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What Is and What Is Not – Friday Fictioneers

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It’s Wednesday!  Yessiree, that means Friday Fictioneers is here for those of us who like to show up early.  Rochelle is being totally BOSS by using her photo for the second week in a row.  But who’s counting, right?  (She knows I tease, of that I am sure and certain 😉 )  If you feel like playing, just click on the frog below and add the link to your 100-word story.

Pepe the Sad Frog" Greeting Card by medulla9324 | Redbubble

Clcik to play

 

‘Tis the season when everyone is celebrating on the outside, joy mirroring everyone else’s.  But, we’re all in our bubbles, yes?  Going about our business, dealing with our issues while trying to keep a happy face.  She’s reminded every Christmas that her sister stopped singing.  He is stressed over his daughter, willing the issue of her pain be found and rectified.  She is agonizing over her son, restrained at customs for six hours for who-knows-what reason besides the fact his name sounds Arabic. He just wanted to be with his mother for Christmas.  Pretend smile until it happens for real.

138 thoughts on “What Is and What Is Not – Friday Fictioneers”

  2. Dear Dale,

    It’s for sure and certain, this one touches the depths of my heart. The holidays intensify grief, don’t they? Written from the heart I know. Well done and full of poignant love.

    Shalom and lotsa warm holiday hugs, my friend.

    Rochelle

    Liked by 2 people

  3. I love the fake it aspect of life. We all are faced with the choice of wearing our misery on a sleeve or holding it in a place of honor till it becomes part of who we are. You are like that Dale and you have all my respect. Terrific piece.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. It’s a superficial front that so many endure for the sake of those around them who if they have lived long enough are mostly putting on a superficial smile during the season. Sending for real hugs dear Dale.

    Liked by 3 people

  5. We do indeed live in our own little bubbles while reflecting (see what I did I there) on our past and our own situations. So many are smiling on the outside but Grimm from within. THEREFORE, we should all be kind to one another as we have no idea what the people around us are going through. Good story Dale.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. My pretend smile has disappeared thinking of all the pain so many are experiencing. My son-in-law is Egyptian and now that pains my heart to think of any prejudice he might encounter. Almost everyone is suffering somehow if they let their heart be open. But something inside keeps pointing to the light, to tiny magic, to what heals all sorrows–if that’s even possible.

    Liked by 2 people

    • I feel you, Kathy. My friend texted me last night and was beside herself with worry. During our exchange he was finally released. Yes, almost everyone is suffering through something. May we always be able to point to the light, opening ourselves up to any healing offered.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. I think of the homeless, who can’t stay in bed like I did this morning because it was frosty outside. And of those who, like me, are grieving a recent loss. But there will be joy somewhere, if we keep our eyes and hearts open.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Yes, there are so many who are less fortunate and who are grieving like you, like my mother – both of you with fresh losses. There is joy to be found. We just have to allow it in.

      Like

  11. The happiness of the holidays has a way of making life’s trials and tribulations seem worse. I try and stay in a constant state of curmudgeonly bliss. Like being in a splenetic suspension of unanimated grace.

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Christmas is always been tinged with sadness for me for those who are no longer with me. It is also a time for joy for what it stands for. I relish my friends and family that are still here and even though we are apart we share with each other of ourselves. And for that I give thanks. I still have my joy!

    Liked by 1 person

    • This image could have been used so many ways but I swear, so many things happened in the last few days that I just couldn’t go anywhere else!
      I like that. Loving punctuation 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  16. …”pretend smile until it happens for real”… don’t that sound familiar. But it works, even for a moment and isn’t every moment precious?
    Beautifully written, Dale, always from the heart. Love and many hugs.
    ❤🤗❤🤗❤

    Liked by 2 people

  17. So poignant and true, Dale. I agree with Marina–even if it’s only for a moment. And I know you know we can feel joy and sorrow at the same time, and see beauty even when there’s ugliness all around, too. 💙

    Liked by 1 person

  18. Great use of the prompt, Dale. I try to remember that it’s always about the people, “A Delectable Life” is exactly right. Whatever it is or is not. Well done!

    I saw your title and I had to read your story before I hit publish. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  19. For so many, and especially during the holiday season, grief and disappointment surface. It’s a difficult time and we should be sensitive to those who are struggling. Thank you for that reminder. I like the smile until you feel it sentiment, Dale Take care and I hope you have a nice holiday weekend with family and friends.

    Liked by 1 person

  20. Things can shift in a heartbeat. Someone else wrote about uncertainty and the dread that is cultivated with it. Nab those moments of happiness when they present themselves and keep the battery recharged I say. Happy holidays.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yep. My Christmas got cancelled because Covid found its way in one sister’s house and before they knew it, the other sister’s husband had gone there to help install a dryer. Now we can’t take a chance… Sigh.

      Like

    • Thank you, dear Jilly. That was a tough one. We used to call Brenda the Jukebox because she seemed to know every friggen rock song that played on the radio!

      Like

  28. For all the pressure we put on it, Christmas deserves to be longer. On the other hand, for those who dread it, at least it’s over quickly. I hope yours is more grin than bear it this year, Dale.

    Liked by 1 person

    • No kidding. Maybe those who dread it would be able to find a moment that does bring them up. I always choose the grin, Jen 🙂 Thank you!

      Like

  29. We all pretend, lie and put up a facade behind which we can hide. If only we could all be honest and gentle with each other, we could endure to show our pain and weaknesses. And holidays like Christmas often give us some quiet time to reflect if we don’t overload it with too many people in too small spaces. Lovely bittersweet piece, Dale.

    Liked by 1 person

    • True enough. And yes, it would be so much better to be kinder with each other.
      As much as I am sad my Christmas with my sisters is cancelled, I have to admit that I am looking forward to some quiet man. Thank you, Gabriele.

      Liked by 1 person

  32. Tis the season to be jolly… and don’t you dare let on that you’re not. Cos it is a truism that laugh (in the case smile) and the world laughs with you. But cry and you cry alone. Worse, if seen, you make others feel uncomfortable. So be kind to your neighbours and pretend all is well with your world
    I wish you peace, love & contentment this Christmas season and for the coming year. Love you, my friend. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  33. Q

    The holidays can be daunting as all get out for those peeps who can’t fix the spiral. It’s because they believe the expectations are to be merry and bright. But I don’t think that’s true. I think it’s just asking us to be grateful for that which we have is all. Gratitude, that’s it. The merry and bright is all well and good, and hey, if you have it, get down with your bad self and pass it around.

    But above all else, count your blessings.

    B

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yes, I do. And hey, my goal was not to remind anyone of anything, just to acknowledge that I know some people have other things on their mind. All the best to you and yours, Sandra! xoxo

      Like

  37. I’m with Holly!
    For real hugs to you!
    Our small (5 peeps) family dinner is cancelled. 4 of my nieces friends have Covid, and I haven’t been able to get boosted due to no vaccine availability.
    Also, I might not be well. Here it is, Christmas Eve, and I’m waiting to hear from my doc.
    Sending xoxo ⚡️💥

    Liked by 1 person

    • Dammit! I am so sorry, Resa. I hope it’s nothing serious! It looks like many of us are remaining in our bubble (again) this year!
      I am “too young” to get boosted at this time. I swear…
      Sending YOU much love and hugs and feel betters! 🧚🏻‍♀️✨

      Liked by 1 person

  38. The holidays are filled with joy and also pain as we remember losses. I’m aware of a loss on the horizon as my son Bob and my daughter-in-law Linda spend their last Christmas in the house that has been home for over 15 years to them and their two sons. They plan to move to live in a warmer place. I am, at the same time, at peace in the apartment that has become my home during the ten years I have spent here when I moved to be near them. A paradox.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yes,, they are. And for so many reasons. So sorry they are moving away from you. Maybe you shall have to move to warmer climes as well 🙂 As long as you are at peace,
      Merry Christmas lovely Ina xoxo

      Liked by 1 person

    • She is! Thank you, Anne. Mine was genuinely good in a small and quiet way. The Christmas planned was not to be (as for so many people) as the virus came to visit my two sisters’ families… So my son went to get my mother and we had our little dinner together.
      Hope yours was lovely!

      Liked by 1 person

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