Unfinished Brushstrokes
Viewing comments for Chapter 24 "Unfinished Brushstrokes Chap 24"story of love, loss, new beginnings and secrets.
14 total reviews
Comment from prettybluebirds
S0, now Jenna needs to find her father. Your story is heartwarming and touching. It is a feel-good story, and I absorb every word. Excellent work, my friend.
reply by the author on 30-Jul-2024
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S0, now Jenna needs to find her father. Your story is heartwarming and touching. It is a feel-good story, and I absorb every word. Excellent work, my friend.
Comment Written 29-Jul-2024
reply by the author on 30-Jul-2024
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I think that's what I needed right now...Something to lift up my heart and have fun with. I am thrilled you enjoy it!
Smiles, Carol
Comment from Ulla
This chapter means more to me than you might imagine. My real mother had to give me up for very similar reasons, and I spent my first two and a half years in an orphanage until I was adopted. In 2003 looked for and found both my parents in the US. They never married and lost contact with each other when my mother was pregnant. A long and complicated but fascinating story. My mother was Danish, my father an American. So by blood I'm half of each. I now have a very close relationship with my brother and family in Mass. We share the same father.
Your story brought all this on. How could it not? It's rather close to my heart. A big hug, Ulla xcx
reply by the author on 26-Jul-2024
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This chapter means more to me than you might imagine. My real mother had to give me up for very similar reasons, and I spent my first two and a half years in an orphanage until I was adopted. In 2003 looked for and found both my parents in the US. They never married and lost contact with each other when my mother was pregnant. A long and complicated but fascinating story. My mother was Danish, my father an American. So by blood I'm half of each. I now have a very close relationship with my brother and family in Mass. We share the same father.
Your story brought all this on. How could it not? It's rather close to my heart. A big hug, Ulla xcx
Comment Written 26-Jul-2024
reply by the author on 26-Jul-2024
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I am thrilled for you, Ulla. Family is special. As yu can see by my writing, I am a romantic at heart and love pouring on the love while of course murdering people too. LOL I am so glad you enjoyed this part of the story. Finale on Sunday! And a possible story in the works with some of the same characters...It seems I've had several requests to do so.
Love ya, Carol
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Xxx
Comment from davisr (Rhonda)
A heartwarming chapter, my friend. We learn so much about Eleanor's feelings as she has to let go of a precious tie between her and Charles. A sweet baby girl. She has a scrapbook of letters and pictures, showing how she did her best to keep up with her child from afar.
We also learn of a mysterious person who sent letters to Eleanor and kept up with her even to the present.
Great chapter,
Rhonda
reply by the author on 26-Jul-2024
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A heartwarming chapter, my friend. We learn so much about Eleanor's feelings as she has to let go of a precious tie between her and Charles. A sweet baby girl. She has a scrapbook of letters and pictures, showing how she did her best to keep up with her child from afar.
We also learn of a mysterious person who sent letters to Eleanor and kept up with her even to the present.
Great chapter,
Rhonda
Comment Written 26-Jul-2024
reply by the author on 26-Jul-2024
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Well, Rhonda as you see this one is about to wrap up. I hate to see my characters disappear because I've grown so attached, Glad you enjoyed the story.
Smiles, Carol
Comment from Carol Hillebrenner
It is not surprising that Jenna gets along so well with Dylan as they are, unknown to them, first cousins. They both share an interest in art, and he will be amazed to know his uncle had a daughter, as will his uncle. This has been a lovely chapter of finding family unexpectedly.
reply by the author on 26-Jul-2024
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It is not surprising that Jenna gets along so well with Dylan as they are, unknown to them, first cousins. They both share an interest in art, and he will be amazed to know his uncle had a daughter, as will his uncle. This has been a lovely chapter of finding family unexpectedly.
Comment Written 25-Jul-2024
reply by the author on 26-Jul-2024
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Thanks, Carol...I am so thrilled to be able to bring some sunshine and hope into the ending of this story. I've grown attached to my characters and wished them the best. I'm such a sappy author. LOL I appreciate your comments and for sticking with the story.
Smiles, Carol
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I don't see much point in stories that end badly.
Comment from lyenochka
Quick! Jenna has to tell Dylan soon so that he can tell Charles about his newly found cousin. Can cousins get married? I was thinking they were meant for one another. Anyway, this was a great chapter and one that every adopted person would envy to have a life like Jenna's.
reply by the author on 26-Jul-2024
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Quick! Jenna has to tell Dylan soon so that he can tell Charles about his newly found cousin. Can cousins get married? I was thinking they were meant for one another. Anyway, this was a great chapter and one that every adopted person would envy to have a life like Jenna's.
Comment Written 25-Jul-2024
reply by the author on 26-Jul-2024
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i am thrilled Helen that this story came together so we and that I could put a happy ending on it. I really enjoyed writing and it's sad to say goodbye to Eleanor. Maybe she will come back to visit us. I appreciate you more than you know.
Love ya, Carol
Comment from karenina
I must be getting really mushy in my old age. Everything about this chapter tugged at my heart. You are brilliant to give us Jenna's background through letters that were written to Eleanor -- I'd wish that blessing on any mother who had to make the difficult decision to give their child up for adoption in order to give them the best possible life. I always believed love lasted through death into eternity and this chapter affirms that.
I'm curious who sent the letters, I am happily anticipating some sort of magical reunion with Jenna, Eleanor, and Charles... I want to know how Dylan takes the news...
However will you do this in just a few more chapters? I keep telling you there's a Novel number II waiting to be written!
Eleanor as Ghost/Super Detective, Jenna as Journalist-- and hey, a bit of Garth and maybe even Donatelli!
(Not that I'm addicted or anything...LOL)
Bravo!
Karenina
reply by the author on 25-Jul-2024
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I must be getting really mushy in my old age. Everything about this chapter tugged at my heart. You are brilliant to give us Jenna's background through letters that were written to Eleanor -- I'd wish that blessing on any mother who had to make the difficult decision to give their child up for adoption in order to give them the best possible life. I always believed love lasted through death into eternity and this chapter affirms that.
I'm curious who sent the letters, I am happily anticipating some sort of magical reunion with Jenna, Eleanor, and Charles... I want to know how Dylan takes the news...
However will you do this in just a few more chapters? I keep telling you there's a Novel number II waiting to be written!
Eleanor as Ghost/Super Detective, Jenna as Journalist-- and hey, a bit of Garth and maybe even Donatelli!
(Not that I'm addicted or anything...LOL)
Bravo!
Karenina
Comment Written 25-Jul-2024
reply by the author on 25-Jul-2024
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I'm addicted! And I cried with every word I wrote. It seems like I've hit a heartstring or two with many of the readers. I was afraid they would think I got too soft at the end, but I think it's exactly what it needed.
Between cutting trees, tending blisters from the saw, poison ivy and pure sweat, I don't know if I've got another story in me right now. iF YOU BELIEVE THAT, I WILL SELL YOU THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE! LOL
Already working on it, girl friend! LOL How are you finding time to read my story? Take care .......
Smiles, hugs, and love...Carol
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I have zero willpower. I could not leave it until bedtime! LOL....
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You are a special one!
Comment from BOO ghost
Appears these love letters contain key clues to this story. I can peep at the character list if I get confused about who is who? Reading...it's helpful to have a quickie summary. "If I had known I had all this piss and vinegar in me, I might not have stayed locked behind closed doors with my paintings, shutting people out." A flash of sadness passed through her eyes. Oh, that paragraph is humorous! Piss and vinegar. Reading...Eleanor laughed with her friend. "I told you that you'd never get rid of me." You can't escape a Ghost! Jenna is Jennifer? Read the first letter to Jennifer. It just had been a difficult decision to place Jennifer in a Foster Home. I suppose, if a mother lacks the doubloon financial and is an unfit mother, adoption is not a terrible option, but sooner or later the child wants answers to the riddle, why was I given away? Maybe these letters with sooth her mind and calm her spirit. Reading...Dear Tom and Nancy, this appears to be the Foster Home parents, P.S. I've been told that you changed her name from Jennifer to Jenna. It's a beautiful name for a precious little girl. This answers my previous question? But BOO has a question? Shouldn't a mother try to take care of a baby and not so quickly decide to put up the child for adoption. A trial period to see if the mother can provide a good home. Nothing beats a real mom's love, and proof of it is, the child goes from one Foster Home to another. It's a mental thing that your own Mother gave you up for adoption. Words really can't heal the hurt. Adoption should be the final option. Reading the rest of this story, Jenna's eyes filled with fresh tears as she looked at Eleanor. "I read everything. I understand why you did what you did. But it doesn't make it any less painful. It was only by fate that I moved next door." Well, it's a good thing that this Ghost, the mother could provide letters of love after death. Most deceased parents don't get a second chance to make matters better for their child, not knowing their true parents and living together. I wrote a story about Runaways who escaped from an Orphanage at St. Joseph in Abilene. So, I tinkered a lot about Runaways! The father was in WWII and shot down in a B-17 bomber Superfortress and the mother was kidnapped by a German spy! The uncle turned them over to an Orphanage. These love letters read well and provide answers, I'm getting a grasp on the story and characters now! The love letters look eloquently! A fabulous piece of work which includes vivid imagination and hard, grit work to create this book. Enjoying the story, have a super duper day! People do appreciate what others write and learn from it!
BOO!
reply by the author on 26-Jul-2024
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Appears these love letters contain key clues to this story. I can peep at the character list if I get confused about who is who? Reading...it's helpful to have a quickie summary. "If I had known I had all this piss and vinegar in me, I might not have stayed locked behind closed doors with my paintings, shutting people out." A flash of sadness passed through her eyes. Oh, that paragraph is humorous! Piss and vinegar. Reading...Eleanor laughed with her friend. "I told you that you'd never get rid of me." You can't escape a Ghost! Jenna is Jennifer? Read the first letter to Jennifer. It just had been a difficult decision to place Jennifer in a Foster Home. I suppose, if a mother lacks the doubloon financial and is an unfit mother, adoption is not a terrible option, but sooner or later the child wants answers to the riddle, why was I given away? Maybe these letters with sooth her mind and calm her spirit. Reading...Dear Tom and Nancy, this appears to be the Foster Home parents, P.S. I've been told that you changed her name from Jennifer to Jenna. It's a beautiful name for a precious little girl. This answers my previous question? But BOO has a question? Shouldn't a mother try to take care of a baby and not so quickly decide to put up the child for adoption. A trial period to see if the mother can provide a good home. Nothing beats a real mom's love, and proof of it is, the child goes from one Foster Home to another. It's a mental thing that your own Mother gave you up for adoption. Words really can't heal the hurt. Adoption should be the final option. Reading the rest of this story, Jenna's eyes filled with fresh tears as she looked at Eleanor. "I read everything. I understand why you did what you did. But it doesn't make it any less painful. It was only by fate that I moved next door." Well, it's a good thing that this Ghost, the mother could provide letters of love after death. Most deceased parents don't get a second chance to make matters better for their child, not knowing their true parents and living together. I wrote a story about Runaways who escaped from an Orphanage at St. Joseph in Abilene. So, I tinkered a lot about Runaways! The father was in WWII and shot down in a B-17 bomber Superfortress and the mother was kidnapped by a German spy! The uncle turned them over to an Orphanage. These love letters read well and provide answers, I'm getting a grasp on the story and characters now! The love letters look eloquently! A fabulous piece of work which includes vivid imagination and hard, grit work to create this book. Enjoying the story, have a super duper day! People do appreciate what others write and learn from it!
BOO!
Comment Written 25-Jul-2024
reply by the author on 26-Jul-2024
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To answer your question about should a mother try to take care of a baby...of course, if it's possible. You must remember that the baby was born during the war and there was very little money. Eleanor felt she was young and not capable of giving her the life she deserves. It wasn't an easy decision and by the letters yo can see she never forgot her. Sometimes we have to make decisions that we wish we didn't.
I appreciate all your kindness and effort in reading my story. I am thrilled that you enjoyed it and understood my characters. I as the author always put my heart into each word so it touches me that you could see that. thank you so much for your review, comments, and kindness.
Smiles, Carol
Comment from royowen
You always tie up loose strings, unlike those stories that leave one hanging like a sock from overhead wires, this episide brought tears to my eyes, because there are similarities in my life, which, because of my loving relationships, I won't divulge even with my knowledge of loving people in my life, thank you most sincerely for your talent and your tender her, bruised heart, blessings Roy
reply by the author on 26-Jul-2024
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You always tie up loose strings, unlike those stories that leave one hanging like a sock from overhead wires, this episide brought tears to my eyes, because there are similarities in my life, which, because of my loving relationships, I won't divulge even with my knowledge of loving people in my life, thank you most sincerely for your talent and your tender her, bruised heart, blessings Roy
Comment Written 25-Jul-2024
reply by the author on 26-Jul-2024
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Oh, Roy, your words touch me more than you can know. I have felt a special blessing while writing this story. I finally felt a burden being lifted from my shoulders and it was a joy to make Eleanor come alive so to speak. I am beyond grateful that the story touched you and that you gained so much from it. And your comments and thoughts brought tears to my eyes...I am so sappy at times, but blessed.
Smiles, Carol
Comment from LJbutterfly
This story is coming to an end. I'm going to miss Eleanor and Jenna. You developed them to the point that I feel they are real people I know and care about. You created them and must feel even closer. You are a master of writing about love.
The letters were a brilliant addition that added extra depth to Eleanor's story. I tried to imagine who might have written them. I can't wait to find out. After Dylan tells Charles about Jenna, I wonder if they will ever meet. I shouldn't ask questions about what's going to happen, because you never leave loose ends. That is why your stories are so satisfying.
reply by the author on 26-Jul-2024
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This story is coming to an end. I'm going to miss Eleanor and Jenna. You developed them to the point that I feel they are real people I know and care about. You created them and must feel even closer. You are a master of writing about love.
The letters were a brilliant addition that added extra depth to Eleanor's story. I tried to imagine who might have written them. I can't wait to find out. After Dylan tells Charles about Jenna, I wonder if they will ever meet. I shouldn't ask questions about what's going to happen, because you never leave loose ends. That is why your stories are so satisfying.
Comment Written 25-Jul-2024
reply by the author on 26-Jul-2024
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I know, Lorraine. I became quite attached t them also. Matter of fact, I cried while writing these final chapters as if I was actually telling them goodbye. Silly me!
I thought the letters gave closure to Jenna, Eleanor, and the reader so that they knew what Eleanor had felt all those years after giving Jenna up for adoption. It hadn't been an easy decision and probably the reason she locked herself away with a secret life and painting. Her two loves - Charles and Jenna were just memories to hold on to.
Thank you so much for loving the story and for sticking with me throughout. I appreciate it very much.
Smiles, Carol
Comment from barbara.wilkey
I have a feeling Jenna's relationship with Dylan is going to get stronger too. You're wrapping this up in a tiny little bow. I am wondering about Matthew's and Garth's relationship.
You've brought the family back together and finished up what you needed to do." (you can omit 'up')
Eleanor allowed her earthly form to take shape before she spoke. "Jenna, I'm so sorry for not telling you sooner." (spoke,)
reply by the author on 25-Jul-2024
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I have a feeling Jenna's relationship with Dylan is going to get stronger too. You're wrapping this up in a tiny little bow. I am wondering about Matthew's and Garth's relationship.
You've brought the family back together and finished up what you needed to do." (you can omit 'up')
Eleanor allowed her earthly form to take shape before she spoke. "Jenna, I'm so sorry for not telling you sooner." (spoke,)
Comment Written 25-Jul-2024
reply by the author on 25-Jul-2024
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Garth and Matthew managed to work together and that's probably as far as they will get this go around... a big accomplishment for the hard headed Italian.
and Eleanor learned a few things about herself and a lot about her family. Hopefully she's got the ball rolling in the right direction.
Hope you enjoy the next two chapters as it wraps up.
Smiles, Carol
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I'm sure Eleanor did learn a lot. Okay, with Matthew and Garth. They need to meet again. Those two would be great together, especially with the fireworks.