Reviews from

The Dark Before Dawn

Early morning memories

13 total reviews 
Comment from WalkerMan
Excellent
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A daily routine in keeping with Ben Franklin's "Early to rise" advice has its benefits, many of which you describe well here. Silence is good also, for it allows other senses to reach further and the mind to take it all in without words. It is easy to see why this post won the "My Favorite Time of Day" contest. Well done.

 Comment Written 23-Jul-2016


reply by the author on 23-Jul-2016
    Thank you. You must have gone back a bit to find this one. I still get up before dawn and probably will until the day I die.
reply by WalkerMan on 23-Jul-2016
    You're welcome. Yes, I did, when I realized you were the author of "Dressage" (which I had reviewed on 15 May). -- Mike
Comment from Leineco
Excellent
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You have made a clear and seductive case for these early morning hours. . . when the world holds its breath waiting for the first light of dawn

While I, myself, simply shun those hours (except, oddly, when I am on vacation) you have made it seem much more alluring than I would have expected :-)
I suppose the fact that I normally don't go to bed until four or five a.m. contributes to my dislike of sunrise hours (LOL) - but I can see by the loving way you wrote this that and why these hours are your favorite.

Wonderfully written :-)

 Comment Written 20-Jan-2016


reply by the author on 20-Jan-2016
    Thanks. I don't think I ever was given much choice in the matter of being up before dawn. As a child, dad always made everyone rise early. As an adult, it just seems my choice of work included up early. Oh well, I'm used to it now.
Comment from scd41
Excellent
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From the beginning to the end of the story, your love for dark before dawn part of the day is palpable. The reasons given therein are convincing enough. Those who have experienced the silence of that hour can appreciate its charm like I am able to do. Thanks for sharing your wonderful experiences.


 Comment Written 20-Jan-2016


reply by the author on 20-Jan-2016
    Thank you. There were times I would have liked to sleep longer but it just didn't work out that way.
Comment from Bill O'Bier
Excellent
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I liked this piece and enjoyed reading it. It was concise and tightly written. This piece paints a picture of these events in your life and truly how you felt. Thanks for sharing

 Comment Written 18-Jan-2016


reply by the author on 18-Jan-2016
    Thanks. It seems I am destined to always arise before dawn. The dark before dawn
Comment from Pam (respa)
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

-A very well written piece.
-Everything flows smoothly and the images and descriptions of your days are excellent.
-You make the reader feel as if he/she is with you, whether as a child going to school, in the summertime, or working as an adult.
-Your style is very easy going and not forced; that is one of the reasons it reads so easily and is interesting.
-You keep to the topic of your favorite time throughout the piece.
-I liked the part about being on the farm, and your comments about the bull!
-Lastly, the two ending paragraphs provided a very nice conclusion.
-Good luck in the contest.


 Comment Written 18-Jan-2016


reply by the author on 18-Jan-2016
    Thanks. Also thanks for the six stars. I have to really feel something to write about it.
reply by Pam (respa) on 18-Jan-2016
    You are very welcome. I think that is the case for most writing, otherwise, I'm not sure the sincerity and creativity always shines through.
Comment from lyons88
Good
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Enjoyed your work. It's a good time of day to choose, quite popular from the looks of it. In the paragraph about the bull you don't need a ; between quietly and then. You could have a comma if you prefer but I wouldn't bother. Had to reread an earlier section when you said you married a man. I suspect when you were younger you had a girl friend, not a girlfriend. Near as no difference but it made me double take. For all I know you did have a girlfriend and in just being naïve. I enjoyed the way you say dark before dawn. I used to have to go to work at this time but I would definitely class it as night. Finally, thought I'd tell you we have the same saying but it's shepherd not sailor. Upon reflection, sailor makes more sense. What would a shepherd need warning about? Do you also have night and delight? Because we do.

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 Comment Written 17-Jan-2016


reply by the author on 17-Jan-2016
    Thanks. Thanks for the suggestions. I will edit and change the things you pointed out. No, we don't have a night and delight.
Comment from jpduck
Excellent
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I found this most evocative. It rang very true to me. For years I lived on a boat. In the summer I would get up early to drink my tea sitting on the deck, and watch the dawn break over the river.


Adrian

 Comment Written 17-Jan-2016


reply by the author on 17-Jan-2016
    Thanks. It sounds like you had a great life living on your boat in the summer.
Comment from Douglas Paul
Excellent
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Well ths is well written and surely portrays your love of that time before dawn. It is special time of the day. Good luck in the contest. This seems like a very strong entry

 Comment Written 16-Jan-2016


reply by the author on 17-Jan-2016
    Thanks. Glad you enjoyed the story.
Comment from giraffmang
Excellent
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Hi there,

This was a well written piece which warmly expressed your views on this time of day. An engaging write. very nicely penned and best of luck in the competition.

GMG

 Comment Written 16-Jan-2016


reply by the author on 17-Jan-2016
    Thanks. Five stars from you mean a lot to me. I value your reviews because I know they are thoughtful and honest.Thanks
Comment from royowen
Excellent
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A very relatable entry in this contest. It's interesting reading about people's favourite time of the day. Coincidently it is also mine, but not when young, of friends didn't get me out of bed, I'd still be sleeping in. Well told story, it was very interesting hearing of your life, and what time of the day, most affected you, I just love your article, good luck, well done, blessings, Roy

 Comment Written 16-Jan-2016


reply by the author on 17-Jan-2016
    Thanks. Glad you like the story.