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 © Sandra Crook
This week’s photo is a frozen garden pond. Ice has encrusted dormant plants under a protective mesh covering. There is a stone walk around the pond.
Genre: Hysterical Non-Fiction
Word Count: 100
MOTHER NATURE’S MASTERPIECE
One year for Valentine’s Day my husband gifted me with an orchid. Something different, he said. Truly I was thrilled. A gorgeous phalaenopsis with purple veins.
I researched the care and feeding of my lovely acquisition.
Some online plant enthusiasts swore by putting ice cubes in the pot and letting them melt rather than straightforward watering.
I bought orchid food.
By April, the petals had fallen and the leaves drooped like something in a Salvador Dali painting. I agonized over what I had done wrong.
Long story short, I’m death to plant-life. No doubt I could kill a silk orchid.
“The Persistence of Memory” by Salvador Dali
“Stargazer Lilies” by Yours Truly (not orchids 😉 )
*I can paint them, but don’t ask me to grow them. 😀
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Lovely paintings Rochelle and the prompt. Sometimes over-caring leads to undesirable results.
LikeLike
I have a similar track record with orchids. There is usually a glorious interlude before death sets in, for which I am grateful. (The interlude, I mean.) 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have killed cactus- so I commiserate with your plight!
LikeLike
Yes, Rochelle, many house plants need more attention than children. Sorry about your flowers.
LikeLike
At least it bloomed beautifully, if briefly
LikeLike
I remember the Orchid. They aren’t easy to keep alive but you gave it your best shot.
LikeLike
I feel this one! A long time ago I told my husband “don’t buy me flowers, it makes me sad when they die”. So I get plants, and they also die but the beauty lasts longer.
My friend who is a plant blogger, says you don’t need a green thumb, you just need to keep getting plants. Yes, they will die, but you will learn something and if you enjoyed having them, it’s all good.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I leave the house plants to my wife.
LikeLike
Rochelle, orchids are some of the most difficult plants to grow. There are much easier ones. Don’t give up!
LikeLike
If it’s any consolation, I have very good luck with plants, but I have killed every orchid I’ve ever had. Keep painting!
LikeLike
your lily painting is lovely and fun orchid story
LikeLike
Great story and painting, Rochelle. The Dali painting and your painting look like a before and after.
LikeLike