Prospecting for gemstones
I never would have imagined I'd be ...29 total reviews
Comment from GoWiSt
"I never would have imagined I'd be ...
Prospecting for gemstones" Mmm, sounds interesting, and potentially financially rewarding.
Very nice. Is it autobiographical? Being a good parent and teacher is being a real-life hero, in my opinion. I'd take that over Indiana Jones, Superman or Catwoman any day.
Good luck in the contest!
reply by the author on 03-Aug-2024
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"I never would have imagined I'd be ...
Prospecting for gemstones" Mmm, sounds interesting, and potentially financially rewarding.
Very nice. Is it autobiographical? Being a good parent and teacher is being a real-life hero, in my opinion. I'd take that over Indiana Jones, Superman or Catwoman any day.
Good luck in the contest!
Comment Written 03-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 03-Aug-2024
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Thank you so much. Yes, all true. But not real gemstones. Just the gemstones of precious and valuable life experiences. Yes , you are right. Doing "ordinary" things well is probably more important and needed than doing a single heroic act or being recognised for some wonderful achievement that will not last anyway. Many thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it a lot, as well as your good wishes.
Wendy
Comment from Mintybee
This was a very satisfying personal essay; you start with a sense of longing and end with purpose. This is, I think, how a lot of writers feel when they get reactions. It is a good feeling to strike a chord with your readers. I wish you the best in your future writing endeavors.
Mintybee
reply by the author on 03-Aug-2024
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This was a very satisfying personal essay; you start with a sense of longing and end with purpose. This is, I think, how a lot of writers feel when they get reactions. It is a good feeling to strike a chord with your readers. I wish you the best in your future writing endeavors.
Mintybee
Comment Written 03-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 03-Aug-2024
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Yes, you are exactly right! It is that feeling of connection which is really important, and I think a lifetime of using one's gifts to the best of one's ability is probably better than being known for a single act of heroism. Thanks so much for your insightful review.
Wendy
Comment from GWHARGIS
I for on, thank God that I stumbled onto your writing on here. Things you think are mundane and ordinary are very interesting to me. I live a pretty low key life. But I do love writing. I figure, if God makes you good at something, do it. Writes, artists, even athletes, let the common man escape reality, even if it's just for a few minutes. This was a great entry. Gretchen
reply by the author on 03-Aug-2024
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I for on, thank God that I stumbled onto your writing on here. Things you think are mundane and ordinary are very interesting to me. I live a pretty low key life. But I do love writing. I figure, if God makes you good at something, do it. Writes, artists, even athletes, let the common man escape reality, even if it's just for a few minutes. This was a great entry. Gretchen
Comment Written 03-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 03-Aug-2024
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Yes, you are right. Any gift is to be used to the best of one's ability. We can't all do great things, but we can at least do little things well. Thanks so much for your thoughtful and encouraaging review. I appreciate your words.
Wendy
Comment from Tom Horonzy
Well, you certainly have stopped and not only smelled the roses but picked a few dozen daisies, too, and then, in turn, instead of keeping them for yourself, you share them with the world. Thank you.
reply by the author on 03-Aug-2024
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Well, you certainly have stopped and not only smelled the roses but picked a few dozen daisies, too, and then, in turn, instead of keeping them for yourself, you share them with the world. Thank you.
Comment Written 03-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 03-Aug-2024
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Many thanks for reviewing Tom. I like your analogy! There is another little saying. If you cannot do great things, then you can do litle things in a great way. I'll aim for that.
Wendy
Comment from Katherine M. (k-11)
Revised rating in function of revised starting words. This works really well, and does of course bring you into line with the contest requirements. k
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The repetitions of 'I never would have imagined...' work well and give a good flow. Unfortunately they also contribute to lengthening the piece, perhaps too much so. Also, you don't actually start with this tag - aren't you in danger of falling foul of the prompt requirements? I would revise the structure of this piece in your place. kay
reply by the author on 03-Aug-2024
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Revised rating in function of revised starting words. This works really well, and does of course bring you into line with the contest requirements. k
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The repetitions of 'I never would have imagined...' work well and give a good flow. Unfortunately they also contribute to lengthening the piece, perhaps too much so. Also, you don't actually start with this tag - aren't you in danger of falling foul of the prompt requirements? I would revise the structure of this piece in your place. kay
Comment Written 03-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 03-Aug-2024
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Thank you Kay for reviewing. I appreciate your thoughts. Perhaps it is too long, but I have read it again and there's nothing I want to leave out. I'll see if I can say some things slightly differently. However your point about not starting with the phrase was very important, so I have adjusted it to suit the contest. Unfortunately perhaps, it is now even longer! Thanks again.
Wendy
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I really like the new (acceptable) beginning, and have revised my rating accordingly
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Thank you.
Comment from Jesse James Doty
You laid this out quite well. Each beginning of every paragraph started with I never would have imagined.
You led the reader to believe you were going to hunt for real gemstones. You covered all the different achievements in your life up until now. Then, in the end, you decide that being ordinary is okay with you and you will continue to be for the rest of your life.
Well written and entertaining to boot.
Jesse
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reply by the author on 03-Aug-2024
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You laid this out quite well. Each beginning of every paragraph started with I never would have imagined.
You led the reader to believe you were going to hunt for real gemstones. You covered all the different achievements in your life up until now. Then, in the end, you decide that being ordinary is okay with you and you will continue to be for the rest of your life.
Well written and entertaining to boot.
Jesse
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 03-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 03-Aug-2024
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Thanks so much for your positive and encouraging review. I appreciate it.
Wendy
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You're welcome, Wendy.
Have a good day.
Jesse
Comment from BethShelby
There is nothing ordinary about you lady. Of all the people on this site I admire your uniqueness an desire to serve. All the things you do for others, like the severely disabled child you raised, the dog your take to be service animal to cheer others, the special things you do with each of grandchildren. I've never met anyone who seems so willing to do so much for others. I can certainly identify with the pleasure found in writing but I think your desire to do for others makes you really stand out above the crowd.
reply by the author on 03-Aug-2024
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There is nothing ordinary about you lady. Of all the people on this site I admire your uniqueness an desire to serve. All the things you do for others, like the severely disabled child you raised, the dog your take to be service animal to cheer others, the special things you do with each of grandchildren. I've never met anyone who seems so willing to do so much for others. I can certainly identify with the pleasure found in writing but I think your desire to do for others makes you really stand out above the crowd.
Comment Written 03-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 03-Aug-2024
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Wow, that is such an amazing, and very encouraging, review, Beth, I appreciate it enormously, along with the honour of six stars! Thank you so very much.
Wendy
Comment from Begin Again
Oh, WEndy, you should have waited till Sunday...I don't have a six and this deserves a ten! I could relate to every word as if you might have been writing my story too. (Including the thoughts of cremation and why). I burnt my knuckle and finger on the stove rack the other day and now every time I type, I see it and shiver. Silly!
There aren't ordinary people - in God's eyes we all are special and we all have a "gift" we are to give back to this world. Some take longer than others to find it, but it's there. It might be small or it might be big, but it's importance is great regardless.
Thank you for sharing this awesome write. I was touched by every word.
Smiles and hugs, Carol
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
reply by the author on 03-Aug-2024
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Oh, WEndy, you should have waited till Sunday...I don't have a six and this deserves a ten! I could relate to every word as if you might have been writing my story too. (Including the thoughts of cremation and why). I burnt my knuckle and finger on the stove rack the other day and now every time I type, I see it and shiver. Silly!
There aren't ordinary people - in God's eyes we all are special and we all have a "gift" we are to give back to this world. Some take longer than others to find it, but it's there. It might be small or it might be big, but it's importance is great regardless.
Thank you for sharing this awesome write. I was touched by every word.
Smiles and hugs, Carol
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 03-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 03-Aug-2024
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Thank you so much for this lovely review! Yes, we are all special in His eyes, even if not in the world's eyes. Your words are so warm and encouraging - so greatly appreciated.
(Btw I have something else ready for Sunday.)
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Great! I look forward to it!
Comment from Wayne Fowler
Excellent writing! Very un-ordinary, extraordinary, if you were to ask me.
I believe success is the result of much, very much, training and practice. A person has to first be willing to accept instruction.
Best wishes.
reply by the author on 03-Aug-2024
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Excellent writing! Very un-ordinary, extraordinary, if you were to ask me.
I believe success is the result of much, very much, training and practice. A person has to first be willing to accept instruction.
Best wishes.
Comment Written 03-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 03-Aug-2024
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Thank you very much Wayne. What an encouraging review, along with the valued six stars. I am very appreciative.
Wendy