Reveillon! on Copacabana Beach
New Year's - Rio's Copacabana Beach32 total reviews
Comment from Brett Matthew West
Interesting how different countries celebrate their festivities; i.e., wear white not black.
Sounds kind of like Mardi Gras.
"crocodile stare" a good depiction.
Dancing, something am not any good at. Would make people laugh hysterically if they watched me try.
"Bumfuzzled" like that word.
Like the various descriptions of how the crowd dispersed in the rain.
Perhaps you would run into "Gabby" again this go around, or someone better to share a few fleeting moments with.
100 posts? Would have thought you had many more than that.
reply by the author on 06-Jan-2025
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Interesting how different countries celebrate their festivities; i.e., wear white not black.
Sounds kind of like Mardi Gras.
"crocodile stare" a good depiction.
Dancing, something am not any good at. Would make people laugh hysterically if they watched me try.
"Bumfuzzled" like that word.
Like the various descriptions of how the crowd dispersed in the rain.
Perhaps you would run into "Gabby" again this go around, or someone better to share a few fleeting moments with.
100 posts? Would have thought you had many more than that.
Comment Written 06-Jan-2025
reply by the author on 06-Jan-2025
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Thank you so much, Brett, for your extra-special six-star review and kind words. Your reviews for my early posts get credit for me making it this far. And hopefully, in the future, I can get it to a higher level still. Thanks for taking the time to read it, and I'm glad you liked it.
I appreciate YOU always!
Comment from Wendy G
Excellent! An exuberant post where the action and people and feelings were all very vividly described. Some such experiences don't have happy endings with etenal love forevermore! Very well writte. Congratulations on reaching this milestone.
Wendy
reply by the author on 06-Jan-2025
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Excellent! An exuberant post where the action and people and feelings were all very vividly described. Some such experiences don't have happy endings with etenal love forevermore! Very well writte. Congratulations on reaching this milestone.
Wendy
Comment Written 06-Jan-2025
reply by the author on 06-Jan-2025
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Thank you so much, Wendy, for your generous review and kind words. I can't thank you enough for taking time out of your busy schedule to read my foolishness and I hope it entertained you for a minute. Congratulations, short-story writer of the year! It's a huge feat of many invested hours. Much appreciated!
Comment from Carol Hillebrenner
Really great story about a dream come true and then the rain came. The dream vanished like a dandelion puff in a high wind. But he dreams for a year and comes back in hopes the dream will come once again and he will capture it this time.
reply by the author on 06-Jan-2025
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Really great story about a dream come true and then the rain came. The dream vanished like a dandelion puff in a high wind. But he dreams for a year and comes back in hopes the dream will come once again and he will capture it this time.
Comment Written 05-Jan-2025
reply by the author on 06-Jan-2025
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Thank you so much, Carol, for your generous review and kind words. I've always enjoyed reading your posts and the dialogues we've shared, so it's a pleasure when your name pops up. I'm glad I could entertain you for a minute with my foolishness. Much appreciated!
Comment from Robert Zimmerman
Hey Ric.
Your ability to adorn the storytelling with such graphic illustrations makes the reading enjoyable. The narrative of this romantic adventure grabs the reader and hangs on like a snapping turtle. You built suspense into the middle part of the story that pulls the reader into the situation with a verbal visual that hangs in there. There is even sympathy at the final sentence. My typical New Year's Eve celebration consists of locking the house at about 10:30 NYE and not coming out till The Rose bowl parade on TV. Great narrative. Maybe next year...
ZIM
reply by the author on 06-Jan-2025
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Hey Ric.
Your ability to adorn the storytelling with such graphic illustrations makes the reading enjoyable. The narrative of this romantic adventure grabs the reader and hangs on like a snapping turtle. You built suspense into the middle part of the story that pulls the reader into the situation with a verbal visual that hangs in there. There is even sympathy at the final sentence. My typical New Year's Eve celebration consists of locking the house at about 10:30 NYE and not coming out till The Rose bowl parade on TV. Great narrative. Maybe next year...
ZIM
Comment Written 05-Jan-2025
reply by the author on 06-Jan-2025
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Many thanks, Zim, for your extra-special six-star review and kind words. It's nice to have done a few outrageous things in my life, but at this stage, it doesn't even sound fun. These days, I never make the 11:00 news. But then I'm back awake and reading before 3:00 am. What's the saying? "Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise" Well, it hasn't worked for me yet, and it darn sure better hurry. I haven't seen much of you since you came back. So, I'm assuming you're posting mostly for contests. But, I'm always looking.
I appreciate YOU, my friend!
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Hey Ric.
Well, you deserve the six stars. You know how to tell a story. I even felt sorry for you. HAHAHA Life has a way of teasing and subsequently slapping us. That's what makes it so fun.
The reason I have not been writing it's because I had a little incident with a reviewer and in my disgust, I considered leaving again. I am not participating in any contests anymore.
Peter Jarvis won the "Reviewer of the Month award" in December. He reviewed a poem of mine called "The Watchman." I thought about leaving again after reading it. Could you please take a minute to read his review and explain what that is all about? All he did was cut and paste my poem into his comments, with no commentary or criticism.
You are one of the very small group of friends I have here. I appreciate YOU, Pal.
ZIM
Comment from LJbutterfly
Your basic story is compelling, but your descriptions are outstanding, stimulating the imagination and making it easy to envision the millions of people on the sandy beach.
Gabby not hearing her name as a child reminded me of a child in my preschool class. His name was Robert. His parents asked me to call him Jack because he didn't know his name was really Robert.
This story was delightfully entertaining. Congrats on your Milestone post.
reply by the author on 06-Jan-2025
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Your basic story is compelling, but your descriptions are outstanding, stimulating the imagination and making it easy to envision the millions of people on the sandy beach.
Gabby not hearing her name as a child reminded me of a child in my preschool class. His name was Robert. His parents asked me to call him Jack because he didn't know his name was really Robert.
This story was delightfully entertaining. Congrats on your Milestone post.
Comment Written 05-Jan-2025
reply by the author on 06-Jan-2025
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Thank you so much, Lorraine, for your extra-special six-star review and kind words. It's always an honor when outstanding writers I enjoy reading and reviewing regularly take time to read my foolishness. I'm glad you like it. I appreciate YOU!
Comment from Alexandra Trovato
Congratulations on your milestone post. My aunt was from Rio de Janero so I an interested in any information about Rio. Your wrote this very sensitively, as part of humanity on a crowded beach, all wi as high for a better new year.
I believe in Persistence. My father traveled across the world to marry my mother and although they've now passed, they enjoyed 72 years of marriage. People are strangers until they are not. If you believe in fate, things will work out whether you create it or not. Best wishes, Alex
reply by the author on 06-Jan-2025
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Congratulations on your milestone post. My aunt was from Rio de Janero so I an interested in any information about Rio. Your wrote this very sensitively, as part of humanity on a crowded beach, all wi as high for a better new year.
I believe in Persistence. My father traveled across the world to marry my mother and although they've now passed, they enjoyed 72 years of marriage. People are strangers until they are not. If you believe in fate, things will work out whether you create it or not. Best wishes, Alex
Comment Written 05-Jan-2025
reply by the author on 06-Jan-2025
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Thank you so much, Alex, for your generous review and kind words. I'm glad I could entertain you for a minute with my foolishness. Wow, 72 years of marriage, is a wonderful feat, and testament to true love. Whatever happens, we should never stop believing in the often fairy tale of happiness. Much appreciated!
Comment from Esther Brown
You made the reader feel the lust and exuberance in a way that made me wonder if you have been there. And Gabby is real. I can see you in my mind doing a frenzied Samba with a lucious Brazillian beach beauty. For a moment I felt I was watching and grinning at you and your girl. Crazy how many barriers we have erected against each other in this country. Spent one New Year's in Manaus Brazil dancing until 4 in the morning. People feasted , drank and danced all night long. Great story. Esther
reply by the author on 05-Jan-2025
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You made the reader feel the lust and exuberance in a way that made me wonder if you have been there. And Gabby is real. I can see you in my mind doing a frenzied Samba with a lucious Brazillian beach beauty. For a moment I felt I was watching and grinning at you and your girl. Crazy how many barriers we have erected against each other in this country. Spent one New Year's in Manaus Brazil dancing until 4 in the morning. People feasted , drank and danced all night long. Great story. Esther
Comment Written 05-Jan-2025
reply by the author on 05-Jan-2025
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Many thanks, Esther, for your extra-special six-star review and kind words. Yes, I spent time on Rio's beaches over quite a few years. I was a bad boy, but if you want me to apologize, I can't. I won't answer your Gabby question, but I will admit that all fiction comes from elements of truth. LOL. Good to see you back, and I'm glad you liked my foolishness. Much appreciated!
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What on earth were you doing in Rio? My ex was a co-owner of a gem cutting facility in Rio. I only spent a month in Manaus but heard stories. I would like to hear more of your stories...as fiction of course.
Comment from Tom Horonzy
You in Copa now. I was there in '66, and I was dressed in whites - uniform of the day. I shoeshine boy approached me for a shine. I said no. He doused my uniform in Kiwi liquid black polish.
Another time I was in Waikiki, approached what I thought was a stunning 10 in a short black dinner dress when upon my opening line turned and asked in a voice I deemed bass... are you sure? I hightailed it and ran for the hills though my mind was thinking.... damn!
reply by the author on 05-Jan-2025
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You in Copa now. I was there in '66, and I was dressed in whites - uniform of the day. I shoeshine boy approached me for a shine. I said no. He doused my uniform in Kiwi liquid black polish.
Another time I was in Waikiki, approached what I thought was a stunning 10 in a short black dinner dress when upon my opening line turned and asked in a voice I deemed bass... are you sure? I hightailed it and ran for the hills though my mind was thinking.... damn!
Comment Written 05-Jan-2025
reply by the author on 05-Jan-2025
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Thanks, Tom, for your generous review and kind words. Yes, sir, I spent several months some years in my 20s and 30s at the beaches in Rio. It was a blast and I'd love to do it all again, but I'm sure I'd look out of place. LOL. Much appreciated! Thanks for sharing.
Comment from L. Kalere
Hey Ric, I can't believe you did it again...and on your 100th milestone post? Congratulations!!! What a vibrant, colorful romp, in every way. It felt like I was on the beach having the time of my life. Love, passion, ecstasy, and agony. From the highest of highs to the lowest of lows, all in one glorious evening.
I have some observations and a question:
Excellent setup in the first paragraphs. It immediately captures the reader's interest.
Loved your analogies, esp: the "forceful vacuum", and the comedian's only joke
Laughed at "plopped like pigeon poop". Nice alliteration too.
Good use of "Duchenne" smile.
Loved the barely restrained titillation...you used it like an ample bosom that's barely contained.
The line "And I had to wonder, why our world can't live in peace, accept the things we can't change, and agree to disagree more than once a year," broke the mood for a few seconds and seemed out of context. Fortunately, you went right back to the storyline.
Not sure why Gabby never heard her real name growing up. Is there more to the revelation that I missed?
Overall it was clever, delightful, and well-written. Most of all, it's worthy of this Six!
reply by the author on 05-Jan-2025
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Hey Ric, I can't believe you did it again...and on your 100th milestone post? Congratulations!!! What a vibrant, colorful romp, in every way. It felt like I was on the beach having the time of my life. Love, passion, ecstasy, and agony. From the highest of highs to the lowest of lows, all in one glorious evening.
I have some observations and a question:
Excellent setup in the first paragraphs. It immediately captures the reader's interest.
Loved your analogies, esp: the "forceful vacuum", and the comedian's only joke
Laughed at "plopped like pigeon poop". Nice alliteration too.
Good use of "Duchenne" smile.
Loved the barely restrained titillation...you used it like an ample bosom that's barely contained.
The line "And I had to wonder, why our world can't live in peace, accept the things we can't change, and agree to disagree more than once a year," broke the mood for a few seconds and seemed out of context. Fortunately, you went right back to the storyline.
Not sure why Gabby never heard her real name growing up. Is there more to the revelation that I missed?
Overall it was clever, delightful, and well-written. Most of all, it's worthy of this Six!
Comment Written 05-Jan-2025
reply by the author on 05-Jan-2025
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Many thanks, Linda, for your extra-special six-star review, kind words, and questions. I'll do my best to answer your questions. It was just brought to my attention that my character shouldn't have lied about his age. Of course, he shouldn't have under normal conditions. But on the beach in Brazil, you don't wear expensive jewelry, rings, chains, or even a watch, and certainly don't tell someone you just met on the beach your real name, where you're staying, or when you'll be coming and going. I learned the lesson the hard way, twice. But I'm a slow learner. I am going to add a few sentences to fix that problem. You caught things others haven't, like the "ample bosom" reference. And it makes me smile. As you've figured out by now, I like to sprinkle bits of humor or unfitting words for comical effect. Yes, I'm sure the quick flash into his momentary thoughts broke the concentration for many. And for that, I apologize. But my point was there are more important things than meeting a girl on the beach, adding caring kindness to the character, and pointing out the changes of heart this one night of the year.
Gabby hearing only her nickname is more common than most might think. Many children might think their name is John, Sue, or like my cousin Floyd John Anthony the fourth being called Dickie, the only name I ever heard him called. Gabby never heard herself called Gabrielle growing up. Her name had always been Gabby. I hope I didn't distract you too much with the things I thought added personality. I tend to forget everyone's mind isn't as fragmented as mine. Thank goodness.
I can't thank you enough for your time, this outstanding review, and for bringing up points for consideration. I appreciate YOU!
Comment from jim vecchio
CONGRATULATIONS ON THIS MILESTONE POST! I wasn't sure how this was going to end. Had I written it, I would've said something bout the fact I should've given her my right name. If you couldn't be truthful to her, you should not expect much from Gabby.
reply by the author on 05-Jan-2025
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CONGRATULATIONS ON THIS MILESTONE POST! I wasn't sure how this was going to end. Had I written it, I would've said something bout the fact I should've given her my right name. If you couldn't be truthful to her, you should not expect much from Gabby.
Comment Written 05-Jan-2025
reply by the author on 05-Jan-2025
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Thanks, Jim, for your generous review and kind words. Yes, you are so right that he should have given her his right name had he wanted to see her again. This tells me you aren't familiar with the area and all the precautions that should be taken there, and it tells me that I should have included something about why he lied about his name. Running scams or robbing tourists is rampant in the area. You don't wear fancy watches, rings, chains, or expensive clothing. You certainly don't share where you are staying, or when you plan to be coming and going. Thanks for bringing up this point. I will be adding a line or two to clarify why he lied. Much appreciated!
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I should have taken that for granted. Your words were good enough not to require revision.
