Reviews from

Claudia

An encounter with a force of nature

15 total reviews 
Comment from babylonia
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Bob,
She looks like an awesome person to be around. Made me smile. And smiggle. Easy to read and follow. No spaggies do I see. Imagery is excellent.
Love,
Barbara

 Comment Written 23-Sep-2013


reply by the author on 23-Sep-2013
    Yes, we make an awesome pair. I met her in a bar a couple of weeks ago to give her her portrait and she insisted on showing it off to strangers, bar staff, everyone as I coloured beetroot and tried to look nonchalant and cool. Glad you liked it. Thanks for the review
reply by babylonia on 23-Sep-2013
    LOL I can just see that meeting. She was probably prouder than a peacock. Makes me grin just thinking about it.
    Love,
    Barbara
Comment from Spiritual Echo
Excellent
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This is a charming story and could happen to anyone anywhere. The contrast of nationalities and personalities makes it even more interesting.

Couple of nits, at least in my mind....first you begin by having Claudia call out to Barb and then that morphs into a male named Bob...I'm sure this is a drift in your head space, but if not, I'm whacked--completely confused.

I wouldn't refer to her accent as Georgian, Georgia accent is fine, and Georgian makes me automatically assume she's Russian.

Regardless of your author's notes with reference to black and white, what does the picture have to do with the story? If Claudia is black, as the picture would indicate or expect the reader to draw that conclusion, then I think there should be some reference to that. Somehow, honestly, I can't make a connection with the picture and Claudia, the 'Aunt Jemima' art work ordering Cappuccino in a German hotel lobby.

Fun story--loved the reference to the young girls showing off their assets by flashing a pink Iphone.

 Comment Written 13-Sep-2013


reply by the author on 13-Sep-2013
    Thanks for your review. Sorry it didn't work perfectly for you. I did explain in the story that she called my name out but made it sound like a fishing hook, hence the barb/bob. The picture is Claudia. I've just Googled Aunt Jemima. Claudia and her friends think my picture is pretty accurate. And she is who she is. I don't think her colour particularly reflects her personality, but the author notes was a joke we share. Again, thanks for your honest and detailed review.
reply by Spiritual Echo on 13-Sep-2013
    The story was great, but perhaps the unconscious and sad reality is that most people wrongly assume a southern belle to be some diminutive little girl with lots of hair. The fishhook think didn't catch and might have if you'd immediately indicated that he fishhook drawl made Bob sound like Barb. But you don't need to accept my thoughts. As for author notes that are a secret joke between the subject and the writer, that's your privilege, but most reviewers who are paying attention will 'think' they are there for the reviewers benefit.

    I have no feelings about white or black or green or purple, but point out the very small areas where I tripped. Perhaps I'm not worthy to judge, but thanks for the story. It was very well told.
reply by the author on 13-Sep-2013
    Not at all. genuine feedback over fluff reviews everytime. I do appreciate it.
Comment from Selina Stambi
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I'm not cold, you understand, just English. .. yep! Know exactly what you mean ... LOVE this line! :)

Some Americans carry America around with them. The rest of the world is just America with an accent... what an amazingly astute observation!! SO true.

The author notes ... oh, you made me smile! Shades of grey ... of course, I do understand!!

What a wonderful, smiley, feel good read this was, snod.

You had me chuckling at the British comments.

Very nicely done and so very nice to meet you, sir!

Spags:

, or know (not knew) what pastrami was

 Comment Written 12-Sep-2013


reply by the author on 13-Sep-2013
    You're very kind, thank you. Glad you enjoyed it.
Comment from c_lucas
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Friendships know no geographical boundaries. This is very well written with a natural flow of words, making for a very interesting read.

 Comment Written 10-Sep-2013


reply by the author on 10-Sep-2013
    You're very kind, thank you
reply by c_lucas on 10-Sep-2013
    You're welcoeme.
Comment from N.K. Wagner
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Snodlander, you've extended a privilege to all of us by allowing us to meet Claudia. Yes, Americans are fairly loud (we have space to spread out - we have to communicate louder to be heard) and mostly friendly (even the ones who believe one needs a passport to travel from one county to the next).

Oh, and I think the art-word you're looking for is monochrome. It's a challenging medium to work in, but creating textural differences is so satisfying, don't you think?

Well written sir. :) nancy

 Comment Written 10-Sep-2013


reply by the author on 10-Sep-2013
    I know, but monochrome doesn't let me play with embarrassing racial epithets. I find monochrome so much easier, because you just shade in the one dimension. with colour I had to get the shade and the tint right, and I find that near impossible.

    Thanks for the review and generous score. I know enough Americans to know that our stereotypes of you are just as accurate as yours of us.

    Toodle pip from foggy London towne
Comment from Green Lake Girl
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Ah, you are multi-talented; writing AND drawing. A delightful story. Your English wit is highly amusing and sarcastic. We are lucky to have Claudia representing the good ol' US of A in Europe. She sounds like one of the best. An excellent story. Loved the crayon line.

 Comment Written 09-Sep-2013


reply by the author on 10-Sep-2013
    Thank you. I'm meeting her tonight to give her the portrait. London is already quaking. Glad you liked it.
Comment from Rondeno
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Well, you've done it again. You had me laughing out loud. the wit, the grace and the style of this deeply affectionate prose portrait of Claudia make it a delight to read. And the crayon job is kick-ass, too.

 Comment Written 09-Sep-2013


reply by the author on 09-Sep-2013
    You're very kind. She's summoned me to a bar tomorrow to take the picture off me. Probably to burn. Glad you liked it
Comment from Sankey
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This was pretty funny. I can relate to all the ideas of Loud American and the English tea etc etc.
I got a real laugh thanks. Good work.
Wondering what the funny little sign or typo that is in the following.
I've filed this under fiction, though most of this happened. It didn't all strictly happen in this order, but I like to think it should have. Only the facts have been changed to make it more interesting 8^)

I just figured it out it is a face right! Good one

 Comment Written 09-Sep-2013


reply by the author on 09-Sep-2013
    Yes, I wear glasses, have a big nose and I smile a lot. Thanks for the review. Glad it gave you a laugh
Comment from Righteous Riter
Excellent
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The writer does a good job of informing the reader about the characters. The transition is good as the writer does a good job of leading the reader where the reader needs to go. I see the point in this piece as the writer tries to the point across in a non offensive way but somehow someway, offense will be found so just write and thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 09-Sep-2013


reply by the author on 09-Sep-2013
    Thanks. Not sure who could take offence at this, as Claudia herself shared this with all her friends and family.
Comment from kiwisteveh
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Your subheading about force of nature says it all, but I greatly enjoyed your vivid description of the irrepressible Claudia

I do believe I have met people like this, but rarely this overwhelming. Your piece is witty and I liked the stark contrast between your English reserve and the awe-inspiring friend.

Steve

 Comment Written 09-Sep-2013


reply by the author on 09-Sep-2013
    Thanks. This is an old piece, but I've just completed her portrait, so I'm seeing her again. She hasn't diminished over the years.