Dear Friday Fictioneers,
😦 Our friend and fellow Friday Fictioneer in Friday Harbor (of all places) has suffered a stroke. We wish him a swift recovery. And for those who would like to send him a card or note to cheer him on, email me at rwisofffields.wordart@gmail.com for the address.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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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.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
THE GOLDEN DOOR
5 July 1887
Dearest Anya,
“Greetings from the city of New York. Last night I went to watch fireworks and see the new Statue of Liberty. She is magnificent. I can’t wait until you see her with your own eyes.
You ask how I am. What could be better than living in the land of opportunity?
Angry shouts echoed from downstairs. Shlomo stopped writing his letter and surveyed his one-room apartment. He continued, “There are no Cossacks.” A baby howled in the flat next door. Shlomo’s stomach rumbled. He looked out at the peaceful street and wrote, “All is well.”
***
Original artwork © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
I agree with this. Bombay is the financial capital of India, and it is the same story..
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Dear Reena,
We’re all different like everyone else, aren’t we? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I like the expression. Thank you 😃
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I loved “there are no Cossacks”
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Thank you, Neil. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Sorry to hear about Ted. Sending healing and thoughts and regards to him.
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Thank you, Mason. I’ll let him know.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Nothing is ever 100% perfect, it’s what we make of the situation. Hard to imagine the US without the lady.
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Dear Tannille,
Life is often what we ourselves make of it, isn’t it? It does seem the lady of the harbor has always been there. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The streets in America were not paved in gold, though millions crowded to the shores in hopes of being able to scratch out a little of that non-existent gold… No Cossacks either, though maybe some just as bad 😉 Nice flavor of late 19th century immigration.
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Forgot to add – hoping for a speedy recovery for Ted!
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Dear Trent,
Streets of gold? Hardly. For all the success stories, there are so many who suffered bigotry and hardship. At the same time it wasn’t the brutality they came here to escape.
I’ll pass along the good wishes to Ted. It’s my mission to deluge him with cards, notes and good wishes.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A beautiful capture of life, Rochelle. Times may be rough, really rough, but at least there “are no cossacks” as you say. Well put. I sent you email from mkwaK8mcq. May Ted have a very speedy recovery. My heartfelt prayers are with you, Ted. ~Shalom, Bear
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Ps. I love the pics at the bottom, especially the one looking down on our lovely Lady Liberty from above… not an often seen perspective. Oh, and I really do love your watercolor, too.
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Dear Bear,
Thank you for your sweet words on my story and the photos. And thank you for reaching out to Ted. (I knew it was your email by the mkwa 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story, Rochelle. Sorry to hear about Ted. That statue means a lot. I remember reading a novel when a guy uses it to travel in time.
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Dear Josh,
Sounds like an interesting novel. The statue does mean a lot. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Get well soon to Ted. Sending positive thoughts to him and his doctors.
Great story and a reminder to be grateful for all the many blessings we have, especially when life is not perfect.
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Dear Anne,
I’ll be sure to pass on the positive thoughts. Thank you for your sweet words re my story. I really enjoyed the sentiments expressed in your story, too.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Good story. I hope all will be well soon!
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Thank you, Mason.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Sometimes a dream is all we have to cling to. Nice story of an immigrant’s dream.
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Dear Lisa,
When we stop dreaming, we stop living…at least that’s my opinion. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, you are most welcome and I agree.
Shalom,
Lisa
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Hi Rochelle,
Thank you for using my photo for the prompt this week! And for the story – which in a way mine echoed, too, as I bet some others would, too – the realities and silver linings that led so many to seek a better freedom, and imperfect but hopeful future.
My healing thoughts to Ted – I will contact you directly for his contact info, if relevant.
Hugs and may hope and liberty shine for all.
Na’ama
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Na’ama Y’karah,
Immigrants never had it easy, but it was better than where they’d come from. At least that was the hope. Such a lovely photo…thank you for the um…er…loan. 😉 As far as Ted’s info…I have the address memorized if you want me to shoot it to you.
Shalom, liberty and justice for all,
Rochelle
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Indeed, it often was better than what they had to leave behind. And yes, too often it was made harder, sometimes on purpose, by others who’d forgotten their own hardship or wanted others to forget they had, themselves, come from immigrants.
Yes please for Ted’s info. Can you send it my via messenger?
Hugs
Na’ama
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He will survive with such a positive attitude. My good wishes also to Ted.
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Dear Liz,
I think Shlomo and Anya have a good life ahead of them. I’ll pass along the good wishes to Ted. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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People forget why people come here. Even a modest existence can be a vast improvement. Beautiful understated story, Rochelle.
That’s horrible about Ted. I hope recovery is in sight.
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Dear Nobbin,
It’s easy to take it for granted when it’s the status quo, isn’t it? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle
That is really very good indeed, perhaps the best of yours that I’ve seen. Simply by implication you show the factor that makes the USA such a magnet; security. It’s not an easy life. It’s not prosperity – at least, not at first and maybe never; but “There are no Cossacks.” Or drug barons. Or Marxist guerrillas. Or fascist juntas.
Really impressive writing! Kudos!
Shalom
Penny
xx
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Dear Penny,
Your comment is one to savor and reread. 😀 Thank you so much.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Seeing New York for the first time enthralled me, I hope that one day I may visit again. May I add my best wishes to Ted,, I will mention him in my prayers tonight… Mike
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Dear Michael,
Being in the middle of the US it’s not often we visit New York either. I have been there and looked straight up at the lady. Quite a feeling. Thank you. I’m passing along your good wishes to Ted.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Good one, Rochelle. I would imagine many immigrants shared his fears and feelings.
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Dear Susan,
I can’t help but wonder how close this is to my own grandparents when they came to this country. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh, and please let Ted know that I am thinking of him and he is in my prayers. Thanks, Rochelle and Shalom!
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Dear Rochelle,
I don’t know Ted very well but am sad to hear about the stroke and wish him a speedy recovery. Do you think sending you a card would be more fun for him?
The story is perfect. No cossacks says it all. At least back then immigrants could feel reasonably safe. Telling dearest Anya that all is well is so sweet (but also deceiving).
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Dear Gabi,
I think Shlomo’s thoughts are that New York is safer than Russia. Life is hard but still better than their Shtetl. So in his mind “all is well” is true. 😉
I think sending cards will lift Ted’s spirits…at least, it can’t hurt. He seems to be a very social person. If you send me an email I’ll be happy to reply with his mailing address.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Being on another continent, I’d send a virtual card, either via your address, or his. Just gotta look for something nice.
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tedstrutz@gmail.com is his email. I’m not sure how he’ll be doing much online. Jacquie Larson cards are really nice. I use them quite a bit. There’s a yearly fee, but it’s well worth it.
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Thank you Rochelle, I think I’ll send it to you. I usually send out WWF cards, not sure if there’s something fitting. Or I’ll make one.
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Just for fun I sent you a J.L. card. 😉
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Thank you! It is wonderful. I can see while you like them so much, the watercolour is gorgeous. In the beginning I was frantically looking for my headphones. 😀
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That’s Jacquie Lawson
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A great story of a city I fell in love with when I spent some time there many years ago.
May I add my voice to those sending good wishes to Ted,
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Dear Keith,
Nice to know you’ve graced our shores. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I have several times and one of my treasured possessions is a menu I took from the Window on The World restauant atop one of the twin towers a couple of months before that disastrous day.
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The things people endure for eventual improvement and freedom. We were talking yesterday about the settlers in Canada and in particular on the Atlantic coast. Hard to imagine how they survived the first winter, but they did. And thrived.
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Dear Jen,
I can’t imagine the things people endured for freedom either. Thank you for the read and comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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His new life is a little tougher than he’s making out, I think. Still, he’s being positive!
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Dear Ali,
I think a positive attitude is essential for success. Probably why so many of these immigrants rose above and beyone. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Another brilliant piece of historical writing, Rochelle. Sorry to hear about Ted. Sending regards to him and wishing him a speedy recovery.
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Dear Neel,
Thank you for your kind words re my story. I’m sending on your regards to Ted.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Another good story So much left unsaid in letters at times.
Shalom,
Ronda
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Thank you, Ronda. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
Wonderfully done. I love the use of the letter form. and anything is better if there are no Cossacks. I like to think his circumstances will change.
Shalom and lotsa hopeful love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
In my mind, his circumstances are bound to change. 😉 I think of my grandparents and what they went on to accomplish here. Thank you for your kind words as always.
Shalom and lotsa optimistic hugs,
Rochelle
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That’s a good thing… 🙂
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‘There are no Cossacks.’ That says it all. Anything else can be put up with. What a great portrayal of a couple at a point in history. In 100 words conveying what went before, what is now and the hopes for the future. Excellent piece.
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Dear Jenne,
Thank you for such a head-swelling comments. 😀 I couldn’t ask for better compliments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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my idea of america came from watching the movies. then reality struck home when i arrived in brooklyn. but i did make it as well the others who preceded me. anyhow, i wish ted a speedy and full recovery.
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Dear Plaridel,
It’s nice to hear success stories. I’ve passed along your good wishes to Ted. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
I loved the atmosphere in this story and the last line was powerful. For him all was well–a testimony that he was grateful to be where he was.
Please give let Ted know that I wish him a speedy recovery.
Shalom,
Adele
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Dear Adele,
Thank you for your sweet words re my story. Yes, Shlomo’s circumstances here were still better than the oppression he experienced in the Old Country. 😉 Passing your well wishes onto Ted. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You’re welcome, Rochelle and thanks for passing on my well wishes to Ted 🙂
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Wishing Ted all the best.
This piece is lovely. There is hope in what he is writing. It’s all about perspective isn’t it. Better than where he was before. That simple line says so much. There are no Cossacks.
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Dear Laurie,
At least he’s free to pursue a life. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Fascinating story. What a time that must have been, people flocking for a better opportunity. Not much different from today but the barriers seem to be getting higher now.
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Dear Subroto,
The barriers were pretty high during WWII. Many Jews were turned from our shores and sent back to their deaths in the camps. 😦 Nothing new under the sun. Although it does seem it’s gotten worse. Thank you
Shalom,
Rochelle
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And wishing Ted a speedy recovery.
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Your story helps to remind people that, except for the Native Americans, we are all from “immigrant stock” whos forbearers came to the “land of opportunity” with a desire to fulfill the “American dream.” A dream for safety and security more than riches and status. The faces may have changed over the centuries, but the hopes and wishes have not.
Thank you for sharing.
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You so many things in your story. I love the subtlety of Schlomo’s take on what he can hear in his rooming house, no Cosacks, all is well. Well written.
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