29 October 2021

Published October 27, 2021 by rochellewisoff
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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.

PHOTO PROMPT © Douglas M. MacIlroy (An old picture he sent to me a long time ago).
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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.           

Doug and me a few years ago when he came here for a disc golf tournament. Blogging can lead to unexpected and lasting friendships.

85 comments on “29 October 2021”

  • 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.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

  • 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

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply ↓

  • 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.

    Liked by 1 person

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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!

    Liked by 2 people

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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

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

    • 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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      Reply ↓

  • 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

    Liked by 1 person

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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

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply ↓

  • 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.

    Liked by 1 person

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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

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply ↓

  • 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

    Liked by 1 person

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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

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply ↓

  • 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.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

    • 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

      Like

      Reply ↓

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