Date: February 01, 2021 05:53 am Title: Water XI
"There's a lot of beauty in ordinary things...isn't that kind of the point?" That's the kind of vibe I get with this one. It's one of the reasons The Office resonates so much. There are so many moments that don't feel like a TV show, they just feel like real life. The Proposal was one of them and you did it justice with this installment.
Author's Response: Oh, that's my favorite quote from the show! I'm glad that this story reminded you of it.
Thank you!
Date: January 31, 2021 01:26 pm Title: Water XI
I like you acknowledging the imperfection of this moment and how none of it really mattered to him... it's almost keeping him tethered to reality
Author's Response: Thanks! I guess when your dream is about to fulfill everything is a little bit ethereal... so, I decided to give him some anchors to reality
Date: January 30, 2021 07:08 pm Title: Water X
S3 was one of the low points for Pam. I think at her lowest a thought like this could wiggle its way in, but that's as far as it would go. An intense look into her mind but I think one that does ring true.
Author's Response: Thank you, Warrior! It means a lot to me to hear that from you.
Date: January 30, 2021 07:06 pm Title: Fire VI
Yeah that's Jim right there. Trying to pretend he's moved on when no, no he hasn't. The real Jim showed up there at the end and it was adorable. Nice way to take that.
Author's Response: Thank you! I have many things to rant about this Jim, but I like it so much that in the end he took the file!
1 [Report This]Date: January 30, 2021 04:40 pm Title: Water X
Don’t apologize. It’s realistic. I’ve been there. Nice to see yourself represented in a character you love.
I’ve been reading these for a while, and I’ve been trying to figure out what the connection is between the elements. What is it? Or what do you imagine the connection to be?
BlindManCassidy
Author's Response: Thank you for your review! I'm sorry that you have a similar experience...
To be honest, there is no particular connection between pieces. I just write something that suits the general theme (the elements), but different stories don't connect between each other. I try to alternate the mood (one day mostly sad/angsty, another mostly happy/fluffy/more positive than the previous day), and sometimes two stories in a row slightly complement each other, but that's all.
Date: January 30, 2021 03:12 pm Title: Water X
...are you?
ARE YOU?
Author's Response: :(
Date: January 30, 2021 01:13 pm Title: Water X
*Michael voice* Who do you think you are. What gives you the right?
Author's Response: I'm sorry.
Date: January 29, 2021 02:46 pm Title: Fire VI
"The moth getting too close to the flame" is a very good description of Jim in this episode. And the idea of Jim seeing Pam as kind of trying to pull him back into something he wants to be out of fits my headcanon for Benihana perfectly.
Author's Response: I guess we have a similar headcanon for this episode :) Thank you for reviewing!
Date: January 28, 2021 04:42 pm Title: Earth VIII
This one is just all sorts of bittersweet. Sweet because there's the optimism we see in Pam most of the time. She wants the dress and the whole event to go well. However all the events that take place beat that down. Even the most hopeful of people have their low moments and this got to the heart of one of Pam's low moments for sure.
Author's Response: Thank you, Warrior! I'm glad I could capture this 'sadness of the optimist' in my vignette.
Date: January 28, 2021 03:35 pm Title: Earth VIII
"Shattered as everything she touched" feels very true to Pam's sense of herself during this time. And "it warmed her but this was the warmth of rotting" is a VERY good description of Pam/Roy 2.0
Author's Response: Thank you so much! I can't describe how much your reviews mean to me!
Date: January 27, 2021 10:12 pm Title: Earth VII
This is a fun visual you've painted, and I'm also very happy you've expanded the Halfway Home universe.
How are you feeling?
Author's Response:
Date: January 27, 2021 03:38 pm Title: Earth VII
You go right ahead and lean into flower language. It brings a wonderful dynamic. To find out some of the symbolism of things is lovely.
As is Jim making her a dandelion crown. Just sort of the sweet and sentimental thing he would do there. Beautiful.
Author's Response:
Date: January 26, 2021 04:44 pm Title: Earth VI
I really like this one. Great way of showing that Pam's heart already knows what it wants. To bad her mind takes a while to make the same connection. Love that Pam would get into something like this and that her first thought is of Jim rather than her fiance. Wish I still had a few jellybeans cause this deserves one.
Author's Response: You're so very kind, Warrior, thank you!
Date: January 26, 2021 01:29 pm Title: Earth VI
I like this a lot. Feels like a good encapsulation of what their relationship is at this point, just so much easier, easier to understand, better suited to h her than her relationship with the man she's about to marry.
Here's hoping Day 6 is easier?
Author's Response: Thank you! I'm so glad you like it!
Day sixth is almost the same as the day fifth, so I'm hopeful :)
Date: January 25, 2021 08:19 pm Title: Air X
Yeah. This is a thing that happened. Probably to both of them, this insecurity and sense of relief upon realizing it's not necessary anymore.
Well, I'm glad the thinking doesn't hurt? I'm sending healthy thoughts your way!!!!
Author's Response: Thank you! I agree that they both have these feelings... but I hope that they'll fade eventually.
And thank you again!
Date: January 25, 2021 05:04 pm Title: Air X
Great way to get into the tornado of conflicting feelings going on right then. Hope you feel better soon.
Author's Response: Thank you, Warrior! I always like hearing your thoughts on these pieces!
1 [Report This]Date: January 25, 2021 03:04 pm Title: Air IX
I must confess, the 55 word stories really aren't my thing. That said, ive been reading this and its really very good. You write very well.
That said, I wanted to commiserate and tell you to hang in there on the positive Covid diagnosis. On Jan. 5 I had my firat symptoms though I had no idea.they were symptoms of Covid. The right side of my face became totally paralyzed. (Bells Palsey.) Now I have lots of health challenges so it really didn't make me think, hey, maybe I have Covid. That same day my husband and younger daughter took the 2 hour trip.to visit our older daughter and take Christmas gifts to her and her 3 girls. He came home much sooner than I expected complaining g.about congestion.and not feeling well. He is a general manager at a restaurant and knew he needed to be tested before returning to work. He wasn't able to schedule a test until.the 8th. While he was gone being tested I totally lost me senses of taste.and smell and that was weird and freaked me out a bit. That's when I.knew i needed tested. I.called my Dr. The next morning and was sent to the Emergency room because they were concerned about my face drooping since I've had a stroke in the past. At the ER they said.right away that it was Covid because of the tastw.and smell thing and also because according to the Dr, 10% of Covid cases are presenting.with Bells Palsey (facial.paralysis on one side. They did a Covid test which of.course.came back positive. When our county health department called they said 10 days from.the first symptom or 24 hours fever free with no new symptoms. Unfortunately, I'm still.struggling and this really sucks. Celebrated my birthday a week ago with no fanfare or gifts or anything thank you Covid. Thankfully our 20 yr old.daughter who lives at home and goes to college went and got tested about a week after I did and she tested negative. She quarantined and finally returned to work and school today. It actually worked well because today was her first in person.class at the University in 11 months and its the only in person class she'll have this semester. Wow.... I rambled.and got way off track here. Anyhow, I just wanted to send you well wished and virtual hugs (since that kind are no contact) and let you know I'm praying.this isnt too rough on you and that you'll soon be feeling better. Take gentle care of yourself.and feel better soon!
Author's Response: Thank you very much for your comment, and I'm so sorry that you have to deal with Covid too :( It's horrible how much this pandemic affects lives... I send you my best vibes, and I wish you a full recovery from all the nasty symptoms!
1 [Report This]Date: January 25, 2021 02:39 pm Title: Air X
Dernhelm, I am enjoying Elements, as I ALWAYS enjoy your writing. But HUGE HUGS to you while you are sick! So many people are having a full recovery, but this has to be scary, nonetheless. It is reassuring that you are still writing --- please keep us posted! And take care! Hugs from California!
Author's Response: Thank you so much, Clover! Your kind words mean a lot to me!
1 [Report This]Date: January 25, 2021 11:17 am Title: Air IX
This is beautiful and really captures the conflicting emotions of that time for her.
I hate that you are not feeling well. I wish you a speedy recovery!
Author's Response: Thank you so much, Bored! I hope for the best :)
1 [Report This]Date: January 25, 2021 04:56 am Title: Air I
Just read all of these, and wow! They read like poetry; very insightful and evocative.
Sorry to hear about your diagnosis, and hope you're feeling better soon. Take care.
Author's Response: Thank you so much for your lovely review! I keep my fingers crossed for the best scenario in my case.
Date: January 24, 2021 06:55 pm Title: Air IX
You did a great job in getting into Pam's mindset here. The little bits of hope that kept her going through that time. She could tell that the Real Jim was still there.
Sorry to hear about the test results. I hope you have an easy go of it. Sounds like you're doing everything you can. I'll be thinking about you a lot. Get well soon.
Author's Response:
Date: January 24, 2021 06:37 pm Title: Air IX
I'm so sorry you tested positive, Dernhelm! I know how you feel, I'm in quarantine awaiting my own test results (My mom tested positive), so I get it. I wish you luck in your recovery.
Your writing is just always so elloquent, regardless if I can keep up with reviewing or not. I love that writing brings you joy in this time of sickness. You have a true gift.
Author's Response:
Date: January 24, 2021 06:08 pm Title: Air IX
Take care of yourself. Do check in as you can.
It will be comforting that both Jim and Pam have the shared experience of feeding on crumbles.
Author's Response:
Date: January 24, 2021 05:55 pm Title: Air IX
I hope you feel better soon.
Author's Response: Thank you, I hope so too!
Date: January 24, 2021 05:54 pm Title: Fire V
Nope, nothing predictable at all about these new and perfect words to describe Pam and the coal walk.
Author's Response: Thank you, I'm glad you liked this part!