1 May 2026

Published April 29, 2026 by rochellewisoff

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 © David Stewart

This week’s prompt is in a restaurant. Looks to be Mediterranean. There’s a plate with a tower of meat. To the right is a have drunk glass of beer. There are plates and bowls of food. There are tables in the background with other patrons and a server in the upper right. The tablecloths are colorful. To the right we can see part of an iPhone and there is a patron at the table looking at his cell phone.

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Genre: Realistic Fiction
Word Count: 100

SEPARATE KETTLES

Elise and Carla shared lemonade on Elise’s porch. A gentle spring breeze cooled Elise.

“We went out for Mediterranean last night.”

“Not my cup of tea. What did you have?” asked Carla.

“Lamb shish-kebabs.”

The two old friends enjoyed comparing food notes. While they agreed on some things like tacos or corned beef and cabbage, often, their tastes varied.

Carla wrinkled her nose. “Ugh. I’m not a lamb fan. Besides, I see those cute lamby faces in my mind and my heart breaks. You black-hearted woman. How can you stand to eat them?”

“Medium rare with a pomegranate molasses drizzle.”

And just for fun, here’s the most delightful Lamb Chop of all time. Before Jeff Dunham, there was Shari Lewis to the delight of kids like me.

23 January 2026

Published January 21, 2026 by rochellewisoff

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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 © Dale Rogerson

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Genre: Memoir
Word Count: 100

ALL RIDES 9¢

On the corner of 84^th and Wornall is a grocery where once stood a 5-acre park called Kiddie Land—a grand place for Mom to drop us off while she shopped, unfettered by squabbling children.

“I want to drive the old-time cars,” I said.

“Ferris wheel first,” said my older brother Jeff. “Then we’ll ride your stupid cars.”

“They’re not stupid.”

“Are too.”

Terrified of heights, I screamed throughout the entire ride. “I’m telling Mommy you’re mean.”

Afterward I slipped into the antique car seat with a smug smile as Jeff handed me a quarter to keep my mouth shut.

It seems that just about every American city in the late 1950’s to early 60’s had an amusement park called Kiddie Land. This particular one was in Kansas City. One of my fonder childhood memories. 😀

CLICK to learn more about this one.

The Wisoff kiddies. © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

21 November 2025

Published November 19, 2025 by rochellewisoff

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PHOTO PROMPT © Sandra Crook

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Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100

JULY 10, 1945

Teresa Fletcher breathed in the aroma of apple pie. “Do you think they’ll like my fried chicken?”

“Considering the slop they’ve probably had to eat; your cooking will seem like fine dining.” Bob grinned.

She beamed at her new husband with pride. For three years he’d taken care of Al and Mary’s farm ignoring slurs, threats, and even attacks from the townspeople.

When the Tsukamotos entered, Teresa opened her arms wide and cried, “Welcome home!”

“Our house looks better than when we left!” Mary hugged the newlyweds. “Why’d you do this for us?”

Bob shrugged. “It was the right thing.”

Mary and daughter Marielle Tsukamoto

It’s a lot to read but to know more CLICK HERE

13 June 2025

Published June 11, 2025 by rochellewisoff

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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 © Dale Rogerson

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Genre: Anecdote/Sales Pitch
Word Count: 100

ARTISTIC PROCESS

When my friend Kathy asked if I could paint a picture of an antique typewriter, I replied, “I’m willing to give it a shot. I enjoy a challenge.”

I studied my model. Had I overestimated my ability?

To make an accurate sketch I used a drafting ruler. I counted each key. Everything had to be proportionately correct. Thank goodness I have a kneaded eraser and know how to use it.

Sketch complete, I relaxed a bit and dove into the watercolor.

Final note: While this composition has been hugely successful as prints and notecards, the original painting is still available.

********************************************************************************************************

As Long as I’m self-promoting. 😉

30 May 2025

Published May 28, 2025 by rochellewisoff

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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 © Ted Strutz

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Genre: Missing-you-Ted-Fiction
Word Count: 100

TED TALK

“Ethel,” Cheryl rolled her eyes. “Are you going to play, or aren’t you?”

“I’m just not in the mood for cribbage.”

“What then, are you in the mood for?”

“Let’s talk about Ted.” Ethel whispered. “Do you think he’s forgotten us?”

“Never! We’re his ladies.” Cheryl curved her arm around Ethel’s shoulder. “I miss him, too. But y’know, he’s still snapping great photos and posting them on Facebook.”

“He’s always smiling in his pictures.”

Cheryl swallowed a rising lump. “I’m sure he misses us, too. Have you noticed the twinkle in his eyes? He still has a lot to say.”

*He is still sending photos. Ted Strutz joined Friday Fictioneers before I did. Cheryl and Ethel were his characters. He was encouraging to me when I took over the FF challenge. Four years ago he suffered a stroke. Like Cheryl said, there’s a twinkle in his eye and he still has a lot to say. ❤

16 May 2025

Published May 14, 2025 by rochellewisoff

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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 © Dale Rogerson

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Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100

ANY DAY SPENT WITH YOU IS MY FAVORITE DAY

“Colebourn, you’ve got rocks in your head,” said Harry’s tentmate. “The army’s no place for a bear.”

“The beast was going to shoot her” Harry caressed the cub. “I’m calling her Winnie after Winnipeg.”

As WWI raged, he realized the best thing he could do was to find her a temporary home.

At London Zoo he buried his face in her fur. “I’m coming back for you.”

When he returned four years later, Winnie had become a children’s favorite. They loved her with treats and cuddles. She returned their affection. Harry bid her a final fond farewell. Winnie was home.

Harry Colebourn and Winnie named after Harry’s hometown of Winnipeg.

For the rest of the story CLICK HERE

7 March 2025

Published March 5, 2025 by rochellewisoff

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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

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Genre: Anecdote
Word Count:100

FOR WHAT IT’S WORTH

“Something’s happening here. What it is ain’t exactly clear.”

My thoughts scatter this morning like bits of flotsam, jetsam and lagan. The news blares in my ears and assaults my mind. Opinions swirl and spin with tornadic force. As the saying goes, everybody has one…nu?

Meanwhile, I’m gagging on social media fast food.

Yes. I have my own views. I don’t care to get into a virtual shouting match. Speak to me in private. I’ll say what I think. Or maybe I won’t. I hope we can still be friends. If not, perhaps we were never friends to begin with.

And while we’re at it:

7 February 2025

Published February 5, 2025 by rochellewisoff

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Genre: Literary Fiction
Word Count: 100

HANAI

I met Kevin online. Our connection began with shared interests and blossomed into more.

“You should visit in person,” said my sister.

“Fat chance. He’s in Hawaii, I’m in Nebraska.”

Last week I received an airline ticket.

“Next Saturday. Icon Grill. Seattle.

Aloha,

Kevin.”

_______________________

He slides into the booth across from me. “You bring it?”

From my purse I take a faded photograph of twins, a boy and a girl. Korean War orphans. I’ve carried it for forty years.

His almond-shaped eyes crinkle as he fishes an identical photo from his wallet.

“Jah-meh, I always hoped to find you.”

*Jah-meh – Korean for sister

Confession: this is a retread that I’ve posted a couple of times before. So if it looks familiar, you know why. If you wrote a story in 2013 or 2016 for this lovely photo from Ted Strutz, who is sorely missed, feel free to repost. 😉 Shoot me an email if you’d like to reach out to Ted via snail mail. ❤

6 December 2024

Published December 4, 2024 by rochellewisoff

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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.

CLICK TO HOP ABOARD THE FF RED VW MICROBUS

Genre: Fiction
Word Count: 100

I
EXCEPTING ALICE

Despite my husband’s protests, I gather seashells along a Massachusetts beach. They are my favorite souvenirs from my travels.

I pick up a rock and hold it in the palm of my hand. A whimsical drawing of a cat smiles at me.

Later as we have lunch at Theresa’s Stockbridge Café, I show my find to our server.

“Oh!” she exclaims. “You don’t see many of those on the beach these days. That’s an Alice original.”

My heart pounds. “You mean as in the Alice?”

“Yes!”

Suddenly I find myself singing, “You can get anything you want at Alice’s Restaurant.”

The photo prompt this week is mine and while it’s true that I can’t resist collecting shells on the beach, the ones pictured came from St. Thomas, Florida, and Wilmington NC. I’ve never been to Massachusetts. 😉

Click the images below for the full pictures:

This is a phoo of one of Alice's painted rocks. She enjoyed leaving them around for others to find and enjoy.

Genre: Tribute – Non Fiction
Word Count: 100

II
REMEMBER ALICE?

Alice’s Restaurant wasn’t really a song about Alice—or a restaurant. It’s just the name of the song.

As the story goes, “It all started two Thanksgivings ago…”

Rock stations across the United States play Arlo Guthrie’s classic narrative every Thanksgiving which falls in late November.

While she enjoyed cooking, Alice Brock never expected fame or fortune to come of it. In recent years, she reminisced how, thanks to her “funny looking friend with the guitar,” and his eighteen-minute ramble, she became the “living legend Earth Mother.”

She left us this year, a week before Thanksgiving. Rest in peace, Alice.

CLICK to know more.

And if you really want to step back in time, (or have eighteen minutes with nothing better to do) here’s the song about Alice…and the restaurant:

27 September 2024

Published September 25, 2024 by rochellewisoff

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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.

CLICK to Hop Aboard

Genre: Histrionic Fiction
Word Coutnt: 100

TWIXT WOOD AND LAUGHTER

Mae West said I was all wood and a yard long. Don’t remember her? Use your little fingers and do a Google search. That is, if you’re smart enough to use a computer.

(And they call me the dummy).

I don’t say much these days. I just watch the passersby at the Smithsonian Institution. I miss my buddy, Edgar who passed away in 1978. He treated me like a son. Some say he treated me better than his own daughter. To be fair, he only included one of us in his will. I’d be upset, too, if I were her.