April Showers
Enjoy every minute you can26 total reviews
Comment from Popcorn69
Your writing pull me inside your story. Every year surviver stories of twisters are amazing to hear. Your setup, and delivery of this story was very good. Your details of living on a farm were very vivid. And your picture selection was perfect for this.
reply by the author on 13-Nov-2010
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Your writing pull me inside your story. Every year surviver stories of twisters are amazing to hear. Your setup, and delivery of this story was very good. Your details of living on a farm were very vivid. And your picture selection was perfect for this.
Comment Written 13-Nov-2010
reply by the author on 13-Nov-2010
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Hi Popcorn!! Thank you very much! I am very happy that you enjoyed this! We have been lucky SO FAR in these storms...so many havn't been. I really appreciate your time to read this for me! Happy Saturday to you! Susan
Comment from Ted T
Hi Susan :)
Remarkable, outstanding and quite well written with a "twist." Forgive the pun.
You've earned two more of my special "twelvers."
If you don't submit this piece as a short, which is easier to get published, you need a spanking.
Great work.
Ted
reply by the author on 12-Nov-2010
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Hi Susan :)
Remarkable, outstanding and quite well written with a "twist." Forgive the pun.
You've earned two more of my special "twelvers."
If you don't submit this piece as a short, which is easier to get published, you need a spanking.
Great work.
Ted
Comment Written 11-Nov-2010
reply by the author on 12-Nov-2010
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OUCH! Someone else was going to "kick my rear" for not getting a doctor checkup! This is why I always face everyone! ") Thank you for a really nice review...I am always thrilled when you are this enthusiastic Ted. Thanks...it does cheer me up! Susan
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Sometimes a spanking can be fun :)
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ONERY! ") S.
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Okay, be that way :)
Comment from Judy Swanson
Susan - what a chilling reminder of how quickly springtime tornadoes can change a day, or a life. Very well written story. I love that you started out quietly, contented, playing with the kittens; and then moved to admire the other surrounding signs of spring - the foal, the flowers and budding trees, the laundry on the line. Your description of the tornado, with the snake like shape twisting and spinning its silver length, mesmerizing. All those of us who have seen tornados coming closer will appreciate this frightening vision that halts us in our tracks.
Intriguing beginning too...
"I truly believe that kittens are God's apology to human-kind for making spiders."
You draw the reader in immediately.
Judy
reply by the author on 11-Nov-2010
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Susan - what a chilling reminder of how quickly springtime tornadoes can change a day, or a life. Very well written story. I love that you started out quietly, contented, playing with the kittens; and then moved to admire the other surrounding signs of spring - the foal, the flowers and budding trees, the laundry on the line. Your description of the tornado, with the snake like shape twisting and spinning its silver length, mesmerizing. All those of us who have seen tornados coming closer will appreciate this frightening vision that halts us in our tracks.
Intriguing beginning too...
"I truly believe that kittens are God's apology to human-kind for making spiders."
You draw the reader in immediately.
Judy
Comment Written 11-Nov-2010
reply by the author on 11-Nov-2010
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Hi Judy! SO sorry for this slow reply. We are in our last two nice days, and had to be outside! THANK YOU! What a great review!! I love it! HUGS!! Susan
Comment from E.P. Thomas
Su,
Flash is more than just brevity. To be effective it has to use language to tell a story that cannot be told in any other fashion. I don't remember where I read it, but I not too long ago I read something about an aspect of flash that has stayed in my mind. To paraphrase, flash is about what is left unsaid, rather than what is said.
reply by the author on 12-Nov-2010
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Su,
Flash is more than just brevity. To be effective it has to use language to tell a story that cannot be told in any other fashion. I don't remember where I read it, but I not too long ago I read something about an aspect of flash that has stayed in my mind. To paraphrase, flash is about what is left unsaid, rather than what is said.
Comment Written 11-Nov-2010
reply by the author on 12-Nov-2010
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What a great explanation G!! THIS tells me exactly what I need to do, now...IF I just CAN! ") I get it now, I think... I will try to study on this too. My stuff is too descriptive, even when short!! ?? Thank you very very much! I will jot this down...great review G!! Susan
Comment from barbara.wilkey
We where stationed at Fort Campbell, KY when an F5 went through. It was scary. I had never seen a tornado until we were stationed there. Many went through during our 4 year stay.
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2010
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We where stationed at Fort Campbell, KY when an F5 went through. It was scary. I had never seen a tornado until we were stationed there. Many went through during our 4 year stay.
Comment Written 10-Nov-2010
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2010
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Hi Barb! I am so glad you and your family were not hurt then! I still want spring tho, no matter what! ") Thank you for this kind review! ") luv, Susan
Comment from missy98writer
Sue,
your flash fiction is very well written and riveting. Your narrative is excellent. In a bare minimum of words for the greatest you've effectively created a setting, conflict, and a resolve to your story. I hate twisters and you brought back memories of living through the big one we had back in May 1999. I enjoyed this line: "I truly believe that kittens are God's apology to human-kind for making spiders." Thanks for sharing you excellent flash fiction story. Keep on posting these gems.
Melissa.
reply by the author on 11-Nov-2010
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Sue,
your flash fiction is very well written and riveting. Your narrative is excellent. In a bare minimum of words for the greatest you've effectively created a setting, conflict, and a resolve to your story. I hate twisters and you brought back memories of living through the big one we had back in May 1999. I enjoyed this line: "I truly believe that kittens are God's apology to human-kind for making spiders." Thanks for sharing you excellent flash fiction story. Keep on posting these gems.
Melissa.
Comment Written 10-Nov-2010
reply by the author on 11-Nov-2010
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Hi again Melissa! Thank you, boy, I am SO glad you made it through a tornado, I hope you were not hurt? We have been lucky SO FAR! I love spring anyway tho! ") I will try to keep doing these the best I can!! Thank you again Melissa...you have made my evening! HUG! Susan
Comment from Judian James
What an excellent, absorbing piece of writing Sue. I've never lived in a tornado prone area but I can imagine how frigtening one would be. You did a great job with this piece. "Sometimes life can be so beautiful as to be overwhelming. And on these days, I am filled with gratitude and joy."
reply by the author on 12-Nov-2010
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What an excellent, absorbing piece of writing Sue. I've never lived in a tornado prone area but I can imagine how frigtening one would be. You did a great job with this piece. "Sometimes life can be so beautiful as to be overwhelming. And on these days, I am filled with gratitude and joy."
Comment Written 10-Nov-2010
reply by the author on 12-Nov-2010
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Hi Judian! I am super thrilled that you liked this! It was an impromptu idea...I'm glad you thought it turned out well. Great to hear from you!! ") Susan
Comment from CALLAHANMR
Hi Susan:)
Beautiful SPAG-free writing. As I review this article my almost grown cats sit on each side of my monitor. They are from the same litter and are almost identical in every way.
You remind me of my live on a ranch when each spring delivered new calves, foals, lambs and kids. Yes we raised milk goats. Spring could be so peaceful, but I lived in tornado alley for over sixty years. I have been directly affected by seven terrible storms.
The first was in Missouri when I was about three years old. I was asleep in an upstairs bedroom when a tornado tore the roof off. As you can imagine my mother was terrified as she looked for me in the wrekage. I must have been a sound sleeper, because it was rain falling on my face that woke me. All I really remember is ask, "Mommy why is it raining on my face.
When I was in high school I sneaked out of the boarding house where I lived during the school year, and went to a midnight movie special with a sweet neighbor girl. She was supposed to be home too. A tornado hit and over 100 homes were destroyed Including my boarding house and my friend's home. Eighty-three people were killed, including my dear landlady. My girl friend's family was safe, but I always wonder if our sneaky trip to the movie saved our lives.
When I was in college a gigantic tornado destroyed the entire town of Udall,Kansas. I was about twenty miles from my college, but I saw some of the tornadic activity. That night, May 25, 1955 remains the worst storm disaster in Kansas history, Udall was left with only one habitable structure - a small residence. Already 73 dead and more than 200 injured had been counted out of a population of 500. An estimated 50 were missing.
The casualties were part of the 114 killed and more than 700 injured in a serious of vicious twisters that ripped through Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Missouri Wednesday night and Thursday. Property damage in the Midcontinet area was estimated in the millons.
I help clean up and rescue people the next morning. It was then that I experienced the most traumatic event of my life. We found a young lay's leg sticking out from under a walll. While some of my friends lifted the wall I pulled on the leg. The entire leg came with te tug, but it was no longer attached to the woman's body.
During Spring break a group of us took a short course in Marine Biology at Port Aransas, Texas, on our way back on April 1, 1957 we were driving throuhg Dallas, Texas on the Central Expressway. We were terrified. It was a huge stom and none of us knew a way to safety. fortunately it stayed ahead of us. This was the famous April Fool's Day tornado. It is often called the most photographed tornado in history.
Now Marilyn and I live in Houston, Texas where all we have to worry about are hurricanes.Lol.
What I love about you article is the contrast between new life and sudden danger and destruction.
Hugs,
Roger
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2010
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Hi Susan:)
Beautiful SPAG-free writing. As I review this article my almost grown cats sit on each side of my monitor. They are from the same litter and are almost identical in every way.
You remind me of my live on a ranch when each spring delivered new calves, foals, lambs and kids. Yes we raised milk goats. Spring could be so peaceful, but I lived in tornado alley for over sixty years. I have been directly affected by seven terrible storms.
The first was in Missouri when I was about three years old. I was asleep in an upstairs bedroom when a tornado tore the roof off. As you can imagine my mother was terrified as she looked for me in the wrekage. I must have been a sound sleeper, because it was rain falling on my face that woke me. All I really remember is ask, "Mommy why is it raining on my face.
When I was in high school I sneaked out of the boarding house where I lived during the school year, and went to a midnight movie special with a sweet neighbor girl. She was supposed to be home too. A tornado hit and over 100 homes were destroyed Including my boarding house and my friend's home. Eighty-three people were killed, including my dear landlady. My girl friend's family was safe, but I always wonder if our sneaky trip to the movie saved our lives.
When I was in college a gigantic tornado destroyed the entire town of Udall,Kansas. I was about twenty miles from my college, but I saw some of the tornadic activity. That night, May 25, 1955 remains the worst storm disaster in Kansas history, Udall was left with only one habitable structure - a small residence. Already 73 dead and more than 200 injured had been counted out of a population of 500. An estimated 50 were missing.
The casualties were part of the 114 killed and more than 700 injured in a serious of vicious twisters that ripped through Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Missouri Wednesday night and Thursday. Property damage in the Midcontinet area was estimated in the millons.
I help clean up and rescue people the next morning. It was then that I experienced the most traumatic event of my life. We found a young lay's leg sticking out from under a walll. While some of my friends lifted the wall I pulled on the leg. The entire leg came with te tug, but it was no longer attached to the woman's body.
During Spring break a group of us took a short course in Marine Biology at Port Aransas, Texas, on our way back on April 1, 1957 we were driving throuhg Dallas, Texas on the Central Expressway. We were terrified. It was a huge stom and none of us knew a way to safety. fortunately it stayed ahead of us. This was the famous April Fool's Day tornado. It is often called the most photographed tornado in history.
Now Marilyn and I live in Houston, Texas where all we have to worry about are hurricanes.Lol.
What I love about you article is the contrast between new life and sudden danger and destruction.
Hugs,
Roger
Comment Written 10-Nov-2010
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2010
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Hi Roger! I am amazed that you have survived all this time!! Wow. And I am sorry that you had to go through some of the really terrible consequences of these storms. That poor poor lady. God, that's awful. Her poor family too. THe worst I witnessed was the one that went for hundreds of miles and wiped out Xenia Ohio. It made bare places that were miles wide, just obliterating everything. I am glad you are in a safer place now, and what memories tho. Thank you for sharing these bits of your life Roger. Be safe!! Hugs to you as well and thank you again for the nice rating! Susan
Comment from Dom G Robles
I like this story. It is beautiful. The way it was written with all the beautiful expressions amaze me. The author writes, "I truly believe that kittens are God's apology to human-kind for making spiders...She talks about the kittens prettily amusing bobbling around learning to love life. Then she beautifully describes about the kittens and mother cat watching with glee her offsprings. Then she goes outside raking leaves...but in the distance,she saw the stormy weather but decided to go ride her horse before dark arives. Coming back, and out of the wall cloud, a snake-twists and spins at her...mexmerizing and terrifying her. "I stand unable to run as the devil's top sweeps my world away."
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2010
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I like this story. It is beautiful. The way it was written with all the beautiful expressions amaze me. The author writes, "I truly believe that kittens are God's apology to human-kind for making spiders...She talks about the kittens prettily amusing bobbling around learning to love life. Then she beautifully describes about the kittens and mother cat watching with glee her offsprings. Then she goes outside raking leaves...but in the distance,she saw the stormy weather but decided to go ride her horse before dark arives. Coming back, and out of the wall cloud, a snake-twists and spins at her...mexmerizing and terrifying her. "I stand unable to run as the devil's top sweeps my world away."
Comment Written 10-Nov-2010
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2010
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Oh Dom! A lovely six! Thank you so much! I suffer greatly from spring fever, from November until the first buds appear, so, I guess this was from that. Thank you SO much...I appreciate your encouraging words!! Susan
Comment from Trybuck
1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
In the midst of all circumstances we are to give thanks, not for the circumstance but because He is walking through it with us.
Well done, Buck
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2010
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1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
In the midst of all circumstances we are to give thanks, not for the circumstance but because He is walking through it with us.
Well done, Buck
Comment Written 10-Nov-2010
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2010
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Hi Buck! Thank you! We have been lucky so far, the tornadoes have skipped all around us for some years now. I think they are so beautiful...yet so ugly in what they do. I am very pleased that you enjoyed this tale. Susan
