And… Another day late! Thanks to Alicia for letting me know that I hadn’t added it to the list.
The holidays and a trip to NYC have thrown me off! I’ve had very little wi-fi, or chance to read anything this week. Sorry folks– I’ll try and catch up, as soon as I can get on-line for more than a few minutes! Check out Friday Fictioneers, a weekly 100-word flash fiction challenge, with a photo prompt– this week provided by Björn . Rochelle Wisoff-Fields runs this wild and wooly circus. Check out the other stories, or find details on her blog, Addicted to Purple. A very happy New Year to my fellow Friday Fictioneers! I truly look forward to each and every week with you all.
© Bjorn iRudberg
Scotch, On the Rocks (100 Words, exactly)
“I hardly recognize you anymore, Jack; all you think about is money and what else you can buy.” Shelly folded her arms and turned away from her fiancé. “You’ve lost all your charm.”
“You didn’t mind my ambition when it paid for this penthouse, overlooking Central Park, or when you go shopping… and something tells me that rock on your hand, wasn’t got with my winning personality.” Jack stirred the ice in his drink with one elegant finger, and licked the scotch from it.
Shelly removed the ring from her finger and dropped it in his glass. “Stir this, darling.”
* * *
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TALES FROM THE MOTHERLAND 
Dawn, Well I guess that was that. Something tells me there’s more to this than his lack of charm. Perhaps she’s met someone who she feels is better for her. Perhaps he’s too satisfied with the status quo and the situation doesn’t look like it’s going to change soon. Another good and well-written story. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thanks Suzanne. No doubt there’s more to this story. Maybe I’ll continue it… 😉
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Love the story and I love learning about your writing process, Dawn. Would you mind sharing how this photo brought your imagination to the Central Park Penthouse? Maybe upwardly mobile people?
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Thanks Cathy, I appreciate your feedback. I started out thinking about soft green grass and was going to go with something tender. Then I thought about the climb… which led to upwardly mobile… which lead to consequences of the climb… and I think I wanted a drink, while I was writing. 😉 The title is a foreshadow for story.
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PS) Oh, and The grass is always greener on the other side, played into it.
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Beautifully crafted story! I too was wondering how you went from the photo to your story. I too was thinking it had to do with the upwardly mobile theme. And the grass on the steps made me think that the upwardly mobile ambition is hollow (as these stairs have been abandoned long enough for grass to grow up). Anyway, once again I’m left with admiration and envy of your writing prowess.
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Thanks so much Susan. You are always so kind. See my previous comment (to Cathy) for explanation, but you pretty much nailed it.
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Of course, the title! I didn’t even realize about the rocks. (Duh, Sue). Very clever Dawn.
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Left him shaken not stirred then.
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Indeed! Thanks for taking the time Subroto… I’m catching up, after a nasty flu and a trip to NYC. The two were an unfortunate overlap. 😉
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No telling where the prompts lead us. This is a nice tale of realizing the one’s we marry sometimes change. Cheers. Alicia
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And we don’t have to marry the ones who do… when we see the light. 😉 Thanks Alicia.
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Indeed! Rereading your story, this line caught my attention – “You’ve lost all your charm.” And it really made my blood boil. Had a boyfriend like this guy once. Hasta la Vista, Paul! Thanks for getting my dander up.
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Thanks again, Alicia. I’m doubly grateful! 😉
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Dear Dawn,
As always, I enjoy the way you leap outside the box. I could see and hear this one. Perhaps Jack will be a little less self assured. My guess is that he won’t change because it’s not Shelly he truly loves. (Well that’s my take. 😉 )
As for being late, I’m extending the prompt for another week. The holidays put a cramp in participation.
Shalom and Happy New Year,
Rochelle
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Thanks so much Rochelle. I’m glad for the extension. I’m in NYC and very little time… and have the flu! (yes, the real flu). So, I’ll be glad to catch up from Jan.1 on!! 😀
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Dear Dawn,
Time wounds all heels. She is well rid of him and his baubles.
Happy Holidays.
Aloha,
Doug
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Love the way you turn a phrase my friend! 😉 Thanks, as always, for your kind words. Happy New Year! dawn
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Mr. Personality! I think I have met him.
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Something tells me you have! Thanks, Dawn.
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Great story there. 🙂 I love the ending very kabam! Hope you had a lovely time in New York and an awesome holiday.
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Thanks Kourtney. Wishing you the best in 2015.
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I love the last line! And the guy does have a point. I would love the penthouse overlooking Central Park. I wouldn’t mind the rock either. 🙂
Lily
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No doubt, there are two sides to every story… even this one. Thanks hafong.
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The rocks, the upward climb – it all works so well. Brilliant story.
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Thanks Margaret. I appreciate your feedback.
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I like your characterization, Dawn, plus the detail of him stirring the drink with his finger. Nice story. I hope you’re enjoying NYC. I was in western NY but back home now.
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Loving NYC, David, but have the flu… so it’s not as wonderful as it might have been. Thanks for your kind feedback. I always appreciate when you stop by!
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My pleasure. I hope you get better soon!
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Dear Dawn,
This reads elegantly, like a scene from a modern version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Beautifully told. I think Shelly will do much better from here on out. Let’s hope Jack comes to his senses.
Nice to see you along for the FF ride over the holidays. I hope you’re having a wonderful time with family and friends. Happy New Year!
All my best,
Marie Gail
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Thanks Marie Gail. I feel like I’m only half along for the ride yet… when I get home, I look forward to reading more stories! I miss my FF fix. Happy New Year!
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Great take, Dawn. Did NYC inspire the penthouse, I wonder. That was a great line she had for him at the end. Money can change people. That’s for sure. I’m glad you had a great trip to NYC. You are quite the traveler.
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Hey Amy, still in NYC and wrote the story on the plane– when I had no wifi, then forgot to link up.
Money can change people, but personally, I believe that most people already had it in them before the money.
Admittedly, we travel a lot and this year, I’ve traveled more than ever before. Just THAT year.
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I think their relationship may have lost a little of its glow. Nice story, Dawn.
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Thanks Sandra and a very Happy New Year!
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Thanks Sandra, and a very happy New Year!
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I loved the last line. I liked the story too. Great work
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Thanks so much Ruby. Welcome to Tales From the Motherland; I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment.
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Hi Dawn – I am playing catch-up,after the holidays, too. I was not so much wondering how you created this story from the photo as I was amazed at your creative imagination and how it takes sometimes just the slightest nudge to tip your subconscious mind into imaginative awakening. You have once again captured us readers with the briefest of glimpses into your literary mind. I have come to expect the unexpected, and you always deliver. – Mike
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Mike, I need to hire you as a publicist! Your comments are always so eloquent… and kind! Thanks, blogbuddy! I really appreciate your ongoing support. Happy New Year!
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Ouch.. a crumbling relationship to say the least.. love how much you can draw from just a dialogue.. you should try yourself at play-writing.. this could be an excellent scene somewhere….. But somehow I have a feeling that I do not like any of the character too well, which I think is so much more realistic than trying to draw sympathy from writing.
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I’ve thought a lot about screen writing, Björn, but I already have too many balls in the air! Ugh. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment, and thanks for another wonderful prompt! These photos drive home the idea that I need to visit Madeira! 😀
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