Reviews from

Back in the Day

Would you believe ...

14 total reviews 
Comment from Carol Hillebrenner
Excellent
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I enjoyed this when I read it in the contest. I hope it did well for you. I can understand with all sisters how you end up a bit like them. The youngest of the four grandchildren I raised was a girl and tried to outdo her three older brothers in games. She didn't get girlie until she was twelve.

 Comment Written 19-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 19-Jan-2024
    I was glad to know I wasn't alone and that being 'unique' was only a temporary thing, as was your tom-boy grandgal.
Comment from Mary Vigasin
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A very enjoyable read! Having all those sisters, of course, would make it difficult to show any macho traits. You would have come across as seriously deranged. I have a brother surrounded by 3 sisters and a grandmother. He had to be an altar boy long after his voice changed. Once he went to college, he declared his independence from us girls.
Best wishes in the contest.
Mary

 Comment Written 18-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 19-Jan-2024
    Yep. that was about the age I found myself, but it was enlisting instead of college, though after ten years sailing I got two degrees.
    Thank you
Comment from Alexandra Trovato
Excellent
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Dynamics change as some siblings get older. I understand that as youngest of five. Depending on whom was still home, I was influenced by various things. I think you wrote this very honestly and authentically and it was interesting to read. It was relatable too and people will connect to your recollections and insights. Excellent work!

Best wishes,

Alex

 Comment Written 18-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 18-Jan-2024
    As always, thanks for the review.
    I survived!
reply by the author on 19-Jan-2024
    As always, thanks for the review.
    I survived!
Comment from Rachelle Allen
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This is hilarious. The teacher in me loves coming-of-age stories because I get to watch these kinds of transformations every day in my job. (I teach piano, so I have the same students for years and have a ringside seat to their blossoming.)

So, it's very easy for me to envision adorable little you, taking whatever those "Amazonion" sisters dished out. It's not as if you had a choice, after all. You were outsized and outnumbered. No fair!

But it sounds like you "came into your own," Leo the Late Bloomer style (have you ever read that children's book? Treat yourself; you'll feel understood big-time!!)

I absolutely loved this romp down your Memory Lane. You did a fantastic job with the descriptions and the go-along-to-get-along vibe most youngest-in-the-family accept. (Did you guess I'm the youngest in the family, too?)

Best, best wishes for the Winner's Circle at the polls. xo

 Comment Written 18-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 18-Jan-2024
    Thanks I was #3 of six which led to an earlier recovery from
    The twisted sister pact
Comment from Liz O'Neill
Excellent
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I love how there are so many people joining me writing clips from their autobiography and they are all carrying some similar stories of not fitting in or being bullied. One of the catalysts of many of the problems was the stereotype of boys and also parents expectations especially the paternal expectations. This is excellent. thank you for sharing this.

 Comment Written 18-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 18-Jan-2024
    Well, whatever occurred turned out fine, as I found myself when I enlisted and got away to become who I am. Independence cause a person to find success.
reply by Liz O'Neill on 18-Jan-2024
    A very good point. It actually led to many other good things.
Comment from Navada
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I think you're right - we alway tend to look back upon our youth with rose-tinted glasses. As a female only child, I can't imagine how it must have been to grow up as an only boy with so many sisters. Quite the challenge!

 Comment Written 17-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 17-Jan-2024
    Congratulations with plaudits you received in today?s announcement
    And as for five sisters being a challenge ? only when one needed someone else to blame. 🤓
reply by Navada on 17-Jan-2024
    Ha! You're welcome! :)
Comment from Debbie D'Arcy
Excellent
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I enjoyed this very honest and engaging flash biography! You seemed more than a little self-deprecating but that endeared me too you even more. And it was just a question of becoming distanced from all those sisters for some of your more macho side to emerge. One suggestion: For instance (he) would have to bait... I think it would be a good idea to clarify and say 'my father' because it isn't all that clear (your only hint being the reference to 'paternal expectations' in the previous para which isn't enough) But this is a great entry for the contest and I wish you luck! Debbie

 Comment Written 17-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 17-Jan-2024
    Change made
    Again thanks
reply by Debbie D'Arcy on 17-Jan-2024
    That's great.
Comment from Wendy G
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A fine story, and it must have been hard for you. I know my older brother was perpetually embarrassed to have four little sisters. Sending bets wishes for the contest.
Wendy

 Comment Written 17-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 17-Jan-2024
    The reflection of those days are cherished because despite the matronly overseers they loved me unconditionally.
    Always yours.
Comment from Rosemary Everson1
Excellent
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To remember what life was like back in the days of long ago, sometimes is hard to capture unless you take notes. It sounds like you did many sports which creates competition.

 Comment Written 17-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 17-Jan-2024
    Canasta? Skipping rope? Competition was never relevant until after high school while in the Navy. I manned up, gained 40 lbs and eventually made All-Navy playing basketball.
Comment from Karen Cherry Threadgill
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I absolutely loved this story. I didn't fit in a mold either. You told your tale with humor and grace.
I remember expectations and wants that I failed to provide. When I got older, I realized That the problem was theirs and not mine. Thank you for your story. It is bittersweet. Just my type. :-) Karen

 Comment Written 17-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 17-Jan-2024
    I believe you and I have shared stories that have us ask ourselves if she and I or vice versa are related. the more we share words the more convinced I become. Thanks for reading and commenting.
reply by Karen Cherry Threadgill on 17-Jan-2024
    This place has introduced me with others that carry some of my traits. I am sure you and I have more in common than most. Although, I may be weirder. :-) Karen