Something Gained in Translation
A true story told in 80 words8 total reviews
Comment from Aussie
What's in a word? Much can change in translation. One word can mean three things IE you can row a boat, have a row (fight) and count a row of bottles! Liked your Flash Fiction. Kids are a never ending source of amusement. If you know what they say and say what they know...what fun.
Good luck Mary. K XX
reply by the author on 25-Mar-2021
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What's in a word? Much can change in translation. One word can mean three things IE you can row a boat, have a row (fight) and count a row of bottles! Liked your Flash Fiction. Kids are a never ending source of amusement. If you know what they say and say what they know...what fun.
Good luck Mary. K XX
Comment Written 25-Mar-2021
reply by the author on 25-Mar-2021
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Thank you so much for your fun review and for the lovely six stars. I appreciate your good wishes.
Comment from Melissa Russell Deur
That's a great story for this contest. I was expecting Mike to repeat "stash" and tell a story involving a sack of coins or drugs. (Didn't know he was a first-grader until I read your notes.) The artwork points the reader in the right direction, but I read the story first before I focused on the art. So I assumed the staff belonged to a shepherd. "Musician" was a fun surprise.
reply by the author on 24-Mar-2021
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That's a great story for this contest. I was expecting Mike to repeat "stash" and tell a story involving a sack of coins or drugs. (Didn't know he was a first-grader until I read your notes.) The artwork points the reader in the right direction, but I read the story first before I focused on the art. So I assumed the staff belonged to a shepherd. "Musician" was a fun surprise.
Comment Written 24-Mar-2021
reply by the author on 24-Mar-2021
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When he used the word ?stash?, I worried a bit that I?d have to get into definitions, But his gestures reassured me. Thanks for reading.
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It reads very smoothly. I tend to start making up my own endings when you redirect me with another word. That's why your ending surprised me. It's a good thing.
Comment from lyenochka
Wow, did Charlie take music lessons so even in first grade, he new what a musical "staff" was? I also think that it's marvelous that he had such interest in Mike's story. Most kids are usually impatient listening or fretting about their turn to speak. Best wishes in the contest!
reply by the author on 24-Mar-2021
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Wow, did Charlie take music lessons so even in first grade, he new what a musical "staff" was? I also think that it's marvelous that he had such interest in Mike's story. Most kids are usually impatient listening or fretting about their turn to speak. Best wishes in the contest!
Comment Written 24-Mar-2021
reply by the author on 24-Mar-2021
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Thank you so much. It amazed me that Charlie associated staffs (staves) with music, and still more that he was such a good listener. It sounds as if you were once a teacher,too. Thanks for your kind review.
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I see I mistyped 'new' for 'knew' lol. I briefly taught ESL but mostly I'm remembering being a student. 😊
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Somehow I new you really new.
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Lol! 😊 You are gracious!
Comment from Mastery
Hi Mary. This is a well crafted 80 word Flash. Trouble is, I don't get it?
Are we speaking of a "staff" as in music?. Wow! This is still a stretch to be honest, Mary. It is not humorous, nor educational, really.
But it could just be me. I am thick sometimes for sure, Bless you. Bob
reply by the author on 24-Mar-2021
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Hi Mary. This is a well crafted 80 word Flash. Trouble is, I don't get it?
Are we speaking of a "staff" as in music?. Wow! This is still a stretch to be honest, Mary. It is not humorous, nor educational, really.
But it could just be me. I am thick sometimes for sure, Bless you. Bob
Comment Written 24-Mar-2021
reply by the author on 24-Mar-2021
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Mike is speaking of a walking stick. Charlie thinks of a musical staff. Thanks for reading.
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Okee dokee. :) Bob
Comment from Anne Johnston
A very interesting story, showing us how words have different meanings to different people. Cute how the one interpreted the word staff to be something about music - perhaps he plays the piano.
reply by the author on 24-Mar-2021
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A very interesting story, showing us how words have different meanings to different people. Cute how the one interpreted the word staff to be something about music - perhaps he plays the piano.
Comment Written 24-Mar-2021
reply by the author on 24-Mar-2021
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Thank you so much for your kind review. I don't think Charlie played the piano as he was from a very poor family that couldn't afford such things. But we did have music teachers, who must have used the word.
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You are welcome.
Comment from RodG
I love how you can use your own background as a teacher to write these ultra-short stories. First-graders are so exuberant and can be wonderful critics. You do an excellent job of characterizing both Mike and Charlie in only eighty well-chosen words. Rod
reply by the author on 24-Mar-2021
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I love how you can use your own background as a teacher to write these ultra-short stories. First-graders are so exuberant and can be wonderful critics. You do an excellent job of characterizing both Mike and Charlie in only eighty well-chosen words. Rod
Comment Written 24-Mar-2021
reply by the author on 24-Mar-2021
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Thank you, Rod, for a very thoughtful and encouraging review.
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My pleasure.
Comment from lancellot
Ah, yes, we hear so many hard and sad stories it easy to forget all the positive interactions between people and young kids. It is nice to hear or read about it, as it reminds us that the sun still shines and their is good in the world too.
Great entry.
reply by the author on 24-Mar-2021
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Ah, yes, we hear so many hard and sad stories it easy to forget all the positive interactions between people and young kids. It is nice to hear or read about it, as it reminds us that the sun still shines and their is good in the world too.
Great entry.
Comment Written 24-Mar-2021
reply by the author on 24-Mar-2021
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Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtrul review.
Comment from Susan Newell
Cute story about words that have multiple meanings. I am sure you have many similar ones to tell. Imwas afraid that in today's world, the giant really did have a "stash."
reply by the author on 24-Mar-2021
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Cute story about words that have multiple meanings. I am sure you have many similar ones to tell. Imwas afraid that in today's world, the giant really did have a "stash."
Comment Written 24-Mar-2021
reply by the author on 24-Mar-2021
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At the time, I was similarly afraid, but fortunately, his gestures seemed to indicate a 'staff' rather than a drug habit. Thanks for your kind review.
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You ate welcome, and I am relieved.
