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 © Mr. Binks
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
CREATING HEAVEN ON EARTH
When I was a little girl, the Shakers took me in and educated me. They encouraged me to follow my own path, celibate and free.
As Mother Ann Lee taught, I gave my hands to work and my heart to God, making chairs and building cabinets.
Yet I dreamt of my gentle prince who would rescue me on his noble steed.
Ignoring Mother Ann’s wise counsel, I accepted a marriage proposal.
By my 26th year I had born five children—two who lived.
Tonight, I shall pack our belongings and beseech the Shakers to rescue me from my violent “prince.”
If you’re unfamiliar with the Shakers, here’s a short clip to introduce them.
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Whew! That last line hit close to home. Compelling writing, Rochelle.
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Dear Violet,
Too many women have been lured by a Prince Charming only to find him to be more of a dragon. Thank you for your validating comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I learned of the Shakers in confirmation class (the first go round). I was drawn to their philosophy of heart to God, hands to work. I’ve made it an integral part of my life, too. I love the simplicity of lifestyle as well. The world could learn much from the Shakers that could apply to present life. ~Shalom, Bear
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Dear Bear,
I’ve always found the Shakers to be interesting as well. Thank you for coming by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This is a compelling piece, Prince Charming’s lure can be a heart breaker.Well done, Rochelle
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Dear Fleur,
Sadly, not all Prince Charmings are all they’re cracked up to be. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautifully done, Rochelle. As the poet says, “though love turns frogs into princes, marriage turns them slowly back again”
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Dear Neil,
Ah, I love the frog quote. Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A sad truth for many. Beautifully written.
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Dear Clare,
Sadly, domestic violence has gone on for centuries. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I was hoping for a happy ending but then only two children survived and no joy for the sweet, girl who dreamed of love. I think there would be a happy ending though once she reconnects with those who loved her as a child.
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Dear Clare,
From what I’ve read of the Shakers, my guess is that they would take her and her children in. (At least that’s the way this author sees it. 😉 ) Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wow, that’s tragic.
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Yes, James. It is.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
They never listen to such counsel, do they? Human nature, methinks.
Hopefully, the Shakers are the type to reaccept those who return.
Lovely, if sad write.
Shalom and lotsa happy ever after love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
From what I’ve read the Shakers were very accepting, encouraging women to be leaders. And they didn’t discriminate against different races. So my thought is that they would take her back in.
This is actually a story I started to write 11 years ago and found it in an email I’d sent to Doug. As I recall, he wasn’t too crazy about it. However, it’s pretty far afield from that story anyway (and so is he 😉 )
So glad you enjoyed my update. Thank you.
Shalom and lotsa reconcilliatory hugs,
Rochelle
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I was finally able to watch the video. They sound like a lovely bunch. Of course, they were created by a woman 😉
Well, how about you dust that puppy off and work on it again?
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I thought that’s what I did. 😉
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Oh sorry. I thought you meant it was part of a longer story (like a novel).
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Nope. But pretty different from the original flash fiction I wrote.
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😊
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We live about 40 minutes away from the Ephrata Cloister, which is very similar to what is described in your video. An interesting bit of history 🙂
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Thank you, Linda.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Where do I sign up? Do Shakers still exist, I wonder?
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Dear Lisa,
There actually are a few Shakers left. https://www.deseret.com/faith/2022/3/24/22989812/the-last-shakers-sabbathday-lake-maine-shaker-village/ 😀
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So heartbreaking when her dreams were shattered.
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Dear James,
It is hard to deal with shattered dreams. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I don’t know. Celibate and free seem like conflicting ideals. The wrong man doesn’t necessarily mean she made the wrong choice. What a sad story!
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Dear Nobbin,
I suppose it’s all about point of view, isn’t it? To some celibate would mean free…to others, not so much. Thank you for reading and weighing in.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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i’m sad the marriage didn’t work out. at least, she had the future to look forward to.
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Dear Plaridel,
Sadly, they don’t all work, do they? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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An intriguing ending. I find myself wanting to know what happens next. Does she escape?
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Dear ?,
I’d like to think she escapes. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
What an amazing read! Every time I read you I feel like I’m watching “I’ve Got A Secret” or “What’s My Line”. Incredible info I was not aware of before. I was compelled to read more about the Shakers; since they are celibate, all children were added through indenture, adoption, or conversion. Occasionally a baby was anonymously left on a Shaker doorstep. Fascinating!
Thank you for another intriguing, enlightening and educational read!
Shalom,
🕊️
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Dear Nancy,
Thank you for such a magnificent comment/compliment. 😀 Glad you pursued the subject.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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My great pleasure, Rochelle 😊
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Such a poignant tale. Once again I’ve learned something from your post, thank you.
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Dear Keith,
Always a great compliment. Than you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What year does this story take place?
It doesn’t matter, really, it could have been yesterday, but I am curious.
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Dear Dawn,
It takes place in the 1700’s while the Shakers’ founder was still alive. People are still people, aren’t they?
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love how you teach us little known facts and people from history. You should have your own podcast.
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Sad story. Hope she took a set (suite?) of chairs with her.
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Dear Patrick,
Fairy tales don’t often come true, do they?
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ooooooo
This hit hard.
Perfectly done.
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Indeed. Sorry for the late reply, I’ve been trying to get my head around a new phone and the normal/writing world has slipped off the grid. I’ve got a new tablet as well. It’s light years advanced from of dinosaur old one.
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