Yes, time for the weekly Friday Fictioneers,100 word story based on a photo prompt. Thank you Rochelle for presenting this weekly opportunity for writers to challenge their writing skills (also for offering this weeks photo prompt). Go ahead give it a try, you’ll have fun, meet more bloggers and perhaps learn a thing or two in the process.
~
She found him sitting in the kitchen, staring at the flickering reflections of the two old kerosene lamps on the counter. Daylight outside but the lamps still lit.
Retiring the previous year, John and his wife sold their larger home and moved into a lovely new retirement community. He then tried to adjust to this strange new world, one with lots of free time.
“John, what’s going on?” His wife asked, having just returned from a shopping trip.
He gave one huge sigh, locking away in his mind the busy happy memories from his old job.
“Just reflecting on my reflections!”
~
Thanks for stopping by, have a pleasant day,
~ Penny
The Why About This 
He needs a hobby, or a man cave of some sort. It’s not good for a man to have nothing to do.
I do agree with you! 🙂
We know men! 😉
🙂
Great ending line. It can get to be a rut when you have nothing to do. That’s why the schedule my mom and dad have would KILL me. I mean, when did they find time to actually WORK?
Great job, Penny!
Your mom and dad sound pretty amazing to me also! Actually way cool of them, Thank you for your compliment!
Reflections…try teaching a toddler about mirrors. That’s the other end. Retiring can be a type of knell for some who find it hard to fill their time.
I agree with you jules! Happy Holiday weekend! 🙂
Dear Penny,
As my husband is on the cusp of retirement this story struck a chord. Somehow I don’t see him reminiscing about his “great job” 😉
Touching story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
It sounds like he will be one who is ‘looking forward’ to going forward – doing his own thing, glad to hear that Rochelle. Thank you.
A touching story here, and you made me think of my relatives who have retired and remarked to me about their feelings of being retired. I like that you described the retirement community as “lovely” — it makes me think the days ahead will be nice for this couple.
Thank you. About your thoughts for your retired relatives – I think so too!
I have heard how difficult it is for older adults to adjust to a lifestyle where they do not have to “punch the clock” everyday. As long as I ma physically able I will be doing something on a regular schedule every day. You showed this very well Penny.
Thanks Joe, I appreciate your compliment!
I’m not sure if I think this is sad or not. Bittersweet, perhaps, but well done, in any case.
Thank you David, the situation is bittersweet isn’t it? I wish it were other!
People run short of time their entire life and then when they have a lot of it they reflect on the time gone by ! how true
Thank you, very well said indeed!
A strange time for lots of people it seems, lots of change to contend with and it can be very unsettling
I have lots on my post-retirement list, hope I get the time…
Very enjoyable story, loved it
Dee
Thank you Dee. I hope you get the time too … I think you will!
“Just reflecting on my reflections!” Love that line….such an indepth telling with so few words. Really really enjoyed this! 🙂
Thank you so much Christina! 🙂 xx
I can’t wait to have nothing to do… I seem to manage now. People need to learn how to chill. Nice work. I enjoyed the read.
Tom
Thank you Tom. I think today, for too many Americans, “chilling” is now a skill set to be learned or re-learned! How sad is that! You’ve got a great attitude, btw!
Wonderful and sad. It’s all too true I think.
Yup! The way society is set up now it certainly is!
That’s actually quite ingenious, Penny. The lamps in that photo remind me of the 5 old kerosene lamps I have. They’re purely ornamental though.
Thank you Alejandro.
How true this could be of so many…
Yes bulldog. It is true and I say many millions probably as they face major changes in their lifestyle, always so difficult my friend! 🙂 xx
This one I can relate to personally and because of this new phase we are entering in life with Terry’s parents. Thanks Penny.
Yes, it does come from personal experience as well, your welcome LuAnn!
Poignant. Well done.
Thank you Sandra for your lovely compliment! 🙂
It is so difficult to get adjusted to a retired life all of a sudden..more so for an active person..well done, Penny
Thank you very much Padmini, dear friend! 🙂
I see my parents (in their mid 80’s) struggling, but their stubborn pride will not let them move from their home to a Retirement Village…it is a hard decision to make and you have brought this home (if you will pardon the pun). Very endearing and realistic Penny.
No worries re: the pun. Life tends to be filled with those anyway lol! It is a truth for all of us where significant change is in the near future. Too many see any change as fearful and in the case of the elderly (my own parents come to mind here as well) as taking away from their independence, freedom and their “known world”. As you say, a struggle. Thank you for your comments and compliment as well.
Absolutely love that last line
Thanks boomie! 🙂 xx
Penny, I think there are quite a few people who find themselves in this situation. Hopefully he’ll find some other things to occupy his time and bring enjoyment to him and those around him.
janet
I hope so too, thanks janet!
I think I know that couple. Only he hasn’t retired…yet.
xx 🙂 🙂 xx
Hmmmmm …. 🙂 xo
This is terrific.. Love the last line.
Thank you Deana!
Brilliant. I love that. 😀
Thanks Alastair!
You’re welcome.
Not sure if I have asked you .. I may have done .. I’m planning on starting a new blog for stories to be written from my photos as prompts?
Yes you did mention this to me!
oops. Sorry. Didn’t mean to repeat myself
No worries, I do it myself! 🙂
🙂