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A Compilation of Short stories

Viewing comments for Chapter 176 "Shopaholic"
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34 total reviews 
Comment from Brett Matthew West
Excellent
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If the ending is not typical New York.

Had the misfortune of visiting NYC thirteen times in my life.

Not one of my favorite looky-loos.

Perhaps your experience improved after this scenario played out?

 Comment Written 11-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 11-Jan-2024
    Thank you so much. I love New York. Came there at least three times a month during twenty years through work. And then all the times I've visited for other reasons. I know it so very well.
    Thank you so much for you review. Ulla:)))



Comment from Iza Deleanu
Excellent
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And I was thinking there was a shooting in perspective, but all is well when ends well. Thank you for sharing and good luck with the contest and with your writings.

 Comment Written 09-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 09-Jan-2024
    Thank you so much, Iza, and for a great review. Ulla:)))
Comment from Judith Ann
Excellent
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Your writing is crisp and clean, not a lot of unnecessary or filler words. That is the sign of a good writer. I enjoyed the story and couldn't wait to read the punch line. It's a good thing you clarified "to go" meaning "take away." I suspected as much, but needed that confirmation to be sure I wasn't missing the point. --Judy

 Comment Written 06-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 06-Jan-2024
    Thank you so much, Judy. I so appreciate your wonderful review and praise. I'm glad my clarification was helpful. Thank you so much again. Ulla:)))
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
Excellent
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It takes all sorts and everyone is out to make a money fast and in big cities there is always someone begging too, a fun story Ulla, a memory of a past incident well written and entertaining, love Dolly x

 Comment Written 06-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 06-Jan-2024
    Thank you so much, Dolly. It's one of those memories you never forget. I'm so glad you liked it. Ullaxcx
Comment from Julie Helms
Excellent
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What I really enjoyed about this piece is the flavor that you very successfully gave of the part of New York you were visiting. It's the real story, as opposed to what's always portrayed in the movies.

One minor suggestion I have is to change...
reasonable priced (adj) to
reasonably priced (adv)

Thanks for sharing your story!

 Comment Written 05-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 13-Jan-2024
    Thank you so much, Julie. I'm so glad you liked it. Ulla:)))
Comment from Michele Harber
Excellent
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I'm a New Yorker, and this doesn't exactly make me proud of my city.

On the other hand, it was an interesting story. I respect that the shopkeeper ushered you and your friend behind the counter, concerned with your safety first. New Yorkers get a bad rap, but I've found us to be a very kind, helpful group overall, and I appreciate your showing that side. We're just a bit more cautious than others.

I have to say, I got a kick out of the honesty of the beggar outside the door. My father had a rule of never giving money to beggars, as they'd say they wanted it for food, then spend it on alcohol. I'll never forget the one time someone asked my dad for money and, when he asked what it was for, the person said, without hesitation, that he was going to the bar for a drink. It was the only time my father ever gave a beggar money, because he appreciated that the man was honest about it.

 Comment Written 05-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 06-Jan-2024
    Oh, but Michelle, you should be so proud of your city, a city I love for its good and its bad side. Really, you should read this story as a love declaration. New York has so many faces and that's what I've always loved about it. I flew into the city at least three times a month for twenty years, and then all the numerous times I've been there on private visits. I'm going later this year again.
    Your dad was right, an honest beggar is hard to come by. I came by one of them. Thank you so much again. Ulla xcx



reply by Michele Harber on 06-Jan-2024
    Don't get me wrong. I adore my city! I'm New York City born and raised, and am very proud of that. There are just certain moments that don't quite make the city shine.

    On the other hand, I wrote a story many years ago called "Random Acts of Kindness," in which I detailed so many of those acts I either witnessed or experienced in New York City. I've always said you'll find the kindest people on NYC subways and buses, where seats are offered regularly based on perceived need, regardless of race or gender.

    Your comments make me even prouder of the city I call home. I'm so glad to see someone who wasn't born and raised here who recognizes this great city for what it is.
Comment from Wendy G
Excellent
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Interesting development of the story . You set the scene well, and described each of the characters with realism as you built up towards the end. Was the sleazy man going to take advantage? Was he going to be honest in his dealings? You leave the reader wondering as the story turns to the alcoholic wanting a couple of dollars. Best wishes for the contest.
Wendy

 Comment Written 04-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 05-Jan-2024
    Thank you so much, Wendy, and a belated Happy New year to you. I'm glad you liked this little true story and that it left you with questions I can't even answer. Thanks again. Ulla xx
Comment from rspoet
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hello Ulla,
This is an excellent story with a nice transition from shopaholic to alcoholic.
I've only been to NYC a few times, great culture, but an uneasy feeling about it, everybody in their own worlds.
I like the development of the story from going with a friend to shop, to the incident at the suspicious gadget store. At least the shop owner appeared to be protective of his customers.
Well done with a good surprise ending.
Best wishes and good luck in the contest.
Robert

 Comment Written 04-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 05-Jan-2024
    Thank you so much, Robert, for a great review and the lovely stars. I've always loved that great city with all its many faces. This was just one them. In this case rather tragic comic. Thank you so much again. Ulla:)))
Comment from John Ciarmello
Excellent
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Ha! I loved this, Ulla!

What a great experience, although I'll have to say, it is not surprising for our New York City! Whatever became of the purchase of the camera? (:

Great piece! Best, JohnC

 Comment Written 04-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 04-Jan-2024
    Thank you so much, John. I'm so glad you liked it. She never bought it, at least not in that shop. Ulla:)))
Comment from Pam (respa)
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Good artwork and story to go with it, Ulla. Your notes are appreciated. You set the story up well as you and your friend begin your day. I like your description of Laila, but I wouldn't want to go in those sections, either. NYC can be a very strange place, depending on the section you are in.

You have used good descriptive detail of what what you see as you walk along this part of the city, your friend determined to get the camera she wanted. Good description of the shop owner with his "sleazy smile." That would have been enough for me!! The suspense builds with the knock on the door, and this man shouting. I thought for sure he was going to have a gun and wanted to rob the place. I guess the owner was used to it, but I wouldn't have gone near the door! Luckily, the outcome was very different. You and your friend were very generous, too! A good story; good luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 04-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 04-Jan-2024
    Thank you so much, Pam. It is a fun memory and it was also fun to write. You're right, New York is so many things and that's what I love about that great city. I flew in at least 3 times a month for 20 years, not counting all the other times I've been there.
    Of course, we were scared at first, as I'm sure the shop owner was as well. But it ended well and with a laugh. Thank you so much again, dear friend, Ulla xx
    By the way, Laila never bought that camera.
reply by Pam (respa) on 04-Jan-2024
    You are very welcome, Ulla, and thanks for sharing everything. I guess the excitement was too much for Laila!