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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 © Ted Strutz
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
RHINESTONE COWBOY
Nuta Kotlvarenko loved cowboy movies, particularly ones starring his hero Tom Mix.
One evening in 1913, Mama handed a passport to Nuta’s older brother Julius. “Ukraine is not safe for Jewish boys. We’re sending you to America where the streets are paved with gold.”
“I don’t want to go.” Nuta’s eyes stung.
***
Following years of odd jobs, Nuta, now Nudie Cohn, found his niche as the rodeo tailor. Stars from Roy Rogers to Elvis Presley paid thousands for rhinestone-studded Nudie suits.
“Nudie,” asked a fan. “Why don’t your boots ever match?”
“To remind me that golden streets have a price.”
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
I like the recognition that golden streets have a price
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Thank you, Neil.
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I’d settle for rhinestone-studded streets. Pretty. The glare on the road might be too much though.
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Dear Tannille,
I’m not sure rhinestones would last long on streets. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Good point, 😀.
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Thanks for sharing this inspiring story Rochelle
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Dear Sadje,
Always my pleasure to share history. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You’re most welcome
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Hi Rochelle,
Thank you for another nugget of information that makes life both interesting and fulfilling.
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Dear James,
I do like to keep things interesting. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A friend of mine, a die-hard Elvis fan, had a Nudie suit that once belonged to Elvis. It was studded with tons of rhinestones and made of a very heavy, thick polyester. I can’t imagine how hot it was to wear under those spotlights. I got to try it on, and oh, it was huge. It was a cool thing to do, though. I dressed up and we sang Elvis hits together. What a day to remember! Great story, Rochelle.
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Dear Bear,
Those suits don’t look too comfortable. I can only imagine what they’re like under hot lights. Thanks for sharing your story. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Another little nugget of info I had no clue about. You continue to knock out stories that amaze us with the little known subj. well done M’Luv.
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Dear Jan,
We all know the suits but who knew the tailor? I surely didn’t until Taffy sent the article about him. Never too old to learn something new. 😉
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As Jan says, another little nugget of history unearthed. A Ukranian tailor of cowboy suits to the stars – there must be some sort of movie or musical in that story!
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Dear Iain,
It would make a great movie. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Another nugget of knowledge to add to my collection. Amazing story. It reminded me of the song “There are no cats in America, and the streets are paved with gold” from the movie “An American Tail.”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQMtp2WxEA4
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Dear Linda,
Of course I had to watch the clip. Big awakening in store there. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I knew about those suits because of Porter Waggoner and Gram Parsons. Nice to know some about the man who created them. What a powerful way to get a message across with the mismatched boots. Excellent story!
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Dear Lisa,
A friend of mine recently sent me an article about Nudie Cohn. Of course I had to know more. 😉 I’d always associated the suits with country stars but never knew the original designs came from a Ukranian Jew. Made me smile. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, I love how way leads on to way, and I would have liked to meet Nudie. You are welcome.
Shalom,
Lisa
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A forever humble man. Love this story. I’d never heard of Nudie.
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Dear Lish,
I’d never heard of him until a couple of weeks ago when a friend sent me an article she thought I’d be interested in. Hence, a flash is born. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Another story to expand our view of history past and present.
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Dear Clare,
My pleasure to introduce you. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I usually leave your blog wiser than when I arrived and it’s happened again!
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Dear Keith,
What a lovely thing to say. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This left me wanting to read more. Now I have something to go and learn about today! Thanks for sharing.
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Dear Molly,
You couldn’t pay me a higher compliment. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Another slice of history – nice to hear about the tailor rather than the star!
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Dear Liz,
Hurrah for those behind the scenes. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks for the story Rochelle and the information I had not heard of him before – fabulous boots! 🙌
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Dear Angela,
From all accounts, he was quite a character. thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This was all new to me.
Thank you Rochelle.
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Dear Dawn,
Always happy to pass it on. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Good to recognize the price. Well done.
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Thank you, Athling.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I guess it’s only right for someone named Nudie to be a clothing magnate. “He’ll sell you the shirt off his back… and his pants.”
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Dear Nobbin,
Interesting, isn’t it. Nudie actually came from a clerical error at Ellis Island. 😉 Prophetic, eh?
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Well done! (Joined in just under the wire, hoping to get back in the posting saddle for real – it’s been too long!). I loved the reference to the cost – often ignored – of immigration and of all the losses and price often required to allow a new start.
Na’ama
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Na’ama Y’karah,
Happy you made it this week, under the wire or no. I wish I’d been able to find more about his childhood and the early years. Nonetheless, it seems he was grateful for what he had and understood the cost. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a fascinating person! Love the odd boots.
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Thank you, Laurie.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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