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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 © J Hardy Carroll
Genre: Memoir
Word Count: 100
MOTIF
South City View—we kids replaced ‘View’ with ‘Zoo.’ I suspect our overworked teachers used the same handle.
A bright spot for me was Mr. O’Neill, a teddy bear of a man. He taught art to all the elementary grades in the Center school district, going from school to school and room to room. His visits served as once-a-week holidays from routine classroom tedium.
In junior high, Mrs. Spears filled his vacancy in my life, followed by Mr. Creamer in high school. I often wonder what became of Robert H. O’Neill who added color, form and composition to my childhood.
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Ah, nostalgia isn’t what it used to be. 🙂
Great remembrances of some of the folks who brought the Rochelle we know, to us.
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Dear Archon,
Actually nostalgia is what it used to be. Unfortunately up close and present isn’t. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oddly, my Mr, O’Neill was a maths teacher. I loved it when he explained that there are forms of arithmetic in which 1+1 is not equal to 2. I liked your description of the teacher who expanded your universe. There is no job in the world more important than being a teacher
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Dear Neil,
I’m glad that your Mr. O’Neill was a memorable teacher, too. Funny I can still my Mr. O’Neill’s voice all these years later. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Though I have no idea what the man looks like, I imagine your Mr O’Neill to be looking down from heaven at all your beautiful artwork, smiling, and saying “Yup! I knew she had it in her” ✌
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Dear Lyneane,
He was always so encouraging. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love how a photo takes each of us to another place. Your childhood memories are always filled with such sweet poignancy. The photos at the end are particularly lovely!
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Dear Dawn,
Lately I’ve been in a very reflective place. I’m glad you enjoyed my story and photos and took the time to say so.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I know what you mean; I have too… maybe being a safta does it?
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We hope that all of us had at least one teacher that inspired us to achieve greater accomplishments than we thought we could. Apparently you got yours. And probably someone else’s as well. Well done.
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Dear Jan,
I was indeed blessed to have more than one teacher I can remember with great fondness. Not surprising that they should be art teachers, eh? Thank you, m’luv.
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Ah yes, the visiting teacher. When I was teaching First Grade it gave me a break as well. We had a music teacher and an art teacher. The art teacher was only for a short time Mostly I had to think of art activities. A good memory, Rochelle. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Dear Suzanne,
We had a visiting music teacher, too. I enjoyed those times as well. But nothing compared to Mr. O’Neill’s visits. I learned a lot listening to him sit and chat with the regular teacher while we were quietly working on our art projects. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I sometimes wonder whether teachers really know how large they loom in our lives forever. I remember my History and English teachers – they seem so real I could reach out and touch them. The Maths teacher, pah! These art teachers have played a valuable role in who you are today – it’s good that you remember them so vividly and so well.
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Dear Sandra,
Sadly we often recall the bad ones, too. 😉 Thank you for your kind words re my memoir.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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…a teddy bear of a man… What a lovely description. Splendid little story, Rochelle.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
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Dear Susan,
As you might be able to tell from his pictures, it was the best way I could think of to describe Mr. O’Neill. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great memories. Some teachers do add color to children’s lives. And look at you, still doing art long after Mr. O’Neill was your art teacher – I’m sure he’d be proud.
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Dear Trent,
I was just informed by a friend that he passed away a few years ago. I hope he was proud. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a lovely tribute to a teacher who inspired you. Did he ever know where that inspiration led you?
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Dear Penny,
A friend recently informed me that he passed on some years ago, so my guess is no. 😦 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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How lovely that you’d had these great teachers and that they still occupy a bit of space in your heart and soul! Lovely! Some teachers do more than teach. 🙂
Have added my FF contribution:
Na’ama
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Na’ama Y’karah,
I’ve been blessed to have had some memorable teachers. There are a few whose names I couldn’t tell you if my life depended on it. But then there are the Mrs. Spears and Mr. O’Neills whom I shall never forget. A few more teacher stories might crop up here and there. Here’s a link to a story I wrote as a tribute to another memorable teacher. https://rochellewisoff.com/2014/05/14/16-may-2014/
Shalom,
Rochelle
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🙂 That is a wonderful thing! 🙂
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Great piece Rochelle. I had a teacher like that in high school, Mr. Carlton. He smoked Cuban cigars and was a tough grader, but he saw the kids like me and worked with us to make us want to be better. It was an amazing experience.
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Dear Josh,
When I sit and reflect, I can name a few teachers who cared enough to take a personal interest. Even if I didn’t realize it at the time. I think I’ll have to write about my drama teacher next. Mr. Landes…austere with Meerschaum pipe and ascot. He terrified me at first, but after having two classes with him in one day, I learned what a very special human being he truly was. Your Mr. Carlton sounds a lot like Mr. Landes. Thank you re my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a great tribute to the teachers who inspired your talent, Rochelle. They are still with you. This really made me smile to see them so warmly remembered.
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Dear Karen,
I’ve been blessed along the way with some magnificent teachers. Thank you for the smiles and warm words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The best days of our lives?
Aye, right!
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Some were.
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Perhaps one of the most important jobs is being a teacher. Lovely piece!
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Many thanks, Gisselle.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It’s odd how so many memories fade over the years, but our school days remain fixed in our minds. Your piece got me thinking back!
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Dear Keith,
There are some teachers who leave an indelible imprint on our lives, aren’t there? 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Your teachers had lovely faces. Strangely, my passion was maths. English was filled with disecting books till they lost all their magic. I was lucky to find another outlet for my words.
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Dear Liz,
Oddly enough, I never cared much for history in school. 😉 I did have one very memorable Math teacher two years in a row in what was then called junior high. She was a stitch and did her best to help me understand. I was blessed with some wonderful teachers. To them I’m grateful. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
What a lovely reminiscent piece. I like to think each of us had at least that one teacher who made a difference in our lives, hopefully favourably! I like to think they know when they’ve given us that spark we needed.
Beautifully done, my friend.
Shalom and Lotsa love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
I can think of quite a few teachers who really made an impact on my life. Some more than others. I believe it’s good to look back every so often to remember who helped us reach where we are today. I hope that made sense. At any rate, I’ve been fortunate. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Could not agree more!
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A sweet and lovely tribute, Rochelle. A good teacher has great influence, I remember a few. =)
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Dear Brenda,
We are blessed to have had these teachers in our lives, the ones who truly cared, aren’t we? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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We certainly are, they made a lasting impact. Important childhood moments.
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I love the way teachers can affect us, I also hate the way they can do it… for me it was my math teacher who showed me the right(?) way…. many other things I learned despite my teachers…
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Dear Björn,
Teachers can have a negative effect, can’t they? I’ve had a few…one memorable fifth grade teacher for me. I won’t be writing any tributes to her. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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In Jr. High, I had an English teacher, Mr. Neil. He started the class pointing out that in most classes, kids are taught, mere facts, but not how to think. During that semester he systematically taught us how to think, possibly for the first time. I’ll never forget him. I owe him a great debt.
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Dear Eric,
Mr. O’Neill’s parting words to me when I left grade school for junior high were, “Don’t let them talk you into taking music instead of art.” (As if.) And I’ve written of 7th/8th grade social studies who told me to “Wise-off” the beaten path of the masses. I am forever indebted to these fantastic human beings.
Thank you for stopping by. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Teachers. Most of them go unsung, unrewarded, except for the kids who still remember them and speak of them fondly. Great post.
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Dear LInda,
We all have teachers to thank, don’t we? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Indeed! I can think of three right off the top of my head. Wonderful encouragers.
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It’d be nice if some of my old students remembered me. Specials teachers can be very special.
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Dear Stu,
No doubt you have students who remember you. Thank you for dropping by. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You’re lucky to have had so many exceptional teachers.
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I consider myself very fortunate, Alice. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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PS I hope my comments are eventually coming through on your blog. They aren’t showing up when I post.
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Yes, they are posting.
I have a bad feeling that in order to make the comment form work faster I will have to delete old posts. I’m hesitant to do that, but I’ve already tried everything else I could think of.
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I got such exceptionally good teachers when I was growing up too. It’s nice to see so many people have these kinds of memories
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Dear Larry,
In a time when so many teachers have been vilified, I feel fortunate to have had good teachers. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’m glad I’m not the only one who wrote a memoir for the fiction challenge!
Ronda
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Dear Ronda,
Although I keep the handle Friday Fictioneers in deference to Madison and the first Fictioneers, anything goes as long as you can keep it to 100 words. Having said that, no porn please. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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this reminds me of my favorite teacher in college. on the first day of class, he said, “if you fail this class, there’d be nobody else to blame but me. it means i have failed you as a teacher.” 🙂
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Dear Plaridel,
He sounds like a wonderful teacher. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a lovely reminiscence! You saved 50-year-old pictures so carefully and thoughtfully…
I am sure Mr. O’Neill’s artwork and memory survives through his students, just like you
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Dear Kislaya,
I’m glad you enjoyed my little story. The pictures are from pages of old yearbooks. They do bring back so many good memories. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Some teachers have a knack to click with students and remain in their memory for long. It is their personality, teaching style or may be something intangible.
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Dear Abhijit,
I think some students click with certain teachers. One memorable teacher, for me anyway, was my Spanish teacher. I admired him and learned as much Mexican and South American history from him as I did Spanish.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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There’s always that one teacher whose lessons you look forward to. Love the photos!
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Dear Ali,
Mr. O’Neill was definitely someone I’ll always remember with fondness. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Good teachers are so important–and bad teachers can make things worse. What a lovely story about good teachers.
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Dear Gabi,
I’m sure we’ve all had a few of each variety. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a blessed tribute. I have fond remembrances of my elementary Art teachers, as well. It was the one teacher who accepted you for what and who you were. Very special people, those art teachers are. Mine ended up being a foster Mom a few years later, and her husband gave me away at my wedding.
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Dear Bear,
I love it that your art teacher went above and beyond the call of duty for you. Thank you. ❤
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Enjoyed the lovely photos in the end. Very nostalgic account of your art foundations. ❤
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Dear Still Loved,
I’m glad you enjoyed the photos. I love looking at them for they take me back to those happy times. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wow! Great pics & description.
I miss my teachers too & often wonder where they are & whether they think of me…
Have a great weekend, Rochelle!
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Dear Anita,
I really wish I’d been able to let all of my teachers…the good ones anyway…know how I felt about them. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a wonderful teacher who lead you to your passion for drawing and painting. Thanks for sharing both the history and pictures with us.
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Dear Lish,
Naturally my art teachers have a special place in my heart…well most of them. Thank you for your kind words. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely piece of personal history. I wonder if the school is still there. They might enjoy this.
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Dear Petrol,
The school, sadly, is no longer there. It was demolished to make way for an office building. I wish those teachers were still around to read my story. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So apparently this reminded you of school. I like the story. And I also often worry about past teachers… like Mrs Bolin! 😉
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Dear Kim,
When we’re kids teachers are not of the same human race that we are, or so it seems. There are a few other teachers I’ve tried to find and guess I’ll never know. Thank you for the read and the comment. .
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I felt the warmth you felt for these teachers of yours Rochelle. That they were part of shaping who you are is very special – and lovely to see their pictures. I do believe that good teachers can change our lives.
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Dear Francine,
Whenever I have the chance I try to let a teacher or mentor know what they mean to me. They can be life changers. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Mr O Neil sounds like a dude, a teddy bear of a man is an apt description I think! I often wonder about my Biology teacher Dr Owens; I would have no clue where he is, but I will never forget him
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Dear Shrawley,
I fear I’ll soon be subjecting my readers to more teacher tributes. I’ve been in a very reflective frame of mind of late. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A story for all teachers and children to read, if they dare work together, so much can be gained.
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Dear Michael,
What would we do without good caring teachers. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great piece, dear. You reminded me of my teachers. They all were very nice. I still remember everyone’s face.
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Dear Indira,
Good teachers give a part of themselves that will stay with their students forever, don’t they? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Tiring work moving from school to school. He must have been a dedicated teacher.
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Dear Colline,
Mr. O’Neill really seemed to enjoy his work. I remember bear hugs fondly.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Nice homage to nurturers of the arts!
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Thank you, Andrea.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Querida Rochelle,
A great tale of recollecting a time in your life that had special meaning.
Ahhh … if we all could have just one teacher that could help us get passed the line of insecurity and bolster us up to be more than we think. Glad you had one that could do that for you. Muy buen cent y como siempre bien escrito …..
Abrazos y Shalom ….
Isadora 😎
ps – my ‘Like’ button is still not working but I do ‘Like’ su cuento 😃 grrrr … wordpress!!
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Querida Isadora,
No entiendo su “like” button. Lo sientio.
Another teacher I must do a tribute to wasn’t one of the most popular teachers but was one of my favorites. That was my Spanish teacher. (Go figure.) Señor Scott. He looked Hispanic or Mediterranean so it must’ve been his mother’s side or he was adopted. ¿Quién sabe? He was a fount of historical information and had a passion for sharing it. His accent was impeccable. Yeah…at some point you’ll be hearing about him. 😉
Gracias para sus palabras amables, mi amiga.
Shalom y cariño.
Rochelle
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a great tribute to your teachers. I hope that kids today find inspiration in their teachers that so many of us found in our teachers
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Dear Sascha,
The teachers who make the news these days seem to be the abusers. 😦 I’d like to think there are some good ones out there. I know my kids had some, too. Thank you
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yes. It’s a trend. Good people rarely make the news. Unfortunately.
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This is a gorgeous tribute. Beautiful write.
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Many thanks for such a sweet comment, Lisa.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Such a lovely little glimpse of your school days. It’s beautifully presented here. Strangely, I too had an O’Neill in my school days. Mine was Miss O’Neill who was my all time favourite – taught Latin and History, and inspired me to become a teacher too. Thanks for taking me back, as well as sharing your memories.
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Dear Margaret,
Thank you for sharing your Miss O’Neill. I love how my story has stirred memories for other fictioneers. 😀 And thank you re my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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South City “Zoo” – good one! 😀 I like your description of Mr O’Neill as a teddy bear of a man. What a wonderful tribute to him and the other teachers who left an impression on you.
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How important a good teacher is to a young mind! So glad to see you have so many positive influences through your school years. Inspiring, Rochelle
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Dear Lynn,
I definitely consider myself fortunate and blessed. You may see a few more teacher tributes before all is said and done. 😉 Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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My pleasure Rochelle
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Thanks for this glimpse into your memories. There are not enough teachers that manage to be the Mr O’Neill for their students and have that magical something that engages. I guess teachers either have it or don’t and it can’t be learned.
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Dear RG,
This is true. I’ve been fortunate in having some wonderful teachers. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Loved that this reminded you of something. Or maybe it’s all fiction. Either way, great story.
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Dear Shirley,
None of this story is fiction, as you might have gathered by pictures I lifted from old yearbooks. It is where the picture took me for sure. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You are the queen of nostalgia, the way your memoir writings pan out. I am greatly inspired by your style of writing, the ability to convey so much in such few words. Yes, teachers__ God’s gift to all students. Thanks again for yet another heart warming trip down memory lane, dear Rochelle..
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Dear Neel,
I am a firm believer that less is more when it comes to writing. This I’ve learned from nearly 7 years of Friday Fictioneers. I find the one doesn’t require a slew of adjectives and adverbs to set the stage. I’m pleased this comes across in my writing.
I seem to find myself doing more memoirs these days. Thank you for your very kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The sad thing about being a teacher is you never really know how you impacted a life. For me, for instance, my love of WWII era history comes from my American History teacher, Colonel Barrett…what a character!
Hmmmm…that gives me an idea…. 😉
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Dear Dawn,
The name Colonel Barrett suggests a character for a history teacher. 😉 I really wish I’d been able to go back and tell each of those teachers that made a difference. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Nice tributes Rochelle. I also have teachers I remember with fondness, (and other snot so much)
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Dear Michael,
I think we all had some great teachers and some not so great ones. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely memories. Teddy bear man sounds like a great influence
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