*Magnify*
SPONSORED LINKS
BY ONLINE AUTHORS
Printed from https://www.writing.com/main/profile/reviews/mikewrites/sort_by/r.review_creation_time DESC/sort_by_last/r.review_creation_time DESC/page/2
Review Requests: ON
393 Public Reviews Given
581 Total Reviews Given
Public Reviews
Previous ... 1 -2- 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 ... Next
26
26
Review by Writer_Mike
In affiliation with Positive Hearts Reviews Group  
Rated: 13+ | (5.0)
Art Linkletter had a TV show called "Kids Say the Darndest Things!". These days, they could call it "Kids Learn the Darndest Things!" I, too, think it's important for family values to be passed on, and it would be great if schools and families were always on the same page, values-wise. Sadly, this is often not the case. Parents sue school districts because of the curriculum, school districts sue parents for interfering with the curriculum. It's ridiculous and more than a little sad. Hopefully, as you point out, both sides will find a way to keep the children's best interests in mind.

Thanks for sharing this with us.

*CakeB* HAPPY WDC ACCOUNT ANNIVERSARY FROM "Anniversary Reviews" *CakeP*


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
27
27
Review by Writer_Mike
In affiliation with Positive Hearts Reviews Group  
Rated: 13+ | (4.0)
Family gatherings can range from very pleasant through awkward all the way down to extremely unpleasant; it looks like this one was somewhere in the middle, maybe edging toward unpleasant. Like the hubby said, his mom is going to push her cooking, even though she may prefer her daughter-in-law to be thinner and to take better care of herself. It looks like at least mom and daughter-in-law would benefit from getting together to discuss things.
This scenario undoubtedly plays out in innumerable households around the world. Thanks for bringing us a bit of this one.

*CakeB* HAPPY WDC ACCOUNT ANNIVERSARY FROM "Anniversary Reviews" *CakeP*


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
28
28
Review by Writer_Mike
In affiliation with Positive Hearts Reviews Group  
Rated: E | (4.0)
I read your poem, and it made me sad and a little angry. People set out to simply enjoy Nature, but others have basically set a trap for them by leaving a situation where a fire can start, perhaps spontaneously. The very sad, but true, part comes when you mention those who died being, perhaps, more fortunate than those who survived but with horrible scars and pain. That part is very true, as well as is the swiftness with which a grass fire can grow and spread.

I can't say I enjoyed reading this - the topic doesn't really allow for that - but I appreciate you sharing it.

An image donated by [Link To User legerdemain] for use with Anniversary Reviews.


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
29
29
Review by Writer_Mike
In affiliation with Positive Hearts Reviews Group  
Rated: ASR | (5.0)
Well, this was some crossword puzzle. It's fortunate you presented so many characters; it allowed for more cross-points than usual, which assisted me in solving it. Unfortunately for me, I had to resort to some creative Googling to get to the characters with whom I'm unfamiliar: Moon Knight, Iron Fist, Jessica Jones, Punisher and Echo, to name a few. They're perfectly good choices for your puzzle, I just didn't know about them.
Thanks for setting this up for us!
30
30
for entry "Life Skills" 
Review by Writer_Mike
In affiliation with Positive Hearts Reviews Group  
Rated: 13+ | (4.0)
Hi! Dropping by with an I Write in 2024 review!

You've acquired some cool life skills in embroidery and knitting; I certainly remember embroidered tablecloths. I would imagine it would "only" take a little dedicated time to relearn what has faded through disuse, and it's a real shame about that sweater. I think I've always been fairly good at listening, and certainly hesitate to offer advice. As Gandalf said, "Even the very wise cannot see all ends." Also, I'm sure I'm not the only one here who can identify with the cupboard scenario. Thanks for sharing this!


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
31
31
Review by Writer_Mike
In affiliation with Positive Hearts Reviews Group  
Rated: E | (4.5)
Probjective? Plobjective? ??? It's depressing how long it took to figure out 1 Down. It's not rocket science (literally not - rocket science has too many letters and isn't a POV). I had to look up the Dresden author, but I've seen Dune on shelves everywhere, and anyone who doesn't know the Ring-writer, R & J's penner or that master lightsaber wielder probably hasn't spent enough time at the library. Thanks for setting this up for us!
32
32
Review of Wonderland 2024  
for entry "A-1. Reflections" 
Review by Writer_Mike
In affiliation with Positive Hearts Reviews Group  
Rated: 18+ | (5.0)
Hi, Jeff! A little review for I Write in 2024 for you.

I can't even fathom working three jobs. You do what you have to do but, as you've discovered, there actually is a limit. You had to-do lists to guide you, so it's seems fairly clear that it's possible to be organized and still be overwhelmed. I'm glad you've been able to cut back, so you can better direct your energies. Your last line reminds me of Major Winchester's attitude toward surgery when he was assigned to the 4077th M*A*S*H: "I do one thing, I do it well, and I move on."

Thanks for sharing this.


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
33
33
Review of Carolina's Curls  
Review by Writer_Mike
In affiliation with Positive Hearts Reviews Group  
Rated: E | (4.5)
Hello! I'm dropping by with a review!

A tip of the cap to you, ma'am! What a wonderful and novel way for a young child to deal with one of the most visible side-effects of cancer and/or its treatment. Your inspirational story shows Carolina's marvelous strength and courage to not let the dread disease get the best of her.

I only see two little things you may want to correct (or not - it's totally your call): there's a space between Carolina and the comma in the sentence where she answers the "What happened to your curls?" question and, when Miss Dunphy Yelled, it should probably be just yelled. Again - any changes you make are entirely up to you. Thank you for sharing this with us!

*CakeB* HAPPY WDC ACCOUNT ANNIVERSARY FROM "Anniversary Reviews" *CakeP*


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
34
34
Review by Writer_Mike
In affiliation with Positive Hearts Reviews Group  
Rated: E | (5.0)
Hi! I'm here with a review for you!

I really like this little tale of sunlight using a window to enter a room. The beam moves slowly and steadily, illuminating everything it touches, whether mundane or special. A comfortable chair, a well-crafted wooden desk and various papers all feel its caress. Eventually, it reaches what are likely the two most important objects in the room: a picture of a young girl, and a paper bearing a wise saying. The sunbeam finally completes its journey and the room is left as it was.

Besides the quote, the part I liked best was revealing the paper's eventual effect on the paper. Thanks for sharing this.

New Anniversary Review image.


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
35
35
Review of Worm Moon  
Review by Writer_Mike
In affiliation with Positive Hearts Reviews Group  
Rated: E | (4.0)
Hi! I'm just dropping by with a review!

The neighborhood has a healer, and her name is Abigail. Everyone "knows" she can heal things and poor Sam, at a loss for a way to heal the troubles in his family, turns to her for help. She offers him Lavender Spice cookies, something he's sure he's going to dislike, but is very pleasantly surprised, even to the point of asking for more. Abigail weaves a kind of spell, making sure to include Sam and explain his part in the process.

I don't know a lot about New Age-y type things, but this seems to fit into the genre quite well. Thanks for sharing it!

*CakeB* HAPPY WDC ACCOUNT ANNIVERSARY FROM "Anniversary Reviews" *CakeP*


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
36
36
Review of Tabula Rasa  
Review by Writer_Mike
In affiliation with Positive Hearts Reviews Group  
Rated: E | (5.0)
Hi, there, just dropping by with a review for you!

Ah - the would-be writer's age-old bugaboo: writer's block. I think the poem's title fits the dilemma perfectly. What to do about the blank page either on the desk before you or on the screen in front of you? Advice has been sought and offered, yet getting past personal traits is a real challenge. Fortunately, the cursor calls to you, leads you along, gets you in sync - and the words appear.

I like this poem and how you address the subject. My favorite line: "Just write - don't think!" It reminds me of a line from Top Gun: Maverick: "Don't think - just do!" Thanks for sharing this (and keeping it available)!

*CakeB* HAPPY WDC ACCOUNT ANNIVERSARY FROM "Anniversary Reviews" *CakeP*


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
37
37
Review of The Do-Over  
Review by Writer_Mike
In affiliation with Positive Hearts Reviews Group  
Rated: 13+ | (4.0)
Hi, there! Just dropping by to offer a review.

Poor Robert. Hoping to kick off a good night's sleep with some buttermilk, he's instead redirected by the back porch light coming on, and then someone knocking on his back door. When he investigates, he not only finds no one there, but also manages to get locked out of his house. Even worse, he gets either transported back in time or to an alternate reality. In either case, he's taken for a boy, albeit one with "a pretty neat old man mask." One has to wonder if Robert ever gets home.

Your story could be anyone's experience on any given Halloween, right up to the part where the unexpected travel occurs, so good job there. Thanks for sharing this with us.

Note: From personal experience, I can tell you that buttermilk does not mix well with Nestle's chocolate drink mix. *Sick*

*CakeB* HAPPY WDC ACCOUNT ANNIVERSARY FROM "Anniversary Reviews" *CakeP*


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
38
38
Review by Writer_Mike
In affiliation with Positive Hearts Reviews Group  
Rated: E | (5.0)
Hi, there! I thought I'd drop by for a review.

I know I never wanted anything more than to have my wife by my side, so I believe I know where you're coming from. Anyone's feelings regarding Ms. Carey's rendition of this holiday standard notwithstanding, your words really boil the wishes expressed in the song right down to the essentials. If you have the one you want, the one you need, the one you love, well, then...everything else is just topping, right? Thanks for sharing this with us.

*CakeB* HAPPY WDC ACCOUNT ANNIVERSARY FROM "Anniversary Reviews" *CakeP*


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
39
39
Review by Writer_Mike
In affiliation with Positive Hearts Reviews Group  
Rated: E | N/A (Review only item.)
Hi! I found this in your port and thought I'd comment. I enjoyed your story of two ladies traveling to New Mexico by train; that must have been an interesting trip. You could have been one of them, but maybe you weren't. It seems odd to me, too, that there was reportedly no towing service available, not even on call. As to the "coincidences", I think the young men with their truck, and their friend, the mayor, could have been coincidences - but I'm prepared to believe that their appearances just at in time were 'arranged'. How those events were arranged is a topic that could be debated for a long time.

Thanks for sharing this with us!

*CakeB* HAPPY WDC ACCOUNT ANNIVERSARY FROM "Anniversary Reviews" *CakeP*


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
40
40
Review of Evening in June  
Review by Writer_Mike
In affiliation with Positive Hearts Reviews Group  
Rated: E | (4.5)
Hi! I found this and thought I'd make a comment. This is a very nice poem about things one might see on an evening stroll. I like the activities you mentioned and how you describe the overall setting. My favorite lines - because I couldn't choose between them - are "The half-moon like a pearlescent lemon wedge high in the indigo sky." and "Summer peering through a late spring veil, anxious." They bring up such vivid images! Thanks for sharing this!

*CakeB* HAPPY WDC ACCOUNT ANNIVERSARY FROM "Anniversary Reviews" *CakeP*


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
41
41
Review of Missing Pieces  
Review by Writer_Mike
In affiliation with Positive Hearts Reviews Group  
Rated: E | (4.0)
Hi! I found this in your port and thought I'd make a comment or two. Little Amy is running away from home in order to escape an abusive stepfather. We don't know the kind of abuse she's subjected to, but none of the possibilities are good. She meets a man named Mike on his way home, and he convinces her to join him at a safe place for a bite to eat. As they chat, Mike gets the idea that he and his wife might be able to serve as foster parents for Amy, since they can't have children of their own. We don't know how things turn out, but it looks like Amy's going to be in much better circumstances.

This was written for a dialogue-only contest, and it looks like it met the criteria; good work! Looking it over, I don't see any spelling or grammar errors. In fact, the only suggestion I would make would be to move "I'm Mike, and you?" up a line and include it in that bit of dialogue ["...Hop in. I’m Mike..."]. The way this is currently set up, it looks like that line should be Amy's. Thanks for sharing this with us.

*CakeB* HAPPY WDC ACCOUNT ANNIVERSARY FROM "Anniversary Reviews" *CakeP*


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
42
42
Review by Writer_Mike
In affiliation with Positive Hearts Reviews Group  
Rated: E | (5.0)
This is hilarious! Marsha is indeed quick-witted. Had I been in her place, the cake would have suffered catastrophic horizontal failure of everything at and below the apex of the Buster's predation. Even if I'd thought of it, searching the cupboards for a can of frosting would almost certainly have been doomed from the start, never mind whipping some up from scratch. You caught a serious break at the checkout stand, too, with the toy soldier and Jeep; my luck doesn't usually manifest itself on the plus side of things like that.

This is a wonderful true-to-life story, and I didn't note any spelling or grammar errors. Great job!


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
43
43
for entry "~ My Favorite Dream ~" 
Review by Writer_Mike
In affiliation with Positive Hearts Reviews Group  
Rated: 18+ | (3.5)
I come to you by way of "I Write in 2024" .

I can completely identify with you having dreamt about flying sans airplane. I, too, have swooped and soared and dove both inside of hallways and buildings in general, as well as outdoors. Some of the flights were local, some were practically transatlantic, but all were peaceful yet exhilarating.

I don't recall ever considering the "floating above my problems" aspect, but I can see what your counselor meant. I haven't dreamt about flying for the longest time, and can't recall the last time I even thought about it, so thanks for the pleasant reminder!


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
44
44
Review by Writer_Mike
In affiliation with Positive Hearts Reviews Group  
Rated: E | (4.5)
Your account's a year older, so here I am!

Your poem brings a cautionary tale about how the life of a gunslinger typically ends. I like how the repeated use of 'shadows' reinforces the notion that the 'how' of a gunslinger's end is known, just not the 'when'. The 'broken compass' strikes me as referring to his moral compass as no longer able to reliably tell the difference between south (bad) and north (good), although 'hangs his head in shame' tells us he's not completely amoral. The final three verses bring us to the final state of the gunslinger and his horse.

My favorite line: Sharpening his scythe.
Suggestion: I would change 'breathe' to breath.

Thanks for sharing this with us!

An image donated by [Link To User legerdemain] for use with Anniversary Reviews.


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
45
45
Review of Autumn  
Review by Writer_Mike
In affiliation with Positive Hearts Reviews Group  
Rated: E | (4.0)
Your account's a year older and I happened to drop by - and look what I found! I like the pictures you paint of autumn, with its bright colors, crisp mornings and evenings as bookends to a pleasant day. Very nice! The aspen trees in the mountains west of here also put on a lovely show every year.
You chose to vary the meter and there's nothing at all wrong with that, and the a-a-b-b rhyme scheme you used makes for a nice read. Thanks for sharing this with us!

*CakeB* HAPPY WDC ACCOUNT ANNIVERSARY FROM "Anniversary Reviews" *CakeP*


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
46
46
Review of Tinkering Dreams  
Review by Writer_Mike
In affiliation with Positive Hearts Reviews Group  
Rated: ASR | (4.0)
Hi! I'm here with a review for I Write in 2024.

Well, it looks like Harold is correct: getting fired from the factory is turning out fairly well. First, he gets away from Lord Harrison, who appears to be a pretty cruel taskmaster. He hits his workers with his walking stick, and he knows his machines churn out bits of fiber which aren't good for them, but he's pleased with how they suppress the workers' appetites so they can work longer and harder; Harold is well shot of him.

The constable detailed to escort him from the premises remembers being a young lad himself, and allows Harold to retrieve his belongings from the alley adjacent to the factory (apparently still part of the factory grounds). He's amazed at the contraption Harold wears on his head. Out of an abundance of caution perhaps, Harold misidentifies it as a combination stove and umbrella.

The device's real nature is much more clever, as Harold demonstrates to the young girl he meets in an especially run-down part of town. Her suggestion that he put on a show at a local fair turns out to be very good advice, and the young inventor is on his way.

I enjoyed reading your story, and I liked the local slang and terminology you used, especially homunculus and tifter. Thanks for sharing this!


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
47
47
Review of All About Kiya  
Review by Writer_Mike
In affiliation with Positive Hearts Reviews Group  
Rated: 18+ | (5.0)
Hi, Kiya! This was a fun puzzle to work on; Sapphy really came up with some good stuff. The spaces are a bit disconcerting, but not a real big deal. On the technical side of things, the following words didn't gray/line-out when I found them: Black Hair, Gay Asian Boys, and Teddy Bears. I know this puzzle was last edited a decade ago but, since you've activated it for your birthday celebration today, you may want to ask SM to take a look. Thanks again, and have a fantastic birthday!
48
48
Review of Summer Grass  
Review by Writer_Mike
In affiliation with Positive Hearts Reviews Group  
Rated: E | (5.0)
I took a look around and found this verdant gem. Since they get precious little help from me, my own little blades ought to take the hint and welcome the rains, instead of doing their crinkled best to let it all flow away. I very much like the images I get of blades of grass struggling to stay upright under the onslaught of a summer storm. Thanks for sharing this!

*CakeB* HAPPY WDC ACCOUNT ANNIVERSARY FROM "Anniversary Reviews" *CakeP*


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
49
49
Review of Enemy  
Review by Writer_Mike
In affiliation with Positive Hearts Reviews Group  
Rated: E | (4.5)
Hi, Kyle! I found this in your port and thought to leave a comment or two.

It looks like some higher-up neglected to take the possibility of technological advancement seriously, if they even considered it at all. Their complacency and acceptance of the seemingly never-ending status quo cost their men their lives; it may have even cost them the possibility of coming out the victor in this conflict. Unfortunate.

Your story of men manning the trenches and preparing to repel attackers rings true enough. I like how you used uncommon words in the tale: fosse and, from the Basque, etsai. Very cool. Thanks for sharing this!

An image donated by [Link To User legerdemain] for use with Anniversary Reviews.


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
50
50
Review of Lemonade  
Review by Writer_Mike
In affiliation with Positive Hearts Reviews Group  
Rated: E | (4.0)
I found this in your port and thought to comment; just remember, though, it's only one man's opinion.

This looks like a great Daily Flash Fiction entry. It's most unfortunate that pesky word count limit tripped you up. Five little words - I've been there more times than I care to remember. That said, you paint a realistic picture of a father desperately trying to find his little girl at a local water park. You even have his heart almost stop when he sees a youngster face down in the water and grabs her, only to find out she's not his child. He finds her safe and sound, but I'd bet she got a serious talking-to after his heart rate dropped back under 100.

The only comment I would make is that, with the child missing for an hour, you would think the police would have been swarming the area. I'm not sure what part of the story you could remove in order for them to at least get a mention, but I think it would help sell the story. Thanks for sharing this with us!

*CakeB* HAPPY WDC ACCOUNT ANNIVERSARY FROM "Anniversary Reviews" *CakeP*


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
233 Reviews · *Magnify*
Page of 10 · 25 per page   < >
Printed from https://www.writing.com/main/profile/reviews/mikewrites/sort_by/r.review_creation_time DESC/sort_by_last/r.review_creation_time DESC/page/2