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 © Susan Rouchard
Genre: Anecdote
Word Count: 100
IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO PROCRASTINATE
“It’s time to clean this cluttered basement.” Stacks of boxes from our last move wait on shelves to be gone through—later.
Opening a cardboard box, I sneeze at the musty odor. I pick up a tattered paperback and thumb through its yellowed pages.
Bunnicula.
How my now-grown son and I laughed at the antics of the family pets. I lose myself in the adventures of the dog, cat and, of course, the titular vegetable-sucking vampire rabbit.
“Look at the time.” I return the novel to the box. “I’ll get back to cleaning—later.”
Note: Bunnicula was a fun read. And my story is true. I really could use some organizational help here. 😉
And on the subject of books:
My book LAST DANCE WITH ANNIE is available for ebook preorder on the following sights: HERE, HERE and HERE! Release Date is June 4! If you’re not an ebook fan, paperback and hard back copies will be available on and after that date. 😀
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Cleaning is definitely not the right thing to do today. Sifting, yes. Recapturing, yes
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Dear Neil,
One of these days I will get around to the task. Just not today. 😉 Thank you for your understanding.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A cute story
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Thank you, Sadje. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You’re welcome Rochelle
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What a fun story. Ah the joys of procrastination 🙂
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Dear Joy,
Why do today what you can put off until tomorrow, right? Thank you. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Can sympathise. Think I need another lifetime to clear up from this one. Nearly 40 year ago now my new husband and I left for our two year stay in the USA with a modest suitcase each. It was a very happy, uncluttered time! Nowadays we take more stuff on a weekend camping trip. Congratulations on your latest book!
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Dear Miranda,
We do tend to collect over the years, don’t we? Love your comment. Thank you re my book.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Time flies when memories get refreshed & we relive joys!
Have found myself in similar situation 🙂
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Dear Anita,
I suspect most of us have been in a similar situation. Than you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Story of my life.
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😀 yep.
Shalom, Linda,
Rochelle
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I thought you made that up. 😉
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As if, James. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
This is what happens to me every time I decide to declutter… lost in memories, reading old stuff, reminiscing… Sigh.
Shalom and lotsa cluttered love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
Decluttering is the hardest thing to do. Those memories just jump out to meet us, don’t they? Than you for your understanding.
Shalom and lotsa memorable hugs,
Rochelle
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Oh man… is it ever!
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Of course you know you are the only one who does this. You really should see a therapist about that. Wait…does that mean we all need to as well? Good story although not really fiction. Right?
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Dear Jan,
Nope, nothing fictitious about this story 😉 I’m not sure a therapist would be much help with this particular problem.
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Haha, I also intend to tidy our box storage room … later! But part of the point of keeping things is to enjoy them again on the next discovery. Sounds like you’re making the most of a challenging chore. And the boxes will still be there tomorrow!
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Dear Jen,
Unfortunately those boxes will most likely be there for many more tomorrows. 😉 Thank you
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Querida Rochelle,
Aahhh … I must admit that I do not hang on to anything. I have recently saved a few things, but wonder why. I’m the only one who likes them.
I’ve been downsizing. It’s that time. Ironically, procrastinator husband can’t let go of much. I can’t tell you how many pens he has. It’s a lot. You only need one working pen. I pray my kids don’t curse what will be left behind. A very true accounting of what happens to stuff: ie- remember George Carlin when he jokes about Stuff. LOLOL
Carino y sentimientos buenos para ti, mi amiga ❤️
Izzy 😎
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Querida Isadora,
¿Cómo se dice “packrat” en español? Tenemos dos en esta casa. 😉 Gracias.
Shalom y abrazos,
Rochelle
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LOL Se dice ‘Cachivachero’ o ‘Cachvachera’ a collector of unnecessary things. LOL
But, unnecessary to who? I think that is where the collecting begins. My husband has miniatures soldiers from when he was a child. Ssooo … he has his reasons. He paints them, creates dioramas, etc. For him, it’s important to keep all of this. For me, no. LOL
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No better way to procrastinate than an old book. Fun story, I now want to read that too.
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Dear Gabi,
Bunnicula was great fun. I recently found a T-shirt with the picture of the book cover on it and had to buy it. Thank you for your understanding 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love going through mystery boxes just for that distraction down memory lane. That’s the very reason they are there. Don’t get too organized now!
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Dear Lisa,
Me? Get too organized? Not to worry. I don’t foresee that happening anytime soon. 😉 It is fun to go through mystery boxes at times. However I get stuck on memory lane way too often. Thank you for understanding.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, I can relate. You are very welcome.
Shalom,
Lisa
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Oh how we can all relate to this take pf procrastination, at least I can!
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Dear Anonymous,
I think we all pretty much can relate. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I agree, it takes a lot of courage to sort out a collection of ‘stuff’. We just have to keep. It is useful and sentimental- but honestly all of those things have outlived their purpose in our lives. Still we are all hoarders at heart.
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Dear James,
I think you’re correct in your assessment. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A vegetable sucking vampire rabbit! I love that. I can also relate to your difficulties in decluttering. It’s an awful job. Lovely story.
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Dear Margaret,
It seems clutter is a universal problem. The rabbit was a hoot. Fruits and veggies around the house we turning white. Gasp! Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Sounds just like me when I am trying to sort books! Well done.
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Dear Connie,
It’s so hard to sort through stuff. Photos are the hardest. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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i know decluttering can be tough. i’d been there. 🙂
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I think we’ve all been there, Plaridel. Thank you. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The pitfalls of the clean-out. Only the most diligent prevail.
Sounds all too familiar!
Peace, Rochelle
🩶 🕊️
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Dear Nancy,
Not feeling too diligent today. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Isn’t that the main reason we keep boxes of memories, for distraction from cleaning? Hehe. I love this story and can definitely relate!
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Dear Angela,
Yep. We all can relate, it seems. 😉 Thank you for your understanding comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Questions: since I’ve not been here before, is it strictly for prose, not poetry? And by “beginning, middle and end”, would a free-verse poem that describes the scene and thoughts of the author not qualify for this prompt? Thank in advance for your reply.
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Hi V. Sparrow,
Welcome to Friday Fictioneers. Poetry is as welcome as prose here. The main challenge is telling a story in 100 words. Non-fiction is also okay, as you might gather by reading my story. 😉 (No fiction there).
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you much, Rochelle–then I’ll go ahead and post mine, and you can judge for yourself. Now is it exactly 100 words? Or is that simply the limit? Mine might be a few words less. Thank you for your time and kindness is helping me!!
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Less is better than more 😉
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Good to know–I’ll polish and post mine.
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I know that feeling – you try clearing things away then become distracted by something you find and it all grinds to a halt!
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Dear Keith,
It happens every time 😉 Thank you for understanding.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I can thoroughly relate to BIG cleaning projects…the clutter and dust, and the question: why did I wait so long to do this?? Now that I’m OLD I have an excuse to just go for what’s on the surface…some vacuuming, a little dusting. Unless of course, I get that urge to rearrange furniture!! I hope your day is indeed bright!!
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Dear V,
I’ve been waiting for the cleaning bug to bite. Just not happening. I get that OLD part. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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My pleasure entirely!
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I think that book might become a family heirloom. It’s hard to declutter.So many memories are attached to junk.
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Dear Tannille,
Decluttering is my Achilles heel.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It is so easy to get distracted when cleaning. But then, it brings back wonderful memories. I liked the story, Rochelle. So true to life and Bunnicula gave me a laugh. I think I see a Schnauzer on the cover. Mine certainly have moments of causing havoc!
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Dear Forestwood,
Here I am into the next prompt and still catching up on replying to comments. As you can see this past week I was very easily distracted. 😉 Thank you for commenting and understanding.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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No worries, Rochelle. Life gets in the way sometimes. Cheers from Australia,
Amanda
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My son loved Bunnicula as well. He read the entire series and really hasn’t read anything since.
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Dear Michele,
My eldest son was the most avid reader on the planet. Well beyond his age level. Bunnicula is a classic. 😉 Thank you for reading and commenting. Apologies for my tardy reply.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I can relate to this! Going through old photos and books can steal away the hours. Lovely story, Rochelle. 🙂
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Dear Fleur,
I think just about everyone can relate. 😉 Thank you re my story. Apologies for my tardy reply.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A diversion, no matter what, is generally better than clearing out/tidying up. Well done.
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Dear Sandra,
Tidiness and organization have never been my strong suits. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Awww great story. Sounds like a fabulous book to read with little ones. Some lovely memories here. I would procrastinate too!
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Dear Laurie,
The book was so much fun and the memories of sharing it with my son even more so. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I always find time to procrastinate. I don’t always find time for everything else, but procrastination always seem to find its way atop the to-do list, especially when cleaning is on the list.
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Dear Nobbin,
Never do today what you can put off until tomorrow. Right? 😉 Sort of like I put off replying to your comment until the next FF cycle. Sorry about that. I was distracted. Thank you for understanding. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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