It’s my first children’s birthday party gig. Parched from twenty rounds of “Old McDonald’s Farm,” Billy’s mother says she will watch Stradi while I go inside for a quick powder room visit and some lemonade.
Intercepted in the living room by three girls with ponytails who beg for a capella Katy Perry, they cheer after my all-out rendition of “Roar.”
Stradi’s swimming in the pool when I get back. Billy’s mother is “sleeping” in the chaise. Her empty flask is being tossed in a game of keep-away.
Six years of conservatory for this?! Time to get a real job…
[100 words]
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields is the cultivating host of Friday Fictioneers.
Tao Talk 
Add another F to the #FF: Fantabulistic!
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Thanks, Ron! I had fun writing this one.
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Yep, not much of a musical career, playing at Kids Parties. It makes you think, why creative people sacrifice so much for very little gain. Hope, the real job pays well.
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Thanks, James. I’ve often wondered that same thing myself. Thank goodness they do.
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I hope Stradi was just a pet name, rather than maker’s
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I hope so also, Neil.
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Often wonder this about actors who study for years and end up in commercials or kid’s entertainers – but hopefully they are happy and enjoy entertaining, even if it’s not what they dreamed of!
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I hear you.
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Poor Stradi… Yeah, I think time to rethink careers… Perhaps there is a street corner where she can place a cap while playing – would have to be much more satisfying ;) On the other hand, I saw Joshua Bell made like $20 busking in the DC Metro all day, so maybe not.
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Trent, I think it is always a dilemma for creative types. Thanks for reading!
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Oh! I feel for the protagonist. Lovely take, Li. :)
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Thanks much, Kitty!
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You are welcome, Li. :)
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That’s a beautiful fiddle. The arts in general are not very lucrative for most people. (K)
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It is so easy to get stuck. Glad she finally sees it.
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Stradi swimming in the water? Yikes! Who knew children’s birthday parties could pose such risk? I guess with the Stradi gone, the poor fellow has no choice but to look for another job, at least until he can earn enough money to buy a new Stradi! :-)
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Definitely a wake up call and didn’t think about Stradi out of commission :(
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Never leave your prized possessions with a drunk “lifeguard.” Yikes
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Indeed!
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Sometimes the signs of ‘time to change’ come one after the other in disappointing succession. Sad, but somehow pointing to being fed up enough to be willing to change,
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Clare, you’re so right. It’s been a motivator in my life again and again.
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Loved this one Li.
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Thanks, Sadje :)
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You’re most welcome
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Dear Lisa,
I’m horrified by the Stradi in the pool. Loved the MC’s voice in this. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, thanks so much, glad you enjoyed the story.
Shalom,
Lisa
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Oh and she’s trying so hard. Billy’s Mother better have paid well for this gig, although I fear she won’t understand the problem about Stradi’s dunking. Great voice, and very true to life story.
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Thanks much, Elmo!
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I feared something would happen to Stradi. It also makes me think that she is already thinking of another career because one would not leave a prized possession in anyone’s hands. I say this, because I left figure skating and left everything in the locker, never to return…
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My granddaughter was at the top her game when walked away from figure skating. Way too much stress.
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:( Sorry to hear about the pressure and that she gave up her passion because of it. Why does everything have to be so competitive?
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Thanks, Lisa.
I’m not sure it was her “passion.” Even the best can be pushed beyond what they are willing to do. :-)
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Oh wow. I never even competed. I didn’t get a pro until way too late. At 13, I thought, nope. I am not cut out for this.
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She was not willing to give up her whole life just to be a wonderful skater. It was not her greatest passion, but I have not asked her about it. I should.
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I understand. It’s not easy. There has to be much passion to be willing to do what it takes.
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Much… :-)
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🙃
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I immediately feared for Stradi when I saw where it was lying on a lawn chair also. She needed a cheapo backup for these kinds of parties for sure. Dale, I learned something new about you today — you are a figure skater! Do you still skate? Please say yes.
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No kidding! That she did.
Oh no…. that was a lifetime ago. I haven’t skated in a long while, though I had promised myself I would this year. I need new skates.
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Oh, my. It may be fiction, but I believe it.
Music is a tough business. Well done, Lisa.
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Thanks very much, Bill. The story was my attempt at humor.
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Of course, Lisa. My pleasure.
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At least they should pay for the Stradi. These parents can call themselves lucky that none of the kids is in the pool.
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I hear you, Gabi!
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everybody needs to start somewhere. with perseverance, she’ll find her true calling.
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Plaridel, I think it is her true calling but she just can’t make any money at it and has to put up with a lot of hassle for it. We’ll see what’s on the horizon for her. I wish her success.
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love it Lisa!!! 💞
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:) Thanks!
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Too much work for very little pay. Although some “real” jobs are the same. Great take on the prompt.
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Thanks, Alicia. Too true!
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I hope she goes to better things.
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Me too. Thanks for reading :)
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I enjoyed your story, Lisa! It made me sad too that with all her training she couldn’t express her talent in a way that made her happy. I hope her “real job” does.
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Thanks for reading and the thoughtful response, Brenda.
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Great story! Any artist, whether it’s music, painting, writing, etc. –is willing to start small–even at a children’s party–for love of the art. The hopes, of course, are to fly high.
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So happy you enjoyed the story, Linda. Thank you :)
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I second the real job, and a better babysitter for Stradi. Nice one. 👍
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Thank you, Brit :)
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Ouch. Now that’s an ending. Yes, need to move on from the kids parties
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Thanks, Laurie :)
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Unless she finds something else she loves, a real job can never be as rewarding as chasing one’s passion. It’s devastating that so much talent goes to waste due to the need for financial security.
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I HEAR YOU, NOBBIN.
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Yes
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