Surprise!
Unexpected, for sure ...26 total reviews
Comment from Father Flaps
Hi Wendy,
Terrific entry for the writing prompt, "A Surprise Event". And I see you won the contest! Congratulations!
I love fish 'n chips, so long as it's haddock or deep ocean cod that's been previously flash frozen. You have to be very careful with fish, especially in the warmer season. A cod that has been caught handy to shore, for example, might have worms. In fact, at least 20% of fish that pass through any local restaurant have roundworms. Gross, eh? It's such a regular occurrence that most cooks will just cut out the infected meat, and cook the fish. Many people have likely eaten parts of these white worms. It's best to buy fish caught far away from shore where they fillet and freeze the fish right away.
I like tarter sauce with my fish! A nice garnish!
Poor Neil... I wouldn't eat a fish that was looking back at me either! Wonderful story, Wendy! Loved it!
Hugs,
Kimbob
reply by the author on 08-Aug-2022
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Hi Wendy,
Terrific entry for the writing prompt, "A Surprise Event". And I see you won the contest! Congratulations!
I love fish 'n chips, so long as it's haddock or deep ocean cod that's been previously flash frozen. You have to be very careful with fish, especially in the warmer season. A cod that has been caught handy to shore, for example, might have worms. In fact, at least 20% of fish that pass through any local restaurant have roundworms. Gross, eh? It's such a regular occurrence that most cooks will just cut out the infected meat, and cook the fish. Many people have likely eaten parts of these white worms. It's best to buy fish caught far away from shore where they fillet and freeze the fish right away.
I like tarter sauce with my fish! A nice garnish!
Poor Neil... I wouldn't eat a fish that was looking back at me either! Wonderful story, Wendy! Loved it!
Hugs,
Kimbob
Comment Written 07-Aug-2022
reply by the author on 08-Aug-2022
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Thanks so much for your super review, and also for the congratulations. Appreciated. Your words are enough to almost make become vegetarian! I'm heading that way. I am so glad you enjoyed this one.
Wendy
Wendy
Comment from LisaMay
It's a shame that 'sophistication' can often be a traumatic experience. We moderns are often sheltered from the realities of where our food comes from, or we kind-heartedly identify with the creatures too much. Your story portrays the situation and poor Neil's response very well. A memorable family occasion, but unfortunately not in a good way.
(I was reminded of my own reaction when served a crayfish for the first time - it was definitely looking at me in an accusing manner.)
reply by the author on 07-Aug-2022
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It's a shame that 'sophistication' can often be a traumatic experience. We moderns are often sheltered from the realities of where our food comes from, or we kind-heartedly identify with the creatures too much. Your story portrays the situation and poor Neil's response very well. A memorable family occasion, but unfortunately not in a good way.
(I was reminded of my own reaction when served a crayfish for the first time - it was definitely looking at me in an accusing manner.)
Comment Written 06-Aug-2022
reply by the author on 07-Aug-2022
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You are so right! Why does "sophistication" require us to see and be confronted by the reality of the source? Maybe it's head in the sand to not acknowledge it - I am sure I would be vegetarian if I had to face such things every time I ate meat or fish! Thanks so much for a super review.
Wendy
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I think it would benefit the world if more people were vegetarians. Maybe it would be a good strategy to facilitate this by presenting sheep and cow's heads in supermarkets.. sure to turn people off.
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You are right. Especially with the diseases that can be transmitted through livestock, and better for the environment. I reconsider vegetarianism quite frequently, and may well become one very soon.
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I only eat fish or chicken for my meat - as long as it isn't looking at me!
Comment from Michaela Moore
This story was priceless! And I saw it won! I love that. Couldn 't have happened to a nicer person! This happened to me when I was a little girl at a seafood restaurant. This is how they brought my fish to me!!! You would think they would have known better than to bring it like that to a little girl of 8 years old. I cried and cried and cried. It kept me from eating fish for many, many years.
reply by the author on 06-Aug-2022
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This story was priceless! And I saw it won! I love that. Couldn 't have happened to a nicer person! This happened to me when I was a little girl at a seafood restaurant. This is how they brought my fish to me!!! You would think they would have known better than to bring it like that to a little girl of 8 years old. I cried and cried and cried. It kept me from eating fish for many, many years.
Comment Written 06-Aug-2022
reply by the author on 06-Aug-2022
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Thank you Michaela! What a lovely review. Yes, I can well understand your distress. I don't know why they present it like that. It makes it so unappealing. Many thanks for your six stars - to me that is a great honour, and very highly valued.
Wendy
Comment from LJbutterfly
I love fish, but would have been horrified if I had been served a whole fish with the head included, even though I once served a baked stuffed red snapper, head included, at a dinner party. The fish was large and beautiful on the plater. I would never want an individual fish on a plate for just me. I understand Neil's tears. Best wishes in the contest.
reply by the author on 07-Aug-2022
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I love fish, but would have been horrified if I had been served a whole fish with the head included, even though I once served a baked stuffed red snapper, head included, at a dinner party. The fish was large and beautiful on the plater. I would never want an individual fish on a plate for just me. I understand Neil's tears. Best wishes in the contest.
Comment Written 06-Aug-2022
reply by the author on 07-Aug-2022
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Thank you very much for reviewing. I appreciate your understanding words and support.
Wendy
Comment from jessizero
You're right that it was a surprise! I was almost horrified, and I wasn't even there! I felt like I saw it, though, because you described it so well. Thanks for sharing, and best wishes to you.
reply by the author on 06-Aug-2022
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You're right that it was a surprise! I was almost horrified, and I wasn't even there! I felt like I saw it, though, because you described it so well. Thanks for sharing, and best wishes to you.
Comment Written 06-Aug-2022
reply by the author on 06-Aug-2022
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Thanks so much Jessi. I am very happy you enjoyed this story.
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
Lol, Wendy, that was so funny, and I can quite understand your brothers horror at being served that fish complete with head and everything intact. I hate that, and never order fish unless they remove the head first. Well done, my friend, I enjoyed your story. Good luck in the contest, :)) Sandra
reply by the author on 07-Aug-2022
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Lol, Wendy, that was so funny, and I can quite understand your brothers horror at being served that fish complete with head and everything intact. I hate that, and never order fish unless they remove the head first. Well done, my friend, I enjoyed your story. Good luck in the contest, :)) Sandra
Comment Written 06-Aug-2022
reply by the author on 07-Aug-2022
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Thank you Sandra! What a lovely and encouraging review.I also appreciate your good wishes. Glad you enjoyed it.
Wendy
Comment from K. Lang-Slattery
This is a fun story with a funny surprise. It isn't clear, however if you are the oldest or the first to leave home though not the oldest.... somehow this matters to me as it would explain clearly why the special occasion. I am surprised that none of you had seen whole fish in a fish market. Also I'd like to better visualize the composition of the family other than ages. I prefer a piece that doesn't take for granted that the reader is familiar with previous work. I know these are petty comments, but in a story, I think they might matter. Even with a limited word count, you could make these issues clear by condensing some of the other details. (both paragraph 3 and 5 really say the same thing and the second to final paragraph is unnecessary as the entire story conveys it's meaning)
I mean these comments in all kindness and please believe that a 4 is still a good review.
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 07-Aug-2022
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This is a fun story with a funny surprise. It isn't clear, however if you are the oldest or the first to leave home though not the oldest.... somehow this matters to me as it would explain clearly why the special occasion. I am surprised that none of you had seen whole fish in a fish market. Also I'd like to better visualize the composition of the family other than ages. I prefer a piece that doesn't take for granted that the reader is familiar with previous work. I know these are petty comments, but in a story, I think they might matter. Even with a limited word count, you could make these issues clear by condensing some of the other details. (both paragraph 3 and 5 really say the same thing and the second to final paragraph is unnecessary as the entire story conveys it's meaning)
I mean these comments in all kindness and please believe that a 4 is still a good review.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 06-Aug-2022
reply by the author on 07-Aug-2022
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Thank you very much for your insights and thoughts. I was the first to leave home (second oldest). We had never been to a fish market! Even when my father fished he did all the trimming before bringing the fillets home. We rarely went anywhere as a family, partly because of the logistics of fitting into one car, partly for other reasons. I'll take another look at the paragraphs you mention. Thanks again.
Wendy
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
Ha ha ha, this is the reality of eating food that was once living and it is a shock when children realise that. My Grandma took me to Littlewoods cafe when I was growing up and it was the highlight of my week! Nothing as posh as this restaurant and the burger and chips was unrecognisable as a cow! Ha ha ha, love Dolly x
reply by the author on 06-Aug-2022
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Ha ha ha, this is the reality of eating food that was once living and it is a shock when children realise that. My Grandma took me to Littlewoods cafe when I was growing up and it was the highlight of my week! Nothing as posh as this restaurant and the burger and chips was unrecognisable as a cow! Ha ha ha, love Dolly x
Comment Written 06-Aug-2022
reply by the author on 06-Aug-2022
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Thanks so much Dolly! Love your review. I still can't eat food that looks too much like its source.
Wendy
Comment from Sandra Nelms-Ludwig
Ms. Wendy, I loved your story. Sadly, I have no more 6s. It a story about hardworking folks trying to have a fancy night out. I can relate because I too was raised in a similar manner. I appreciate the font size being large and easy to read. The visual fits perfectly. It's a shame you must do a lesson on the differences between British, Australian and American English in your notes, Jeez! I will vote for you because your story had humor and real life rolled into one package.
reply by the author on 06-Aug-2022
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Ms. Wendy, I loved your story. Sadly, I have no more 6s. It a story about hardworking folks trying to have a fancy night out. I can relate because I too was raised in a similar manner. I appreciate the font size being large and easy to read. The visual fits perfectly. It's a shame you must do a lesson on the differences between British, Australian and American English in your notes, Jeez! I will vote for you because your story had humor and real life rolled into one package.
Comment Written 05-Aug-2022
reply by the author on 06-Aug-2022
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Thanks you so much Sandra! What a wonderful and encouraging review. I am so glad you enjoyed it, and thank you for your vote. I really appreciate your support.
(I wrote a poem called "True Blue Aussie" for the Pet Peeve contest because I got sick of being told off for my "spelling mistakes" - it came second. Lol. Now I just add a note to that effect.)
Wendy
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It's a shame it is needed. You are welcome. I enjoy your writing.
Comment from Rebel Jim
Just talking from an American standpoint,
Seems to me you prefer the beer battered flounder, or cod, or halibut,
with some deep fried potato strips, wedges, (Fish & Chips) am I way wrong?!
I like your piece..... And no I didn't go for the fish that was looking back at me...
You did good, I didn't see any faults with your presentation (for what it's worth)...
My compliments.... "Keep on Writin'!"........
reply by the author on 05-Aug-2022
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Just talking from an American standpoint,
Seems to me you prefer the beer battered flounder, or cod, or halibut,
with some deep fried potato strips, wedges, (Fish & Chips) am I way wrong?!
I like your piece..... And no I didn't go for the fish that was looking back at me...
You did good, I didn't see any faults with your presentation (for what it's worth)...
My compliments.... "Keep on Writin'!"........
Comment Written 05-Aug-2022
reply by the author on 05-Aug-2022
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That was all Neil knew when he was eight years old; that was all any of us knew - so yes! Lol. Thanks so much for reviewing. Good luck with your piece too!
Wendy
