I really reacted to this line, Justin, "Benny missed him—his scent, too, strange as it sounds. He smelled like campfires, Old Milwaukee, and grit." It made me think of my old grandmother who always smelled of the wood-burning cook stove and wintergreen liniment. I can conjure up the smell right this minute on saying the words. Chris wrote a magnificent review of your book!
Isn’t it amazing how quickly we can be brought back to a time and place with sounds, smells, etc? When I smell cigarette smoke or taste a peppermint patty I’m instantly transported to the small table in my grandma’s kitchen. May our loved ones rest in peace!
And isn’t Chris’s review wonderful? It was such a delight to read. Speaking of which, thanks for reading my story! 😊
I think it's pretty safe to say that given an audience of fifty people hearing that short story, you'd be able to tell really quickly by the smiles who'd had experience and frustration with that plastic shovel.
Very nice, Justin! I lived in the northeast, on Cape Cod, for a few years. My first real winters with snow and months of cold. It was fun and a novelty to me, but after the second winter, I'd had enough. Loved the snow but too cold. I'll visit snow country but I probably wont live in it again. : ) Congrats on your book doing so well!
I totally understand, James. Many people who live here have had enough, too. Having kids has rekindled some of the love I used to have for the winter season. Thank you so much for reading!
I moved to the south last year. Happy to say this is the closest I’ll ever get to snow, shoveling, and a snow plow for a long time. I don’t miss those days. Thanks for the reminder.
Haha! I’m happy you’re happy, Marc. Winters can be brutal up here, and you know that all too well!
When I’m much older I’ll consider moving away. On the other hand, if things keep heading in this direction, I may own beachfront property in another thirty or forty years!
This is a perfect story for today as we see the effects of yesterday's storm. Also a good reminder that we must all take what life (or a snowplow) throws at us and keep on trying. Nice imagery, too, as always, Justin!!
I really reacted to this line, Justin, "Benny missed him—his scent, too, strange as it sounds. He smelled like campfires, Old Milwaukee, and grit." It made me think of my old grandmother who always smelled of the wood-burning cook stove and wintergreen liniment. I can conjure up the smell right this minute on saying the words. Chris wrote a magnificent review of your book!
Isn’t it amazing how quickly we can be brought back to a time and place with sounds, smells, etc? When I smell cigarette smoke or taste a peppermint patty I’m instantly transported to the small table in my grandma’s kitchen. May our loved ones rest in peace!
And isn’t Chris’s review wonderful? It was such a delight to read. Speaking of which, thanks for reading my story! 😊
All so true.
Did John Lightie, by any chance, tell you where the mountains are in his photo? I was going to guess the Blue Ridge, but it would be nice to know.
He did tell me! The Grand Canyon, during the evening.
Thanks!
I think it's pretty safe to say that given an audience of fifty people hearing that short story, you'd be able to tell really quickly by the smiles who'd had experience and frustration with that plastic shovel.
Haha, such a valid point, Mark. Thank you for reading!
That's about how it goes when shoveling snow. LOL
Hahaha! So true. I’ve lived the moment with the snowplow more times than I can count. It can be rather deflating. 🤣
Yay! Justin's back! 🥂🙂
Hey! Nice to see you, Meg. 👋 😊 🥂
Happy new year to you too, Justin!
Thanks, Rosy! Hope all is well. 😊
Yes, all good here thanks. Putting the finishing touches to my novel. Publication day is looming fast!
Best wishes!
Thanks! 🙏
Ah, memories of my years spent in Michigan. Contratulatories on your book. 🤓⛄️
I don’t envy you one bit. I’m sure you dealt with your fair share of snow in Michigan for many years. Thanks so much for the kind words, Mark!
Very nice, Justin! I lived in the northeast, on Cape Cod, for a few years. My first real winters with snow and months of cold. It was fun and a novelty to me, but after the second winter, I'd had enough. Loved the snow but too cold. I'll visit snow country but I probably wont live in it again. : ) Congrats on your book doing so well!
I totally understand, James. Many people who live here have had enough, too. Having kids has rekindled some of the love I used to have for the winter season. Thank you so much for reading!
I moved to the south last year. Happy to say this is the closest I’ll ever get to snow, shoveling, and a snow plow for a long time. I don’t miss those days. Thanks for the reminder.
Haha! I’m happy you’re happy, Marc. Winters can be brutal up here, and you know that all too well!
When I’m much older I’ll consider moving away. On the other hand, if things keep heading in this direction, I may own beachfront property in another thirty or forty years!
Thank you for reading.
Yeeeps!
After the snow in the Northeast, we definitely feel this one. I’d like to see someone from L.A. empathize with this story...
Smell of campfire and Old Milwaukee -- very nice, glad you’re back Justin.
Thank you, Clancy! I appreciate you reading. We got hit pretty hard, didn’t we? Almost a foot where I live. And ha! I’m with you. 😄
This is a perfect story for today as we see the effects of yesterday's storm. Also a good reminder that we must all take what life (or a snowplow) throws at us and keep on trying. Nice imagery, too, as always, Justin!!
Thanks so much for reading, Andrea. I couldn’t help but write a snow-inspired story! I appreciate your thoughtful comments as always!