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
The photo was taken from the passenger’s seat driving through New Mexico. There are mountains in the background as the road curves. A lot of sand and sage. Some green over to the right behind the guardrail.
CLICK FROG TO HOP ABOARD
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
(Word count does not count the title, in case you wondered.;) )
“HELLO THERE, WE’VE BEEN WAITING FOR YOU.”
“I was just a sprout in 1950—three years old—when Ralph Edwards challenged any American town to change its name to Truth or Consequences after the game show.” Patsy’s eyes shone.
“Of course it was a publicity stunt. But our town council went for it, and it put us on the map. Mr. Edwards was the nicest man. Why, he came to town every year for our fiesta til he was in his 90’s.”
“He sure did know the power of the gimmick.” Patsy shook her head. “Kids today with their smart phones and social media will never understand.”
When I saw that sign I had to research the town. 😀
And if you can spare the time, here’s what Truth or Consequences, both the show and the town looked like in 1950…
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
It’s really such some nice publicity stunt, Rochelle. Naming a town after the game show really sounds interesting. 👍
Have a great week ahead! ☺️
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Nice one Rochelle, One day, everyone will be famous for 15 minutes, they say
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I’m glad you did your research Rochelle- great story🙌
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What a delightful story!
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Such a nice little bit of trivia!~ Thank you for this!
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I am a big fan of silly things towns do to get on the map. I once detoured off the Interstate in Idaho while my now-husband was dozing. He woke up and asked what’s wrong.
Nothing, I said, I just wanted to see the Centre of the Universe!
(https://visitidaho.org/things-to-do/roadside-attractions/center-of-the-universe-wallace/)
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We sure had some beautiful scenery on this trip. The story of Truth or Consequences was one I knew of but had never noticed the country around it. I figured you would turn some of those many pictures you took into stories. Good job.
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
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I vaguely remember the show and now that you mention it, the town as well.
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