Comment from jmdg1954

Excellent

Whoa... upwards of a hundred grand cost of a violin. I shouldn't be surprised.

Awfully sounded name of Earl Scruggs gave me a chuckle. I remember having an album of his waaayyy back when I played the tenor banjo.

Great chapter!

 Comment Written 17-Dec-2024

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reply by the author on 17-Dec-2024

Some Stradivarius violins go for millions!

Since I started writing these last two stories, I've developed a real love for the banjo. I recently bought a Flatt and Scruggs CD. Did you know that they recorded the Beverly Hillbillies theme? Earl Scruggs is just fantastic on the banjo. If my fingers weren't stiff and arthritic, I might try to learn to play it.

Comment from LJbutterfly

Excellent

This was a pretty humorous chapter as Brian apologized for both Julia and Marie, but managed to insert "handsome, darling husband, who is a pretty hot, wonderful person." Fortunately it worked, and after the food fight and laughter, things seemed better.

I enjoyed both videos. They added additional clarity and entertainment to the story.

 Comment Written 14-Dec-2024

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reply by the author on 15-Dec-2024

Thanks, Lorraine. I felt I needed to break the tension of the last chapter, and it seemed appropriate to have Brian be the one to get those two back together, since it was largely him who was responsible for the rift in the first place.

Comment from T B Botts

Excellent

Hello Jim,
I wish I had a six for this, but there was so much stuff that seemed worthy, that I ran out early. I'm getting overwhelmed with trying to keep up with all the posts. It seems as if some folks don't have anything to do but write, but I've got a number of other issues facing me right now, with Christmas coming up. I'll certainly stay on top of your writing the best I can, but it may be late before I get to it. Well done my friend.
Blessings,
Tom

 Comment Written 11-Dec-2024

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reply by the author on 11-Dec-2024

No worries, Tom. I totally understand how it goes. My queue also gets rather large, and I know it's hard to keep up with it. I usually have to let some reviewing go when I'm in the process of writing a novel. Sometimes I look forward to the breaks in between them to just relax for a while, but then I get antsy to begin a new one, and it starts up again.

Also no worries if you miss reading a few chapters. There's always the chapter recaps to read which will catch you up.

Have you ever thought of taking a stab at writing a longer work of fiction? You are such a great storyteller, that I think you could do a good job of it. The first time I ever tried writing fiction was a novella of about 30,000 words back in 2016. It was a golf story called Lucky Eddie that I ended up posting on FanStory back in 2023. It's fun because, as another fellow novelist friend says, "You just make shit up."

reply by T B Botts on 11-Dec-2024

Hello Jim,
thanks so much for the vote of confidence. I used to believe that I had an ability to write fiction, but I'm not so sure anymore. I don't know where the time goes every day, but lately, it's been evaporating like a shallow puddle in a desert. I'm currently, more or less, working on a non fiction book. At least I've been interviewing a friend who has had a most interesting life. I hope it comes to fruition. I guess I need to start writing soon. We're not guaranteed tomorrow, and the days are passing swiftly.
Blessings,
Tom

reply by the author on 11-Dec-2024

Nothing wrong with a good biography too. Some people lead lives that almost seem like fiction for the incredible things that happen to them.

Comment from Cecilia A Heiskary

Excellent

What another fantastic chapter of your book. I think it's funny how Brian did the apologizing. It seems to have worked and the food fight was hilarious. What a great way to to lighten up the mood.

Well done my friend

Cecilia

 Comment Written 10-Dec-2024

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reply by the author on 10-Dec-2024

Thanks so much, Cecilia. Things were getting so serious there, I think Brian felt the only way to break the impasse was to inject a little humor into the situation. And if they could end up ganging up on him, at least they would be working together.

reply by Cecilia A Heiskary on 10-Dec-2024

Jim,

You are welcome my friend

Cecilia

Comment from Dolly'sPoems

Excellent

It sounds like the ice has been broken and maybe hearts will mend again. Both Julia and Marie have strong personalities and won't back down in an argument and refuse to compromise. Brian's humour took the sting out of it and hopefully the tension is released. Another fine chapter Jim, love Dolly x x x

 Comment Written 10-Dec-2024

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reply by the author on 10-Dec-2024

Thanks so much, Dolly. Glad you enjoyed this chapter. I think Brian felt he was at the root of the problem between them, so it was going to take some action by him to settle the impasse. Sometimes, humor is the best way to get people to listen and not take themselves so seriously.

Comment from Debbie D'Arcy

Exceptional

Jim, you bring such colour and life into your writing and this has been a lesson here in how to bury conflicts from the past and turn over a new leaf. Music is a great healer and I like the imaginative way that Brian breaks the ice and impasse between Julia and her mother. You've also got the baby as well as an impressive 'mediator.' But is there more trouble ahead in Hicksville? An excellent job, Jim. No errors noted. Take care Debbie

 Comment Written 09-Dec-2024

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reply by the author on 09-Dec-2024

Thanks so much, Debbie. This was a fun way to resolve the conflict. Some have questioned the likelihood of it, but I don't really care. It was fun to do it this way. Most likely there may be some further trouble ahead. I don't think Marie can totally change overnight, but I think she's on the right track anyway. I appreciate those 6 stars too, Debbie. Thank you.

Comment from barbara.wilkey

Excellent

I can't wait to see what other revelations Marie would experience on this trip. I know they'll be good. Thank you for sharing this story with us. I am enjoying reading it.

 Comment Written 09-Dec-2024

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reply by the author on 09-Dec-2024

Thanks, Barbara. She's starting to come around now. It won't all be smooth sailing, but at least the trend is going in the right direction now.

Comment from Karen Cherry Threadgill

Excellent

Good writing, the violins sounded a hair out of sync. The skruggs and friends was superb. I am listening to Celtic music right now. Marie is to sweet I don't trust it. Karen

 Comment Written 09-Dec-2024

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reply by the author on 09-Dec-2024

Thanks, Karen. Let's see how long she can be good or if this is all just an act. I suppose it's possible to change your behavior some, if not your personality.

reply by Karen Cherry Threadgill on 10-Dec-2024

Maybe she is trying to be better. It can happen. She does like being in the wrong, but she has been. She sees her daughter's happiness. I'd like to see her get swept up by a fiddle player from the band! :-)

reply by the author on 10-Dec-2024

Oh, now that would be fun!

reply by Karen Cherry Threadgill on 10-Dec-2024

Updates: Marilyn Hamilton slipped on the ice and is in the hospital with a broken hip. Put her on your best wishes list please.
Da Mommy (Yvonne) is back in the nursing home, and Debi P.M. is soon to be back in the hospital for her cornea replacement. Jessie James Doty is recuperating from his spinal surgery. Patcelaw is recuperating from her heart surgery. Jim Vecchio is having multiple biopsy's soon. That's all the new stuff I know. I pass this along . Our lists keep getting longer. Love to you and yours.Karen

reply by the author on 10-Dec-2024

Thanks for the update, Karen. Gosh, there's a lot of unfortunate things going on during this time. The minor aches and pains I have pale in comparison to all this.

Hope you're staying healthy. Love to you too.

reply by Karen Cherry Threadgill on 10-Dec-2024

I am ok. Thanks. HOHOHO

Comment from Pearl Edwards

Excellent

I loved Briasn's apologies on behalf of Marie and Jules, especially enjoyed his interpretation of Marie. You hanled this situation very well, JIm to move this mother and daughter along in their relationship. Loved the Earl Scruggs video too.
cheers,
valda

 Comment Written 09-Dec-2024

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reply by the author on 09-Dec-2024

Thanks so much, valda. I thought that would be a fun way to break the impasse. Since he was mostly the cause of it, I felt it was appropriate for him to help them out of it, since they seemed unable to do it on their own.

To be honest, I wasn't much of a bluegrass fan until I wrote these last two novels. Now I have a new respect for it--especially the banjo. If my hands weren't so screwed up now, I might try to learn to play it. I used to play some guitar when I was younger. I just bought a Flatt and Scruggs greatest hits CD, and I'm really enjoying it. Earl Scruggs played the Beverly Hillbillies theme too. What a great banjo player!

Comment from royowen

Excellent

How wonderful is that piece by Bach, My daughter was trained in classical flute at the Conservatory in Adelaide, but preferred to play by ear, she backed me in making professional recordings at 13, she posted by ear from seven, she perform as a brilliant vocalist now, I have a professional acting grandchild of only 12, all my grandsons play multiple instruments, winning awards, I took pictures guitar and keyboard in my forties, and started the music tradition, that's why I love this, I had a snobby mother in law, but she didn't like me up till the day she died, but if she could the fruit, I wonder, loved this, I would rather have seen this written from Marie's viewpoint, instead of third prid, but well done Jim, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 09-Dec-2024

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reply by the author on 09-Dec-2024

Sounds like you have quite a musical background. I played the clarinet, myself, as did my daughter who began playing in 5th grade. We used to play duets together until she surpassed my abilities by 6th grade, and I could no longer keep up with her. She ended up getting a master's degree in clarinet performance with an eye to getting into a big orchestra, but the competition proved too great, and there were just too many good players vying for too few seats. She then changed careers and is now a successful Interior Designer, her second strength, and one my wife and I always thought was more suited to her. Sometimes it takes a while to find your true path in life.

This chapter was actually from Marie's point of view. Not sure which part might have led you astray, but so glad you enjoyed it.

reply by royowen on 09-Dec-2024

I must have, wonderful background, that's how you knew about qualifying for orchestra, my daughter is now teaching the little ones at a special performing arts school, head of music