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MAKE. EVERY. WORD. COUNT.
***
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
My weekly admonition to over 70 participants. Please keep your stories to 100 words or less. Thank you for your consideration.
Note: My comments and replies will probably be a bit delayed as we are starting out on a three week road trip from Kansas City to Los Angeles and back again. Looking forward to seeing friends, relatives and cuddling granddaughters. If you are in the Las Cruces, NM area on April 7, I will be doing a book signing at Coas Books on Main Street from 1:00-3:00
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
AFTER A FASHION
Shielding her eyes with her parasol, Emma peered at the merciless summer sun. Her pantaloons and stockings clung to her legs under her petticoats and crinoline.
Why aren’t boys corseted with whalebone and lace?
Her stiff collar chafed and perspiration drenched her thick hair beneath her bonnet. How she longed to strip down to her drawers like her brothers and dive into the nearby creek.
________
Denise studied a tintype she’d found in the attic. “Great-grandma Emma looks elegant, doesn’t she?”
“Ha! Looks more like she’s ready to faint.” Penny adjusted her swimsuit. “Come on, Sis, race you to the pool.”
*
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Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Crinolines, yes. I couldn’t see the connection between the story and the image, and I thought to myself, no Rochelle doesn’t break her own rules, And you didn’t. That was clever
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Dear Neil,
It’s all about what you see. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Love your story- not a word wasted to create both poor Aunt Emma, prisoner of her clothes straight to her grand-daughters and their glorious freedom. So full of life.
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Dear Francine,
What sweet things to say. Thank you so much. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’ve often wondered how women stood the heat in those early days. I had a nylon-waisted stiff net half slip in the late 50’s which I wore under some of my skirts. Good writing as always, Rochelle. Have a great trip. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Dear Suzanne,
I remember those stiff petticoats. But to be that covered in the heat with corsets besides, no wonder those poor ladies had frequent fainting spells. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wow, Rochelle. A story of multiple generations, all in 100 words. Amazing. And I loved it! (And thank goodness I live in Denise’s era and not Emma’s!) 🙂 Have fun on your road trip and best wishes at your book signing. Post pics!
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Dear Jan,
As elegant as I think those ladies of the past look, I would hate to dress like that, particularly in the summer. Give me my Speedo swimsuit any day. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
PS Just cleared the phone of as many photos as I could. 😉
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Dear Rochelle,
Ah, Penny is a perceptive girl. And I love the fact that you saw upturned underskirts. Best wishes for your travels, Jilly.
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Dear Jilly,
It’s all about what you see. 😉 I am definitely with Penny. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Those lights DO look like a steel hoop crinoline! Love the contrast you’ve managed to portray in all the different points of view. It does look elegant. And miserable!
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PS Happy travels this week, Rochelle. That is the ultimate road trip you are on. Take lots of photos!
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Dear Karen,
Hoop skirts were the first thing I saw in the photo. That’s the fun of these prompts. We all see things so differently, don’t we?
Is it any wonder that antebellum ladies were known for swooning?
Thank you for the good wishes. I’ve cleared my phone in anticipation of photo ops.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That great torture device known as fashion… I agree, with her waist squeezed to nothing she does look like she’s about to faint. Those designs do fit better on a ceiling than wrapped around a woman. Have a wonderful road trip!
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Dear Trent,
All thought history fashion designers have tortured us with their creations. Although some say the crinoline and corset were the epitome of misogyny. I wonder. It’s fashionable these days to blame everything on men, isn’t it? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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We’ve come a long way, haven’t we? And still a long way to go. A great story arch, Rochelle, from past to present. Have a good trip.
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Dear Gabriele,
I cannot imagine wearing a corset. Ugh. It’s bad enough trying to stuff myself into my jeans that seem to have shrunk. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
YFBM Rochelle
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There must be a new jeans disease going around. Mine have that shrinking plague as well… 😀
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Took me a moment as well to see the connection. You paint the experience of what it must have been like to wear such clothing very well.
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Dear James,
I’m so glad that women don’t have to dress like that anymore. Ish. As for the connection…it’s all about what you see. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh… clothes as a prison… poor girls who couldn’t be children. But when boys were forced to be men they had to wear the stiff collars that cut into your throat, I have tried them. Not like whale bones but a horrible invention if worn every day.
I will not be writing this week and next, need to get off the grid for a little while.
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Dear Bjorn,
I’ve read about those stiff collars men had to endure. Fashion wasn’t kind to either gender, was it? And men had to wear neckties in those days before clip-on’s. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment on my story. Your presence will be missed this week. Take care.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I did think that from the prompt at first, but couldn’t get a story to fit. What contraptions, and how things have changed now. Nicely observed Rochelle. Enjoy your trip.
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Dear Iain,
Those fixtures do look like inverted crinolines, don’t they? I wasn’t alone. Dale went the same direction. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Perfect description! No wonder they had fainting couches and vinaigrettes back then!
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Dear Linda,
I’ve no doubt that’s why fainting couches existed. I’m glad our ideas of beauty have changed to some degree. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Have fun on your trip. Hope lots of people come to your book signing.
You will be my Guest Blogger this Friday.
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Thank you, Phyllis. I’ll look for your blog Friday.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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With her waist pinched in to eighteen inches, she probably will faint!
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Without a doubt, Liz. Thank you for coming by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I can see why Dale’s photo made you think of the crinoline. Good take on the prompt, Rochelle.
At least only the well-to-do had to dress like this; the average working woman wore more practical attire. Fashion has never been very kind to women — and still isn’t, I think, as I eye 6″ stilettos. 😉
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When I was reading up on this, Christine, (because eerily, Rochelle and I went in the sort of same direction) it was a style worn by every class of woman…
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I believe fashion trends tended to “filter down” just like they do today, with common women adapting the fashion into a more practical garment. Among poorer classes and farm housewives, they often wore clothes made over from some deceased relative’s dresses, putting a touch of the latest trend into it.
Also, various religious (usually Protestant) groups of past eras discouraged following fashion trends, styling hair, etc. It annoys me that so many “Christian historical novel” book covers are so out to lunch with their clothing and hair styles.
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Absolutely. They did/do what they can in a more practical way.
Hmm… regarding the religious groups, I had no idea – besides the obvious ones like the Quakers or Amish.
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Dear Christine,
6″ stilettos? Ugh…ain’t happenin’ here. 😉 I’m a flats girl all the way. It’s all about comfort. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ditto. 🙂
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Nice story, Rochelle. It’s interesting to consider these corsets were yet another product of the whaling industry. I had no idea how much it shaped American business and imperialist practices. There was a great American Experience episode about it.
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Dear Josh,
At one time the whale was a mainstay. 😉 (Couldn’t resist). If we’ve learned anything, it’s that we haven’t learned much. Glad you liked my story and took the time to say so. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh, how I love this. From the way your mind works, seeing the crinoline hoops in that art work, to your description of Emma’s experience of wearing one (just as I imagine it to have felt – seriously, how did women manage, especially in the Tropics?) to the snippet of the present day, where women’s fashions are (fortunately) so much easier on us. As others have said, not a word wasted, perfect descriptions and a telling message about how the world has changed too. Perfection.
Have a wonderful trip, Rochelle.
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Dear Lynn,
Your comments make me smile. Always a pleasure to hear from another writer when a story hits its target. 😀 Thank you so much.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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My absolute pleasure 🙂
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Dear Rochelle,
How crazy that we both went the same direction! And added the exact same link.. Ruh Roh… You are rubbing off on me…
However, your take is, as only the queen of historical fiction can be, fabulous. I loved this.
Lotsa love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
I love it that we went the same direction when others have questioned the connection. 😉 Happy to rub off, my dear friend. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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We could start rumours….
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Wish you safe journeying, Rochelle, and happy book signing.
A simple story, well written. A periodic piece with all the things you love seamlessly worked in… except the frozen custard!!!
Shalom
Kelvin
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Dear Kelvin,
Such a sweet compliment. 😀 Even without the frozen custard. 😉 Thank you on all counts. We are on the road as I read and respond. Viva technology.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Excellent story. I love the subtlety with which you show the parallel between greater freedom of movement in our clothing and greater opportunity to experience fulfilment in our lives.
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Dear Penny,
Your comment makes me smile. So does the fact that we no longer wear crinolines or corsets. Ugh. Gimme a Speedo swimsuit any day. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely story, Rochelle. I enjoyed the two perspectives in time. I know when I see women in these dresses, whether in photos or movies, my first thought is, “Oh, how elegant and lovely.” Your story was a reminder how incredibly uncomfortable they must have been. In reality, I would have hated it, wanting to run free with my brothers. The song from the old advertisement is now running through my head “You’ve come a long way baby…”
I hope you have a safe trip and wonderful time holding your granddaughters!! =)
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Dear Brenda,
I’ve always had a fascination with the styles of those long ago times. The women seemed to be the epitome of femininity. However on second thought…I’m good with jeans and T-Shirts. 😉 Also, as a swimmer I feel sorry for Emma, too. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Really clever, would never have thought of that connection. Excellent job.
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Thank you, Lisa. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Argh! I did my post then read the rest of yours, Sorry………. crinolines were the first thing to come to mind when I saw the prompt.
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No need to apologize. There’s no rule against seeing the same thing. 😉
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Having been one to wear the whole she-bang, let’s say I have the uptmost respect for our ancestors who suffered through this era of clothing. It’s heavy! My gown with all the accompaniments weighed a whopping 125 pounds… I weighed a mere 98lbs at the time! Ugh, and don’t even get me started on whalebone corsets…. argh! Then again, I really miss my corset…honestly. Now, off to see if I can get my muse to come out an play. It’s been hiding since last night’s storm.
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Dear Jelli,
You’ve really given me more perspective on the dress of the day. I can’t imagine having to wear all of that. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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There are two sides to everything. All that elegant lacing and corsetry must have been murder to wear, and men never had to experience it. Love the contrasting of old and new voices on the subject.
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Dear Sarah Ann,
At the same time men had to wear stiff collars and neckties, although I think women have traditionally suffered more for fashion. Today’s fashion encourages women to maintain an unhealthy weight and wear stilettos. However, we have more choices these days, don’t we? Thank you for you kind comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
As always, I love your story and want to read more. 🙂 I’m actually taking a stab at this one this week too. Mine revolves around water and could really be more than 100 words. Maybe I’ll continue writing something more if I can keep my mind focused on it.
I hope you have a wonderful and safe trip and that your book signing goes well. You deserve nothing but great success. I’m not on Facebook anymore so I’m missing out on your artwork which is disappointing, but I had to give it up for awhile. I want to give myself some time to focus on writing something of substance and to do that I have to get rid of distractions.
Take care and talk to you soon,
Renee
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Dear Renee,
As I write we’re about halfway through our road trip. I’ve seen some gorgeous scenery along the way. I plan to write a blog about it soon, once my husband sends me his photos.
I understand about Facebook. I’m hoping at some point to update my art page on this site. Thus far I haven’t gotten much traffic or response to it. But I haven’t really taken much time with it.
Hope all is well with you, my dear. Thank you for coming by and checking in. You are thought of often. <3.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love the dress, Rochelle, it really shows off your tiny waist nicely. Cute story too, the times do change.
When you bringing your books to Seattle? I’ll take you up to the top of the Space Needle.
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Dear Ted,
As if I ever had a tiny waist. Cute comment.
I would love to bring my books to Seattle. Timing is everything. And it’s one of those things where I’d have to have airfare and engagements to justify the expenses. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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People who talk about “fashion victim”s now a days have no idea.
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So true, Alice. And we certainly have more choices now, don’t we? Thank you for coming by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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back in the day, i imagine it would be appropriate for wearing to the symphony. 🙂
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Dear Plaridel,
Back in the day…I can’t imagine wearing all those layers unless it was in the dead of winter. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love that you saw hoop skirts too! What a dreadful fashion that was! And how many women caught their dresses on fire and died because of it.
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Dear Lish,
It’s fun that some of us saw the same thing. Still we didn’t write the same story. 😉 I can’t imagine. The fashion industry hasn’t been kind to women, has it? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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High heels, corsets, push-up bras! YIkes! You are so right.
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Tyranny, in case of women, has always covered more areas of their lives than one would have thought possible. Great that at least some are seeing freedom now. All the best for your road-trip Rochelle, have loads of fun 🙂 Shalom, Anurag
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Dear Anurag,
As I reply to your wonderful comment, we’re halfway through our road trip. It’s great seeing family and friends. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Different perspectives. I saw the crinoline also and went that way as well. I often wear the modern version for dancing. I love the skirts but I agree – whalebone stays are an item of clothing I hope never makes a comeback.
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Dear Irene,
We women do some pretty bizarre things in the name of fashion, don’t we? I love the way a prompt can even take us in the similar directions but with different stories. Thanks for commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks Rochelle. Although a theme may be the same the stories are always very different and it is enjoyable reading those differences.
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How times change. It must have been torture, squeezed into those old garments. I hate having to wear a tie, and that only happens once a year!
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Dear Ali
I, for one, am grateful for the changes. I don’t think I’d enjoy wearing a tie either. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A nice example of how things change – I hope the new generation appreciate the freedom they have! A lovely contrast provided 🙂
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Dear Mumpoet,
We do have much more freedom than our poor predecessors, don’t we? 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I felt uncomfortable just reading this! must have been worse than wearing a straightjacket! By the way, I’ve gone AWOL for the month of April due to the pressures of the A-Z Daily Challenge.
My Friend Rosey – E is for Employment
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Dear Keith,
I’m so glad the message of discomfort came across. 😉 Thank you for taking the time to read and comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I loved ‘Why aren’t boys corseted with whalebone and lace?’ and “Ha! Looks more like she’s ready to faint.” 🙂🙂
Such a lovely story .
It’s nice Denise and Penny are enjoying the freedom that their grandma would long for .
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P.S. wishing you a wonderful road trip and family time.
Love,
Moon
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Dear Moon,
As much as I love to swim, I’m with Denise and Penny. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
PS I’m having a wonderful time on the road trip. We’re now at my brother in law’s house and he has a lovely little swimming pool. Had a lovely ice cold swim this morning.
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Those old fashions looked grand, but whale bone stays must have been purgatory. Ps. I have now forgotten what my comment was about. And the like button on Word press will not work for me. So I will now sign off by wishing you a good week out and about.
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Dear Mike,
I am having a lovely week. Seeing places I’ve never been before. Thank you for coming by to read and comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
Lovely flash. Some things have improved, especially regarding fashion! Those Victorian clothes must have weighed a ton!
Hope you have a good trip and fun with your grandchildren and good luck at the book signing, tomorrow!
All the best,
Lucy.
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Dear Luccia,
We are fortunate to have wide range of choices these days. Not to mention much better swimwear. 😉 As for the trip…we are having a wonderful time. And the book signing was a sweet success. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It does remind one of those crinoline…and that era. Loved your story Rochelle. 😊
They did look elegant but that was that, and so many feelings and desires they had to hide.
Penny is lucky to go swimming, in a swimsuit.
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Dear Norma,
Crinolines were the first thing I saw in the picture. I certainly can’t imagine wearing all of the skirts and petticoats along with the crinolines in the summer. As a swimmer I’m with Penny. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Babs Barker W(T)F,
I wonder what Emma would think of today’s fashions–especially the jeans that appear to have lost a fight with a weedwhacker.
The older I get the more in tune I am with the old blues song, “I’m built for comfort, Baby. I’m not built for speed.”
Come back hummin’ some Beach Boys tunes,
Gary Less-is-Moore
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Dear Gary Less-Is-Moore,
As one of my favorite T-Shirts says, I’m built low to the ground for speed and accuracy. I’m with you on the overpriced pre-shredded jeans.
I get around-round…I get around.
Shalom,
Babs Barker W(T)F
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i pity the young women who had to live and work like that.
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Dear Dawn,
It might not have been so bad during the winter, but summer?….Fuhgetaboutit.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great observational tale. What a difference a few generations make. At least great grandma was spared Stilettos 😉
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Dear Subroto,
Each generation has their torturous fashion, doesn’t it? 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love this line: “Why aren’t boys corseted with whalebone and lace?”
Penny and Denise are lucky to be able to go for a swim! 🙂
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Dear Magarisa,
I’m glad you liked my line. 😉 And what’s up with women having to bear the burden of fashion? Give me a Speedo swimsuit any day. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Speedo swimsuits all the way! 😀
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Just the thought of being in a humid DC summer wearing all of that would make me faint. Thoughtful story as always, Rochelle. 🙂
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Dear Sascha,
Not only would the humidity be a killer, factor in the fact that there no air conditioning. No wonder women were known for fainting spells. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh, Rochelle. Now I understand why women were fainting all the time. You’ve hit the nail on the head. I would be too. Nothing to do with constitution but with the dress!
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So very interesting Rochelle. If it isn’t, this should be a part of fashion school’s history lessons.
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Dear Roy,
Much has been written about fashion. Just had to add my 2 cent’s worth. Thank you. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, I had to look up the word Crinoline. Great learning experience. I think my best chance to use the word will be at a wedding. I feel so in touch with my feminine side now.
Safe travels my friend.
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Dear Dan,
I’m so happy to have helped you get in touch with your feminine side. 😉 The traveling is going well. Fun times but often iffy internet. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle, I’m now better and have posted your story. You’re probable on the road by now. Have fun and may you have a full house for your book signing.
Blessing, Phyllis
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Dear Phyllis,
The book signing went well. I’m glad you’re feeling better and will have to check out your blog. Thank you
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Gorgeous! Loved the end with the two girls in their swimsuits! Such a clever tag to grandma’s suffering!
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Dear Laurie,
Thank you for such a lovely comment. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I enjoyed the comparison of women in those days with modern women. How she longed to strip down and swim in the creek and the girls in their relatively more comfortable swimsuits. Hope all goes well in Los Angeles. Wish I could be there!
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Dear Fatima,
So far the trip is quite enjoyable. And in thinking of the three girls in my story, I enjoyed a wonderful swim this morning. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Enjoyed your take on the story and made me very grateful for my era and time! 😀 Have a good trip Rochelle. I had a question that I have been pondering on sometime for now. Is there an unwritten rule or something that one should post and then read the stories? Or if one is stumped one can read and perhaps get inspired? Or would that be tantamount to cheating?
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Dear Dahlia,
I’m having a lovely trip. Seeing parts of the country I’ve never seen before and connecting with friends and family. Great times. 😉
No, there’s no unwritten rule about posting and reading. Many of us prefer to write our stories before reading others simply because we don’t want to be influenced. You can do it any way you please. 😀 The only things that really irritate me are those who don’t interact or those who feel their stories are too ‘good’ to adhere to the word limit. (I’m not talking 5 words, but those who post stories of 200-300).
I hope that clears things up for you. And thank you re my story. I, too, am grateful for fashion changes.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks Rochelle for clearing that up. Often due to preoccupation or simply unable to post I feel like I have lost out on reading as well which I not only enjoy but also find educative and inspiring. Have more fun 🙂
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