Comment from MelB

Excellent

I love this story, Patty! What a kind woman that lived next door to you. She was encouraging and built you up. It'd be nice if more people did this for kids in the world.

 Comment Written 08-Jan-2018

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reply by the author on 08-Jan-2018

Hi, Melissa;

I was very fortunate to have several women in the neighborhood. I was always welcome to knock on their doors, and either watch television with them or just sit at the kitchen table and chat. With all the problems at home, these women helped me to keep my sanity. They gave me self-worth and a feeling of security that just didn't exist at my house,

~patty~

Comment from apky

Excellent

Oh for the Good Old Days, when we were all so loving and caring of each other, including our young ones in the community. Today, "Mrs Mortensen" would laugh out loud and probably send you packing because she has to watch that reality TV show with neighbours putting each other down in the most obnoxious way!

I love your father's pragmatism about what being a professional means!

First, I had to come up with the story, and then I needed to draw the pictures to compliment(complement) each page.

dear."(line break here)
With a broad smile on my face, I took the dollar.

The Mortenson's had a colored TV ~ The Mortensons. I don't know if in US English you do the plural with an apostrophe, because I've come across similar noun plurals written as a singular possessive noun.

Mr. Mortenson's recliner ~ Here, the apostrophe is correct.

 Comment Written 08-Jan-2018

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reply by the author on 08-Jan-2018

Hi, Aki;
Thank you so much for the R&R, and for pointing out a few flaws. I did go back and do the edits. It is nice to know I have someone watching my back.

Yes, I was lucky to have a few women in the neighborhood who acted as surrogate mothers when I needed love and affection that couldn't be found at home. I'm not sure what kind of person I would be, had it not been for them,

~patty~

Comment from patcelaw

Exceptional

Patty, this story is worth a six in my book and I loved reading it. It reminds me of selling a piece of art work I did as a teen. It was a pencil drawing of a football player as he punted the ball. It was quite good and a friend from school liked it and bought it from me for $10 so I guess I would be considered a professional artist. Patricia

 Comment Written 08-Jan-2018

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reply by the author on 08-Jan-2018

Hi, Patricia;
Oh, my!! I'm so thankful for this wonderful rating. I'm glad I could bring a smile to your face as you read about my childhood. I was such a little peanut and I was lucky to have caring neighbors,

~patty~

Comment from Sharon Haiste

Excellent

This is a good story, well written, easy and clear to read.
Very well done.
It's obvious that you have been a 'professional' writer for a long time.
Did you sell any more of your books?
Sharon

 Comment Written 08-Jan-2018

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reply by the author on 08-Jan-2018

Hi, Sharon;
Thank you for the R&R. Yes, it took years, but I have sold two novels in the past year, and I'm writing my Howie and Bernie stories for monthly newsletters that are distributed by veterinarians. I think I always knew I wanted to be a writer, and I was lucky enough to have encouragement from an early age,

~patty~

Comment from Dean Kuch

Excellent

Okay, now that you have my attention I'm all eyes...

I was a professional too, Patty.
A trouble maker.
Only my "pay" wasn't in monetary value. I paid for my shenanigans by having my dad blister my hide, LOL.
Oh, I was paid back for my despicable dastardly deeds.
I can assure you!

Cute story.
~Dean

 Comment Written 08-Jan-2018

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reply by the author on 08-Jan-2018

Hi, Dean;
Thank you so much for the R&R of this piece. I did write when I was a child, but since I hadn't really lived or experienced anything, those stories were cute but didn't have much substance.

Not surprising to find out you were a professional trouble-maker. I guess we all have our checkered pasts,

~patty~

Comment from Teri7

Excellent

Patty, This is an adorable and well told story. You used very good and cute wording. The picture you used went really well with your words. Great job my friend. I wish I could remember back to my childhood. I can remember bits and pieces. Maybe one day I will write part fiction and part non fiction too! love, Teri

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 Comment Written 08-Jan-2018

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reply by the author on 08-Jan-2018

Hi, Teri;
Thank you so much for the R&R of this piece. I did write when I was a child, but since I hadn't really lived or experienced anything, those stories were cute but didn't have much substance.

~patty~

Comment from Sandra du Plessis

Excellent

A very well-written story about your professional writing career that started at a very young age and it seems you must have been a professional sales Lady too. Lol

This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.

 Comment Written 08-Jan-2018

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reply by the author on 08-Jan-2018

Hi, Sandra;
Thank you so much for the R&R of this piece. I did write when I was a child, but since I hadn't really lived or experienced anything, those stories were cute but didn't have much substance. Not sure where the salesmanship went; I did horrible at trying to be an Avon lady.

~patty~