4 June 2021

Published June 2, 2021 by rochellewisoff

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Genre: Memoir
Word Count: 100

PATERNAL HEART

For as long as I can remember Dad took certain girls under his wing wherever he worked. It’s not like he preyed on young women. He simply saw a need and answered the call.

I accepted them as friends and sisters. One of them still is. She introduced me to her brother. I married him.

“Donna’s daddy passed away when she was a little girl,” said Dad. “She says I’ve filled her dad-shaped void.”

I’ll never forget the devastating phone call in the middle of the night. A drunk driver snuffed out seventeen-year-old Donna’s life and shattered my father’s heart.

28 May 2021

Published May 26, 2021 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.

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Genre: Fiction

Word Count: 100

INNOVATIONS

Millie Levy loved to learn about inventors. Famous or obscure. It didn’t matter.

“I wonder what Alexander Graham Bell would say about the iPhone.” She mused. “Or what Edison would think about LED lights.”

Millie’s brother Eli rolled his eyes. “Who cares?”

“I do. Get this. Maria Beasley invented a barrel-making machine in 1878. And J.F. Glidden was first to patent barbed wire in 1874. He made a fortune off cattle ranchers and farmers.”

Grandma Rachel pointed to the tattooed numbers on her arm. “I wonder what Mr. Glidden would say if he knew how Hitler used his precious invention.”

***

21 May 2021

Published May 19, 2021 by rochellewisoff

Dear Friday Fictioneers,
😦 Our friend and fellow Friday Fictioneer in Friday Harbor (of all places) has suffered a stroke. We wish him a swift recovery. And for those who would like to send him a card or note to cheer him on, email me at rwisofffields.wordart@gmail.com for the address.
Shalom,
Rochelle

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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: Historical Fiction

Word Count: 100

THE GOLDEN DOOR

5 July 1887

Dearest Anya,

“Greetings from the city of New York. Last night I went to watch fireworks and see the new Statue of Liberty. She is magnificent. I can’t wait until you see her with your own eyes.

You ask how I am. What could be better than living in the land of opportunity?

Angry shouts echoed from downstairs. Shlomo stopped writing his letter and surveyed his one-room apartment. He continued, “There are no Cossacks.” A baby howled in the flat next door. Shlomo’s stomach rumbled. He looked out at the peaceful street and wrote, “All is well.”

***

Original artwork © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

WEEKEND WRITING PROMPT – SOLITUDINARIAN

Published May 9, 2021 by rochellewisoff

A word prompt to get your creativity flowing this weekend. How you use the prompt is up to you. Write a piece of flash fiction, a poem, a chapter for your novel…anything you like. Or take the challenge below – there are no prizes – it’s not a competition but rather a fun writing exercise. If you want to share what you come up with, please leave a link to it in Sammi’s comment section.

Over the past year and a half I’ve carefully avoided the C word or any issues surrounding it. There are plenty of rants, whines and opinions raging without adding my own. However this week’s word (after looking it up) elicited my unavoidable response. Seriously I do enjoy social interaction to a degree, but find a lot of it exhausting. Thanks for adding to my vocabulary, Sammi. It actually does describe me to a degree.

WHAT’S A FOURTEEN-LETTER WORD FOR INTROVERT?

When asked in a Zoom interview if quarantine had adversely affected me, I carefully considered my reply.

“In all honesty, my life hasn’t changed much.” I grinned at the young man on my screen. “I paint. I write.”

“Is there any social activity denied you that you really miss?”

I thought about my morning walk to the shut-down fitness center to gaze longingly at the empty pool. “Now that you mention it—swimming laps. Not very social, huh?”

“Do you consider yourself antisocial?”

“I prefer to call myself a solitudinarian.”

CLICK to see the interview. My part begins about 11:55

Disclaimer: The preceding conversation doesn’t actually appear in the video. 😉

7 May 2021

Published May 5, 2021 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: Realistic Fiction

Word Count: 100

TALES FROM THE CRYPT

“What was it like when you were a kid, Grandpa?” asked Trevor.

John leaned back in his recliner. “We were poor. In fact, we didn’t have a TV until I was in high school. The five of us lived in an 8 foot by 40-foot trailer. No iPhones like today.”

“And you walked three miles uphill to school and back every day. And ate dirt for supper. Right?”

“Okay, wise guy. I’m done.”

“Please Pa-Pa, go on.” Gina scowled at her brother. “Are you really that old?”

“Old?” Trevor cackled. “When Grandpa was born, the Dead Sea was only sick.”

23 April 2021

Published April 21, 2021 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 © David Stewart

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No heroes this week. Just a slice of life.

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Word Count:

YOUTH HAS NO AGE

A cool breeze ruffled Elise’s hair. She hugged herself to stave off the night’s chill. Calliope music and the cloying scent of fairy floss did nothing to lift her spirits.

She slipped her brand-new Medicare card from her purse and scowled at it.

Ben wrapped his arms around her. Colored lights limned his silver-white hair and twinkled in his mischievous hazel eyes. “It’s only a number, honey.”

“Yeah. A really big number.”

“Pfft. Come on, Birthday Girl, let’s go for a whirl on the Ferris wheel.”

She stood on tiptoe and kissed his smile. “You know I’m afraid of heights.”

Click picture to view my ever-growing art page. Thank you.

WEEKEND WRITING PROMPT – UNCANNY

Published April 18, 2021 by rochellewisoff

A word prompt to get your creativity flowing this weekend. How you use the prompt is up to you. Write a piece of flash fiction, a poem, a chapter for your novel…anything you like. Or take the challenge below – there are no prizes – it’s not a competition but rather a fun writing exercise. If you want to share what you come up with, please leave a link to it in Sammi’s Comment Section.

Isn’t it uncanny? This is one prompt I can seem to resist. Thanks, Sammi. 😉 I waxed sentimental with this one.

MYSTERY OF MOTHERHOOD

Isn’t it uncanny

How, in a moment, a tiny bean

Turned my world right-side-up

When he

Circled his hand

Around my finger?

And nearly half a century later

He still maintains a firm grip

On my heart and soul.

15 April 2021

Published April 14, 2021 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 © Anne Higa

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AGENT 3844

Heart pounding, Virginia Hall caught her breath and massaged her aching hip. “That was a close call. Cuthbert, you’re always causing trouble.”

“You’ve named your wooden leg?” Virginia’s fellow agent, Armand, found a table in a darkened tavern. “Here. Rest fast.”

She forced a smile. “I was sure the Gestapo recognized me from the poster.”

“The artist certainly captured your likeness. But your disguise is good.”

“Perhaps not good enough.”

The tavern keeper brought two glasses of wine.

“It is my honor to serve with you.” Armand raised his glass. “To the lady who limps. Most dangerous of Allied spies.”

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9 April 2021

Published April 7, 2021 by rochellewisoff

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Genre: Historical Fiction

Word Count: 100

GREASEPAINT AND KIMCHEE

“Hey kid.”

Philip stood beside his car, waiting for his sweetheart Anna May Wong. He startled to see movie idol Douglas Fairbanks scrutinizing him. “Me?”

“Yeah, you. You have presence.”

The actor insisted the boy make a screen test.

Still in makeup, heart racing, Philip took a contract home. Instead of the accolades he hoped for, his mother flew into a rage.

She tore the papers to shreds. “No son of mine is getting mixed up with those awful people.”

Two-hundred movies and television shows later, Korean-American actor Philip Ahn laughed. “I’ll never forget. She grounded me for three days.”

***

Although you might not be familiar with his name, I’ll bet many of you remember his face.

Master Kan in Kung Fu

In MASH

Ahn with Anna May Wong in Daughter of Shanghai 1937 in

With siblings in WWII

Click if you care to know more.

2 April 2021

Published March 31, 2021 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 THE FROG TO JOIN THE PARTY!

Genre: Memoir

Word Count: 100

ICING FOR JOY

My decorating supervisor, Mack had an undeniable presence. Although I’ve no photo of him, I have an image in my mind that will never fade. Bushy white moustache and flushed cheeks under a flat cap.

He had been creating gorgeous cakes since I was in diapers. Flowers crafted from extra-stiff icing were his specialty. Roses. Daisies. Pansies. Chrysanthemums.

Eyes twinkling, he called me “Whats-Your-Name.”

A better mentor I couldn’t have asked for—never stingy with his tricks of the trade. I’ll always cherish the greatest compliment he ever gave me. “You can do anything I can, and you know it.”

****

Mack also told me I had a bright future as a cake decorator. I never told him that wasn’t exactly the future I was hoping for. 😉 From him that was huge. He’s gone now. I really wish I’d taken a picture or two of him.

A few of my favorite cakes through the years.