Reviews from

Follow The String

We are responsible for our own happiness

41 total reviews 
Comment from BethShelby
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This is excellent advice. You are overflowing with wisdom. Everything you said is true. I have known people like the lady you described who had been raped. As you said she is more tightly imprisoned than the rapist but her is a prison that only she has the power to unlock. I love the advice to grow where you are planted. I heard a sermon once by that title and I've thought of it many times sense.

 Comment Written 22-May-2022


reply by the author on 23-May-2022
    6 shiny this early in the morning is a perfect way to begin the day. Your words made me re-think what I said about the rape victim and I made a change. Perhaps she is not locked in a prison of hate, but rather hurt. I appreciate your time and am humbled by the 6 stars.
Comment from Gert sherwood
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

We are responsible for our own happiness
Follow The String

Annmuma, your essay or is a writing as you said or asking are responsible for our happiness to me is how important of how you feel. are you happy. Now back to your writing ---
Smiles to your last line
I will follow the string as I walk through whatever doors open today, without regret for any that close behind me,
.Gert

 Comment Written 22-May-2022


reply by the author on 23-May-2022
    Thanks a ton for reading and commenting. I truly appreciate your time and your thoughts. ann
reply by Gert sherwood on 23-May-2022
    Annmuma
    You are most welcome
    Gert
Comment from John Ciarmello
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This is a sensational Piece of writing, my friend. I read, learned, pondered its meanings, and reflected on its realities. I can't say enough. It was a fantastic read, Ann.

 Comment Written 22-May-2022


reply by the author on 23-May-2022
    Thank you so much, John. Every 6 is a super honor and those coming from the writers I admire are bigger honors. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. ann
reply by John Ciarmello on 23-May-2022
    Thank you, Ann! And ditto. I'm a big fan!
Comment from jessizero
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I read your post from start to finish, and I think you are really onto something. We can only live in the moment. I loved your last line, as well. Thanks so much for sharing, and best wishes to you.

 Comment Written 22-May-2022


reply by the author on 23-May-2022
    Thanks for reading and commenting. Your opinion is important to me. ann
Comment from Lilly Flowers
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I'll begin by saying I never heard that expression about growing where God planted you, but I love it!

The example you gave about the rapist inmate is an extraordinary example of how a person can grow for the better. I'm wondering if he sincerely reached out to his victim to apologize. I'm not talking about two words, 'I'm sorry.' I'm thinking if he sincerely reached out to her, explained what his life was like when he was a young man, maybe she'd be able to forgive him.

I understand the point you're making about her living in anger, but I tend to think he didn't reach out to her.

When I hear people on the news immediately saying they forgive a perpetrator immediately after a crime has been committed, I don't buy it.

Okay, I just re-read it and see that he sent her several written apologies. That changes my attitude. She needs to let go after 20 years. But who knows where she's coming from. Maybe she had a history of being abused by her father or close relative. I'll shut up now, LOL. Obviously, this writing really got me thinking. Regards, Lilly

 Comment Written 22-May-2022


reply by the author on 23-May-2022
    Lily, your response also got me to thinking. I made a change in my description of the rape victim -- quite possibly, she was not lost in a sea of hate, but rather a sea of hurt. I made that change. It is more fair as I truly cannot know the heart or mind of another.

    Now to those 6 lovely stars!!!! Thanks so very much. They are appreciated and humbling. ann
reply by Lilly Flowers on 23-May-2022
    So, all my rambling got you thinking too. With or without that change, this is an excellent piece.
Comment from royowen
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Yes, the only time we have is this very moment, we should not be dictated to be the past or the future, and you might like to know, but I wrote about this a short while, but last night I had to act on it, beautifully written my friend, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 22-May-2022


reply by the author on 23-May-2022
    Thanks for reading and for your comments. I don't really really understand "you might like to know, but I worte about tis a short while, but last night I had to act on it." Did you have a post I missed or is this something you would like to share? Just curious. ann
reply by royowen on 23-May-2022
    I just wrote the theme you did but in a poem
reply by the author on 23-May-2022
    What is the name of the poem? I want to make certain I read it and, if I have already read it, I want to read it again. Thanks.
reply by royowen on 23-May-2022
    Can I get back Ann. I honestly can?t remember, I post two a day, I don?t think you have
reply by the author on 23-May-2022
    Sure. When you think of it is fine. You are much more prolific than me!
reply by royowen on 23-May-2022
    Bless you
Comment from Sarah Tummey
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

It sounds to me like you're judging the rape victim here. "Lost in a sea of hate", "Reliving the worst day of her life, every day of her life" - that's just your perspective. I expect it would shatter my confidence too if I was raped, and I wouldn't want someone out of prison and free to do the same thing to somebody else, but that doesn't necessarily mean I'd hate the person.

 Comment Written 22-May-2022


reply by the author on 23-May-2022
    You have a valid point, Sarah, and I re-read my post with your comments in mind. I made a change in the post: ' the rape victim was lost in a sea of hurt' not hate. You are correct I cannot know what she felt and I cannot truly judge her reactions. I need to practice what I preach!! lol Thanks so much for reading and for sharing your honest thoughts as they made me think and improved my post. ann
reply by Sarah Tummey on 23-May-2022
    Oh, that's lovely. I like "Sea of hurt" much better.
Comment from Terry Broxson
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I gave up all my sixes just catching up from the last few days for the contest I set up. But this is worthy of seven or eights, you are too dang smart. I think you should run for Governor, we need a new one. Outstanding piece. Terry.

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

 Comment Written 22-May-2022


reply by the author on 23-May-2022
    Terry -- you must stop ratcheting up my posts!!!! But, I admit I love it and appreciate waking up this morning to 20 reviews and so many of them 6's.

    Would love to run for Governor! Do you have time to pass out 3000 flyers for me? lol

    Thanks so much for being a friend and for your more than kind review. ann
Comment from Jay Squires
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Gorgeously, beautifully written, Ann, penned from the center of the fount of wisdom. I hate to give out sixes so early in the week, but it would be criminal not to send one your way. This is beautiful!

One of my mom's favorite things to say to me when I complained about something was, "Grow where you are planted, Olevia. [Oh, Ann, that is so filled with folk wisdom. It sounds like something Fanny would say in my play. (LOL, she might still, in a future scene). "The spot where I've been planted changes often and my job is to keep my eye focused on that string wherever it leads." And therein lies the wisdom of your mom's words ... and your wisdom in listening to their true intent.]

"nor will I get lost in seeing only the only the best thing." [I can see where you took the break to get a cup of tea. You need to remove "the only".]

Thank you, Ann, for the reminder.

Jay


 Comment Written 22-May-2022


reply by the author on 23-May-2022
    6 stars from Jay Squires -- does it get any better than that on Fanstory? Not in my book -- unless it is reading some Jay Squires.

    I must catch up with Fanny. Things have been hectic lately and I haven't had much time for Fanstory -- I've missed Fanny, but will 'hear' her soon.

    Thanks again, Jay, for reading and for your very kind comments. I appreciate your catching my typo as well.

    ann
reply by Jay Squires on 23-May-2022
    Ann, you make me smile ear-to-ear!
Comment from tfawcus
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Such wisdom in this, Olevia. I love the idea of listening to life and following the string. You have deftly redefined your mother's advice so that it follows the ever-changing course of life, keeping one firmly planted in the present. How sad it is when people become locked in their past and unable to move on.

 Comment Written 22-May-2022


reply by the author on 23-May-2022
    WOW! 6 stars are the best way to begin a morning. Those with a hot cup coffee and I'm good to go. Thanks so very much for your support, your words and your time in sharing them. ann