31 December 2021

Published December 29, 2021 by rochellewisoff

Undersea St. Thomas 4 Meme — Like us on Facebook

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: Questionable
Word Count: 100

HAPPY NEW YEAR…LITERALLY

“All the falderal’s done for another year.” Meg gathered wadded giftwrap and fumed. “Just look at the pine needles littering floor.”

“Don’t be a Scrooge,” whispered Beth.

Amy frowned. “Where’s your holiday spirit, Meg?”

Meg handed her a broom. “Make yourself useful.”

Jo opened her brand new, leatherbound thesaurus. “‘Falderal’…’absurdity, baloney, humbug.’”

Ebenezer popped the cork on a bottle of champagne. “Let’s make merry!”

“Grandfather sent goat cheese for the party,” cried Heidi.

“Then a toast,” said Bob Cratchit.

Asher Lev set aside his paintbrush and raised a glass. “L’chaim!”

Tiny Tim beamed. “God bless our Friday Fictioneers’ muses everyone.”

*Apologies to Louisa May Alcott, Charles Dickens, Johanna Spyri and Chaim Potok.

17 December 2021

Published December 15, 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: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100

WINE NOT?

Events of that morning zipped through Hannah’s mind. John complained his egg was runny and his bacon not crisp. By suppertime he’d been shot to death.

The executor read John’s last will and testament. When he finished, his lips spread in a saccharine smile. “He left J.C. Weinberger Winery to you. After you sell it, you’ll be well-set.

“Why would I do that?”

“Isn’t it obvious?”

She squared her shoulders. “I’ll run the business.”

Six years later, at the 1889 Worlds Fair in Paris, Hannah Weinberger won a silver medal for her wine—the only California woman to do so.

CLICK HERE for more info about Hannah Weinberger

10 December 2021

Published December 8, 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.

Claire Fuller (7) — PHOTO PROMPT – Copyright – Claire Fuller

The past couple of weeks have been something of a wild ride at the Fields’ homestead. So the prompt and my story are reruns from November 2014. A handful of you were part of the gang then. Feel free to repeat your story as well. 😉

Genre: Historical Fiction

Word Count: 100

PATENT US 5104 A

After weeks of rolling waves and seasickness, Robert William Thomson arrived in America. Banished. A fugitive all because he refused to go to Seminary. Sentenced to apprentice as a merchant with his uncle in Charleston.

The weary boy tried to find a comfortable position in the carriage as it lurched and bounced along the rock strewn road. His back ached with each bump and he longed for his beloved Scotland.

“I couldn’t learn Latin either,” said his uncle with a wink. “What would ye really like to do, laddie?”

“I’d like to take the corners off these bloody wheels.”

Thomson's US patent — **Click Here to Learn More.**

3 December 2021

Published December 1, 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: Hysterical Fiction
Word Count: 100

THINK TANK

“The things we take for granted,” said Shelley. “Who amongst us doesn’t ascend the porcelain throne upon arising? Wipe. Flush. Ready to face the day.”

“Run for cover.” Russell rolled his eyes. “The history faucet’s a-fixin’ to spout.”

“Do you know who invented toilet paper?”

“No, but I bet you’re gonna to tell me.”

Shelley took a deep breath. “Joseph Gayetty in 1857. He introduced it as ‘Medicated Paper.’

“Great Scott!”

“Precisely! The Scott brothers marketed their ScotTissue in 1879. Although Seth Wheeler patented his version in 1891.

“Well, everybody poops.” Russell snorted. “One could say they saved our butts.”

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CLICK FOR MORE FUN FACTS ABOUT TOILET TISSUE

26 November 2021

Published November 24, 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 to join the festivities.

Genre: Realistic Faction
Word Count: 100

Please add your Story URL to the inLinkz list after you click the link, rather than leaving it in my comment section. This way more people will be able to find and read your story. Thank you.
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ONE SEASON FOLLOWING ANOTHER

Rochelle gazed at the pile of wedding gifts needing to be put away. Among them were three percolators. Neither she nor Jan even drank coffee.

Six months ago, she’d flashed her engagement ring at the senior prom.

With mounting dread, she surveyed the cramped, third floor walk-up apartment with red and black kitchen cabinets. What did she know about marriage?

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Rochelle downed her second cup of black coffee. “My mother gave us six months at the most.”

Jan poured his third. “What did we know about marriage?”

She kissed his cheek. “Guess we managed to learn something in fifty years.”

November 12, 2021

Published November 10, 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.

I received a post card from Ted last week. It’s apparent that Ted is working off his back end in rehab and I was thrilled to get something written in his own hand. Keep up the good work, Ted! He asked if I could write a story about a lighthouse. So the following is my story.

Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100

KEEPERS OF THE LIGHT

“Play me a song, Mormor.” Six-year-old Agnes clapped her hands.

Helga Settles looked up from her bread dough. “Is that the proper way to ask your grandmother?”

The child pouted. “Please.”

Hilma poised her violin bow. “What would you like to hear, lilla gummun?”

Lilting music swelled the kitchen. Helga gazed out at the sea. Her Arvel, father of her five children, would soon be home from his twelve-hour shift at Lime Kiln Lighthouse. Tomorrow guests would fill their house.

She breathed in the aroma of baking sponge cake. Salmon sizzled on the stove. No one left Helga’s table hungry.

To learn more about the Settles family CLICK HERE

If you’d like to send Ted a card or note to encourage him, email me at rwisofffields.wordart@gmail.com for the snail mail address. 😀

5 November 2021

Published November 3, 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.

CLICK TO PLAY
Please Note: If you link your story to the inLinkz list I WILL SEE IT. There’s no need to put your link in my comment section. However, I do appreciate your comments on my story. 😉 Thank you for understanding.

Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100

PLAY WELL

“Every detail matters,” impoverished carpenter and toymaker Ole Kristiansen told his son. “Only the best is good enough.”

Godtfred, the third of five children, never forgot his father’s words.

Together, they worked to build their toy business. Neither gave up on their dream despite three separate fires that threatened to raze their hopes to the ground.

“Children need toys that strengthen their imaginations and creativity,” said Godtfred.

Ole beamed with pride when his son redesigned his plastic interlocking bricks. Children loved them.

Godtred blinked back tears at Ole’s untimely funeral. “Fader, I promise you, I will make Lego a success.”

Note: Lego is from the Danish “Leg Godt” which means “Play Well”. 😀

For those who want to know more. CLICK

29 October 2021

Published October 27, 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.

PHOTO PROMPT © Douglas M. MacIlroy (An old picture he sent to me a long time ago).

This month marks my 9th year as FFFacilitator. Something I never expected when I asked creator, Madison Woods how to join. It was love at first write. A great way to learn word conservation. 😀

Genre: Memoir
Word Count: 100

STARGAZING

The closest I’ll ever come to space exploration came through Douglas MacIlroy who used to be a nighttime Keck Observatory tech.

Soon after he commented on a piece I’d written I noticed his green dot at 04:00 on Facebook and said, “Hello.”

Between my early rising and his all-nighters, our online friendship grew.

One morning, Doug messaged me. “Did you get her email? Madison’s stepping down as facilitator.”

“What will I do without Friday Fictioneers?”

“You should take it on.”

“I’m no leader.”

My husband chimed in. “Why not you?”

The rest of the story is written in the stars.

Doug and me a few years ago when he came here for a disc golf tournament. Blogging can lead to unexpected and lasting friendships.

22 October 2021

Published October 20, 2021 by rochellewisoff

Apologies for the tardiness of this post. As most know, I schedule ahead. It turns out I scheduled for the wrong day. Again my humble apologies for the error.

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.

The ever so clever Keith Hillman designed this one and I had to snag it! **CLICK TO JOIN**

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Word Count: 100

I’LL HAVE WHAT SHE’S HAVING

“You can’t beat us Jews for food.” Rochelle bit into a thick pastrami on rye and savored the salty meat, slathered with mustard. She wiped the dribbled juices from her chin. “It’s almost a religious experience.”

“Where’s the mayo?”

She slapped Jan’s hand. “Don’t you dare, Goy Wonder.”

“May I, at least, have ketchup on the fries?”

“Katz’s Delicatessen was established in 1888 by Eastern European immigrants Morris and Hyman Iceland. Their cousin Sam Katz joined them in 1903. Eventually, they shortened the name from Iceland and Katz to the present one.

“Do you charge extra for the history lesson?”

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You’ll find Katz’s Deli on Houston Street (that’s pronounced HOWston). Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal shared lunch there in the movie “When Harry Met Sally.” CLICK to watch.

I’m here to tell you, the pastrami is amazing! If you’re ever in New York City, you owe it to yourself. Don’t forget the pickled tomatoes and seltzer. 😉 Remember to leave a tip.

And if you have an extra 8 minutes or so go to the following link and experience a little of what we’re talking about. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLt5cKJelis

15 October 2021

Published October 13, 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

KEVADON

Life is made up of challenges, isn’t it? What more can a person do than play the hand she’s been dealt?

My mother often spoke of the vicious morning sickness she suffered during her pregnancy in the 1960’s.

“My doctor called it a miracle drug,” she said with tears streaming. “One little pill cured my nausea.”

You would think I’d be used to the gawking stares. Born with fingers protruding from my shoulders, I resigned myself to the merry-go-round of prosthetics and wheelchairs a long time ago.

Nonetheless, I dream of winning a foot race.

If only I had feet.

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Some may remember the Thalidomide scandal in the UK in the 1960’s. In England the drug was called Destival. Taken by pregnant women for morning sickness, it caused horrendous birth defects. It’s only recently come to light that, while the drug wasn’t approved by the FDA in the States the Wm. S. Merrell Co. distributed it.

To know more CLICK HERE