Our Friday Fictioneers photo prompt was provided by Jean L. Hays and posted by our hard-working leader, Rochelle Wisoff-Fields.
You balance beneath the Tucumcari sign, bent-kneed, and crook-backed,
harsh wind whipping your thin white hair.
Docs at Resting Arms nursing home declared you empty-headed.
Not so.
Memories of people who passed through your trading post wander around in your mind like welcome guests.
Each memory sharp.
Juanita: Spanish dancer with a chihuahua who sang “Starlight.”
Roy: Man driving his wife’s skeleton the length of Route 66.
Unique and Special: Twins joined at the shoulders, riding bikes, side-by-side.
Your favorite?
Brice: Brahma bull rider. Grinner of wide grins. Slapper of thighs.
The rodeo man who made you laugh for sixty-nine years.
Up From the Ashes 
Super story of a lifetime of love.
Some memories obviously don’t die.
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Why, thank you, kind sir. Glad you stopped this a.m. Wish we could share a cup of coffee! Alicia
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This is so lovely, what a beautiful story.
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Thanks! I wanted to write something on the lighter side today. Glad you found it lovely. Thanks.
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I loved the memories that wander around like guests, Also the singing dog, but you probably didn’t intend that
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Actually, I did intend that the dog was singing “Starlight.” Thanks for wondering and thanks again for stopping by.
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Even better
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Such an enchanting story, such imagination. Driving a skeleton the length of Route 66 had me enthralled. 🙂
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Thank you, Sandra. I wanted this week’s story to be more upbeat than the last two so tried to give “Sweet Memories” almost a carnival feel. I’m glad you enjoyed the man and his wife.
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Awww I love how you brought it together at the end.
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Thanks! Ta-da! Happy ending.
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This is a wonderful way to portray a life… lists can be so powerful, and you captured both the unique and the life-changing ones…
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Thanks, Bjorn. Lists can either work or be incredibly boring. I’m awfully glad you like the one in “Sweet Memories.” Cheers.
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Great work, Alicia, loved his list of memorable people, really well described in a few words. Excellent.
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Thanks, Iain. I had fun creating my characters. Sometimes that’s the greatest part of writing!
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Dear Alicia,
It’s all been said, so I’ll just echo. Lovely story with unique memories. Each one a portrait loaded with personality. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks, my dear. And as I said, I loved creating my manic group of characters. Thanks for the echo.
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Great story with wonderful little tall tales embedded within it! I can just see the catalog of memories–I know people who think in just this way.
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I think it would be a delightful way to see the world.
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Made me think of the movie “Big Fish” where all the tales were true… just enhanced…
Lovely!
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Thanks, Dale. It’s been forever since I watched “Big Fish.” Time to revisit.
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I actually rewatched it just this summer!
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Sweet story. So many memories made there!
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Thank you very much. Lots of good memories for the old girl, that’s for sure.
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Sounds like the circus came to town. My father’s tales became more interesting as he aged and I was blessed to hear them re-told. This story made me smile. Thanks.
Tracey
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It does seem a bit like the circus rolled by, doesn’t it? I’m glad the story brought a smile. Alicia
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A wonderful story. I love the lighter side of your writing. Empty headed… stupid doctor. And you’re so right, when my mother lost her grip on reality, her favourite tales from her youth still popped up from time to time.
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Thanks very much for such a delightful comment and sharing a wee bit of your mom with me. Alicia
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Ahhh … memories of days gone by.
Wonderfully written creating images with every line.
Have a nice weekend, Alicia.
Isadora 😎
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Thank you, Isadora. I tried to come up with a variety of oddball people. I’m glad you appreciated them. You have a great weekend as well. Alicia
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great job. a story with a tinge of melancholy.
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I suppose it does have a bit of melancholy. Thank you.
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Great descriptive language right from the start and all the way through, no matter how you interpret it.”You balance beneath the Tucumcari sign, bent-kneed, and crook-backed,
harsh wind whipping your thin white hair.” I see more published stories in your future!
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What a marvelous thing to say, Perry! Thank you ever so much. Cheers! Alicia
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I hate to admit this, but I have to agree with Perry. I see more publications in your future.
I loved the airy feel of this one. Well done.
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So sorry you had to agree with Perry but I’m glad it was for such a lovely reason. Thanks so much.
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He and I occasionally get on the same page. This week, we each bashed each other in our stories without reading the other’s first. And now we agree on this. There must be something in the water (or beer/wine/scotch).
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I loved your fellow-bashing. Keeps the FF gang lively.
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One word — superb!
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Wow! Thanks very much.
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You earned it! 😉
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Loved the wistful tone of this story.
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Thank you. There’s nothing like good memories.
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Great story to read, full of images, just great.
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Thanks a bunch, Michael. I it was fun to write this story.
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I love this, very imaginative taking us into another world. The favourite put me in mind of Mr Bojangles for some reason. I suppose it could have been the slapping thighs and making us laugh.
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I’d forgotten about Mr. Bojangles. I was picturing a carefree kinda’ guy, roaming from place to place, charming the ladies until he found “her.” Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
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I love the variety in these memories. I especially like the thought of someone driving their wife’s skeleton around.
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Thank you, Clare. I’m glad you appreciated Roy’s odd behavior.
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You’ve described such interesting people in so few words and yet I feel i have met them too!
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What a lovely thing to say. Thanks, Dawn.
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What a wonderful treasure of memories, all of them so unique and full. I could see them all. You paint quite a picture with words, miss. Well done, Alicia.
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Thanks, Amy! I appreciate your stopping by – as always.
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Alicia, I don’t know where your ideas come from, but I want to spend a weekend there and just take in all the magic and mystery! You amaze me; brilliant!
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Lovely words from an excellent writer. Thanks, Dawn.
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Aww, thanks Alicia. The feeling is mutual.
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I’m getting the idea she’s still at the nursing home imagining or dreaming she’s back at the old store. I love the characters, Alicia. Good writing as always. 🙂 — Suzanne
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