Reviews from

Mom's Legacy

The best hand-me-downs are in wise words.

34 total reviews 
Comment from BethShelby
Excellent
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The advice your mom gave is no so different from what my Mon said. I addition she told he if I didn't learn better table manners, I'd never be able to eat in a nice restaurant and always wear clean underwear because you may be in a wreck. My grandmother said "Get yourself a good education and don't be dependent on any man. I'm going to ask my kids what advice they remember from me tomorrow. Nice essay.

 Comment Written 27-Nov-2013


reply by the author on 27-Nov-2013
    That would make for an interesting topic on this special day.
Comment from joann r romei
Excellent
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This was fun to read, it gave us an open window right into your upbringing, although some people are like that still, it is rare to hear about it.

 Comment Written 26-Nov-2013


reply by the author on 27-Nov-2013
    Thanks, joann. I love your comments.
Comment from Dawn Munro
Excellent
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Shari, your Mom sounds a lot like my Mom, and I can honestly say I am still uncomfortable with some of the etiquette rules I've broken (like calling people by their first names before being invited to...sigh...).

What an impressive nonfiction entry. It's personal, which makes it so 'immediate', it's full of the very best advice (your Mom was wise) and it's clear, concise writing. Good luck in the contest!

 Comment Written 26-Nov-2013


reply by the author on 27-Nov-2013
    Thanks for a great encouraging review, Dawn. Non-fiction is so much easier for me. I enjoy your fictional pieces. I'm really not into poetry except for the senryus.
Comment from ThePaperThief
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

What an enjoyable piece to read! I envy you for having such a wise, if not challenging mother to arm you with such gems. My favorite is "your body is a temple..." an effective way to steer children in the right direction, with a sense of self worth. Does one partner always love more than the other? Hmm.... food for thought. There is so much great content in this story, and it's clearly well articulated, no room for improvement that I can tell. You are a strong contender for the contest and I wish you the best of luck. -Nicolette

One of my mothers favorite gems - "Never pass up a breath mint, someone is offering it for a reason" Ha!

 Comment Written 26-Nov-2013


reply by the author on 26-Nov-2013
    Thank you so much for the exceptional rating.You quoted my favorite too. A thought that also keeps me from letting negative people into my life. I totally agree about the breath mint. Definitely, a hint.
Comment from Phyllis Stewart
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Love it! I think we must have had the same mother... or they were twins! My mom told me those same things, and THIS one is true, I think: In any relationship, one partner will love more than the other.

 Comment Written 25-Nov-2013


reply by the author on 25-Nov-2013
    And it's usually the man, I've found. Have a safe trip and holiday.
reply by Phyllis Stewart on 25-Nov-2013
    In my mom's case for sure... me too... shhhh!
Comment from ExperiencingLiphe
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So, I was never brought up to be dressed perfectly. Honestly, my parents were just glad we had clothes on. I go to the store in my pajama's. Yep, I'm the person you're standing behind in Wal-Mart in their pajama's. I'm comfy so I don't care what others think. :)

I get the friends calling you Mrs. _____. However me and my friends just called other parent's Chelsea's parents. We knew their names but we never called them by it. Even now, my future in-laws, I've called them Mr. & Mrs. __________ and they just laughed. After they got done laughing I was told to stick with Will's Mom and Dad. LOL.

I get the don't be mean to family but I work in retail and I don't like it when someone comes in mad and says mean things to me and leaves. As they are ranting and yelling about something they are ruining my day. I would say not to say hateful things to your family or strangers, give yourself time to cool off and talk to whomever was bothering you in the first place. But most definitely don't get mad at a stranger just cuz you're being pissy. Sorry, I have strong issues on this.

And yes don't get lost in self pity and depression and such. Truth is sometimes you just need to feel what it is and be there. You don't want to get stuck there but I think everyone has to at least experience it for a short while. It's part of living and if you never experience, I guess kudos, but honestly I appreciate all my good days so much more after a really low time. I fall down but eventually I get back up even stronger.

And yes, ALWAYS look for a bargain

Oh and the thank you cards, yes, always hand written ones are the best. Ones that are typed aren't personal. It's just another email or whatever. When we bought our mattress the salesperson even sent us a hand written thank you card for buying from them

 Comment Written 25-Nov-2013


reply by the author on 25-Nov-2013
    I loved your detailed review, sweet girl. I like your take on self-pity. As long as we don't get stuck in it, depression can be a learning experience. Also a time for self-analysis. Even though the review is an e-mail, it took time which is love, so your thoughts mean a lot to me. Hugs, Shari
Comment from Selina Stambi
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Sister stayed quiet. She knew her flawless features made her the beauty.... ha! Sounds like the tale of me and my younger sister!


Mom enforced another code of conduct as soon as I learned how to print. "Always write thank you letters for gifts or money. Include a description and plans on how you will use it ... our mothers could have been sisters!

Time means love in anyone's book... I've been brain washed - I agree!

Make them positive. Make them sing. Make them words you would want to hear. .. Hurrah and Amen!

I had to smile, Shari - I was raised pretty much this way too, all the way down to the prettier sister.

A great smile-provoking read - again!

Sonali

 Comment Written 25-Nov-2013


reply by the author on 25-Nov-2013
    I'm getting a lot of feedback of how familiar this is. Maybe these loving mothers and prettier siblings made us turn into writers. :-)
reply by Selina Stambi on 26-Nov-2013
    I couldn't agree more!
Comment from Shirley B
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Dear Shari, What a great entry for the contest. Your mother sound like a wise woman. People are brought up so differently. I learned about Emily Post in school, my poor mother I am sure had never heard of the woman. We learn so much from our parents. From mine I learned to be kind to people and to work hard. Great job, Shirley

 Comment Written 25-Nov-2013


reply by the author on 25-Nov-2013
    I hoped this would get people to thinking about what they had learned from their folks. Thanks for lettin me in on your good lessons.
    Shari xx
Comment from Eigle Rull
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Wow! My friend, you nearly described my Mom in this piece. Plenty of advice and all of it was good - even if we didn't realize it at the time.

This piece was well written with statements and reactions. What I read was very believable, and easy to relate to. I enjoyed your way of writing it. I enjoyed reading it. It was excellent (+).

 Comment Written 25-Nov-2013


reply by the author on 25-Nov-2013
    Thanks so much for the green plus. I'll use it to pull my rank up. See, I still remember the advice about thank-you notes, even if not hand written. Nearly described your mother. LOL I bet she didn't check seams on your socks and spots on your clothes.
Comment from Sasha
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You have touched on some excellent advice in this one. I used to joke that I stayed a virgin because there was no way I was letting anyone see me without my clothes. This brought back some fond memories as well as a few not so fond. I enjoyed this very much and love your words of wisdom. Nicely done.

 Comment Written 25-Nov-2013


reply by the author on 25-Nov-2013
    Thanks, Sasha. I like to write pieces that readers can relate to. (sorry, tho, that is made your recall sad times.)