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.
This month marks my 9th year as FFFacilitator. Something I never expected when I asked creator, Madison Woods how to join. It was love at first write. A great way to learn word conservation. 😀
Genre: Memoir
Word Count: 100
STARGAZING
The closest I’ll ever come to space exploration came through Douglas MacIlroy who used to be a nighttime Keck Observatory tech.
Soon after he commented on a piece I’d written I noticed his green dot at 04:00 on Facebook and said, “Hello.”
Between my early rising and his all-nighters, our online friendship grew.
One morning, Doug messaged me. “Did you get her email? Madison’s stepping down as facilitator.”
“What will I do without Friday Fictioneers?”
“You should take it on.”
“I’m no leader.”
My husband chimed in. “Why not you?”
The rest of the story is written in the stars.
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Thank you for leading us, Rochelle. You’re the only FF leader I’ve ever known
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Dear Neil,
Madison has often said there’s no need to give her credit,,,still I want to. Glad you’ve chosen to be a part of our community.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks, Rochelle. It’s a pleasure to be part of the community
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Well that is just wonderful! And very interesting too! Incredible you kept it going so successfully…
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Dear Ain,
FF is something I just can’t let go of. 😉 Thank you for coming aboard.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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FFF are lucky to have you! 👍🏼
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Aaaw. Thank you, Sadje.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You’re welcome my friend
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Happy 9 years! Thanks for putting in all your hard work.
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Thank you, Flower. I can’t believe how quickly the time has flown. At times I’ve considered FF to be therapy rather than work. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh, that was lovely. It’s nice to know how all began. I remember Doug from years ago. Here’s raising my fictional glass to many more Rochelle-directed FF years.
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Dear Gabi,
Doug often served as my co-pilot and I hated it when he dropped FF. He was actually part of it long before I joined the herd. 😉 I clink my fictional glass with yours, L’chaim! Thank you for being a part. ❤
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love to be part of it. clink. ❤
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🥂
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PS just read about hard to comment on my post/blog. Thanks for saying…I must change that immediately. On medium.com I discovered I am limited on replying to comments but will go back there. I hate that I cause difficulty.
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Hi Ain,
I debated whether or not to say anything but I had such a hard time leaving a whole comment. Your stories have definitely been worthy of comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great “story”. I’m glad you took it on and made it your own.
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Dear Trent,
I’ve actually had the challenge much longer than Madison did. Who knew? Thank you re my unstory. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You were in charge when I found it and I was almost surprised to discover that someone else had started it.
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Dear Rochelle,
The Internet is a lovely place, isn’t it? Who knows what will come of these friendships. All we need to do is be open to the possibilities.
Love this share.
Shalom and lotsa online love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
My thoughts exactly. When I think of our chats with the Three Graces and Two Jews and a Goy I smile. I’m grateful for the positives of the internet. Thank you for being one of those positives. 😀
Shalom and lotsa online hugs,
Rochelle
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It is always up to us to find the positives. Some love to focus on the crap – I stay away from them… 😉
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Amen to that!🍷🥂🍻
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I second that motion! 🍷🍷🥂🍻
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Congrats! And I DO remember when you stepped up. I was very uncertain with the change, still trying to write simple paragraphs with atrocious grammar. We do make new acquaintances via internet. But as I’ve learned for the most part they aren’t real and don’t extend beyond the ether world.
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Dear Bear,
I can’t sat all acquaintances online have been positive. I can name a few I’d like to forget. But that also happens in person, too, doesn’t it? You’re one of the positives, my friend. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’ve been realizing lately just how alone I am. If I left wp…. Well, I would have hubby and my cat. Pretty sad. Sigh….
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I remember when Madison decided to step down. You were devastated because it had opened up your “writer’s niche”. I knew you could handle it and be successful because of your love of writing. I do find it unreal though that it’s actually been 9 years. It has flown by so quickly and there has been so much change in that time span. Congrats M’Luv. You done good!
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Dear Jan,
It’s a decision I’ve never regretted. Although, at times, the cats have been difficult to herd. 😉 Thanks for your encouragement and support, m’luv.
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I’m so glad Doug and Jan persuaded you to take it on. I was considering it, but the timing was all wrong for me (Sebastian’s 9th birthday is next week) and I was so glad to hear you were continuing where Madison left off. You’ve been a wonderful leader. Here’s to the next 9!
I miss Doug, as is probably quite obvious from my story. Are you still in touch with them?
Jen
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Dear Jen,
I remember you were expecting Sebastian when Madison stepped down. I can’t believe it’s been 9 years already. A couple of times I’ve thought about quitting but can’t bring myself to let go. Friday Fictioneers (and Doug) appeared when I was going through a very hard time. I love the interaction of writers around the globe. Travel without leaving my desk. I’m glad you’ve returned to the FFFold.
As I’ve already said, Doug and are still in touch although not as often as we once were. I did email him yesterday to let him know I was using his photo and writing about him.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle
What a great piece of personal history! Thank you for your hard work making sure we have a prompt and then commenting so diligently. Speaking of prompts, there’s a distinct art to making them both stimulating and not too obvious – and you’re a mistress of that art.
Shalom
Penny
xx
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Dear Penny,
I tend to share these types of stories every year at this time. I had no idea when I asked Madison how to join Friday Fictioneers where it would lead. Many have come and gone…some I miss, others not so much. I appreciate writers like you who’ve come aboard for the long haul. Thankyou for your generous and validating comments. 😀 You’re one of the reasons I keep it going.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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congrats on the 9 years, Love how you made the milestone a story. Well done.
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Dear Mason,
I’m so glad you joined us. You’re one of the reasons I keep this going. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Aww, thats sweet of you. Thank you so much!
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Why not you, indeed! You’ve done an amazing job of keeping this site going. We who participate are so grateful!
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Dear Linda,
I don’t do it alone. 😉 Thank you for your encouragement and participation.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hey Rochelle,
Another wonderful story shared. Good to know.
To me, Rochelle Wisoff-Fields is synonymous with Friday Fictioneers and micro-fiction. Thanks for doing this.
Peace,
Bill
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Dear Bill,
I think Madison did FF for a couple of years. She’s often said I’ve taken it farther than she ever would have. Thank you for your validating comments and, most importantly, your participation.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hey there Rochelle,
I expect to have a busy November, but I will try to keep up each week. Happy Halloween.
Peace,
Bill
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I totally understand, Bill. I do look forward to your posts and appreciate it when you can make it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, *Happy*FFFacilitator*9th*Anniversary* THANK YOU for doing what you do. FF writing and reading is a source of good vibrations for me and each week I appreciate your always thoughtful and encouraging comment. May you enjoy another 9 years at the helm, then another 9, etc.
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Dear Lisa,
I take FF a few weeks at a time. 😉 And you can count on me in October to be the geek and remind everyone of my anniversary as FFFacilitator. But I can’t tell you what a momentous decision it was to take it on. At the time I really didn’t know what it would mean to me in the long run. THANK YOU for your participation and reciprocation every week. They mean so much.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, it’s funny how “way leads on to way” isn’t it. You are most welcome! ❤
Shalom,
Lisa
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Rochelle,
Cute story! Dialog e needs a tag or 2. Glad you’re doing FF still!
Shalom,
Ronda
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Dear Ronda,
Glad you enjoyed the story. As for tags…well, I ran out of words. 😉 Can’t break my own rules.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
Many, many thanks for being the fearless leader of the FFs! Your diligence and interaction with all of us has been nothing short of kindness itself, and what a gratifying community of readers and critics you’ve kept well-fed and placated to boot. So . . . . Happy Ninth Anniversary, and many more to come, my friend!
Shalom u’vracha,
Dora
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Dear Dora,
Your comments warm my heart. Friday Fictioneers showed up for me at a very difficult time in my life. Meeting and befriending writers from around the world was exciting and healing. When Madison announced she was quitting I was devastated. I couldn’t let it go. Interaction is important to me and I appreciate those like yourself who do as well. Thank you for being a part. You’re one of the reasons I keep FF going.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You are very kind to say so, Rochelle. Mysterious and amazing the way God works, and most wonderful! 🧡
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I didn’t realize that Doug was part of the decision to start running this. I must give him a personal thanks for helping to talk you into it. So glad you’re still here, Rochelle. Life would be missing many colors without you and the entire FF family.
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Dear Eric,
You’re one of the writers who has continued to make this challenge so much fun. Still haven’t snorted my coffee with one of your quirky stories.;) Thank you for being a part of my journey.
Yes, Doug was the instigator. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Aw! Thanks so much. Thanks for providing such a wonderful home. And I’ll never stop trying… 😉
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Doug
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Dear Ted,
Doug’s a good friend, isn’t he? Good to see your face here. You were one of the FF’rs to welcome me when I came aboard. Thank you my friend.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Amazing story!
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Thank you whoever you are. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a heartwarming, wholesome story. Thanks for all you do, Rochelle. ❤
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Dear Anne
Thank you for being a part of FF. ❤
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It was truly written in the stars 🙂
Thanks to both of you!
Great to be a part of Friday Fictioneers.
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Dear Anita,
Thank you!
Shalom,
Rochelle
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For me, you’ve been here since my first contribution in July 2015 and my blog wouldn’t be the same without you! Thank you, Rochelle.
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Dear Keith,
I didn’t realize you’d been with FF that long. You’re such an integral and creative part of the group. Thank you for your validating comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That’s really kind of you Rochelle, thank you.
If you’re interested, it’s here –
https://keithsramblings.blogspot.com/2015/07/farewell.html
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Congratulations on staying the course! Doug has a lovely face.
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Dear Liz,
Thank you for being part of the course. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Popping in to say Hi! I’m so glad you have kept FF going! Even if some of us are not good at keeping up *sigh* 😘
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Dear Courtney,
“Life is what happens to us while we’re busy making other plans.” FF has kind of a revolving door. some leave and some leave and return. I’m so glad to see you return. I understand the writing journey, Mine has taken a few side roads lately. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you for introducing me to this wonderful weekly site.
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My pleasure, James. Thank you for being a part of FF.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wow! happy 9th birthday, I’m a relative new comer here but I love it so much, big congratulations to all of us Global Citizens for being so bloody great.
Thanks Rochelle
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Dear Shrawley,
I’m so pleased you’ve come aboard and helped keep FF going. It’s a joint effort, isn’t it? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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has it been 9 years already? i’d never been part of it from the beginning, but sure glad to join in. Thanks for being a great host and correcting my grammar time after time. 🙂
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Dear Plaridel,
What fun it has been to watch your writing grow. 9 years have gone by quickly, haven’t they? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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looking back, my very first contribution was in Oct. 2013. thank you for everything.
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My gosh! You took on the mantle spectacularly. My FF leader! Congrats
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Thank you so much, Laurie.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Why not you, indeed? And a smashing job you’re doing too 🙂
I think I started not long after you took over the reins.
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Dear Ali,
I know you’ve been at it a long time and I appreciate that. Thank you for your encouraging words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So many conversations flow because of Friday Fictioneers, thank you Rochelle,
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Thank you for being a part of FF, Michael. I can’t do it alone. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It is unimaginable with you, this FF business!
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Dear Neel,
I think you might mean “without” And thank you. I can’t imagine my life without FF. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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We owe Doug a lot! And happy anniversary. Sorry to be absent from your site so much. I can’t seem to write anymore.
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