Reviews from

Mask

we all wear one

34 total reviews 
Comment from Navada
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is so very poignant. Poor Jasper. There are so many people in our community who live this way. I wish I had six stars left to give you. This story reveals the true impact and emotional devastation of "showing and not telling". Lovely writing!

 Comment Written 28-Oct-2023

Comment from Rachelle Allen
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is exactly why I love to teach my voice, flute and piano lessons in students' homes. Because I'm there every week, I become invisible to the adults in the house. It's like "Ho-hum; Aunt Rachelle here for her weekly visit." So I get to observe there unmasked personalities. This tableau you've created of Jasper-at-home versus Jasper-outside-his-house is done perfectly. I can see why it ranked so high in the ATB. Impressive work.

 Comment Written 24-Sep-2023


reply by the author on 25-Sep-2023
    Many thanks for checking this one out. GMG
Comment from Karen Cherry Threadgill
Excellent
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Oh, this is lovely. A complete story, telling his whole life in this small tale. We can smell the food she cooks as well. His weariness, and his sadness we feel as he drags himself to his tiny room. And the story is finished with him going through the motions one more time. Just wonderful. Karen

 Comment Written 24-Sep-2023


reply by the author on 25-Sep-2023
    Many thanks, Karen. Always appreciated. GMG
reply by Karen Cherry Threadgill on 25-Sep-2023
    It is a heartgrabbing love story.
    I loved it. Karen
Comment from Liz O'Neill
Excellent
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This is quite a commentary on masks. It's interesting because for me as Halloween is on its way. My thoughts are opposite of what this character thought. I think that the best time, my favorite holiday is Halloween because people can wear a mask and be themselves. A poignant story.

 Comment Written 24-Sep-2023


reply by the author on 24-Sep-2023
    It is true that a lot of folk hide behind the anonymity of the mask and express themselves as they truly wish without the worry of identification - slightly worrying as that might be!

    It's my daughter's favourite time of the year as well (she's 12) and the one time she doesn't mind folk staring (she has autism and a whole host of other diagnosis!). She loves it

    many thanks
    G
Comment from lancellot
Excellent
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Hmm, yes, Jasper seemed happy on the outside, in public, but seemed to live a self imposed lonely life within the walls of his life. It appears his spouse is gone, for at least three years.

notes:

and shuffled through to the small lounge where a thin {slither} of early evening sunlight snuck through the crack in the curtains

-How about" sliver

 Comment Written 24-Sep-2023


reply by the author on 24-Sep-2023
    many thanks, Lance,

    The slither / sliver thing was intentional but it's causing some consternation so I may well change it. lol
    G
Comment from davisr (Rhonda)
Excellent
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Great story about how a man wears a mask to hide the pain he lives in every day because of the loss of his wife. How many people do just that with pains of their own. I guess more than many of us would believe.

Take care,
Rhonda

 Comment Written 23-Sep-2023


reply by the author on 24-Sep-2023
    Many thanks, Rhonda. Hope you are well. G
reply by davisr (Rhonda) on 24-Sep-2023
    I am, thank you, and have been back on here regularly for several months.
    How are you doing?
Comment from w.j.debi
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

It can be hard to maintain that mask, but it seems we must do it to protect ourselves and because it is expected. Behind that mask is the real person with all his hopes, fears, regrets, and longings. Well told.

 Comment Written 23-Sep-2023


reply by the author on 24-Sep-2023
    I decided to throw my work-mask away a few yeas ago and just started saying what I thought, just maybe not using the words I use in my head! lol Many thanks, G.
Comment from John Ciarmello
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

We do all wear one, my friend, G!

This is an honest account of our hidden selves. Whether it is because of loss or acquired insecurities. We take on someone else, not someone other than ourselves, but someone within ourselves. I loved this! Best, JohnC

 Comment Written 23-Sep-2023


reply by the author on 24-Sep-2023
    Many thanks John. Good to hear from you. I'll have to pop over and check some of your writing out. I'm trying to be present more! lol Life!

    I was thinking the other day after I wrote this about the converse mask. Those who present as melancholy or victims who are anything but... maybe another one. Who knows!

    Many thanks
    G
reply by John Ciarmello on 24-Sep-2023
    I'd love for you to stop by, G. Thank you.
Comment from aryr
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Jasper, indeed was a troubled soul, GIRAFFMANG. He didn't need a mask to wear, his face was his mask. His wife had died a few years ago and he never really dealt with her passing. Very well done and greatly enjoyed. Blessings n Peace!!!

 Comment Written 23-Sep-2023


reply by the author on 24-Sep-2023
    Many thanks as always. G
reply by aryr on 24-Sep-2023
    Most welcome, G.
Comment from Wayne Fowler
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I love it.
"How are you?"
"Fine."
"You want to go to lunch with me today?"
"No thank you. Appreciate your asking. I'd rather step into a closet to sulk and tear-splatter the inside of my mask for an hour." But he doesn't say the last part out loud.

 Comment Written 23-Sep-2023


reply by the author on 24-Sep-2023
    lol. Many thanks Wayne. Hope you doing well. G