The Incomparable Fanny Barnwarmer
Viewing comments for Chapter 15 "Incomparable Fanny Barnwarmer 15"America's First Female Comic
24 total reviews
Comment from judiverse
Well, Doggone it! I was going to use that picture (and still will) in my post about Abraham Lincoln meeting with Sojourner Truth. She did indeed have a daughter named Elizabeth. What a great tie-in to your script. It took a delay in the train to allow you to do another scene! It looks like Elizabeth apologized unnecessarily, because she died before she could carry out her plan to murder Thurston. Elizabeth shows in the letter how much she loved Fanny and trusted her to look after Juniper. My apologies for being late reading this. I'm having trouble keeping up with reviews this year. judi
reply by the author on 30-Jul-2022
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Well, Doggone it! I was going to use that picture (and still will) in my post about Abraham Lincoln meeting with Sojourner Truth. She did indeed have a daughter named Elizabeth. What a great tie-in to your script. It took a delay in the train to allow you to do another scene! It looks like Elizabeth apologized unnecessarily, because she died before she could carry out her plan to murder Thurston. Elizabeth shows in the letter how much she loved Fanny and trusted her to look after Juniper. My apologies for being late reading this. I'm having trouble keeping up with reviews this year. judi
Comment Written 30-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 30-Jul-2022
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THank you, Judi. Yes, I kiped that photo directly from Wikipedia's entry for Sojourner Truth. You'll enjoy the next scene, I hope, since I incorporate the history of what is known about Sojourner, and invent around the edges of what is known. It should be fun.
Jay. Thank you for reading Chapter 15.
Jay
Comment from Judy Lawless
You had me thinking there would be another one, since the reporter had to catch his train. But then you changed that and the story continued. Of course there has to be another one now. Wow, well done, Jay! I'll be watching for it, but might not get it reviewed right away. This weekend will be devoted to family, since all my children will be home. :)
reply by the author on 27-Jul-2022
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You had me thinking there would be another one, since the reporter had to catch his train. But then you changed that and the story continued. Of course there has to be another one now. Wow, well done, Jay! I'll be watching for it, but might not get it reviewed right away. This weekend will be devoted to family, since all my children will be home. :)
Comment Written 27-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 27-Jul-2022
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Have a ball with all your children. Thank you, in the meantime, for your kindness and the six stars!
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Thanks, Jay, and your very welcome.
Comment from LJbutterfly
This is another riveting episode, full of surprises. Like the editorial written by Mister Jenkins for the Chicago Times, the letter written by 'Lizabeth, pushes the story forward by a character not seated on the porch. Your vivid imagination has taken Fanny, 'Lizabeth, and Juni places the reporter and you, never visualized when the interview began. There's still another hour for Fanny to talk. I wonder what surprise you have in store for us. See you in the next chapter.
reply by the author on 27-Jul-2022
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This is another riveting episode, full of surprises. Like the editorial written by Mister Jenkins for the Chicago Times, the letter written by 'Lizabeth, pushes the story forward by a character not seated on the porch. Your vivid imagination has taken Fanny, 'Lizabeth, and Juni places the reporter and you, never visualized when the interview began. There's still another hour for Fanny to talk. I wonder what surprise you have in store for us. See you in the next chapter.
Comment Written 27-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 27-Jul-2022
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Huge thank you, Lorraine. I'm glad you liked the letter portion, too. It enabled me to explain Elizabeth's education, her creativity, which also touched on Sojourner Truth and the history of the times. I won't be posting next Saturday, to work out the last scene and to earn some shekels to promote it. It's a joy having someone like you who genuinely loves this play. Thank you, my dear!
Jay
Comment from Father Flaps
Hi Jay,
Well, I have to say, I'm relieved that it wasn't Fanny who knew about Lizabeth's plan to kill Thurston Flourney. I would have found it very hard to think Fanny would instill the plot in her beloved Juni's head... because she would expect it might be the end of their special bond. It was Aunt Pikky all along. And I can see that, too. It was a long train ride that Aunt Pikky and Juniper had together, in order to attend the funeral of Sojourner Truth in Battle Creek, Michigan. Loved the way you put it...
" 'Course 'Lizabeth be too poorly to travel t' Battle Creek, Mish'gan fer the fune'ral. So, Ain't Pikki--'stead o' trav'lin' alone--decides t' take Juni so's they c'n be companions on th' train... two wimmin alone ... on a long, hot, bone-rattlin' train ... an' they's headin' fer a fune'ral. Dyin' 'as in th' air."
And Aunt Pikky gabbed to her niece about Lizabeth's secret undertaking to rid the earth of Flourney. She shouldn't have, but what do you do on "rattlin' train" for hours on end? They both knew that Lizabeth could never see her intention to the end now, after two strokes. She was paralyzed, in bed.
Yet, I think Juniper must have kept her mother's plot a secret from Fanny, because Fanny would have surely talked Juni out of it. I remember what Lizabeth wrote...
" But your work is just beginning. You are now the sole protector of my Juniper. Guide her wisely, and help her to understand my life's choices and forgive me them.
Pray for me, my beloved daughter--forgive me and pray for me.
Mother."
In a way, Fanny (already Juniper's older sister) became Juniper's guardian. She would never condone the murdering of Thurston Flourney, not because he didn't deserve it, but because it would certainly ruin Juni's life and quite possibly end it! As it was, Juni was condemned to prison for the remainder of her life, avoiding execution.
That letter from Lizabeth to Fanny was a highlight of this scene, Jay. Very effective. And Herbie's interjection of the rail repair and the train's tarrying ... so opportunistic for Mr. Holmdahl. Saved him from many letters.
It's all perfect. Coming together nicely. Any more surprises coming in your grand finale?
I've already told you, Jay, how this interview between Fanny and the reporter reminds me so much of the story that "Little Big Man" told his reporter in the senior's home for the aged... of Custer's Last Stand, how he advised Custer to charge down that hill and how he was saved by one of the massacring's Indians who owed him a life.
https://youtu.be/kpbq6nGbs50
History is so much more than an unwise decision by a General. Jack Crabb knew the "rest of the story". Same as Fanny... she knows the "rest of the story".
Take it to the limit, Jay!
Cheers,
Kimbob
reply by the author on 27-Jul-2022
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Hi Jay,
Well, I have to say, I'm relieved that it wasn't Fanny who knew about Lizabeth's plan to kill Thurston Flourney. I would have found it very hard to think Fanny would instill the plot in her beloved Juni's head... because she would expect it might be the end of their special bond. It was Aunt Pikky all along. And I can see that, too. It was a long train ride that Aunt Pikky and Juniper had together, in order to attend the funeral of Sojourner Truth in Battle Creek, Michigan. Loved the way you put it...
" 'Course 'Lizabeth be too poorly to travel t' Battle Creek, Mish'gan fer the fune'ral. So, Ain't Pikki--'stead o' trav'lin' alone--decides t' take Juni so's they c'n be companions on th' train... two wimmin alone ... on a long, hot, bone-rattlin' train ... an' they's headin' fer a fune'ral. Dyin' 'as in th' air."
And Aunt Pikky gabbed to her niece about Lizabeth's secret undertaking to rid the earth of Flourney. She shouldn't have, but what do you do on "rattlin' train" for hours on end? They both knew that Lizabeth could never see her intention to the end now, after two strokes. She was paralyzed, in bed.
Yet, I think Juniper must have kept her mother's plot a secret from Fanny, because Fanny would have surely talked Juni out of it. I remember what Lizabeth wrote...
" But your work is just beginning. You are now the sole protector of my Juniper. Guide her wisely, and help her to understand my life's choices and forgive me them.
Pray for me, my beloved daughter--forgive me and pray for me.
Mother."
In a way, Fanny (already Juniper's older sister) became Juniper's guardian. She would never condone the murdering of Thurston Flourney, not because he didn't deserve it, but because it would certainly ruin Juni's life and quite possibly end it! As it was, Juni was condemned to prison for the remainder of her life, avoiding execution.
That letter from Lizabeth to Fanny was a highlight of this scene, Jay. Very effective. And Herbie's interjection of the rail repair and the train's tarrying ... so opportunistic for Mr. Holmdahl. Saved him from many letters.
It's all perfect. Coming together nicely. Any more surprises coming in your grand finale?
I've already told you, Jay, how this interview between Fanny and the reporter reminds me so much of the story that "Little Big Man" told his reporter in the senior's home for the aged... of Custer's Last Stand, how he advised Custer to charge down that hill and how he was saved by one of the massacring's Indians who owed him a life.
https://youtu.be/kpbq6nGbs50
History is so much more than an unwise decision by a General. Jack Crabb knew the "rest of the story". Same as Fanny... she knows the "rest of the story".
Take it to the limit, Jay!
Cheers,
Kimbob
Comment Written 27-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 27-Jul-2022
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" But your work is just beginning. You are now the sole protector of my Juniper. Guide her wisely, and help her to understand my life's choices and forgive me them. [Strange quoting myself, but just remember Elizabeth wrote that back when she still figured she'd be the one killing Thurston Flourney. Probably furthest from Elizabeth's mind was that Juni would have taken up the gauntlet herself.]
I love the slant you put on the play, Kimbob -- and the parallels you find in today's film and literature. Thank you for keeping it relevant in your mind. Your six stars are always over the top.
Comment from Fleedleflump
I sense a little more enjoyment behind this chapter, with Fanny's dialect flowing nicely and I found I was reading it without thinking, which means you're doing it well! I enjoyed the letter's careful and emotive language, which also serves to change up the rhythm of the scene.
An awesome read, my friend :-)
Mike
reply by the author on 27-Jul-2022
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I sense a little more enjoyment behind this chapter, with Fanny's dialect flowing nicely and I found I was reading it without thinking, which means you're doing it well! I enjoyed the letter's careful and emotive language, which also serves to change up the rhythm of the scene.
An awesome read, my friend :-)
Mike
Comment Written 27-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 27-Jul-2022
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Thank you for reading it, Mike. I'm glad it struck the right chords in you. I'm thrilled you liked the letter. It provided avenues for the plot to work with in the final scene.
Comment from lancellot
This is well written, and it shows that you did a lot of prep work and outlining. That your characterizations never waiver is also a good sign. I wonder what this would be like in straight novel form.
Good work.
reply by the author on 26-Jul-2022
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This is well written, and it shows that you did a lot of prep work and outlining. That your characterizations never waiver is also a good sign. I wonder what this would be like in straight novel form.
Good work.
Comment Written 26-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 26-Jul-2022
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It's just long, Maaaaan! Thank you for looking at it, Lance. Yeah, a novel might be a possibility. See, it never started out to be this long of a play. That's what I get for not plotting it out beforehand. I'm learning.
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
Fabulous! Fanny is such an all knowing character, it was almost as if she knew the train would be late!
We're learning more, about 'Lizabeth. It seems she was a poet, and her husband, Mr Albright, had them published in the paper! That she lived the murder over and over in her head, thinking she truly had done it, was sad.
I thought the letter was a brilliant touch, coming in at the right moment. It pushed the story further along, and now we have to wait to see if 'Lizabeth's sister did break that confidence. Another wonderful chapter, Ray, and as usual we have to wait for more to be revealed. I'm thinking there is too many chapters to go now. The train will be arriving soon, and the reporter will have to go. Well done, my friend. :)) Sandra xxx
reply by the author on 26-Jul-2022
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Fabulous! Fanny is such an all knowing character, it was almost as if she knew the train would be late!
We're learning more, about 'Lizabeth. It seems she was a poet, and her husband, Mr Albright, had them published in the paper! That she lived the murder over and over in her head, thinking she truly had done it, was sad.
I thought the letter was a brilliant touch, coming in at the right moment. It pushed the story further along, and now we have to wait to see if 'Lizabeth's sister did break that confidence. Another wonderful chapter, Ray, and as usual we have to wait for more to be revealed. I'm thinking there is too many chapters to go now. The train will be arriving soon, and the reporter will have to go. Well done, my friend. :)) Sandra xxx
Comment Written 26-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 26-Jul-2022
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Thank you, Sandra. Your kindness is always a welcome dollop for my day. LOL, what is it about you and Ulla, every now and again, slipping in a "Ray". I wonder if Jay Bradbury ever had that problem. Just ribbing you, my dear.
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Oh, I'm so sorry, Jay. :( I'm getting worse as I get older!) Sending you an extra hug. xxxxxx
Comment from lyenochka
Oh so you are adding in more history here. Sojourner Truth did have a daughter named Elizabeth and the other was Diana. I guess Diana is Ain't Pikki ??
Great idea to use the letter to break up the pace. The story unfolds nicely just in the dialogue with the reporter even clarifying the order things took place.
So is the next one the last of this story? I guess you bought more time with the train problem. Anything could happen!
reply by the author on 26-Jul-2022
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Oh so you are adding in more history here. Sojourner Truth did have a daughter named Elizabeth and the other was Diana. I guess Diana is Ain't Pikki ??
Great idea to use the letter to break up the pace. The story unfolds nicely just in the dialogue with the reporter even clarifying the order things took place.
So is the next one the last of this story? I guess you bought more time with the train problem. Anything could happen!
Comment Written 26-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 26-Jul-2022
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Yep, the train break-down was no more than a time-buying ploy. It's odd ... no matter how well-written a play or novel may be, it's still in the first draft stage. There is so much I could have left out of the first several acts, and tweaks and additions that would make the latter scenes sparkle. But as we post, we know we are stuck with a makeshift offering.
Yes, Diana would be Ain't pikki. According to history, Sojourner Truth was never able to be awarded Diana in the courts, as she did Elizabeth. (I'm not even sure of those facts as I write this to you. One of her children she was awarded after a lot of court work. She was quite a remarkable woman! Thank you for taking the time to research Sojourner.
Jay
Comment from royowen
How interesting, this must be the longest interview ever, and Fanny's mother seems to be the killer of Thurston Flourney's murder, fortunately, the train has been delayed, which means that the reporter might be able to complete the interview, beautifully written Jay, blessings Roy
reply by the author on 25-Jul-2022
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How interesting, this must be the longest interview ever, and Fanny's mother seems to be the killer of Thurston Flourney's murder, fortunately, the train has been delayed, which means that the reporter might be able to complete the interview, beautifully written Jay, blessings Roy
Comment Written 25-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 25-Jul-2022
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Thank you, Roy. I had to get sneaky and find a way to give the Reporter a few more minutes' time.
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Most inventive, you?re the writer, it?s a great place to be, ruler over all you survey.
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You'll never see me compete with you in poetry, Roy. That's your domain!
Jay
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You?re one of the good ones Jay, thank you
Comment from Liz O'Neill
That Fanny dun pulled a fastun ! Ha Ha Ha Jus as he wuz gettin ready ta leave. She knew whut she wuz doin allong. This is exlent. Jay, This is brilliant: "all the bequeathins"I love it. I have fallen hard for Fanny: "You best be leavin' that pergin' t'y'alls sef an' git on with the letter." How many kleenex have messed up the wash from staying unforgotten tucked in us ladies' sweaters. Ask the lady folk you know, how many washes were catastrophes due to a forgotten stuffed sleeve. all be compainin when this ends, git redy fer sum big compainin. But if'n I cud Ida given to A++ but kin only give ya a A+
reply by the author on 25-Jul-2022
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That Fanny dun pulled a fastun ! Ha Ha Ha Jus as he wuz gettin ready ta leave. She knew whut she wuz doin allong. This is exlent. Jay, This is brilliant: "all the bequeathins"I love it. I have fallen hard for Fanny: "You best be leavin' that pergin' t'y'alls sef an' git on with the letter." How many kleenex have messed up the wash from staying unforgotten tucked in us ladies' sweaters. Ask the lady folk you know, how many washes were catastrophes due to a forgotten stuffed sleeve. all be compainin when this ends, git redy fer sum big compainin. But if'n I cud Ida given to A++ but kin only give ya a A+
Comment Written 25-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 25-Jul-2022
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Awwwwww, Liz. Your sixes are certainly cherished, but don't feel you need to award it so highly. There will be one more scene left ... followed, after a week or so hiatus, with an epilogue-ic (post curtain) post. You won't want to miss that! Thank you so much for your persistent kindness!
Jay
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I'll wait with baited breath...pu..
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Love to smell the bait when the fish don't bite.
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lol