My Simple Farewell
No fireworks, just a nod of complete approval25 total reviews
Comment from poetbear
This is well written and crafted.
I left for awhile and returned because I wanted t make sure I was here foor the right reasons.
Praise and constructive criticism are fine but I need to write.
It is who I am.
You write a beautiful piece here.
Be proud of that.
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2013
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This is well written and crafted.
I left for awhile and returned because I wanted t make sure I was here foor the right reasons.
Praise and constructive criticism are fine but I need to write.
It is who I am.
You write a beautiful piece here.
Be proud of that.
Comment Written 14-Jan-2013
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2013
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thanks so much.
Comment from Dawn Munro
First the edit (then comes the praise): "So my friend, if you have (to) go, go..."
This is a very touching tribute to your friend and the other authors whom you say have left the site but were also your friends. In your usual style, it is polished, poignant and praiseworthy.
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2013
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First the edit (then comes the praise): "So my friend, if you have (to) go, go..."
This is a very touching tribute to your friend and the other authors whom you say have left the site but were also your friends. In your usual style, it is polished, poignant and praiseworthy.
Comment Written 14-Jan-2013
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2013
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fixed it...thanks so much.
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You are very welcome.
Comment from N.K. Wagner
Ingrid, FS does indeed become an addiction for some writers. The reason? It may well be the only place their thought processes are understood or their efforts are validated. Keep in mind that some of the finest writers on this site cannot get friends or family to read a word of their work or even acknowledge their efforts. And once one discovers one isn't alone and one doesn't have to conjure explanations for writers' idiosyncrasies, the society of other writers becomes as necessary as breathing.
There are reasons to leave: loss of interest, frustration with one's level of expertise, hurt feelings, more pressing responsibilities, the need to spend concentrated time on projects not yet ready for even preliminary editing and as many others as there are people. One must find balance, and that balance may not include FS.
The best we can do is to leave the door open and a keep a light in the window. Those who have a true need for our company will always return.
And, as you have so many times in the past, Ingrid, you've coaxed an essay from me instead of a review. But the stars cover that. Well written. :) Nancy
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2013
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Ingrid, FS does indeed become an addiction for some writers. The reason? It may well be the only place their thought processes are understood or their efforts are validated. Keep in mind that some of the finest writers on this site cannot get friends or family to read a word of their work or even acknowledge their efforts. And once one discovers one isn't alone and one doesn't have to conjure explanations for writers' idiosyncrasies, the society of other writers becomes as necessary as breathing.
There are reasons to leave: loss of interest, frustration with one's level of expertise, hurt feelings, more pressing responsibilities, the need to spend concentrated time on projects not yet ready for even preliminary editing and as many others as there are people. One must find balance, and that balance may not include FS.
The best we can do is to leave the door open and a keep a light in the window. Those who have a true need for our company will always return.
And, as you have so many times in the past, Ingrid, you've coaxed an essay from me instead of a review. But the stars cover that. Well written. :) Nancy
Comment Written 14-Jan-2013
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2013
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You are very generous. Thanks for the info about
Bob.
I roo went into funk...stil can't begin the edit.
Comment from nor84
I know how you feel. I've been here since 2006 or 2007, and many have come and gone. Many more have gone and come back, Bob (Mastery) being one of them. Last I heard -- about a year ago -- Captain Jack was alive and well and had lunch with one of my friends.
Some are here but less active than a few years back. We still chat by PM once in a while. Most of my fans from 2007 have gone or if still around, are not reviewing and rarely post. But to make up for that, new friends come and I hope they'll stay.
Good posting. No spag do I see.
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2013
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I know how you feel. I've been here since 2006 or 2007, and many have come and gone. Many more have gone and come back, Bob (Mastery) being one of them. Last I heard -- about a year ago -- Captain Jack was alive and well and had lunch with one of my friends.
Some are here but less active than a few years back. We still chat by PM once in a while. Most of my fans from 2007 have gone or if still around, are not reviewing and rarely post. But to make up for that, new friends come and I hope they'll stay.
Good posting. No spag do I see.
Comment Written 14-Jan-2013
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2013
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Do me the kindest favour by letting Erik know that he still came in at #12 and I do miss the fun we had together. (Ask him about fake orgasms,,,that one got to him) You really have been here for a while. I see your name, but now I'll pay closer attention, ingrid
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Well, I haven't heard from Erik directly, but if I can, I'll pass this word on to him through our mutual friend.
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I really do appreciate that.
Comment from Spitfire
I assume from the horses you are talking about Susan whose prose is unbeatable. I suspect her health and her problems at home have worn her down. But oh I shall miss her. I do like it when a poet leaves he/she addresses us in a post.
Jack died? And what about Dan and Jim? The new rankings for short works are out and I fell eleven slots. But it's early yet. And anyway, the real fun is making friends.
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2013
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I assume from the horses you are talking about Susan whose prose is unbeatable. I suspect her health and her problems at home have worn her down. But oh I shall miss her. I do like it when a poet leaves he/she addresses us in a post.
Jack died? And what about Dan and Jim? The new rankings for short works are out and I fell eleven slots. But it's early yet. And anyway, the real fun is making friends.
Comment Written 14-Jan-2013
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2013
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I don't know for sure what happened to Erik (C Jack) he vanished. Dan got his shorts in a knot and simply quit. he really didn't like being challenged in any way. Loved his stuff, but learned how to throw rose petals his way instead of trying to engage in any conversation. I don't think I know who Jim is. Acronym?
I am highly suspect of the ratings. I've written 13 stories in 13 days and had enormous feedback, won contests and achieved recognized status in most. I did the cafeteria style posting to see what happens and I have everu intention of looking up the posts and adding up their points. It's not sour grapes. I think they make it up and I will ask for an explanation.
Yes, the relationships formed here are very meaningful. Susan is vulnerable but that in no way makes her talent diminish. Even though I know who broke her, what he fails to realize that maybe just writing, was enough for her. Instead he bullied her from what he perceived to be holding her back and totally robbed her of the pleasure of just being Realist101. If it was just about the $50 bucks or so, I'd have paid it on her behalf, but it went way beyond.
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I know who are you talking about with Susan.He thinks he's being helpful, but instead he discourages writers.
I wonder about the postings too. I wrote seven poems in that time period and dropped from 17 to 99. Well, it's taught me a lesson.
Stop obseessing over the site and ratings. From now on I'll write for the valuable feedback which is as it should be!
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I do too, but it seems there isn't a unversal set of rules. I asked for an explanation and they still haven't repkied.
Comment from DALLAS01
I've been around long enough now to notice some MIA's. I've also noticed that a few who have left. have resurfaced or may have had a change of heart. This site has been a real experience for me since I am by nature a text book introvert. Not that I don't like people. I do. They just wear me out after a while. Hear I can duck in and duck out.
There are a handful, including you, that if they disappeared from the site, I would probably lose interest.
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2013
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I've been around long enough now to notice some MIA's. I've also noticed that a few who have left. have resurfaced or may have had a change of heart. This site has been a real experience for me since I am by nature a text book introvert. Not that I don't like people. I do. They just wear me out after a while. Hear I can duck in and duck out.
There are a handful, including you, that if they disappeared from the site, I would probably lose interest.
Comment Written 13-Jan-2013
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2013
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I know and mirror your thoughts. You know, you are the first person, seriously, in my life who not only told me I was a good writer, but also went out, bought stamps and wrote my name on an envelope. You have absolutely no idea how you impacted my life. ingrid
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I'm sure there are many on this site that know what a good writer you are. they probably just assume that you already know that.
It was a joy to share that magazine with you. It is one of my favorites and I still believe it is a fit for you writing.
think I'll try going to bed by mid-night.
later
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It doesn't take away from the impact it had on me at the time. And now, I too know I am a good writer. Which is a good thing, because I'm still rotten about laundry.
Comment from Soledadpaz
First of all, I hope Captain Jack didn't die. Though I do wonder how you stay up in the rankings when you're not posting. But be that as it may, I see this site as a writer's platform to post and receive critiques of your work. I have seen some people get personal about it and that gets me down. I considered not re-upping this last year and I may not again this coming renewal, but I do want feedback on my work. I belong to another site that is pretty much strictly professional and I enjoy it quite a bit. I like that there are no rankings and no money changing hands. Just an exchange of critiques. I don't consider myself to be in a perpetual contest with anyone.
That said, this was an excellent piece, Ingrid. I've always enjoyed reading your work. The first piece I read, I didn't know it was you, something about being in a parking lot, it was funny as hell. Back in 2010 sometime.
I hope your friend doesn't let anything stop her from writing. Nobody is worth that.
Sol
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2013
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First of all, I hope Captain Jack didn't die. Though I do wonder how you stay up in the rankings when you're not posting. But be that as it may, I see this site as a writer's platform to post and receive critiques of your work. I have seen some people get personal about it and that gets me down. I considered not re-upping this last year and I may not again this coming renewal, but I do want feedback on my work. I belong to another site that is pretty much strictly professional and I enjoy it quite a bit. I like that there are no rankings and no money changing hands. Just an exchange of critiques. I don't consider myself to be in a perpetual contest with anyone.
That said, this was an excellent piece, Ingrid. I've always enjoyed reading your work. The first piece I read, I didn't know it was you, something about being in a parking lot, it was funny as hell. Back in 2010 sometime.
I hope your friend doesn't let anything stop her from writing. Nobody is worth that.
Sol
Comment Written 13-Jan-2013
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2013
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Me too, girl, but people sometime take different needs and expectationsfrom a single dimensional outlet for their creativity. What's the site you're talking about?
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Tis true. I received a lot of emotional feedback the first year I was here due to what I was writing. It's disabled for now, working on it. Getting ready to submit for critique on the other site. I'll pm you.
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Do that. My personal email is ingrid.thomson@qualigem.ca
Comment from ajdevore
Dear Ingrid,
It's good to know how your feel about us. I feel the same about many here as well. I still follow you and read every post. Unless I feel it's excellent and has moved me deeply, I pass. I think you know why. Still, I deeply admire you.
Anna
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2013
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Dear Ingrid,
It's good to know how your feel about us. I feel the same about many here as well. I still follow you and read every post. Unless I feel it's excellent and has moved me deeply, I pass. I think you know why. Still, I deeply admire you.
Anna
Comment Written 13-Jan-2013
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2013
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That's a very kind response. Yes, I have writers here as well, whom I enjoy, but my reviews got repitious and then I chose to simply enjoy their work and figure I got a bargain instead of having to shell out at the local store.
Do read some of Susan's posts before she decides to evaporate, She touches pain with intimacy and expectation. While not heallthy in her real world, the depth of her understanding is spactacular. She writes under the acroymn of Realist101 and was ranked, deservedly, in the number one position this year for short works.
Did I bark at you, by the way?
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Oh yeah. Kind of. I'm still mulling it over. Thing is this. When in my (humble and probably wrong) opinion when I see a word choice that could transform really good writing into pristine, I want to suggest it and maybe I just .... shouldn't.
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I do and especially, as it often is in my case, reading and reading your own stuff sometimes blinds you to repetition of the same word.
We all just do our best and tend to be a little more detailed who know us well and appreciate the feedback. There some her who are purely ego-driven and think each word they pen is gold...can't help those.
Comment from ExperiencingLiphe
I'm on and off a lot. I'm here for awhile and then gone for months. I get caught up in the real world as I think we all do. Me more so though. I liked this piece and I'm also glad I've gotten to know you on here. :)
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2013
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I'm on and off a lot. I'm here for awhile and then gone for months. I get caught up in the real world as I think we all do. Me more so though. I liked this piece and I'm also glad I've gotten to know you on here. :)
Comment Written 13-Jan-2013
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2013
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Not yet, I am absolutely certain I will horrify you in time.
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LOL. Give me your best shot :)
Comment from Sasha
This made me cry. I know who you are talking about and I love her so much. I love her writing, and I love her as a person. She will be missed and I do hope to be able to keep in touch with he. We all get tired of the excessive criticism but over all I must say, I have learned so much here from so many kind and helpful fans. You cannot please everyone and fortunately, I knew that from the start. This is a wonderful essay and one every new member should be required to read. Thanks for sharing your feelings with all of us. I am so grateful for people like you who are not afraid to speak their mind, have a marvelous sense of humor, and know how to stand up for us and yourself.
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2013
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This made me cry. I know who you are talking about and I love her so much. I love her writing, and I love her as a person. She will be missed and I do hope to be able to keep in touch with he. We all get tired of the excessive criticism but over all I must say, I have learned so much here from so many kind and helpful fans. You cannot please everyone and fortunately, I knew that from the start. This is a wonderful essay and one every new member should be required to read. Thanks for sharing your feelings with all of us. I am so grateful for people like you who are not afraid to speak their mind, have a marvelous sense of humor, and know how to stand up for us and yourself.
Comment Written 13-Jan-2013
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2013
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But somehow, despite the talent, she succumbed to a bully who robbed her of all the prestige and self esteem she owned. Sure, I have and can still get angry with her about the vulnerability, the holes in the fence and the perpetuator doesn't even merit an acknowledgement. He knew exactly what he was doing and used it to his advantage.
In the end everybody lost something.
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Yes, she is so vulnerable. I have spoken to her several times over the phone and she has had a hard time accepting (or not accepting) the pain his cruelty has caused. She is so alienated and feels all alone in her misery. I can only offer support and even that is not enough.