• For Brooke

    For Brooke

    A tribute for a friend and mentor
    from 34 reviews.
    General  Fiction

  • Of Love and Life

    Of Love and Life

    For A Dear Friend
    from 59 reviews.
    General  Poetry

  • An Old Man

    An Old Man

    tanka prose: Life's lessons at 66
    from 31 reviews.
    General  Poetry


FanStory wrote to mountainwriter49: Congratulations! tanka (wind-blown leaves) won the contest "Tanka Poetry Contest"
    MissMerri: What a beautiful poem! I'm so pleased to see this take first place in the contest. Keep it up! ;p -
    IndianaIrish: Congratulations for the win in this contest, Ray! It's an awesome tanka. -
    TheWriteTeach: Congrats, Ray, on a well deserved win. Your Tanka, 'wind blown leaves,' was excellent. -


FanStory wrote to mountainwriter49: Congratulations the 2016 Recognized Writer of the Year
    humpwhistle: Congratulations, Ray. I think this is the most meaningful award this site offers! -
    MissMerri: My heartfelt congratulations to a most deserving recipient of this outstanding award. What a delight! A giant bouquet of roses to you, Teach! MM -
    judiverse: Congratulations on this wonderful achievement. judiverse -
    IndianaIrish: Congratulations, Ray, on this exciting and prestigious honor. It's wonderful to have you receive this highest of recognition. :-) -
    Writingfundimension: Hearty congratulations, Ray, for this well-deserved recognition of your talent. :) Bev -
    Mystic Angel 7777: Congratulations, Ray! I cannot think of a single person here that deserves it more than you. Bravo! -
    starkat: A hearty Congrats, Ray. Wow - Writer of the Year! This is fantastic recognition. I'm thrilled you received this award - like getting the Oscar for Best Picture. Way to go. Cheers .. ;o) -
    mountainwriter49: Thanks so much, everyone, for your very kind comments and congratulations, and thanks to the Committee for this very high honor. This has taken me by surprise and I am most humbled, yet quite excited, about receiving this award. :-) -
    I am Cat: This couldn't make me happier! Congratulations, A! Very well deserved! -
    Warren Rodgers: Ray, Congratulations on being named 2016 Writer of the year! Great news for a very talented and deserving writer. I'm very happy for you! Rodger -
    Unspoken94: Congratulations, Ray, for this much deserved award. -Bill -
    pome lover: congratulations, Ray. Good for you!
    Pome lover
    PS - I went to school in Staunton - beautiful country! -
    judester: Bravo and congratulations on receiving recognized writer award, cheers, j -
    Dorothy Farrell: Congratulations Ray - a worthy winner of a great award. -
    Ulla: Congratulations on this wonderful achievement, Ray. So well deserved.!!! -
    RGstar: Go, Go, Go Ray. So happy. Well done, well deserved. -
    Ideasaregems-Dawn: Congratulations, Ray - couldn't have been a better choice! Woot, woot!!! -
    tfawcus: An honour well deserved my friend. Congratulations! -
    Drew Delaney: It is nice to read that you have achieved this great honour from FanStory. Congratulations, my writing friend. Cheers! -
    ~Dovey: Congrats, Ray! This is a richly deserved award! :) -
    LateBloomer: Congratulations, Ray, on being the 2016 Recognized Writer of the Year. A most deserving award. -
    Selina Stambi: Congratulations, Ray. A well deserved honour. Your poetry is a delight to read. -
    Ric Myworld: Congratulations, Ray! Living in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley and now Writer of the Year, it couldn't get much better! -
    Xylok: totally awesome and long overdue! -
    Just2Write: YAY RAY ... How wonderful for you, my friend. How wonderful for us that you are on this site to guide and inspire us with your skill and natural talent. I'm thrilled for you. Heather Rose -
    Lovinia: C*O*N*G*R*A*T*U*L*A*T*I*O*N*S Ray. A great honour and a recipient of highest merit! Well deserved my friend, I'm thrilled for you. Enjoy! Hugs and chocolates - Lovi xoxoxox
    -
    pit viper: I really enjoy your work. Thanks for sharing it. :) best wishes! -
    Jmf4119: Congratulations Ray! I am so pleased that you received this very deceiving honor.
    Bravo!!! -


FanStory wrote to mountainwriter49: Congratulations! Brothers won the contest "Blank Verse Poetry Contest"
    Jannypan (Jan) : No doubt about it. This was an extraordinary winner. Congratulations! Jan -
    MissMerri: I KNEW it!!! A happy congratulations to our amazing teacher for your beautiful blue ribbon! I'm thrilled and proud. -
    Ulla: Congratulations!!! -
    Ideasaregems-Dawn: Congratulations, Ray! I owe you a huge debt of thanks for all your help with this form, too. It's an honor to be second to work such as yours! -
    I am Cat: Absolutely one of the most beautiful poems I've ever had the pleasure to read. Take care of yourself, A!
    -Katze -
    RGstar: Wewll done, Ray. You are set a good level and example.
    Best wishes -
    MissMerri:
    HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE GREATEST TEACHER!

    -
    I am Cat: Happy Birthday, A!
    Long may you wave, you elegant man!
    ❤️Katze -
    Gloria ....: Congratulations to you and a happy birthday too, Ray. :)) -
    Dean Kuch:
    photo 87753761_zpsjz08biup.gif
    Happy birthday, Teach!
    One-hundred-years-old today.
    What an amazing accomplishment.
    Heh-heh-heh...
    Take care not to fall down. You might not be able to get back up.
    ~Dean
    -
    robyn corum: A HAPPY DAY to that COOL RAY!
    Thanks for teaching me stuff and all that junk. heehee I hope your day is merry and bright!! -


FanStory wrote to mountainwriter49: Tropopause finished second in the contest "Love Poem Poetry Contest"
    tfawcus: This was a superb poem, Ray. A winner all the way in my book. -
    Taffspride: Congratulations Ray, It was well deserved. -
    rama devi: Congrats! Much deserved! Wonderful crown. Bravo. -
    Dean Kuch: Congrats, Teach.
    I voted for your entry. I felt it was the best by far.
    Well done.
    ~Dean -
    RGstar: Well done, Ray. Good work there.
    RG -
    MissMerri: Congratulations for this second place finish Teach! Hooray! -
    poetbear: Very proud to have known you. Need to improve my writing more so . -


FanStory wrote to mountainwriter49: Congratulations! Kindred Spirits won the contest "Blank Verse Poetry Contest"
    Jannypan (Jan) : You are an amazing writer. CONGRATULATIONS on a well-deserved win. I am proud to know you. Jan -
    Gloria ....: Congratulations to you, Ray. Super Blank Verse. :)) -
    mfowler: A classic piece. Congratulations on this big win, Ray. Much deserved. -
    MissMerri: I couldn't possibly be more thrilled! This is wonderful news my friend. ;") -
    starkat: A Hearty Congrats, Ray! This is a brilliantly written blank verse. Loved it. Well deserved win. Cheers ... ;o) Art -
    IndianaIrish: Congratulations on this wonderful honor, Ray! Your Blank Verse poetry is always inspiring and is the template for this challenging form. Congrats! -
    rama devi: Congrats! Much deserved, dear Ray -
    Eternal Muse: Congratulations, Ray. Your poetry is always exquisite. -
    mountainwriter49: Thanks so much, everyone, for the warm congratulations. I am thrilled by winning this contest. :-) -
    Ulla: Congratulation on this well deserved win. Ulla:) -
    Writingfundimension: Congratulations, Ray. My, you have really come a long way with this form. Great job! -


FanStory wrote to mountainwriter49: haiku (doe and fawn forage) finished first in the contest "Write a Haiku"
    nancyjam: Congratulations Ray. Well deserved. Nancy -
    Galactia: *.*.*.*.*Congratulations*.*.*.*.* :) -
    Gloria ....: You write them up good, Ray. Congratulations! -
    Ulla: Congratulations Ray. Ulla -
    Taffspride: Congratulations Ray, well deserved.

    -
    MissMerri: Not a surprise to me, but I'm proud of my teach anyway. A first place win is a beautiful thing!
    Congratulations! -


FanStory wrote to mountainwriter49: Congratulations! You won the reviewing contest!
    IndianaIrish: Congratulations, Ray. Your reviews are always helpful, kind, and knowledgeable. Well done! -
    dejohnsrld (Debbie): Congrats, Ray. You truly deserve this. You are so good to help others grow as writers.~Debbie -
    Debbie Noland: Congratulations on this great and well deserved win, Ray! -
    Eric1: About time this happened Ray, congratulations my friend. -
    mountainwriter49: Thanks everyone for your kind compliments and congratulations. I'm thrilled with this honor.
    Ray -
    MissMerri: I'm a bit slow arriving, but couldn't possibly feel more gratified. How long have I been telling you, you deserve this award? Congratulations!! You do deserve it. -
    Dorothy Farrell: Well done Ray. Well deserved judging by the excellent way you have reviewed my work. Congratulations - Dorothy -
    mfowler: Well done, Ray. We all like a good reviewer. -
    Showboat: Congrats, Ray. You're the best. Gayle -
    Lovinia: Hi Ray

    Congratulations on your win ... I just found out. Well done and so well deserved ... you've 'saved my bacon' many times with your suggestions and pick-up of nits. Enjoy the glory and the dollars. LOL btw ... if you buy chocolates don't forget to share. :)) Hugs - Lovi xoxo -
    Writingfundimension: Congratulations, Ray. One hundred dollars can buy some mighty fine wine. :) -
    TAB_that's me: As I have told you before, you are the best reviewer on the sight as far as I am concerned. At last, you reap the rewards! congrats. -
    springrain: Congratulations Ray on winning the reviewing contest, much deserved!
    Olof -
    Jean Lutz: Congratulations! Well deserved. -
    Ginnygray: Congratulations to a new acquaintance for me on fanstory and to find out you were a NCSU student at one time. -
    misscookie: Hello
    Thank you very much for taking the time to correct all my errors . That was very kind of you.
    Yes I would like for you to look at my write again and I pray you will change my rating.
    Cookie -
    mfowler: A knowlegeable and generous reviewer. Great choice. Congratulations. -
    Lovinia: Congratulations on third placement in POM. A beautiful poem and well deserved to be recognised. Now if I had just thought to give a sleeping potion to Dean ... (love you Dean).

    Huge hugs - Lovi xoxo -


FanStory wrote to mountainwriter49: Congratulations! tanka (astral light glistens) won the contest "Tanka Poetry Contest"
    flamingstar: Love it! I appreciate your detailed explanation of all the tanka elements and can't wait to try again! Congratulations. -
    Debbie Noland: Congratulations, Ray, on your big win for this beautifully written tanka. -
    Gloria ....: Way to go, Ray! Well deserved recognition. -
    Lovinia: congratulations ray. superb entry ... love the tanka form
    and how well accomplished you are ... love it. hugs - lovi xoxo -
    Taffspride: congratulations Ray, well deserved.
    -
    springrain: Congratulations Ray on a beautiful tanka and a well-deserved win. Olof -
    IndianaIrish: Congratulations, Ray, on winning the contest with your awesome tanka. You rock! -
    words: Congratulations!!!! A well deserved win. .Hugs, your fan, d -
    MissMerri: I can't let you not hear from your Cali friend regarding this, yet another blue for you, a most deserved accomplishment, and now I believe you do have enough blue ribbons to paper your den. Congratulations! I'm so pleased. ;") -


mountainwriter49: Congratulations to Blank Verse Contest Winner:

Tony (tfawcus) has won the member sponsored Blank Verse Contest with his resplendent poem entitled "The Dream." Congratulations to Tony for winning the Blue Ribbon in this most challenging contest.

Ten poets participated in this contest and presented the most wonderful blank verse poetry I've read in quite some time. The entries included blank verse sonnets, quatrains and epic narratives. All are distinctive, creative and worthy of the winners' circle.

Thanks to all who participated and to those in the FanStory community who took the time to read and review all ten entries and participate in the voting.

I wold encourage anyone interested in reading superb verse to read the entries.

-Ray
contest sponsor
    IndianaIrish: Congratulations, Tony! Your BV poem is truly deserving of the win. -
    michaelcahill: Oh, oh. Indy, "your" and "truly" are a slant rhyme!! Someone please help me!!!

    Seriously, what an amazing piece. To be of that length without a single end rhyme is beyond comprehension. -


FanStory wrote to mountainwriter49: Congratulations! My Lover's Kiss won the contest "Love Poem Poetry Contest"
    adewpearl: Congratulations, Ray :-) LOTS of people entered that contest, so you edged out some really good work with your talented writing :-) -
    Showboat: Way to go! Excellent poem! -
    Just2Write: Congratulations, Ray! This competition had some excellent entries, and yours came out on top. I'm thrilled for you, my talented friend. A most deserving win. I hope you buy yourself something wonderful! Rose. -
    IndianaIrish: Congratulations, PoetryMan! You rock :-) enough said. -
    TAB_that's me: It was an excellent entry. Congratulations Ray! -
    springrain: Congratulations Ray, excellent write and very well deserved! Olof -


FanStory wrote to mountainwriter49: Congratulations! I Contemplate won the contest "Faith Poetry Contest"
    Ritsal: Congratulations! The cream rises to the top. :) -
    Andrewajgblue: Congratulations on your 1st place, a worthy winner :) -
    TAB_that's me: Congrats Ray on first place. It was well deserved! -
    Just2Write: Congratulations, my fine friend. I'm thrilled for you. Blow the money on something wonderful. Rose. -
    Dorothy Farrell: Congratulations Ray - you wrote an absolutely beautiful Faith poem. Regards Dorothy -
    IndianaIrish: Warmest congratulations to the PoetryMan! Your poem is exceptional. -
    mountainwriter49: Thanks to everyone for the congratulations and best wishes for my poem taking the Blue in the contest. :) -
    Lena Borghi: Congratulations, Ray! I just read "I Contemplate" and it is a gem. Well deserved win!! -
    MissMerri: It always gives me joy when your wonderful poetry is recognized. Congratulations! So deserved. -


FanStory wrote to mountainwriter49: Congratulations! Afton's Ridge won the contest "Love Poem Poetry Contest"
    The Death: Congratulations! :)
    Your crown of sonnets certainly deserves this crown. -
    adewpearl: Congratulations, my most talented friend!!! :-) -
    IndianaIrish: Congratulations on your win, Ray. How about a wine party? -
    Lena Borghi: Congratulations, Ray!!!!!!! A most deserving win for this gem of a poem. Happy for you, my friend! -
    Writingfundimension: Congratulations on winning first place with your stunningly beautiful poem, Ray. -
    juliaSjames: Congratulations, Ray. So pleased for you, my friend. Cheryl -
    Just2Write: Yay! Ray! So wonderful. Glad to see you in the winner's circle on this one! -
    MissMerri: Yay!!! I am so happy to see this wonderful poem receive the top prize! This is so deserved! ;D Congratulations!!! -
    mountainwriter49: Good Morning, everyone, and thank you so much for your warm comments and congratulations! I am thrilled with this award :-) -ray -
    springrain: Congratulations Ray, on the win! Olof -
    Dorothy Farrell: Congratulations Ray - no doubt the drinks will celebrate the occasion. Dorothy -
    Dom G Robles: This is a beauty in its its structure and construction. Though this is an entry that won several years back, I suppose it is still one of the best that has not been overshadowed by time. It is very elegant. It covered pretty well the fanstorians elegant works which portrayed the feelings and observation of what was supposed to be best writers during the time covered, with some of the writers already gone.

    The shape of the poem like a Christmas Tree was artful--a work of an Artistic mind. It is one of a beauty and excellence. And the names reflect the best writers during the period. I love the way it is written, the structure, the sentiments in there. Though it is somewhat late to comment, I give my greatest admiration to the creator of this art. I hope to have it this way to honor even those who had passed away. Dom -