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
This week’s picture was taken from my back door. In the dark you can make out my deck with it’s white deck lights. Trees are silhouetted against a bright sunset. This was taken in December so there are no leaves on the trees.
Click the Frog to join!
Genre: It’s been one of those weeks.
Words that Don’t Particularly Count: 100
EXPRESSIONLESS
I stare at the screen. I only have a hundred words to write. A complete story—beginning, middle and end. You’d think this would be easy. It’s my stunning sunset picture, after all.
I’m drawing a blank. Hey, Google, where did that expression come from?
“The phrase ‘draw a blank’ dates back to the 16th century in Tudor England when Queen Elizabeth ran a lottery for the people.” One drew either a prize or a blank piece of paper.
Synonyms include zone out, be stumped, come up empty, or be at a loss.
Yep. That’s my story in a nutshell
Occasionally we all draw blanks. Here’s a similar story from September 2022.
No particular reason for this video. I just like it. 😉




I have to admit- first impression- I am right there with you! hehehe
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Dear Violet,
I hope you do better with this photo than I. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Sneaky, Rochelle. I have to wonder, since you choose the image, why give yourself such a torment? I’d have picked another image in your place
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Dear Neil,
The photo seemed like a worthy one when I chose it. I just couldn’t squeeze a story out of it this week. Too many other things on my mind I guess. Thanks for your weekly support.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I think since you see the same scene of your backyard everyday, it does not fire your imagination. In spite of that, you still hosted. Thanks for that.
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Dear Joy,
I really love the photo, I just could not squeeze any kind of a story out of it. A lot on my mind. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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As usual, WordPress is not playing nice. Anyway, very inventive story.
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
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Hmm, I’m going to think thoughts about this one, Rochelle. Such a lovely sunset though…
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Thanks for stopping by, Chris.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I get that sometimes when I’m confronted by a prompt, though this week, I stumbled onto something quite interesting.
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Dear James,
Yeah, ye ole writer’s block hits the best of us, doesn’t it? This was my week for it. 😉 From Belton MO and beyond. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Quite a challenge, that picture. I just went with the first thing the silly side of my head came up with!
Thank you for the lesson concerning something from my country’s history, I had no idea!
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Dear Keith,
When it comes to history, I just can’t help myself. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, been there, done that. I’d prefer the prize. Good story. Looking at your potent pic today, a story immediately came to mind.
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Dear Lisa,
That was one of us. I chose the photo and then stared at it, waiting for inspiration that never came. 😉 Okay…so it kind of did…through the back door. Thank you for your understanding.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, thanks for sharing your process. You are welcome.
Shalom,
Lisa
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I know that feeling. It happens, it changes.
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Dear Mary,
I think we all know the feeling. 😉 Thank you for your understanding.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That was hilarious, Rochelle. And thanks for another history lesson.
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Dear Will,
I confess…if there’s history to be added, I can’t resist. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wow! Such a beautiful view!!
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I love the song too and I understand the zoning out sensation. Again a stunning prompt. Actually the spellbinding beauty of the prompt has robbed me of words… 😂
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Dear Geeta,
Glad you liked the prompt and the song. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I just learned from James this is Belton Lake in Texas. In my youth I spent time boating and fishing on Belton Lake. It’s a beautiful place.
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Dear Will,
I’ve never been to Belton Lake in Texas. I live in the “other Belton” in Missouri on the outskirts of Kansas City. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I see. Thank you for clarifying, Rochelle.
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Sometimes it definitely feels harder with one’s own photo, but also you’re allowed to have the occasional ‘off-week’ in more than a decade of hosting. I feel like we’ve had a lot of sunsets recently too; you’re just keeping us on our toes!
Jen
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Dear Jen,
I always have that moment when I choose a photo. The one where I wonder if I’ll be able to come up with something to write about. And this time it would be my own photo. Sometimes the magic works and sometimes it doesn’t. Thank you for your understanding.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
Too funny that you choose your own pic and then are struck blank. Happens to the best of us, methinks. You snuck in a good one despite it 😉
Shalom and lotsa love with ideas,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
As Chief Dan George said, “Sometimes the magic works and sometmes it doesn’t.” 😉 Thank you for your understanding. ❤
Shalom and lotsa blank hugs,
Rochelle
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Too true!
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Guilty, as charged. LOL I snuck into the archives for a story to add.
Busy week but didn’t want to skip posting.
It’s funny the way you write about it so it’s all good. We can all use a good laugh right now.
Gracias, mi amiga 🤗 Izzy 😎
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Querida Izzy,
I’ve been known to dig into the archives as well. Some weeks the muse just doesn’t show up, but Friday Fictioneers goes on. Thank you for your sweet comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you, mi amiga.
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Well Rochelle, for someone who drew a blank, I actually learned something from you haha! I learned where to draw a blank came from! xx
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Dear Carol Anne,
Sometimes I show up in spite of myself. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, I’ve been there many times. Great job pulling something out of the blank. For us writers, there are stories, even in a blank. 🙂
Have a good week,
David
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Dear David,
Yep. Writer’s Block is a common ailment amongst us. Thank you for your encouraging comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That process sounds familiar, including the getting distracted by ‘where does that come from’ searches. 😀
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Dear Gabi,
I know I’m not the only one. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Queen Liz One!! A great scam artist!
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It sounds like it, Patrick.
Shalom,
Stumped
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Very entertaining story for someone who was coming up empty!
Shalom
🕊️
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Dear Nancy,
I’m nothing if not entertaining. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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🤣 Love this Rochelle and brilliant song and video!🤩
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Dear Angela,
Glad you liked my offerings this week. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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🩷
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Excellent! Thanks for this history lesson.
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Thank you, Dawn. And you’re welcome. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love that even when drawing blanks, we still learn something! You’re a true leader and gracious host. 🙏
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Dear Michele,
Thank you for your sweet and encouraging comment. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh, that’s so funny. I can certainly relate…sometimes it’s just not there…and I draw a blank. Great bit of history!
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Dear Brenda,
Sometimes the magic works and sometimes it doesn’t.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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