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: Memoir
Word Count: 100
WORLD OF HER OWN
Her fourth-grade teacher dubbed her “Messy Bessy.” Each time the frustrated child attempted to organize her desk chaos quickly returned.
Mrs. Smith moved the girl’s desk to the front of the room. Perhaps sitting beside the teacher would encourage her to mend her slovenly ways.
The kid didn’t mean to misbehave. Reading or illustrating stories she wrote in her head took priority over neatness. She’d simply lose herself in her latest adventure.
One morning, Mrs. Smith jolted Rochelle from the Ingalls’ cabin on the prairie with, “Miss Wisoff, would you care to join the class for our daily spelling test?”
Aww, sweet story Rochelle. Thanks for sharing
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Sadje,
I was indeed a bookworm. 😉 My pleasure to share. Glad you enjoyed and took the time to say so. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome my friend
LikeLike
Keep sharing the stories in the head, Rochelle:)
Please tell us about the “Ingalls’ cabin on the prairie”. Sounds interesting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Anita,
I’ve since learned that I wasn’t just a daydreamer, but a budding writer. That’s what we do. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
PS the Ingalls family were immortalized in Laura Ingalls Wilder’s series of novels based on her childhood. The most famous one begin “Litte House on the Prairie.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
This so faithfully followed your “historical personality” formula that I had to laugh at the misdirection when I discovered it was autobiographical. Good one, Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Neil,
Happy to misdirect. It’s actually one of my fondest memories. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had a few teachers like Miss Smith, they never understood me… I would be away in Africa and such like… Fortunately my last form teacher got me, and started tuning my brain🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Michael,
I’ve had a few teachers who didn’t understand me. In reality, Mrs. Smith wasn’t one of them. We adored each other. She was like a grandmother to me. She did her best to help me learn to organize. Sadly, she failed. 😉 I believe she was actually amused that I could lose myself in a book and read right through the spelling lesson. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hmmm, is this about anyone we might know? lol great little autobio story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Trent,
I still remember that day like yesterday. I couldn’t believe I was that lost in a book that I didn’t know what was going on around me. My teacher really was sweet about it. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure she understood being lost in a book.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure she did. She used to read to us every day and instilled the love of the written word in me. I remember a twinkle in her eye when she invited me to join the spelling lesson. I truly adored Mrs. Smith.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Always great to run into one of those teachers that it is a calling, not a profession…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Rochelle,
What a lovely and enjoyable story. It brought back memories of my own love for writing borne out of my love for reading. And what a beautiful painting of your granddaughter and her Poppy 🙂
Shalom,
Adele
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Adele,
I’m glad you enjoyed my little trip down Memory Lane. Although it was embarrassing, it was still a sweet memory. I painted the picture of Olive and Poppy for her 9th birthday and sent her the original. She’s a budding artist/writer herself. I only wish she didn’t live so far away. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Dear Sloven Shelley,
I can see how you’d cause problems in the classroom. I imagine things got even worse during drama class at Walla Walla Bing Bang. Be sure and include that in your memoir.
Happy drawing day,
Blob Ross
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Blob Ross,
I was actually pretty quiet. It was my messy desk that screamed “Clean me!” Poor Mrs. Smith. Little bitty Shelley was a challenge for her. My report card had a red question marks by “Pays Attention” and “Neat and Orderly.”
Always a happy drawing day…and a happy writing day. Wearing my red nose to keep mine warm. Brrrrrr
I hope you’re painting happy trees and your puppies aren’t having happy accidents.
Thank you for stopping by.
Shalom,
Sloven Shelley W(T)F
LikeLike
Dear Rochelle,
I can just see this kid, too 😉 Calvin has nothing on you!
Shalom and lotsa messy-but-lovely love,
Dale
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Dale,
I guess you could’ve called me Walterina Mitty. 😉 I can still lose myself in my head. Thank you. I miss Calvin and Hobbs.
Shalom and lotsa disheveled hugs,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
Yeah, me too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And look where it has got you! Wonderful little snippet Rochelle. I too am told I was a writer and teller of stories from a young age! Although I knew not to miss a spelling test 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Iain,
I remember Mrs. Smith having a twinkle in her eye when she invited me to join the spelling test. It took years to realize that daydreaming was a trait of a writer. For years it was a self-protection…to detach. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely story. Love the painting. I have a granddaughter who also loves writing and illustrating stories. Such a gift.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Linda,
My granddaughter also loves to write and paint. I gave this painting to her for her 9th birthday. I only wish she lived closer. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
I great story but, hardly fiction. Lol. I remember you telling me stories of your “doodles” being frequent in class.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Jan,
Never claimed it was fiction. 😉 Yep I doodled and daydreamed through many a lesson. And read through a few as well. Thanks, m’luv.
LikeLike
I left school with just two qualifications, English Literature and Art so unsurprisingly, your delightful tale brought back a few memories!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Keith,
I’m not sure I left school with any qualifications. LOL I went to art school after high school for a couple of years, though. Happy to spark a few memories. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Ironically, many of those early bookworms turn into the best students – even if they don’t, they still have potential to be the best people! Lovely story, Rochelle.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Jen,
I can’t say I ever turned into the best student. Unless it was in art class. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Wonderful story, Rochelle. Kids really need us to understand where they are coming from. Cultivate the strengths and neutralize the barriers.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Lisa,
It’s a pity I didn’t have more words to describe Mrs. Smith. She was the quintessential, silver-haired grandmother type. Even her calling me “Messy Bessy” never really upset me. I knew I had a problem with neatness. She never made me feel less than and I could feel her love and caring. I probably remember fourth grade better than any other year in elementary school because of this dear lady.
Thank you for your kind comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Rochelle, I call people like her, “angels with skin.” They make the world a welcoming place. You are welcome.
Shalom,
Lisa
LikeLike
I wish our educational system did more to cultivate students’ interest and creative endeavors instead of churning out assembly-line graduates filled to the brim with the same uninspired syllabus.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Nobbin,
There is a lot of truth to what you say, but oh I didn’t mean to infer that Mrs. Smith was that kind of teacher. She was a dear lady who made me feel loved and understood. If I’d had a few more words I could’ve said that her eyes twinkled. Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
My teachers always did have a time of it getting my nose out of books. And the librarian…Oh, what a witch she was, constantly not allowing me to read books she “felt were too old for me”… Like Little House, or Shakespeare… and worst of all Edgar Allen Poe. Ach, you would have thought Poe was some horrible thing. But I won out in the end. I just skipped up to the high school library and checked out Tolstoy’s “War and Peace”… and with the superintendent’s go ahead to do so. Thing is, that’s where my reading level was in first grade. Wasn’t until I reached 3rd that I got a teacher who “got it”. So glad to be away from a system that held me back so much, intellectually.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Bear,
My oldest son’s problem was just the opposite. His ability was way above grade level and his teachers encouraged him to read more challenging books. He said, “I’m a kid. I want to read kid books.” When he was 8-9 we read The Chronicles of Narnia together. Great fun.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had that, too. Just depended on the teacher. When I learned to read again, I read all those books that I never got the chance to when I was little… Discovered, though , that I like the artwork more than the story.
LikeLike
Well done, Rochelle.
Nice to have such memories from that time.
Peace,
Bill
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Bill,
It was fun revisiting the fourth grade. 😉 I remember it being one of my favorite times in elementary school. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
As always, Rochelle, you’re welcome, and thank you more.
LikeLike
Dear Rochelle,
That brought a smile of pleasure to my face. How lucky you were to have Mrs Smith as your teacher. We all owe debts of gratitude to the teachers who inspired us.
Shalom
Penny
xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Penny,
I’m afraid Mrs. Smith never managed to cure me of my disorganization. But she did encourage a love of the written word. She and fourth grade truly hold a special place in my heart. Glad you understood and smiled. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
I started my first novel in history class in seventh grade. Have no idea how I ever passed a test.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear CGraith,
School is a challenge for the daydreamer, isn’t it?
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Lovely story! You did have an understanding teacher. I was in my very first class, walking my fingers up and down the desk and ‘seeing’ the worried pacing king in the story the teacher was reading, when I was chastised for not listening.
Losing yourself (going gathering wool) is a great skill – I feel sorry for those who can’t!
And I love the painting. I used to sit like that all the time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Miranda,
I, too, sat like my granddaughter as a child. 😉 Thank you for your sweet comments and compliments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
I also spent my schooldays lost in a daydream!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me, too, Liz. 😉 Me, too.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I remember those days! ‘Mary, please pay attention’. Nope I had better things to do.
Absolutely love the prompt picture, you are so very talented
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Mary,
I remember Mrs. Smith putting a question mark on my report card by “pays attention” and “neat and orderly.” Thank you for your kind compliments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Querida Rochelle,
Cute memory of an event that holds a place in your heart.
Abrazos y Carino,
Isadora 😎
LikeLiked by 1 person
Querida Isadora,
It is a sweet memory. Mrs. Smith was a loving, grandma type. Gracias. Glad you’re feeling better.
Shalom y cariño,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
There’s always one teacher that touches us in ways that are unforgettable. Have a wonderful weekend …
Isadora 😎
LikeLike
Querida Rochelle,
I left a comment but don’t see it. Could it have gone to SPAM?
YIKES … sorry! Let me know I’ll comment again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Scroll up mi amiga. 😉 Your comment made it through.
LikeLiked by 1 person
YAY lol
LikeLike
Isn’t it interesting how we can recall snippets of our lives like this, and the feelings that went with them. This is a beautifully recalled moment, and obviously very much a foreshadowing of your future.There will be many empathetic readers in this group, including me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Margaret,
It wasn’t until I was much older that someone pointed out my internal storytelling was the marking of an author. I’m so glad you enjoyed one of my fondest memories. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
A lovely story of you as a little girl. Why be neat when you can be creative I say! Also, I love the photo of your granddaughter and her dog.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Brenda,
Thank you so much for your comments/compliments re my story and my painting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
interesting story
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Arora.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
What a lovely recollection, Rochelle. As another dreamer-up of stories from forever ago, I also must confess that in junior school I got punished for doing the boys’ written spelling tests so they didn’t have to – I was only trying to help 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Jilly,
Oh dear. The boys should’ve gotten punished for coercing you into doing their written spelling tests. 😉 Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Lovely. Children can find a new world that challenges their imagination in books. there is plenty of time in life to take care of the mundane.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear James,
Books were such a wonderful part of my childhood. There were some I read over and over again. Thank you for your validating comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
To which little Rochelle replied “no, you carry on, I’m reading my book” 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Ali,
I’m sure little Rochelle was thinking it but dared not say it aloud. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
didn’t teacher realize a clean desk is the sign of an empty mind? 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Plaridel,
I doubt she did. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely story, that I think many of us fellow bookworms would recognize … And … interestingly, the power of books resonated in my little entry, too. And I think probably for a similar reason, all around. Here’s to books, and the worlds they allow. xoxo Na’ama
LikeLiked by 1 person
Na’ama Y’karah,
Reading was definitely a comforting escape. As was detaching and spinning my own yarns. How wonderful where those tendencies eventually led. No? Thank you for your sweet words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 Very wonderful indeed! 🙂
LikeLike
Nooooo stay in your magical world, Rochelle! Darned teacher for trying to remake you in her image of perfection.
I love that your were lost in a messy creative world
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Laurie,
It was only a brief rousting from my magical world. I do think Mrs. Smith understood that. She never succeeded in reforming me from my messy ways. 😉
Shalom,
Ever Messy Bessy
LikeLike
I see that you are my sister in spirit, Rochelle. Cute story. Don’t bother me, I’m reading… I didn’t dare tell that to teachers and parents though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Gabi,
There are just certain things that can’t be voiced aloud. 😉 Thank you for your sweet comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
This was autobiographical! A very pleasant misdirection for someoe expecting another of your historical fictions. Very memorable and very touching. I am sure your memories are invaluable and so very close to your heart, dear Rochelle.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Neel,
It’s fun to look back on where we’ve come from and the things that shaped us and made us what we are today, isn’t it? Happy to misdirect. 😉 Thank you so much for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Beautiful story about little Rochelle. Lovely😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Vartika.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely story, Rochelle. I can certainly identify although I daydreamed rather than drew. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Sascha,
We writers are daydreamers, aren’t we? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed, Rochelle! 🙂
LikeLike
In a very boring history class, my teacher saw me staring at my lap. I was so engrossed in the open book resting there, I didn’t hear her coming. Boy, did I catch it! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Genia,
Those moments can get us into trouble, can’t they? Thanks for coming by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Painting is really beautiful, and the story? Lovely as usual. Shalom. I too am a bookworm since childhood but couldn’t become a writer. You illustrating your own books is an added attraction.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Indira,
Oh those things that get us in trouble as kids can end up being our professions, can’t they? Thank you for your lovely comments/compliments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure, dear.
LikeLike
Library good
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Ted,
I’m happy to see that you’re still taking and posting photos for me to…borrow. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike