Comment from I am Cat

Excellent

uh oh... trouble in paradise! I hate it when that happens
My brother has been married FIVE times! count them...
FIVE...
guess how many times his fifth wife has been married?
you guessed it... FIVE.
lol
this might be it.
they've been married... i lost track... 8 years?
yeah, they just burned down their 4th house...

*whistles*
yeah, that's not suspicious at all...

you think you've got stories? LOLOL
;)
I'm reading...
Cat

 Comment Written 30-Jul-2015

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reply by the author on 30-Jul-2015

Sounds as if your brother could write a book on how to choose the wrong woman. LOL.

reply by I am Cat on 30-Jul-2015

Either THAT, or FIVE women could write one about how to choose the wrong man? Sooner or later (this is what I tell him) ... you gotta look in the mirror and say.... "Maybe it's ME!" ;)

Comment from w.j.debi

Excellent

Life and dreams, problems and success, reality setting in...The great acting careers are few and far between. Still, if you don't at least make the attempt you will always wonder. Another great chapter about life. I love that you show the good, the bad with a dash of humor.

 Comment Written 23-Apr-2015

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reply by the author on 24-Apr-2015

I'm trying to be positive and give everyone a fair shake. Yes, I felt that Nichole should at least get a chance to try it. But we told her a college degree came first.

Comment from Walu Feral

Excellent

G'day Shari, this is another well written chapter mate. Five years sounds like a long time for someone like Jeff to stick around, but I will give him one Brownie point, he certainly can draw. Keep the chapters coming, I'm enjoying the ride. Cheers Fez

 Comment Written 18-Apr-2015

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reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015

Thanks, Fez.Yeap, I'm trying to find something good about him too.

Comment from Dean Kuch

Excellent

Heh-heh, the owl caricature of you is priceless, Shari. Of course there are far worse animals Jeff could have used, like a donkey for example, or a baboon. Of course, I'm sure he was at least smart enough to know not to piss you off too badly.

It seems to me the further along I read in this story, the more it seems that your daughter and Jeff take one step forward then two giant steps back. What a shame to have to give up a gig like the one Nichole had with the cruise lines to go back to being a waitress. All because Jeff probably wanted her to.

Now troubled waters have begun to churn for Babara and her hubby, Rex. It seems like sometimes we can never catch a break! ...~Dean

 Comment Written 18-Apr-2015

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reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015

In my senior years, I'm learned not to let things bother me that I can't change. :-)

reply by Dean Kuch on 18-Apr-2015

True...very true. ;)

Comment from boxergirl

Excellent

It was probably a good idea not to question Jeff too much about his employment situation. I like the caricature Jeff drew for you,respecially since you are fond of owls. 8-)

 Comment Written 17-Apr-2015

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reply by the author on 17-Apr-2015

Thanks, BG. Yes, he had some things going for him.

Comment from judiverse

Excellent

This is very engrossing, with all the family angles coming into play. Nicole seems to be making a wise move in pursuing speech therapy as a new career. She and Jeff illustrate how difficult it is to make it in the TV or movie industry. Wonder how many other aspiring actors are working in restaurants? You must have had a lot of patience over Jeff's seeming willingness to use Nicole's income. Barbara didn't seem like a person destined for long-term relationships. judi

 Comment Written 17-Apr-2015

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reply by the author on 17-Apr-2015

At least, She never asked me for money, although I did send her a hefty check for necessities now and them. For example--their refrigerator broke down at one time.
Poor Barb wanted to find the right man, but a career was more important to her.

reply by judiverse on 17-Apr-2015

Barb must have been satisfied that the career part of her life was succeeding so well. judi

Comment from Leen1

Excellent

Nice caricature. However, I think Jeff is a bird. He seems to be flying away from many responsibilities. This installment of course like all others leaves the reader wanting more. Great job.

 Comment Written 17-Apr-2015

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reply by the author on 17-Apr-2015

The guy has a Peter Pan Syndrome in my opinion. Thanks for continuing to follow. :-)

Comment from Louise Michelle

Excellent

Hi Shari,

Jeff sounds like a big baby (referring to allergies and migraine). Maybe he's allergic to work.

Well, I have to admit I'm impressed with his landing a part in a sitcom. What a shame it didn't pan out.

Hugs,
Lou

 Comment Written 17-Apr-2015

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reply by the author on 17-Apr-2015

Before it's all over, he's gets a couple more good gigs. -

Comment from Sasha

Excellent

This is a damned if you do and damned if you don't situations. Say something and you are the bad guy and remain silent and you don't care. Motherhood sucks sometimes...for me, it's all the time. I do hope she finds someone better but love has a way of blinding most of us. Nice work with this one, I like the recap, good timing.

 Comment Written 17-Apr-2015

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reply by the author on 17-Apr-2015

We moms get pretty good at guessing our children's responses.

Comment from Lovinia

Excellent

Hi Shari

The first chapter I've read of your book, An interesting chapter written in a sharp, crisp style which works well for this type of story, a certain cynicism with a blush of humour, while managing to be genuine and not condescending. Lively and entertaining.

I can well understand your concern for your daughter, Jeff does not impress at all. I'm afraid I can't even find talent in his caricature, though I do love the owl. lol I find your style with short, almost at times, terse phrasing, to give your chapter a racey pace inviting the reader to be involved. Sounds like Nichole has sense but not when i comes to men. (Alas, so true for so many of us.)

Two minor nits:

" ... friend's children's (childrens') story,"

"Alas. Consistent low ratings caused ..." ... comma after Alas and lower case 'c'.

I will have to catch up on some earlier chapters. Well done. Hugs - Lovi xoxo

 Comment Written 17-Apr-2015

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reply by the author on 17-Apr-2015

Thanks, Lovi, for the detailed review and editing. Love that you describe my writing style. I thought too that the caricature was cute, but I've high school students who can do the same thing.

reply by Lovinia on 17-Apr-2015

As a poet I always feel a little inadequate when I review prose. I don't know the technical terms for prose and can lapse on some of the grammar. try to just let the writer know how I feel as a reader. Hugs - L xoxo

reply by the author on 17-Apr-2015

I feel this way when I critique poetry. :-)

reply by Lovinia on 17-Apr-2015

You always give honest feedback. I know you'll tell me if I need suggestions. :))) I'm lapping up the sun in our sunshine state ... Queensland, Going home this pm. Hugs - L xoxo