

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.
I received a post card from Ted last week. It’s apparent that Ted is working off his back end in rehab and I was thrilled to get something written in his own hand. Keep up the good work, Ted! He asked if I could write a story about a lighthouse. So the following is my story.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
KEEPERS OF THE LIGHT
“Play me a song, Mormor.” Six-year-old Agnes clapped her hands.
Helga Settles looked up from her bread dough. “Is that the proper way to ask your grandmother?”
The child pouted. “Please.”
Hilma poised her violin bow. “What would you like to hear, lilla gummun?”
Lilting music swelled the kitchen. Helga gazed out at the sea. Her Arvel, father of her five children, would soon be home from his twelve-hour shift at Lime Kiln Lighthouse. Tomorrow guests would fill their house.
She breathed in the aroma of baking sponge cake. Salmon sizzled on the stove. No one left Helga’s table hungry.
To learn more about the Settles family CLICK HERE
- If you’d like to send Ted a card or note to encourage him, email me at rwisofffields.wordart@gmail.com for the snail mail address. 😀
What a sweet story.
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Thank you, Sadje. ❤
Shalom
Rochelle
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You’re welcome Rochelle!
Salam
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Beautifully written. I could smell this story. I could hear this story
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Dear Neil,
What a lovely comment to start my day. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Times change so quickly, the back story was fascinating.
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Dear Michael,
The only thing constant is change. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Helga reminds me of my mom and grandmothers. They always fed everyone.
Lovely.
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Dear Anita
Bless the generous cooks of the world. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So glad to hear Ted is doing as well as can be expected, so nice to hear an update. A lovely family scene, and I love the title.
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Dear Iain
I have to admire Ted. He’s working hard. My pleasure to provide updates. Thank you re the story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks for the update on Ted.
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You’re welcome.
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A lovely scene and an interesting family. I’m glad that Ted is progressing well.
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Dear Gabi,
Thank you re my story. I’ll keep everyone updated on Ted as I know more. He’s more active on Facebook which is encouraging.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That’s really great. I’m always looking forward to news from him.
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Feels like a very homely place to be, lovely warming story, Rochelle. well done.
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Thank you Mason. 😀
Shalom
Rochelle
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Great news, Ted! Great story, Rochelle!
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Dear Bear,
Ted’s progress makes me happy. Thank you re my story.
Shalom
Rochelle
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Well you hot me reading right through the fascinating tale…! so hooked was I by the 100 word ‘bait’!
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Dear Forest
This is type of comment that keeps an author writing. Thank you.
Shalom
Rochelle
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Wonderful atmospheric piece, full of home, family, friends. Took me back to my Grandma Millie, who was a lot like Helga.
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Dear Linda
You’re lucky. Neither of my grandmothers were like Helga. Actually, the baker in my family was my dad. His favorite place was in the kitchen. While I was in labor with my third son, he was feeding the nurses cherry cream cheese muffins (I got the last one, once the baby was born. 😉 )
Thank you re my story. Glad it evoked memories. 😀
Shalom
Rochelle
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Happy birthday, Agnes! How lovely to have a mother who cooks while grandmother makes music. A heart-warming story, Rochelle,
Shalom
Penny
xx
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Many thanks for your sweet comments, Penny.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a great story. I went to the link and read their story. What a wonderful family.
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Dear Jan,
They do sound like a sweet family, don’t they? That article made me wish for more than 100 words. 😉 Thanks, m’luv.
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Years ago I had a coworker and a manger who both grew up at lighthouses in Maine (different ones and different times (1920/30s for coworker, 1950s for boss)). Interesting life style!
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Dear Trent,
I think it takes special people to live the lifestyle. I’m sure your coworker and manager had fascinating stories to tell. Thank you for the read and comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Awesome, I thought of a lighthouse the moment I saw the picture!! Loved the story! ❤
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Dear Courtney,
When I read about the Settles family, I knew that’s who I wanted to write about. Glad you enjoyed and took the time to say so. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
They sound as welcoming as a certain character from a certain book we read 😉 Beautifully done and I enjoyed the linked article. Such a lovely life they led!
Shalom and lotsa brightly lit love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
I can’t imagine living in such an isolated setting. Although, with a large family they were never alone. They sound like special people, don’t they? Thank you.
Shalom and lotsa illuminating hugs,
Rochelle
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I could not, that is for sure and certain!
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🤣
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😉
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Love 100 words
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So glad, Ted. 😍😘💜
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My dad, Ted, showed me this piece and before I knew who the family was I recognized the family resemblance to Helga Settles because Her granddaughter is a friend of mine and someone I first met when I moved to the island over 25 years ago. What an amazing family and fun to see as the inspiration for this story. – Ashley Strutz
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Dear Ashley,
What a treat to know this. Thank you so much for sharing. You’ve made my day. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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she must be a great cook. 🙂
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Dear Plaridel,
Apparently Helga was known for her cooking. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
A lighthouse story full of the light of love! Perfect for dark days and hopeful ones too. I can’t help but think that when Arvel steps into his house his heart will thrill for the smells of baking that signify the warmth and comfort of his family.
Shalom u’vracha,
Dora
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Dear Dora,
I think you’re right about Arvel. Thank you for your sweet comments.
Shalom u’vracha,
Rochelle
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What a beautiful story! Thank you for the update, also.
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Dear Anne
You’re welcome and thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I could imagine the scene. A lovely piece Rochelle. I’m sure Ted’s delighted by the response his picture’s received, I join everyone else in wishing him well.
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Dear Keith,
What more can a writer ask for in 100 words? Thank you. I hope Ted has read through the comments. At any rate, I’ll pass along everyone’s best wishes.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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My Mum grew up in lighthouses all around Scotland. The stories she tells 🙂
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Dear Ali,
Perhaps one day you’ll share your Mum’s stories. 😉
Shalom
Rochelle
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A heart warming story, Rochelle. Very well written.
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Many thanks for your kind comments, Neel.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely story!! And a lovely hello from Ted, too! Good for him! Continuing to send good juju his way! Na’ama
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Na’ama Y’kara,
I’m sure Ted appreciates all the good juju. His last postcard to me showed an improvement which thrills me. Thank you re my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
😀
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Yay for the improvements!
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Sweet story, and good to hear Ted is improving. So much depends on the will to succeed.
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Dear Liz,
It seems from what I’ve read and seen online, our Ted has that will to succeed. Thank you re my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Aw, I love lighthouses! We’ve taken our children to several, much to their chagrin. 😉
I hope Ted’s feeling better soon!
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Dear Lisa,
I’m going to be passing along everyone’s best wishes to Ted. 😀 I’ve never seen a lighthouse up close and personal. I’d like to some day. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hey Rochelle,
I’m playing catch up. Well done. A heartwarming Familia story. 🙂 Well done.
Peace,
Bill
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Dear Bill
As you can see, I’ve been no great shakes at keeping up this week. 😉 Thank you for your kind comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You are always welcome, Rochelle.
You do so much. Thank you for all of it.
Peace,
Bill
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A heart warming story. You conjure up the warmth and welcome of grandma’s cosy kitchen so clearly. I can imagine the smiles on the light-house keepers’ faces when they walked in.
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Dear Francine
From all appearances I’d say the Settles had a long and happy marriage. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This story gave me such a warm and fuzzy feeling. You’re such a great storyteller, Rochelle.
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Aw. Thank you, Mags. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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http://gypsieswritingmusingsquotesgripes.com/2021/11/14/the-new-land/
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I can smell the cake from here!
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