Reviews from

The Panty Drawer

A day of realization. 460 words.

45 total reviews 
Comment from Jennpenn
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I am new to this site, and marveling at the excellent writing I've encountered.
This story resonates with me. The quiet desperation the writer relays is palpable. How often we must put aside fantasies, memories, dreams, to do that which is expected of us? A subtle commentary on the dangers of doing what the world demands rather than what we desire.

 Comment Written 24-Feb-2015

Comment from judiverse
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

After you mentioned this story, I wanted to read it. You do a great job of characterizing the woman, and although we never meet the husband, the words "A good man. No nonsense" certainly say a lot about him. I was sad that she flouncy, frilly lingerie she had once worn but felt were no longer appropriate for her. She has put her children and what she believes her husband expects of her before her own sexual desires. Had she worn the sexy lingerie, she might have been surprised by her husband's reaction. Great story. judi

 Comment Written 25-Oct-2014

Comment from F George
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

The sad thing is that she has allowed the No Nonsense man to leave her bereft of the nonsense that she so treasured. It makes one wonder why she didn't insist just a little harder on her own way.
Nancy suggested I read this. I'm glad she did. Another great job, Lee.

 Comment Written 08-Oct-2014


reply by the author on 09-Oct-2014
    Thank you, F George. I'm glad Nancy sent you over. I know what you mean about insisting a little harder. A lot of readers have said the same thing. I think I had her at the point where she'd been rebuffed all she could handle. That's why the dramatic burning. But I love this debate. It's not often I write something good enough to get people this involved.
    Thanks so much for stopping by. Peace, Lee
Comment from michaelcahill
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Well written and committed to the story and the character completely. She thought what she thought and her response was believable. It felt like a combination of depression and defiance at the same time. Of course, no one wanted her to burn them, but whose to say that she wouldn't be worse off with pretense. Thought provoking. mikey

 Comment Written 02-Oct-2014


reply by the author on 03-Oct-2014
    Thank you, Mikey. I like your read of depression and defiance.
    In the end though, I think she succumbed to resignation. The responses to this story have surprised me. Always a good thing.

    Peace, Lee
Comment from LIJ Red
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Flow, grammar, etc. and so on downright smooth.Sad message for the closet romantics. Skilled writing. what is there to
say but five stars.

 Comment Written 01-Oct-2014


reply by the author on 03-Oct-2014
    Thank you, LIJ Red. I'm glad you enjoyed.
    Peace, Lee
Comment from Sasha
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is fascinating and really gives the reader plenty to think about. I am 69 and had I found my old colorful panties, I would not have tossed them out. Having a good husband, and three lovely children should not take away the need for the occasional special feeling a woman gets just from being a woman. However, I do draw the line at string thongs...damn they are uncomfortable!

 Comment Written 01-Oct-2014


reply by the author on 03-Oct-2014
    Thank you, Sasha. The responses to this story have been eye-opening for me. I think you see what I was going after. Many didn't recognize the character's despair and final resignation.
    Thanks for getting it.

    Peace, Lee
Comment from IndianaIrish
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I didn't get a PM for this story, hw! May have to complain.

This is an outstanding write about a relationship. It broke my heart she burned all her pretty lingerie. I wanted her to keep them and not settle for dingy whites. I suppose a farmer is a no-nonsense kinda man with all the chores, worries about weather and finances, and never-ending list of work to be done. I like your short snippets of her thoughts, and the repetition makes me think she's trying hard to convince herself that no more nonsense is okay.

I have two undie drawers, normal and special, and I'll never get rid of my favorite naughty black fun wear. It feels so good to wear them. It's the closest thing to my skin, so I should feel special when I wear them, right? I've been shown how nonsense is a good thing to experience. I want to keep the foolishness that makes me feel,alive, young, and spunky.

Loved your story, hw.
Smiles,
Indy : )


 Comment Written 01-Oct-2014


reply by the author on 03-Oct-2014
    Thank you, Indy. You get it. Some responses have surprised me.
    Many woman reviewers want to blame the woman for her husband's 'no nonsense' attitude. I think they don't get the depth of her despair.

    I'm glad you enjoyed.

    Peace, Lee
Comment from highlander104
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Love how you take the protagonist from wanting to relive those old precious moments to giving up on it. She'll regret it. Those three little ones will move out someday.

Jean K

 Comment Written 01-Oct-2014


reply by the author on 03-Oct-2014
    Thank you, Jean. I think she already regrets. I was aiming at her despair first, then I used the burning to signify her sad resignation that her husband would never change.
    Thanks again. Peace, Lee
Comment from patcelaw
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I like the message of this work. To me it is telling me, I should get rid of the things in my life that will cause me to stumble in my walk with God. Others may not see it the way I do and that is fine. I appreciate the story and it was tastefully written.

 Comment Written 01-Oct-2014


reply by the author on 03-Oct-2014
    Thank you, patcelaw. That wasn't exactly what I was going for, but I don't always hit the mark. Peace, Lee
reply by patcelaw on 03-Oct-2014
    That is why I said, others might not see it the way I do and that is fine, Our life experiences will cause us to see something in a work, not what the writer was going for, How wonderful is the written word and the way it speaks to us as individuals.
Comment from jaeladarling
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Ugh, this makes me want to cry. LOL I don't want a no-nonsense man. Sometimes a little "nonsense" is exactly what we need. I like the ending - she still has a bit of it in her. :) Great read, good writing - thanks for sharing!

 Comment Written 30-Sep-2014


reply by the author on 03-Oct-2014
    Thank you, jaeladarling. You got my message. I'm surprised at how many female reviewers didn't register the sad resignation.
    Thanks for a good read. Peace, Lee