31 October 2025

Published October 29, 2025 by rochellewisoff

RIP Trent McDonald, former Friday Fictioneer.
Click Link above to read his Obituary

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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 © Dale Rogerson

Against a backdrop of trees or bushes is a row of potted plants, plastic buckets and discarded pans. To the far left is a red easel with a picture on it. The easel is falling over backward.

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Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100

VIEWPOINT

“Look at me!” Jarvis flexed his muscles in front of the mirror. “Strong and healthy like the President.”

Jarvis had it all—athletic and intellectual prowess—while Norman struggled with basic reading and Math. Algebra with its x’s and y’s eluded him.

Watching his older brother, Norman sighed. He’d heard the stories of President Teddy Roosevelt exercising his way to robust health after being a sickly child.

He glared at his own gangly reflection. “I’ll never be an athlete.”

Picking up one of Norman’s sketches, Jarvis shook his head. “And I’ll never be the artist you are, Mr. Norman Rockwell.”

This is an artist…illustrator, whatever you deam the correct title…I’ve always looked up to. He was amazing!

53 comments on “31 October 2025”

  • As usual, I can’t seem to comment in WordPress so I will here. I could believe my ears when I first heard someone say that Norman Rockwell wasn’t an artist but an illustrator. I cry “BS” on that comment. Love your story.

    Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Dear Jan,

      However you manage to get here is all good. I remember one of my HS art teachers saying that no one could say what art was. Then he told another student his work wasn’t art. To which the kid asked, “What’s art?” Still makes me laugh.

      Thanks for the comment, m’luv.

      Like

      Reply ↓

  • Dear Rochelle

    Loved this story. Norman Rockwell was just amazing.

    Also was so very sorry to hear about Trent, such a tragic loss 😥

    Hope you are keeping well …

    With very best wishes

    Dee

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

  • The definition of art to me is a creative endeavor that results in feelings being evoked by the one who beholds it. If Rockwell isn’t an artist, then there is no artist. I loved the humanity he brings out in a one-dimensional work.

    Trent was like that, in his writing, in his paintings, and in his music. I will miss him so.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

  • Dear Rochelle,

    We’re not all meant to be artists, athletes, etc. but we are all blessed with gifts which make us who we are.

    Thanks for sharing this story and for letting us know about Trent. May he rest in peace.

    Shalom,

    Adele

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

    • Dear Lish,

      Of course the comradery was the fictitious part of this story. I have no idea what kind of a relationship Norman and Jarvis had. Although Norman did name his son after him.

      I agree about his art. One of a kind. Thank you.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Like

      Reply ↓

  • Norman Rockwell is someone I can relate to….. no head for figures and hated math in school. And like Norman, I favor the arts. It’s wonderful that we are all individuals with our own strengths and weaknesses.

    Another excellent human interest story, Rochelle.

    Shalom

    🕊️

    PS – The house where Norman Rockwell spent many of his childhood years is a 3-minute drive from my house.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

    • Dear Nancy,

      We all do have our own gifts and abilities. I recall gym class in junior high being a nightmare. Y’know the kid last picked for any team. 😉 But after PE was art class. “You’re on my turf now…” yeah, I enjoyed that.

      Thank you re my story.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply ↓

  • Rochelle,

    Thank you for sharing the news about Trent. He will be missed.

    As for Norman Rockwell, when we start gatekeeping what is and isn’t art, let’s not start with those who create images from their imagination, shall we? sigh.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

  • Hi Rochelle, so nice to see the tribute for Trent here.

    Also, I liked your story for the photo from Dale. It captured the innocence of youth and then did tie into the Norman Rockwell theme.

    However, I am not a huge fan of Normal Rockwell. Probably not the time or place to elaborate – but I used to like his work when my sixth grade teacher showed the class his work and then I thought a lot of it was so Americana. However, his work slightly bothered me with some subtle inappropriate depictions. Then, when Deborah Solomon published American Mirror: The Life and Art of Norman Rockwell, in 2013 – she confirmed for me what I had picked up – and she took it to a whole new level. Now Solomon does not claim he was gay or a pedophile, but she does note many of his art pieces hint at his interest in preadolescent boys – which I have heard others talk about too. Putting all that aside, we cannot refute his talent and his many covers that so many people looked forward to.

    https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/174929.American_Mirror

    Like

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    • Dear Yvette,

      Those things about Rockwell are disappointing, but don’t take away my appreciation of his gift. It does make him interesting.

      By the same token, Chopin was not someone I’d wanted to have met in person. From what I’ve read, he had a nasty disposition and the moral fiber of an alley cat. Nonetheless I am a fan of his music.

      Thank you for the link. I’ll check it out.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Like

      Reply ↓

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