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 © Björn Rudberg
Please be respectful of your fellow writers/readers and keep your stories to 100 words. Thank you.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Word Count: 100
THE MANLY ART OF GIVING
The bars clanked behind me. My pulse thudded in my ears.
My first interviewee, a hulk you wouldn’t want to meet in a dark alley, put me at ease.
“It gives ya peace of mind.” DeShawn looped pink yarn around his sausage-sized fingers. “This gonna be a blanket for my niece.”
Several tough-looking inmates proudly showed off scarves and hats they’d made for inner city kids for Christmas.
“It don’t change what we done, but I hope it makes up for some of the hurt we caused.” DeShawn’s ebony eyes gleamed. “Every strong man has a pair of knitting needles.”
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Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Aw, I love that story! Let that man out and give him a job—president would be good.
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Dear Jane,
It’s the holiday season. I just couldn’t go dark right after Hanukkah and into Christmas. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’m glad 🙂 Happy holiday season to you!
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And to you, too. 😀
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🙂
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Dear Rochelle,
I’ve heard of this before; it’s so worthwhile! You’ve portrayed the incongruity between ‘hulks with sausage-sized fingers’ and the ‘gentle’ activity of knitting so well.
Best wishes,
Magarisa
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Dear Magarisa,
I was enthralled by this myself. True story. I wonder what these guys actually did when they were released. In fact, not just convicts, I found tons of stories of men who knit. Myself, I never could get the hang of it. I made one pathetic scarf years ago. I’ll stick to art. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I also wonder if they continued to knit after being released. Knitting is not for me either. Your art is lovely! 😊
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Thank you…again. 😀
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I love where you took my picture… the thought of the small things you can do, just the fact that you are allowed to do something is in itself something that makes you happy…
I thought i recognized the view… and hey that’s once again a picture from Madeira..
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Dear Björn,
You sent me 22 photos from your trip to Madeira. I saved them all. 😉 You never know when one of them will pop up.
I’m amazed at how many men actually do knit and crochet. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Would it be cynical of me to assume that each strong man intends to use those needles for more than knitting? Probably
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Dear Neil,
Cynical indeed. Did you happen to click the link after the story? It will take you to a video with the true story. I suspect the prison is judicial in which men are allowed to knit in a controlled environment. And the needles are left behind when the session’s over. 😉 Thanks for coming by. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love this story, Rochelle. It would definitely give meaning to a convict’s life to make something to help others. Good writing as always. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Dear Suzanne,
To just incarcerate a criminal does nothing for any of us. I’m was impressed by the true story behind my flash fiction. I hope you clicked on the link to watch the video. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Knitting needles makes a change from the other kind, especially in the hands of these penitents. A lovely feel-good story, Rochelle. You do this so well.
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Dear Sandra,
I myself could never make knitting needles behave. Years ago I made a pathetic attempt at a scarf which my dear father in law accepted graciously as a Christmas gift. Thank you re my story. 😀 Happy Christmas.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’ve dabbled with a bit of crochet a long time ago. I was pretty decent at it and let’s leave it at that. 😀 This was a beautiful story, Rochelle. The youtube link you had provided was pretty awesome too.
Cheers, Varad
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Dear Varad,
I never could make the crochet hook behave. I tried knitting and we can just say it’s not one of my talents. 😉 Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’d missed the link the first time but went back and watched the video. I enjoyed it. I used to knit quite a lot. 🙂 — Suzanne
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My fingers just wouldn’t behave when it came to knitting. I’m impressed by those who can knit and crochet and do it so well. 😉
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Love it!
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Thank you, Penny. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Absolutely loved that – especially the last line!
Due to the holiday season I don’t think I’ll be contributing with a story for a couple of weeks, but will still try to find time to dip in and read some of these. 🙂
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
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Dear Susan,
I’ll miss your entry but totally understand. 😉 I appreciate your dipping and commenting. Thank you. Happy holidays!
Shalom,
Rochelle
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…And what harm ever came from giving prisoners knitting needles?!
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Dear Martin,
These men knit in a controlled environment and (hopefully) leave the needles behind. Thanks for coming by. 🙂
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I have great respect for those trying to reform – and also being able to master knitting, which remains a dark art to me… 🙂 Heart warming tale Rochelle.
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Dear Iain,
I think there are inmates who can be turned around if given the right encouragement. Knitting is a dark art to me as well. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A great story. I also enjoyed the video clip. I really believe that our prison system can be really messed up and more programs like this are needed, particularly for anybody that will walk the streets again, as these inmates will. It helps both the inmates and larger society – win-win.
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Dear Trent,
Our prison system is definitely in a mell of a hess. Granted, there are hardened criminals who are past hope. But,in many cases, the prison system reinforces criminal behavior. 😦 Glad you liked my story. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A very interesting angle on the prompt. It’s a unique photo prompt that should lend itself to some upbeat tales — but yours will take the prize.
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Dear Christine,
It’s photo that’s been my queue for several years. Seemed the right time to use it. 😉 Thank you very much. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Tough guy knitters. I’m reminded of 1970s pro-football player Rosie Greer’s hobby of crocheting . No one had the nerve to tease him because he was huge.
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Dear James,
Now that you mention it, I do recall that Rosie Greer knitted. And you’re right, who in their right mind would tease him abut it? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Awesome story to highlight an equally awesome program. I remember the Macrofacial surgeon that taught me how to petite point embroidery after my accident. He was big, tough kinda guy, too. So awesome!
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Dear Jelli,
Which goes to show, you can never tell what’s going on inside a person by their outward appearance. Thank you for sharing your story. ❤ and for liking mine, of course. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Delightful Rochelle especially the metaphorical final few words! Excellent.as ever.
Click to read my FriFic!
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Dear Keith,
Thank you very much. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wow – so glad to hear about this knitting project – it seems to connect directly with the prisoners, and be about belonging and gentleness. Very moving. Like your story Rochelle.
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Dear Francine,
There’s a similar program with crocheting for inmates. It’s nice to hear about something positive in a place that’s anything but gentle. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I loved the opening line, Rochelle.
Such a wonderful story, it filled my heart . It was so wonderful to see their heart. ( or change of heart)
Best wishes,
Moon
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Dear Moon,
The videos I watched so touched me I had to share their story. 😀 Glad you liked it. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Just watched the video. Thanks for sharing it, It was fun to see them knit😀😀. Nice to discover, knitting isn’t solely a feminine domain anymore.
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Good therapy to change the bad boys
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Good therapy, indeed, Bryan. 😉 Thank you for coming by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’d be worried they’d use them as weapons, but it’s a good thing for them to do something productive.
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Dear Alice,
I believe these knitters are in a controlled environment. 😉 As one inmate said in the video I linked. “I could be running amok and being a pain in the behind.” 😉 Thank you
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Brenda Sneezingfitz W(T)F,
I tried to knit once, but my mother put corks on the ends of both needles as I was not allowed to play with sharp objects. Needless to say, the finished piece looked more like a fishing net than a scarf.
I thought all convicts came out as either preachers or lawyers. I guess knitting helps them pass the time while watch soap operas and Jerry Springer.
Happy Hanukkah,
Monkey Man
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Dear Monkey Man,
Are you the other half of Tweeter and the Monkey Man?
Better a knitter than a…well you know…The image of you knitting with corks on the end of the needles is an amusing one. My one and only attempt at knitting was slightly less than successful. it was also my last attempt. Perhaps if I’d been a captive student I would’ve fared better. 😉 Thanks for …achoo!…coming…haaack….by.
Shalom,
Brenda Snezingfitz W(T)F
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Fantastic. I positively love this, Rochelle! That last line was so good, I just sighed with a smile. Happy Holidays!
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Dear Eric,
When my reader smiles, I smile. 😀 Thank you for such wonderful comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This is great. I used to take an AA meeting to the prison with a few other guys. One time I was all by myself. It’s a strange feeling when they close the door and you’re alone in a room with sixty convicts. They all know you are the only one who can leave.
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Dear Josh,
I’ve done quite a few programs in different prisons. There’s nothing like that sound of the metal doors closing behind you.
Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
Brilliant, as per usual. I, for one, refuse to be cynical and believe that you have to earn a place in this special group, therefore nothing bad will happen with the needles. The prisons are filled with guys (and gals, I imagine) who don’t stand a chance to reform. Why not teach them something that is relaxing (once you get the hang of it!) and can benefit others?
I remember reading or seeing something about this a good while ago. So glad you brought it back to the fore!.
Lotsa love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
I’m with you Sadly all too many inmates make a return trip to the prisons. But there are some who have untapped potential and they deserve a chance. Thank you so much for your kind comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Absolutely!
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Knitting I think is a therapeutic activity but like you I have never mastered it. Your story was a lovely, yet powerful story that I think makes the prisoners feel good about themselves, makes the kids happy and certainly satisfies the reader.
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Dear Irene,
I do envy those who have mastered the art of knitting, but I’ll stick to drawing and painting to relax. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh!!!! I love this! The dialogue, the idea, the warmth. Thanks for causing me to say, “Ahhh.” Cheers.
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Dear Lish,
Any time I can make you say, “Ahhh” without a tongue depressor I’ll do it. ) Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You just made me snort water out my nose ~ thanks!
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Dear Rochelle
I enjoyed this story and the video. It’s great to see the way that knitting engages the inmates and creates a positive and productive atmosphere. It’s also heartening that the items they produce benefit others. Thank you for sharing this.
Best wishes and season’s greetings
Edith
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Dear Edith,
It’s a pity there aren’t more programs like this in prisons. Perhaps there would be fewer return inmates. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story. Believable, too.
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😀 Thank you, Linda. 😀
Shalom and a blessed holy day,
Rochelle
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Thanks so much 🙂
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a feel good story. just in time for the holidays! 🙂
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Thank you, Plaridel. 😀
Happy Holidays to you and yours.
Rochelle
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Absolutely loved it. And it so perfectly encapsulates the Christmas spirit. In India, a few prisons have started selling goods made by prisoners recently, hopefully, it will catch on much faster. Everyone deserves a chance at redemption.
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Dear Anurag,
Not everyone in prison is a psycho murderer. There are those who will be back out on the streets. Teaching a skill and giving a purpose just might prevent them from returning. I agree with you about redemption. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This was such a compassionately written piece. 🙂
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Many thanks, Fatima. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Love this story and the prison program(s) it is based on!!!
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Thank you, Jan. So good to see you back among us. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This is wonderful, Rochelle. Such a positive, uplifting story. Love your dialogue, which works really well. Prison is a tough balance between punishment and rehabilitation. Although many members of the public would prefer the former, the latter is much more effective in preventing reoffending. Thank you for sharing the clip too.
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Dear Lynn,
I fear that prison is mostly about punishment and not as much about rehabilitation. 😦 Glad you enjoyed my story and film clip. 😀 Thank you. Hope your holidays are as wonderful as your writing.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I fear you’re right, Rochelle. Thanks for sharing the story. Hope you enjoy the holidays too. All best wishes to you and yours 🙂
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H ha – lovely! What a fantastic picture you paint! Merry Christmas and thank you for this wonderful community and the weekly challenge that’s helping me flex my writing muscles xx
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Dear Anna
Thank you re my story. Happy to have you aboard. I also found this to be an amazing writing tool that taught me the truth of the the quote: Brevity is the soul of wit.” Again, thank you and a very Merry Christmas to you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Such a heart-warming story for Christmas 🙂
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Many thanks and Happy Christmas, Ali. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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My best friend started a charity with prisons – bikes and sewing machines repaired and sent to Africa, ‘lifers’ taught to transcribe books into Braille – she’s retired but the charity still runs.
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Dear Liz,
It’s nice that there are people in the world who have the courage and foresight to work with the world’s castoffs. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Love it!
Well done Rochelle. I can see it now and wish for more 😊
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Thank you, Laurie. There needs to be more programs like these. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It reminds me of Rosie Greer, the hulking football player that crocheted. Your story is a great reminder that even men should not be stereotyped.
https://www.crochetconcupiscence.com/2012/11/unique-1970s-crocheter-pro-football-player-rosey-grier/
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Dear Susan,
I do remember Rosie Greer and the stories about his love of crocheting. Thank you for sharing that picture. 😀 And thank you for reading and commenting. ❤
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love this piece. I am all for reform and allowing people to try and make amends in any small way they can.
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Dear J.E.
I agree. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Incredible story and thought provoking. We are all multi-layered and what appears on the outside is not always what resides on the inside. Acts of kindness done are therapeutic and can bring healing, changing the heart of a man (or woman). =)
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Dear Brenda,
We are indeed multi-layered and multifaceted, aren’t we? These knitters amazed me so I had to write their story. Thank you for your thoughtful comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The knitting project sounds so honest and happy. We need more kindness in today’s world.
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Dear Soumya,
I agree…we do need more kindness. Perhaps if we focused on our similarities rather than our differences there would be greater happiness and understanding. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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this was so full of hope, the last lines leave a lasting impression!
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Many thanks, Akshata. 😀
Shalm,
Rochelle
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Your descriptions were so good I could see the big guy knit one, purl two.
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Glad you liked it, Dawn. I was enthralled by the visions of these tough inmates gently knitting Thank you and Merry Christmas!
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Awww…that was adorable!
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Thank you, Shilpa.:D
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Love this story Rochelle.
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Thank you, Colline. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That is so heartwarming and a very christmassy story. Story of guilt and redemption. Great take on the prompt.
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Many thanks, Balaka. So glad you enjoyed it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story. I don’t know why knitting is seen as a women’s thing. Fishermen used to knit there own Aran jumpers – it gave them something to do while searching out fish. And apparently knitting is good for behaviourally disturbed children – it affects brain waves and is a soothing activity. So possibly good for keeping tempers under control in a prison? Your story goes to show, no one is wholly bad.
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Dear Sarah Ann,
Actually, knitting was originally a masculine activity. I, for one, could never get the yarn to submit. I’m pretty decent at embroidery,though. 😉 Thank you for your thoughtful comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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oh mysterious story, with so many questions unanswered from reading your 100 words
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Dear Claire,
I’m not sure what’s mysterious about my story. Perhaps if you click the link at the end of the story it will answer some of the questions. At any rate, thank you for reading and taking the time to comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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wow this was lovely I have no idea how to say what i want sooo i will just say ’tis the season and you have captured, what is ( in my personal opinion) true holiday spirit
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Dear Sin,
No arguments about the true spirit of the season. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Love the story and the concept, but in no prison movie have I ever seen them allow inmates to have two knitting needles!!!
Mine: https://kindredspirit23.wordpress.com/2017/12/22/tend-to-your-knittin/
Scott
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Dear Scott,
All I can say is that you’re watching the wrong movies. 😉 I’m glad you enjoyed my story. However, it’s based on fact. In case you missed the link at the end of my story here’s another video.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wow!
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Great little tale (compassionate and informative as ever!) promoting knitting and busting stereotypes. I don’t knit (I sew) but my husband used to. Happy times to you and yours Rochelle.
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Dear Miranda,
I’ve never gotten the hang of knitting. I applaud anyone, male or female who does. Thank you and Merry Christmas!
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely story, Rochelle. Merry Christmas, have a great break, see you on the other side
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Dear Michael,
Christmas is practically upon us May yours be filled with joy and blessings. Thank you
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great back story and that title says it all. Loved it.
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Many thanks all the way around, Subroto. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely take on the photo prompt, Rochelle. I could both see and hear DeShawn and his knitting needles. Happy New Year!
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Glad you enjoyed it, Jan. Thank you for your thoughtful comment. Happy New Year to you and Steve. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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