24 June 2022

Published June 22, 2022 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.

Genre: Fiction
Word Count: 100

IF WORDS COULD MAKE WISHES COME TRUE

“This looks real old, Grandpa,” said nine-year-old Noah.

Edmond set down a piano-shaped teapot to check out the dog-eared book his grandson had picked up.“Whaddya know? It’s Tom Swift and his Airship. Looks just like the copy my pop bought me seventy years ago in a flea market like this. It was his last day of leave. A month later the telegram came from the war department.”

Edmond took the book and opened it to the title page. “It-it can’t be!”

The cramped handwriting blurred.

17 June 2021

Published June 15, 2022 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.

I was going to post a rerun because I’ve been under the weather this past week. I’ve since rallied a bit and am on the mend. The photo is mine and my following tale of woe will explain.

Genre: Hysterical Non-Fiction
Word Count: 100

PITY PARTY – TABLE FOR ONE

Rochelle’s hot tears trickled down her cheeks. “I missed my kindergarten party on the last day because of measles.”

“Seriously? This still bothers you? That was over sixty years ago.”

“Don’t you see? It’s come full circle. I’m missing another party. It’s enough we had to cancel our fifty-year reunion last year due to COVID. We worked hard to make our fifty-plus-one reunion a huge success without virus worries.”

“It’s a great party.” Annie smiled from her square. “You should be proud.”

“This sucks. It’s not how I planned to spend my evening.”

“You mean on Zoom?”

“Stricken with COVID.”

I was on the planning committee for my class reunion. They had a Zoom session set up so we could see and interact with those who were there and those who weren’t. Annie’s on the bottom left and she and I continued to chat long after the others signed off. Thanks for being my high point, Annie.

These are the lovely ladies of the committee. How sweet they were to make sure I was part of the picture.

10 June 2022

Published June 8, 2022 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.

A few of you might recognize the following story from a couple of years ago for What Pegman Saw. A little nip and tuck to make the story 100 words and it’s a Friday Fictioneers story. 😀

Genre: Fiction
Word Count: 100

MOUNT SINAI IN TANZANIA

Jelani’s ebony cheeks glisten, “I was but a child when Idi Amin’s henchmen destroyed our synagogue. On his deathbed my father grasped my hand and said, ‘Son, promise me, never forget who you are.”

The Torah scroll I brought from Canada is processed among the people. As it passes, Jelani touches the scroll with the tzit-tzit attached to his belt, then brings them to his lips with such reverence I weep.

Yehuda Kahalani leads the congregation in a Hebrew chant. My pulse races. I add my voice to familiar prayers and songs. Although we are different, our hearts are one.

*Tzit-tzit are the fringes G-d commanded the children of Israel to attach to the four corners of their garments in the books of Deuteronomy and Numbers. So when Tevye asks “How did this tradition get started?” You’ll know. 😉

Click to read the true story that informed my flash fiction.

7 January 2022

Published January 5, 2022 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.

Genre: Fiction
Word Count: 100
FLOWER AND WILLOW WORLD

A thousand butterflies swirl in my stomach as I peer out the window, watching for the car that will bring my Hoshi-chan, my shining star, for a brief visit.

After we left her at the Okiya in Kyoto, six months ago, I cried for a week.

At her Misedashi my heart swelled with pride. In exquisite silk kimono, painted face and elegant jeweled hair, Hoshi, renamed Kikuyu, was welcomed into the secret society of Geisha.

She glided to me on lacquered getas and uttered those words I will forever cherish. “Okaasan, when I come home, please cook me a hamburger.”

Original Artwork © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

2019 Attitude of Gratitude Challenge!

Published January 6, 2020 by rochellewisoff

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Spreading positive vibes throughout the internet.

Four years ago Dawn Q. Laundau of Tales from the Motherland (Click for more details) presented other bloggers with the challenge to spread gratitude throughout the internet. It’s very simple. Take 10 minutes to list 50 or more things you are thankful for. I managed to type 52 before the chicken went off on my iPhone timer.

My husband of 48 years
My children – 3 grown sons
My granddaughters- 2 adorable little girls.
A contract with Diane Nine, ninespeakers.com for my latest manuscript What the Heart Wants (She said she loves it! Who can ask for better than that?)
I can still do a cartwheel
My regular mile swim and a pool less than a mile from home
Being able to work out regularly
Good health
Painting-love me some watercolors
Good friends
Art shows
Finding my books on display in a local library
Goat cheese omelets
Reconnecting with my brother Jeff and making the 2^nd annual trip to see him in NC
Getting my furry fix with his dogs there
Strong black coffee every morning
A trip to Israel in May
The gift of the trip financed by my cousin Kent
Reconnecting with my first cousin Wendy who moved to Tel Aviv years ago
My brand new, wonderful HP Pavillion desktop.
My HP laptop so I can travel and still write.
My latest WIP a novel based on my experience with anorexia
My continued recovery from the same
A cozy office
Book club-the opportunity to discuss a book with others
The dance team at my synagogue
KC BBQ none like it on the planet
Blogging friends
Friday Fictioneers – Try it, you’ll like it!
Other blog challenges
Facetime with friends around the world
My printer, Alexis (a person and an artist in her own right) \ who makes my artwork look even better
Good art and book sales in 2019 (not as good as 2018 – but good)
Folk music
Classical music
My little Chevy Cruz, a standard transmission (dying breed that one)
Nieces and Nephews
Typing skills my mother taught me when I refused to take it in school (why did I need to know how to type?-what foresight she had!)
A slightly warped sense of humor or humour, depending on which side of the pond you’re on 😉
Being able to flip turn in the pool (ecstasy)
Spring and Autumn
Lilacs and daffodils
Eyes to see
A tongue to taste a good Sauvignon Blanc or Cabernet Sauvignon
Indian food
Israeli food
Fresh vegetables and fruits
A woman doctor who understands and supports me
A mother of blessed memory who was a grammar patrolwoman
A muse who shares stories with me.
Being young enough to enjoy life and old enough to remember the 50’s and 60’s…black & white TV’s, rotary phones…good times those.
A blog friend like Dawn who facilitates a Gratitude Challenge.

CLICK THE FROG TO JOIN THE FUN!

9 August 2019

Published August 7, 2019 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 © Randy Mazie

Some of you may recognize this photo and may even think you’ve written a story for it. If you were part of Friday Fictioneers the week of December 6, 2013, you’re probably right. 😉 I’m off to visit my brother in North Carolina this week so I’m taking the liberty of posting a retread. To see the original post and who the Fictioneers were click here.

Do it! Do it! Click the frog!

Genre: Fiction

Word Count: 100

CLOSE ENCOUNTER

Darlene rescued the tiny, squalling creature from a smelly garbage can. He squirmed and squeaked as she cuddled him on the way home.

“It’s E.T., Mommy. Can I keep him?”

“He needs special care, honey.” Mom gently wrapped him in a blanket and picked up the phone.

To Darlene’s delight, after months of social workers’ visits, Mom said, “He’s ours, sweetie, but we can’t call him E.T. What shall we name your new brother?”

“Elliott!”

Five years later, when Elliott scribbled green flying saucers all over her math homework, Darlene screamed, “You little monster! You really are from outer space.”

***

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3 August 2018

Published August 1, 2018 by rochellewisoff

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As always, please be considerate of your fellow Fictioneers and keep your stories to 100 words. (Title is not included in the word count.) Many thanks.

Note- I am out of town this week so my replies and comments will be delayed. Thank you for understanding. Shalom, Rochelle

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

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Genre: Realistic Fiction

Word Count: 100

ANNIVERSARY WALTZ

“Oh how we danced on the night we were wed.”

Charlene remembers the song the band played for their first dance as man and wife. With his wavy blond hair, Larry was her Prince Charming.

His hot breath in her ear gave her shivers when he sang, “Two hearts gently beating were murmuring low.”

An unrestrained belch brings her back to the present. His golden curls are long gone, but his eyes remain as blue as ever. She leans her head on his shoulder.

His hot breath still gives her shivers when he sings “My darling, I love you so.”

****

NOTE ON MY PROCESS

(not required reading. 😉 )

Without a doubt, there are some of you scratching your heads, wondering how I came up with this story from that photo. I understand. As briefly as possible I will try to explain. At first glance the photo said “Dust in the Wind.” (dry leaves, etc) From there my mind took me to crumbling relationships like marriages that end up being anything but “Happily Ever After.” From there I looked up the lyrics to the Anniversary Waltz. Somehow, my muse decided that my story should have a happy ending. So there you have it. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. 😉

Shalom,

Rochelle

WHO CAN FIND A VIRTUOUS WOMAN?

Published July 22, 2018 by rochellewisoff

This week Pegman takes us to Melbourne, Australia. Feel free to use the photo provided in the prompt, or seek out your own using Google’s street view or photo spheres.

Your mission: write up to 150 words inspired by the location. Once your piece is polished, feel free to share it with others using the link up below. Or, if you don’t have a blog to link to, you’re invited to post your story in the comments of this post.

Many thanks to Karen and Josh for facilitating this challenge for globetrotting writers. It’s the extra 50 words that keep me coming back. 😉

Adass Israel School in Melbourne

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Word Count: 150

WHO CAN FIND A VIRTUOUS WOMAN?

Tonight Mama locked me in the cupboard under the stairs. “Beyz meydl! Evil girl!” I could hear her rant all the way down the hallway. “What dybbik enticed you to venture outside the safe confines of Adass Israel? Ours is a sacred community.”

I only went to a bookstore in Melbourne. I want to read novels that don’t have half the sentences marked out. Why is this so wrong?

I hate the dark. When I’m there I see my principal’s hands. I can still feel them touching me under my blouse and skirt. She claims she’s performing a mitzvah and preparing me for marriage. Sometimes I think she might be the only person who has ever loved me. Other times I’m not so sure. If this is a good thing, why does Mrs. Leifer always close the door and lower the blinds? Why do I feel disgusting and rotten inside?

*

Malka Leifer

JUSTICE AT LAST (Click to read about it)

6 July 2018

Published July 4, 2018 by rochellewisoff

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As always, please be considerate of your fellow Fictioneers and keep your stories to 100 words. (Title is not included in the word count.) Many thanks.

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.

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This is a rerun that perhaps a handful of you will remember from October 31, 2012 with a different photo prompt, then titled CIRCLE IN A SPIRAL. It’s still among my favorites. I’ve dusted it off and tweaked it a bit.

Here in the States it’s Independence Day commemorating the freedom we enjoy. Amid the fireworks and feasting we do well to remember countless men and women have paid the ultimate price for our celebrations. Pass the mustard, please.

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Word Count: 100

PRESUMED DEAD

Before he deployed, Nathan loved amusement parks. He’d coax Jeanette onto the Ferris wheel and laugh so loud at her fear of heights others would turn and smile.

Eight months ago a roadside bomb exploded in Afghanistan.

Still wearing her engagement ring, Jeanette takes her brother to the park but greasy odors and the pungent crowd suffocate her.

From the shadows, a marine balanced on his one leg, reaches for her with a prosthetic hand. “I’m half a man, Jeanette. I’m afraid I can never—”

“Nathan! Shut up and kiss me.”

She laughs so loud others turn and smile.

*

THE FROZEN SEA WITHIN US

Published February 25, 2018 by rochellewisoff

This week Pegman is back in Europe, visiting the Czech Republic for the first time. You’re invited to stroll the city of Karlovy Vary and choose your own view. Take your inspiration and write no more 150 words. Once your poem, story, or essay is polished, share it with others at the link up below:

I’m a little late to the party this week, but after being MIA for the past two weeks, I’m happy to have made it. 😉 Many thanks to Karen and Josh for their dedication to their growing challenge. I’m pleased to announce that I’m rounding the bend of the final heat for A STONE FOR THE JOURNEY. Hopefully it will debut this Spring.

Here’s the photo I chose from the Pegman Buffet. My story doesn’t exactly take place here but a few kilometers away in Prague.

Genre: Historical Fiction

Word Count: 150

THE FROZEN SEA WITHIN US

Shadow monsters chased Franz. Twisted trees and thorny brambles caught his clothes. He snapped open his eyes. Demons vanished like steam over Mother’s cooking pot.

The wind blustered and howled outside, sounding like shouts of tyrants and wails of children. Franz’s tongue cleaved to the bottom of his mouth.

He cried out. “May I have a drink of water?”

“Go back to sleep, you little insect,” his father hollered.

“Please, Father, I am so thirsty.”

“Thirsty are you?” Heavy footsteps thundered down the hallway. Franz opened his eyes. Father loomed over the bed like the ominous forest creatures of his nightmare. Instead of comforting words the child longed for, Father carried him to the balcony. “Never disturb my sleep again.” The door locked behind him.

Frigid wind whipped through the boy’s thin nightgown. For the rest of his all-too-brief life, Franz Kafka despaired of ever winning his father’s love.

*