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As always, please be considerate of your fellow Fictioneers and keep your stories to 100 words. (Title is not included in the word count.) Many thanks.
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 © Gah Learner
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
BEAUTIFUL DREAMER
Minnie stared out her window at the rising moon and yawned.
“Girl,” said Mama Mary, Minnie’s great-grandmother. “You ain’t gonna learn to read stayin’ up all night.”
“I hate school. The kids call me Minnie Crazy.”
“Tell me what’s in them visions, child?”
“I see my great-great-grandma being brung here on a slave ship. I see elephants and birds and angels.”
Minnie Evans’ visions continued to haunt her. One day, paintbrush or crayon in hand, she recreated her dreams.
Her husband Julian frowned. “Pictures don’t put food on the table.”
Minnie trembled. “God told me I havta paint or die.”
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CLICK HERE for more
Heeding the Call by Minnie Evans
In her own words:
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
I didn’t know about her. What a lovely story, Rochelle
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Dear Neil,
I just learned of her on a recent trip to North Carolina. Fascinating person. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love the idea here, where her passion is paramount and achievement follows.
I have always encouraged my two young girls, that at school you will succeed if you just do the work, concentrate and focus, don’t fret and worry about it. They have done well.
A nice inspiration story, I enjoyed reading it.
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Dear James,
We could all learn from Minnie’s passion, I believe. Nothing could stop her from drawing. Good on you with your girls. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A strangely troubling tale
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Oh? Why is that?
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Such a fascinating story. Very moving, Rochelle.
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Thank you, Jilly. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a beautiful story about an interesting woman. I love how you show us all these interesting people and make them come alive. That makes history fun. Thanks for using my piccie, too. 🙂
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Dear Gabi,
I just ‘met’ Minnie myself. Such a compelling story I had to share it. Lovely inspirational photo, too. Thank you on both counts. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’m glad she followed her feelings and developed her artistic talent. Her paintings are different but outstanding. A good story taken from real life, Rochelle. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Dear Suzanne,
She was an amazing human, wasn’t she? Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Amazing woman, Minnie. She trusted her spiritual direction, even though it may not have put bread on the table. A rare soul, like Wiliam Blake, someone else who trusted their spirit. We need such people, I believe.
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Dear Francine,
If all of us were the same, how dull, boring and gray the world would be. Yet when someone is different we call them crazy or abnormal. What’s up with that? Thank you for your comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Love me some William Blake!
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What a fascinating story. You capture such a lot of the richness and complexity of Minnie’s gift in so few words.
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Dear Penny,
There was so much to this lady that it was a challenge to tell her story in 100 words. I’m glad it worked. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story. I’ve just been browsing her artwork on Google. Very interesting work.
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Dear Trent,
Her drawings are complex, yet childlike, aren’t they? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yes, that is a great way to describe them, complex yet childlike. Something about them are mesmerizing.
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An interesting tale told with such an authentic voice. You’ve tempted me to find out more about her.
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Dear Keith,
Don’t resist the temptation. Minnie was a fascinating lady. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ah, so Minnie Evans is a real person! That makes your story even more fascinating, Rochelle.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
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Dear Susan,
I was introduced to Minnie last month while in NC. Well not the actual person, but her story. I came back itching to tell it. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Super! I can always count on you to show me something new. She looks like a jewel.
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Dear Josh,
I kind of wish I could have met her in person. There is a longer video out there that’s well worth watching. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Another incredible historical fiction piece. Well done, Rochelle.
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Thank you, James. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
I love how you discover these little jewels in the world and bring them to life. And I am in awe of those who have such a calling and feel compelled to do something about it.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful woman’s work!
Lotsa love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
I never really thought of it as a calling until recently. Another friend has told me the same thing. Perhaps there’s something to that? There are so many human flames who lit up their own corners yet the rest of the world is oblivious. Thank you for such a sweet and wonderful comment. ❤
Shalom and hugs,
Rochelle
PS Happy to share the throne with you this week. 😉
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Dear Rochelle,
I really believe some people are called to their work/art/life and could not fathom tuning out that calling. I almost envy them.
And very happy you allowed me – okay, you didn’t know till I wrote it, but still!
Lotsa love,
Dale
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could not agree more with what dale has said. Your stories are a gem of valuing life.
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Thank you, Deepa. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Fascinating story, Rochelle. I loved the intricacy of the art work and her feel for colour.
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Dear Sandra,
When I find ’em I havta share them. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Once again, you’ve introduced me to someone I’d never heard of. I will be learning more about her.
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Dear Linda,
I learned of Minnie on my recent trip to NC. Compelling individual. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh I love the thought of draw or die… people with passion can get somewhere.
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Dear Björn,
Passion was something Minnie possessed in spades. Although she shared the vision of God telling her to paint or die, I don’t think she drew out of fear. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a beautiful story. I love how you take a slice of history and spin a realistic yarn around it. As usual, reading you is a pleasure, dear Rochelle.
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Dear Neel,
Your comments make my heart soar. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely story with your magic touch. Such passion, sure to take one to places. Didn’t know about her. Thanks for sharing.
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Dear Indira,
I only recently learned about Minnie. I’d never heard of her either. It just shows where following one’s passion can lead. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So true , dear. I like everything but am not passionate about anything . My minus point. Shalom.
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Once again, you bring amazing people to light. I think a lot of talented artists have been called crazy before. Genius is only a fine line away from insanity after all. Loved this piece Rochelle!
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Dear Eric,
I’ve always felt there’s a fine line between genius and insanity. I prefer the word ‘eccentric.’ 😉 Artists have different perceptions of reality, don’t we? Glad you enjoyed meeting Minnie as I did. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Inspirational story, Rochelle. Sounds like she was a fascinating woman. I’m interested in reading more about her. Thanks for sharing 🙂
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Dear Adele,
There’s a longer version of the video I shared. And much more out there. She was fascinating. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I have been introduced to so much interesting writing here in this little group of troubadours. I love it, it’s another brilliant story, and so many of these folk go unsung and undiscovered. Thank you Rochelle for bringing them to my attention.
Keep on keeping on
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Plus one final comment, I note that the renegade Wednesday Fictioneers are already on it!!! I was going to try and get mine done today (wednesday) but we’ll have to wait and see, my aim is to be below number 50 in the group to publish their story!!
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I know the feeling. Sometimes things take a little longer than planned.
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Dear Shrawley,
Hard to rein in those Wednesday Fictioneers. 😉 At any rate I’m happy you liked my story. I love to troll Google for people I didn’t know about. As it turns out, this one was ‘dropped’ in my lap on my recent trip to NC where there’s a bottle house built in her honor at Airlie Gardens in Wilmington. I bought a coffee table book about her life. Had to share. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle,
You have a wealth of history in you.
Blessing,
Phyllis
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Dear Phyllis,
Not sure about that, but the histories do seem to find me. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This is wonderful! As life would have it, a friend had told me about her artwork just a few weeks ago — I hadn’t know of this amazing artist before that — and here you write of her in this very evocative anecdote!
Thank you for sharing these lovely historical tidbits and in such a personalizing, real voice. Well done!
Have added my little contribution to the Linky-thingy, and as usual … am being stubborn and copying the link here, too.
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Na’ama Y’karah,
It sounds like we met Minnie and her artwork right about the same time. I’d never heard of her before last month. I was immediately drawn in by both the innocence and precise details of her work. I have to share them when I find them. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Synchronicity is an amazing thing. Never fails to amaze me. 🙂
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This story fills me with inspiration. It’s akin to writing with passion. Thank you 😊
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Dear Vivian,
I was recently asked which was my passion, painting or writing. My answer is that they’re on an even plane. So yes. Passion in art or painting…same thing. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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There are so many forms of delivering art. It was great to read about someone like Minne Evans
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Dear Michael,
There are indeed many forms of art. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Nice story of an artist’s need to create. The picture you show us reminds me a bit of Pennsylvania Dutch designs. I love the complexity and vibrant color, yet she seems to shy away from outright representation. Enjoyed it and i will be hunting down more images forthwith. pS a South Carolina basket artist made the basket pictured on the frontispiece ( welcome page) of my blog. Never got her name, but what pleasure it has brought me! Such abilities astound!
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Dear Andrea,
The artist does need to create. It’s like breathing and eating. Minnie’s artwork is something to behold and her story just fascinated me.
I love your basket. Lovely.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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fortune doesn’t favor one based on the strength of her convictions. but it’s a good start. a heartwarming story.
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Dear Plaridel,
Thank you for your kind comments. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Interesting woman. Good choice for a tale well told.
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Many thanks, Stu.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Your stories make me wonder at times if you have a secret portal in your closet. History has never been so good.
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Dear Susan,
Your comment made me laugh out loud. I guess I’m just curious. When I learn of an interesting tidbit of history or an interesting person I have to suss them out. 😉 Thank you so much. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Glad she went after her passion. Thanks for sharing, Rochelle!
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Dear Sascha,
Minnie certainly brightened her little corner of the world. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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🙂 I loved the painting in the picture you shared. I’ll have to look for others of hers.
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There are worse muses than visions, though the final sentence is a little worrying. She sounds quite afraid that if she stops painting she’ll die.
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Dear Ali,
Minnie loved what she did. I’m not sure if she was truly afraid or not.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh wow! What an inspiring tale.
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Many thanks, Anurag. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The last line was quite terrifying!
Lovely piece! 🙂
Here’s my take on the prompt:
Happy reading! 🙂
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Dear DN,
I suppose the last line could taken as something scary. I’m not sure she felt that way herself.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Double-headed dragon, the passion…It can push you forward, but also over the edge. Very inspiring story, Rochelle.
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Dear Loré,
So true about passion. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Allie Hirshfeld W(T)F,
Your story doesn’t mention Walla Walla Bing Bang Art Institute, but I’m sure there’s an association hidden in there somewhere. At least Minnie used more crayons than just the purple one.
Another interesting piece of history revealed. Nicely done.
Silly (Limp) Biskit
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Dear Silly (Limp) Biskit,
I don’t know if Minnie would’ve been accepted to Walla Walla Bing Bang Art Institute. It’s a pretty exclusive school. Only people like C. D. Van Gogh, Mort Picasso and Cheryl Rembrandt can be accepted. Minnie just didn’t understand the joys purple the way some of us do.
Glad you enjoyed the history as much as the histrionics.
Monochromatically yours,
Allie Hirshfeld W(T)F
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Very powerful story Rochelle! A terrifying gift but so compelling!
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Thank you, Joyful! 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautiful story. Clash between passion and reality. I love when she says, “I have to paint or die”
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Dear Abhijit,
Thank you for such a lovely comment. Passion compels doesn’t it?
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Shalom! What a moving story, Rochelle! Didn’t know it was a true one!
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Dear Anshu,
Some of the best stories are true, aren’t they? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautiful. Lovely story. The muse must be obeyed. I need to read up more on her
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Dear Laurie,
I learned about Minnie on my recent trip to North Carolina. I’d never heard of her before. So glad to have met her. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Same here now 😊
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Such a wonderful artist with a great body of work, I am surprised that I hadn’t heard about her before. Surely she would be listed as one of the great American painters. Lovely story Rochelle.
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Dear Subroto,
One has to wonder how many wonderful artists and exceptional people remained unknown.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Interesting, a little creepy too haha. I enjoyed it, you sure made the most of those 100 words.
Cheers,
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Dear Jacob,
I suppose it could be considered a little creepy…depending on your point of view. Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you for sharing Minnie’s tale through this evocative story. Glad she followed her dreams.
So good to be here on your blog after eons Rochelle. I’m writing for this lovely photo prompt too. Been a longer than usual hiatus.
Love and Cheer and Happy Weekend!
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Dear Natasha,
Nice to have you back. And thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wonderful pictures from a wonderful woman. And you sum up her progression from uncomfortable-in-her-skin child to artist so succinctly. Am over egging it to give you another wonderful!
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Dear Sarah Ann,
Minnie was true to her gift. One has to admire that. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
This story is great on many levels. I think it’s wonderful to see someone with such faith that God is telling them that they have to to do something, and that thing is creative rather than destructive. In my thinking, creativity is the reason for us being on this planet and yet God is so often used as an excuse for destructiveness. I love Minnie’s naive style of painting, with such bold colours.
Thanks for introducing her. She’s an inspiration.
Finally, I’ve surfaced. Had a wonderful holiday in the Isle of Wight with daughter and family, then lots of catching up to do. But I was determined to participate in FF this week, after a far too lengthy break from it.
I’m a bit fed up about Facebook stopping automatic shares of WP posts to our main feeds, as I don’t want all my posts to go to my public brand page, which is specifically related to my novel-writing and publishing. Grrrr…
All best wishes,
Sarah
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Dear Sarah,
I love it when these people and stories find me. I’m glad you enjoyed meeting Minnie, too. She’s considered North Carolina’s national treasure I think. I went on and watched the longer video and also picked up a lot in the little coffee table book I bought while on vacation. The God I know is the Great Creator. I’ve always been of the notion that he freely gives his creative gifts to his human creations.
I have been missing you these days so I’m happy to see you surface. As for FB I didn’t know they ever automatically posted anything from WP. I’ve always copied and pasted my entries to my page. I think I’m confused.
At any rate, my coffee table book has been released and it exceeds expectations. However the American Amazon page needs to be adjusted. Not sure of the UK one, since I don’t know that I’ll ever understand your monetary system. 😉
Not available on Kindle I’m afraid, but it is a lovely hardcover and the colors are spot on.
Enough boasting there.
At any rate, I’m happy that my story resonated with you. Hope we can chat in the very near future.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
I was once asked on my theology course to describe in one sentence what the main purpose of our existence is, and I wrote “To be stewards of God’s world”. The trouble is, that sometimes I think this would be better served by engaging in conservational work on Sundays than formal worship!
Until the beginning of August, it was possible to automatically share WP posts in your FB timeline, along with on Twitter and Linkedin.
I’m so glad you are pleased with your coffee table book. It’s marked at £23.24 on Amazon UK. Our present exchange rate is 1.00 GDP = 1.295 USD. The price on the UK site will probably not take into account the exchange rate from your end, anymore than it does if I read the price on the US site, which currently says $34.95 but probably says something different for you. Is the book going to be available in paperback eventually, as it’s quite expensive at the moment?Otherwise, I will have to save up, as I have lots of family birthdays and other expenses just now. Anyway, it looks lovely and the cover very classy, so worth saving for!
All best wishes,
Sarah
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Dear Sarah,
34.95 is the correct US price. It is rather pricey, but I’m pretty sure it won’t be released in paperback. You won’t need to guess what my family members are receiving for Christmas. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I appreciate her passion to fulfil the purpose she was made for, that drive to create. It’s sad that her differences caused her to be made fun of as a girl but glad she didn’t listen. She shut them out and painted. You said so much about her in only one-hundred words, amazing. As usual, I learned so much from your story and am prompted to go and look Minnie up. Thanks, Rochelle!
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Dear Brenda,
As soon as I learned of Minnie’s story on a recent trip to NC, I was drawn to her like a moth to a flame. She was unique. I’m happy to have sparked an interest. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You meet the most interesting people. =)
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Pictures dont put food on the table……. this is very rude.
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Dear Kalpana,
It does sound rude. Obviously her husband didn’t understand. Thank you for commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Love how you tell a life story each week! Thosepaintings are beautiful. I haven’t blogged this week because of house move but hope to be back soon.
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Dear Liz,
I appreciate the read and the nice comment on my story, given your busy-ness this week. Hope all is going well with the move. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Querida Rochelle,
Such an interesting passionate tale of this artist. You must be an archeologist. You find the most interesting characters to research. Her paintings are phenomenal.
Gracias por otro cuento interesante …
Abrazos y carino,
Isadora
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Querida Isadora,
On a recent trip to NC we went to Airlie Gardens, the former home of Minnie Evans. I picked up a little coffee table book about her and was drawn in. Had to tell her story. I don’t know that I dig for them, they seem to ‘find’ me. 😉 Gracias, mi amiga.
Abrazos y shalom,
Rochelle
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I agree. They find the perfect person to showcase them. BRAVO … 😎
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This is a wonderful piece which makes me want to know more about her.
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Thank you for a lovely comment/compliment, Lisa.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle,
What I’ve missed most about not being here is the new things I learn every week, and this week was no exception – a great story. Also, in the future, when I’m one word over on the count, I hope you don’t mind if I borrow ‘havta’ ;).
take care
EL
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Dear El,
What a treat to have you back in the Friday Fictioneers Fold this week. Thank you re my story. 😀 And you know how it is. We havta do what we havta do. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The last line is so powerful – Minnie knew exactly what her calling was, and would not give it up for anything. Such authentic dialogue to bring the story to life.
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Dear Magarisa,
Minnie never doubted. Quite a woman and artist. Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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My pleasure, Rochelle.
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Fascinating. A really interesting backstory. As an outsider she did well to get recognised. Thanks for the education.
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Dear Patrick,
Her whole story is amazing. I guess it’s all about being in the right place at the right time with a little Divine Intervention thrown in for good measure. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Nicely told, Rochelle.
True art is nothing to do with putting food on the table. Painting, like writing or any other art form, has one rule (or not even rule, more a guideline) – say what you want to say, and say it from the heart.
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Dear RG,
Minnie did follow her heart, didn’t she? And eventually, although not in her husband’s lifetime, it did put food on the table. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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🙂
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I too am in awe of those who follow their calling. They have this do-or-die urgency about it.
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Dear Fatima,
Those who don’t follow their hearts, I think, are the ones who end up frustrated and unfulfilled. Sadder than sad. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I didnt follow my heart 😥 and it is very sad and unfulfilling. But it’s never too late.
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I’m something of a late bloomer myself. 😉 As long as you’re breathing it’s not too late.
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Oh my goodness I love this..and her!
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Thank you, Dawn. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Sometimes the food doesnt go down as well if you arent doing what you are meant to be doing. Another wonderful introduction and inspiration Rochelle 🙂
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Dear Dahlia,
Forgive my latent reply. Just saw this. And you’ve said a mouthful. When you’re not following your heart else really matters. Food tastes like sand. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely story, Rochelle and very inspirational. She followed her calling. Many people don’t and regret it.
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Dear AHFA,
Minnie did follow her calling, no matter if everyone else thought she was crazy. Thank you. ❤
Shalom,
Rochelle
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