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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 © Fatima Fakier Deria
My weekly admonition to over 70 participants. Please keep your stories to 100 words or less. Thank you for your consideration.
Genre: Memoir
Word Count: 100
SUITABLE FOR FRAMING
I spent my twelfth summer with my aunt and uncle in Monticello, NY.
Uncle Harold won my heart, not just because he showered me with attention and frozen custard, but because he was an artist. While he never achieved national acclaim, he did win a few awards in local shows for his impressionistic works.
I cherish memories of painting with him on the patio.
“A masterpiece,” he proclaimed my robin watercolor.
Today, as I put the finishing touches on my latest opus, I almost hear Uncle Harold say, “Good job! Let’s go for a frozen custard. Don’t tell Aunt Lu.”
***
Nothing fictitious about this story. 😉
Never heard of frozen custard? CLICK HERE

I personally favored chocolate.
We all need an Uncle Harold. Nice one, Rochelle
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Dear Neil,
I have very fond memories of my uncle. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Uncle Neil… hmmm… that has a nice ring
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You treasure the gift that Uncle Harold shared with you Rochelle, sounds as if he’s been with you all your life. A most moving and inspiring story. And frozen custard ? Is it like frozen yoghurt ?
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Dear Francine,
Already this morning I’ve been asked about frozen custard three times, so I’ve inserted a link and a photo above. These were in the days before frozen yogurt…although the two are similar. And yes, Uncle Harold has a special place in my heart. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Frozen custard? Maybe frozen yoghurt sounds cooler, but then not very sure. Lovely story, Rochelle.
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Dear Neel,
For those of you who’ve asked the question, I’ve added the link. Frozen custard entered the scene long before frozen yogurt. Pretty much the same…frozen sweetness. 😉 Thank you for your warm and equally sweet words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Charming reminiscence, m’lady.
Must confess that frozen custard is new to me too.
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Dear C.E.
To answer the frozen custard question I’ve added a link and a photo. Basically soft ice cream, but little richer. Sweet memories–frozen custard and painting with Uncle Harold. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle
You’ve written a delightful thumbnail sketch of the relationship between you and Uncle Harold. You capture the significant details that have lived with you for so many years – the childish delight in frozen custard and the grown-up appreciation of his love and encouragement of your art.
Lovely!
Shalom
Penny
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Dear Penny,
The best response to your lovely comment is ‘thank you.’ 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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He was clearly a very special and inspirational person. I’m not going to mention the frozen custard…oh, I just did!
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Dear Keith,
It’s okay to mention frozen custard. It’s all part of a wonderful memory and a lovely summer. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A lovely uncle indeed – and frozen custard which I hope is still available these days. Like the others I hadn’t heard of it before but it sounds nice.
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Dear Jilly,
Frozen custard is available in some places, but I couldn’t tell you where.. Alas, it’s no longer part of my diet. Uncle Harold was an unforgettable character. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great that our loved ones always live on in our memories and keep motivating us.
Great painting. Frozen custard looks fabulous!
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Dear Anita,
I get to look at my uncle’s stellar work every day. He did and does encourage me. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
Wonderful memory.
One of my favorite uncles owned a toy store. Whoo-whoo! Guess what I got?
Great painting! I love it.
What the word “aboMorat” mean in the line above the painting “Nothing fictitious aboMorut this story. ” Is it just a typo in which you meant to write “about” and somehow the Mor got into it? Couldn’t find the word by Googling it.
Happy Pesach.
Randy
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Dear Randy,
I’m glad you enjoyed the story. Perhaps your uncle knew mine. 😉 I’ll be correcting that typo post haste. Thank you for catching it!
Shalom and Happy Pesach back atcha.
Rochelle
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Lovely childhood memories. Art and frozen custard! What a gift to treasure.
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Dear Sarah,
I loved writing this and reliving some warm moments. Glad you enjoyed it, too. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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When my daughter was little, she spent several weeks with my parents. Every afternoon, my Dad would sneak her out for ice cream. She gained so much weight, she couldn’t fit into her clothes, so my Mom had her jump rope to lose the weight before my wife and I came to pick her up. There’s such a thing as spoiling too much.
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Dear James,
I can’t say that I gained a significant amount of weight that summer. 😉 Thank you for swinging by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Swinging by? What am I, Tarzan? 😀
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Stopping by. Walking by. Trundling by. Bye bye. 😉
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Hey, if so I’ll give you my mobile.
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nice shared memory in your fiction,
🙂
and is frozen custard the same as frozen ice cream? The photo here suggests they are similar.
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Dear Yvette,
Frozen custard is a richer version of what we call soft-serve ice cream. Chocolate was my favorite. The stuff memories are made of. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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indeed a good memory – and from childhood – they had this place in CA called Thrifty I think – it was like Woolworths – and they had twenty-five cent cones and all of us kids (a Litter) would get triple scoops – and I loved pistachio cashew –ahhh good times.
and I am not able to join in FF this week – sniff – but I love the pic and will try and read some of the entries.
See you in April and peace to you R
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Sometimes the non-fiction stories are the best. Great that you had an artistic mentor in your family, one that has inspired you far beyond that summer.
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Dear Trent,
Uncle Harold was quite a person. 😀 Sometimes you just can’t improve on the facts. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Its amazing how some people live on even after they are gone! I can appreciate your lovely affectionate bond with your uncle from my own experiences. Its so wonderful that you still treasure his beautiful creation in your office. The last line tugged at my heart strings.
Beautiful story, Rochelle.
Love,
Moon
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Dear Moon,
Your affirming words make me smile. I am blessed to have his painting. I have a few more stored away, but not this one. I see it every day as it’s directly above my easel. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Love it. The custard looks pretty dang good too.
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Dear Josh,
Frozen custard is but a memory to me now…just like Uncle Harold. 🙂 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That looks like a Mr Whippy! Childhood memories to treasure.
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Dear Jane,
I’ve never heard from Mr. Whippy, but I can imagine. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Mr Whippy and Mr Softee were the vending vans for the stuff that passed for ice cream in UK of the 1960s. Wouldn’t be allowed now 🙂
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We ALL need an “Uncle Harold” in our lives… For me, it was one of my foster Mom’s, Momma Kit, who encouraged me to write more and to draw. She still has one of my early drawings on her wall to this day. It’s yellowed, and I offered to make her a new one…she refused. Said the yellowed one had more value to it.
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Dear Jelli,
No doubt your drawing is on of Momma Kit’s most treasured possessions. 😉 Glad you had her in your life. ❤ I miss Uncle Harold but a piece of his soul occupies my wall. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Good memories of childhood and accomplishments that stayed with you into adulthood. I’m the lucky one. I get to see all your works. Good job.
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Dear Jan,
And you get to see all the craziness that surrounds my works. Thank you, dear.
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Dear Rochelle,
I love this story. Would that we all had an Uncle Harold. And… I thought all ice cream was made from custard! Guess that’s my “chefy” side 😉 Watched too many Iron Chefs and cooking shows where they explain how to make the custard to make the ice cream. Go figure…
Lotsa love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
Egg yolks, cream…yeah…it’s pretty much all custard. I thought so, too. 😉 But what do I know? For years I thought it was just what New Yorkers called soft serve. Smiling and thanking your for stopping by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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🍦
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Such a beautiful story, Rochelle and you tell it well. I had an uncle who I credit my interest in writing with, but sadly we’ve drifted apart once he got married. He was only 11 years older than me.
I am naturally a very encouraging person but I’m amazed at how people can those cold water on a young person’s dreams. That said, it can be challenging as a parent when your children choose something which is difficult to make a living or they clearly don’t have the goods for.
My daughter has only just turned 12, but she is a beautiful dancer. However, her dance school promotes all sorts of musical theatre auditions and we always apply.
She went for her first audition two years ago, which was for the Sydney production of Andre Lloyd Webber’s the Sound of Music and she was going for the role of the second youngest Von Trapp. When she came home and told me about it, it was like she’d asked me to fly to the moon and the whole thing was totally beyond me. However, at her insistence, I sent off the application. To my surprise, she got an audition. Unfortunately, she also had vocal nodules at the time so she had no chance of getting through and the audition process started with vocal, and she’s stronger with dance.
JUst to complicate matters, I developed a severe lung infection and it set my asthma off and I was attached to the nebuliser and playing the songs on the keyboard. Today, she was back in Sydney for another audition. This time she received a callback but not a final callback. Yet, we had a great day in Sydney and it was an encouraging experience.
So, she is also training me up in a sense and I am also needing encouragement that I can do a good job as her Mumager. Most of the time, that’s another job I do for myself but I know she appreciates it and I hope it also shows her that I believe in her.
xx Rowena
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Dear Rowena,
It’s good to have those encouragers along the way, isn’t it? If your daughter doesn’t make it to the top it won’t be for lack of support. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks very much, Rochelle. I am feeling the need to regroup for a bit. These auditions are very emotional and require such perfectionism. However, I think they’re also a bit like exams. They encourage us to stretch ourselves further and get better and the challenge is good for us, but there still needs to be space for a cup of tea and putting your feet up.
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Frozen custard sounds delightful, as does Uncle Harold. We should all have an uncle like that. I loved your reminiscence and the painting was very impressive. Beautifully done.
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Dear Sandra,
I love looking at that painting. Years after my Uncle Harold had passed away, Aunt Lu, then moved to Indiana, allowed me to choose any of his paintings I wanted. When I chose the Hasidic picture, she said, “If it were anyone else but you…” Frozen custard was delightful.
Thank you for your equally delightful comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Uncle Harold sounds like a delightful man. And what an influence he must have been on you, to have someone in your life who loved painting and was so encouraging. Your warmth for him comes through the screen. Every budding artist needs a person like that in their lives. Sadly, after reading your link all I can think about now is frozen custard and how I REALLY want to try some. Guess I better start saving my air fare now … 🙂
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Dear Lynn,
I didn’t really see Uncle Harold much. We lived miles apart. He and Aunt Lu (my dad’s sister) came to visit us when I was 8 and I spent the summer with them four years later. But it was a summer I’ll never forget. 😉 We have a place that sells frozen custard not too far from us. Let me know when you’re coming and I’ll make the guest room ready. Thank you for your sweet comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It was clearly a summer that made an impact. Sometimes a few weeks is all it takes for a person to have a lasting affect on your life. Bless Uncle Harold for his positivity. Always a pleasure to read your work
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I knew it had to be a true story. It just felt too real to be fiction.
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Yep. All true. Thank you, Alice.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A lovely tribute, both sweet and funny. I hope you go get some frozen custard to celebrate your latest art. Sounds like he’d want you to!
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Dear Karen,
I think you’re right. I’d love to be able to share my artwork with him these days. 🙂 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Uncle Harold would be so proud of everything you do, my multi-talented amiga.
Abrazos,
Tracey
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Querida Tracey,
I smile at the thought of what Uncle Harold might say today. Gracias para tus palabras.
Shalom y cariño,
Rochelle
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How wonderful. We should all be so lucky to have a family member like that. I can see where your love of art stems from. I think I Like Uncle Harold too. Beautiful story, Rochelle!
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Dear Eric,
Hard to say which comes first. I always did love to draw (on every spare sheet of paper, according to my mom). Uncle Harold did what he could to nurture my passion. I think he was successful. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautiful, tender, story. I love it.
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Thank you, Connie. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Who knows how many people are happier adults because of an Uncle Harold~ish influence?
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I think you might be onto something, Larry. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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We all have Uncle Harold to thank. A warm and sweet memory, Rochelle.
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Dear Iain,
I wish everyone such an uncle…or aunt…or mentor. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a wonderful memory, Rochelle. How lucky you were to have an Uncle Harold in your life! 🙂
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Dear Sascha,
I was indeed lucky. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you for coming to my blog! Charming story! Is there an actual Monticello in New York? (Because there is one in Utah!). Frozen custard sounds delicious! Have a great Wednesday:)
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Dear Junieper,
Yes,my dear, there really is a Monticello, New York.It’s Upstate near the Catskills. My uncle owned an employment agency up there. Glad you enjoyed my story and took the time to say so. I’ve checked out your blog. Lovely.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Heartwarming. It sounds like you and your uncle were very close.
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Thank you, Magarisa. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Love what a little bit of positive feedback (and ice cream) can do… See where if brought you 🙂
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Dear Björn,
Glad you enjoyed my little memoir. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Very tender story, Rochelle. And frozen custard? To die for!
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Dear Linda,
Sweet memories indeed. Loved frozen custard. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle
I so much enjoyed reading about your Uncle Harold. I l particularly liked the points that you identified – the time and attention he gave to you, the encouragement and praise he gave and, of course, the special treat! It takes so little effort from an adult to offer these things and yet it means so much to a child. No wonder he won your heart! This is a beautiful story. I love it!
Best wishes
Edith
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Dear Edith,
Uncle Harold did create some wonderful memories. It’s a summer and a man I will never forget. Thank you for such a wonderful comment. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story. Would love to try some frozen custard.
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Dear Lisa,
Frozen custard has come back into vogue in my neck of the woods. Not sure about your part of the world. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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My “Uncle Harold” was my Aunt Alice. Rough-edged and opinionated, and soft as iced custard. Thank you for sharing your story and your uncle’s magnificent painting.
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Dear Lish,
I’m smiling up at the painting as I type. I’m glad you had someone like Uncle Harold. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Ro-Shari “Lambchop” Lewis W(T)F,
You know, I just started thinking about that W(T)F at the end of your name. That’s gotta be like a doctorate abbreviation of some high degree, they don’t just hand out W(T)Fs for nothing.
I love your Uncle Harold, brought back fond memories of my Uncle Harry. (tears)
Hey! Wanna buy a wobbly bed? I bet Jan would love it.
Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On,
Junior Barnes
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Dear Junior Barnes,
I had an Uncle Harry, too…he was also a character. I miss him, too.
Yes, I think W(T)F should come with a very special certificate.
I’ll pass on the wobbly bed. In 46 years we’ve had our share of them.
Happy Holidays.
Ro-Shari “Lambchop” W(T)F
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with or without frozen custard, she was lucky to have him as her uncle.
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Dear Plaridel,
She,ie me, was very lucky indeed. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A lovely snippet of your personal life. As an artist yourself it must have been wonderful to have an uncle that shared that passion and could probably teach you a few things at the time. The frozen custard was just an added bonus and I bet Aunt Lu knew.
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Dear Irene,
As an artist, I idolized my uncle…ironically uncle by marriage so I didn’t inherit it. 😉 He had high blood pressure and it upset Aunt Lu that he refused to watch his diet. Yeah, she new. Thank you for your lovely comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love “showered with attention and frozen custard” 🙂
Such a lovely memory, and it encouraged you in your wonderful paintings and sketches.
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Dear Ali,
Thank you for saying such nice things. Uncle Harold definitely encouraged me. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Such a sweet story, made all the more touching in that it was true. What an influence your Uncle Harold had on you! In your beautiful art, he lives on. ❤
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Dear Jan,
Uncle Harold was definitely an influence. I can’t claim biology there either. He was an uncle by marriage. I’d like to think he’s watching and smiling. And I have the joy of viewing his work every day. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely! My Pa used to slip us a sweetie with the words, “Don’t tell your mother.”
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Love it, Liz. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wow Rochelle what a fabulous story! Frozen custard for all. What a terrific painting. I love the memories. Thank you for sharing them.
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Dear Laurie,
I enjoy this painting every morning. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Uncle Harold won my heart, too, just by reading your story. What a fabulous story, fabulous uncle and precious memory.
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Dear Gabriele,
It was hard not to like Uncle Harold. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I enjoyed this snippet from your childhood. The world needs more people like your uncle Harold.
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No argument, Michael. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Another delectable slice from your memories Rochelle. Absolutely loved it, and not just because of the frozen custard 🙂
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Many thanks, Anurag. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love uncle Harold, more than frozen custard. Beautiful painting Rochelle.
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Dear Dan,
That painting is one of my most prized possessions. It reminds me of the man. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That’s a great story, Rochelle. You and your uncle were kindred spirits. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Dear Suzanne,
I believe you’re right. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A wonderful story of loving memories. Uncle Howard was an integral part of who you are today. That’s beautiful! =)
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Dear Brenda,
Uncle Harold had a lot to do with my pursuing art I think. Definitely an influence. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Good memories.
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Tank you, Colline.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle, I’m back! I wrote a story, but it’s been a while since I used InLink, and I did it wrong.
Would you please delete and I’ll try again.
Thanks,
Phyllis
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Hi Phyllis,
The problem was an easy fix. No reason to take it down or try again. Hope you enjoy my story. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I tried fixing it, but now there are two of them. I don’t know how to delete the first one. Sorry.
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Actually, I deleted the second one. I fixed the first link so it goes directly to your story, while the second one goes to the home page. No problem for me. Very easy when you have control of the dashboard. 😉
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Enjoyed reading this warm snippet from your life. I had an Uncle who promised to give me a beautiful set of color pencils if I got all my spellings correct. I did and I got the pencils too. But I am not quite sure what I treasured most the pencils or the approving glint in his eyes. Thank you for sharing Rochelle and bringing back lovely memories. 🙂
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Dear Dahlia,
Thank you for sharing your treasured memory. I’m glad you had such an uncle in your life, too. Thank you re my story, too.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautiful painting, I see where your talents originate from, Rochelle. Creativity is in your blood. The prompt seems to be inspiring stories of families in many ways. Thank you for selecting mine this week. You really have a pulse on the heartbeat of the world. It so perfectly timed with major events in my own life too, so I was quite a bag of emotions when I saw the image you chose. Your uncle seemed like a wonderful person. I’d love to try frozen custard one day.
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Dear Fatima,
I can’t really claim inheritance from Uncle Harold since he was my uncle by marriage. However, he certainly instilled a passion within me to pursue my artistic dreams.
Your photo definitely inspired many family stories and memories. Thank you for sharing it. Many thanks for a lovely comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A beautiful tribute and slice into your life. Uncle Harold comes across as a wonderful man. That is such a beautiful painting and I can see why it has a special place in your office/ heart.
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Dear Sarah Ann,
That painting does indeed have a special place. I’m glad you enjoyed my little memoir. Thank you for taking the time to comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautiful, both the story and the memory. Your tale sweetens the heart as much as your frozen custard the tongue!😊😊😊
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Dear Sabina,
Thank you for your sweet words. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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👍
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Somehow from the first line I knew this was true, Rochelle, and the Frozen Custard confirmed my gut feel. Lovely heartfelt piece, where the sweetness and innocence of youth continue to the present – this is your truest eternal gift, Rochelle. Truly.
Shalom
Kelvin
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Dear Kelvin,
Sometimes the truth can’t be improved upon. Glad this rang true for you. 😉 Thank you for such a truly wonderful comment/compliment. So nice to wake up to this morning.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a lovely story!
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Thank you, Dawn. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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