Faces of the City
A make believe essay.52 total reviews
Comment from lyenochka
Wow, after that tour of New York City, I don't have to go there. I loved that vignette of the life story of Tom and Katherine nestled in all the hustle and bustle of that huge city.
Here's how I would summarize in a 5-7-5:
New York City's crowd
Midst sirens, smells, and traffic
One man's life unveiled
reply by the author on 20-Jul-2024
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Wow, after that tour of New York City, I don't have to go there. I loved that vignette of the life story of Tom and Katherine nestled in all the hustle and bustle of that huge city.
Here's how I would summarize in a 5-7-5:
New York City's crowd
Midst sirens, smells, and traffic
One man's life unveiled
Comment Written 20-Jul-2024
reply by the author on 20-Jul-2024
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Thank you as always for going back and reading my old stuff. As everything I write is fiction, most is taken from real events, and this is no exception. The man and I became very good friends for nearly 30-years. But as we know, nothing lasts forever. I appreciate YOU immensely for all you say and do, but most of all, for just being you!
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💖
Comment from Karen Cherry
Amazing. Stupendous. Your observational skills and the ability to use them and add to, are beyond the pale. You are the King! I would give you a frigging double six if I could. I am soooo Jealous. :-)
reply by the author on 03-Apr-2024
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Amazing. Stupendous. Your observational skills and the ability to use them and add to, are beyond the pale. You are the King! I would give you a frigging double six if I could. I am soooo Jealous. :-)
Comment Written 03-Apr-2024
reply by the author on 03-Apr-2024
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Thank you so much, Karen, for you extra special six-star review and kind words. I'm glad you still enjoyed this story. I messed it up trying to condense it a bit and was never able to get it back to where I wanted it. As you can tell, I've spent a lot of time in NY. I appreciate YOU bunches!
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I have never been to New york I always wanted to go to the Chautauqua Institute Summer Session, but my body always yelled at me. :-) Karen
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Yes, the institute is always free for the 12-year-olds and under, and on Sundays for adults.
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You've been? I am again jealous. You mentioned that you thought Ai was always big. No, I was little. 5'4 1/2 and 105 pounds then as a grownup 115 pounds. size 6. It was only after my latest menopause, (I have had 4) Verified! That I gained the weight. I can't get it off period. My body is broke but my over all health is pretty good. I sing, walk around the room several times a day. dance while sitting. I can't do a lot, but I do what I can. You only lose when you give up. And that is not in my DNA. :-)
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You were a little girl. And of course, I like little girls. But I like bigger girls too long as they are smart and fun like you. :-)
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further up dates you know where.
Comment from Brett Matthew West
Paragraph Two is a spot on depiction of living in New York City with its non-stop hustle and bustle.
The cowboy seems right in place on a New York street. Dressed like he is, or the lack thereof, one sure fire way to grab attention, and fitting for the Big Apple.
This may be Fiction but you captured NYC in all its shining glory.
Not one of my favorite cities, been in and out of the place thirteen times or so, but an enjoyable read no less.
reply by the author on 06-Jan-2023
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Paragraph Two is a spot on depiction of living in New York City with its non-stop hustle and bustle.
The cowboy seems right in place on a New York street. Dressed like he is, or the lack thereof, one sure fire way to grab attention, and fitting for the Big Apple.
This may be Fiction but you captured NYC in all its shining glory.
Not one of my favorite cities, been in and out of the place thirteen times or so, but an enjoyable read no less.
Comment Written 06-Jan-2023
reply by the author on 06-Jan-2023
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I'm with you, Brett, New York isn't one of favorite places, and honestly, the people aren't very welcoming either. LOL. But everything in this fabrication were something I've seen or experienced over the many times I've been there. Thank you so much for your outstanding and generous review. I hope it was half as much fun to read as it was for me to write. I appreciate YOU!
Comment from justafan
Wonderful, I got a great mental picture of the subway from your story along with the man you chatted with...The smells mmm cinnamon...love it! I can offer no crit but perhaps a way of getting your new friend off the train before you move on :). Just lovely visit you took me on ... Thank you Ric.
Always justafan,
Missy
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2015
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Wonderful, I got a great mental picture of the subway from your story along with the man you chatted with...The smells mmm cinnamon...love it! I can offer no crit but perhaps a way of getting your new friend off the train before you move on :). Just lovely visit you took me on ... Thank you Ric.
Always justafan,
Missy
Comment Written 25-Jun-2015
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2015
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Thank you so much, Missy, for taking time to read this piece. This essay is one of my favorites, as it comes from an experience that is still very real in my mind. Your kind words and generous review are greatly appreciated. You've made my day! :-)
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As you have made mine ( wink)
Comment from barkingdog
I couldn't stop reading. This is a fantastic, extremely interesting piece. I felt like I was walking the streets of Manhattan.
Did you really meet such an interesting man on the train? Whether you did or not, he is certainly believable.
I loved your description of when he first met his wife: 'She would often grind his favorite scents and flavors of cinnamon and vanilla. It would absorb into her hair and clothing, making her smell sweet and fresh like an icing-covered pastry that needed licking.
He first saw her through the storefront window. Her smooth coal-black tresses reflected the case lights like a mirror, and its shine combined with her bright-red blouse to make her skin sparkle like a porcelain doll, accented by her rosy pink cheeks and glowing, turquoise eyes'
You haven't posted in a while. I look forward to when you do.
:) ellen
reply by the author on 24-Jun-2015
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I couldn't stop reading. This is a fantastic, extremely interesting piece. I felt like I was walking the streets of Manhattan.
Did you really meet such an interesting man on the train? Whether you did or not, he is certainly believable.
I loved your description of when he first met his wife: 'She would often grind his favorite scents and flavors of cinnamon and vanilla. It would absorb into her hair and clothing, making her smell sweet and fresh like an icing-covered pastry that needed licking.
He first saw her through the storefront window. Her smooth coal-black tresses reflected the case lights like a mirror, and its shine combined with her bright-red blouse to make her skin sparkle like a porcelain doll, accented by her rosy pink cheeks and glowing, turquoise eyes'
You haven't posted in a while. I look forward to when you do.
:) ellen
Comment Written 23-Jun-2015
reply by the author on 24-Jun-2015
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Thank you so much for taking time to read my essay. Your kind words of encouragement and generous six-star review are greatly appreciated. Two years ago when I came to this site, I barely knew a noun from a verb and nothing about grammar, which has changed very little. Bombarded in the beginning by the grammar police, I had come to the conclusion that I was wasting my time and was ready to quit. Then, You, and two other talented and caring writer's encouraging words pushed me past that hard spot and kept me from giving up. Within a few weeks you finished your book and were gone. Disappointed that I never got to give you a proper thanks, I just sat on the porch like a pup, waiting for you to come back. I was so happy when you posted a new story, a gem as they all are, and to have the chance to say, THANK YOU, ELLEN, for being one of main reasons I'm still here plugging.
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When I left, I was very sick and had to go through many tests. They found I had severe anemia.
I still have to be careful and not deplete my energy. So for now, I'm allowing myself to write short stories. No books.
Thank you for giving me a virtual hug with your words.
Now, type me a brilliant something.
Your friend,
:) ellen
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I'm a long way from writing anything brilliant. But, I know that I'm closer now that you are back. I'm happy you are feeling better, and I'll be hoping and praying every day that you continue to improve. I wanted to put a big hug at the end of my thanks message, but though it might be taken the wrong way. So, here's a GREAT BIG BEAR Hug! If it doesn't make you feel better, I at least hope it makes you smile. Your friend, Ric. :-)
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Hug happily accepted.
Big Smile!
:) e
Comment from Showboat
Hey Ric,
Wonderful, nostalgic stroll down memory lane. I grew up in Jersey, 20 miles from the GWB, went to school in the city hung out in the Village, loved the museums and yes, above all, the smells. I could stand outside a pizza windows for hours and watch them throw the crusts into the air - never saw them drop one, not once. You'd just HAVE to go get a slice of pie, no one could resist.
You nailed it, thanks!
Hugs,
Gayle
reply by the author on 09-Jan-2015
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Hey Ric,
Wonderful, nostalgic stroll down memory lane. I grew up in Jersey, 20 miles from the GWB, went to school in the city hung out in the Village, loved the museums and yes, above all, the smells. I could stand outside a pizza windows for hours and watch them throw the crusts into the air - never saw them drop one, not once. You'd just HAVE to go get a slice of pie, no one could resist.
You nailed it, thanks!
Hugs,
Gayle
Comment Written 09-Jan-2015
reply by the author on 09-Jan-2015
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Thanks so much, Gayle, for taking time to read and comment on my essay. I spent more time in the village stumbling around behind all the little animals and playing my guitar than I should have in my twenties and thirties. Your kind words and generous review are greatly appreciated. I thought I was the only person who ever sat for hours watching the pizza makers flipping dough. :-)
Comment from pbroussard209
You did an awesome job of capturing New York in a different light. I have never been there, but I did live near Chicago for a few years. I personally hate everything about big city living. Even the city I live in now with only 175,000 is way to big for my taste. But you did manage to show the big apple in a favorable light. great job.
reply by the author on 07-Jan-2015
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You did an awesome job of capturing New York in a different light. I have never been there, but I did live near Chicago for a few years. I personally hate everything about big city living. Even the city I live in now with only 175,000 is way to big for my taste. But you did manage to show the big apple in a favorable light. great job.
Comment Written 07-Jan-2015
reply by the author on 07-Jan-2015
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Thanks so much for taking time to read and comment on my essay. Your kind words and generous review are greatly appreciated. Yes, I'm like you, in that I can't take the big city for very long at a time. Of course, there are plenty of nice towns not too far from Manhattan. I love Garden City, NY which isn't but a short train ride away. Thanks again, Ric :-)
Comment from flylikeaneagle
The story was very well written with your challenge. I like the story of the man who had long days and remembered the cinnamon scent of his wife. Too bad that money was more important than relationship. The lonely life is a costly price to pay.
Maybe, they can have a vacation. Good painting of the apple. flylikeaneagle
reply by the author on 07-Jan-2015
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The story was very well written with your challenge. I like the story of the man who had long days and remembered the cinnamon scent of his wife. Too bad that money was more important than relationship. The lonely life is a costly price to pay.
Maybe, they can have a vacation. Good painting of the apple. flylikeaneagle
Comment Written 07-Jan-2015
reply by the author on 07-Jan-2015
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Thanks so much for taking time to read and comment on my essay. You kind words and generous review are greatly appreciated. :-)
Comment from Eric1
Hi Ric, I absolutely loved your wonderful trip around New York and Manhattan my friend, your very detailed essay is a curnucopia of description and imagery, But alas, it only serves to remind me why I could never live in such a place, I wouldn't survive, I live in a small town in England where the countryside is just a 5 minute walk away, To each his own I suppose.
reply by the author on 07-Jan-2015
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Hi Ric, I absolutely loved your wonderful trip around New York and Manhattan my friend, your very detailed essay is a curnucopia of description and imagery, But alas, it only serves to remind me why I could never live in such a place, I wouldn't survive, I live in a small town in England where the countryside is just a 5 minute walk away, To each his own I suppose.
Comment Written 07-Jan-2015
reply by the author on 07-Jan-2015
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Thanks so much for taking time to read and comment on my essay. Your kind words and generous review are greatly appreciated. Yes, I couldn't agree with you more. I can take the city in small doses, but anything more than a few days and I have to get back to the country. :-)
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I enjoyed your story Ric, so it was my pleasure.
Comment from maggieadams
This essay was a sensory-filled delight. You took me on the journey and brought back memories I had "filed" away. Times Square, the hustle and bustle. But the best part was the man's story retold by you, a stranger, who, by fate,sat next to him and you listened...it was lovely.
reply by the author on 06-Jan-2015
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This essay was a sensory-filled delight. You took me on the journey and brought back memories I had "filed" away. Times Square, the hustle and bustle. But the best part was the man's story retold by you, a stranger, who, by fate,sat next to him and you listened...it was lovely.
Comment Written 06-Jan-2015
reply by the author on 06-Jan-2015
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Thank you so much, Maggie Adams, for taking time to read my essay. Your kind words and generous review are greatly appreciated. Having read numerous chapters of your open and honest story, I have come to think of you as a kind and giving person, which makes your exceptional review and comments all the more special. Thanks again, Ric.
