Today Pegman journeys to the port of Hadera, Israel. As always, walk around until you find something that inspires you to write up to 150 words, then share it with the other contributors. Remember that reading and commenting on the other stories is part of the fun.
Contributions have again been declining, so Pegman may go into retirement soon. I’d encourage you to show your support for this prompt. Thanks.
I’ve been a Pegman MIA for a while. Too many challenges lately, including the writing of a novel in progress. I understand that facilitating a blog challenge is can be daunting. Participation and reciprocation are the key to success. On that note, I apologize for not being more faithful. With the location being in Israel, how could I not show up?
Thank you for your diligence, Josh and Karen.
Genre: Historical Fiction for Women’s History Month 😉
Word Count: 150
HOUSE OF JACOB
Hannah gazed at the chubby infant in the crook of her arm. After hours of torturous labor, she was weary, yet too excited to sleep. She studied the baby’s perfectly formed hands and paper-thin fingernails. “I was so sure the Almighty would give me a son.”
The baby opened her eyes and formed an ‘o’ with her lips as if trying to answer.
“On this day in 1891, our Moshavah Hadera welcomes another soul. A new life in a new village.” Full cheeks glowing with perspiration and joy, the midwife lifted the newborn from Hannah’s arms. “What will you be when you grow up? A teacher, maybe? A doctor perhaps?” The child whimpered and sucked her fist. “For now, a hungry girl.”
Hannah held the child to her breast. “Do you regret not having your own children?”
“I’ve helped birth hundreds of children.” Olga Hankin laughed. “They’re all my own.”
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I love this. You have a knack for bringing history to life, be it a TV personality or someone less famous who needs to be remembered. Thanks so much for stopping by today 🙂
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Dear Josh,
I woke with the story blazing through my mind at 0-dark-30 this morning. Thank you for such a magnificent comment/compliment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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🙂
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Ah, I ‘know’ the “Hertzel streets” (Eucalyptus trees to help dry the swamps and all) in that area. Grew up with a whole row of those trees not far from my own house, where they were meant to serve a somewhat similar goal.
Great depiction of a once-again-silenced-by-history woman. You do sacred work, my friend!
Na’ama
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Na’ama Y’karah,
My experiences in the Land have been fleeting vacations. As a Sabra, your comments on this story mean a lot to me. Todah rabah!
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You’re most welcome! You capture the essence of things so very well, you could fool people about how well you know the place!
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😘
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PS – the photo you chose isn’t in Israel, I think … and it certainly isn’t Hadera … topographically …
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Oops. I got it from Google. Hm. I shall rectify that.
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Done…Wikipedia, don’t let me down. 😉
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Yep, this one is definitely Hadera. 😉 I believe I recognize the spot … 🙂
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Totally fabulous – from the photographs of Olga to the lovely snapshot of mother and baby. Love the descriptions of that baby, the fist in the mouth and the little O mouth. Just perfect, Rochelle. Thank you for sharing Olga’s story in such a touching and beautiful way
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Dear Lynn,
Your words make me blush. Thank you for such a wonderful comment. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Always a pleasure, Rochelle
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Good story. And, how could you resist getting up at zero dark thirty to right it? I did. I turned over and went back to sleep. Lol. You’ve got to listen to your voices and follow instructions. Lol.
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Dear Jan,
The voices were relentless this morning. A nap later perhaps. 😉
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Very true to life, Rochelle. Your descriptions of the infant brought back wonderful memories of holding my own babies. I loved the paper-thin fingernails!
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Dear Penny,
Being a mother of three, some things are indelibly etched in my memory, like to those amazing fingernails. Thank you for such an affirming comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you for remembering Olga Hankin.
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Dear Phyllis,
Another woman shoved in the shadows of history. The true strength behind the man. You’re welcome.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Keep up the good work. ;0)
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Dear Rochelle,
When I saw the destination, I was positive you would participate. And, so you did. Perfectly. I love how you do what you do!
Shalom and Lotsa love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
Seeing your name in my inbox makes me happy. I’ve missed you. Hope it was wonderful. Thank you for taking the time to read my little story. When I find them I have to tell them.
Shalom and lotsa welcome-back hugs,
Rochelle
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Sweet of you! Still not home. In Miami till we take off at 4. I’ll only be home around 1 am-ish.
And I’m glad you do!
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