23 May 2025

Published May 21, 2025 by rochellewisoff

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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 © Roger Bultot

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Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100

I YAM WHAT I YAM

To the delight of Elzie and his playmates, Rocky Fiegel made his muscles dance. “I fought my way from Poland to Chester, Illinois.”

            “Did you really beat up five men at once?” asked Elzie.

            “Tough brutes they was, too.” Puffing on his corncob pipe, Rocky gazed at the boys through his one good eye. “I pulverized ‘em with one hand behind my back.”

            Whether true or not, Rocky’s tales fascinated E. C. Segar. As an aspiring cartoonist in the 1920’s he created one of history’s most beloved characters.

            “Strong to the finich ‘cause I eats me spinach—Popeye the Sailorman.”

*************

I was fond of canned spinach as a child. Perhaps this is why. 😉 At any rate it was interesting to find that the cartoon character was drawn from an actual person.

Frank “Rocky” Fiegel

Elzie Crisler Segar and his creation

44 comments on “23 May 2025

    • Dear Neil,

      And this is why I don’t quibble with other people’s stories when they don’t exactly reflect the prompt. It’s what you see. 😉 In my head the story did fit the picture, I just didn’t communicate it very well, did I? Thank you for your tolerance.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Liked by 1 person

  • Makes you wonder who is hanging around us, plotting to make us into a world-famous cartoon character 🙂 I love spinach as well, although I guess I just don’t eat enough of it to make me that strong.

    Have a good week, my friend.

    David

    Liked by 1 person

    • Dear David,

      Now that is a thought to ponder. I honestly love spinach in all its forms. Canned spinach is still one of my guilty pleasures…don’t forget the vinegar. As a school kid I once got sick on it after all the kids at lunch gave me their spinach. I can’t say it made me all that strong…certainly not with immediate results. 😉 Thank you for coming by. Always happy to see you. Hope your week is a good one.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Liked by 1 person

    • Dear Violet,

      It makes me really happy for you to say that. I have a possibilty of being the voice of an audible version of my book LAST DANCE WITH ANNIE. Only in the talking stages now…nothing definite. Thank you.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Liked by 1 person

  • Ah I enjoyed that. I used to watch Popeye cartoons as a child, loving the way he squeezed the tin of spinach and the lid popped off. I quite like spinach, but no-one else in my family does. Such a faff, cooking it for one so I don’t have it as often as I’d like. Thanks for the trip down Memory Lane.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Dear Sandra,

      I enjoyed Popeye, too and was the weird kid who liked spinach. It’s great in a salad. But I like an occasional serviing of the canned variety. Always happy to escort my friends down Memory Lane. Thank you. 😀

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Liked by 1 person

  • Did I read that right? You liked canned spinach? And as a child – wow! That is a unique taste bud –

    and I really liked your post. My dad used to say “I am what I am” and I think the Popeye character had some rich social psychology in his outlook

    Liked by 1 person

  • I enjoyed watching Popeye as a child and never knew he was based on a real person. I like spinach as well, so tasty and versatile. I can see the connection with the water on which a sailor sails, or perhaps the greenery in the foreground reminded you of spinach!

    Liked by 1 person

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