The Shaman
I see dead people.44 total reviews
Comment from XGoneX
Wow, this is a true story. I like a lot supernatural books, and I loved to read this, particularly being non-fiction. The part with the moths I could visualize them battering the window. It gave me shivers, lol. Then you ended the story perfectly. They were all gone, except one, except one that then soared away. Indeed, I wouldn't envy the life of the Sharman.
Great reading!
reply by the author on 15-Jan-2016
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Wow, this is a true story. I like a lot supernatural books, and I loved to read this, particularly being non-fiction. The part with the moths I could visualize them battering the window. It gave me shivers, lol. Then you ended the story perfectly. They were all gone, except one, except one that then soared away. Indeed, I wouldn't envy the life of the Sharman.
Great reading!
Comment Written 15-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 15-Jan-2016
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Thank you, JadeLawson, for your generous, six star review. This is a true story. Unsettling, hopeful, but true. The moths terrified me and filled me with wonder. There were so many, and then the shaman walk up and stared at me. Yes, I respect what she does, but I would not want to live her life, too. Thank you for the review.
Comment from Glasstruth
A breath taking story; with an introduction that beautifully blends into the passing life of your father who's to enter the final journey, or maybe not, if you believe in reincarnation? Love the short poem, a timely break between the reality of that moment. Very sensitive and well written. I think this is your best. Deserves a seven, but all I have left are fivers. AWESOME!!!!! Les
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2016
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A breath taking story; with an introduction that beautifully blends into the passing life of your father who's to enter the final journey, or maybe not, if you believe in reincarnation? Love the short poem, a timely break between the reality of that moment. Very sensitive and well written. I think this is your best. Deserves a seven, but all I have left are fivers. AWESOME!!!!! Les
Comment Written 13-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2016
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Thank you, Les. My father would have been thrilled to hear that you love his poem. It is actually longer, but I reduced it to one stanza to fit the story. I am quite honored on your praise of this sensitive story. Thank you for your review.
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I couldn't tell that it might have been longer. No awkwardness at all. It reads so well as is. :)))
Comment from Cheryl9359
I am new here. Your story is the first story I've read. I loved it. I hope to read more work from you in the future. Thank you for your inspiring story.
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2016
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I am new here. Your story is the first story I've read. I loved it. I hope to read more work from you in the future. Thank you for your inspiring story.
Comment Written 13-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2016
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Oh, thank you, Cheryl9359. I am glad my story was the first you read here on FanStory. I look forward to sharing more of my work with you and seeing your own. Thank you for your review.
Comment from Selina Stambi
I saw a woman alone because of her "gift." ... a powerfully poignant, lonely line.
You have a compelling narrative voice, Sis. You must make a great storyteller.
You can embed the you-tube video into this page - did you know that?
Really well done.
Happy New Year.
Sonali
Albuquerque studio-home(,) to serve as his spirit walker. In
Suggest:
I looked around his art and awards(-)decorated room from a sixty year career (in ceramics)
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2016
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I saw a woman alone because of her "gift." ... a powerfully poignant, lonely line.
You have a compelling narrative voice, Sis. You must make a great storyteller.
You can embed the you-tube video into this page - did you know that?
Really well done.
Happy New Year.
Sonali
Albuquerque studio-home(,) to serve as his spirit walker. In
Suggest:
I looked around his art and awards(-)decorated room from a sixty year career (in ceramics)
Comment Written 13-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2016
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Thank you, Selina, for your generous review and corrections. Yes, "I saw a woman alone because of her 'gift.' is "a powerfully poignant, lonely line." I do not have the shaman's gift but every time I tell her story I feel the pain of loneliness. Thank you for your review and suggestions. I did not know I could embed the YouTube video into this page. I will try it. Thanks.
Comment from Joy Graham
This is a very nice story. I enjoyed it very much. I'm fascinated with the moths and butterflies and beliefs of different cultures. I have stage fright and could never stand up to read my poems in public. I admire you for having that skill and talent.
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2016
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This is a very nice story. I enjoyed it very much. I'm fascinated with the moths and butterflies and beliefs of different cultures. I have stage fright and could never stand up to read my poems in public. I admire you for having that skill and talent.
Comment Written 13-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2016
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Joy, my skill is greater than READING. I perform my poems and stories from memory without paper in front of audiences as large as 400 people. Just last night I performed my latest story in front of a small crowd in a coffee shop.
I am glad you enjoyed my nice story and learning about the different butterfly and moth beliefs of other cultures. Thank you for your review.
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A very impressive SKILL to have.
Comment from arnie47
The words were beautiful, the thoughts striking, and the imagery outstanding. I enjoyed this very much; the mystical brilliantly mixed with the present, job well done.
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2016
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The words were beautiful, the thoughts striking, and the imagery outstanding. I enjoyed this very much; the mystical brilliantly mixed with the present, job well done.
Comment Written 13-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2016
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Thank you, arnie47, for your enthusiastic review. I am glad you enjoyed my mystical story.
Comment from F. Wehr3
very cool descriptive imagery. I enjoyed the intrigue throughout the story. Truly great storytelling ability. I will look forward to reading other pieces by you.
All the best,
Russell
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2016
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very cool descriptive imagery. I enjoyed the intrigue throughout the story. Truly great storytelling ability. I will look forward to reading other pieces by you.
All the best,
Russell
Comment Written 12-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2016
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Thank you, Russell, for your review and compliments on my storytelling ability.
Comment from busses
Great visuals. I experienced everything descriptive. (Her eyes reflected shell shocked weariness of a soldier who has seen things no one should see. I have to ask was the one moth in the room her Dad? did he hide under the papers so as not to cross over with the other souls? Interesting ending. What great writing Thank You for the read.
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2016
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Great visuals. I experienced everything descriptive. (Her eyes reflected shell shocked weariness of a soldier who has seen things no one should see. I have to ask was the one moth in the room her Dad? did he hide under the papers so as not to cross over with the other souls? Interesting ending. What great writing Thank You for the read.
Comment Written 11-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2016
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Thank you, busses, for your generous review of my descriptive story. I have puzzled over the meaning of the last moth myself. I see it as a sign of hope and comfort, but I also appreciate the wonder and mystery of my ending. thank you for your review.
Comment from Debbie Noland
It is admirable, Sis Cat, the way you weave mystical and supernatural elements into this tale of a man's passing. You develop the character of the shaman so well, using physical description, her words, her actions, and your thoughts about her.
The symbol of the moths is magnificent, and the fact that a lone moth remains until the next day for only you to see suggests a physical link between this world and the next. It is a fascinating story on many levels.
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2016
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It is admirable, Sis Cat, the way you weave mystical and supernatural elements into this tale of a man's passing. You develop the character of the shaman so well, using physical description, her words, her actions, and your thoughts about her.
The symbol of the moths is magnificent, and the fact that a lone moth remains until the next day for only you to see suggests a physical link between this world and the next. It is a fascinating story on many levels.
Comment Written 11-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2016
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Thank you, Debbie, for your generous, six star review. All of these layers of symbols surrounding my father's passing were so extraordinary so as not to be a coincidence. He is dying in one room and I find in another room his poem "Flight Across Heaven's Gate." Then out of the blue, an art collector called for an appraisal of the mural "Flight Across Heaven's Gate." The shaman's name meant "heavenly." Finally, I witnessed a moth swarm in my father's studio after he passed. I agree with you that this "suggests a physical link between this world and the next." Thanks again for your encouraging review.
Comment from Gypsymooncat
I can't think of another word for this but BRILLIANT. The Shamanic "culture" for want of a better word, has always interested and fascinated me. In fact the whole Indian culture always has. It was a joy and pleasure to read this, even more so, because it was based on truth and biography. The moths ... the moths ... how very strange indeed. There is so much beyond our scope of sight and other senses that this story brings that out without being too out there. This is a tale for skeptics methinks. I'm no skeptic though, I simply loved it!
Cheers
Chris
xoxoxoxoxo
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2016
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I can't think of another word for this but BRILLIANT. The Shamanic "culture" for want of a better word, has always interested and fascinated me. In fact the whole Indian culture always has. It was a joy and pleasure to read this, even more so, because it was based on truth and biography. The moths ... the moths ... how very strange indeed. There is so much beyond our scope of sight and other senses that this story brings that out without being too out there. This is a tale for skeptics methinks. I'm no skeptic though, I simply loved it!
Cheers
Chris
xoxoxoxoxo
Comment Written 11-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2016
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Thank you, Chris, for your generous, six star review. The incident happened in 2012 when I recorded it in my diary. I converted it to a live story titled "The Psychic" the next year, and this year I changed the title to "The Shaman" to honor and acknowledge the woman's culture. I also added a deleted scene in which I confused Sun Dance with Sundance. I appreciate the energy, the compassion, and the skill that this woman brought to her work to help our father transition and for our family and his ancestors to welcome it. You are right, "There is so much beyond our scope of sight and other senses that this story brings that out without being too out there." Thank you for your review.
