Flamingo at the Beach
Typical outing with my mother...20 total reviews
Comment from tempeste
Ciao,
Once I started, I couldn't stop reading Your writing is very engaging, full of colourful descriptions/comparisons.
One of my favourites is towards the end :
"my once oily skin was now dry as newspaper and I was beginning to actually glow in the backseat. My skin radiated a red aura as if I were a diner sign "
We all have experienced embarrassing incidents (even in public)but you in one day had as many as most have in an entire life.
Growing up with a mother that had mental issues must have been very chaotic ... the stress must have caused you anxiety.
I think writing about it is helpful... a way to let go of all the anger.
reply by the author on 17-Aug-2023
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Ciao,
Once I started, I couldn't stop reading Your writing is very engaging, full of colourful descriptions/comparisons.
One of my favourites is towards the end :
"my once oily skin was now dry as newspaper and I was beginning to actually glow in the backseat. My skin radiated a red aura as if I were a diner sign "
We all have experienced embarrassing incidents (even in public)but you in one day had as many as most have in an entire life.
Growing up with a mother that had mental issues must have been very chaotic ... the stress must have caused you anxiety.
I think writing about it is helpful... a way to let go of all the anger.
Comment Written 13-Aug-2023
reply by the author on 17-Aug-2023
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Incredible. Thank you so so so much for reading this!! You didn't have to. And your review!! You're a very good person thank you.
Comment from Karen Cherry Threadgill
You should get a six or a seven. Holey Moley, I was laughing my ass off, nope, It's still there. I know it's your life, and at the time it was awful, you wrote it, and I could see the movie as if I was there. It is glorious. I have come to the conclusion in my 67 years of life, that we are all born crazy. The problem is when some folks never out of it. Great acheivment, both in putting it out there, and writing so magnificently.
reply by the author on 17-Aug-2023
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You should get a six or a seven. Holey Moley, I was laughing my ass off, nope, It's still there. I know it's your life, and at the time it was awful, you wrote it, and I could see the movie as if I was there. It is glorious. I have come to the conclusion in my 67 years of life, that we are all born crazy. The problem is when some folks never out of it. Great acheivment, both in putting it out there, and writing so magnificently.
Comment Written 11-Aug-2023
reply by the author on 17-Aug-2023
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Hi KAREN!!
Thank you so much!!!
What a nice review. Seriously.
Comment from Lola G
What a fun rollicking read! The humor stands out because it is effortlessly sprinkled throughout this piece in simple straightforward prose. The descriptions of scenes and characters always adds to the piece instead of bogging it down. The family is dysfunctional but by keeping the POV from a child it was entertaining rather than depressing. This is a book I would enjoy reading.
I want to write with humor and you are a wonderful example to follow.
reply by the author on 29-Jul-2023
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What a fun rollicking read! The humor stands out because it is effortlessly sprinkled throughout this piece in simple straightforward prose. The descriptions of scenes and characters always adds to the piece instead of bogging it down. The family is dysfunctional but by keeping the POV from a child it was entertaining rather than depressing. This is a book I would enjoy reading.
I want to write with humor and you are a wonderful example to follow.
Comment Written 26-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 29-Jul-2023
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Wow THANK YOU SO SO SO MUCH!!!
Truly what a great review. Thank you my new friend :)
Feel free to Google "Gregory Cody Chasing Crazy". One day my goal is to make them a book. I can hardly imagine but maybe one day :)
Truly thank you...
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You're welcome!
Comment from Sally Law
My five stars seems insufficient for this marvelous true story. A virtual six for today, Gregory.
Our mothers were much alike. What I wouldn't give to hear her voice today. I cling to her stuff still.
Sending you my best today as always, and my very best wishes for the upcoming contest.
Sally :))
reply by the author on 29-Jul-2023
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My five stars seems insufficient for this marvelous true story. A virtual six for today, Gregory.
Our mothers were much alike. What I wouldn't give to hear her voice today. I cling to her stuff still.
Sending you my best today as always, and my very best wishes for the upcoming contest.
Sally :))
Comment Written 26-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 29-Jul-2023
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That is so kind thank you Sally. Truly.
Comment from Debbie D'Arcy
This is a brilliantly funny story and I was laughing all the way through. You have a unique style and humour which inspire such fun to read and your skill in portraying characters and their quirks is excellent. You could write a whole story about the hat alone! Wonderful and a strong contender. Good luck! Debbie PS Yes I did read the whole piece. And the only thing I would mention is that your text has highlight block around it which doesn't detract from the read but I thought you should know.
reply by the author on 29-Jul-2023
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This is a brilliantly funny story and I was laughing all the way through. You have a unique style and humour which inspire such fun to read and your skill in portraying characters and their quirks is excellent. You could write a whole story about the hat alone! Wonderful and a strong contender. Good luck! Debbie PS Yes I did read the whole piece. And the only thing I would mention is that your text has highlight block around it which doesn't detract from the read but I thought you should know.
Comment Written 26-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 29-Jul-2023
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Yeah I noticed that with the highlight! I don't get it lol.
Thank you so so much my friend :)
Comment from Faith Williams
That was an amazing bit of storytelling. And the ability to tell it with humor is such a great feat on your part. You just as easily could have told it through a haze of bitterness or sarcasm.
You have some exceptional lines in here:
'It was as if we had strapped a flamingo carcass to our roof.' I couldn't stop laughing at this line.
'Its blushing luster remained, as if it were perpetually embarrassed of itself.' Brilliant description.
'I heard a voice pierce the air like gunfire.' Another great description.
'My skin radiated a red aura as if I were a diner sign.' I couldn't decide whether to laugh or cringe at the pain.
Suggestions to consider:
'sun burn' I believe sunburn is one word.
"Jason just take your damn shirt off!" I believe you need a comma following 'Jason' since she is addressing him.
'This was a person that showered in the dark.' Maybe switch 'that' to 'who'.
'This notion coming from a man that smoked discarded cigarette butts scattered near the trailer park dumpster.' Maybe switch 'that' to 'who'.
'He began to sing.' You repeat this line after the dialogue. I think you could delete this sentence.
'His cup was at a tilt, as (it) dribbled (out) onto his cut-off denim shorts.'
I think switching out 'it' for 'beer' helps to clarify. Also, I think you could delete 'out' as it's unnecessary.
These are merely suggestions. You are free to do with them what you want. It's an excellent piece. Best wishes in the contest.
reply by the author on 25-Jul-2023
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That was an amazing bit of storytelling. And the ability to tell it with humor is such a great feat on your part. You just as easily could have told it through a haze of bitterness or sarcasm.
You have some exceptional lines in here:
'It was as if we had strapped a flamingo carcass to our roof.' I couldn't stop laughing at this line.
'Its blushing luster remained, as if it were perpetually embarrassed of itself.' Brilliant description.
'I heard a voice pierce the air like gunfire.' Another great description.
'My skin radiated a red aura as if I were a diner sign.' I couldn't decide whether to laugh or cringe at the pain.
Suggestions to consider:
'sun burn' I believe sunburn is one word.
"Jason just take your damn shirt off!" I believe you need a comma following 'Jason' since she is addressing him.
'This was a person that showered in the dark.' Maybe switch 'that' to 'who'.
'This notion coming from a man that smoked discarded cigarette butts scattered near the trailer park dumpster.' Maybe switch 'that' to 'who'.
'He began to sing.' You repeat this line after the dialogue. I think you could delete this sentence.
'His cup was at a tilt, as (it) dribbled (out) onto his cut-off denim shorts.'
I think switching out 'it' for 'beer' helps to clarify. Also, I think you could delete 'out' as it's unnecessary.
These are merely suggestions. You are free to do with them what you want. It's an excellent piece. Best wishes in the contest.
Comment Written 25-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 25-Jul-2023
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Hello Faith :)
What a perfect name for this review. Really. If you knew me, you'd know I meant it. This is the KINDEST and most thoughtful review. I have not gotten to reply to any reviews but I had to stop for one moment and say thank you.
I have a tough time with confidence. Having someone tell me this goes a LONG way. It does.
I mean wow! This is so kind. Feel free to google "gregory cody Chasing Crazy". I would be HONORED to have you check them out.
But seriously, so not feel obligated at all. This review was More than enough!
These are all true stories. The first one in the series introduces people. It was a crazy childhood. It gets sad or dark I guess at times BUT always written with humor.
Lol I'm Sorry to ramble! Thank you again!
Comment from JSD
The highlight of this is the poetry of your description which is vivid and exciting. Not too long; I was held throughout. What a story, told with pace and vigour. Well done.
reply by the author on 29-Jul-2023
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The highlight of this is the poetry of your description which is vivid and exciting. Not too long; I was held throughout. What a story, told with pace and vigour. Well done.
Comment Written 25-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 29-Jul-2023
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Thank you!!
Comment from country ranch writer
I think somewhere in our families we've all had those embarrassing moments wed like to forget and but dpfade away from it happening in public in front if everybody for heavens sake!
reply by the author on 29-Jul-2023
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I think somewhere in our families we've all had those embarrassing moments wed like to forget and but dpfade away from it happening in public in front if everybody for heavens sake!
Comment Written 23-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 29-Jul-2023
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Oh you are just the greatest. Thank you so much. So much. This is Awesome!
Hey Feel free to Google "Gregory Cody Chasing Crazy". One day my goal is to make them a book. I can hardly imagine but maybe one day :)
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Smiles
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Smiles
Comment from country ranch writer
I think somewhere in our families we've all had those embarrassing moments wed like to forget and but dpfade away from it happening in public in front if everybody for heavens sake!
reply by the author on 29-Jul-2023
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I think somewhere in our families we've all had those embarrassing moments wed like to forget and but dpfade away from it happening in public in front if everybody for heavens sake!
Comment Written 23-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 29-Jul-2023
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You're so great. This was pasted twice somehow!!
Thank you :)
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Oops
Comment from Wendy G
It should definitely be published. The stories are indeed crazy and humorous and sad and filled with truth of a life lived with a mother with mental illness. Very insightful. Your writing is amazing.
Wendy
reply by the author on 29-Jul-2023
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It should definitely be published. The stories are indeed crazy and humorous and sad and filled with truth of a life lived with a mother with mental illness. Very insightful. Your writing is amazing.
Wendy
Comment Written 23-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 29-Jul-2023
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I'm Blown away. Thank you. So much. This is a GREAT review Wendy.
Feel free to Google "Gregory Cody Chasing Crazy". One day my goal is to make them a book. I can hardly imagine but maybe one day :)
Honestly I really appreciate this a lot Wendy. Thank you
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AustinMacauley publishers would accept it. I am sure. But it costs a fair bit and they only give 10 percent royalties. You could probably self publish but you do need to do your own marketing then. I think it would be a very successful book. I urge you to really think about it. And believe in yourself and your writing gift! You have a rare talent. Best wishes.
Wendy
