Behind The Mask - Who I Am
a contest entry, biographical nonfiction35 total reviews
Comment from Jean Lutz
Best wishes with your entry in the Non-Fiction Writing Contest. As a family member, I wish for you even more in the contest of life. I've told people every since I joined this site, I don't look for the mechanics of writing when I read a piece -- I look for the message. Right from the first, you've connected with me. I sense, at least in one part, we have reached the same point. At times you just have to tell people to back off. My take away is your comment about the trash receptacle -- must confess I may steal it. Lately I have been doing some thinking about the passage in the Bible about forgiving 70 times 7 or some ghastly number. My own deduction is if I would stop going back to the same dung I had to forgive the last time, I might not have to repeat the process so often!
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Best wishes with your entry in the Non-Fiction Writing Contest. As a family member, I wish for you even more in the contest of life. I've told people every since I joined this site, I don't look for the mechanics of writing when I read a piece -- I look for the message. Right from the first, you've connected with me. I sense, at least in one part, we have reached the same point. At times you just have to tell people to back off. My take away is your comment about the trash receptacle -- must confess I may steal it. Lately I have been doing some thinking about the passage in the Bible about forgiving 70 times 7 or some ghastly number. My own deduction is if I would stop going back to the same dung I had to forgive the last time, I might not have to repeat the process so often!
Comment Written 23-Jun-2015
Comment from Shirley E Kennedy
Your non-fiction writing assured me of one thing--you are human.
God created all man equal though many of us do not feel we are.
Life is a journey, and like any journey, there are pitfalls and potholes which we often must navigate without love support or encouragement.
As a biographer of sorts I agree that it is daunting to share personal struggles
in a harsh and judgemental world. I have found so much peace with myself and others from the cleansing trio...acknowledge, release and heal.
It was lovely to see that you also find value in this trio.
Good luck ...now breathe, release and let go. You are loved.
:-) Shirley
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Your non-fiction writing assured me of one thing--you are human.
God created all man equal though many of us do not feel we are.
Life is a journey, and like any journey, there are pitfalls and potholes which we often must navigate without love support or encouragement.
As a biographer of sorts I agree that it is daunting to share personal struggles
in a harsh and judgemental world. I have found so much peace with myself and others from the cleansing trio...acknowledge, release and heal.
It was lovely to see that you also find value in this trio.
Good luck ...now breathe, release and let go. You are loved.
:-) Shirley
Comment Written 23-Jun-2015
Comment from Lovinia
Hi Dawn
What a revelation ... kudos to you and what a display of courage, especially in light of a knowing as to how some use personal information against you. I did check your reviews to see if any snipes turned up ... not as far as I read thank heavens. I think you made it quite clear what they could expect. lol
I've read some of what you've said in your work and 'read between the lines' in your work and responses to replies and reviews. I can identify with much of what you've written, and empathise with other parts. I'm very private when it comes to the personal and fully understand that you've made much known yet still keep something to yourself ... I think this is wise and a good protection of self.
At first I thought it cruel to 'push' a person to reveal more than they feel comfortable with, then continuing to read I find the cathartic value; the creation of awareness for those who can identify yet are unable to speak up; and admiring your own courage it gives the reader the opportunity to perhaps find their own courage to trust a little more in what one writes.
I did enjoy the rant about those who are cruel bullies, ignorant or misguided when reviewing. Reviewing is about focusing on the prose or poetic skill/talent, not content. Of course many of us add a personal thought about the subject. or friendly remark and sometimes a catch-up note ... this is all part of this site.
Thank you for offering us so much of yourself, I can only say, I respect, like and admire you even more. Huge hugs ... Lovi xoxo
PS - scusie the spag or typos. lol
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Hi Dawn
What a revelation ... kudos to you and what a display of courage, especially in light of a knowing as to how some use personal information against you. I did check your reviews to see if any snipes turned up ... not as far as I read thank heavens. I think you made it quite clear what they could expect. lol
I've read some of what you've said in your work and 'read between the lines' in your work and responses to replies and reviews. I can identify with much of what you've written, and empathise with other parts. I'm very private when it comes to the personal and fully understand that you've made much known yet still keep something to yourself ... I think this is wise and a good protection of self.
At first I thought it cruel to 'push' a person to reveal more than they feel comfortable with, then continuing to read I find the cathartic value; the creation of awareness for those who can identify yet are unable to speak up; and admiring your own courage it gives the reader the opportunity to perhaps find their own courage to trust a little more in what one writes.
I did enjoy the rant about those who are cruel bullies, ignorant or misguided when reviewing. Reviewing is about focusing on the prose or poetic skill/talent, not content. Of course many of us add a personal thought about the subject. or friendly remark and sometimes a catch-up note ... this is all part of this site.
Thank you for offering us so much of yourself, I can only say, I respect, like and admire you even more. Huge hugs ... Lovi xoxo
PS - scusie the spag or typos. lol
Comment Written 23-Jun-2015
Comment from Realist101
Breathtakingly honest account of yourself my friend. I would never have the courage to open up like this...I was saddened terribly learning of your loss of dogs...today my brown Lab was diagnosed with terminal cancer...I am just shattered and so down I can barely type this. He followed me as I rode the horse, ran alongside my old atv...walked with me. I wrote that story because I knew he was ill. I just knew. He has days...and I'd go in his stead if only I could...anyway, wonderful entry Dawn. You're so talented. x. Susan
reply by the author on 23-Jun-2015
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Breathtakingly honest account of yourself my friend. I would never have the courage to open up like this...I was saddened terribly learning of your loss of dogs...today my brown Lab was diagnosed with terminal cancer...I am just shattered and so down I can barely type this. He followed me as I rode the horse, ran alongside my old atv...walked with me. I wrote that story because I knew he was ill. I just knew. He has days...and I'd go in his stead if only I could...anyway, wonderful entry Dawn. You're so talented. x. Susan
Comment Written 23-Jun-2015
reply by the author on 23-Jun-2015
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Oh Sue, I am so terribly sorry! Now listen, I hate platitudes, and I know this is going to sound odd, but as much as I believe people go to heaven, I believe dogs do too - please believe me when I tell you that I think people should be able to choose an easy death when they have an illness that can cause much pain/suffering. He will be in Glory, kid - believe it!!! (It's us who suffers because we miss them, but one day, we'll see them again - I know it!) I have to be so emphatic because there are some who say an animal doesn't have a soul - can't go to heaven -that is pure and simple nonsense (and deep inside, you know it too).
Thank you for your wonderful comments on my memoir, and the incredibly generous six stars, my friend. Hugs, Suse - I'm holding your puppy in my prayers, okay? He's a good dog and he knows it - believe he's going to Heaven.
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Oh Dawn, my heart won't take this. He lies around so weak...won't eat. Surgery is an option but the mass is so close to his spleen they said he probably wouldn't survive the procedure. I can't take this...oh God...x.
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Suse. You'll know what to do. I'm bawling with you right now. I'm so sorry, hon. I had to do it with my Billy too, but better a peaceful sleep, yes? We can't ask for more than to die in our sleep, can we? We all die. Just know he IS going to heaven. XX
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I'm sending you my phone # by email. Or if you want me to call you, send yours.
Comment from Jay Squires
I, for one, feel a tremendous pride in knowing you, Dawn. We are a community of writers here. If we're not serious, perhaps we should find another venue for our cowardice and pap. I'm proud to be a friend with a person who's willing to peel off the first vital layer of her persona and say, "I hope you still love me, but if you don't ... buh-bye, cause this is me.
Well, I do love you for it, Dawn and anyone who knows what a stupendously courageous self-surgery you've performed love you too.
And if there's anyone left who doesn't, fuh-gittt 'em. It's not worth it.
we can't let those negative thoughts keeps us from enjoying [... those negative thoughts KEEP us ...]
Great work, Dawn!
reply by the author on 23-Jun-2015
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I, for one, feel a tremendous pride in knowing you, Dawn. We are a community of writers here. If we're not serious, perhaps we should find another venue for our cowardice and pap. I'm proud to be a friend with a person who's willing to peel off the first vital layer of her persona and say, "I hope you still love me, but if you don't ... buh-bye, cause this is me.
Well, I do love you for it, Dawn and anyone who knows what a stupendously courageous self-surgery you've performed love you too.
And if there's anyone left who doesn't, fuh-gittt 'em. It's not worth it.
we can't let those negative thoughts keeps us from enjoying [... those negative thoughts KEEP us ...]
Great work, Dawn!
Comment Written 23-Jun-2015
reply by the author on 23-Jun-2015
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Oh, what an incredibly kind review, Jay. And geez, eagle eye - where DID that 's' come from? (LOL)
It's feedback like this that made sharing a little of my private life impossible to avoid - how can we refuse to trust, at least a little, those who offer theirs?
I'm honoured. Thank you very much. It's a privilege to know you, Jay, to have a chance to read your wonderful writing and to have your talented eye on the stuff I write - help like that is priceless to someone like me - believe it!
With the deepest gratitude,
Dawn
Comment from boxergirl
Dawn, I really enjoyed your biographical essay. It is tough to take off our masks sometimes and reveal who we really are. I still wear one or two myself.
It felt as if i was sitting in the same room, having a glass of wine listening to your story. Some parts were familiar because i have read most of your post and some info was new and reinforced who I already thought you were...a kind hearted and caring person who even though she has had hard times, continues to seek the light.
God bless you and thanks for sharing.
Karen 8-)
reply by the author on 23-Jun-2015
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Dawn, I really enjoyed your biographical essay. It is tough to take off our masks sometimes and reveal who we really are. I still wear one or two myself.
It felt as if i was sitting in the same room, having a glass of wine listening to your story. Some parts were familiar because i have read most of your post and some info was new and reinforced who I already thought you were...a kind hearted and caring person who even though she has had hard times, continues to seek the light.
God bless you and thanks for sharing.
Karen 8-)
Comment Written 22-Jun-2015
reply by the author on 23-Jun-2015
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I'd love to be sitting in the same room with you, having a glass of wine, and what you say in this review (and others) is what makes me feel I would be very comfortable there. :0)
Thanks for such lovely comments. God bless you too, my friend. I am very touched and honoured, Karen. :)
Comment from barkingdog
Hello, Dawn. In reading this, I don't think you're so much different from the rest of us. We all have our frailties and strengths, bouts with depression and disappointment in what life deals us. We, as you, meet them as best we can and go on, hoping things will get better, and we'll meet people that we can trust with our true self, our inner secrets. We do the best we can, each of us suspicious of the other which keeps us from ever achieving our goal--uninterrupted happiness.
I saw so much of my life in yours. I applaud you for being able to share it.
:) ellen
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2015
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Hello, Dawn. In reading this, I don't think you're so much different from the rest of us. We all have our frailties and strengths, bouts with depression and disappointment in what life deals us. We, as you, meet them as best we can and go on, hoping things will get better, and we'll meet people that we can trust with our true self, our inner secrets. We do the best we can, each of us suspicious of the other which keeps us from ever achieving our goal--uninterrupted happiness.
I saw so much of my life in yours. I applaud you for being able to share it.
:) ellen
Comment Written 22-Jun-2015
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2015
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What a very kind review, Ellen - thank you.
Comment from I am Cat
Never
ever
ever
ever
ever
ever
ever
EVER
apologize
for being
YOU.
Dr. Suess says,
"Today you are you,
this is truer than true.
There is no one on earth
Who is you'er than you. "
(and if HE said it... it MUST be true)
I read the ENTIRE thing. (and trust me, I have absolutely no attention span left)
So it MUST have been:
1. important to me.
2. interesting.
3. entertaining.
4. important in the grand scheme of things.
Because i'm not about wasting time on frivolities, unless they included being naked. And I know you can't see me, but trust me (and I know you'll be happy about this part), but I"m fully dressed right now.)
;)
((((((((Make no apologies for being YOU)))))))))
Quite frankly, you rock!
;)
>^^<
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2015
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Never
ever
ever
ever
ever
ever
ever
EVER
apologize
for being
YOU.
Dr. Suess says,
"Today you are you,
this is truer than true.
There is no one on earth
Who is you'er than you. "
(and if HE said it... it MUST be true)
I read the ENTIRE thing. (and trust me, I have absolutely no attention span left)
So it MUST have been:
1. important to me.
2. interesting.
3. entertaining.
4. important in the grand scheme of things.
Because i'm not about wasting time on frivolities, unless they included being naked. And I know you can't see me, but trust me (and I know you'll be happy about this part), but I"m fully dressed right now.)
;)
((((((((Make no apologies for being YOU)))))))))
Quite frankly, you rock!
;)
>^^<
Comment Written 22-Jun-2015
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2015
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Dr. Suess, huh? Well, only because he says so...LOL.:) Thanks, Cat - much appreciated.
Comment from sweetwoodjax
this is an excellent write, dawn, you did an excellent job giving us a view of yourself and the joys and pains you have suffered in your life. thank you for sharing this with us. good luck in the contest.
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2015
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this is an excellent write, dawn, you did an excellent job giving us a view of yourself and the joys and pains you have suffered in your life. thank you for sharing this with us. good luck in the contest.
Comment Written 22-Jun-2015
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2015
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Thanks ever-so-much, sweetwoodjax. :)
Comment from barbara.wilkey
This is a very well written contest entry. I think a biography would be extremely difficult to write. I know it would be for me. Good job and good luck.
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2015
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This is a very well written contest entry. I think a biography would be extremely difficult to write. I know it would be for me. Good job and good luck.
Comment Written 22-Jun-2015
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2015
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Thanks very much, Barbara. :)