For the third week in a row, I am barely keeping up! This past weekend my youngest son and our wonderful exchange student, D, both graduated from high school. Saturday was the big day and Sunday was the big party; the rest of the week was anticipation, shopping and planning, as D’s family arrived from Germany to share in the festivities. If you read my blog post last week (525,949 Minutes… How Do You Measure, Measure the Time With Your Boy), you know: it’s been a long, emotional week! Add that my eldest son graduated from college two weeks ago (in another state) and that I flew to NC today for a wedding… and it’s a wonder I can see straight, let alone write stories. So please be gentle. ; ) I will be in the mountains of NC for a few days, with spotty to zero internet. I’ll do my best to read, but I’m admittedly behind. I try to get in at least 30 a week, and I miss not reading more! Thanks to everyone who has read mine, despite my recent absence; it’s much appreciated!
It is in fact a a loving nod to Rochelle Wisoff-Fields and my fellow Friday Fictioneers, that I have written something this week. I haven’t missed one since September, and despite jet lag and sleep deprivation, I wouldn’t this week either! Each week, Rochelle herds this merry group of Kool Kats, with a weekly photo prompt and a reminder to: play nice, be respectful, and do your best work. Flash fiction at its best! Write a 100-word story with a beginning, middle and end. This week’s photo is provided by Ted Strutz. The minute I saw it, I knew it was taken in Friday Harbor– one of my favorite places, and not far from my home. I could only write a positive story, with such a prompt. Check out the other stories and find more details on Addicted to Purple. Then, join us! I always welcome honest, kind, or constructive feedback; please leave a comment.
©TedStrutz
(100 words)
Sweet Anticipation
As the ferry pulled into Friday Harbor, Jen felt butterflies; and her breath quicken. She pulled a light sweater around her sunburned shoulders.
She’d travelled all the way from San Francisco, without letting Paul know she was coming. A plane to Seattle, a shuttle bus to Anacortes, and finally the beautiful green and white ferries of the San Juan Islands. Jen’s anticipation mounted as they sailed past Orcas and Blakely islands, around Lopez and into the emerald green cove.
She couldn’t wait to see his perfect smile, when she told him she’d changed her mind and would finally marry him.
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TALES FROM THE MOTHERLAND 
You’ve left me dangling here, Dawn. I expected you to finish with a line saying ‘meanwhile, in the dentist’s chair Paul gave a wide toothless grin. Thank goodness Jen couldn’t see him’. Because I’m just not that romantic…. Nice one Dawn, as ever, some nice descriptive work there.
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Alas, Sandra… Friday Harbor only makes me happy. I figure a few FFs will be looking for a shocker at the end! Thanks for your feedback… and sorry there was no cliffhanger! 😉
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Unlike Sandra, I’m the one to crave for everything HEA. Perfect! And good for you for being able to keep up after the week you had!
Greetings from Greece!
Maria (MM Jaye)
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Well thank you, Maria! I’m not sure what HEA is though? So glad you liked the story that much. Thanks for taking the time to stop by! dawn
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Aww 😉 I want to know what happens next 🙂 lovely story.
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Thanks Sarah and welcome to TFTM! I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment. I opted for short and sweet this week, but I imagine a few people will be waiting for a clearer ending. 😉
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Dawn, Lovely romantic story which, I’m guessing, will have a happy ending. That is beautiful scenery in the photo. Well written as always. 🙂 —Susan
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Thanks Susan! I believe in this happy ending… but given that it’s FF, it could probably go a lot of ways! 😉
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Dear Dawn, As always, your story is wonderful! Your story is lovely and happiness in the story makes me smile. I sure hope Jen hasn’t waited too long and Paul looked elsewhere for a wife. Being unannounced has made many a maiden’s plans go sour. Fun, fun story! Nan 🙂
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No doubt, Nan! This could indeed go many ways. Thanks for taking the time!
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Dear Dawn,
I kept waiting for Paul and his new girlfriend to show up….
A lovely story and well told. Do you line in the area or just do your research homework? Nicely done.
Aloha,
Doug
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Thanks Doug. I knew that my FF buddies would be left hanging, but I could see only happiness in Jen and Paul’s future. I love Friday Harbor, and think only happy thoughts when I’m there, or going there! Yes, I live not far from there… so no research necessary. In the Everest piece, and others, I research something about my story. As always, mahalo! Dawn
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Dear Dawn,
I hope Paul’s offer is still open. 😉
A well-written feel good story. I’ll look for it on Hallmark. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It is a bit Hallmark, for sure. Not as challenging as some… but I felt happy seeing this photo, and I’m on the run– traveling. Jen will just have to stay happy. 😉 Thanks, Rochelle.
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Dear Dawn,
Oh, darn… I meant ‘live’ not line. Forgive me my typos….
Mahalo, D.
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I got it… have a wonderful weekend! d
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Dawn you’ve had a busy life lately and it’s quite remarkable that you find the time to write. I’m not so diligent. Last week I was on an apartment hunting expedition with my niece and totally skipped writing. I did manage to read a few FF though. I’m with Doug on this one. I was waiting for Paul’s toothless grin and Jen’s utter dismay. Great descriptions. Makes me want to see Friday Harbor for myself.
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Everyone should get to see Friday Harbor once! Glad you enjoyed it… despite the surprise ending. 😉 I do feel a bit like a gerbil on a wheel right now. I get home Tuesday and leave the following Monday for 3 weeks in Scandinavia with my youngest… I’ve got perpetual jet lag right now, and my writing has definitely suffered. FF is one of the few things I’ve kept up with! thanks for taking the time, Honie; it’s much appreciated!
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What an exciting adventure to have with your child. Safe travels.
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Thanks, Honie. I’m really excited… but for now, a tad overwhelmed. :-p Once I get on that plane, it’s all fun!
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The longing and the anticipation REALLY come through here.
I was waiting for the Big Disappointment, too. But … the story IS called “Anticipation” not “Resolution.” 😉
Nice job, Dawn!
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Indeed! Thankfully, I was prepared for a few “wait… I thought something else would happen”s! 😉 Thanks for taking the time Kent!
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I don’t know how you do it week after week, what with the graduations and the family and so on, but YOU GO GIRL, is my comment for you.
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I live by the “Do as I say, not as I do” motto, which allows me to keep leaving messages for you, saying: take it easy! Slow down! Breathe! As I disregard all of that! (and crash and burn, probably…) :-p Thanks for taking the time, Jen!
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Oh boy, Surprise! could be a lovely little Happily Ever After ” for someone! Hope it’s her.
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Thanks Shandra. I see happy in their future… though I know my fellow FFs could find zombies. 😉
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How lovely that she traveled in person to let him know. I really like how you protrayed her mounting anticipation as she got closer to her destination.
In the spirit of your positive association with the location, I am trying hard to ignore the little voice in my head that is saying ‘but what if he has found someone else ….’ 😉
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I believe he hasn’t. It will all go well, Siobhan.Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
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Awwww…a love story 🙂
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Indeed! 😉
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I hope there is not a pregnant girlfriend waiting for her… i hope … hope… it’s a happy end.
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Rest assured… it is. I feel very certain of this. 😉 Thanks Björn!
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Dawn, you really put me there! Lovely words for a happy ending. I hope! Let’s hope he is still waiting for her.
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Thanks Amy. You can enjoy this happy ending… it’s not changing.
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Dawn, I love romantic tales. You treated me to a favorite with your tender story,
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Gina, that is so sweet of you to say! I appreciate you taking the time to read, and comment. Thanks!
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You’re welcome. 🙂
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Perfect! And I bet it flowed out. At least that’s the way I felt when I read it. I can’t tell which ferry that is, but it very well could be the one my husband works on (Chief Engineer).
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Your lucky husband! Such a beautiful route to be on, Sue. This did, in fact flow. Hopefully you couldn’t tell, because it was too simple! :-p I’m kidding… I appreciate your thoughtful words; thanks!
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Why do I have the feeling she might be in for a surprise herself? I hope it all works out. I know what you mean about trying to keep up, it’s a busy time of year.
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Crazy busy, Patti! So, thanks so much for making the time for my story; it’s much appreciated… as for Jen, I think she’s in for some happy times.
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I hope it works out for her. Sometimes when we try and surprise others we get surprised ourselves. Safe travels, Dawn.
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Thanks Russell… but then, sometimes the surprise is good! Not all surprises are bad. 😉 I’m sticking to my guns: Jen ends up happy with Paul!
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That is a nice tender story but has another story dangling at the end, what if she gets a surprise too? I’ll go with the first one and hope it works out.
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I have faith that it works out! No dangling here. 😉
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I love love stories, especially ones with happy endings. I sense one in yours…
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Yes. I think this is a happy ending, Hugmama! A happy ending felt right. 🙂
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You really caught the feeling of the ferry to Friday Harbor. No matter how many times Donn and I travel over there, we never tire of it. Well done, Dawn.
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Thanks Alicia! I’ve been off line, in the mountains of NC. Looking forward to catching up on some reading tonight. Glad you liked this one… I can’t wait to get back to my islands and water. 🙂
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