for Why the Willow Weeps2/22/2010 c7 
15Slightly Ajar
Aaw, no! How sad! And she stopped writing to Leonard! I'm starting to feel a lot more sympathetic to Amy Willows because of this story! Nicely done!
15Slightly AjarAaw, no! How sad! And she stopped writing to Leonard! I'm starting to feel a lot more sympathetic to Amy Willows because of this story! Nicely done!
2/19/2010 c7 table9
Reading this chapter was such a rollercoaster ride! lol
It's unfortunate that people like Drew exist. Controlling, jealous, manipulative, etc... What's most unfortunate is the fact that a lot of these people are completely oblivious to it. They don't even realize their wrong behavior and in their twisted sense of reality, actually believe that they're acting in the best interest of their partner. I'm not sure if that's what you had in mind for Drew's character, but if so, you did a great job in portraying that. And poor Amy, having to deal with all that nonsense! Honestly, who gets upset with their girlfriend and calls her a whore (unacceptable!) for writing a letter to her friend? Talk about anger and trust issues!
Also, I thought it was especially irksome that earlier he had told Amy that if she didn't want their relationship to become more serious, then they should end it now...and then has the nerve to leave her sitting in the middle of Temple Square feeling rejected and humiliated. Oh well, we all know Amy's well off without him and that she has something MUCH better coming her way!
Now I'm anxious to see her make amends with Emily and get back in touch with Leonard! ^^ Goodness, this girl needs a break! Thank you for the update and I look forward to seeing more!
Reading this chapter was such a rollercoaster ride! lol
It's unfortunate that people like Drew exist. Controlling, jealous, manipulative, etc... What's most unfortunate is the fact that a lot of these people are completely oblivious to it. They don't even realize their wrong behavior and in their twisted sense of reality, actually believe that they're acting in the best interest of their partner. I'm not sure if that's what you had in mind for Drew's character, but if so, you did a great job in portraying that. And poor Amy, having to deal with all that nonsense! Honestly, who gets upset with their girlfriend and calls her a whore (unacceptable!) for writing a letter to her friend? Talk about anger and trust issues!
Also, I thought it was especially irksome that earlier he had told Amy that if she didn't want their relationship to become more serious, then they should end it now...and then has the nerve to leave her sitting in the middle of Temple Square feeling rejected and humiliated. Oh well, we all know Amy's well off without him and that she has something MUCH better coming her way!
Now I'm anxious to see her make amends with Emily and get back in touch with Leonard! ^^ Goodness, this girl needs a break! Thank you for the update and I look forward to seeing more!
2/19/2010 c7 4i'm a barrymore 2
WOW. I have read this whole story straight from start to finish, and I really hope you keep this one going! Amy is fascinating and I love the details. Plus it's fun to see how she and Leonard met and see Emily as a college kid :p
4i'm a barrymore 2WOW. I have read this whole story straight from start to finish, and I really hope you keep this one going! Amy is fascinating and I love the details. Plus it's fun to see how she and Leonard met and see Emily as a college kid :p
2/19/2010 c7 i'm lizzing
dayum! freaky. Good thing Drew didn't show up because he sounded like a huge jerk. how can people get engaged so quickly? It's so scary but I know it happens sometimes.
this is a bit melodramatic but i still really like it!
dayum! freaky. Good thing Drew didn't show up because he sounded like a huge jerk. how can people get engaged so quickly? It's so scary but I know it happens sometimes.
this is a bit melodramatic but i still really like it!
2/16/2010 c5 i'm lizzing
Whoa, so Amy's Mormon... another one I definitely didn't see coming! Yikes. So, are you mormon or what?
I've gotta say, you have me hooked now!
Whoa, so Amy's Mormon... another one I definitely didn't see coming! Yikes. So, are you mormon or what?
I've gotta say, you have me hooked now!
2/16/2010 c4 i'm lizzing
Definitely wasn't expecting this. Wow. What I find especially fascinating is that by a lesser writer, Amy could easily have become a self-indulgent and annoying character, "whine whine whine me me me" but you make her incredibly sympathetic, which may be because she's a bit pathetic. Not in a bad way, just in a sort of sad way.
Their mom's speech at the funeral was very interesting. I am struggling with my christianity right now and it was good to read.
Definitely wasn't expecting this. Wow. What I find especially fascinating is that by a lesser writer, Amy could easily have become a self-indulgent and annoying character, "whine whine whine me me me" but you make her incredibly sympathetic, which may be because she's a bit pathetic. Not in a bad way, just in a sort of sad way.
Their mom's speech at the funeral was very interesting. I am struggling with my christianity right now and it was good to read.
2/16/2010 c3 i'm lizzing
Holy crap, this really moved me. Probably because I have been in a situation similar to Claire's, falling for a friend and having her react really terribly. It helps to hear the other side in this chapter and nice to know Amy felt (in retrospect) badly about what she did and said.
It's tough to like Cody, though... but it's true, not all homophobes are bad people. He seems like a really good big brother to Amy anyway.
Holy crap, this really moved me. Probably because I have been in a situation similar to Claire's, falling for a friend and having her react really terribly. It helps to hear the other side in this chapter and nice to know Amy felt (in retrospect) badly about what she did and said.
It's tough to like Cody, though... but it's true, not all homophobes are bad people. He seems like a really good big brother to Amy anyway.
2/16/2010 c2 i'm lizzing
wow- okay, you've got skills. The sparse dialogue and intense descriptions work really well. This is a very interesting memory to start Amy's story with.
wow- okay, you've got skills. The sparse dialogue and intense descriptions work really well. This is a very interesting memory to start Amy's story with.
2/16/2010 c1 i'm lizzing
interesting first chapter. you take a gamble in giving so much detail about the characters' lives right off the get go, and hoping readers will like the story enough to keep the bait and continue reading even if they know some of the things that will happen. it's like Shakespeare telling you romeo & juliet will die but you still want to read the play anyway. you seem to write really well so you should be okay- I want to read more!
interesting first chapter. you take a gamble in giving so much detail about the characters' lives right off the get go, and hoping readers will like the story enough to keep the bait and continue reading even if they know some of the things that will happen. it's like Shakespeare telling you romeo & juliet will die but you still want to read the play anyway. you seem to write really well so you should be okay- I want to read more!
2/5/2010 c5 table9
Sorry, there were some things that I forgot to mention in my first review. So I thought I'd come back, it won't take long ^^' I already pointed out how well you were able to describe the church, but what I was impressed with the most was the feeling and the language that you were able to capture. If that makes any sense. How you wrote about personal testimonies and how Amy's usual reaction to a difficult choice is to pray. When she woke up the next morning and knew what her answer was by the simple feeling of peace. What Leonard wrote in response to Amy's brother Cody. How he didn't try to give her the typical 'God works in mystery ways' answer. How he talked about the eternal view point of it all. That's something I (and I'm sure a lot of others) find myself thinking about quite a bit. Also, I must say again that Leonard is such a great character. He has this almost quiet, happy dignity about him. Man, you really are talented! This story is beautiful and I hope others read it too, because they're totally missing out if they don't!
Oh, and I agree with Amy about the book of Alma 100%! That book is SO bloody long! lol That's all from me. Thanks again!
Sorry, there were some things that I forgot to mention in my first review. So I thought I'd come back, it won't take long ^^' I already pointed out how well you were able to describe the church, but what I was impressed with the most was the feeling and the language that you were able to capture. If that makes any sense. How you wrote about personal testimonies and how Amy's usual reaction to a difficult choice is to pray. When she woke up the next morning and knew what her answer was by the simple feeling of peace. What Leonard wrote in response to Amy's brother Cody. How he didn't try to give her the typical 'God works in mystery ways' answer. How he talked about the eternal view point of it all. That's something I (and I'm sure a lot of others) find myself thinking about quite a bit. Also, I must say again that Leonard is such a great character. He has this almost quiet, happy dignity about him. Man, you really are talented! This story is beautiful and I hope others read it too, because they're totally missing out if they don't!
Oh, and I agree with Amy about the book of Alma 100%! That book is SO bloody long! lol That's all from me. Thanks again!
2/4/2010 c6 table9
First of all, I must say that I'm ashamed for not reading this story until now. What you've written so far is truly wonderful and I find myself wanting you to update immediately! But I understand that you have a life and don't constantly sit at the computer all day typing stories. So I will wait patiently for the next chapter :)
The introduction was great. With the character's views of their mother/wife. You don't get to see that often and so it made for a very refreshing beginning! ^^
As I was reading the conversation that young Amy had with her grandfather, about a child's death before baptism, I was like, "Oh my gosh! I've had that same thought!" lol But the answer he gave her was so true. It would be so sad to not experience life and all of what it has to offer.
"An Apology for Cody" was a tremendous chapter in that you were able to capture the innocence AND ignorance of youth and faith at times. How sometimes we do things because we believe them to be the right choice, yet in the end we see how we could've handled the situation better. We've all been there and know exactly how she feels. (Oh, and this has really nothing to do with the review, but I love that Claire became a punk. A redheaded punk girl...excellent! ^_^)
I was also touched by Amy's prayer when asking about college. With her statement of not blaming God for Cody's death. I'll be honest, I got a little teary eyed when reading that part. It was very touching.
Also, I love how Amy and Leonard started conversing with each other. It's such a cute idea! And Leonard's explanation of what an ideal missionary is like was absolutely amazing. I totally agree with him. He's such a great character!
Everything about this story is brilliant! I can't tell how refreshing and awesome it is to read a story involving the Mormon church a NOT have it be in a negative light! Your depiction of LDS life is spot on and hilarious! From the horribly awkward church dances to the seminary classes where everyone's trying desperately to stay awake. The single wards, the returned missionaries that need to find a spouse immediately, Amy's hesitation when talking about the Book of Mormon and her faith with Emily, the silly things that people say about Mormons having horns and multiple wives, the guilt of drinking a caffeinated beverage XD Everything! I could go on listing all the things that make this story extraordinary (and it would be a lot of things) but I think I'll wrap it up! Anyway, thank you again for yet another great story, Mrs Dalloway's Flowers! You are grand! I look forward to reading the next chapter! ^^
First of all, I must say that I'm ashamed for not reading this story until now. What you've written so far is truly wonderful and I find myself wanting you to update immediately! But I understand that you have a life and don't constantly sit at the computer all day typing stories. So I will wait patiently for the next chapter :)
The introduction was great. With the character's views of their mother/wife. You don't get to see that often and so it made for a very refreshing beginning! ^^
As I was reading the conversation that young Amy had with her grandfather, about a child's death before baptism, I was like, "Oh my gosh! I've had that same thought!" lol But the answer he gave her was so true. It would be so sad to not experience life and all of what it has to offer.
"An Apology for Cody" was a tremendous chapter in that you were able to capture the innocence AND ignorance of youth and faith at times. How sometimes we do things because we believe them to be the right choice, yet in the end we see how we could've handled the situation better. We've all been there and know exactly how she feels. (Oh, and this has really nothing to do with the review, but I love that Claire became a punk. A redheaded punk girl...excellent! ^_^)
I was also touched by Amy's prayer when asking about college. With her statement of not blaming God for Cody's death. I'll be honest, I got a little teary eyed when reading that part. It was very touching.
Also, I love how Amy and Leonard started conversing with each other. It's such a cute idea! And Leonard's explanation of what an ideal missionary is like was absolutely amazing. I totally agree with him. He's such a great character!
Everything about this story is brilliant! I can't tell how refreshing and awesome it is to read a story involving the Mormon church a NOT have it be in a negative light! Your depiction of LDS life is spot on and hilarious! From the horribly awkward church dances to the seminary classes where everyone's trying desperately to stay awake. The single wards, the returned missionaries that need to find a spouse immediately, Amy's hesitation when talking about the Book of Mormon and her faith with Emily, the silly things that people say about Mormons having horns and multiple wives, the guilt of drinking a caffeinated beverage XD Everything! I could go on listing all the things that make this story extraordinary (and it would be a lot of things) but I think I'll wrap it up! Anyway, thank you again for yet another great story, Mrs Dalloway's Flowers! You are grand! I look forward to reading the next chapter! ^^
12/5/2009 c5 15Slightly Ajar
Aaw, cute! I like Emily more in this story than in Imagine Me and You, probably because she's younger. Nicely done!
15Slightly AjarAaw, cute! I like Emily more in this story than in Imagine Me and You, probably because she's younger. Nicely done!
11/13/2009 c4 1the wild semicolon
Whoa. Whoa.
WOW.
I am completely loving this story. So completely my type, such detailed and incredibly... well, detailed, writing.
I'm not using detailed as when authors spent every single second on every single subject, even if they're the type of authors that it works. This detailed is like actually showing Amy's life, and I have to admit I'm incredibly attached to her. In just four chapters.
Kudos, my friend. Kudos.
I'd like to say more, but my brain is unfortunately fried.
Farewell. Update soon!
~CRYSTAL
1the wild semicolonWhoa. Whoa.
WOW.
I am completely loving this story. So completely my type, such detailed and incredibly... well, detailed, writing.
I'm not using detailed as when authors spent every single second on every single subject, even if they're the type of authors that it works. This detailed is like actually showing Amy's life, and I have to admit I'm incredibly attached to her. In just four chapters.
Kudos, my friend. Kudos.
I'd like to say more, but my brain is unfortunately fried.
Farewell. Update soon!
~CRYSTAL
11/6/2009 c3 Brenda Agaro
Honestly, this was an amazing chapter. I admire how you handle issues and beliefs in an unbiased way. It was so realistic and honest; it didn't feel one-sided, even in Amy's point of view. I couldn't spot anything that was sugarcoating. This was a delight to read and I love the perspective and how it flows. You did a great job fleshing out the characters, giving each of them their own personalities. Sister Catherine was so cruel. I didn't like how she treated Amy, although I like how you executed it. It was relatable to me. Claire was a likeable character and it was sad that Amy distanced herself from her after what happened. But it was realistic and I like how you handled and executed the situation and Amy's brother's reaction.
Sorry if I'm rambling. I'm just digging this story. XD
-*-
Corrections/Feedback:
{making that extremely unpleasant screechingsound as he practically dug the chalk into the board} screeching sound.
{“Okay so then, wait.} A comma after "Okay."
{“Yeah, yeah, I know,” I laughed.} I don't think "laughed" is a dialogue tag, so a period after "know."
{almost half-afraid that was she was actually going to try and rip me into pieces.} "was she was" confused me. I think the first "was" should be omitted.
{“Cody Duncan is a hottie!” she laughed, and the other girls joined in, nodding and giggling.} I think "she" should be capitalized.
{“No they weren’t,” I protested.} A comma after "No."
{It’s the kind that Moriah gave mewhen I said I’d tell Sister Martha that she was planning to pull a prank during study hour!”} me when.
Honestly, this was an amazing chapter. I admire how you handle issues and beliefs in an unbiased way. It was so realistic and honest; it didn't feel one-sided, even in Amy's point of view. I couldn't spot anything that was sugarcoating. This was a delight to read and I love the perspective and how it flows. You did a great job fleshing out the characters, giving each of them their own personalities. Sister Catherine was so cruel. I didn't like how she treated Amy, although I like how you executed it. It was relatable to me. Claire was a likeable character and it was sad that Amy distanced herself from her after what happened. But it was realistic and I like how you handled and executed the situation and Amy's brother's reaction.
Sorry if I'm rambling. I'm just digging this story. XD
-*-
Corrections/Feedback:
{making that extremely unpleasant screechingsound as he practically dug the chalk into the board} screeching sound.
{“Okay so then, wait.} A comma after "Okay."
{“Yeah, yeah, I know,” I laughed.} I don't think "laughed" is a dialogue tag, so a period after "know."
{almost half-afraid that was she was actually going to try and rip me into pieces.} "was she was" confused me. I think the first "was" should be omitted.
{“Cody Duncan is a hottie!” she laughed, and the other girls joined in, nodding and giggling.} I think "she" should be capitalized.
{“No they weren’t,” I protested.} A comma after "No."
{It’s the kind that Moriah gave mewhen I said I’d tell Sister Martha that she was planning to pull a prank during study hour!”} me when.
11/3/2009 c2 Brenda Agaro
I was going to start reading this as soon as I finished reading "Imagine Me and You" and review it. But I couldn't help myself. I love your stories and I'll definitely start reading "Better to Have Loved" as soon as I can.
I like how you introduced this story in the first chapter. Each of the point of views were well written. To me, they were realistic. Sierra's was adorable (typical of a child who admires their parents), and so is Sean's. Regan's is relatable because of the mother and daughter she describes, and even having so much to say about her parents. Leonard's is lovely. Enough background info is provided to demonstrate the love he has with his wife.
The part about the bear cub was so sad, but I like how you executed it and conveyed the emotions after the scene. The characterization was clever and memorable as always. I like how you pay attention to details. One thing I can suggest, though, is that I think "grandpa" could be capitalized since Amy refers to him by that. And I see who Amy based her son Sean's name from.
I can't wait to read more when you're able to post the next chapter. :-)
-*-
Corrections:
{She was clearly startled by the volume of my crying, as up to this point, it was very rare to ever see my shed a tear.} I think it's "see me."
{How stupid of me not to think that the chicken we so often ate came from actual chickens who’d lost their lives just because we liked the way we tasted!} I think it's "they tasted."
{It’d be me fault that he left it behind and we got into trouble.} my fault.
{I was sad, too, but a part of heart felt incredibly empty.} I think "my" should be before "heart."
I was going to start reading this as soon as I finished reading "Imagine Me and You" and review it. But I couldn't help myself. I love your stories and I'll definitely start reading "Better to Have Loved" as soon as I can.
I like how you introduced this story in the first chapter. Each of the point of views were well written. To me, they were realistic. Sierra's was adorable (typical of a child who admires their parents), and so is Sean's. Regan's is relatable because of the mother and daughter she describes, and even having so much to say about her parents. Leonard's is lovely. Enough background info is provided to demonstrate the love he has with his wife.
The part about the bear cub was so sad, but I like how you executed it and conveyed the emotions after the scene. The characterization was clever and memorable as always. I like how you pay attention to details. One thing I can suggest, though, is that I think "grandpa" could be capitalized since Amy refers to him by that. And I see who Amy based her son Sean's name from.
I can't wait to read more when you're able to post the next chapter. :-)
-*-
Corrections:
{She was clearly startled by the volume of my crying, as up to this point, it was very rare to ever see my shed a tear.} I think it's "see me."
{How stupid of me not to think that the chicken we so often ate came from actual chickens who’d lost their lives just because we liked the way we tasted!} I think it's "they tasted."
{It’d be me fault that he left it behind and we got into trouble.} my fault.
{I was sad, too, but a part of heart felt incredibly empty.} I think "my" should be before "heart."