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1
1
Review of The brutal  
Rated: 13+ | (5.0)
This is well told, very brief, and to the point. It has a nice cadence, too.

I am angry that such a fool would think it his place to say something so rude, then take his leave. I am heartbroken that you allowed someone, of such a small mind, to have such a profound impact on you, and closed your cafe.

'Ca-brary' is a GREAT name, as, was/is the vision . . . You know, it's never too late.

Write on,
Cyndee


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2
2
Review of Susan Smiled  
Rated: E | (4.5)
I liked your story. It was both heartwarming and heartbreaking.

I like that Mr. Grant is a good guy and that he has such patience with Jenny. I like the rapport that he and Susan appear to have, but I had to grasp at straws a bit to make sense of why Mr. Grant turned to Susan and said, “That was pretty quick, is she feeling well today?" I assume she comes in frequently and has some sort of "episode" that Mr. Grant navigates with ongoing grace. Assuming I am right, I think that could have been more clearly articulated.

Write on,
Cyndee


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3
3
Rated: E | (3.5)
IMHO, one cannot really critique another's "jottings," at least not for quality of content or right or wrongness. That said, I do think that if one is going to publicly share their "jottings" they should not use abbreviations, "abt," for example, and they should proofread, to catch things like a dropped "g" on the word bang, as in, "big ban," before sharing.

While I do not share any of the above thoughts, and I am not religious, I like that you shared them. I do appreciate reading opposing views as they can expand my world.

I also think you are brave putting yourself out there at such a young age.

I love your ending, your curiosity and your car rides. "Ever since I was little I've always thought abt the world like how something is made and why there's leap years and stuff like that. I used to ask my dad questions like these in car rides but now I've stopped and I think I'm answering them myself now but I honestly don't know much and i have many questions and I don't know much about science but I know simple stuff. I don't know what to write. It's hard to think of something knew if I'm only thinking about the present i might just find a place to post this all on rn."

You filled my heart with this "jotting of exploration." Just clean it up as best you can and keep sharing your thoughts . . . and most importantly, tbone, NEVER EVER stop asking questions.

Write passionately,
Cyndee


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4
4
Review of Shifting Hearts  
Rated: 13+ | (4.0)
I, being a hopeless romantic, love this love is greater than ANY obstacle story.

A favorite bit: "The forest around us seemed to hold its breath as if it too were witnessing a momentous event." I love that you gave consciousness to the forest and that it too, respects the power of love.

Suggestion: Remove the comma after breath. It is not needed.

I like the messages embedded in the following bit: "Slowly, the Selvaris clan members, once resolute in their ancient ways, began to welcome us with a mix of curiosity and a newfound openness. It marked a transformation not only of my physical form but also of their perceptions and attitudes toward outsiders." . . .

1. Sad, it took the protagonist's transformation "to be one of them" for the clan to see her worth. But I love the curiosity it spurred. Can you imagine the value, growth, possibility, and discovery we'd experience if they (and all of us in real life) embraced the curiosity of differences more readily and openly?

2. I also appreciated that it opened them to the "perceptions and attitudes toward outsiders."

Suggestion: You could add this piece to Emotional and Supernatural.

Suggestion: Consider keeping the entire piece in the third-person perspective. Because I was curious how "you" could see what was going on with Eirik and the clan leader when "you" while running through the forest. (Enter shoulder shrug emoji here.)

Overall, I enjoyed this piece and would have enjoyed more development, and I would like to read more.

Write passionately,
Cyndee


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5
5
Review of Swimming  
Rated: E | (5.0)
I am not a professional at this type of poetry or any for that matter, but based on your description, you nailed it.

I like and feel confused by the comparison of diving down and swimming to flying. I like that it's a question, and it made me stop and think . . . While I am familiar with diving and swimming, I am not familiar with flying outside of a plane. I did, however, experience weightless flying in a small 2-seater plane--awful experience. It took me an hour to get my stomach back. Based on that experience, I would equate it, and diving to sinking, as I experience both to have resistance. That said, the curiosity comes from the idea that someone else could experience it as flying so it opens a loop of curiosity . . . Nicely done.

I must close our "debate" by saying that I would think flying would be a light, free, more effortless experience . . . well, unless you are a bee or a hummingbird. (Insert shoulder shrug emoji here). *Smile*

Only one suggestion: Consider adding it to additional genres. Three that popped out for me are Entertainment, Experience, and Nonsense.


Live and write passionately,
Cyndee


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
6
6
Rated: ASR | (3.0)
I think the concept of bickering reindeers and getting a glimpse into their private interactions is a wonderful idea for a script. I also got a kick out of "put a hoof" in it, Rudolph. That was clever. *Smile*

Warning: Delicate content follows. Based on the rest of my reaction, I'm not your target market. I appreciate humor and sarcasm but, imho, the piece lacks balance. The ongoing vituperous exchange between the reindeer hurt my little Christmas, reindeer loving heart. I prefer to imagine the herd doing the Reindeer Boogie,"limbering their legs and getting ready to spread Christmas cheer." That said, even the best of siblings "have their moments." I think I would have appreciated it and written a different review if it wasn't an all-out cap-fest and there was more balance in the interaction.

That said, I think the overall concept invites room to play.

Write and Live Passionately,
Cyndee


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
7
7
Review of Unforgotten Souls  
Rated: E | (5.0)
Nice Writing. Your story and conversation flow nicely. There is a solid beginning, middle and end.

I was warmed by the story, and saddened by the unfortunate truth that far too many aging souls spend their last days in cold environments like nursing homes, and not in surroundings inhabited with family. I also love, love, loved the birthday party for your Christopher. It was unexpected and so sweet.

Correction: I believe you meant to use the word an in your description. You have, "Distant memories become in impromptu birthday party in a cemetery." I think you meant, Distant memories become an impromptu birthday party in a cemetery

Suggestion: In my personal opinion, I think this short work deserves a stronger name. Consider something like:
1. Phantoms--Loved Ones All but Forgotten . . . or
2. Echos--Unforgotten Souls . . . or
3. Attic Memories, and Phantom Souls

Suggestion: I also think you can punch up the description and not give away the sweetest part of the story--the birthday party. IDK, something like: A Centenarian reminisces about obscure apparitions.

Suggestion: I think you could target other genres with this piece and expand your reach. Consider: Drama, Emotional, LGBTQ+.

I did not ding you any stars because the piece is complete and doesn't warrant any penalties. My suggestions are merely for possible improvements.

Thanks you for sharing your story. True or not, it is sweet and it touched my heart.

Live and write passionately,
Cyndee


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
8
8
Review of Dynamic Phase  
Rated: E | (4.0)
I like your title. I like your description. They are both in alignment with your poem.

I like the movement of the first verse as it introduces life's constant shift, then slaps two bookends on it with the last statement, "Each one, a unique chapter to live." I don't know if you meant to do that but I like it.

Likewise, I liked the message in the second verse:
"The shadows of yesterday,
Dissipate as dawn's light takes its place,
Today, I am renewed with each daybreak." . . . As I read this I can take it both literally and metaphorically, and I like that.

Ahhh, here comes the struggle:
"a future to borrow, . . . I can't agree that my future is borrowed because if it is, it is not mine to live, for it belongs to someone else. And, I shant take that position in MY life. A gift, yes! Borrowed, no!

Suggestion: consider the reality of the following line and whether or not you believe it possible, "New experiences to embrace without sorrow.". . . I mean can anyone, anywhere embrace ALL new experiences without sorrow? To me, that suggests that I will never lose or regret or make another mistake . . . and that is not possible in the school of life.

Those two lines aside, I enjoyed your poem. Thank you for sharing it.

Suggestion: I think your poem fits in the spiritual genre, as well as the two you have chosen. Consider adding it to that genre, too.

Live and write passionately,
Cyndee


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
9
9
Rated: E | (4.5)
Great title and description. It immediately tells me who your article is for and what I can expect from reading it. I love your message about authentic engagement and "sticking around" for an actual conversation. Likewise, I like that you punctuated that concept by saying, "You will be amazed at the results!"

I appreciate the section headers. They chunk ideas down so the brain can sort more efficiently, and they make the piece flow better.

Suggestion: Consider making the piece more personal by talking directly to your reader. Using a passage from your last paragraph, here's an example: So, dear leader, invest in your own website and create an email, mailing list on a permission-based platform so you can continue to nurture a relationship with your subscribers until they are ready to work with you or refer you . . . The original passage reads as follows: "So, create your own website. And create an email mailing list on a permission-based platform so you can continue to nurture the relationships until they are ready to work with you or refer you." . . . Also, notice that I added a comma after the word email, highlighted above so you can easily find it. *Smile*

Revision Suggestion: In my opinion, the following paragraph can be more effective if you tighten it up. I also think it will flow better and sink in deeper if you break it into two paragraphs. See the revision suggestion, below:

I’m probably preaching to the choir here, but I feel like I need to say this. Anything you read on social media should be verified by numerous sources. There is a lot of content on social media that is not true. It's called social media for a reason. It's a place to be social. It's a place to meet new people, connect share socially. And we all know what happens in social situations…people chat, say things, we don’t always believe them. We take in the information with every intention of taking time later on to check it out. I have a saying: “Everyone gets exactly what they are looking for and there's room for everyone.” By this I mean, please remember that some people have the need to try to influence other people, even control other people so you will want to remember that as you read what some might call "news" on social media. Just verify before you believe or share.

I’m probably preaching to the choir, but I feel like I need to say this. There is a lot of content on social media that is not true and anything you read on your social channels should be verified by a trustworthy source . . . or two. It's called social media for a reason. It's a place to be social. It's a place to meet new people, connect, and share, socially. And we all know what happens in social situations…people chat, and sometimes say things that just aren’t true. We take in the information with the intention of fact-checking, and we don’t always get around to it.

I have a saying: “Everyone gets exactly what they are looking for, and there's room for everyone.” By this I mean some people have the need to try to influence other people, even control them so you will want to remember that as you read what some might call "news" on social media. Just verify before you believe or share.

Suggestion 2: Regarding "Please Choose The High Road." I like your conversational style throughout this piece. I also respect it in a leader. However, sometimes a more authoritative voice is what the message needs. My suggestion, here, is a straightforward statement: Take the High Road. It matches the action, in strength and meaning.

Suggestion: Bold all of your headers so they stand out

In conclusion, I celebrate your message and appreciate that there is someone out there promoting authentic, and real engagement on social media. ROCK ON with your message, and leadership style!!!

Live and write passionately,
Cyndee


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
10
10
Rated: 18+ | (3.0)
Let me start by pointing out my two favorite statements:

1."[writing] can change so many life of people."
2. ". . . writing will surely take the reader everywhere."

Writing is a powerful tool, capable of transforming people's lives. It transcends time, distance, culture, and differences. It can be used to educate, inspire, teach, entertain, and more. Words on a page can start a revolution or a movement. They can also spark empathy and heal a broken heart . . . I could go on, but the point has been made. Writing changes people's lives, and I, being passionate about it, agree with and love your statement!!!

2. ". . . writing will surely take the reader everywhere." Truer words were never spoken. Whether it be a song, a poem, an essay, a work of fiction, happy, sad . . . writing takes the reader everywhere! Fantastic point!

Suggestion: You have a strong message to share and I'm guessing that English is not your first language. Might you find someone to edit your writing so you can effectively continue to share your voice?

Suggestion: Your description does not seem to match your title. It sounds better suited to your introduction. May I suggest something like, A debate regarding the trivialness of writing.

What follows are a couple of suggestions for a more properly worded sentence:
Correction 1: Your sentence: "I wrote such introductory in order to share a glimpse of where I am coming from." Should read: I wrote such an introduction in order to share a glimpse of where I am coming from.

Correction 2: "So many people think of writing as a trivial thing to do while in fact it can change so many life of people" Should read: "So many people think of writing as a trivial thing to do while in fact it can change so many life the lives of so many people."

Finally, and in my personal opinion, writing is not trivial. It can, however, be a hobby, as a hobby is defined as "an activity done regularly in one's leisure time for pleasure." It is also defined as "an interest or activity to which a person devotes time for pleasure." Many people write for enjoyment and pleasure. . . as well as for a need to communicate, educate, inspire, entertain, etc.

Thank you for sharing your passionate piece. It added to my day. I hope that you will continue to share your message via the written word.

Live and write passionately,
Cyndee


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
11
11
Review of Mother's House  
Rated: E | (4.5)
Well written, but not my cup of tea.

You moved the reader quickly and seamlessly through your story. As I started reading the third paragraph I paused and said to myself, I know where this is going . . . and it did go exactly where I thought it was going.

First suggestion: Give a warning as to the nature of your piece. Simply informing the reader that the piece is dark would suffice.

Suggestions #2: Add it to the dark genre, and perhaps the death genre, too. You'll get more exposure, and people who like this type of prose will more readily find it.

I dung you 1/2 a star because I feel strongly about warnings when the content is dark.

Live and write passionately,
Cyndee


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
12
12
Rated: E | (5.0)
Delightful! Reads that bring a smile to my face are my faves.

I like the inconclusive opening. I mean, not knowing how old Mike is or what kind of bike ride he is planning. I also like how easily the entire piece flows (I always appreciate when I don't have to reread anything). I like how casual grandpa is as he invites Mike back in the house and gently launches into his "scheme of reverse psychology." And, of course, closing it with with mom's undercover appreciation to her clever and wise dad.

So, in all that, I am grateful that I found one teeny-tiny place to make a suggestion, so as to qualify for one ticket for the 2023 Birthday Party Review Contest. LOL.

Suggestion: Consider breaking up the following sentence with two sentences: "“Well, since you don’t know where you’re going yet, might as well, you know, till you make a real plan." Consider: “Well, since you don’t know where you’re going yet, might as well. You know, till you make a real plan. The period adds a more dramatic pause that, imo, pluses this exchange and really puts the ball in Mike's court.

Also loved how smoothly the old guy transitioned to, "You want some of these pancakes?"

Well done!!!

Live and write passionately,
Cyndee


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
13
13
Rated: E | (3.5)
Great objective with this poem . . . to illuminate Martin Luther King's words of poignant, profound wisdom.

I like your overall message and would like to make a couple of suggestions that may make it read more poetically, imho.

1. Consider the following changes to the first verse:
Darkness can scatter
By a solitary light;
Be not afraid to shine,
to dispel what hides in shadows

2. The above suggestion also eliminates the use of the word "light" two lines in a row.

3. Hatred is fanned higher by the same; There is no need to add the word higher as that is exactly what "fanned" does to a fire so the word is redundant.

4. Fewer words, in this context, can be highly effective. My suggestion is as follows:
Hatred is fanned by the same;
Do not add fuel to the fire -
Be one who shows forgiveness;
Even when not warranted . . . I don't know why, but the word deserved is not working for me. (Insert shoulder shrug emoji here).

I would do nothing to change the last verse. It is effective and tells me that the wisdom that lies beneath one's ego (our finite mind) will bring peace that goes beyond "mere understanding." . . . Brilliant!!!

It makes no sense,
To our finite minds;
But the infinite wisdom
gives us peace beyond understanding.

Live and write passionately,
Cyndee


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
14
14
Review of Too Much To Ask  
Rated: E | (4.0)
Much is said in this poem and I like it.

Great opening verse.

Suggestion 1: Clarify your intention is the 4th verse. I read it a couple of times and still wasn't sure if you were saying that Henry overrode the Pope's authority and decreed what is and isn't sin. Or if Henry, in outing Katherine, and choosing Anne, chose to live in sin.

Suggestion 2: In verse #5 you use the word many three times. Is that too many times, in one verse?
Consider:
Strife continued
For many a year
Religion's countless faces
Caused a multitude of fears

Suggestion 3: The very last line, "His mind he did turn," in my opinion, should read as an involuntary occurrence. Something like, His fait (or faith) he did burn.

Live and write passionately,
Cyndee


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
15
15
Review of Crystal's Charms  
Rated: 13+ | (3.5)
WOW!!!

HEAVY, but o' so relevant to anyone who has been there or traveled the path with a loved one seduced by MS Meth's initial offer of escape.

Your piece went deep for me. I divorced a man because CM totally consumed him. I lost a loved one to oxy. His journey started with pot, moved to CM then to oxy, and I have simply witnessed her ravage on far too many souls.

I appreciated the way you pulled me in with your opening paragraph and closed your story with the last paragraph. I did however, get lost in all the metaphor in the middle. In my opinion, while there is some AMAZING metaphor in there, it was overdone. I had to reread it to get back in the flow of the story. People do best when holding no more than 3 concepts, in route to a point, and metaphor can be cumbersome and therefore count as more. (Insert shoulder shrug emoji here).

I liked that you used the word "brood" in the opening paragraph as it fit with the dark theme.

Suggestion #2: Simplify some of your words . . . especially because of the heavy use of metaphor. For example, in the sentence, "Innocence succumbed to the alluring seductions which the dark euphoria of drugs produce, as she rode the highs and lows like some aerobatic biplane wing walker." 1st: There are just too many words in this sentence that are not needed to make the point. 2nd: You have broken this into two pieces, separated by the comma. But, as I read it there are more than two chunks. All of which are heavy and complicated. I suggest simplifying either the beginning or the end . . . or maybe even both.

Consider something like: "She lost her innocence to the alluring seduction of the drug, as she rode the highs and lows like some aerobatic biplane." You can still use metaphor (it is very effective) but step back and see where it punctuates the point and where it dizies your reader.

Correction: Petty as it may be, I suggest you add the words 'on their' to the following sentence: "they could play in their sandbox and on their jungle gym. We don't play in jungle gyms. We play on them.

The image of the woman with the hands reaching everywhere is a 10 out of 10. It tells it all! . . . Just, WOW!

If your story is true my heart goes out to you.*Cry*

Live and write passionately,
Cyndee


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
16
16
Review of B as in book  
Rated: E | (4.0)
I really appreciate the idea that inspired this poem and the imagery of a single book sitting, lonely on a shelf, waiting to share its message, its story, with even a single reader.

The second verse is STRONG: Fantastic imagery and clear communication about where said book will come to life and be heard:
I am silent (if nothing else).
I only speak when opened,
And then softly, in a hush, heard
behind the eyes, between the ears.

Suggestions:
1. I did, however, and this may be only one person's opinion, fall off when the book pleaded with me to read it. Its cry became a plea for attention. I would rather it be more empowered and tell me what I am missing if I do not let "her" speak. IDK, maybe something like:

If you could hear me now?
My gist, I would share so proud.
Images and schemes would surely dance
If you would give to me this chance

2. You could get more exposure by adding more genres. I think this would fit nicely in the writing genre, and dare I say even the romance genre. YES! I dare say. There are many forms of romance and when we fall in love with a book . . . Well, you get my drift.

Correction:
1. Hardwood is either one word or if you meant it as hard, wood plank then you would need to add a comma. That said, my husband said it works as is for him. But I had to read it twice and still wasn't sure which meaning you were intending.

Again, I absolutely love the idea behind this, and if I may, one final suggestion: I think you could do a series of poems on the same subject.
Possible titles: Ink in Isolation, Pages in Solitude, Protagonist on a Shelf.

Live and write passionately,
Cyndee


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
17
17
Review of Awakening  
Rated: E | (5.0)
I LOVE this poem and the visual of the water. As you likely know, emotion is often represented by water.

My first time through it, however, I was gently bobbing on top of the sea, wafting off into my thoughts.

My second time through, I was in my retreat, lost in meditative thought. I loved where the lines, "i am both exhilarated and terrified . . . i could drown or be utterly freed," took me. What lurks in the shadows of our thoughts can feel so real. It can also, sometimes be very scary. And it can switch ever so quickly between emotions. Most of us will flee when thoughts deepen or darken. But to stay the course, get beyond the judgement, fear, and limited meaning that we put upon them . . . to THE truth, OMG! It can be so, so very freeing . . . An example: When I first started my personal development journey I felt like a black cloud followed me. When I thought about it, it was very scary. At first it felt like a horned monster taunting me in my mind. As I faced it, over time, it got smaller and smaller. I eventually came to realize that it was the face of the rage I had so long carried inside me . . . EXTREMLEY freeing! I faced it. I did not drown, and I was SET FREE!!!

Fabulous read!!!

Two very small suggestions:
1. Consider changing the last line to, utterly be freed.
2. Consider using capital letters

Write on,
Cyndee


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
18
18
Review of UNFULFILLED DREAM  
Rated: E | (4.5)
I think this is a deep, personal, and touching piece. I felt the whole of your story unfold through the verses. I love the line: "I, too, thought that one day I
Would with my husband dance."

I gave it a 4.5 star rating because I had some trouble understanding the following verse:
Though we are husband and wife,
We have yet no love lost.
We did have some warmth of love
Which has now turned to frost.
You say we had no love loss, but then it turned to frost. This is contradictory to me.

I appreciated the words: "like empty foam," as they are unique, but applicable, in this context.

Write on,
Cyndee


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
19
19
Rated: E | (3.5)
I looove the name, "Old Man Iverson." I love the build-up, the crashing sound, and OMI popping up over that wall saying, “Where do you think you are going, boy?” But then, OMI softens too fast.

I would have liked to see a bit more "grizzle" as he came over that wall and perhaps him teaming-up with the dad, via a wink and a nod, and putting a little more "scare" in the boy. I mean he not only broke OMI's window, he also lied.

I also suggest a bit more flare in his lesson learned.

Overall, I enjoyed the read and think there is a great idea here for an amazing short story.

Write on,
Cyndee


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
20
20
Review of Maui Wowie  
Rated: E | (3.0)
I was brought in by the title, "Maui Wowie," and I appreciated reading that you attended the Old Lahaina Luau’ as it is something to be cherished since Lahaina is no more *Cry*.

I got excited when I read, "A lot of things went through my mind when she said this, the main one being, ‘What customer would want a class delivered the week of Thanksgiving?’ (my favorite part). . . and I was hoping for some "juice" around that idea.

Overall, I think the idea is there, but as a short story it needs less detail, more "show and don't tell," and it needs a hook. As it is written, it reads more like a diary entry than a short story, and the ending falls flat.

You could also build tension around the bit with your honey's misspelled name. . . missing the flight and so on.

All the best to you on your writing journey,
Cyndee


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
21
21
Rated: ASR | (5.0)
Thought-provoking, for sure.

I like that your poem is not offensive and can, therefore, get beyond guards and prejudice, and possibly start a conversation.

Freedom is indeed interpreted. In my opinion, the ultimate liberty is the ability to be one's true self. It also poses the greatest threat. Many wars are levied to control others and impose the aggressor's beliefs and values upon others. Peer pressure is another threat to one's right and freedom to be themselves . . . and Hollywood, the media, religion, and so forth. (Insert head-clap emoji here.)

My favorite stanza is the first one:
"You talk of freedom
But freedom is interpreted,
Not defined
. . . It is a powerful, thought-provoking, attention-grabbing, strong opening.

Again, this is a great way to bridge a difficult subject, and I applaud you for this piece and the wisdom shared, herein.

Live Passionately,
Cyndee


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
22
22
Rated: 13+ | (5.0)
A deep, meaningful read!

This tells me soooo much about you and touches many places in my own heart. I too am a singer and my youngest son is a singer/musician. WE have also written a couple of songs together. We share a deep passion for music and we unpack lyrical meaning as well as the communication and punctuation of all the instruments. I love that you and your mom share this passion, as well.

As for dreams. They are powerful communicators, and while often weird and frustrating to understand, they are trying to communicate. My suggestion is to be open and get curious about what they are trying to tell you.

I like 1R. I don't know the other band, and I am not as familiar with 1R as you are. That said, I appreciated the insights that you shared into Ryan's journey and your respect for him . . . My favorite of his songs is "Christmas Without You," and I absolutely love how passionately he sings his songs.

I really appreciated the line, "Brian Willett, who is entrusted with the keyboard and whistling at live performances." Using the word "entrusted" makes this line stand out because it speaks to the responsibility he carries with the keyboard and especially whistling. An off chord on rhythm guitar or a missed note or two on lead MIGHT go unnoticed. But a screw-up on keys can sour the following few measures . . . and a bad whistle, well, that is sacrilegious. Good whistlers are in short supply. . . . Can you tell I'm passionate about whistling?

My dad whistled. He had a melodic, medicinal whistle and a Siren-like ability to bring one under his spell. Even now as I write these words I feel myself following the sound of his whistle. My youngest son has taken up the torch and while he has yet to hit those bird sounds, he is coming along quite nicely.

I'm sorry that you had to learn that someone you trusted, respected, and admired was misleading you and the rest of his fans. I hope that you can tune into his struggle with an open heart and try to understand his position. I mean, without getting into it too deeply, stars and icons carry so much pressure and so many expectations. They live under a microscope and, well, at least he was trying to send a good message and be a role model for a higher standard within a demographic that is largely steeped in addiction . . . Who knows, maybe "coming out" and cleaning the slate will help him find his way.

This piece was very personal and I appreciate you sharing yourself so transparently. A

As for technicality, there are a few line spacing issues that could be corrected and, in all honesty, I was not looking for grammatical or structural issues as I read this piece as a heartfelt, journal entry.

Live Passionately,
Cyndee


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
23
23
Review of Currying Flavour  
Rated: E | (5.0)
10/10! Clever, witty, and true!!! I might be biased because I LOOOOOOOVE Indian food and quite agree that mild or tongue scorching hot it's quite the treat but regardless, this was just a fun, upbeat read and it made me smile inside and out.

I think you nailed all the parameters described for The Epulaeryu poem and I definitely felt the writers "excitement and feelings" for this culinary delight.

DELIGHTFUL!!!

Live Passionately,
Cyndee


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
24
24
Review of Aftermath  
Rated: 13+ | (4.0)
I enjoyed this piece and of course, snickered at the thought of Lovey being discovered on the bottom rack of the dishwasher. It was actually a great visual, but curious as to why Lovey didn't vocalize her whereabouts.

I like the bit, "This, I thought as a got up to go into the kitchen for another cup of coffee, is the reason I don't like hosting New Year's Eve parties." But, I thought hmm, what if she said, "This, I thought as a got up to go into the kitchen for another cup of coffee, is the reason I don't like hosting parties. ESPECIALLY New Year's Eve parties." Might that elevate that passage a bit? *Smile*

I also thought about referring to the large mug as a trough, and, instead of calling it liquid courage (a term typically applied to alcohol when one wants to gain confidence and self-assuredness in socially awkward situations), calling it something like: rocket fuel (ordinary) or caffeine combustion or energy à la espresso or propulsion potion or power perk . . . as I am assuming your leading lady was looking for that energetic kick in the ass to get the clean-up work done. *Smile*

All-in-all, I enjoyed it. Keep up the good work.

Cyndee


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
25
25
Rated: E | (5.0)
Your writing is AMAZING, clever, and witty. I enjoyed the read and felt Empathy's pain. Speaking a writer's language, you drew me right in with words like "prompts, opening lines, and so on . . ." and, as though you reached into my mind, spoke about the "sheer variety of poetic forms." Punctuating the comment with "Dear God" was icing on the cake.

There are so many delicious passages in this piece. Two faves are:

1. "Passing seconds grouped themselves confidently into minutes, which then huddled together pathetically in the knowledge that they never stood a chance of reaching the lofty heights of hours."

2. "She had considered this a challenge that enthusiasts would delight in rising to, but each visit to the competition page would be greeted by virtual tumbleweed blowing past with the taunting accompaniment of the e-crickets chirping their mocking chorus."

I LOVED the entire closing paragraph!!! 10/10

Suggestions:

1. Consider replacing the bit, "keeping up with them was an education in itself, with keeping up with them is an endless study in itself. I like the present use of is and the emphasis on endless and study . . . because that's what it is.

2. A single tear is cliche to me. Consider, she welled up with tears . . .

3. If you want someone outside of WdC to enjoy this witty piece I suggest you add some context. My husband, not a member of WdC, read it, ENJOYED it, and said, "If you (meaning me) didn't talk about WdC and share a lot of its content with me, I would have been very confused. As it is, I had to do some guessing to connect the dots. But, connect them he did, and he laughed and thoroughly appreciated your contest-winning story.

Some final notes: I felt empathy and relief for Empathy. I related to Dave's furrowed brow as he tried to sort the admission process, and I enjoyed Dave's "confident," yet humble personality.

A GREAT read!!! Simply, delightful! I am giving it a 5-star rating because the overall quality, despite my suggestions, warrants it.*Smile*

Live Passionately,
Cyndee


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
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