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 © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
TIME BALL
Sitting on Pop’s shoulders, seven-year-old Charlotte shivered, both with cold and excitement. She rubbed her eyes and yawned. Her bedtime was hours ago.
“This is a special occasion,” Mama had said. “New Years Eve in Times Square.”
Electricity charged the air and the crowd hushed in anticipation. Brighter than their Hanukkah candles had been, poised for its descent, the ball dazzled the night sky. The countdown began.
“Ten, nine, eight…” The crowd chanted. “Seven, six, five, four…”
“Three, two, one!” cried Charlotte.
Taking her in his arms, Poppa whispered, “May 1908 be the grandest year ever in our new country!”
****
If you want to know more about the history of the New Years Eve ball drop that began December 31, 1907 CLICK HERE.
© Rochelle Wisoff-Fields from a photo taken by Dale Rogerson. Cheers and Happy New Year!
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Wonderfully evocative. Thanks to the story I got to know of this century-old tradition 🙂
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Dear Joy,
I love to find the beginnings of time honored traditions. Glad you enjoyed my story and took the time to say so. 😀
Shalom and Happy New Year,
Rochelle
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Brighter than a thousand suns
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Dear Neil,
I’m sure it seemed so at the time.
Shalom and Happy New Year,
Rochelle
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As always, your creativity comes through with your words. Your artistic and writing talents are a gift.
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Dear Anonymous,
What a lovely comment. Thank you.
Shalom and Happy New Year,
Rochelle
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A new year, a new beginning. It is hard to imagine what the ball would have looked like to the normal person, or a new immigrant, that first year, Thanks for linking to the article – it was interesting.
Have a happy New Year, Rochelle!
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Dear Trent,
The ball has most definitely changes over the decades. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’ve never seen the ball drop, but you captured the excitement of the child and her world at the event beautifully.
Happy New Year, I hope 2024 is a joyous and peaceful one for us all.
Jen
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Dear Jen,
Actually, I’ve never seen the ball drop either. 😉 Thank you for your kind comments.
Shalom and Happy New Year,
Rochelle
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A nice story of an event to mark a new year and life in a new country. Thanks for the link on the history. Interesting. Good job, as usual M’Luv.
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Dear Jan,
As we look forward, we do well to look back. 😉 Thank you, m’luv.
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New country.
New year.
New tradition.
Filled with cheer!
Have a wonderful new year ahead, Rochelle!
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Thank you, Anita.
Shalom and Happy New Year,
Rochelle
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Great feelgood story, Rochelle. I also like your painting of Dale’s pic. Happy 2024 on the horizon!
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Dear Lisa,
Dale’s a great supplier of photos, isn’t she? Thank you re my painting and story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, Indeed! You’re very welcome,
Shalom,
Lisa
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A little bit of history, I recall my own visit to Times Square with pleasure
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Dear Anonymous.
Glad you enjoyed. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Since I live near Philadelphia, you’d think I’d want to go see the ball drop. I don’t. New York doesn’t have much appeal for me these days. However, the story of the beginning of this tradition is one I’ve never heard, so thank for stirring my curiosity 🙂
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Dear Linda,
It is fun to learn the origins of certain traditions, isn’t it? I have no desire to see the ball drop either. For that matter I’ve never gone to see the Plaza lights turn on in Kansas City on Thanksgiving. Standing outside in a crowd in cold weather isn’t my idea of a good time. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you for this interesting snippet of New Year’s history in Times Square seen from a Young girl’s eyes. I could feel her pulse accelerating.
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Dear Susan,
Thank you for such a lovely comment/compliment.
Shalom and Happy New Year,
Rochelle
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Was this the first ball drop? Well done.
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Yes, Connie. This was the first ball drop. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom and happy new year,
Rochelle
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What a wonderful story, and I love your watercolours!. Happy New Year, Rochelle 🙂
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Thank you for your lovely comments and compliments, Fleur.
Shalom and happy new year,
Rochelle
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🙂
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I always learn something new here, Rochelle. The painting is gorgeous.
Best wishes for 2024. Shalom.
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Dear Indira,
What lovely things to say. Blessings to you in the coming year.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks, dear. Best wishes for 2024. Shalom, Indira.
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Living in NY all my life, I’m still amazed at how much I don’t know about my home state. Your brilliant and evocative story was the perfect example; I had no idea how or when the custom of dropping the ball on New Year’ Eve began. Thanks, Rochelle, for a charming and insightful story. Happy New Year!
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Dear Nancy,
Thank you for such a lovely comment. Seems the way, though, that we know less about our own hometowns than other places. 😉
Shalom and happy new year,
Rochelle
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Wishing You a Peaceful and Happy New Year, Rochelle!
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A wonderful story with a heart-warming theme, Rochelle.
The excitement of children is unmatched.
Peace,
Bill
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Dear Bill,
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could see everything through a child’s eyes? Thank you so much.
Shalom and happy new year,
Rochelle
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Happy New Year, Rochelle.
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A beautiful family moment… so much rmotion I this small piece. Brought a smile to my face.
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Dear Laurie,
Thank you for your sweet comment.
Shalom and Happy New Year,
Rochelle
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