This post is written for Friday Fictioneers and the challenge is to write a complete story with a beginning, middle, and end in 100 words or less using the picture prompt below.
The winters were harsh in St. Petersburg.
“It’s because you were born early Anna. You will learn to live with imperfections. The cold will always make it hard on you. Your legs and thin ankles will never support your small body. You will learn to live a humble life.”
“Please Grandma, take me to see Sleeping Beauty at the Maryinsky. Let me see the grace of the ballerina’s, the perfect flow of their arms and legs that make them look like white swans moving through the quiet pond.”
“Anna, you will never be a ballerina.”
Oh Danny Boy! 
Wonderful bit of historical fiction. Very well done.
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Beautifully told. And of course, the first thing I looked for in her photo was her small ankles 🙂
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What a lovely and inspiring story. Thank you for sharing this.
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I like your story for two reasons. One is that it shows how what some call a weakness can be used as a strength. I also like the fact that she listened to her heart and followed her passion. You told a lot of story in 100 words or less, Danny.
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Yes, those of us who do not have a handicap don’t realize how truly lucky we are. Thanks for the nice words!
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You are very welcome.
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I didn’t know that about Anna Pavlova – I googled her early life after reading this and got caught up in her biography for some time. What a magnificent woman. I’m glad her grandmother was so wrong. Thanks very much for the backstory, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
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How did we ever survive without Mr. Google? Thanks for commenting. Appreciated!!!
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Dear Danny,
Determination jumps all hurdles. Nice.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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…and the rest is history. A delightful piece Danny.
Here’s mine!
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She beat the odds and made her dream reality!
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I think this is one of your very best. So heartfelt and beautiful.
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Thank you! I am blushing!
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Beautifully told. Sometimes dreams can be the only things that make us strong not just to survive, but flourish!
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Thanks! Yes, we can always dream.
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I love the stories most when they ring the biographical bell of truth. Very well done.
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Thanks for the nice comment!
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You’re welcome, Danny.
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An inspiring story Danny.
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Grandmothers are not always right. Usually, but not always.
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That was true for both my grandmothers!
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