Reviews from

Matriarch of the Heart

Not all choices are pleasant or easy.

35 total reviews 
Comment from BLACKTITANIUM86
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I can see why you won this contest. For, your skills at
writing are amazing. And you definitely put that on display.
Nevertheless, since this is all about networking our unity where
sharing the common bond of being artist, I will be looking forward
to our supporting the arts on this journey together. So Stay Connected

 Comment Written 21-Jan-2022


reply by the author on 22-Jan-2022
    Hi, thank you for going back and reviewing an old post! It was one that meant a lot to me.
    I?d love to share work with you. I haven?t written much lately, but can follow yours until I start posting again.
    Take care,
    Rhonda
reply by BLACKTITANIUM86 on 26-Jan-2022
    No problem. And it's nice to know that we have embarked on a prosperous relationship, where we share that one common bond of being artist. And don't forget to check me out at... www.reverbnation .com/titanblack222 JUST TYPE IT IN THE ADDRESS BOX AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE> ONE LOVE
Comment from amahra
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Wow, I admire anyone who can win a contest on here; it's so many great writers on Fanstory. I've only won two in the ten years I've been here and both were poems. How you can just take someone else's theme and write something so beautiful, effortless, and poetic is beyond me. I love prose when it smacks of poetry. For example my favorite line..."Ignored was the mustiness of decay, the aroma of mold and animal waste." To speak of something that is disgusting yet make it poetic is amazing. You deserved to win. Fantastic!

 Comment Written 15-May-2021


reply by the author on 15-May-2021
    Awww, Amahra, what a sweet review. You are so right about mixing poetry with prose. I used to write a lot of poetry on here, but lack the discipline to use fancy poetic forms. I tend towards the rhyming couplets, and to heck with form. However, if I remember to add it into my prose, it tends to sound much nicer. I like it in other peoples? work as well.
    As for winning contests, it doesn?t happen often for me, either, so I seldom enter them. This time, though, I needed a prompt to get me started, and hoped just for that. I was blown away when I won.
    Again, thanks for the brilliant six stars and the warm review.
    Take care, you are a gifted writer yourself!
    Rhonda
Comment from Robert Zimmerman
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hello Rhonda.

This is a beautifully written story. Edward is doing something very difficult that we all are confronted with at some point in life. You described and beautiful detail every step, every look, and every action he took.

It is a beautiful story that touches the reader's heart.

Robert

 Comment Written 14-May-2021


reply by the author on 15-May-2021
    Thank you for the six stars, Robert. I know how rare they are, especially this late in the week, but they are so deeply appreciated. I also love the way you pointed out what stood out to you. That is so very helpful.

    Take care,
    Rhonda
reply by Robert Zimmerman on 15-May-2021
    You're welcome
Comment from royowen
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Beautifully written Rhonda, I don't know how I could have possibly have missed this one at all. I'll check on my fan base, I thought I was always one of yours. My dearest of friends on fanstory. This is so beautiful, I think any words I write are going to fall short of why's I want to say. Congratulations dear friend, bless you, Roy, (my last six)

 Comment Written 14-May-2021


reply by the author on 15-May-2021
    Hi Roy, don?t worry about missing it. The story was entered into a blind contest, so it didn?t go to any of my friends. I so appreciate your review, Roy, and especially your last six. I ran out earlier this week. I am overjoyed at your lovely and supportive words. I?ve struggled with writing lately, as I shared with you before, so decided to go for a prompt to jumpstart my Muse.
    Thanks again,
    Rhonda
reply by royowen on 15-May-2021
    An absolute pleasure
reply by the author on 15-May-2021
    Thank you!
reply by royowen on 15-May-2021
    Bless you
Comment from rspoet
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hello Rhonda,
Congratulations, my friend, on the wonderful story and the win in the contest.
Beautiful descriptive writing and a story many can relate to.
We've gone through a similar experience with both of our parents.
It's such a strange feeling to walk into the stillness of the house
and find only memories, but warm memories they are.
Best wishes to you.
Robert


 Comment Written 14-May-2021


reply by the author on 14-May-2021
    Thank you for the congratulations and the six stars, Robert. Every once in a while I have a six left on a Friday, but not often.
    I agree on how empty a house can seem after the ones you love are gone, and I wish a simple snow globe would make it go away, but when you only have 259 words to resolve things, it does, haha.
    Thanks again, my friend,
    Rhonda
Comment from Pam (respa)
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

-I can see why you won, Rhonda.
-A beautiful story.
-Your notes are appreciated, and
I can relate to losing my parents
3 months apart years ago, but they
each were in bad health, and I didn't
want them to suffer.
-Even though this is an old farmhouse,
I can remember having to go back
to my parent's house to leave it for
the last time.
-You haven't lost your touch for writing,
and the character and his situation
were described well and touched my heart.
-It is a good thing he was at peace after
he found the snowglobe.
-I wish I had more stars to give you,
but I am glad you won the contest!!
-Great job.

 Comment Written 14-May-2021


reply by the author on 14-May-2021
    Thank you for the wonderful review, Pam. I really do appreciate the time you took in being specific, and I?ll take the five stars with a six star review!
    I?m glad I was able to convey character and meaning in the allotted 250 words.
    As you know, I struggle with flash fiction, as I tend to go for novels, but I felt this one, and I?m glad you were able to relate to it.

    Thanks again,
    Rhonda
reply by Pam (respa) on 15-May-2021
    You are very welcome and deserving of the review, Rhonda. You did a great job with the story, and I appreciate your reply.
Comment from LJbutterfly
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Congratulations on winning the Old farmhouse contest. Your well written story is heartfelt and alive with imagery. As it progresses, it builds to a very satisfying ending. Edward found a treasure to represent his many pleasant memories. Beautifully done.

 Comment Written 14-May-2021


reply by the author on 14-May-2021
    Thank you for the congratulations and lovely review, LJ. I appreciate your time and attention,
    Rhonda
Comment from Iza Deleanu
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Congrats on the win, indeed life is more the materials things, and that globe keeps all the memories you need. Thank you for sharing and good luck with your writings.

 Comment Written 13-May-2021


reply by the author on 14-May-2021
    Thank you for the lovely review, Iza, and for the congratulations. It was just a prompt that spoke to me.
    Take care,
    Rhonda
Comment from Audra J Perez
Good
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

great work, no complaints this is honestly such a moving poem and id love to read more everyone on here is so talented, im truly moved by this, im not sure what more to add to be honest, keep it up!

This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.

 Comment Written 13-May-2021


reply by the author on 13-May-2021
    Thank you so much, Audra, for the review.
Comment from Bill Schott
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This Edward...farmhouse story, Matriarch of the Heart, is a tender story of revisiting a childhood home which is doubly empty and weathered with the missing element of a dear grandmother's presence.

 Comment Written 13-May-2021


reply by the author on 13-May-2021
    Bill, thank you for taking time to read and review. I?ve sort of been out of pocket for a while, but thought I?d get myself motivated by a prompt.
    Take care,
    Rhonda