I’d just like to mention Iain Kelly’s new novel, The Justified State. I’ve just finished reading it and I’ll put up a proper review on Amazon later but in the meantime I thought I’d let you know, I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to any of you contemplating buying it.
PHOTO PROMPT © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
Under the bypass isn’t beautiful but there is calm and seclusion. Its ugliness precludes people coming there. The rumbling traffic above comforts Will; it’s the song of the throng that can’t reach him there.
He leaves his anxiety up there in the bustle, traded in for snatched contemplation.
Down here, he rests and dreams. His mind adorns the smutted concrete edifice with verdant, sprawling ivy and bougainvillea, the stagnant water becomes a silver stream with jumping rainbow fish, and Richard Dadd’s fairies buzz from flower to flower, milking the nectar.
Short as they are, Will treasures his idyllic lunch breaks.
Written for Friday Fictioneers – a 100 words story based on a photo prompt. Hosted by Rochelle. Read the other entries here.
Michael Wynn 
Peace is where you find it. I think most of us need a place to retreat from the hustle and bustle of mankind. Even a short respite is a reward of its own.
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It certainly is Russell, thanks for reading
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Thank you so much for the mention Michael, it means a lot to hear such kind feedback and I look forward to the full review! I like how you, and Will, managed to see something beautiful transform from this picture. Nice piece of escapism.
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Thanks Iain and you’re welcome. I was thinking of putting the review on Goodreads as well if you’d like that
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Absolutely Michael, that would be great. I can be found on Goodreads too, got to cover all these bases!
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How nice not to find another dead body down here. I love how his imagination transforms it to a beautiful place.
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Thank-you Clare
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Absolutely lovely, Michael
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Thanks Neil
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At last, someone has found beauty in the ugliness of the underpass! Thank you!
Click to read my FriFic tale!
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Thank-you Keith
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I’m envious of him and his ability to turn an unsavoury location into a pleasant daydream. Nicely done, Michael.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
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Yes, it would be a welcome skill to possess
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A peaceful respite.
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Thanks Tracey
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it’s all about perspective, isn’t it? works all the time.
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Indeed it is, if you can divorce yourself from your problems just for a while, it works wonders
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It’s not what you look it, it’s what you imagine it to be!
Sounds like a wonderful place to get away from it all.
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I think so, Dale, thanks
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Everyone needs a place to dream. Lovely piece!
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Thank-you Brenda
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Two different places, one for business another for relaxation. Good that he can leave his business upstairs and take time off to relax under the bridge.
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Yes, I think we need to do this as often as possible
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A charming story of seeing beauty in the every-day ugliness of an underpass. You create a real sense of serenity within the writing. Well done.
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Thank-you very much
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It does seem a nice quiet spot, to be insulated from the world for just a little while.
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Yes, just a little piece of peace can make all the difference
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Finding your space can be so relaxing. My neighbour insist in talking over the garden fence just when i want to be left alone in quite peace. Perhaps I am too polite.
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Now that I’m older I can see being too polite has often been a problem. I think you need a taller fence before things get out of hand. 🙂
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Such a refreshing take and reminded me of some of my lunchtime escapes from the song of the throng (great phrase).
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Thanks Jilly, glad you liked it
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Somehow I think that if this is the best he can find, the world has been grim up till now… I hope he can find a real paradise dell in the future.
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Love that last line.
This is one of my favorites this week.
And thanks for the recommendation on Lain’s book.
I have so many in my queue, but then again, what’s one more? lol
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Dear Michael,
Even the shortest respite refreshes the soul. Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Kind of a “beauty is where you find it” feel here. It’s a wonderful thing to be able to imagine all your stress away.
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Fabulous recommendation. Running off to add it to my reading pile.
Great piece Michael. Peace and serenity at lunchtime.
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Very vivid. Great use of the prompt.
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Thanks
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