Reviews from

Life Happens

While we make plans.

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

I love coffee, or an evening meal with good friends, but I've had coffee on the cliffs of Santorini, watching the sun set, sipped coffee on the banks of Venice, seen belly dancers perform in the desert of Dubai, been leaf peeping in New England, bee to fisherman's wharf in San Francisco, and I live in Australia. Sorry, you brought back memories, but it's still about people isn't it? We should be content wherever we are. Beautifully written, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 13-Apr-2022


reply by the author on 13-Apr-2022
    Thanks so much, Roy -- and you have again whetted my appetite for an Australian visit. I love your reply; it's like a conversation! thanks. ann
reply by royowen on 13-Apr-2022
    It?s an incredible country Ann, a land of droughts, flooding rains, deserts and rain forests, and strange animals.
reply by the author on 13-Apr-2022
    My granddaughter spent a year there -- as an exchange student - her senior year in high school. She loved it. She was in Tasmania and she still talks about it!!! One day I will visit.
reply by royowen on 13-Apr-2022
    A fair bit different there, beautiful island state Ann
Comment from lyenochka
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Oh thank you for sharing this. You have been widowed twice and that has to be incredibly hard. And you still write so peacefully and graciously, showing us how you can accept that "life happens" and keep being a blessing and being grateful for life. Beautiful!! I liked how you started with and ended with a phone conversation! So glad you are back on Fanstory!
Minor nits:
we were watching? (end quotes needed)
"That was him" (period inside the end quote)

 Comment Written 13-Apr-2022


reply by the author on 13-Apr-2022
    I am so glad you said I sound grateful, because I truly am! With the blessings I've had, it would be almost a sin to be otherwise. lol. Sometimes I am concerned that I could sound a bit maudlin and, Lord knows, I am not.

    I will repair those spag issues and certainly appreciate your pointing them out to me.
reply by lyenochka on 13-Apr-2022
    You're a role model for us, Ann! I loved how you showed us the gems of your memories as well as the honest look at life's losses. 💖
Comment from Yardier
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Very nice introspective of a slice of life where two people are making memories of value. Brought together by written words, then spoken words by phone, ultimately seeding hope, trust and friendship. Perhaps it will lead to a face to face where deeper emotions will grow.
Thank you for the honesty.

All the best, Yard.


 Comment Written 13-Apr-2022


reply by the author on 13-Apr-2022
    thanks so much for reading and understanding what I was trying to say. I appreciate your time and your words. ann
Comment from Judy Lawless
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Thanks for sharing this wonderful story of you life, Ann. I always find it so interesting to learn how other people live. Sometimes, like with this story, I can relate to a specific part. Jim and I spent many years traveling across our own country and the US in a few different RVs, until Covid put an end to it. Well written.

 Comment Written 13-Apr-2022


reply by the author on 13-Apr-2022
    Thanks so much for reading and commenting. I truly appreciate your input and your sharing of your own life. ann
reply by Judy Lawless on 13-Apr-2022
    You?re most welcome, Ann.
Comment from Mary Vigasin
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

A perfect title for this wonderful and interesting story with life
tragedies, lost plans, challenges, and finding friendships.
Very well-written and one that keeps your readers'
engaged.
Best wishes
Mary

 Comment Written 13-Apr-2022


reply by the author on 13-Apr-2022
    Thanks so much for reading and commenting. I appreciate your time in doing both, as well as the encouraging comments. ann
Comment from Susan Newell
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Ann,

I'm so glad I reserved a six. Your quiet, gentle manner of storytelling draws one in and makes one want to gulp down every word. You have suffered difficult tragedies, and for that you have my empathy. But you move on and continue to find new ways to live with joy and happiness. It is so true that we never see what's coming, be it pain and sadness, or joy and contentment. I wish you the best of everything. I remember the story about Zoe, but don't recall the author. Blessings.

Sue

 Comment Written 13-Apr-2022


reply by the author on 13-Apr-2022
    Thanks so much! A stormy morning here is Mesquite is brightened in my corner by 6 beautiful stars!!! I appreciate more than I can express. i love to write and, as I am sure you understand, when someone says the result was worth reading, it puts an extra smile in my day. thank you. ann
reply by Susan Newell on 13-Apr-2022
    You are so welcome. I love everything you write. You write with skill, clarity and just the right amount of emotion.
Comment from Terry Broxson
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I am out of six's don't write any more this week! That is a wonderful story of the two important men in your life. I know your Dad and brother are two more. I am honored and appreciate your friendship. Thanks, Terry.

 Comment Written 12-Apr-2022


reply by the author on 13-Apr-2022
    i think I'm about out of writing for this week! In the office today and into training -- so busy with 'real' life. lol. There are many important friends in my life and I'm glad you are one of them. The 6 stars light up this rather dark, stormy morning. Thanks. Terry, for reading and always being encouraging. To get a 6 from the #2 Short Story writer is no small feat!!! ann
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

You told your story well, Ann. Wow, the memories you shared, and you must have a bazillion from those RV trips. I liked the part about the duck/grebe. Your story was well organized with great details. I hope you share more.
Respectfully, Jan

 Comment Written 12-Apr-2022


reply by the author on 13-Apr-2022
    i do have exactly a 'bazillion' RV stories. lol Love it . thank you so much for the wonderful stars and positive review. I appreciate your time and your words and, most definitely, those 6 stars. ann
Comment from prettybluebirds
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Life does indeed take some odd turns. I have had two husbands as different as night and day. I lost all three of my sons at different times and have no children to bring joy to my old age. I'm alright, though. I spent a lot of years rescuing cats and abused horses. Life is not all good or bad. I love your story and wish you all the best.

 Comment Written 12-Apr-2022


reply by the author on 13-Apr-2022
    I am so sorry for all of your losses; I cannot even imagine the strength it must have taken and continues to take to live a positive and giving life --- as it appears you have. My prayers are with you and I wish you love and peace. ann
Comment from Rosita Smedvik
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This ran the gauntlet of emotions for me, so that's great. Evolving, changing can be so amazing and difficult at the same time. When life takes us off the road we see before us to dip and dive to somewhere we didn't see the road going. I smiled at your relationship with Ronnie. I have a similar friend who has been beside me for all life's ups and downs. And its so sad when life changes the course on us. But memories still are there to smile over a cup of tea. I would just say check your spacing before submitting. But overall this left me with a warmth in my heart. Thank you for sharing.

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 Comment Written 12-Apr-2022


reply by the author on 13-Apr-2022
    i will immediately check my spacing. Is that between paragraphs, sentences or words? I did have one reviewer who told me to 'watch for the wall of words' == meaning some of paragraphs were too long. Thanks for reading and for a thoughtful review. ann
reply by Rosita Smedvik on 13-Apr-2022
    Good morning. The spacing I noticed was between sentences. A few spots were double spaced a couple triple spaced. I do this myself when I'm typing quickly. I really enjoyed your heartfelt story. I just posted my first here. I was so nervous. I'm surprised I didn't have more errors myself.