Like us on Facebook
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 – © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
CLICK THE FROG TO JOIN THE PARTY
This week marks my 8th anniversary as Friday Fictioneers facilitator and my 5th anniversary as a retired sign maker/cake decorator. So I’m taking the liberty of sharing a twofer.
Genre: Hysterical Faction
Word Count: 100
HONCHO DORI
My coworker and best friend was fired for saying, of all things, “Hunky Dory.” Her flippant reply to my “How’s your day going?” at her register. I kid you not. The charge was “sarcasm to a customer and, therefore, misconduct.” Seriously?
The company’s plan to purge the “old folks” put a target on my back, too.
At an emotional low I joined Friday Fictioneers. I tried it. I loved it. By October 24, I inherited the blog challenge.
Eight years later, my friend’s victorious lawsuit is a story we retell with glee. Friday Fictioneers? Yep, I’m still steering the bus.
It’s still hunky dory with us.
YEE-HAW!!!
I ran out words to tell you my friend was fired March 7, 2012 and I joined Friday Fictioneers a month later on April 12.
****
Now for the second go around as promised. 😉 I posted this 24 October 2012, after inheriting Friday Fictioneers from creator Madison Woods. This was the only time I didn’t title my post with the date. I was told by a fictioneer that it was too confusing for me to post my title because it gave the impression that my title was part of the prompt. I complied and never saw her again. Go figure. There are some fictioneers who stuck with me, even though they were here before me. You know who you are. 😉 If I list them I’m bound to leave someone out. At any rate here’s my first story as facilitator. Same photo prompt.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Word Count: 100
OF SIGHT AND SOUND
A stunning contradiction of cropped black hair, bronzed skin and sea foam blue eyes, Aggie McKewen’s face reflected her Inuit and Scottish parentage.
Keith, who worked at his uncle’s café in Seward County, Alaska, longed to speak to her but didn’t know sign language and she was fencepost deaf. Every Saturday he served her grilled salmon in shy silence.
After six weeks of night classes he felt ready to declare himself and asked her out.
With a voiceless giggle she snatched his pen and order pad. There she wrote, “I’d love to but why did you call me a tampon?”
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
You are steering the bus wonderfully well, Rochelle!
Keep it up! More power to you. Take care.
This is something I, and many like me, look forward to every week 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Anita,
Thank you for such a lovely and affirming comment. You’re one of the reasons I keep doing this. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
That is perhaps the longest 100 words in the history of FF, m’lady, but what a lot of fun.
And, at the risk of incensing the feminist lobby, can I say that Aggie sounds pretty much like the perfect woman!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The terms Yee-haw and Hunky dory really take me back to my childhood days. They are Absolutely great words
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Michael,
Hunky dory’s a great term, but to be fired for saying it? It’s a story that will never die. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Dear CE,
Noblesse Oblige. Glad you found it fun. I thought about posting two separately but decided against. Special occasion and all that. Re your comment about Aggie, I’d expect nothing less from you. 😉 Thank you and thank you and your pink friend for sticking around.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I dropped my first (unofficial) FF six and a half years ago, and have been savoring yours (and many of the others) ever since. 😀 😎
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Arcon.
Time flies doesn’t it? Happy you came and stuck around. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
One of the best!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Danny. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Congratulations, well done and many thanks for managing Friday Fictioneers all this time. Much appreciated. I love the sign language mistake. Had a good laugh.
Best wishes,
Rowena
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Rowena,
When it was first suggested to me that I put in for taking over when Madison decided to step down, I laughed. I’m not a leader, I contended. The more I thought about it, I couldn’t let something that had become a weekly activity just fall by the wayside. Even my husband thought I should go for it. He loved my flash fictions.
At any rate, it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made in my lifetime. It has been my pleasure and passion for these past eight years. There are people I’d never have met, friendships I’d never have forged and opportunities I’d never have had.
Glad my story made you laugh. Mission accomplished. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Both stories were just hunky dory to me. Glad your friend won the lawsuit! And glad you ended up at the helm of Friday Fictioneers 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Trent,
It was a hard-fought battle. I did fear for my job, but feared more for my self-respect. It’s a longer story that perhaps I’ll write one day. She settled out of court, but it was definitely a victory. I’ve always been a little disappointed we didn’t go to court. While a part of me feared it, the other part wanted to face off with those liars.
Glad you liked both of my stories. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations… and I remember that post. I read it at college as part of my speech therapy…Oh, it was hilarious to see the look on the therapist’s face. LOL! Still remember that, too. Fri Fic was therapy for me back then. Still relearning life so to say. Wish I still had copies of those first writes when Madison was still at the helm. I’m sure they were atrocious. So glad to still be here with good friends around the proverbial table.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Bear,
I knew you’d been in and out of FF under different aliases, but didn’t realize you went back that far. Your comments leave me with many smiles. Thanks for hanging in. I’ve been blessed by your progress, dear one.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Back when I first started, I was terrified of using my real name online. Most of the time back then, I didn’t even know what my name was anyway. Oh, how hard those days were. I remember Madison’s unending encouragement and grammar lessons back then. I see where I am now, and know that I probably wouldn’t be here at all if not for Fri Fic. So glad you took over and it didn’t die. And, oh so very glad to have you as a friend.
LikeLike
❤ FF helped me through a crisis as well. Happy to have you as a friend, too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Rochelle,
This is a hunky-dory of a story! I’m still flabbergasted that she was fired for saying it. Ridonkulous. Very happy she won her lawsuit and even gladder that you took over the helm to this weekly party. And that I was brought to it by Sarah jeez… five years ago this past March.
Always loved that misunderstanding story, too 😉
Shalom and more hunky-dory love,
Dale
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Dale,
One of these days I’ll write this into a longer story…or maybe part of a novel. I don’t know…not feeling novelly right now. But the muse could wake up and start spouting. Who knows?
No one’s happier than I that you hopped aboard the bus. 😀 I do miss Sarah. Thank you re my stories.
Shalom and lotsa the hunky-doriest hugs ever,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Great stories for sure. We have had many laughs and re-telling of the “Hunky Dory” story over the years. As for you taking the helm of FF, it’s been undoubtedly the best decision you have made as far as your mental well-being, skill stretching and global gathering of friends. We have both met so many wonderful friends through this media. As my music & Harley is to me, so has FF been to you. Hope it never ends.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Jan,
It’s such a great (and infuriatingly true story.) Perhaps one day I’ll stretch it into something longer than a micro burst. No regrets re FF, although at times it’s been like herding cats. 😉 Thanks for being there through it, m’luv.
LikeLike
Happy anniversary! Lots of stories wrapped in one here. You might find it hard to believe, but I have been guilty of insubordination from time to time myself! 🙂
LikeLike
🤣🤣🤣 say it isn’t so! Just be careful to whom you say “hunky dory.” 🤪 you never know where idiots lurk. Thank you, Josh.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I forgot.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
That’s hilarious! And I could easily believe it’s absolutely true 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Linda,
Fact is stranger than fiction in his case. Still shaking my head 8 years later. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, I’m feeling hunky-dory after that story. What hoot…
I can’t believe someone can get fired for something so trivial! Ridiculous.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Tanille,
Right? I couldn’t believe it either. If I hadn’t been a part of it, I wouldn’t either. It was a witch hunt that started months before. They were looking for an excuse…any excuse to fire us “older” employees. Still shaking my head in disbelief these 8 years later. thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes I read it. What a journey we have shared.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Jeannie,
I’m so happy you read this little bit. As you can see, if you read other comments, the utter disbelief. Perhaps I’ll expand it into a longer story one day. I’m glad we’ve shared and are still sharing the journey, BFF.
Hugs,
Rocky
LikeLike
Hunky Dorey and Tickety Boo are the two replies I regularly use when asked how I’m doing! Mind you, these days it’s difficult to keep up with all the words that go from normal to offensive.
I joined up 4 years, 8 months and 5 days ago. I can’t imagine my blog without Friday Fictioneers, and it’s the highlight of my week. Until a few years ago I hosted a prompt site called Carry On Tuesday, but I eventually stopped because it became a burden, so I admire and thank you for providing this platform for us to tread week after week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Keith,
I love it that you know exactly how long you’ve an FF’r. As you know, sometimes facilitating a blog challenge is akin to herding cats. 😉
I’ve never heard tickety boo. I like it. Hunky dory is so innocuous, isn’t it? To be fired for saying it in jest is incomprehensible. It was to me then and is to me now.
Thank you for being such a fun participant.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m still a comparative youngster when I read how long some of the others have been going, just passed my 4th anniversary! Thank you as always for the effort you put in to keeping it, and us, going. As others have said, it is the highlight of the week 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Iain,
it does seem like you’ve always been an FF’r. Thank you so much for your participation and your kind words. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
hey I’m happy she humored him
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Larry,
I think she really liked him and appreciated his efforts.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Anniversary! I can say in my brief time here, you’ve done an excellent job of driving the bus.
Fired for saying “hunky-dory”? And that’s before everything everyone said was offensive. Fired for calling someone a tampon, I could see, but that one worked out better. Go figure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Nobbin,
Your affirming words make me smile. (And I’ll admit to this being a bit of a fishing trip. 😉 ) Joining and then taking the helm in Friday Fictioneers has ended up being one of the most significant things I’ve ever done. How wild is that?
As for being fired for saying “hunky dory,” they were looking for a reason to fire her…any reason.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
I liked this bus ride, and the driver, and the company. 🙂
As for the story – whoa talk about over-sensitive bosses. I’m all for civility, but … sheesh … what is wrong with everything being hanky dorey? I mean, it is better than a lotta other possible descriptors … 😉
Life’s nuts.
I’m, too, so, oh well. … 😉
Na’ama
LikeLiked by 1 person
Na’ama Y’karah,
I will never forget the day my friend called to tell me. It had only been less than two hours since I’d gone through her checkout line. The fact is it was a bonafide witch hunt. The…um…person…”manager” who fired her was looking (had probably been instructed) for a reason…any reason. Not only that, during the time the depositions were flying, the store director’s kept growing. It started with “she was sarcastic to another employee” (who just happened to be her best friend to “she was rude to a customer” (still her best friend and by then, key witness). I’d never before seen such insanity.
This driver couldn’t be happier that you’ve boarded this bus and stayed on as a regular passenger. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sheesh! What insanity! These kinds of injustices make my blood boil. Ooooof!! Glad she had friends to run this by and stand by her, and I hope Karma finds the ‘manager’ when it is the time for it …
Hey, bus-driver, do we get snacks?
😉
Na’ama
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think it would be tough to deliver snacks to all the passengers. However, feel free to go to Katz’s and have a pastrami sandwich, seltzer water and those divine pickled tomatoes and think of me. 😉
As for Karma, it has come to gnaw on a few managerial tushies. The one who did the firing was later fired herself for, would you believe, lying. One of my happier days at that place. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, well, Karma has a way about her … don’t she now?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed she do. 😉 Still waiting to hear her ways with some other key players….like the duplicitous store director who headed up all that mishegass.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, and I have my Karma-watch-list, too …. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Rochelle,
I loved both stories hysterically well! Did you know that Rochelle is one of the most beautiful names in the world to me, the name of a longtime family friend, recently passed away? I’m so gad to be in a community with another Rochelle who brightens my week with her photo prompts and her generosity of heart. Happy 8th and many, many more! 💝
Shalom,
Dora
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Dora,
Glad you enjoyed both of my stories. 😀 I’m touched by your comments on my name. Growing up I didn’t care much for it because it set me apart as the kid with the “weird name.” Now I really like it. Your Rochelle sounds like a lovely person…sorry for your loss. Thank you for your kind and affirming words. My eyes are misting. ❤
Aleichem Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
You,dear Rochelle are the cheerleader and we your cheerboys. What a fabulous task you do of leading the pack week after week. In hindsight, your stumbling uppon FF wass the best decision that you made…oops that fell on your lap. Another great, sweet story, laced with your own special dollop of sarcasm laden yet endrearing humour!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Neel,
I’ve never regretted my decision to take on Friday Fictioneers. Although there have been times I’ve wanted to break a few fingers. 😉 Thank you for your sweet comments. They made my day.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
This is absolutely one of my favorite “story behind the story” stories. I am so grateful to you for writing and encouragement.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear StepHonie,
What lovely things to say. Craziness abounds, doesn’t it? It’s all been hunky dory since. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Whenever it hear the expression Hunky Dory I am transported to my teenage self, sitting with my boyfriend listened to David Bowie’s album of the same name.
Weill done for hosting FF all these years – long may you continue!
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Susan,
I’ve never considered hunky dory to be anything other than another way of saying all’s well. Still shaking my head over this one. Thank you for your kind words. 😀 As long as people like you participate in FF I’ll keep it going.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Still here on the bus, though not every week these days. I joined Friday Fictioneers only 2 weeks before you took over… I had only been blogging for a short time, but had a friend on twitter who used to write here as well.., I wonder how all the different ways took us to where we are.
I loved both stories, and 8 years is a long time, and realized I had forgotten your first story… but I think it’s a good thing that Aggie didn’t take offense. As for weird reasons to fire someone that one rank pretty high… good she won her lawsuit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Björn,
I couldn’t make up a story like that if I tried. If I wrote it as fiction, I’d probably be told it wasn’t believable. 😉 I knew you went way back with me and I’m so glad you stuck with it. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Whoa! I remember this picture from way back. Has it been that long? I’ve taken the odd break here and there, but have never walked away from the Friday Fictioneers, a group of outstanding people I’ve had the honor to know. Especially you Rochelle, who’ve been a positive force that kept me writing and feeling supported all this time. Thanks so much for all you do.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Eric,
I’m honored by your comments. I was impressed with the FF community from the beginning and just couldn’t let it go. When Doug suggested I take it over I laughed. Then my cousin and my husband chimed in. The more they tried to sell me on the idea, the better it looked. When I stated my case to Madison, I argued that I’d not missed a week since I started and nothing would really change for me. Ha! 😉 A lot did change. But I have no regrets. One of the best life changing decisions I’ve ever made. Hope that’s not TMI.
At any rate, I’m so glad you’re still part of this global community. You always brighten my day when you add your link. (No coffee snorts yet, though.) Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Faux pas are so easy when you have only a grasp of another language
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Neil,
He signed with an accent. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
You have such cool stories Rochelle!
That second story is so cute. Love a quiet romance.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Trish,
Thank you for such compliments. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
LOL at the second story. Thank you for sharing the first one – for all the years as our fearless leader. Here’s to many more!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Anne,
I don’t know how fearless I really am, but I’ve no plans to leave FF anytime soon. 😉 Thank you for being part of the gang.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
So, I hope things are going hunky dory with you these days, Rochelle, no sarcasm intended. 🙂 Congratulations on such an illustrious tenure with a steady hand at the tiller. I admire your devotion and how faithful you are in reading and commenting on all the stories. I feel honored now to know that I came here just a few months after you took over, although I haven’t been quite as regular, unfortunately. Keep up the great writing!
Have a great week.
David
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear David,
I appreciate your participation in FF. I’ve never regretted joining or subsequently assuming the driver’s seat. At times it’s been a wild ride. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved reading your stories. Hunky Dory?! But I’ve also loved reading the comments. I followed Iain Kelly here one day, unbeknownst to him as I tried to navigate the flash fiction blogging world and I’ve tried not to leave. It’s wonderful to see all of these folks who’ve been here far longer than me and continue to be here. It’s a wonderful party and many thanks to you, Rochelle, for continuing to host it. 💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Sascha,
It’s interesting how you came into Friday Fictioneers. And I’m so glad you did. I love the diversity within this group. It’s what initially attracted me and ultimately what kept me here. I’ve made some lasting friendships as well as sharpened my writing skills. Thank you. ❤
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Great fun and interesting humour.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, James. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
First story – ha, that’ll learn ’em!
Second story – ha! Bless him, he tried. And it worked 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Ali,
We can only hope the company learned. 😉 I have my doubts, though. Corporate America being what it is. Thank you re both stories and for being part of Friday Fictioneers.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
i have a cousin named dory. now i know how she feels most of the time. anyway, it’s been awhile since i joined this wonderful group. thanks for being there for all of us. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Plaridel,
Is your cousin Dory hunky? Sorry. 😉 I know you’ve been with FF for quite some time and I’ve enjoyed watching your progress as a writer and participant. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Rochelle! You are the BEST bus driver 😊
You are the highlight of my week.
And this one this week was very funny in a sad way. Glad she won. Age should never be used to fire someone.
Great second story too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aw, Laurie,
You make me blush. I’m glad she won, too. There were times we both wondered how the story would turn out. I learned a lot about myself as well.
Thank you for being part of FF. I look forward to seeing you every week as well.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
This has brightened my day somewhat, virus, house move, work, birthdays. All of these things are coming at once it seems, individually they are great, together sometimes it feels like an avalanche. But we’ll get through, I need to start writing more regularly again. Great stuff as ever and I’m chuffed your friend won her case, seems totally over the top to sack her for mentioning a class David Bowie album to a customer!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Shrawley,
Yikes! You do have a lot on your plate as we say. As for ‘hunky dory.’ It’s an old expression that means “fine and dandy.” As I’ve said before, the powers that be were waiting to pounce on a reason…any reason…to fire my friend. I’ll always be grateful to have been a part of making sure it blew up in their deceitful faces. 😉 Happy to have brightened your day. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
A cute story, Rochelle. You were the right person for the job for sure. Thanks for sharing the story again. 🙂 — Suzanne
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Suzanne,
I’ve been fortunate in having a fun following. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
“Why did you call me a tampon?” is a really special last line! Had me grinning from ear to ear. I was glad to hear your friend won her law-suit against the company.
Thank you for the effort you put into Friday Fictioneers, week after week. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to receive feedback on my writing, and I’ve learned a lot from all my fellow writers – including you, of course!
Shalom!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Penny,
I’m glad to give you a reason to smile. As for the lawsuit, my bestie and I still grin at that victory.
You are a bright spot in the Friday Fictioneers queue. That you for being such an active participant. It’s why I keep it going. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Two great stories with heart and deep roots. Glad she won the lawsuit and happy true love found a way in the 2nd story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Lisa,
That hunky dory story is one that keeps on giving. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Rochelle,
I don’t see Hunky Dory as a bad thing, which is one mystery to the (wrongful) firing. Another, since she didn’t say it to a customer, I don’t know how it could have stood up in court. The business probably was arrogant enough to assume she wouldn’t take it to court? You never know who will be behind the bench, but I’m happy justice prevailed in her case.
Shalom to you and her,
Lisa
LikeLike
Both stories are nice though I do like the ‘Of Sight and Sound’. I had to check and it seems I started my Fictioneer’s journey in Nov 2013. It’s been a pleasure writing here, it has helped me progress though that elusive book still seem bottled up inside. But no matter where I go I am enjoying the ride. Thanks for being a great shepherdess Richelle.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Subroto
I knew you’d been a permanent fixture for sometime but didn’t know exactly how long. It has been a pleasure having you on the “bus.” Seven years makes you practically an original. Well, you are definitely an original in any event. 😉 Thank you for being a bright spot for me. All the best on that elusive book.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
“Sarcasm to a customer”? Truth really is stranger than fiction! So happy to have jumped on the bus with you, Rochelle.
The second story is so sweet and witty. You’re a master storyteller!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Mags,
Amazing isn’t it? Appalling actually. The young excuse for a manager was fully aware of our relationship, my bestie’s and mine. To fire her for being sarcastic to me went beyond ludicrous.
I’m glad you jumped on the bus, too. Thank you so much for your participation and kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Appalling indeed!
LikeLike
Dear Rochelle,
Two great stories. And thanks for sharing how you came to join Friday Fictioneers. We’re so thrilled that you’re in the driver’s seat. Thanks for a great ride. Here’s to 8+ more years at the helm.
Shalom,
Adele
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Adele,
As I’ve said before, joining and, later taking the helm of Friday Fictioneers are two of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Thank you for being a passenger. ‘) And…thank you re my stories.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I thought that photo looked familiar. It was fun to read your story, Rochelle. 5 years since you hung up your icing bag, wow time flies.
LikeLike
p.s. I remember the Alaska story too, funny how that works when you hear a ff story again.
LikeLike
Dear Ted,
Someday I’m going to write that whole mess into a longer story. I mean some things just can’t be made up. And I’m so happy to have exchanged my icing bags for paint brushes and manuscripts.
You’re one of the best things I found waiting for me in Friday Fictioneers. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike