Reviews from

Picking Up Where We Left Off

Where there is life, there's hope

33 total reviews 
Comment from SimianSavant
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This was quite the write. All autobiographical? And what a tragedy to go along with it. Big use of vocabulary, but not overdone. There were a number of memorable lines. Not sure whether my favorite was the one about the subway map or "as I was trained to do in music school". I'm about to take an extended break from the site so you're getting what will likely be my last 6, and it is well deserved.

SS

 Comment Written 06-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 06-Apr-2024
    What?!! But who will talk about plantains versus bananas now? Who will be my favorite gorilla? Are you okay, though?

    Thank you for your last six; I am genuinely touched by your thoughtfulness.

    And btw, there is nothing but nothing autobiographical here; it's complete and total fiction.
    xoxo
Comment from lyenochka
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Wow! What a great post! I love it! You did a fabulous job showing us the mix of emotions from the loss of the spouse and the ecstasy of bringing a baby into the world. I liked "and then she becomes like an Impressionist painting as the flood of my tears makes the image of her melt and blur."
Congratulations on another great post and a WIN!!

 Comment Written 29-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 29-Jan-2024
    You are one of the greatest facets for me of this site. Thank you for this wonderful review, so specific, and therefore, so helpful. You have the nicest way of making me think I'm actually doing okay with this writing hobby!! xoxox
Comment from Sugarray77
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Hello Rachelle. How amazing! I don't know how I missed this one, but it is an incredible write and the flow and beauty are breathtaking. It is very well written and I like how you broke it up between prose and poetry. Very nice.

Melissa

 Comment Written 23-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 23-Jan-2024
    Thank you, Melissa; I totally appreciate this. xoxox
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

You brought back some memories here as both births of my two daughters were different, but both exciting and magical too. I remember the trauma and then the calm and joy afterwards. These are moments that stay with us forever. Congratulations Rachelle on your worthy win, love Dolly x

 Comment Written 17-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 17-Jan-2024
    You are so right, Dolly! My daughter is in her forties now, but when I had to go into my memory bank to write about the feeling of labor, it was as if it had just happened that morning!! Exactly as you said, "the moments that stay with us forever." Thanks for this very nice review. xo
Comment from royowen
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Yes, that would be snickers moment in life, I think you got. it right when you said it was the definition of bitter sweet, nothing else quite cuts it compared to that, the dying of one love, the birth of another, and the ghost is born, well done, good story, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 17-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 17-Jan-2024
    Thanks, Roy.
reply by royowen on 17-Jan-2024
    Welcome
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

No sixes left, but what a fabulous story and poem, you make it sound so true, Rachelle. I felt so sorry for the lady who hadn't even been able to tell her dear hubby he was going to be a daddy. I'm sure there are thousands of women who can relate to this. Of course it won the contest, how could it not? Congratulations, my friend, for a job very well done!! Love and hugs, Sandra xxx

 Comment Written 17-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 17-Jan-2024
    And this is exactly why I adore you, Sandra. You always put such graciousness into everything you do. Thank you for this lovely review. xoxoxo
Comment from Carol Hillebrenner
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Never having given birth, I read your description with interest. The poem you wrote when you daughter is born is lovely and should make a good song. The red curls are unforgettable.

 Comment Written 16-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 16-Jan-2024
    Thanks very much, Carol. I appreciate your feedback. Just to be clear, though, this is total fiction.
Comment from Thesis
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

That was a very touching account of a sad situation that turned into a wonderful, loving experience. I liked how through the pain, the Mom kept thinking of her partner and the way she remembered his collaborative comments. Nicely done.

 Comment Written 16-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 16-Jan-2024
    Yes, it's pretty rare, during labor, as you're there having THE worst, most excruciating pain of your life to have loving thoughts about the man who brought it all about. hahaha.

    Thanks for a most validating review. I genuinely appreciate it.
Comment from Yusita
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I think you did an outstanding job with the entry for this contest. The story you wrote was engrossing, you told is so well that you got all sorts of reactions out of me throughout... including deep sadness and pain to imagine being in her shoes and experiencing her loss. On the other hand, you made me chuckle with your descriptions/imagery/comparisons, and then you warmed my heart with her joy at being able to feel close to her beloved once more through the birth of their baby. To top it off, you wrote and included a lovely poem as well. Superbly done.

 Comment Written 16-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 16-Jan-2024
    Wow! This is SUCH a wonderful review. I appreciate all the parts of it that "landed" with you, because that helps me grow and improve as a writer. Thank you for that. Also, I appreciate the extra star.
reply by Yusita on 17-Jan-2024
    My pleasure! I?m glad you enjoyed my review.
Comment from nomi338
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Bravo! It breaks my heart that I no longer have a six to bestow for this marvelous presentation. If you tell that this is not biographical, I shall be so jealous that I may snap into pieces. I gave up writing lyrics to concentrate on poems, essays, and the slowly evolving life story that hesitates to move forward. This is such a masterful story that I felt like I was in that delivery room with you. You have an enviable gift, please stay with it and continue to grow.

 Comment Written 16-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 16-Jan-2024
    Well, although I do not want to be the one responsible for having your snap into pieces, I have to confess that this is totally from my imagination. Thank you for being there in the delivery room with me, though; it's always nice to have a strong, handsome coach by one's side!! Thank you for this warm, encouraging review. I couldn't appreciate it more.
reply by nomi338 on 16-Jan-2024
    You are most welcome, and I look forward to reading more of your work.