Thanks for your incredible commitment Rochelle Wisoff-Fields! This week’s photo is provided by Roger Bultot. Despite this beautiful, atmospheric photo, I was stuck this week. I’ve used a brief portion of a short story I’ve been working on. It fit the scene. Honest, constructive feedback is always welcome.
© Roger Bultot
A Solitary Woman
The woman stirred her coffee and gazed out the window at her garden.
“I should have cut back those irises weeks ago,” she said to no one.
Her dog glanced in her direction, ready and waiting. When she spoke to the window, he stayed put.
“I can’t believe it’s the end of October already…
Where have the weeks gone?
Hmm, Roosh, old boy!”
This was the cue: her gaze moving to him; her voice sliding up three octaves. The black lab mix got to his feet, tail wagging –– thump, thump, thump–– and came over to nuzzle her hand.
(98 words)
* * *
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TALES FROM THE MOTHERLAND 
When I was reading this, I felt the suspense the dog must’ve felt. Very nice and thanks for sharing this. Love.
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Thanks Sarah! It’s a longer, but still flash, piece of fiction–– I’ve been tweaking it all week. xox
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so how does she speak to the window.? @redhotrabbit is now following you on Twitter.
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That’s how the dog perceives it. She’s talking out loud, but her dog sees her talking at the window. Thanks for the twitter follow (i’ll do the same) and your feedback, Larry; it’s much appreciated.
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I really liked this excerpt from your story, Dawn. I could picture the scene in my mind. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thanks Suzanne; I appreciate your feedback. My goal is that a reader can “see” a character/scene; I’m glad you could. 🙂
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Nicely drawn atmosphere: the routine, the calm ease and recognition of when narration turned interaction! 🙂
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Thanks Na’ama! I’m still working this one, but glad this opening resonated with you.
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🙂 I liked it!
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I liked the voice and perspective of the dog as he waited until he was beckoned. A very sweet story!
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Thanks Brenda. In the end, it won’t stay sweet, but that is the mood I was setting for now. Thanks for the feedback!
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Dogs must think we’re crazy.
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Mine certainly do!! 😉 Thanks Russell.
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Dear Dawn,
Atmospheric and peaceful peace…a little lonely as well. Roosh is a perceptive friend. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks Rochelle! A peaceful peace in a piece! 😉 Lonely is the aim, and I’m glad it landed for you. Shabbat shalom!
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Dogs know exactly when it’s about them and when not. A lovely story of being alone but not really lonely. She has a good companion.
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Thanks Gabi, she does have a good companion. The longer version is definitely about being alone, but not necessarily lonely. Thanks for the feedback!
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There’s nothing like the love and devotion of a good dog. Beautiful story.
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There really isn’t… but then, that depends on who you live with! 😉 Thanks Linda.
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Time flies. Must be good times.
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I’m not sure that time flies, or that the times are good… butI do know that time will tell.
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I really enjoyed this, Dawn. Especially as I sit at my desk, looking out the window, Zeke by my side, patiently waiting for the words: Ready to go?
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Thanks Dale! I love imagining you and Zeke… though you’ve long moved on from that spot! Sorry I’ve been slow in responses!
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No worries!
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Word to author. Old women with beloved dogs do not talk to themselves. They talk to their dogs. There is a difference you know.. hehehe
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Noted. I may need to rework some of this. Thanks Violet!
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Lovely scene.
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Thanks, Dawn!
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