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Genre: Fiction
Word Count: 100
FLOWER AND WILLOW WORLD
A thousand butterflies swirl in my stomach as I peer out the window, watching for the car that will bring my Hoshi-chan, my shining star, for a brief visit.
After we left her at the Okiya in Kyoto, six months ago, I cried for a week.
At her Misedashi my heart swelled with pride. In exquisite silk kimono, painted face and elegant jeweled hair, Hoshi, renamed Kikuyu, was welcomed into the secret society of Geisha.
She glided to me on lacquered getas and uttered those words I will forever cherish. “Okaasan, when I come home, please cook me a hamburger.”
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
I smiled. Gorgeous.
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Thank you, Trish. I return your smile. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a lovely story
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Thank you so much, Sadje.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You’re welcome Rochelle
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This is a jewel of a piece, Rochelle, poignant and with flickers in the depths
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What a lovely compliment, Neil. Thank you so much.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I always learn something when I read one of your stories. Thank you.
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Dear Dawn,
How sweet of you to say so. It’s also wonderful to see you here. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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lol, you may change the outer finish, but somethings don’t change… I’m sure she is hungry for that “comfort food”.
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Dear Trent,
This is actually based on an interview of a Geisha’s mother on YouTube. A child is always a child to her parent. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yep, I get it: I think if my mom is still around when I am 85, I will still be her baby 😉
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What a delightful story – I love it! You’ve caught exactly the wistful pride of a parent whose child has left home to follow a demanding but rewarding calling. And that’s a lovely bit of humour at the end!
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Dear Penny,
Thank you for such wonderful validation. Alas, the flower and willow world of the Geisha is fading into the modern world. They do fascinate me.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I enjoyed the brief look into the Japanese world, although I have no idea why this profession still exists. I like how the old tradition clashed with modern tastes at the end.
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The profession exists because there is a demand for it. The women are highly skilled in music and the arts. I saw a theatrical production presented by the ‘geishas’ in Kyoto. It was one of the most moving performances I have ever seen.
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Thanks Penny. I am glad you enjoyed the experience.
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Dear James,
Penny pretty much took the comment out from under my fingertips. 😉 Although the profession does still exist, it is diminishing as young women aren’t willing to submit to the discipline. They are not to be confused with call girls in Kimono. It’s rigorous training that takes years. Thank you for your kind comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’m not sure whether to smile or cry, Rochelle, but maybe that has as much to do with my day as your story. You have created the culture clash well and it sounds like maybe the girl is happy apart from the diet restrcitions?
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Dear Jen,
This is based on an interview with the family of a young girl who was becoming a geisha which means leaving the modern world and family behind. I think the hamburger was more of a comfort thing. I hope things have gotten better for you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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An interesting glimpse into a culture I know little about. As always entertaining and educational. Thank you Rochelle.
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Dear Gabi,
I’ll admit to a fascination with Asian cultures and Geisha in particular. 😉 I’ve watched many videos on the subject. Happy you enjoyed the glimpse. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A delightful ending that humanised the characters beautifully. Lovely to read your words again Rochelle.
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Dear Iain,
Good to see you here again. 😀 Thank you for such a sweet comment/compliment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Absolutely charming Rochelle, a tale of mixed emotions.
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Many thanks, Keith. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I really like that there is a name change. Change of name always signifies a new beginning. The hamburger is an interesting ordinary moment in all the exotic circumstances
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Dear Larry,
It is customary for Geisha to take on a new name. It seems western culinary delights have made their way to Japan. Personally I’d prefer sushi. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
This is such a beautifully written story.
Shalom and lotsa artistic and elegant love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
I’m glad you enjoyed my story. I do have a fascination with Asian cultures, Geisha in particular. Many thanks for your kind words.
Shalom and lotsa exquisite hugs,
Rochelle
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Yes, I do believe you do. 🙂
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Touching story.
Parents and kid bond will last forever.
She prefers Hamburger over Japanese dishes!
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Dear Anita,
It’s amazing how western culture…food in particular…had polluted the Far East. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely painting, sweet story.
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Many thanks, Linda.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
This was a delightful story and your artwork is beautiful.
Shalom,
Adele
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Dear Adele,
Thank you on both counts. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Love this. Reminds me of my Gran asking what I wanted when I got home (when I was in carribean), of all things I wanted and egg sandwich. Fried egg, touch of mayo on white bread. No one can make it quite the same way. Oh, man, now I want an egg sandwich.
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Dear Bear,
If my mom were still alive I would ask her to make cheese blintzes. No one made them quite like hers. Thank you for sharing your special comfort food. Glad you enjoyed my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Sounds yummy
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The simple pleasures. I’m sure there’s a level of self-denial that goes along with “the secret society of Geisha.”
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Dear Nobbin,
There is most definitely self-denial connected with being a Geisha. It’s a very disciplined lifestyle. I also find it interesting (and it is based on a true story) that Western fast foods have polluted the Far East 😉 Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment. I’m woefully slow getting around this week.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A beautiful story with the surprise ending. And, who wouldn’t like a good burger? Also, a very nice painting you have done as well.
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Dear Jan,
Yes, Freddie’s does sound appetizing doesn’t it. 😉 The original painting can be found on the Wisoff wall in North Carolina. Gee, I did that one nearly 40 years ago. Not bad for someone who’s only 39 😉 Thank you for reading and fighting WP to comment. ❤
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Oh, my dear Rochelle,
You said so much with such masterful economy. A story with a heartwarming feel. Nicely done.
Peace,
Bill
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Dear Bill,
Aw, such a comment/compliment. Warms my heart on a cold morning. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Glad I could be helpful on such cold days. 🙂
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Such a contrast in emotions invoked by this story – an identification with the pride of the mother, a frisson of anger at a life spent in this service, and the uplifting contrast at the end with the flash of humour. Good one Rochelle, a good start to the year.
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Dear Sandra,
Such a head-swelling, glowing comment. Many thanks.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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MOTHERS ARE THE SAME THE WORLD OVER – HAPPY TO FEED THEIR CHILDREN A FAVOURITE FOOD!
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Dear Liz,
It’s true. Motherhood is a universal high calling. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You packed so much detail into so few words. I loved this! I also always enjoy your beautiful artwork. Lovely
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Dear Brenda,
Thank you for your words re my story and my artwork. 😀 And…thank you for the lovely photo.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Now I am hunger for a hamburger, plus I need to learn to paint. I always like your art work.
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Dear Michael,
A hamburger does sound good. Even right now at 6 in the morning. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I actually googled the meaning of “Misedashi”.. there is always a depth in your stories which is inspiring. Beautiful story. Lovely painting.
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Dear Vartika,
The fact that my story prompted you to look something up makes me happy. Thank you for your kind words re my story and my painting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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hamburger, why not?
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Dear Arora,
A hamburger with mustard, pickles and tomatoes. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Gorgeous description, delicate and artistic in itself! Lovely close as well, so real.
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Thank you for your magnificent comment, Jilly. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely story! At the end of the day you can’t beat a hamburger though.
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Dear Ali,
Amazing to me how far the hamburger has traveled. Don’t forget the chips (French fries on this side of the Pond). Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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“She glided to me on lacquered getas and uttered those words I will forever cherish.”
That sounds so lovely and picturesque!
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Dear Bernadette,
I’m glad my words struck a chord. Thank you so much.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That would be me too, if I could ever get to that point. Love it.
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Thank you so much, Anne.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautiful. Mine were from a bit of a different angle … but the delicacy remains …
🙂
Na’ama
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Na’ama Y’karah,
Asian culture has always fascinated me. Geisha in particular. Glad you enjoyed as I enjoyed your story as well. Todah Rabbah.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Toda Lach!
🙂
Na’ama
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What a beautiful story to kickstart the first FF of 2022. Absolutely delightful!
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Many thanks, Neel. Can’t believe another year has gone by and I’m still doing this. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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hamburger? that’s funny. 🙂
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Thank you, Plaridel. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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My friend, I love this prompt and your story.
Shalom,
Ronda
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Many thanks, Ronda.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hamburger !
Love it.
Great story.
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Dear Laurie,
Amazing how far that “delicacy” has traveled. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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She’s making her parents proud. I can imagine how hard it would be for a parent to watch their daughter choose such a life – knowing the difficulties in store. Your story shows that the parent/child connection is the same regardless of cultural differences. Beautifully told.
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Dear Margaret,
Again, so good to see your face on the squares. 😀 Motherhood is a universal calling, isn’t it? We share the same concerns no matter where we live. Thank you for your sweet comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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