16 Comments
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Jean McKinney's avatar

What a gorgeous story, Jennifer. So evocative, with its delicate, detailed settings and the tender turn at the end. Loved it.

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Jennifer James's avatar

Thank you, Jean. Your generous praise means a great deal.

I didn't want to pull away from the sadness brought on by decay, but I wanted some hope at the end. I wanted Julia to begin to understand that reality is also beautiful.

I'm so glad you enjoyed it.

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Sean Thomas McDonnell's avatar

Gorgeous piece. I enjoyed it.

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Jennifer James's avatar

Thank you Sean. It's wonderful to get a compliment from another writer whose work I enjoy.

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Liz Zimmers's avatar

This is lovely; sad, desperate, and ultimately hopeful. It is truth in a robe of dark enchantment.

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Jennifer James's avatar

Thank you Liz. What a beautiful compliment. Your opinion is one I greatly respect.

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Noel Carlson's avatar

I read it twice. So beautiful!

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Jennifer James's avatar

That's kind of you. Thank you. I'm so happy you enjoyed it.

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Vince Roman's avatar

What a wonderful story

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Jennifer James's avatar

Thank you Vince. I'm so glad you enjoyed it.

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Ken Flyingheart's avatar

Gorgeous and captivating. Wonderful piece of magic, Jennifer.

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Jennifer James's avatar

Thank you, Ken. That's high praise. It means a lot to me when writers I respect enjoy my work.

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Greta Valentine's avatar

I love this! You did such a good job with the ending! I love the images of Winter especially. Thanks for sharing (and for the shout-out! :D )

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Jennifer James's avatar

Thank you! Much of what's good here is a testament to your feedback and powers of observation. And the fact that you enjoyed it as a reader is the cherry on top. :D

Couldn't have done it without you.

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Jim J Wilsky's avatar

Jennifer, this has to be your best work yet. That's my opinion but I'll bet that I am not alone in that thinking. Amazing and incredible, descriptive writing. This story seized and captivated me from beginning to end. I was there and saw it all. Really a great job and congratulations for creating it. Thanks for sharing it. - Jim

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Jennifer James's avatar

Thank you Jim. This was a story that was in my heart a long time.

As a writer, I always worry that what I'm seeing in my head isn't translating to the reader. I feel like I'm walking a tightrope between over-describing and under, and so often I lose my balance. I'm glad to hear I kept my footing this time. :)

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