As my final days in Israel wind down, I know I will miss my beautiful grandsons. At three, A is the light of my life, and his new baby brother has been a dream to cuddle. No doubt, the inspiration for this story comes from the reminder of what it is to be a young parent.
CORRECTION: Ok, here’s a funny side story. Here in Israel, Shabbat starts at sundown on Friday, and everyone has at least half the day off. Then Saturday is a full day off as well. The work week begins again on Sunday–– Sunday is like Monday at home. This throws me off a little every week when I’m here. Maybe because I’m preparing to go home soon, my brain really got turned around completely, as this week I’ve been ahead by a day since Sunday.
All day today, I was sure it was Wednesday. Wednesday is Friday Fictioneers day. So I went to Rochelle Wisoff-Fields’ page, saw this photo and ran with it. I put it up and even added it to the InLinkz on her page… A few hours later, I woke in a panic, and realized I had the wrong day, and the wrong writing challenge.
But, I don’t have the heart to pull this down.
Ironically, sometimes two wrongs do make a right. After a year of being stuck in a funky deep, dark, writer’s block… I’m apparently unstuck! Thanks for the photo, Rochelle; I’ll try again tomorrow.
IT GETS BETTER! So… I took down the Friday Fictioneers tags, I wrote that correction and I waited for Wednesday to come, which comes here (in Israel) 8 hours before it comes to Rochelle’s home. Dale watched the whole thing transpire, as I slept.
Now it’s Wednesday, here and there. I just saw the photo prompt and voilà; it works for this story! The underwater photo is the wrong photo, one of Rochelle’s photos for Pegman, but the one that inspired my story. The official Friday Fictioneers photo prompt, below the underwater photo is the correct one and works quite nicely with my story… Hmm, maybe it’s THREE wrongs make a right? Sleep deprivation leads to creativity? Or something like that. I’ve given credit for both photos, and hopefully Rochelle finds this as amusing as I do! I know she loves kismet as much as me.
If you read all of the preamble, bravo for you! It’s amusing, if not convoluted. Many thanks to Rochelle for her passionate commitment to Friday Fictioneers, I’m so grateful for this happy writing spot. As always, I welcome honest, constructive feedback. Please leave a comment.
©Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
©J Hardy Carroll
Blue
“Honey, what is it?” Jared stroked Ellie’s cheek, as she stared blankly out the window. “You can tell me; why were you crying?”
She shrugged, and turned her face away from his earnest gaze.
“I don’t understand; everything’s so wonderful. Why are you sitting here by yourself?”
Her eyes filled with tears again, but she remained silent.
“Most people would die to live in this neighborhood, we have a beautiful, healthy new son; what could be wrong?”
Ellie struggled with words. She just wanted to curl up and watch the sky.
“I just feel so blue,” she whispered.
(98 words)
* * *
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©2011-2019 All content and images on this site are copyrighted to Dawn Quyle Landau and Tales From the Motherland, unless specifically noted otherwise. If you want to share my work, I’m grateful, but please give proper credit and Link back to my work; plagiarism sucks!
TALES FROM THE MOTHERLAND 
Well done!
There are many shades to maternal depression – some cases may not ‘qualify’ for a clinical diagnosis or need more than time, support, rest, good food, and cuddles, but they still reflect the hormonal roller-coaster of postnatal adjustment, fatigue, stress, and all that having a new baby can bring up. Then there are those women who suffer full out postnatal depression (even psychosis), and deserve adequate support, understanding, and help.
Shining a light on this is so immensely important! There are still too many who feel ashamed, embarrassed, as if they are doing something wrong or have to hide their feelings.
Mothers, babies, and families deserve all the help they need.
Na’ama
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All of this, true, true, true. Thanks for the thoughtful response, Na’ama.
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Post-partum depression is a very real thing! I suffered from it after my second daughter. Women should always support other women.
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Yes, yes, yes! I could not agree more, and I’m so glad you had support (I’m assuming that from your comment). Thanks for taking the time for my story; it;s much appreciated.
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Absolutely agree!
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This is truly lovely, Dawn. Post-partum is a scary thing to experience from what I’ve heard (thankfully did not experience it myself.)
You took Rochelle’s personal pic from “What Pegman Saw” 😉 This week’ss FF is a campfire!
I won’t tell if you don’t 😉
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I figured out the mistake just now (woke and sat up in bed…). Read the correction I’ve added. I also took my link off of Pegman. Sleep deprivation. Let’s see how long it take Rochelle to notice. 😉
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Put it back on Pegman!! It’s on FF it doesn’t fit 😉
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It’s not on FF. I never posted it to FF. I posted it to Pegman by accident and then removed it. I’ve never joined Pegman. So now I’m just leaving it as a post. Do you think I should take it down??
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No! I don’t think you should take it down, Dawn! I love your explanation. Seeing the photo brings back memories of when I snapped it. Of course the photo doesn’t come close to doing the vision justice. Meanwhile, stuff happens and I’m in no way offended especially after your glorious prologue. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’m SO relieved, Rochelle. While there are no such warnings on Pegman, on FF we all know that a photo should never be used for anything else, without the express written consent of the photographer. As I went into panic mode last night and took my work down from the Pegman link up, and then noted there were a few likes already, I erred on the side of keeping this… hoping that when you woke up, you’d find it funny too. When the real prompt came up, I couldn’t believe how well it worked with the first and last lines of my story! Sigh. I relinked it and kept my fingers crossed until you wake up in the icy Midwest. I appreciate your warm response! Shalom!
PS) photos so seldom do justice to their subjects, but oh, that blue!
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In your intro you said FF (which I now sew you’ve corrected).
And no, don’t take it down. It’s a well-written story And you gave Rochelle credit for her picture so you’re all on the up and up. You could even leave your link on Pegman, too…
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Now that I have come back to this whole crazy affair, I love what you’ve done 😉 And you are absolutely right! Your story works with both pictures!
You have added a touch of hilarity to a very sober story 😉
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Again: Hu’s on first, and what day is it?? I had myself all turned around for sure!! Thanks for sticking with me, Dale. xo
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You betcha! 😉
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I think you’ve missed some of the thread, Dale… Hu’s on first! 😉 I’m not taking it down; it works with the FF photo as well, and I have Rochelle’s blessing. All is right in the world again. 🙂
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I went back… which is why I left yet another comment 😉
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Hahahahahahahhahahahahah! 😉
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😀 😀 😀
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(Yes, but I’m just catching up with the various incantations of this thread! And now it’s bedtime, so by morning– here– there could be all new levels of confusion! )
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Buahahahaha!!
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Serendipity is a wonderful thing. This story does fit, so well
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Right? Isn’t it funny who things happen? As I prepare to pack up, and adjust to re-entry at home, my brain has been both sleep deprived and on fire. I thought I was late for the dance last night (all those night owls and folks on the other side of the world, always get in early!), and I end up as the first entry. Serendipity, kismet, space cadet–– to infinity and beyond! Thanks for reading Neil!
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Dear Dawn,
Again leave up the Pegman picture. It works. In 2006 I also snorkeled in Eilat which was glorious, too.
As for your story. Oh how I remember those days. I suffered postpartum blues with all of my boys, particularly the first one. Very well written, my friend. Enjoy your grandbabies.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Eilat is way up on my list, for one of these visits, when I get beyond my daughter’s apartment and the neighborhood where I walk. I’ve heard it’s gorgeous! Thanks for your feedback… twice, my friend! Shalom! xo
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Eilat is fabulous. The water was clearer there than it was in St. Thomas. I’ll be going back to the land in May…alas Eilat and snorkeling are not on the agenda.
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Where will you be? We will be here in May also!
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You tell your story with great simplicity, and that makes it even more emotionally powerful. Kudos!
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Thanks so much; that was my goal. I appreciate the feedback!
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Post-partum depression, or “baby blues.” No joke, and impossible to understand unless you’ve had it. Beautifully described 🙂
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While I haven’t had it, I think I do get it. At least I tried here, and I’m glad it landed from you. 🙂
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Excellent piece. Moods know no logic, especially not depression.
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No doubt! No one person can fully understand how another feels. The most we can do is be present and open for compassion. Wonderful photo!
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Her pain is palpable. Wonderfully written piece.
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Thanks so much! I appreciate your feedback!
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Good story.
Happy Tuesday.
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Thanks, CE.
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I remember the “I just want to curl up and watch the sky” days. I had the baby blues with both my babies. It is impossible to explain, I was thrilled to have them, but cried for weeks after. You described it so well. Get lots of grandbaby snuggles to take back with you! =)
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I am soaking up the yumminess, but know I’ll miss them terribly. I’m glad you got thru’ it Brenda; it’s such a rough road, when you’re trying to care for a new human!Thanks for your feedback; it’s much appreciated.
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I remember that feeling, and you describe it so well. After two gorgeous girls we had completed our family (we thought) with a boy, and I should have been ecstatic.Not so, and it took a friend with the same problem being briefly sectioned for me to hightail it to the doctor. An unexpected fourth pregnancy seven years later threw me into a panic but fortunately I didn’t suffer that particular brand of blues again.
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Wow, it’s amazing how many women have struggled with PPD, Liz. Not an easy thing at all, and so often not supported by others. Everyone thinks you should just get to it and be happy. So glad you had good support and help. Thanks for the feedback and for sharing your own story; I’m honored.
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When the depression is so hard to understand, if it appears to be for no reason, the harder it is to deal with. Well done.
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So true… whatever the source, but PPD is particularly tough, because often your own partner doesn’t really get it. A beautiful new baby? What’s to cry about! Thanks for the feedback, Lain!
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This is so well describe… I think the problem with depression is that it often doesn’t have a real reason… and baby bliss turns baby blues… wonderful story.
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Thanks Björn; I couldn’t agree more!
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No man is ever going to be able to truly understand what a woman goes through with birth or any depression afterwards. We can try, we can empathize, but…it’s like your tale: he just doesn’t get is. Very well expressed.
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Well, I’m glad you said it and not me. 😉 I’ve been tempted, but I know that all of the hearts here are in the right place. It’s true though; it’s a woman’s thing. I appreciate the compassion and kind feedback.
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Excellent story! Glad I stopped by.
Ronda
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I’m glad you stopped by too! Thanks Ronda. 🙂
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I wanted to let you know that I enjoyed your story too… fiction or not! I enjoyed the nod to the afterlife and various means of communication. Nice!
However, I’ve had problems with Disqus giving my information away, and won’t sign on again. I apologize, as I wanted to hit like and leave a comment. Alas, I hope you see my comment here, Ronda!
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Well written piece! Sometimes it is difficult to understand the reason for such sadness or depression that creeps up un-noticed…and post-partum depression is something that I have seen in my friend. She took almost 2 years to come out of it with the help of family and friends.
https://evergreenleaf.blogspot.com/2019/02/home.html
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It’s not easy to dig out of the hole of depression (whatever puts you there), and yes, the digging can be mighty slow! Thanks for stopping by; it’s much appreciated. 🙂
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She is depressed for some reason. She needs space to recover.
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She’s got post partum depression, and yes, time and space is a good beginning. Thanks Abijit.
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As someone has already said,you told this story with great simplicity. In my experience, it’s really hard to talk about how you feel when you’re in the depths of a depression, and you captured this perfectly. Sometimes all it takes is for someone to sit there, say nothing and show they care. Other times rationalisation is needed. Whatever, the sensitive onlooker almost always feels as helpless as the victim. Good one. And I’m glad you’re over your ‘block’. I hope your creative force surges as a result of being dammed.
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Thanks Sandra! From your mouth to …’s ear! I feel like it’s time to pull out of my own dark places and do what I love! It’s so good to reconnect with others I draw inspiration and encouragement from. Cheers!
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Ok, I feel like I’m going loopy! I don’t see anything on J.Hardy or Rochelle’s site. Just the photo. J Hardy does mention bees, and insanity, but only in his story. I feel like I’m looking at one of the pictures that you need to stare hard at, to see the hidden image! Duh.
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Hehe, I did read your preamble and get it, entirely. I get knocked off on my schedule if I don’t get to church on Sunday, too. I love how you’ve taken the prompt in an unexpected direction. I like the underwater pic, too. It adds to your story’s depth. 🙂 ❤ Congrats on your new grandson, and blessings on getting to spend some time with your family! Shalom ~ Jelli.
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Aww, thanks so much, Jelli; I appreciate you taking the time to read my preamble. And thanks for the well wishes. It’s been delicious.
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Baby Blues – and not the eye color. Husbands don’t really get it.
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Indeed. There are plenty of thoughtful, understanding husbands out there, but it’s such a personal thing. Thanks for reading!
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Your preamble was just perfect. Heck! I’m out of whack due to not teaching because of the snow and lack of attendance. That’s only been a couple of weeks and I’m still in the same time zone I was when this started. You aren’t. Plus the days of the work week are being messed with there! I love this piece. I can imagine how a new baby would change things, for better or for worse. Well done.
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Yes, that preamble went thru’ a few metamorphoses! 😉 And hopefully you will dig out soon!
A new baby can do that, but then PPD is a biological, hormonal thing that really can blindside a woman. One of the hardest parts is that everyone, including the new mother, thinks they should be happy… it’s so devastating and inconceivable, to most people.
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There’s no quick fix for the blues. Maybe some music. Hope her man can work the wireless.
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I’m pretty sure music doesn’t fix it, but music is always a soothing thing. Thanks for reading, Patrick.
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You are right! Both pictures work. It is a sad story but one so many can relate to! Enjoy your last few days and safe travels back to the US! ❤
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Thanks Courtney! I’m packing, and dreading the goodbyes, but happy to be headed home. Six weeks away is a long time! Thanks for the feedback; it’s much appreciated!
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I felt touched by your story – told in a gentle and empathic way. Nicely done.
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Thanks so much. I wanted it to be subtle, but realistic. I’m glad that came through.
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it’s understandable. everybody gets the blues especially a young mother.
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Yes they do! Postpartum depression is a very big challenge for women with new babies.
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I got the intro, I guess many writers have such moments. I loved that you told the tale and the story. Way back in my early working career I nursed people with severe depression. I met some lovely individuals and their babies. Memories
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Thanks for taking the time for reading all of that, and sharing your thoughts; it’s much appreciated. That’s important work, Michael! Glad you were there for them; a true mitzvah. What did you do in your career?
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Wow! How confusing but its anarchy and the first rule to the Friday Fictioneers are there are no rules, apart from the 100 words and writing something tenuously linked to the picture. I like it, its well written and so many of the posts can be really confusing to read anyway I think its fab!!
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Thanks so much! I was grateful that my story worked with both pictures. The blue triggered the idea, but there was always a window that was a focus point. Lucky me! Thanks for making the effort, in these times of anarchy. 😉
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Love all the logical questions, whose only answer is a color. Depression does not express itself logically, and can be baffling to those who prefer everything to be rational. You depicted that well.
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Thanks so much! Yes, so often loved ones just want to get to the root of it, and “fix it.” That isn’t always possible!
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Some days are just like this. Blue. It can be scary for those around us that want to make everything right. Sometimes we just have to let the blue be.
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Yes, yes, yes! It’s so hard for some people, but I know that sometimes I just need to keep my feet in the fire, and come out the other side in my own time and way. Thanks for your thoughtful comment, Corina; it’s much appreciated.
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Oh my, Dawn. I had a good chuckle on your day to day confusions. LOL
It happens sometimes. I keep posting on Fridays because I can’t bring myself to post my story earlier. I’m so boxed in. Thanks for msking my day with your funny confusions.
I enjoyed reading your story. It gave me chills, as I know from my mother’s permanent (like in she never got out of it) post-partum depression when my younger borther was born, how overwhelming it can be. You wrote about it in quite a sensitive way. Well written despite the confusion. : )
Have a wonderful weekend …
Isadora 😎
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I’m glad I made you laugh, Izzy! It was quite a funny few hours. I was so happy that the new photo worked. 🙂
So sorry your mother had such a hard time for so long. That’s a very hard thing for her, and all of you. xo
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My grandmother stepped in when that happened. It lasted all of her life until she passed away. I lost life. Thanks, Dawn. : )
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So sad. Again, I’m so sorry you guys went through that, but wonderful that your grandmother was there.
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🙏😎
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This is really powerful. An excellent write.
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Thanks so much, Lisa!
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I think this works perfectly for FF, in fact, perhaps better. This kind of depression must be horrible. Just having a baby and wanting to feel excited but unable to. It’s very powerful.
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So glad it worked! It was a story that I would have used for another post. As it is, this worked very well. Thanks for taking the time!
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🙂
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Such a moving story, Dawn. Your dialogue shows powerfully her inability to understand why she’s feeling that way, and his concern. What a horrible condition it is – as other commenters have said. I’m glad you got your little mix-ups sorted out. Time differences can send you crazy.
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Thanks so much Margaret. Home now and jet lag is totally dragging me under! Another time shift (10 hrs) and back to reality! 😉 I appreciate your feedback; thank you.
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Ane excellent story. I wonder if and how post partum depression is related to the often occurring hormone-change driven depression in menopause. After giving birth, the hormones also jump upside down in women’s bodies. I hope someone close to her gets her help. And I loved, and chuckled at, the intro.
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I’ve thought the same thing! Watching myself and friends go thru’ menopause is a very interesting journey for sure! Thanks for the feedback, Gabriele.
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Beautiful story. Didn’t expect that from this picture.
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Thanks Shirley! It worked on both levels.
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Loved this a lot.
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Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
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All’s well that ends well, it did fit the prompt very well and was a very powerful piece
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Thanks Michael… it worked out, despite the bumps in the road. 😉
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I think black cat assumes importance when her brother comes into picture. I can relate famiies do not want their daughter / son getting into a relation without being approved. Nice story.
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So true! Thanks for your feedback, Abhijit.
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