PHOTO PROMPT © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
The Secret Ingredient
My tastes are very particular. He has to be part Viking and part Mr. Rogers, part Sisyphus and part Quixote, part God and part earthworm, part wizard and part toad. I am each suitors’ Excalibur as they approach my stone heart and attempt to draw positive regard from it. Each ends up tossed, empty husk, ghosted into a rancid pit of inadequacy.
I sip hot chai latte at a sidewalk cafe, lost in Discworld, when a light object hits my back. I turn, look down to see a pinecone — then up into eyes set in the face of my fate.
[100 words]
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields is the artistic host of Friday Fictioneers.
Tao Talk 
To each pot, there is a lid… some are just harder to fit than others!
This was a fun take, Lisa.
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Thanks, Dale!
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Just lovely
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Thanks, Neil!
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Working your word magic and a nice TP reference!
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There is interesting energy in this little story!
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Ooh, I like that. Thanks, Clare :)
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Right place, right time. Right guy? I’m saying ‘go for it!’ Good one, Lisa!
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Nancy, I like your attitude :) Thanks!
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Welcome, Lisa! This had an air of romantic playfulness. It’s good to be cautiously optimistic.
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That’s a very compelling read. The narrator is very choosy with their mates!
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Thanks, Steve. So much for her choosiness!
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Ha!
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An interesting set of desires. (K)
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K, I was half-serious, half showing how impossible her demands were. Thanks for reading.
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I know quite a few people with equally impossible lists. Not a good way to approach relationships…(K)
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That would be a tough resume!
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Yes it would!
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Very interesting story Li. Love how you’ve ended it.
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Sadje, thank you :)
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You’re most welcome 🙏🏼
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I would like to see the face of this part-everything :) I hope he likes her too.
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Joy, thank you :)
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Oooh, I love this
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:)
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Honestly, this could be the start of a movie. Whether it’s a Hallmark movie or a horror remains to be seen!
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LOL I love your comment and totally agree it remains to be seen which it would be.
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Gotta say, I loved reading her list! Not sure what she’s getting into, but I hope she can live up to them herself…
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This is Angela.
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Angela, I think what happens next will be interesting, if nothing else. Thanks for reading and your thoughts.
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You have taken me into a different world where standard are high and particular when it comes to hard hearted women. I like how she melts in the end, but did she lower her expectations?
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James, your comment is appreciated. And that is a very good question. Maybe no expectations is best? I don’t have the answer. I’m lousy at relationships.
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What a surprising and unusual take on this prompt. Love it :)
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Linda, glad you enjoyed my story, thank you :)
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What a wonderful list of requirements. I just love the Excalibur image, and the tossed aside husks, he chai latte, the Discworld. And the ending. Perfect.
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Margaret so happy you enjoyed the story :)
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Beautiful writing, Lisa, with great metaphores. But what does the MC have to offer to have such high expectations?
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That is the question, Gabi. Or the MC to him.
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Has she finally found the one she’s been pining for? I can’t say I envy him!
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Keith, he’s going to have to keep her on her toes or he’ll be one of the ghosted husks. lmao
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I wish her the best of luck.
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:)
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That’ll be a great tale to tell the grandchildren. How we met…
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Sandra, for sure! :)
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Dear Lisa,
I love this! She does have her standards. The last line is outstanding!
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, very happy you enjoyed the story :) Thank you.
Shalom,
Lisa
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Squirrels will someday run the world, but one has to beware. They’re often only out to get a nut.
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Love this
And love discworld !
Great last line.
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Laurie, glad you enjoyed it!
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