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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.
I must make mention here, that in the going on 7 years I’ve hosted Friday Fictioneers, this is one of the few Ted actually sent for use as a prompt. Usually I just ‘borrow’ them (with express permission, of course. 😉 Thanks, Ted. 😀

PHOTO PROMPT © Ted Strutz
Genre: Historical Faction
Word Count: 100
MCMLIII
“What’s so special about 1953?”
For one, Bob Wisoff bought his first car. A ’53 Chevrolet Bel Air.
September 4, he and Evalyne welcomed their second child.
On the same date, West Indian native, Clothilda Jacobs delivered her 5th child, Lawrence. It was the twelfth day of New York’s longest recorded heatwave.
The Chevy is long gone.
Lawrence went on to delight audiences as Sweathog Freddy “Boom-Boom” Washington with a cocky grin and, “Hi there.”
Bob’s daughter, Rochelle, married and raised three sons. She still creates art, literature, and, occasionally, a bit of havoc.
It was a very good year.
A good year indeed. And both Lawrence and Rochelle are looking very good I might add.
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Dear Lyneane,
When I found out that one of my favorites and I shared a birthday, I couldn’t resist. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I loved “he still creates art, literature, and, occasionally, a bit of havoc”
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Occasionally? Oh, yes, of course hmm, mmhm.
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Why, dear, whatEVER do you mean?
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You know. Lol.
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She
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Dear Neil,
Glad you liked the line and thank you for the adjustment. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Loved this chronology of events, Rochelle! And knowing a bit of you was bonus. Keep making new art and literature and havoc too. 🙂
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Dear Anshu,
I don’t foresee myself putting a halt to creating art and literature just yet. 😉 Thank you for your sweet comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely piece, a very good year indeed
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Dear Shrawley,
Now I hear Old Blue Eyes singing.
Thank you re my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely memories! I like your post. 1953 isn’t that far away for some of us but old history to some others. Just to show life keeps going at a fast pace and we’re only butterflies on this planet. Lovely. Thanks from France. (from threefoldtwenty dotcom)
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Dear Frankie,
Sometimes 1953 seems like ancient history. 😉 Thank you for taking the time to read and leaving such a nice comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Well my granddaughter was born in this new millenium and she asked me one day whether I was born before or after the Eiffel Tower was built, you know, in Roman times!
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One of my sons used to say my husband was born before they took the corners off of wheels.
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Ha ha ha ! Great sense of humor, your son 🙂
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Lovely little autobiographical piece, Rochelle. Very well done indeed creating that bit of havoc.
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Dear Varad,
Some of us never quite grow up. I’m happy to say I’m one of those. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Shame about the Chevy, but I guess 2 out of 3 ain’t bad!
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Dear CE,
I was 8 when Dad traded that car in on a 1960 Valiant. I remember being very sad about it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That is a sweet little write-up with a warm feel to it.
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Thank you, Ira. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely showcasing of some pretty special events. Thanks again for hosting Rochelle. Hope we don’t run you too ragged this week.. 😉
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Dear Violet,
This is one I had to keep slicing and dicing. I wanted to include more details about him but in digging it seems Lawrence Hilton is a private person. I was tickled to find out we were born on the exact same day. 😉
Friday Fictioneers is my passion or I wouldn’t do it. I’ve learned a few things in 7 years. One is about reciprocation. Thank you so much.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Well you walk the walk every week that’s for sure.. And I always look forward to your words of wisdom…
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a lovely memory to know bits and pieces about you Rochelle. thanks for the prompt.
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Many thanks for such a lovely comment, Deepa. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I lived MCML111 about the Chevy & family.Succinct; poignant!
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Thank you Ajburchell. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
As far as I can tell, 1953 was a very good year, indeed! (And now I have that song playing in my head… no wait, it’s really playing here, thanks to your link 😉 )
I must say, Freddie Boom-Boom Washington has aged as fabulously as you have!
Shalom and Lotsa love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
You’re very kind. Sorry about that ear worm. I did love me some Welcome Back Kotter so I was thrilled to find I shared the day with one of the Sweathogs. Thank you. ❤
Shalom and hugs,
Rochelle
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As far as ear worms go, there are way worse…
I loved that show, too! Very cool that you and he share a birthday 😉
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I don’t recognise one half of the equation, but I certainly can identify with the other. 🙂 Good take on the prompt. I don’t know of anyone with whom I share my birthday, apart from your husband. 🙂
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Dear Sandra,
As with all those old shows and actors, we never know which ones reach the other side of the pond, do we? I googled my birthday on a whim and found that Mr. Hilton and I shared the same day. Who knew? Thank you re my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I know you are creating art, literature and, of course, havoc, but it is nice to see that Lawrence is still around if not in the public eye as much as back in the late 70s.
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Dear Trent,
I enjoyed reading about Lawrence and it makes me happy to know we share both day and year. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A vintage year! Got me wondering if I share my birthday with anyone famous… 🙂
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Dear Iain,
You can find it on the internet. I looked for famous people born on Sept 4 and, voila! It was a vintage year. Too bad we don’t still have the car. In good condition it would be worth a fortune today. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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1953 was a year of many good starts… I think that it might be a good thing that people last longer than cars, and when it comes to havoc – no cars please.
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Dear Björn,
Actually I kind of wish cars would last as long as people. Think about what we’d save in car payments. 😉 1953 was a good year. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A wonderful take on the prompt, Rochelle. 1953 sounds like it was a very good year 🙂
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Dear Adele,
I’m not sure my big brother would’ve said it was a wonderful year at the time. 😉 Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely spin on this prompt, and I’ve learned a bit more about you besides! 🙂 Fun!
Here’s my contribution (also left with Mr. Linky-thinky-thingy):
https://naamayehuda.com/2019/01/23/scouts-honor/
Na’ama
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Na’ama Y’karah,
The minute I saw that car I saw Dad’s old Bel Air. Glad you enjoyed the ride. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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🙂 I did, I did!
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Great story and photo. I always liked that tune. Frank was a dog, but man what a voice. That was his best period, I think.
I’ve heard of “son of a gun,” meaning a baby that was conceived shipboard by some anonymous sailor between decks. Are you “daughter of Bel Aire?”
Asking for a friend. 😉
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Dear Josh,
I think Frank was more than just a dog, but he could sing. As for my origins, if you knew my parents, the question would never come to mind. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That was always such a very favorite show of mine when I was growing up. He seems like such an obscure pop cultural footnote, it’s nice to find out something extra about him
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Dear Larry,
We loved that show. All of the characters were memorable. When I found out we shared a birthdate…well I had to go there.
Signed,
Juan Epstein’s Mother
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Kotter’s a history teacher, and the teacher in my story was my history teacher too. It’s nice to find out about their eccentric aunts and uncles.
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Lovely bit of autobiography, Rochelle. It’s fascinating to know which performers entertained and inspired you.
Shalom
Penny
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Dear Penny,
Glad you enjoyed. A little frightening to think I was inspired by a “Sweathog”. Nah seriously that show was hilarious. Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Nice origin story! So glad all this cool stuff happened!😊
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Dear Andrea,
It was a fun ride. Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’m not sure who Sweathog Freddie is, but I’ve a pretty good idea who Rochelle is. Good story, I was 10 when your story started. I knew you would like that photo.
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I’ll have to see what the girls think of it.
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Dear Ted,
We used to watch Welcome Back Kotter and I loved all the Sweathogs. Maybe it’s our age difference. 😉 I do love the photo. Haven’t heard from Cheryl and Ethel yet, what’s up with that? Thanks for the comment and the photo.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Never watched Kotter. “What’s up with that?” hahahahaha
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p.s. I was going to write and tell you it was a Chevy. Who figured out the year for you? And your baker’s outfit is cute, btw.
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No one had to figure out the year. My parents’ first car was a 1953 Chevy. If I don’t recognize any other car I will recognize that one. 😉
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That’s too funny, what a coincidence.
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A fine year indeed!
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Thank you, Alice. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Do you still remember your dad’s Chevy?
Thanks for introducing me to Sweathog Freddy “Boom-Boom” Washington. 🙂
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Dear Magarisa,
I actually do remember the Chevy. I was 8 when he traded it in. I remember feeling very sad about it since it was the only car I’d known. Freddy was a cutie, wasn’t he? Still is. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Fun story! It’s extremely cool to find out that one of your favorite people shares a birthday. I love that show! Now I want to watch it. Thanks for being awesome!
Shalom,
Ronda
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Dear Ronda,
I was pretty excited to find that I shared THE day with a favorite person. The show was fun until Gabe Kaplan left. Then what was the point of ‘Welcome Back, Kotter’? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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An excellent year Rochelle, not just good 🙂
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Aww, what a lovely thing to say, Anurag. Thank you very much. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It was so good to know about the year you were born. It’s great to share your birthday with someone famous!
Sorry that your car had to be traded…I can understand the emotional attachment
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Dear Kislaya,
My parents had many cars after that one, but it’s the one I remember the most. 😉 I tend to form emotional attachments to things quite easily. Thank you for your comments on the rest of the story. I was pretty thrilled to find out I shared a birthday. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Nice family history of Bob’s daughter, Rochelle. Takes one back in time. When a car used to be big and heart bigger.
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Thank you, Abhijit,
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I learn everytime you weave historical fiction and this one is closer home. Absolutely delightful, dear Richelle… and what a line… “she still creates art, literature, and, occasionally, a bit of havoc”
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Dear Neel,
I may get tried and cranky at times, but I’m rarely bored. 😉 Thank you for your lovely comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a lovely tie in. Your personal touches bring a reader in, and I borrowed your Chevy. 😉 Nicely done!
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Dear Dawn,
The Chevy Bell Air was a popular car. Our next door neighbors had one also. Thanks for your kind words. Again, I’m so pleased to have you back in the FF queue.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You always weave a bit of history into a very interesting story. Loved that show, “Welcome Back, Kotter.” What a delight that you share a birthday with Lawrence. The world’s a brighter place because of the two of you! 🙂
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Dear Brenda,
Your words are warmth on a cold morning. I was delighted to find that Lawrence and I share a birthday. Thank you so much. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I never heard of the guy, but that lady rings a bell… 🙂 Sweet and funny story, Rochelle. A good year indeed.
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Dear Gabi,
I never know when I share TV personalities or shows how many of them made it overseas. 😉 Thank you for your sweet words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle. The photo prompt reminded me of a wreck halfway down the mountain here where I live and often wondered about it. What amazed me in Ted’s photo and in mine how the chrome on the bumpers or guards as you’d call it I think, remained shiny enough to see into, after so many years of the rest of it rusting away. Loved your ‘historical’ tale. I’ve linked and to Dverse as well using my own photo. Hope it’s okay.
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Dear Petru,
Nice to see you here this week. In answer to the question…There’s no problem with inserting your own photo, however, for tie-in sake, it would be nice if you also included the prompt photo somewhere on the page. This is something many of us do all the time.
Glad you liked my little story. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A good year indeed! Only “occasionally” a bit of havoc? 🙂
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Dear Ali,
I’m keeping my lips sealed. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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In my book you’re a mere youngster!
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Dear Liz,
I’ll accept that with a thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Special year, car and memories indeed!
How cleverly you have shared the story!
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Thank you, Anita. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A wonderful year, indeed!
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Dear Dawn,
It was a very good year. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wonderful story! A most excellent year. 🙂
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Thank you, Sascha. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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these are moments to remember. great story.
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Thank you, Plaridel. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Nice memories. Why did you dump the car in the woods?
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Dear James,
Um…it’s not the same car. 😉 Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It was indeed a great year, some say the best. And this year is going to be a great year and next year too. Wherever you are found Rochelle, the years are special.
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Dear Kelvin,
So true. Since I was born in 1953, it’s kind of special to me. 😉 Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Creating art, literature, and, occasionally, a bit of havoc sounds like a solid plan for life. Nothing like sharing a birthday with a Chevy.
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Dear Subroto,
The picture brought back some fond memories and so did the video you posted on your blog of the top 30 hits of 1953. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It was a very good year, indeed. Almost as good as 1973. 😀
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Dear Loré,
I have a son who was born in 1974. You could be my daughter. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Koko No-Go W(T)F,
My first car was a ’54 Chevy. The bench seats were equivilant to full-size beds. Needless to say, my first girlfriend and I often visited our local drive-ins to not watch a movie.
Several people who were born the same year as me (1955) went on to acheive fame and fortune, but none of them have a blog quite like mine. Eat your heart out Bill Gates and Bruce Willis.
Paul Marcarelli
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Dear Paul Marcarelli,
Can you hear me now?
I remember the bench seats of the 53 Chevy. Although the only drive in movies I went to in that car were in my pj’s. I fell asleep through many a flick between my parents.
I’m sure I heard Bruce Willis in a recent interview bemoaning the fact that he didn’t have a blog like Whatshisname with the singing dog in Fayetteville.
Thank you for coming by. Don’t forget to put the speaker back on its stand before pulling away.
Signed Juan Epstein’s Mother,
Koko No-Go W(T)F
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It appears Liza Jane is fast becoming a celebrity in her own right. Perhaps she’ll let me have a non-speaking role in her next movie.
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Hi Rochelle I have dipped my toe in your pond as it were and Thank you for allowing me my attempt to match that Chevvy. it would have been worth a pretty penny if it had survived; well at least you have the memories. Not having honed the hundred for a while this was tough as I am sure yours was, we always need more if we were actually there; rather than drawing on imagination. Good stuff, as usual, thank you .
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Dear Ellen,
I’m so happy to see you back on Golden FF Pond. 😉 It’s a great little exercise IMHO. I didn’t invent it, I’ve just perpetuated it for going on 7 years. Thank you for participating and reciprocating.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Shalom x
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Loved this piece Rochelle. Nice memoiry stuff. I come a bit after – 1954
gramswisewords.blogspot.com
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Dear Marian,
A year’s difference. 😉 I’d say you’re way ahead of me in the grandchildren department. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
PS I still cannot get to your blog by the inLinkz. I was able to get there by clicking your name here. It’s definitely something on your end. I hope you can get that fixed. I like your writing and I’m sure others will too.
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Fascinating stuff. Recently I’ve been dipping my toe into family history. I haven’t been able to find any really personal details about my ancestors, but even seeing names, addresses and family names is exciting. Love how you’ve connected all these 1953 events.
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Dear Margaret,
I know what you mean. Growing up I didn’t think there was another Wisoff in the world other than my immediate family. Of course there were my dad’s sisters and mom, but I didn’t know anyone beyond that. Yet my dad came from a huge family…aunts, uncles, cousins. My grandfather had 7 siblings. So thanks to the magic of Facebook I’ve found other Wisoffs and we’re all related. Heady stuff.
Thank you re my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That’s so good. My single name was Jones, and my father came from Wales. I think 50% of Welsh people must be Jones. It’s been really frustrating to find the right ancestral line. You’re lucky to have a not so common surname. One day I’m going to do the DNA thing and see where it leads.
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!953? A fine vintage, ma’am! Enjoyed the detail about your dad’s Chevy. What a lovely image that is, too, your proud young parents with their first, shiny new car and their two little kids in the back. Imagining you a little older, your head out the window, hair blowing in the breeze! Gorgeous snapshot, Rochelle
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Dear Lynn,
Oh my I did like to hang my head out the window. 😀 Thank you for your lovely comment. L’chaim.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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My pleasure Rochelle
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A very good year indeed! 🙂
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Thank you, Jennifer. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I am truly sorry for going over 100 word count. I just couldn’t edit this down.
https://wordpress.com/post/johnfreda.wordpress.com/2156
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Hi John,
First of all, the link you provided only came back to my dashboard page. Second, while I was able to get to your story by way of clicking your name this is the comment section for my story, you might not get very many reads. Third, I read your story. 448 words is over the top for a 100 word exercise. The point of the exercise is to cut through a lot of exposition and get to the meat of the story. It doesn’t mean you can’t link your story. You didn’t break any hard and fast rule…you used the prompt.
If you add your STORY URL to the inLinkz http://www.inlinkz.com/new/view.php?id=811783 others beside myself will see and read your post.
Let me know if I can assist in any way.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A vintage year! Sweet story.
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Thank you so much, Clare. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Smiled all the way through 🙂
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Dear Linda,
Your smiles are my praise. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Well yes, I agree it was a very good year 🙂
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And a retro thank you, Michael. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Indeed. It sounds like a fabulous year 😊
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Dear Laurie,
1953 was a very good year. 😉 And a retro thank you to you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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She creates beautiful literature 🙂 Wonder what she is driving now a days ?
(Looks like the link is closed now. Sorry got delayed this time. https://trailbrooklane.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-car.html)
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Dear Jaya,
Thank you for your kind words. She’s driving a 2011 Chevy Cruz. 😉 The link does close Tuesday evenings my time.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely job. Great year indeed.
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Thank you very much, LIsa.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautiful piece, Rochelle and loved the last line.
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Many thanks, Indira. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Welcome, dear.
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