I want to thank so many of you for the kind words of support last week. Some of you saw my initial explanation (which I deleted) for my harsh story, some guessed from the comments, and others read the title. While I wish I’d left out the explanation to start with, to let my writing speak for itself, I appreciated each and every kind word, and the feedback you gave. Friday Fictioneers is more than a weekly flash fiction site, for me. I feel like I know some of you, and I’m grateful to be in such fine company. Thanks to each of you!
On Monday I had two exciting events, that helped shake me from the difficult place I’m in right now– and that can’t be sugar coated: I’m working on tough stuff. I’ve spent the past week on my own, in a quiet place, as I begin to digest things, and work on moving forward.
However, a piece I wrote about my family’s struggle with Huntington’s Disease was Featured in the Huffington Post and has done very well. That is especially gratifying because it means so much to me, to bring awareness to this devastating illness, which is always fatal. The 2nd bit of news was entirely unexpected and quite thrilling! I’ve been awarded by BlogHer as a “Voices of the Year” winner, for my piece “On My Father’s Birthday, A Letter To The Man Who Killed Him.” I will be honored at the BlogHer convention this July, and will read the piece in front of 5,000 people. (Holy butterflies, Batman!) I could not be more honored, and it was a cosmic hug I really needed right now.
Friday Fictioneers is a weekly Flash Fiction challenge, that seduces writers from all over the world! Use the photo prompt to write a 100-word story and join this group of Kool Kats. Check out our fearless leader Rochelle Wisoff-Fields’ blog Addicted Purple, to read more stories, learn more, or join in. The photo this week was sent in by Roger Bultot. My work often reflects where I’m at, but I always appreciate honest, constructive feedback. Please leave a comment, and tell me what you think.
© Roger Bultot
Burnin’ Down the House
It’s not like I didn’t know that our house was built with damaged goods. I plugged each hole and patched each crack, as quickly as you made them– Soldier on, soldier on.
“Don’t look into the sun, you’ll go blind,” I was told. I never thought to put on sunglasses and look beyond your glare.
But I’ve got a song in my heart and my shades are on.
“Here’s your ticket, pack your bags
Time for jumpin’ overboard”
When the smoke and ash clear, I’ll rebuild.
Now I know; I’m from strong stock… and my foundation is solid.
* * *
Make me smile; HELP ME REACH MY 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 
Without knowing exactly what you’re going through, I can feel what you’re going through. Reminds me of after my mom died and I had years of pain, anger, and rage to process. Brilliant writing! Know that whatever you are going through, it’s a process, and you will make it through, and likely come out brighter for it. Sending vibes of compassion and strength.
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Thanks Sue. I’m optimistic, and appreciate the positive energy; thanks.
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Great read, Dawn. One of your best, I think. It’s you who’s on fire, miss. Congrats on all your accomplishments! I’m thrilled for you. I wish you best, working through this tough time. I see that you were doing lots of walking. I think that’s a good strategy.
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Thanks, Amy. I’m so happy that you like this so much. It’s all a process, but I’m working through stuff. I so appreciate your support and warm thoughts. Yes, walking is great for clearing your head!
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Reblogged this on ugiridharaprasad.
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Pingback: Friday Fictioneers: Burnin’ Down The House | ugiridharaprasad
Thanks so much for sharing my piece!
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Thanks, as always, for sharing my work; it’s much appreciated!
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Good story with great metaphors, Dawn. You seem to be working through your problems in all the right ways. Again, Congratulations on your award and accomplishments! You’ve worked hard and earned it all. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thanks again Suzanne! I really appreciate your wonderful support.
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Dear Dawn,
You are one of my heroes. Just thought you’d like to know.
I love the use of metaphor and the fact that you ended on a hopeful note with a fighting spirit.
Mazel tov on your accomplishments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The feelings are entirely mutual, dear Rochelle– but thank you! I’m hopeful and a fighter, down but not out! 😉
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Nice upbeat piece Dawn, and a great take on the prompt. Glad to hear of your successes. News like that can lift you right out of the ‘slough of despond’.
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It certainly gave me a nudge, Sandra! This may take a while, but I feel optimistic. That’s a great place to start! Thanks for your time; it’s always appreciated.
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A great piece with a fabulous last line. Congratulations on both bits of news. Well deserved.
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Thanks Louise. It has been a remarkable week, for sure!
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Wonderful metaphors for anyone going through a difficult time. Soldier on my friend.
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Thanks Dawn… trudging through the debris. I appreciate your understanding words.
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A nice positive boost! Nice.
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Thanks! I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment.
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A very motivational story, which is full of great metaphors for those who need a booster. Forever stay the optimistic and congratulations on your news!
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Thanks so much Francesca! I appreciate your kind feedback.
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fire can be liberating in a way. good story.
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No doubt! Sometimes all you can do is burn, and rebuild.
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Dear Dawn,
There’s a lesson in the midst of your hard times. Something about silver linings and persevering. Congratulations and remember to visualize all 5,000 people in the audience as being in their underwear. (Ick.) Gook luck and rock on.
Aloha,
Doug
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Hmm, well, that approach could cause all kinds of other issues, Doug! 😉 But thanks for the encouragement. And yes, I think the recent pain is pointing me in a very liberating, and exciting direction. Thanks for your kind feedback.
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Quite a journey in 100 words! Inspiring.
And congratulations too!
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Thanks so much. I appreciate you taking the time to visit Tales From the Motherland, and your kind feedback. Both, are much appreciated!
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Congratulations on Huffington and BlogHer. I’m sorry that I’m not going to BlogHer in July or I’d meet up with you. Maybe next year.
Take care if yourself,
Tracey
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I went for the first time last year, Tracey, and really enjoyed meeting some bloggers, face to face. Too bad you won’t be there!
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Dear Dawn CONGRATULATIONS to the Motherland! You are a superb writer with TALENT that begins with “T” that rhymes with “P” for Perfect! Nan
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You are the best, Nan; thanks so much! 🙂
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Great story, and the music is a blast from the past!
I hope you are starting to feel better this week.
Congratulations on your articles! Your writing deserves to be recognized😀
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Thanks Jan. Long road to work this all out, but yes, it’s been a very healing week!
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Ah. love how you have worked with metaphors, here.. a story that can be read over and over.. and many congratulations on your writing successes.
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Thanks Björn– having you read it once, is honor enough. 😉 Thanks!
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I particularly love the determination and grit of the last line. Too many people can’t break away and slowly suffocate as a result. Congrats on the big win. Reading in front of 5,000 – Wow! I’m chartreuse with envy.
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I’m green with fear… 😉
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You’ll do fine. I recently had a couple of public speaking gigs. My advice–know your material and practice two or three times before the event. I had a great time. Can’t wait to do more.
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Congratulations on the Blog Her, “Voice of the Year”.
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Thanks so much! I appreciate you visiting Tales From the Motherland, and your support!
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A tale to reflect on courage and perseverance. Congratulations on your award.
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Thanks so much Subroto. I really appreciate the kind support.
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Nice piece and aargh on including the song…nice ear worm, woman.
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Such a great song to have in your ear, though. 😉 I’m glad you liked it, Audra.
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Dawn,
I just read your HP article about HD and ALS…I’m terribly sorry. God be with you~Ann
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Thanks Ann, I appreciate your kind thoughts and support.
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I should also add: we have been dealing with this for a long time. While it’s never easy, or pleasant, it’s not as raw as it was in the beginning.
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Dawn, I feel so out of touch! Coming here to your site I realize it’s been weeks and weeks and I have not seen you showing up in my WP reader, and here you’ve had STUFF going on…
Anyway, I wish you strength and courage for the hard stuff – thank goodness you have a writing outlet – and big congratulations on your ongoing successes with getting your writing out in the world! xxxx Kat
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Thanks so much Kat. I know you’re out there, so no worries about when you appear or don’t appear. I’m so grateful to those steady readers, but we all have lives… and issues… as I said, you and I, we’re on similar paths I suspect. Supporting you in your journey, and feeling supported by you, in mine. xoxx
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