25 November 2022

Published November 23, 2022 by rochellewisoff

Monday, November 28 makes 51 years of the sometimes rocky road called marriage. Happy Anniversary to my husband Jan Wayne Fields.

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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 © Sandra Crook

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If this photo prompt and story look familiar to you, thank you for being a Friday Fictioneer for at least seven years. It’s a rerun from 2015. This Thursday, November 24th is the holiday we in the States call Thanksgiving. Being thankful for what we have is a good thing. Celebrating with family and friends is also a good thing. I’m looking forward to spending time with family and eating the traditional bird along with trimmings.

It is also Native American Heritage Month. Let’s not forget at what cost our freedom came.

Genre: Somewhat Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100

KESHAGESH

“The Pilgrims stepped off the Mayflower onto Plymouth Rock,” Matthew read aloud. “Friendly Indians helped them plant corn and—”

“They should’ve been called Pillagers.” Rita fumed, snatched his paper and ripped it apart. “We’re indigenous and this is not India.”

“Mom, that’s my homework.”

She handed him another sheet of paper. “Write this, Matthew Thundercloud, not what you think your teacher wants to hear.

“They robbed graves, stole our land, enslaved us, murdered our children, forced their Christian religion upon us and gave us smallpox.”

“What if she gives me an ‘F’?”

Just smile and say, ‘Happy Turkey Day.’”

The following should explain my title:

TAKE TWO

Published November 16, 2022 by rochellewisoff

The beauty of this challenge is making friends. And friends being what they are, like to poke fun at each other. At least that’s my thoughts on it. Following a post from a fellow Friday Fictioneer last week I couldn’t help myself.

PHOTO PROMPT © Starsinclayjars

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Genre: Hystercial Fiction
Word Count: 100

WHO THE HELL IS NOBBINMAUG?

Running along a Boucherville road, I called out to Dale. “Gimme a break! My legs aren’t as long as yours.”

“Not my fault you’re a sawed-off runt.”

Then we both saw it. A black and white dog sitting beside the path, an orthopedic boot between his teeth. We stopped to pet him.

His eyes glowed with an eerie golden light.

He dropped the boot and growled. “Find Nobbinmaug. Find Nobbinmaaauuug.”

Lightning streaked across a suddenly darkened sky. Thunder crashed. The ground crumbled beneath our feet.

I woke with a start and whispered to no one, “Who the hell is Nobbinmaug?”

Who is Nobbinmaug?

18 November 2022

Published November 16, 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.

PHOTO PROMPT © Starsinclayjars

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The following story is 100% true. Should you care to read the expanded blog post from 2014 CLICK HERE (Boring really). At any rate this is my sordid story is inspireded by Stars’ photo.

Gnere: Embarrassing Anecdote
Word Count: 100

FRACTURED FLICKERS

Until eight years ago I’d never broken a bone. Not even a pinkie finger. Sometimes I felt cheated. I never got a nifty cast for friends to sign.

One morning, heading to the kitchen for coffee I stubbed my big toe. After work I made a beeline for the doctor’s office.

An X-ray showed a fracture at the top joint.

To add injury to injury, before the left toe had a chance to heal, I fractured my right toe getting out of the bathtub.

They don’t set broken toes, but I did get a nifty orthopedic sandal and a boot.

11 November 2022

Published November 9, 2022 by rochellewisoff

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PHOTO PROMPT © Dale Rogerson

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As we open this Wednesday, November 9, it is 86 year to the day since the violent Kristallnacht. This week I honor the often forgotten victims of the Holocaust.

Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100

AMIDST THE SHADOWS

My parents met in a displaced persons camp after the liberation. Each of them had lost both a spouse and a daughter. Finding solace in each other’s arms, I think they married more for convenience than love.

Born in 1949, they named me Sarah-Elisheva after their slain children.

One morning when I was ten, I made breakfast.

“What’s wrong with you?” Dad grimaced. “My Elisheva never burned the toast.”

“I’m not Elisheva. I’m not Sarah! I’m me!”

He flew into a rage and slapped me. Mom screamed.

Obscured by my sisters’ memories, Auschwitz will forever be tattooed into my soul.

4 November 2022

Published November 2, 2022 by rochellewisoff

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PHOTO PROMPT © Brenda Cox

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November 9–10, 1938, Nazi leaders unleashed a series of pogroms against the Jewish population in Germany and recently incorporated territories. This event became known as Kristallnacht (The Night of Broken Glass) because of the shattered glass that littered the streets after the vandalism and destruction of Jewish-owned businesses, synagogues, and homes. This was only the beginning of one of the most barbaric and vicious times in recent history.

We say “never again.” But...

Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100

THE SPIRIT NEVER DIES

With eyes that pierced her soul, Dr. Mengele told 16-year-old Edith, “You’ll see your mother soon. She’s just going to take a shower.”

That same evening, he forced her to dance for him.

For decades she grappled with guilt. “Why me? Why did I live?”

When her patients, Vietnam veterans, would ask her the same question she realized, as a clinical psychologist, she’d never found the answer for herself.

In 1990 she returned to Auschwitz where she allowed her mother’s final words to heal her soul. “No one can take away from you what you put in your own mind.”

If you have a few minutes to spare, you can listen to Dr. Eger’s story in her own words. HERE

***

HAPPY NEWS!

My work in progress, LAST DANCE WITH ANNIE, is under contract with Ozark Hollow Press!

Short Summary

Elise, a military spouse and mom in the throes of midlife, dances three times a day with the most relentless partner, her secret nemesis she’s nicknamed “Annie Wrecks-Ya.” Will Elise’s strive for perfection kill her, or will she learn to let go and face the truth: she’s an addict. At the same time, her devoted husband Tony feels helpless to save her as he battles demons of his own that followed him home from war.

Can Elise and Tony join forces and defeat these threats to their lives and their marriage? And can Elise learn to dance again, this time with the carefree joy she experienced as a child.

28 October 2022

Published October 26, 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: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100

DEFINING MOMENT

The signs posted by neighboring farmers declared in bold letters, “Don’t buy Max’s milk. He loves the Hippies.”

The son of a Jewish immigrant from Minsk, Max’s anger burned as he read the words. “My father came to this free country to escape such nonsense and hatred. It’s my land and I’ll rent to whomever I please.”

According to a close friend, Max traveled to Israel in 1971 where he met David Ben Gurion.

Max told the retired prime minister, “I’m Max Yasgur from Bethel, New York.”

To which Ben Gurion responded, “Oh yeah, that’s where Woodstock was, wasn’t it?”

Instead of the 75,000 expected, it’s estimated that 450,000 came to the 3 day festival that turned into 4.

And if you have the time…

21 October 2022

Published October 19, 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: Non-Fiction Narrative/Memoir
Word Count: 100

GOOD MORNING, CAPTAIN

In October 1955, Bob Keeshan formerly Claribel on the Howdy Doody show, donned a white wig and, at 28, became gentle Captain Kangaroo, everyone’s beloved grandfather in a red coat with huge pockets.

His love for children shone through. Every morning. I joined him, carrot-nabbing Bunny Rabbit, Grandfather Clock, and Dancing Bear.

However, in researching him, I found no juicy stories, save one:

After Keeshan’s death in 2004, his grandson Bretton buried a photo of the two of them on Mt. Everest. A tribute to the gentleman’s true character.

PS: Contrary to urban legend, Keeshan was never a war hero.

I don’t know if Captain Kangaroo ever made it across the pond, but those of us in the States of a certain age, he was a good friend and grandfather figure from 1955-1984. Every morning he showed us the wonders of his Treasure House.

Again to be noted, while he did join the US Marine Corps in 1945, he never went overseas or saw combat. He was however a hero to many of us children who were lucky enough to invite him into our living rooms. 😀

14 October 2022

Published October 12, 2022 by rochellewisoff

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Genre: All-Too-Realistic Fiction
Word Count: 100

MOURNING HAS BROKEN

Ubon sloshed through a puddle, stirring the leaves floating on the water. Why had she been so harsh with him that morning?

***

“Banyat!” She smacked his bottom. “Hurry!”

“Mamaaa, please. Don’t make me go. I miss my old school.”

His shrill whine angered her. “Do you want Mama to get fired?”

“Yes,” he replied with four-year-old logic. “Then we can stay home and play.”

***

Standing in the deserted playground, Ubon’s heart ached. What could provoke someone to slaughter babies?

“Mama? Why are you crying?”

She swept him up in her arms and held him close. “I’m so glad we moved.”

Literary News!
Check it out on my book page!

Heartwarming and heartwrenching resolutions.

7 October 2022

Published October 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: Realistic Fiction
Word Count: 100

SET FIRE TO THE RAIN

Rain pelted the restaurant window. Why had he come back to Nam anyway? Curiosity? His therapist called it “coming to terms.”

Anthony unfolded the yellowed stationery.

“October 3, 1968

“Dearest Tony,

Sweetheart, I feel like a rat, since you’re off in Vietnam. But I’m afraid you’ll get killed and I won’t have no one. I met this really nice guy named Ted. You’d really like him. We got married last night. I hope you understand.

All my love,

Caroline”

“‘You’d really like him.’” Anthony held his lighter to a corner of the letter. “Why the hell did I keep it?”

*****

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At this writing I have 44 listings in my Etsy shop.

LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS

Published September 28, 2022 by rochellewisoff

It would seem my muse woke up this morning. So not only did I take the liberty of posting a thrice-run story, I’m double dipping as well. 😉

PHOTO PROMPT © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields (Hey! That’s me!)

Genre: Realistic “Fiction”
Word Count: 100

LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS

They sat at the kitchen table, a bag of pretzels between them. Light from the old-fashioned lamps cast a warm glow in the room. Shelly savored the salt on her tongue, then sipped her Cabernet.

“It’s so romantic, isn’t it?” She moved her book closer to the light. “Dontcha love it?”

Jon turned the page of his magazine. “Not the best reading light.”

“Must you be so negative? Remember, ‘It’s better to light a candle than curse the darkness.’”

“Thank you, Eleanor Roosevelt.” He frowned. “I’ll stop cursing the darkness when the power’s restored and the TV comes back on.”

****

Adding more to my ETSY SHOP every day!