Aw, this is sweet. I had no idea he’d broken his hand.
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Dear Josh,
Oh the things one can find by digging and sniffing. 😉 Thank you. (And aren’t we all craving some sweetness right about now?)
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A beautiful tribute to endurance and a refusal to accept anything less than a dream. 🙂 ❤
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Dear Jelli,
He had an amazing drive, didn’t he? 😀 Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A fitting tribute. I heard the story about his meeting with Elvis – extraordinary how one encounter shaped the rest of his life. A life well lived.
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Dear Iain,
That meeting with Elvis was certainly his defining moment. 😀 And we all benefited. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Interesting, as always. I learn so many cool things from you 🙂
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Dear Linda,
Always happy to pass things along. 😉 Although this one saddens me. 😦 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It had to happen that someone would write about his passing. There are so many songs I find appealing on the radio, but I don’t really take the time to look up the artists involved and explore their lives.
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Dear James,
I love to dig into the lives of the artists behind music. It puts a face on my favorite songs. Yep with all the tributes I decided to add mine. (Because I can)
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Punny, clever and bittersweet. I had no idea he was such a Refugee. Beautifully done, as always!
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Dear Karen,
Your comment makes me smile through tears. Will we miss him? Oh my my, oh hell yes! Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Another great story based on historical fact, Rochelle. Good writing and a lovely tribute to Tom Petty. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Dear Suzanne,
The icons are all leaving us too soon. He didn’t even take the time to write a long letter on a short piece of paper, did he? 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A story that we tell over and over these days. I have lost count of all the time I listen to someone I will never listen to live (or a few cases someone I have heard). I had never heard the story of the broken hand.
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Dear Björn,
Tom Petty’s death was a shock to many of us. So the tributes will abound for a while I think. When I found the story of his broken hand and how he did it, that’s where I had to go. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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One downside of being older is the number of people we know – or felt we knew – dying.
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So true, Liz. It’s hard watching those icons pass. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I have no words, Rochelle, except… perfect tribute.
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Dear Ted,
Those two words work for me. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
PS Thank you for contributing such a lovely photo. 😀
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😆
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Couldn’t believe it when I heard he’d died – so young too! Such a terrifically talented man, intelligent, could turn his hand to many music genres and sparkle. I didn’t know this story about him, Rochelle – thank you for sharing it. A determined and stubborn guy who loved his music!
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Dear Lynn,
And another one bites the dust. 😦 From MudCrust, to the Heartbreakers to the Traveling Wilburys, he was one of the greats, wasn’t he? Thank you for reading and leaving such a nice comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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And so young! That’s the tragedy, isn’t it? All of those unwritten songs. My pleasure Rochelle
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Our classic rock radio station played his songs yesterday all day long. They also aired interviews and people shared anecdotes about Tom Petty and his band. I learned a lot, he was quite a character so it seems. Another great one gone.
Great piece -as always.
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Dear Bridget,
He left a lot of great music behind. He was quite a character indeed. Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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For those who believe in the afterlife, there is a serious party going on out there. Mick and Brenda both sang “Free Fallin” when they were well sauced. Imagine them now singing it with him live!
Wonderful writing, as usual. Digging out that snippet that could have ended his career… what an extra loss that would have been.
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Dear Dale,
And another one is added to the band in Rock and Roll Heaven. Singing with him live? Interesting turn of a phrase when you think about it. 😉 Thank you for stopping by and leaving a great comment.
Shalom, my friend,
Rochelle
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Appropriate and timely tribute, Rochelle.
Shalom
Penny
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Thank you, Penny. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I never knew about this. What a great story, Rochelle! It’s a good thing that he healed up okay. Must’ve got a little inspiration from those “Indiana girls on those Indiana nights.” 😉
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Dear Eric,
He must’ve slammed that wall very hard to break five bones. Ouch! Hurts to think about it. Oh my my, oh hell yes…he was a determined man. And we all benefited from it. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That’s a nice anecdote, Rochelle.
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Thank you, Helena.
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Yet another legend passes away. The last couple of years have been rough. David Bowie is one of my all-time favorites (and my four-year old’s). That being said, a beautiful memory reconstructed thanks to your words, Rochelle. Thank you.
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Dear Varad
We’re losing too many of them these days. 😦 Thank you for your kind words re my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I wasn’t aware of the facts in this story, but he was one of my favorites, and left us way too soon. I was privileged to see him live a couple times, and although I am only a “fireside strummer/singer”, I loved doing several of his. RIP sir.
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Thanks for commenting, m’love. Glad you liked my story.
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That could well have been what happened in the hospital room. You have such a talent for historical fiction, Rochelle.
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Dear Joyful,
Who knows? I imagined what a medical professional might have said to someone whose injury was self-inflicted. 😉 Maybe I’ve seen too many MASH episodes. Thank you so much for your kind comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I actually don’t know anything about the guy you wrote about, but you painted the picture so well, I got it 🙂
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Dear Joyful,
That’s a huge compliment. Thank you again. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So nicely done, once again. What a lovely tribute. I’ve loved listening to NPR articles about him. I had no idea all the things he’s been through and done.
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Dear Lish,
Yesterday morning, when I learned that he’d passed, I started watching documentaries. Funny how we don’t care until someone’s gone. Of course that precipitated my story. I really do like his music…loved the Traveling Wilburys so I wanted to write something. When I found that particular bit of his story…well…Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A lovely tribute. I have a Tom Petty story. When my daughter was young teenager, she and her best friend were in my car and a Tom Petty song came on. This was in the mid 1990s. Her friend sort of squeals and said, “Mrs. S. have you ever heard of Tom Petty? He’s great”. She was so young that she didn’t realize how much of a legend he was.
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Dear Susan,
Love it. Tom Petty’s music certainly endured, didn’t it? And will for many years to come.
I have a similar story. Back in the late 80’s when Tiffany topped the charts with “I Think We’re Alone Now.” It was playing on the radio and, without thinking, I sang along. My youngest son looked at me with a renewed respect, “You know a Tiffany song, Mom?”
“It was a Tommy James and the Shondells song long before she sang it.”
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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a loving tribute to a legend. he’s one of my favorites. stevie nicks, too.
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Thank you, Plaridel. 😀 He is a legend.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Kind of reminds me of when I broke my big toe while playing hide and seek. No one took it seriously until my foot swelled up. I was supposed to be on crutches for a few months but ditched them after two weeks.
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Dear Alice,
Tom Petty went through 9 months of therapy. I never could stand crutches either.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thats a brilliant ode to Tom- loved this one Rochelle
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Thank you for such a magnificent comment. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Love your inspirational story, Rochelle. I admire how you really admire as I had read your tribute to another artist a few weeks ago, at FF. I mean, I admire a few artists / icons too but to feel a sense of deep connection and hence loss at their passing is so awe inspiring.Thanks so much for sharing Tom Petty’s story and song.
Best regards,
Moon
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Dear Moon,
This man’s passing touched me deeply. So unexpected. I mean, he was still going strong…putting out more music and doing energetic performances. His absence will be felt. Thank you for your lovely comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story. You really brought the scene to life.
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Dear J.A.
I couldn’t ask for a better compliment. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Dr. Drowsy I. W(T)F,
I managed to stay awake through this tribute to Tom Petty. As a former muscian and songwriter myself, I always envied his creativity. His music was unique. You always knew it was a Tom Petty song even before he sang the first note.
I also wrote a song about Mary Jane, but not the flesh & blood species. I’m sure you know what I mean–Roach.
Wake me when it’s over
Illya
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Dear Illya,
So happy I didn’t put you to sleep. And, yes, there was only one Tom Petty. I am heart broken at his passing. So unexpected. I often wonder if his Mary Jane wasn’t related to yours. Of course I have no idea what you’re talking about. 😉
Pleasant Dreams,
Roach… Dr. Drowsy I. W(T)FLikeLiked by 1 person
Oh so sad at this time. Thank you for sharing this tale Rochelle
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Dear Laurie,
Sad and so unexpected. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great bio sketch Rochelle, in one hundred words! You are the Queen, or should I say King, of writing!
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Dear Sabina,
I’ll accept Queen. 😉 Many thanks.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You’ve got to be careful when your hands are your livelihood. Nice tribute!
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Dear Ali,
I think that was a very painful lesson. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A touching tribute to one of the good ones.
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Thank you, Keith. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
Thank goodness I don’t punch walls and break my hand every time I’ve rewritten something to death and realise the original was better! I sort of know how Tom Petty felt, especially with him being famous and having to keep justifying his fame by coming up with the best that he could. Still, better to hit something softer to punch like a pillow.
A great tale. Every country has its legends. We have Pink Floyd, who built a wall on the stage! Or The Who, who smashed their guitars on stage. What they did off stage, was anybody’s guess 🙂
All best wishes,
Sarah
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Dear Sarah,
I can understand wanting to smash a hand into something over frustration. I think drugs were involved in his mishap as well. Pink Floyd and The Who are legends on this side of the pond as well. 😉 Both are my husband’s faves.
Glad you liked my story and stopped long enough to say so. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Your husband has good musical taste. Tell him that I saw his faves on stage many decades ago! And, by the way, I’ve stopped long enough to contribute to FF myself this week, but have changed my photo just to confuse you. In fact, I’ve been doing a bit of customising and sorting of my blog, although my brain needs a bit of sorting too, on the focus front! Hope all is well with you. Sorry I’ve been conspicuous in my absence on FB. Sometimes I disappear into my cave to re-energise myself. Will reappear soon.
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A nice tribute to a wonderful musician. He left us too soon, with so many songs left to sing.
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Thank you, Joy. He did leave us too soon. 😦
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a tribute to a great legend, Rochelle. 🙂
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Thank you, whoever you are. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wonderful tribute!
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Thank you, Dawn. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great the way you wove in Tom’s song lyrics. A lovely tribute.
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Dear Sarah Ann,
Tom will be missed. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A lovely tribute. Thank you for helping us remember
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Dear Vivian,
I’m still having trouble thinking of him in the past tense. 😦 Thank you for your kind comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I would say a pleasure, but its not really, is it?
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well I just smiled at the end – cos that was really well done.
but now I am sad – cos we lost a great musician – sniff
but I wont have a “breakdown” or anything – no – not this “american girl”
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Perfect comment, Yvette. Without him we’ll all be “free falling.” Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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yes – free falling indeed – and my favorite Petty song is “here comes my girl” = love it.
and second fav – “waiting is the hardest part”
something like that
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I didn’t know much about this artist. Interesting story and as always Rochelle, in just 100 words you are able to identify the essence of the person /subject of your flash. In this case inspiration and perseverence. A wonderful tribute.
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Dear Luccia,
Thank you for such a wonderful comment/compliment. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Another bit of interesting history 🙂 I am guessing he did play the guitar again?
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Dear Dahlia,
I should say he did. 😉 He wrote more songs and rocked that guitar for another 33 years before passing away last week. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wow.Lovely post
Click Here to see what Mrs. Dash Says
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Thank you, Dee Dee 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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