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 © Lisa Fox
The photo this week is a sign post with four colorful arrows pointing in different directions. From the top down: the arrow points to the left and says. “This way.” The next points right and says, “That way.” The third arrow points right and says, “Go back” and the bottom points left and says, “Tea Party.” Have fun with it!
Genre: Anecdote
Word count:100
THE PEACE, HOPE, AND LOVE TOUR
2020 began with Alzheimer’s robbing us of what was left of my husband’s mother after ten years. In February, our football team made it to the Super Bowl for the first time in fifty years—and won!
In March the pandemic turned the world on its ear and shut down life as we knew it.
What would we have done without Facebook, Zoom, or our friend Bradley who gave an online concert every Sunday night? The screen was always bass-ackwards, but his sweet songs kept a lucky group of us connected and somewhat sane.
Thanks for the music, buddy!
I’m pretty sure this was Bradley’s first venture forth after COVID. He really was a light in the darkness during those months of lock down.
For more about this wonderful friend and singer CLICK
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If you’re on Facebook, please click the link to check out this page and think about donating to American Cancer Society. I’ve joined the swim 5 mile challenge to raise money for the cause. https://www.facebook.com/donate/1113614497852702/ Thank you.
A very interesting prompt Rochelle.
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Thank you, Geeta.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Loved “bass-ackwards”
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Dear Neil,
Would that I could claim originality. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yes those Covid years were a strange times – thss as know goodness we had the technology to keep in touch with family and friends- Your friend – singer Bradley must have been a blessing ❤️
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Dear Ange,
I was very grateful for technology back then. We were isolated enough as it was. Bradley was a special blessing to many of us. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You are so welcome Rochelle
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This way or that way, fine, but never back to those days. Please and thank you. I’m not sure i have yet recovered.
On another note, the froggy wont link me today. If you get a second, could you add me please:
http://www.elmowrites.wordpress.com
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Dear Jen,
Oh I wouldn’t want to go back to that time. I wonder if some of us will ever recover. However, I think the use of Zoom and other like platforms was a good thing.
As for froggy, I don’t know what the issue was, but you are posted.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you!
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What a year that was. The good, the bad and the ugly defines that year well. The good was our wonderful friend Bradley Harris, who brought us hope and some happiness.
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
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Dear Jan,
I suppose things could’ve been worse. But it was definitely a challenge. Bradley really did help us get through, I think. Thanks for reading and commenting, m’luv.
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Now that’s in interesting prompt, but gosh, covid… ugh.
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Thank you, Chris.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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There’s always light in the darkness. Thanks for the reminder.
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Dear Kwadwo,
If you seek the light, it’s there. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You have amazing friends! Thanks for sharing your life experiences with us.
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that last comment was from C.Graith. Crazy process changes every other time I use it!
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Dear Clare,
I figured it was you since your ‘like’ came in about the same time. 😉 I’m very happy to share this experience. I’ve thought for the past 6 years that I should write about Bradley and his livestream ‘tour.’ He’s an amazing friend.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Bradley sounds wonderful singing JT song. Music is absolutely one of the things that kept me going during Covid. At the time it seemed like it would last forever — but we got through. Good story, Rochelle.
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Dear Lisa,
We fell in love with Bradley’s music and the man himself the day we met him. (about a year before COVID) He’s one of the most genuinely caring individuals I’ve ever met. Over time he and my husband have become quite close. And as couples we’ve become close to Brad and his wife Phyllis, a gifted childrens author/artist. https://www.phyllisharris.com/
Oh BTW, another thing that kept me sane during that time was Friday Fictioneers. 😉 Thank you for being a part of it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, I can see why you would. Also I checked out Phyllis’ etsy shop. I love her work! Her style reminds me of the (non-Disney) Winnie the Pooh illustrator.
I hear you on FF keeping me sane through those times. It’s always a safe harbor in the storm. Thank you, Captain, for leading in your gentle way ❤ Happy to be with this motley crew 🙂
Shalom,
Lisa
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As always, FF is a pleasure, if not an obsession. 😉 You’re most welcome.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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❤
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We lived then, as now, in interesting times, m’lady
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Dear CE,
We do indeed. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
Things we never can possibly imagine would happen, did… and then some!
Love this take on the prompt, Ms Boss.
Shalom and lotsa love in crazy times,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
I remember back then that we went out of our way not to even mention the pandemic or lockdown. I guess after six years it’s okay to share those stories. 😉 We lived to tell about it, didn’t we? Thank you for your support and friendship during that time. What would we do without technology?
Shalom and lotsa virtual hugs that sustained us,
Rochelle
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I refused to use the word Covid! And to think it’s still around. Like the flu.
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What a terrble time that was. I lost my mother during Covid and wasn’t even able to say goodbye to her.
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I’m so very sorry for your loss, Keith. It was a terrible time…for you moreso than I.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The world needs more people like Bradley Harris. It’s interesting to me that when I think back to Covid the things that stand out to me are how people found ways to connect and so much of it was through music and that gives me a lot of hope. Shana Tovah Rochelle.
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Dear Michael,
Blessings on all who reached out through their music. Thank you for your kind comments. Shana tovah to you, too and may you have an easy fast.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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life goes on whether we like it or not. hold on to the best memories and dispose of the rest.
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I always love the real-life connections you make in your stories. This one was especially heartfelt and close. Thank you for sharing.
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Querida Rochelle,
I get chills when I read about COVID. A 3 time veteran of the disease, I carry the tasteless buds I used to enjoy. Oh well …
There were so many who helped us get through the chaos. Music video’s were our entertainment. A lovely story about someone who stepped up and helped us stay calm during gthose stressful days.
Thanks for being our hostess, Abrazos, Izzy 😎
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DUH … annonymous is Me: Izzy LOLOL
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It seems no one remembers a life before the Internet, at least its advantages are truly appreciated.
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Hi Rochelle,
Did you just invent a word? Your musical anecdote story and the use of “bass-ackwards”. Loved all of it.
Surabhi
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Dear Surabhi,
I can’t claim originality for “bass-ackwards.” It’s been around for a long time. I suppose you could classify it as American slang. 😉 Thank you for your lovely comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The sequence of your story reminds me that sometimes life just pours on us. But thankfully something beautiful (like a rainbow) helps anchor our souls in peace.
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Dear Chioma,
Bradley was one of those rainbow anchors in the crashing waves of lockdown. Thank you. Sorry for the late reply.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Not a problem at all.
Thanks Rochelle.
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What a lovely story. I’m glad you had a friend like Bradley to help you through those times. It is something we got through, and lived to tell about, and that is a good thing. Who knows what fate awaits around the corner. Whatever may be, its our humanity and compassion that will get us through.
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Dear Michele,
Bradley was our port in the storm. And often, still is. We are blessed to have him and his wife as our friends. Thank you. Please forgive the tardy reply.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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There was tremendous loss during that time but there were also a lot of people finding ways to care for others. Thank you for reminding us!
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Dear Brenda,
I feel blessed that the worst part of the pandemic for us was a few months of lockdown and isolation. I’m thankful for the technology that got us through. Thank you for your kind comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Those were some of the strangest years, living through something I never thought would happen. The world needs more people like Bradley; what a lovely voice and a beautiful gift.. Thanks for the share, Rochelle.
Shalom
🕊️
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Dear Nancy,
I agree. The world does need more Bradleys. He is a gift to many and we’re blessed that he and his wife have become very dear friends of ours. Strange days indeed. Most peculiar, Mama.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I ♥️ 🪲
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Lovely Rochelle
A fascinating time back then.
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Dear Laurie,
Fascinating is one word for it. Can’t believe it’s been six years already. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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