A very Happy New Year to all of my kindred spirits at Friday Fictioneers! I’m grateful to each of you who takes the time to read my work, and share your feedback. I’m grateful for your kindness, your consideration and your willingness to support and be supported. I love what we do here! A giant thank you to Rochelle Wisoff-Fields, who inspires us each week. Clearly, we would not be here without her! Check out her blog for more details, and this week’s provocative photo is from Shaktiki Sharma. All the best in 2017, to each of you and those you love!
If any of you are interested in joining my 3rd annual #BloggersUnite for #50HappyThings, I’d love to see you contribute. It’s inspiring to see each list from the bloggers who participate. Find the details here and let me know if you have any trouble with the link up!
This week: less fiction than fact. As always your constructive feedback is much appreciated. Please leave a comment. Have a safe & happy New Year!

© Shaktiki Sharma
Trumped
The hum of the crowd grew, as the lights got brighter and the music blared.
We held hands and shivered. The cold was bitter, but it was excitement that pulsed through my body, as we all watched the clock count down, and waited. Would the world stop? Would it all crash? I assured my young children that we would all be fine, but wondered.
10, 9, 8… Happy New Year! As we all shouted, a palpable pause struck the crowd. The year 2000 arrived with only fireworks and hope.
Counting down to 2017, I feel more apprehensive than ever.
(100 words)
* * *
Help Me Reach My Goals! KAPOW! The Tales From the Motherland Facebook page recently hit the 2015 goal of 800 likes (which I set after hitting the 700 mark)! I’m going big for the next year and aiming for 1,000!! Have you stopped by to spread some fairy dust? Follow me on Twitter, LeBron James does (yes, for real)! Most importantly, if you like a post I’ve written, hit Like and leave a comment. Honest, constructive feedback is always appreciated.
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I was in hospital with two new babies, hoping the power wouldn’t go out — as my very conservative in-laws promised it would. Like you, I am more apprehensive about this year’s conservatively constructed horrors.
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All we can do is stick together, Frances! Hope to see more of you in the New Year! Glad things worked out with those lovely babes!
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Happy New Year to you and yours.
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Thank you, and the same to you Neel!
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I share the anxiety
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I am certain that I’m in good company… that is some consolation, Neil. Thanks for the thought and Happy New Year!
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I remember, the millennium was supposed to bring all sorts of chaos but in the end it was just another year, Nature has no time for our clocks and calendars.
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Let’s hope that this New Year brings the same… just another year. Thanks Michael!
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We can only hope next year doesn’t live up(down?) to expectations.
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Absolutely! Here’s to wishes come true. Happy New Year Reclining Sir.
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Dear Dawn,
I remember how so many thought the world would end with Y2K. We greeted the new century at a theme party where we all wore camo and drank bottled water. 17 years later we look ahead with apprehension. L’chaim to another good story and a happy new year my friend.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rochelle
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Shabbat Shalom and a very Happy New Year to you and yours, Rochelle! Here’s hoping for all good things. xox
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I miss going to New Years Eve events … I couldn’t for years due to mer work schedule and now I don’t seem to know anyone who throws parties anymore. As for apprehension, I realize that nobody, but NOBODY can make the world brighter other than the one who looks back at me in the mirror and says, “I’M going to do better this year, regardless.” That’s MY plan, anyway. 😉
So, without further ado, have a great 2017, Dawn! Looking forward to good things. 🙂
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Well then, let’s all take a good hard look in our mirrors and go forth with hope! Happy New Years, Kent! I’m sitting alone in Denver… so that makes two of us. 😉
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Cheers to you, Dawn! 🙂
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And to you, Kent! 🙂
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😉
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I do remember the 2000… and some concern. I have to say that I fear both the thing that will change and what will not change….
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We fear the same things, friend. Kindred spirits, from across the sea. Happy New Year, Björn!
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I identify with your last line.
Happy 2017.
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I feel pretty confident that I’m in very good company. Happy New Year to you as well!
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Now we can look back and laugh but man… there was much worry for Y2K indeed!
Now… we have so many bigger things to worry about – or not. Our choice!
Happy New Year, Dawn! xo
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I think the concerns now are MUCH more real and scary. Let’s hope they are as unfounded. Happy New Year, Dale! xo
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Yes!
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Great work, Dawn. My hope is that all those campaign promises go unfulfilled…
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From your wise and wonderful mouth to big ears! So great seeing you yesterday, friend! all good things in 2017, xox
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I agree with that.
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I remember that Millenium panic. We partied with a crowd of friends and ignored the doom-mongers. We’re still here, and despite the myriad things wrong with the world, there are things to be upbeat about. Happy New Year.
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No doubt, there is plenty to cheer, Liz! Here’s hoping 2017 is a wonderful year… and hoping you join the blog hop, before it expires! I’d love to see your list! 🙂
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You have captured my anxieties very well. Nice story!
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I’m sorry to remind folks, but seems we are in this together… a silver lining. Thanks for stopping by Debra; it’s much appreciated!
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I really enjoyed my Friday I don’t know why it was really good.
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Glad you enjoyed your Friday, Lora. Thanks for stopping by Tales From the Motherland!
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The word motherland remind me of beautiful mama Africa, good job on that.
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Thanks! That is indeed a beautiful image; thanks for sharing the idea and for stopping by Tales From the Motherland!
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uou welcome
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One could say it seems like yesterday, but it’s way, way back in time. A time, we were in the grim throws of 2YK. However, we’ve survived … somewhat. ~~~ : – )
Let’s hope the future will be a better one. It was a waste to worry in 2000. Time to relax and let things fall as they will since, so far, worrying hasn’t helped. I wonder if our parents worried about the world we lived in when we were growing up? I think we can only be responsible for ourselves. If each one of us focus’ are being the nicest and best we can be to ourselves and each other; maybe, things will get better. A very thought provoking story, Dawn.
Happy New Year 2017 🎉 Cheers 🍷
Isadora 😎
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Yes, yes and yes. Thanks for taking the time Isadora, and I’ll try to keep your positive thoughts in mind, going forward. 🙂 Happy New Years to you too!
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😎
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I remember the feeling of relief and a general sense that we had all been a bit silly to worry about the millennium – and yet here we all are now in an era of change that seems to have crept up on us when we weren’t looking. Here’s to us all being the best we can be in 2017 and beyond!
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This new era seems infinitely more scary to me right now, Siobhan! Here’s hoping I’m wrong. Here’s to all the best in 2017!
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Dawn,
Nice, I remember Y2k too and how strange that was and now here we are. Thanks for putting this all in perspective. Happy 2017!
Anne
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Thanks for your feedback, Anne; I apprecciate your kind words!
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Crazy to think that was 17 years ago!
I feel your apprehension but I am such a damn optimist that I think it will be okay.
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From your mouth to God’s ear, Dawn! Let’s hope you’re right. 🙂 Happy New Year!
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Happy New Year!
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come to think, most of our worries never happen. thank goodness. 🙂
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I guess that depends on who you talk to! But let’s hope you’re right, Plaridel! Happy New Year!
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