Neighborhood Smile-Maker
Short Story 75 words or less14 total reviews
Comment from Richard J
Oh, Susan! : )
What a gorgeously sweet and touching story you've created for our trying times, showing how to communicate and keep friendly, even while observing the safe distance requirement from behind glass.
You're such a creative and kindhearted soul, and it shows like rays of sunshine from your beautiful mind.
I seriously doubt I could write much of a story with a maximum of 75 words. You can tell from this review I need a lot of them to say what's on my mind ... LOL!
It is easy to see why you placed so high in the contest.
You're quite the writer, and I've thoroughly enjoyed everything about this lovely, soul-touching piece, its topic, the cute bear picture, layout, easy-reading syntax, spelling, punctuation, captivating storyline -- even the font choice is just perfect.
A thousand stars of thanks, If I could! ~ Richard : )
reply by the author on 04-Apr-2020
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Oh, Susan! : )
What a gorgeously sweet and touching story you've created for our trying times, showing how to communicate and keep friendly, even while observing the safe distance requirement from behind glass.
You're such a creative and kindhearted soul, and it shows like rays of sunshine from your beautiful mind.
I seriously doubt I could write much of a story with a maximum of 75 words. You can tell from this review I need a lot of them to say what's on my mind ... LOL!
It is easy to see why you placed so high in the contest.
You're quite the writer, and I've thoroughly enjoyed everything about this lovely, soul-touching piece, its topic, the cute bear picture, layout, easy-reading syntax, spelling, punctuation, captivating storyline -- even the font choice is just perfect.
A thousand stars of thanks, If I could! ~ Richard : )
Comment Written 02-Apr-2020
reply by the author on 04-Apr-2020
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Hi Richard, thank you for such a great review! I so appreciate it!. That "Teddy" is in my window LOL and te kids really do like looking for him. Thanks again for reading :-)
Aw, Susan!
You make poetry smile and dance. : )
Comment from Sharon Haiste
I think this is a good entry for the 75 Word Flash writing prompt.
This short story about a Teddy Bear's smile is well told.
Well done and I wish you good luck with the contest.
Sharon
reply by the author on 29-Mar-2020
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I think this is a good entry for the 75 Word Flash writing prompt.
This short story about a Teddy Bear's smile is well told.
Well done and I wish you good luck with the contest.
Sharon
Comment Written 29-Mar-2020
reply by the author on 29-Mar-2020
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Aww thanks Sharon. Much appreciated :-)
Comment from Bill Schott
This seventy-five-word story, Neighborhood Smile Maker, has the right word count and is a great example of a trend in displaying these loving toy friends in the windows across the nation. Fun stuff in the midst of dangerous times.
reply by the author on 29-Mar-2020
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This seventy-five-word story, Neighborhood Smile Maker, has the right word count and is a great example of a trend in displaying these loving toy friends in the windows across the nation. Fun stuff in the midst of dangerous times.
Comment Written 29-Mar-2020
reply by the author on 29-Mar-2020
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Good morning Bill! Thanks for reading and for the review. :) much appreciated. Yes, its been a little fun for the kids..and me too. stay safe friend.
Comment from WalkerMan
What a delightful way to safely entertain the neighborhood children (and their parents) during these tense and trying times! Only you would think of it. I like the view of Teddy's reflection in the window as he looks out toward the house across the street. I'm not surprised the local paper would deem him newsworthy as a break from all the stress-inducing headlines. Yes, spreading smiles and cheer around us is indeed a good way to ward off fear and depression in our neighbors. Perhaps, by such methods, when we all get through this calamity, we'll feel closer to each other than ever before. In that respect, Teddy certainly is building caring community. Someday, the mayor ought to give him a medal for his service.
Thank you for posting this superbly lovely story.
reply by the author on 31-Mar-2020
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What a delightful way to safely entertain the neighborhood children (and their parents) during these tense and trying times! Only you would think of it. I like the view of Teddy's reflection in the window as he looks out toward the house across the street. I'm not surprised the local paper would deem him newsworthy as a break from all the stress-inducing headlines. Yes, spreading smiles and cheer around us is indeed a good way to ward off fear and depression in our neighbors. Perhaps, by such methods, when we all get through this calamity, we'll feel closer to each other than ever before. In that respect, Teddy certainly is building caring community. Someday, the mayor ought to give him a medal for his service.
Thank you for posting this superbly lovely story.
Comment Written 28-Mar-2020
reply by the author on 31-Mar-2020
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Thanks Mike, I knew you would like this. I have been having so much fun with this! The kids love it. Thanks again for the awesome review!!!
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You are most welcome, Susan. How could anyone NOT love this?
After this and the prior one, I'd say you are back and fast making up for lost time. :)) -- Mike
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Well...stuck SAFE at home... :-) gotta write someting!
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Yes, and SOMETHING it truly is! :)) You make such a difference in all you touch.... -- Mike
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thank you Mike.
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You are most welcome. :))
Comment from Liz O'Neill
This is a cool account. How cheery. How needed in this time of the world. This is a nice tribute of those of us who work to help others to remain calm and smile. The imagery is delightful.
reply by the author on 31-Mar-2020
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This is a cool account. How cheery. How needed in this time of the world. This is a nice tribute of those of us who work to help others to remain calm and smile. The imagery is delightful.
Comment Written 28-Mar-2020
reply by the author on 31-Mar-2020
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Thank you so much Liz! I am happy you enjoyed this little write... ( and Teddy is STILL in my window) :-)
Comment from Gypsy Blue Rose
Neighborhood Smile-Maker
Hello, my friend,
Good job with your 74 word flash fiction. I thought it had to be 75 words but I guess is 75 or less. I enjoyed the little story that is complete. I think a teddy bear watching the street is a little creepy... lol Well done.
reply by the author on 28-Mar-2020
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Neighborhood Smile-Maker
Hello, my friend,
Good job with your 74 word flash fiction. I thought it had to be 75 words but I guess is 75 or less. I enjoyed the little story that is complete. I think a teddy bear watching the street is a little creepy... lol Well done.
Comment Written 28-Mar-2020
reply by the author on 28-Mar-2020
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Thank you, but I counted again..75. Awe he's not creepy.. The kids walk every moring to my house to wave at him. I post signs like, "good morning friends" or " see you soon" lol...they all just smile. I change a sign everyday. It's just fun. Thanks for the review :-)
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LoL I was kidding. It's a nice thing to do for your neighbors. Kindness always matters but now even more.
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Agreed! :-)
Comment from Jeffrey L. Michaux
I know for a fact that a smile is more contagious than a frown. It also takes a lot less muscles to do it also. I love the message conveyed in this and enjoyed reading this inspirational and well written work. Well done!
reply by the author on 28-Mar-2020
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I know for a fact that a smile is more contagious than a frown. It also takes a lot less muscles to do it also. I love the message conveyed in this and enjoyed reading this inspirational and well written work. Well done!
Comment Written 28-Mar-2020
reply by the author on 28-Mar-2020
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Thank you Jeffrey! YOU have a great smile!... Yes, we all could use a little Teddy Bear smile with all this stuff going on. stay safe :-)
Comment from TheManojArora
Cute. Where's the story? A beginning, a middle an end? Action? Drama?
It's a decent attempt at describing something, but in my opinion, not a story.
Keep writing. All the best!
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
reply by the author on 28-Mar-2020
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Cute. Where's the story? A beginning, a middle an end? Action? Drama?
It's a decent attempt at describing something, but in my opinion, not a story.
Keep writing. All the best!
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 28-Mar-2020
reply by the author on 28-Mar-2020
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Here's the beginning:
"Teddy Bear came out of retirement recently and started his new position as, "Neighborhood Smile-Maker"."
And, here's the end:
"Let's all be like Teddy Bear!"
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Better still...
Here's the beginning:
"Teddy Bear came out of retirement recently and started his new position as, "Neighborhood Smile-Maker"."
Here's the middle:
Perched behind a glass window and maintaining "social distancing", Teddy happily greets whoever passes by with a big and cheery smile.
Teddy Bear takes his job "beary" seriously, bringing joy to everyone he greets. Wildly popular with the children here, Teddy has even appeared in the local paper! Teddy Bear's smile is contagious.
And, here's the end:
"Let's all be like Teddy Bear!"
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I'm amazed by this display of wit. Kudos!
Comment from nor84
I wanted to give you a heads-up. Contest requires exactly 75 words, not counting title. When I ran this through Word, it counted only 67 words. You may still have time to perform an edit. Good luck.
reply by the author on 28-Mar-2020
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I wanted to give you a heads-up. Contest requires exactly 75 words, not counting title. When I ran this through Word, it counted only 67 words. You may still have time to perform an edit. Good luck.
Comment Written 28-Mar-2020
reply by the author on 28-Mar-2020
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I reviewed the contest rules. It is left unclear. I suppose if a contest wanted a certain number of words it should be stated as such.
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I actually did look at other contest...they are stated clearly, " exactly 50 words". Either way thanks for pointing that out.
Comment from Susan X Smith
This is a beary cute short story and an excellent contest entry along with the image. "Contagious smile" as a concept, is a nice play on words, considering the current pandemic.
reply by the author on 28-Mar-2020
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This is a beary cute short story and an excellent contest entry along with the image. "Contagious smile" as a concept, is a nice play on words, considering the current pandemic.
Comment Written 27-Mar-2020
reply by the author on 28-Mar-2020
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Thank you Susan for reading and the review!
