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
Three guitars, two electric and one acoustic sit on their stands next to a window with vertical blinds. The electric on the left and he acoustic in the middle have Yellow rags attached for polishing. To the far right there’s a wooden stand that holds a record player/radio.
Genre: Historical Fiction (kind of)
Word Count: 100
You could call this a sequel to my story about the origin of Martin guitars. This one concerns one very special Martin and his owner.
I’LL ALWAYS PICK YOU, TRIGGER
“I ain’t pickin’ no cotton-pickin’ cotton,” thirteen-year-old Willie told his grandpa.
“How you plan to earn a livin’ boy?”
“Play my guitar and sing. That’s how.”
With determination, grit and a unique voice, Willie made it from the honkytonks of Texas to the Grand Ole Opry.
His love affair began in 1969. Not with a woman, but with a Martin N-20 classical guitar he named Trigger. Every cowboy needs a trusty steed.
Trigger’s been autographed by over a hundred celebrities. Battered and bruised, a hole worn in its body, Trigger still accompanies Willie Nelson as they hit the road again.
And if you have another twelve minutes to spare CLICK for more of Willie Nelson and Trigger’s story.



A fine inspirational story, Rochelle. I admire the dedication of musicians who believe in themselves and have the courage to entertain us. Not all great musicians, like Wille Nelson, are famous. Some are just happy to live their life surrounded by what they love, music. We have a musical club in our town and I am always impressed by their enthusiasm and lovely smiles.
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Dear James,
We have groups like that in our area. Musicians who love what they do even though they may never be famous. Thank you for a lovely comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Such a melodious love-affair!
May new tunes be composed & sung along with the much-autographed love!
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Thank you, Anita.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I think Willie will outlive all of us! Great storytelling.
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Dear Violet,
I have to wonder. Although I’ve heard reports of his declining health. Thank you re my storytelling. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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If only everybody could make it. What dreams we might have then
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Dear Neil,
So true. But if everyone were famous…no one would be. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
What a wonderful and inspirational share! Who doesn’t love Willie? I am in awe of those who know from the get just what and who they wanna be. Love this, my friend.
Shalom and lotsa musical love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
Willie is a National Treasure and in a class by himself. Glad you enjoyed my little bit of story. Thank you.
Shalom and lotsa melodious hugs,
Rochelle
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That he is!
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A delightful tale of a great musician.
I still have, and play the guitar I had for my 17th birthday, despite it looking a bit of a wreck!
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Keith, that is sooo cool.
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Dear Keith,
I love it! Thanks for sharing your very special story. 😀 Glad you liked mine.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, I loved your story about Willie and Trigger. Saw a doc some years back where it showed Trigger’s doctor, the guy who keeps Trigger fit as a fiddle. I love it that Willie is still going strong and I think at least one of his kids performs with him as well.
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Dear Lisa,
Yes, Lukas Nelson performs with him. I’ve heard reports of Willie’s failing health. His story is nonetheless amazing, isn’t it?
Thank you for reading and commenting. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
PS I love the message of this song. Turn off the news…
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Very cool. Thanks for the share, Rochelle!
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You’re welcome, Lisa. 😀
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Great story, Rochelle and accompanying video. That guitar must have become a part of him after being together so long. Love seeing it in the video too. Also, love the first line of your story. Had to read it twice to make sure I wasn’t just dyslexic 🙂
-David
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Dear David,
It’s amazing that Trigger still has life left. He ain’t pretty but he’s loved. Glad you enjoyed my story and took the time to say so. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle, I enjoyed your story and the photo led into it so well. Also, I heard that when Willie Nelson had an IRS debt to settle (in the 90s) he had his guitar “Trigger” removed from his house and hidden during his tax troubles – and once the debt was settled it surfaced again
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Dear Yvette,
I can’t say I’m surprised Trigger was taken out before Willie was audited. What a terrible loss that would’ve been. Thank you re my story and photo.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yes, I am glad they were able to rescue the guitar – and I loved your story and musical connections.
Did you know I sometimes think of you when I hear Tom Petty? I just remember your Petty post… funny the little posts that stick with us.
xxx
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Willie! one of my favorites. I enjoyed the voice you used and that last line….
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Gads!!! The above comment is from me, Lish. It’s been so long since I stopped by I forgot how FF sometimes work.
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Dear Lish,
Glad you picked up on the last line. 😉 and thanks so much for identifying yourself. WP has been a royal pain over the past year.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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🎸wonderful story Rochelle and lovely clip a very talented man🙌
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Thank you, Angela. Glad you enjoyed the story and the video. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks Rochelle, I really enjoyed that video with Willie and his great guitar – love the name ‘Trigger’.
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Thank you, Chris.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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he’s one of the greats. thanks for sharing tidbits about him.
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Glad you enjoyed, Plaridel. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle, as soon as I saw the name Willie, I thought “oh, I hope this is about Willie Nelson!” You didn’t disappoint. Wonderful story.
Shalom,
🕊️
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Dear Nancy,
I’m glad you enjoyed my offering. 😀 I had fun writing it. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a wonderfully inspirational story of Willie. A very talented guy!
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It’s me, Brenda, by the way! 😊
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Dear Brenda,
Thanks so much for identifying yourself. Glad you enjoyed the story and took the time to say so. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely Rochelle
A true love of music and the need to play.
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So true, Laurie. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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