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.
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Dear Geeta
Thank you for your lovely comments. Could indeed have been overcare. At any rate, I’ll steer clear of orchids. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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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.) 🙂
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Dear Sandra,
They were beautiful while they lasted. 😉 Thank you for your commiseration.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I have killed cactus- so I commiserate with your plight!
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Dear Violet,
Yes, I’ve killed cactus as well. Sigh. Thank you for your commiseration. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yes, Rochelle, many house plants need more attention than children. Sorry about your flowers.
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Dear James,
On the upside, I have some luck with African Violets and a 10 year old Cyclamen that clings tenaciously to life. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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At least it bloomed beautifully, if briefly
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Yes, Neil. There is that. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I remember the Orchid. They aren’t easy to keep alive but you gave it your best shot.
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Dear Jan,
It was the thought that counted. A lovely gift, but those gold-tipped roses work better for me. 😉
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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.
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Dear Jen,
It seems the only thing I learned from my orchid experience was “don’t.” 😉 Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I leave the house plants to my wife.
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Probably sound wisdom, James.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, orchids are some of the most difficult plants to grow. There are much easier ones. Don’t give up!
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Dear Lisa,
I’ve had some luck with African violets although they eventually expire on me. However I have a Cyclamen that has been at death’s door more than once but keeps coming back. I’ve named her Audrey. 😉
Thank you for your words of encouragement.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, plants know when we try. You are very welcome. Give Audrey a hug for me. Better yet, a pet 🙂
Shalom,
Lisa
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If it’s any consolation, I have very good luck with plants, but I have killed every orchid I’ve ever had. Keep painting!
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Dear Nancy,
I envy those with green thumbs. My sister in law is amazing that way. Ah well, it helps to know you’ve also had issues with orchids. Always painting here. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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your lily painting is lovely and fun orchid story
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Thank you on both counts, Yvette.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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😉❤️
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Great story and painting, Rochelle. The Dali painting and your painting look like a before and after.
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Thank you, whoever you are.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Happy New Year, Rochelle. That Dali painting fits to a tee, and the lilies are beautiful. I never tried to have orchids as house plants, and don’t think I will although I do have a green thumb I do like them though.
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Dear Gabi,
I gave the orchids a shot. That’s it. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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p.s. What a beautiful painting, Rochelle. I remember ordering a notecard with it on there. I used to have one of these lilies in my yard ❤
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Dear Lisa,
I’m so pleased that you ordered that card. 😀 Thanks for letting me know. Enjoy.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, you are welcome.
Shalom,
Lisa
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Poor orchid… so sad, but your beautiful painting will last forever.
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Dear Chris,
One has to know one’s strengths. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great read Rochelle – sorry the orchid didn’t last but your painting certainly will!
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Dear Angela,
It’s good to stick with one’s strengths, isn’t it? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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🩷
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Dear Rochelle,
There are plant people and there are plant painting people. Choose wisely! I feel ya. I am always impressed by anyone who receives an orchid, doesn’t kill it and actually gets a new batch of flowers!
Shalom and lotsa bloomin love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
I’m definitely a plant painting people. 😉 My sister in law is amazing with plants. I enjoy her plants when I visit the Wilmington Wisoffs in August. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom and lotsa flowery hugs,
Rochelle
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We must accept that we can’t do it all (well)…
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I’m always so proud when something lives under my care, because it’s the exception. It does require some sort of supernatural touch. 🙂 I do love your painting!
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Dear Brenda,
I have a ten-year-old Cyclamen that’s been at death’s door more than ones. I’ve named her Audrey. I’m not sure how she rallies and even blooms. Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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People call my loft a jungle! Living alone, the plants that surround me are like friends, I care for them, they care for me – at least you can paint them, something I could never do!
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Dear Keith,
I envy your jungle. It sounds lovely. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh Rochelle, I hear you… I hear you… my green thumb is rather black too
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Dear Laurie,
I guess we’re not all meant to be gardeners. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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