Reviews from

Life Lessons at My Father's Side

A place in my heart: in Dad's workshop. (908 words)

16 total reviews 
Comment from BeasPeas
Excellent
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This is a wonderful story that I enjoyed reading. My dad was a tool guy who helped me learn to use them myself. You have a lot of talent in many areas, Lisa. Best of luck in the contest. Marilyn

 Comment Written 04-Dec-2019

Comment from patcelaw
Excellent
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As I was raising my girls in the 60's and 70's we really did not lack for anything, but we did have to be frugal in our lifestyle. I made most of the clothes for my girls and had the pleasure of being a stay at home mom.
Good luck in the contest.
Patricia

 Comment Written 03-Dec-2019


reply by the author on 03-Dec-2019
    I am sure being frugal is a lesson that stands us in good stead.
    Thanks for your review.
Comment from Bill Schott
Excellent
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Dads are the other half of our world that we can thank for ninety percent of who we are. So fortunate to have parents who were well-balanced and not neurotic or absent.

 Comment Written 03-Dec-2019


reply by the author on 03-Dec-2019
    Ninety percent would be a bit high for some dad's, but true enough of mine. My Mum was absent too soon through death.
Comment from lyenochka
Excellent
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Virtual six! I loved your memories and you have such wonderful parents. And being adopted, you know that you were so wanted and desired! I hope you have a workshop for yourself now.

 Comment Written 03-Dec-2019


reply by the author on 03-Dec-2019
    Thanks for your generous review and pump boost. I'm sorry I'm so far behind in responding to other reviews you've written - I really appreciate your comments.
Comment from JudyE
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Such a wonderful offering and again echoing so much of my own childhood. We had a farm and both my Dad and brother had army greatcoats although I never found out how they came by these. Good luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 02-Dec-2019


reply by the author on 03-Dec-2019
    Thanks so much for this terrific review. My dad's army greatcoat was legitimately gained through service. I remember during the 70's I used to get clothes from the Army Surplus Store in Canberra - they were probably throughout Australia and anyone could get old stock. I loved my pair of army baggy cargo pants - I love lots of pockets.
reply by JudyE on 03-Dec-2019
    Mum had two brothers and at least one uncle who fought and I guess there were surplus stores back then too. Every farmer I knew seemed to have one of these greatcoats.
Comment from Sandra du Plessis
Excellent
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A very well-written heartfelt true story about growing up with a parent who are willing to spend valuable time with a child is a priceless experience that gives you a lifetime of memories.

 Comment Written 01-Dec-2019

Comment from forestport12
Excellent
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I'd have to tell you Lisa, I fell from a tree, after our gang kids left me there. I ran home crying. I recall how my mother told me my eye was kind hanging. She pushed it back in and bandaged me up. I grew up in your generation and the smells as well as the sights I recall are strong with me. I appreciate how family mattered. And it doesn't have to be a modern time to make life better, we do so with love for our family that never goes out of style. Love the details about your Dad.

 Comment Written 01-Dec-2019

Comment from CrystieCookie999
Excellent
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I think this is a very coherent, well-written entry. I like this line: "The old treadle sewing machine was the sound-track of our lives." Also Il earned a new word: 'chook' --and it seems that both parents were unified in their roles. With this line it is debatable whether to add an 's' onto the end of 'fruit': I enjoy eating fruit and vegetables. For parallelism's sake, I think I would say 'fruits and vegetables.' My father's work area in the garage sounds very similar to your father's workshop. After he passed away, I did not feel like moving anything he left there for months. Super entry!

 Comment Written 01-Dec-2019

Comment from Diana L Crawford
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

What s beautiful, touching story, LisaMay! How incredible to be among those that chose you and lived you so much. I sincerely appreciate you sharing this bit of your history!

xoxo

 Comment Written 01-Dec-2019


reply by the author on 01-Dec-2019
    Thanks for your comments Diana. While being adopted certainly does have drawbacks concerning ignorance of 'real' family information, I was very lucky in my placement with my adoptive parents. The older I get the more I realise how valuable my father was in my development.
    Thanks for the brilliant rating.
reply by Diana L Crawford on 01-Dec-2019
    It is a beautifully written story and deserving of the 6! But then all of your work deserves 6?s! xoxoxo
Comment from Patty Palmer
Excellent
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A time that sticks out in your mind to write about. I'm sure the times you spent with your dad in his woodshop sticks out in your memory. My dad also had a workshop in our basement where he made different things. One year when the mill was on strike he made me a baby doll cradle for Christmas. And I'm glad your mom made nice clothes. When my mom made us clothes, we didn't want anyone to see us; Your personal story is quite interesting and well written. Great job!
Patty

 Comment Written 01-Dec-2019