Old Reviews
Reviewer: mohegan Anonymous starstarstarstarhalf-star
Date: 05 Mar 2012 11:56 pm Title: Slings and Arrows…and Snowballs
Snowfall brings about introspection in everyone, I guess! Especially when it is falling and there’s nothing you can do about it, Is that what it takes for humans to realize they have time to ponder: not being able to do anything else? Identified strongly with the concept of mourning in the snow, and yet not being able to mourn, because nature is still going on all around you. Being distracted from mourning, Ben’s situation becomes clarified in his own mind as he realizes while the pain never goes away, it dulls as life proceeds and one’s attention must focus on those left behind, and with that focus arises hope and faith…A poignant story, well worth reading and meditating upon.
Author’s Response:
Thank you so very much for such a thoughtful review! Silent snowfall inspired the story as I did a bit of “meditating” of my own.
Reviewer: Smarti Signed
Date: 20 Feb 2012 02:47 pm Title: Slings and Arrows…and Snowballs
This is a beautifully written story! So many wonderful lessons in there. I think we already know the Cartwright men have a exceptional relationship but you add such depth. Thanks so much for sharing.
Author’s Response:
Thank you so very much for reading and reviewing this short but somewhat thought provoking story. I apologize for my long delay in responding, but please know I appreciate every review, and certainly every reader! 🙂
Reviewer: slaine89 Signed
Date: 10 Feb 2012 07:59 pm Title: Slings and Arrows…and Snowballs
I loved this; a great moment of introspection and reflection. Of course I’m all for the Adam returns home theory, but I loved how you interwove it with the story of Ben’s three wives. Great little story – short but deep.
Author’s Response:
Thank you! Some snowfalls are perfect for introspection, and I could “feel” Ben as I gazed outside that day. I’m so glad it worked as I’d hoped it might; and glad you liked it!
Reviewer: Chavel47 Anonymous starstarstarstar
Date: 02 Feb 2012 08:52 pm Title: Slings and Arrows…and Snowballs
Good introspective on Ben’s part. Neat twist at the end.
Author’s Response:
I’m glad you liked it! Thank you for letting me know!:)
Reviewer: faust Signed
Date: 29 Jan 2012 01:12 pm Title: Slings and Arrows…and Snowballs
Interestingly, we had the first snow for this winter only two days ago.
Snow does that to you, doesn’t it?
It’s a testimony of harshness, of the dying Nature, and yet it holds the promise of new life, of recreation. Amidst the coldness and unfriendly setting, it is a flicker of brightness.
While in Tanzania, I was asked how snow was, and why people in Europe were so fond of it even though it was so cold. I should have had your story at hand, then I wouldn’t have struggled so much.
Author’s Response:
Your weather sounds similar to ours. I was trapped at home yesterday (tried shoveling the driveway but it was too icy and, frankly, dangerous) watching an all-day snowfall, and pondering…things. I had to try writing something, and this resulted. I’m so thrilled and touched by your words; to think this little piece would have made it easier to describe for you in Tanzania…well, I’m honored! 🙂 Thank you so much!
Reviewer: sklamb Signed starstarstarstarhalf-star
Date: 29 Jan 2012 12:39 am Title: Slings and Arrows…and Snowballs
What a lovely moment alone with Ben as he struggles to make sense of the unfairness of misfortune–this time not his own but a son’s. And how much more tragic that Adam has become a childless widower, when it was Ben’s children that helped him survive his losses. All the same, I’m sure that Adam will endure–and find it easier because of the support of his family. Thank you so much!
Author’s Response:
Thank *you* so much for your kind words! I was sitting at my kitchen table, working on my laptop, but my gaze kept moving to the window, watching a light but steady snowfall, and I felt the need to write something. Somehow, this is what resulted from that bit of quiet introspection. I’m glad you enjoyed the result! 😉
This is a real sweet Ben story. Thanks
Ben has learned his lesson well – what a blessing they all are to each other, in good times or bad. The mischief certainly runs in the family, too. Enjoyed this very much.
A lifetime of memories and experiences and most importantly, a lifetime of family will help them live on. BTW, the ‘brother’ won’t know what hit him! 🙂 I love the ending.
A wonderful contemplation.
Ben does have a lot to think through, when it comes to this type of pondering. It seems that he and his boys are destined to be each others’ comfort and company throughout the years … not what any of them had planned, maybe, but they have learned how to function as such, and it will serve them well this time too …
Thx for writing.