Certificate to Dance
A short story26 total reviews
Comment from Father Flaps
Hi John,
Maybe it's the same with writing. When/if I feel that tug to write (and it doesn't happen all the time), things have to be in order. I need a neat and tidy desk. I need a good pen, and my dictionary close by. But that's not all. I need to be shaved, and showered, with clean clothes on. If I don't sit down properly presented, I won't be able to tune in to that part of me where rhymes hide, and ideas are tied waiting to be released from captivity.
It's obviously the same for Matthew's mother,
"When she saw how her son dressed, she gave him the full Italian lecture of how he will never meet a nice young girl dressed like that."
And also Anna...
"I teach you, come!" she said, holding out her hand.
Anna's infectious smile and blue eyes made his heart tango. He took her hand.
"Good. But first," Anna started, "we go change that shirt."
Your story reminded me of the 2004 movie, "Shall We Dance", starring Richard Gere, Susan Sarandon, and Jennifer Lopez.
Bottom line, any talent needs an outlet.
Nicely penned!
Cheers,
Kimbob
reply by the author on 26-Sep-2023
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Hi John,
Maybe it's the same with writing. When/if I feel that tug to write (and it doesn't happen all the time), things have to be in order. I need a neat and tidy desk. I need a good pen, and my dictionary close by. But that's not all. I need to be shaved, and showered, with clean clothes on. If I don't sit down properly presented, I won't be able to tune in to that part of me where rhymes hide, and ideas are tied waiting to be released from captivity.
It's obviously the same for Matthew's mother,
"When she saw how her son dressed, she gave him the full Italian lecture of how he will never meet a nice young girl dressed like that."
And also Anna...
"I teach you, come!" she said, holding out her hand.
Anna's infectious smile and blue eyes made his heart tango. He took her hand.
"Good. But first," Anna started, "we go change that shirt."
Your story reminded me of the 2004 movie, "Shall We Dance", starring Richard Gere, Susan Sarandon, and Jennifer Lopez.
Bottom line, any talent needs an outlet.
Nicely penned!
Cheers,
Kimbob
Comment Written 25-Sep-2023
reply by the author on 26-Sep-2023
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Kimbob,
Wow. What a great, encouraging review that I sincerely appreciate.
And it triggered this post to go All Time Best.
I feel the same as you in that many times in order for me to write, conditions need to be near perfect.
Thank again, my friend!
Cheers,
John
Comment from Soledadpaz
I like how you went full circle, began and ended with the shirt. I'm sure her thinking the same about it as his mama, began to endear her to him.
Made his heart tango, good imagery.
Sol
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2023
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I like how you went full circle, began and ended with the shirt. I'm sure her thinking the same about it as his mama, began to endear her to him.
Made his heart tango, good imagery.
Sol
Comment Written 27-Mar-2023
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2023
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Thank you for reading both!
John
Comment from JT traveller
What a great story. I can only envision romance blossoming from here. There is already a family connection, Matt seems infatuated already. I do hope there is more to come. An enjoyable read.
reply by the author on 24-Mar-2023
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What a great story. I can only envision romance blossoming from here. There is already a family connection, Matt seems infatuated already. I do hope there is more to come. An enjoyable read.
Comment Written 24-Mar-2023
reply by the author on 24-Mar-2023
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I?m contemplating a part 2. Not as long as the first, though there?s no guarantee.
I?m glad you read it and shared your thoughts.
John
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Yes please. A part 2! 😃
Comment from Terry Broxson
LOL, okay, I get it, Anna, is beautiful, a great dancer, and a kind and caring person. But I do have to admit she is a bit bossy about the shirt. Another woman, who can't accept a guy as he is. She literally has to change him...Just kidding. Excellent story. Terry.
reply by the author on 24-Mar-2023
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LOL, okay, I get it, Anna, is beautiful, a great dancer, and a kind and caring person. But I do have to admit she is a bit bossy about the shirt. Another woman, who can't accept a guy as he is. She literally has to change him...Just kidding. Excellent story. Terry.
Comment Written 24-Mar-2023
reply by the author on 24-Mar-2023
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Yup. Typical women!
The t-shirt tied the beginning and ending.
Thank you for reading and sharing,
John
Comment from Wayne Fowler
Very nicely written. Good work.
I like how you weave the shirt through the character development.
But I'm not sure a heart 'tango' is indicative of a healthy heart. (smiley face here) I see starts and stops that would pique a cardiologists interest.
Best wishes.
reply by the author on 24-Mar-2023
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Very nicely written. Good work.
I like how you weave the shirt through the character development.
But I'm not sure a heart 'tango' is indicative of a healthy heart. (smiley face here) I see starts and stops that would pique a cardiologists interest.
Best wishes.
Comment Written 24-Mar-2023
reply by the author on 24-Mar-2023
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I guess his heart could?ve done the jive! I thought the tango was more sensual.
Thank you, Wayne for reading and sharing.
John
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The tango is fine, very picturesque.
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
Aw, John, that was lovely. From start to finish, you put a lot into this story, yet with so few words. I'd be happy to learn what happens next!!! I do enjoy all your short stories, they are really good, and so well written. I can't help being engrossed with the characters. They all have such lovely personalities. This was really sweet. Well done, my friend. :)) Sandra xx
reply by the author on 23-Mar-2023
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Aw, John, that was lovely. From start to finish, you put a lot into this story, yet with so few words. I'd be happy to learn what happens next!!! I do enjoy all your short stories, they are really good, and so well written. I can't help being engrossed with the characters. They all have such lovely personalities. This was really sweet. Well done, my friend. :)) Sandra xx
Comment Written 23-Mar-2023
reply by the author on 23-Mar-2023
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Hmph? part 2? Haven?t thought in that direction. But maybe I can get mama involved.
I?ll have to give it some thought.
Thank you for the idea and for reading the original story?
John
By the way? I have not read or reviewed the past few of your book chapters. I think I came into it, too late to really catch on. And, I don?t briefly peruse to make up a review just to get the $$$. That?s not fair.
I wanted you to know, that it?s not you or your story, but me not being able to fulfill the obligation. Make sense????
Sandra, have a wonderful evening.
John
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Aw, don't worry about that, John. I'm nearly finished writing this story, it's more a novella than a novel. I'll be starting another shortly after. I can never get into a story when it's loads of chapters down the road. I'll still be enjoying you shorties. Yes, do have a think about a sequel! 😊xx
Comment from Ulla
Hi John, this was an endearing little story. That sister of his knew exactly what he needed. I have a feeling you know Italian and a fair bit about the culture. All best, Ulla:)))
reply by the author on 23-Mar-2023
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Hi John, this was an endearing little story. That sister of his knew exactly what he needed. I have a feeling you know Italian and a fair bit about the culture. All best, Ulla:)))
Comment Written 23-Mar-2023
reply by the author on 23-Mar-2023
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Si, Mia Bella Ulla!
My parents were born and raised in Italy and came here in 1952.
I like to intersperse so Italian into my stories.
Thank you for reading and sharing.
Note: it pays nothing now but if you want, check my post from about two weeks ago- My First Travels to Italy.
Thank you for everything.
John
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I've just read 'my first travels to Italy.' It put a smile on my face. I know and have travelled to Italy and Spain since I was a little girl. I'm born in Denmark and grew up there. My adoptive parents travelled extensively and by car. Later in life I found my real parents and learned I was born to a Danish mother and an American father..I met them both and I now have a brother in Mass to whom I've become very close. I now live in Spain and have done so for more than twenty years. So I know the Latin way of living very well. Just a little bit about myself. Ulla:)))
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Wow. You are well traveled. Thank you for taking a peek at that story. I went back to Italy 10 years later when I was 15. I have done some notes for a part 2 to my Italy travels
Thank you again. John
Comment from Pam Lonsdale
Well, it seems his sister knew exactly what he needed, and whom he needed it from! I personally like the shirt because I feel that any day without coffee would, indeed, be a crap day:-)
A sweet story, John. Are you Italian? You seem to know the language well. Enjoyed reading this:-)
Pam
reply by the author on 23-Mar-2023
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Well, it seems his sister knew exactly what he needed, and whom he needed it from! I personally like the shirt because I feel that any day without coffee would, indeed, be a crap day:-)
A sweet story, John. Are you Italian? You seem to know the language well. Enjoyed reading this:-)
Pam
Comment Written 23-Mar-2023
reply by the author on 23-Mar-2023
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Good morning.
Thank you for stopping by to read my short story. I?m glad you enjoyed it.
Yes, I am Italian. My parents came over in 1952 (check out my post My First Travels to Italy).
Thank you, Pam
Comment from LateBloomer
Hi John, this story is so sweet and endearing. I could see the whole scene from Matt leaving the house wearing the out-of-coffee shirt, and Mama scolding him in Italian. Your story is filled with good descriptive imagery. I love that you included Italian phrases as well as the interpretation--I could hear it all. I'm surprised that Mama just didn't smack him off the top of the head. Well, maybe she did? Lol.
I especially liked your ending:
Anna's infectious smile and blue eyes made his heart tango. He took her hand.
"Good. But first," Anna started, "we go change that shirt."
(J, the above is living proof that Mama is always right.)
Well done. A pleasure to read. This story made me smile. Margaret
reply by the author on 22-Mar-2023
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Hi John, this story is so sweet and endearing. I could see the whole scene from Matt leaving the house wearing the out-of-coffee shirt, and Mama scolding him in Italian. Your story is filled with good descriptive imagery. I love that you included Italian phrases as well as the interpretation--I could hear it all. I'm surprised that Mama just didn't smack him off the top of the head. Well, maybe she did? Lol.
I especially liked your ending:
Anna's infectious smile and blue eyes made his heart tango. He took her hand.
"Good. But first," Anna started, "we go change that shirt."
(J, the above is living proof that Mama is always right.)
Well done. A pleasure to read. This story made me smile. Margaret
Comment Written 22-Mar-2023
reply by the author on 22-Mar-2023
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Margaret.
Thank you for this great review. Mama was always right, especially with that wooden spoon? haha
I?m glad this made you smile. Have a great night.
John
Comment from w.j.debi
I love the humor of this. You had me smiling at the last. It looks like Anna is a very sweet person. Who knows, it might be the start of a great friendship or something even better. I like how you used the shirt to tie the whole thing together from his choosing to wear it, his mother's lecture, and Anna's reaction. The final line was great. Yeah, get rid of that shirt.
I would suggest putting this sentence in paragraph eleven in italics like you have Matt's other thoughts. I had to stop and read this sentence a second time to realize it was his thought:
I should have changed my shirt.
reply by the author on 22-Mar-2023
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I love the humor of this. You had me smiling at the last. It looks like Anna is a very sweet person. Who knows, it might be the start of a great friendship or something even better. I like how you used the shirt to tie the whole thing together from his choosing to wear it, his mother's lecture, and Anna's reaction. The final line was great. Yeah, get rid of that shirt.
I would suggest putting this sentence in paragraph eleven in italics like you have Matt's other thoughts. I had to stop and read this sentence a second time to realize it was his thought:
I should have changed my shirt.
Comment Written 22-Mar-2023
reply by the author on 22-Mar-2023
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Thank you for reading my post. I?m also glad you enjoyed it.
When I copy and paste my story, all the italics disappear and I have to go back in and recreate them. I missed this one. I?m glad you pointed it out. It?s important.
Again, I appreciate everything. John
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I have that same problem.
