What a difference one week makes! Last week I had been told I’d be on Huffington Post. Exciting enough, but since then, they’ve published two of my pieces, and on Saturday one of those same stories was Freshly Pressed! The one story received hundreds of comments, many of them very hostile and ugly. I understood that there might be some negativity, but wasn’t prepared for what happened. The other painted me as a saint. Neither is accurate. Today, an Australian publication asked to put the saintly story on their site; it’s been an exciting week for my writing!
Thanks to all of my Friday Fictioneer buddies, who brought such supportive words and their usual brand of wonderful writing. I apologize for not getting to each of your stories; I was completely overwhelmed! Led by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields, find details and a list of the other stories on her blog, Addicted to Purple, this weekly flash fiction challenge is a bright spot in every week. This week’s photo comes form Janet Webb. As always, honest, thoughtful feedback is always welcome.
© Janet Webb
Pale Brown Memories (97 Words)
We lazed in the late day sun, at the back of the garden. Mottled light flickered across his face, as he slept on the blanket and I counted his freckles. Married all of these years, his freckles still charm me and pull at my heart. His bare shoulders were slightly burned, from a day lounging together alone. I watched his eyes flutter, swept up in some unknown dream, and knew I would love him forever.
This fall, I could not bring myself to trim back the hydrangea blooms, now dry and faded. They remind me of summer joy.
• • •
Make me smile; HELP ME REACH MY 2014 GOAL: I’d love to see the Tales From the Motherland Facebook page reach 500 likes in 2014. Have you stopped by to spread some fairy dust? Follow me on Twitter, it’s where I’mforced to be brief. Most importantly, if you like a post I’ve written, hit Like and leave a comment. I love to hear what readers think. Honest, positive or constructive feedback is always welcome. Click Follow; you’ll get each new post delivered by email, with no spam. If you see ads on this page, please let me know. They shouldn’t be there. ©2014 Please note, that all content and images on this site are copyrighted to Dawn Quyle Landau and Tales From the Motherland, unless specifically noted otherwise. If you want to share my work, please give proper credit. Plagiarism sucks.
TALES FROM THE MOTHERLAND 
One of your best yet! You are on a roll!
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Thanks Mama! It’s makin’ me dizzy! 😉 In all seriousness, I appreciate those kind words.
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So poetic! Well done! PS: which post got picked up on which Australian site?
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The piece about my dad (2nd one) was Freshly Pressed, then in HP, and will be on Mamamia Women’s Network. I’m not sure when. They’re editor send a very enthusiastic note to me yesterday requesting permission to publish it, and said she’d let me know when it’s “live.” Figure it will give me creds with my boy, who’s in Melbourne for a year. 😉
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You’re rock in’ lady!! I’m happy for you. About time your skills get noticed.
This piece is poetic and I dig it.
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Thanks Audra; that means a lot, coming from one of my favorite poets!
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i like the last few words, so touching, great piece
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Thanks! I appreciate your feedback.
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Sad but touching and even hopeful piece. Memories in whatever form are what we have. Thanks, Dawn.
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Thank you Perry. I wanted this one to be hopeful, romantic and a bit nostalgic… I’m missing summer! Thanks for taking the time.
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Dear Dawn,
Great to hear of your elevated exposure level. Saint and unsaintly is quite a stretch from one to the other. I’m willing to bet that you’re comfortable somewhere in the middle. This was a lovely piece whose tugs at the heartstrings produced beautiful music for the soul.
Aloha,
Doug
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Aww, you are so poetic sometimes, Doug. 😉 I’m glad your soul is singing… strumming… dancing? Whatever, music is always good! Thanks for the congrats. I will not brag so much in the future, but it was a heady week for sure. Reading such vastly divergent comments was very interesting. As usual, mahalo for your lovely words. Dawn
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Dear Dawn,
I hope this doesn’t mean that he’s gone to that great garden in the sky and there’s still winter joy to be had. Lovely writing. Heartfelt.
Just a suggestion…freckles twice, so close together. Perhaps. “I counted his freckles. Even after all these years of marriage they still charme me…” As I said, just my thoughts.
Nonetheless, beautiful writing as always.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Great suggestion, Rochelle! I didn’t notice that one… but had removed another repetition that caught my eye. Thanks for taking the time to read so carefully; I always appreciate that kind of feedback. And no, I meant for this to be a romantic, and somewhat nostalgic piece– no sad endings here. Hope your week is wonderful! Dawn
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Lovely, just lovely.
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Thank you, do much.
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Ehhhmmm…good
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Well, thank you. 😉 Thanks for stopping by Tales From the Motherland.
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Dawn, Lovely and heartwarming story. I guess there’ll always be people who hold strong opinions. With your stories now being read by so many, you’ll no doubt hear from the negative readers more because they have to let out their stronger feelings. It sounds like high school all over again. You have to consider the source and go on writing your opinions regardless. Just don’t let them know where you live. There may be a few crazies in the crowd. Well written as always. Congratulations on being on Freshly Pressed again. 🙂 — Susan
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Thanks Suzanne. I’ve never worried about that, but admittedly, there were some very “passionate” opinions expressed. I appreciate your kind concern and your wonderful support each week. Thanks Susan!
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Beautiful
And yay, yay, yay for all your good news! Well-deserved!
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Thanks Jen. That means a lot!
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Reblogged this on ugiridharaprasad.
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Pingback: Friday Fictioneers: Pale Brown Memories | ugiridharaprasad
Thanks for sharing my work, week after week. I really appreciate your kindness.
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This post was like two stories in one – the past reflected in the present tense, and the present reflecting on the past. It was like the reflection on a still lake where the scene and its reflection are equally vivid while only one is tangible – quite thought provoking. Well done! – Mike
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Mike your comments are SO often poetic and beautiful… I think you have a lot more than travel blog writing in you! I always appreciate your king support! Thanks!
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I didn’t know any of this was going on with you. I’ve missed several of your posts since the WP tweaking a couple of weeks ago. I enjoyed this tender tale of summer joy.
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Thanks Honie. I felt like a gentle, sweet story this week. 🙂 And yes, it’s been quite a week!
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This rolls off the tongue (if reading a loud) or through one’s mind, like water in a lazy river. Well done.
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Aww, that’s such a kind comment, Alicia; thanks!
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That piece flowed really well, rather bittersweet in flavor. May I have another, please?
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Next week my friend. 😉 Thanks!
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I just perused the comments section of your HP piece on Israel and your daughter – from what I read, you handled those comments (some very harsh) with eloquence and grace. Much respect.
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Thanks so much M! I was really hoping more folks would head over and leave some positive stuff, to balance it out, but in the end I think I managed ok on my own. 🙂 Thanks for this thoughtful feedback; it really does mean a lot.
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A certain underlying sadness here, surprising given your assumed high from your recent success. Your muse is stretching her wings.
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Thanks Dawn. I didn’t feel any sadness, but rather a quiet acceptance of aging and love. But I love that each reader sees their own story in all of the FF stories. That is one of THE best parts! Thanks so much.
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ah, sweet love, comes, stays, and goes like a garden, like all things, a breath in and then out..
Randy
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Thanks Randy. That’s exactly what I felt in this story; I’m so glad that’s what you found there.
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if there’s something wrong here, it’s that it ended so suddenly. i want to read more.
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Thanks Plaridel. I’m glad you enjoyed it and appreciate your kind feedback.
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Romantic and nostalgic it is. And beautifully written
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Thanks so much Patrick. I appreciate your feedback.
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Dawn, what a lovely scene you paint of romantic, married love. It’s beautiful.
Congratulations on all your other publishing success. I read the Huffington Post article. It’s brave to write about such a controversial topic, so I’m not surprised the comments were quite mixed.
-David
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Thanks David. I didn’t set out to be brave, on the day I wrote it. I also didn’t realize (when I wrote it) that it would be picked up by HuffPost… not that I would say it that much differently, but there is much more to my experience and beliefs, that I might have included. Regardless, people put their own spin on things. There were bound to be some haters. Thanks for taking the time for this story and that! I really appreciate it.
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Dear Dawn, I love it that you have been noticed by famous magazines and publications! You deserve it all Dawn! Your story is so romantic. She is so comfortable with her husband and that is why she can count the freckles. Excellent insight into a pretty perfect relationship. Nan 🙂
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Thanks so much Nan. There are no perfect relationships, but aging does soften a lot of things! Thanks for your feedback.
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What a peaceful, sun-soaked memory. I love it! It has a very romantic quality that makes me want to laze about on the grass and have a picnic! Fine work.
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Dawn, this is a story so filled with images, and extended metaphors I am filled with joy from reading it. I think exposure of that kind has drawbacks as well as advantages. I think speaking with passionate reason is the only way…
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Thanks Björn. I’m not sure I can speak any other way, so folks get what they get, when they read my work. 😉 As for my story this week, your comment fills me with joy, in return! Thanks so much!
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I loved the haunting memories pictured here. I’m back after a month off-blog so missed all the drama you refer to, but I hope there was more positive than negative in your experience?
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It was far more positive than negative, Liz– but definitely an experience that challenged me. Being published on Huffington Post is a huge honor and regardless of the comments, it is just that. In the end, there were lots of positive comments as well; the harsh ones just sting more!
😉
Welcome back and thanks for stopping by!
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This was beautifully written with such vivid imagery and a heartwarming sense of intimacy.
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Thanks so much Siobhan; that’s such a wonderful comment!
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A perfect picture of a matured, tested-by-time relationship. Just lovely.
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