Friday Fictioneer’s 100 Word Photo Challenge

Grandpa handed Jonah two dollar bills.

“Once two pennies was something at the candy store.”

PHOTO PROMPT © Roger Bultot

“Pennies? I just kicked one down the gutter.”

“You what? Nevermind, pick something.”

Five minutes later.

“What’d you get?”

“This.” He held up a plastic bag of twenty colorful gum balls.

“Would have been two hundred when I was a kid.”

“What’s your point grandpa?” Jonah asked chewing away.

He tried to blow a bubble but it snapped before it stretched into one.

“What do you think it was?”

“Don’t buy cheap bubble gum.”

“No. It was make wise choices.”

“Can I have ten bucks?”


Got love this week’s photo at Rochelle Wisoff’s Friday Fictioneer’s photo challenge. There really was a time when a penny got you a gum ball. Almost every kid could scrounge up a penny at least. There was nothing like putting in that coin, turning the knob and having candy drop into your hand. It was a big deal in my NOT overindulged childhood. Hope you enjoy this week’s story. Follow the link above to read other sweet tales. Best, Clare.


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18 responses to “A Few Cents of Wisdom”

  1. Na'ama Yehuda Avatar

    Next time, perhaps he’ll get less for more … 😉
    And …. ah the days of penny candy. We still have them here, but more like a piece for a dime.

    Like

  2. Laurie Bell Avatar

    Aw yeah I remember getting a “lolly bag” at the counter shop for 50 cents… sigh! Those were the days. 😍

    Like

  3.  Avatar
    Anonymous

    A very nostalgic tale. This week’s photo has brought back many a happy memory. Lovely story and nice dialogue!

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Sandra Avatar

    I remember the penny treats. I remember the sixpenny ones with more pleasure though.

    Like

  5. James McEwan Avatar

    Yes, I remember as kids we know the value of money.

    Like

  6. poetisatinta Avatar

    Oh yes you could get so much for a few pennies – great story 😊

    Like

  7. plaridel Avatar

    a penny for your thoughts. those were the days that won’t come back.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Dale Avatar

    We used to be able to get so much more for our pennies…

    Like

  9. GHLearner Avatar

    What fun! Poor grandpa, kids never listen to this kind of story. Back then a penny was worth more. But maybe the kid should work for the ten bucks.

    Like

  10. Margaret Avatar

    Sigh. Another grandpa trying to pass on a bit of wisdom to the young. I wish him luck. Great dialogue.

    Like

    1. CGraith Avatar
      CGraith

      Thanks Margaret!

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Dahlia Avatar

    Jonah will narrate the story to his grandchild someday 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  12. David Stewart Avatar

    I remember when I was very little, there were stores where you could get candy for a penny. I remember finding a penny on the ground and going and getting one piece. 🙂 Nice story, sounds like they were simpler times back in grandpa’s day.

    Like

    1. CGraith Avatar
      CGraith

      Thanks David

      Like

  13. rochellewisoff Avatar

    Dear Clare,

    I have fond memories of buying penny candy from an old proprietor named Jack. He ran a little general store not far from where we lived. I’m not sure this grandpa got through to his grandson. Ah well…he tried. 😉

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Like

    1. CGraith Avatar
      CGraith

      I have good memories too of a little country store with jars of penny candy we would pass on our way to camping. There was nothing more joyous then picking out which pieces to get with just a nickel. We are blessed to have those kinds of experiences.

      Liked by 1 person

  14. athling2001 Avatar

    Wonder if he’d make wise choices with ten bucks. Well done.

    Like

  15. msjadeli Avatar

    I remember how much I loved running to the nearby mom & pop stores as a young’n with a small amount of money and buying a small brown paper bag full of candy. It was a simpler time back then and nobody thought twice about how bad sugar was for teeth.

    Liked by 1 person

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