An Old Rugged Man
The days are dwindling down.41 total reviews
Comment from Annmuma
If I had a '10-star' it would be yours today. I love the honesty, the heart and the compassion shared in this beautifully written piece. The picture is perfect and I could even find a comma I did not like. lol. Thanks for posting this meaningful piece. ann
reply by the author on 13-Nov-2023
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If I had a '10-star' it would be yours today. I love the honesty, the heart and the compassion shared in this beautifully written piece. The picture is perfect and I could even find a comma I did not like. lol. Thanks for posting this meaningful piece. ann
Comment Written 13-Nov-2023
reply by the author on 13-Nov-2023
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Ann, Thank you for reading and for the wonderful six stars! Terry.
Comment from Lisasview
Hi Terry,
I did so enjoy the read... Yes, the glam and glitter of ribbons and trophy fades as years go by... But it does feel good to be recognized by other writers.
I have a feeling we are about the same age... time is ticking...so we need to do what we love best...always...
Is that a photo of you... very nice if it is.
Lisa, now spending what I have left of my life in Spain.
reply by the author on 11-Nov-2023
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Hi Terry,
I did so enjoy the read... Yes, the glam and glitter of ribbons and trophy fades as years go by... But it does feel good to be recognized by other writers.
I have a feeling we are about the same age... time is ticking...so we need to do what we love best...always...
Is that a photo of you... very nice if it is.
Lisa, now spending what I have left of my life in Spain.
Comment Written 11-Nov-2023
reply by the author on 11-Nov-2023
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Hello Lisa, I used a picture of a young fella just to throw everyone off. LOL. Thank you for reading, and know from some of your work you are enjoying Spain. I am too rooted in Texas to go anywhere. Terry.
Comment from Gloria ....
I quite enjoyed this opinion piece, Terry. Trophies can be such a nuisance. They get all dusty and grimy. When I earned poet of the year in 2018 I took the $110 member dollars in lieu of a trophy. The simple reason being I had been disposing of such items for years prior to that. Moreover, trophies can be a double-edged sword.
I am not sure what you meant about this section : The really good cynic has lots of ribbons, seals, and plaques. In their eyes, this makes them a credible critic. It seems kind of silly to be a cynic. But I have learned they only speak for themself. Is that a complaint?
Always a treat to read your personal reflections. Have you heard from Humpwhistle at all?
Well done.
Gloria
reply by the author on 11-Nov-2023
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I quite enjoyed this opinion piece, Terry. Trophies can be such a nuisance. They get all dusty and grimy. When I earned poet of the year in 2018 I took the $110 member dollars in lieu of a trophy. The simple reason being I had been disposing of such items for years prior to that. Moreover, trophies can be a double-edged sword.
I am not sure what you meant about this section : The really good cynic has lots of ribbons, seals, and plaques. In their eyes, this makes them a credible critic. It seems kind of silly to be a cynic. But I have learned they only speak for themself. Is that a complaint?
Always a treat to read your personal reflections. Have you heard from Humpwhistle at all?
Well done.
Gloria
Comment Written 11-Nov-2023
reply by the author on 11-Nov-2023
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Gloria, first let me answer your important question. Yes, I have heard from Humpwhistle. He is writing and sends out a monthly story. If you want to be included, send him an email at lah1951@aol.com. He will be happy to add you.
What I meant by the "Good Cynic" is someone who has earned ribbons, plaques, and seals but looks down on the accomplishments in a disdaining way. I think of this person as an arrogant narcissist, too important to be bothered with mere trophies. This person will look down on anyone else's accomplishments, but in reality, this person is so full of themselves they become irrelevant to the rest of us.
Thank you for reading. Terry.
Comment from Carol Clark2
That's one of my favorite hymns. I love hearing George Bev Shea sing it; thanks for including that. Our trophies are important to only their recipients, I think. But it is nice to be recognized now and then. Ultimately, the glory for our accomplishments belongs to God, since He has blessed us with talent and ability. Thanks for sharing.
reply by the author on 11-Nov-2023
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That's one of my favorite hymns. I love hearing George Bev Shea sing it; thanks for including that. Our trophies are important to only their recipients, I think. But it is nice to be recognized now and then. Ultimately, the glory for our accomplishments belongs to God, since He has blessed us with talent and ability. Thanks for sharing.
Comment Written 10-Nov-2023
reply by the author on 11-Nov-2023
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Carol, thank you for your thoughtful review. Terry.
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You're welcome. I enjoyed the trip down memory lane! :)
Comment from davisr (Rhonda)
Terry, the message you've shared with us in this story is stirring. The fact that you've won trophies and awards throughout your life, then tossed them and moved on speaks to your ability to compartmentalize, that and not be a hoarder. Something to be said for that.
The fact you consider your writing to be important now, puts you in with the rest of us. It means a lot to me to win on this site, I assure you.
FYI for anyone reading this, Terry doesn't look like the man in the photo, lol, but point made.
Thanks for the song!
Hugs,
Rhonda
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2023
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Terry, the message you've shared with us in this story is stirring. The fact that you've won trophies and awards throughout your life, then tossed them and moved on speaks to your ability to compartmentalize, that and not be a hoarder. Something to be said for that.
The fact you consider your writing to be important now, puts you in with the rest of us. It means a lot to me to win on this site, I assure you.
FYI for anyone reading this, Terry doesn't look like the man in the photo, lol, but point made.
Thanks for the song!
Hugs,
Rhonda
Comment Written 10-Nov-2023
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2023
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LOL, yep! Busted! Thanks for reading, Rhonda! Terry.
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Because of your story, I went and dusted off my FS trophy from 2016. I won 4th place for novelists. I thought it was 5th place. See, you gave me reason to be proud of it again!
Comment from John Ciarmello
I love this piece, Terry!
You're right the trophies and plaques are nice for a writer to posses, but being with a group or community of people you have something in common with becomes what's most tangible. Great write, Terry! Best, JohnC
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2023
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I love this piece, Terry!
You're right the trophies and plaques are nice for a writer to posses, but being with a group or community of people you have something in common with becomes what's most tangible. Great write, Terry! Best, JohnC
Comment Written 10-Nov-2023
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2023
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John, thank you for reading? Terry
Comment from JSD
What a lovely heartwarming and heartfelt piece. I'm particularly jealous of your FanStory plaque! But generally this is so thoughtful and contains a key message for us all.
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2023
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What a lovely heartwarming and heartfelt piece. I'm particularly jealous of your FanStory plaque! But generally this is so thoughtful and contains a key message for us all.
Comment Written 10-Nov-2023
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2023
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John, I know you to be an honorable man. I doubt there is a jealous bone in your body. To quote Wayne Fowler, smiley face here. Thank you for reading. Terry.
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My pleasure. Am I an honourable man like Shakespeare's Brutus? Worrying!
Comment from nomi338
Some will read this and completely miss the point, the obvious point of this is. The only trophies that matter are the real friends that one acquires in life. the friends who make you feel wanted, appreciated, and of very real value to them in their lives. Friends who will fondly remember you and how you made them feel.
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2023
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Some will read this and completely miss the point, the obvious point of this is. The only trophies that matter are the real friends that one acquires in life. the friends who make you feel wanted, appreciated, and of very real value to them in their lives. Friends who will fondly remember you and how you made them feel.
Comment Written 10-Nov-2023
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2023
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Nomi, you got it exactly right!!! And thank you for the six stars, and for being one of those friends! Terry.
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Thank you for all the inspiring posts I have thoroughly enjoyed over time.
Comment from nancy_e_davis
Reading this I was suddenly back home at the Second Baptist Church with my Dad leading the choir and Mama in the choir singing The Old Rugged Cross.
Precious memories.
Every one of my trophies and ribbons mean a lot to me. I enjoyed this Terry. Good Job. Nancy:)
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2023
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Reading this I was suddenly back home at the Second Baptist Church with my Dad leading the choir and Mama in the choir singing The Old Rugged Cross.
Precious memories.
Every one of my trophies and ribbons mean a lot to me. I enjoyed this Terry. Good Job. Nancy:)
Comment Written 10-Nov-2023
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2023
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Nancy, I am very delighted to read your review and share your memories. Thank you. Terry.
Comment from Jim Wile
This was well written and thought-provoking, Terry.
I think there's definite value to ribbons, plaques, and trophies. They are pleasant reminders of some of the high points in your life, and it's always nice to think fondly of the good times in your past to counterbalance some of the not-so-good times we have all experienced.
Cynics tend to dwell on the negative, and I think they would be happier people if they could let a lot of that go and choose to think about the positives in their lives.
I totally agree with your statement, "The older one gets, the longer it takes for any lovely newness to wear off. That applies to recently acquired plaques and people." Maybe that's because we know there may not be a whole lot more of it in the time we have left.
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2023
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This was well written and thought-provoking, Terry.
I think there's definite value to ribbons, plaques, and trophies. They are pleasant reminders of some of the high points in your life, and it's always nice to think fondly of the good times in your past to counterbalance some of the not-so-good times we have all experienced.
Cynics tend to dwell on the negative, and I think they would be happier people if they could let a lot of that go and choose to think about the positives in their lives.
I totally agree with your statement, "The older one gets, the longer it takes for any lovely newness to wear off. That applies to recently acquired plaques and people." Maybe that's because we know there may not be a whole lot more of it in the time we have left.
Comment Written 10-Nov-2023
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2023
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Hi, Jim, I think you put your finger on the truth with that thought. Thanks for reading. By the way, I got started on your book, and I think it's really well written...so far, LOL, but I sure I will enjoy the rest. I think it ought to be published the premise is excellent. Terry.
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Thanks, Terry. I hope it continues to maintain your interest.
