Reviews from

My Scrapbook - Rebirth

Not all who wander are lost -- J.R.R. Tolkien

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

Once again your story moves me. I just don't know if I could forgive as you have, your mother. I know it is healthy to forgive but after so much hurt and rejection it would be so easy to remain separate from those who contributed to your sadness.

This is a great entry, good luck.

Maz.

 Comment Written 29-Jun-2010


reply by the author on 29-Jun-2010
    Yes, it was difficult but fortunately the timing was right for both of us. Thanks so much for the generous review.
Comment from KYPollard/El Gato
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I grant you a six because there is so much passion laced in the contest entry. It seemed as I read, I was breifly wisked away to your past world and could feel the pain of your childhood and the joy of finding your "mother" again. Bravo, my friend, and good luck.

 Comment Written 29-Jun-2010


reply by the author on 29-Jun-2010
    Thank you so very much for your 6 stars. I am deeply honored you felt this deserved them. It is always good to hear from you.
Comment from Sally Carter
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

A powerful, moving piece of writing, and such a worthy entry into this contest.
I love the idea of your whole home being a scrapbook of the new life you have found for yourself and that you were able to make peace with your mother, and thus with yourself.
A most uplifting piece of great writing.
Sally

 Comment Written 29-Jun-2010


reply by the author on 29-Jun-2010
    Thank you very much for your generous and positive review. I sincerely appreciate it.
Comment from fairydancer
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I have a similar story with my mother, (not the sexual abuse) but mental abuse from her - true psychological meaning of narcissism = not understanding others have wants, needs, feelings that are different to your own. Plus she was / is a total control freak and even though I have made my peace with her (because I realised she had her problems which made her the way she is) and am trying to build a loving relationship with her - she does not understand what love is, confusing it with duty; and she still likes to pay me back when she can for being such a terrible child for her to have to deal with! LOL
You are right with what you say - we do seek approval from the very people who abused us!
Your write is incredibly inciteful and shows a huge strength of character. It is also very well thought out and written - thank you for sharing - Cally :)))

 Comment Written 29-Jun-2010


reply by the author on 29-Jun-2010
    Tank you so very much for your enthusiastic review. Yes, we do all too often seek comfort from those who are the cause of our pain. I am pleased you too have made peace and hope that someday you mother will see the beauty in you. Until then, stay strong remember to think of your happiness first. Thank you for the wonderful 6 star rating too. I sincerely appreciate it.
reply by fairydancer on 29-Jun-2010
    Youa are so welcome, and thank you - Cally :)
Comment from RebelRose
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I am happy for you that you can tell your story and rise from the ashes a happy person. I think you have risen above all the hurt and made a good life for yourself. Your contentment is evident now. Thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 29-Jun-2010


reply by the author on 29-Jun-2010
    Thank you very much for your positive review. Yes, I am very happy an have made a wonderful like for myself.
Comment from tati
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Thank you for sharing such a beautiful forgiveness story, Sasha. So nice of you to respect your mother's wish, to write your story. I'm really touched by these lines: I find it inspiring to know that despite spending an entire lifetime as my archenemy, my mother became my best friend and is now my guardian angel.

Wish you the best of luck in the contest. Warmest wishes,

tati, June 29, 2010

 Comment Written 28-Jun-2010


reply by the author on 28-Jun-2010
    Thank you very much. I appreciate your generous comments.
reply by tati on 29-Jun-2010
    You're welcome, Sasha, it's my pleasure.

    tati
Comment from RobinWrites
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This is beautiful. It shows me there is hope in every situation and that we must work to achieve our own happiness. While I see a tortured soul in your writing, I also see a very loving, warm and generous person. The emotion this story evokes comes full circle and I have to thank you. Again, your words, your story and how you write speak volumes. Thanks for sharing this with us.

 Comment Written 28-Jun-2010


reply by the author on 28-Jun-2010
    Thank you so very much for your very generous review. I am thrilled you liked this one and felt it came full circle. I also thank you for your marvelous 6 stars, I sincerely appreciate it.
Comment from 1ClosetWriter
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Oh Sasha, Thank you for sharing such a beautiful story. You very nicely expressed how forgiveness and love can change a heart. Thank you for honoring your mother's request to write your story!
Linda

 Comment Written 28-Jun-2010


reply by the author on 28-Jun-2010
    I am so pleased you enjoyed this one. Thank you very much for the wonderful 6 stars. I sincerely appreciate them.
Comment from Joan E.
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Your story is so touching, you had my eyes filling with tears from the start. I particularly like the notion of writing to "put an end to the past." In your poem, I found your "thorn" metaphor quite powerful, and I particularly admired your parallel, first and sixth stanzas. I am pleased that your verse honors the "special last six years" and that your mother has become your "guardian angel." I have always admired your portrait of your mother, because it captures the connection that you finally shared with her.

 Comment Written 28-Jun-2010


reply by the author on 28-Jun-2010
    It is also the first painting I ever did. I am so pleased you liked this one. And thank you so very much for the wonderful 6 stars, I am both honored and pleased you felt this deserved them.
reply by Joan E. on 28-Jun-2010
    Your worked deserved the highest ranking on every level: the evocative prose and poem, the honesty, the perfect illustration, the lessons learned... Thank you for sharing all of its treasures. -Joan
Comment from SamanthaD.
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is a truely beautiful story. The poem within the story is amazing in and of itself. This story is a testament to forgiveness and the depth of human spirit. Good luck with this contest!
Hugs, Samantha

 Comment Written 28-Jun-2010


reply by the author on 28-Jun-2010
    Thank you very much for your kind words. I sincerely appreciate them.