Recent Reviews for J.A. Aarntzen
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Excerpt From The Legacy of Hickory Robinbreast Part 07 (Short Story) - 11/27/2009 3:26:37 PM
Amazing how you make this seem so easeful. You must go to sleep at night and wake in the morn' pen-in-hand. I know you've been writing many years, and have many finished works to offer; however, the scope and breadth and continuation of your collective work remains quite impressive. It's no wonder you have movie offers with your very charming, very lively characters. If you ever have a New York premier, you must invite us!
Up the Hill (Short Story) - 7/2/2009 2:14:49 AM
now we finally find out where rocks come from!
Raccoon Pizza (Short Story) - 3/7/2009 2:10:51 PM
Delightful story; well done!
Excerpt From The Legacy of Hickory Robinbreast Part 04 (Short Story) - 12/10/2008 2:41:20 PM
"Did you ever think that by being stupid you have far more potential than anybody who has the pretentiousness of calling himself wise?"
"Once you start reaching higher you start to make sure that what you are resting on is stable."
I found these two lines particularly thought-worthy and interesting. I very much enjoyed this story. It is replete with intrigue from two perspectives: 1. the characters at Talla's home are a bit mysterious and 2. the Questionner and the elves quest with the emeralds draws one to wonder what comes next. It is interesting to see how Hickory and Talla's characters are revealed - their dispositions, their ways. I found many of the scenes in my head were crying out for illustration. This is a sign of strong detail and, therefore, vivid imagery. Very nice work. I am impressed by how prolific you are. My brain would have been completely exhausted after writing just this one story and I likely would have required months to recuperate. It would be interesting to know your "process."
Excerpt From The Legacy of Hickory Robinbreast Part 01 (Short Story) - 12/8/2008 9:09:06 AM
I enjoyed this very descriptive story and love the concept of perceiving from an animal's point of view - in this case "a bird's-eye view." The use of the word "inflicted" in reference to the bird's brain made the "zen" in me flinch a bit with the notion that a "creator" of sorts would deliberately give a creature something less than what it needs - something deficient. Though, this slight infusion of narrative anthropocentrism adds a wry, dry humor that I appreciate and it is beautifully balanced by the fact that the "humanoids" in this story are elves who respect nature and all its many lifeforms. Looking forward to reading "Talla's Tale"! Someday, Joe, when you're on Oprah with a new release that made her "Favorites" list, I'll be cheering you from the audience!
Excerpt From A Winter In A Summer Home (Short Story) - 11/15/2008 12:00:04 PM
I have little interest in talking animals of any description; but surprisingly, I found your story very entertaining and your imagery is excellent. Thank you for a few minutes of thought provoking entertainment.
Talking Libra (Short Story) - 7/14/2008 5:03:25 PM
Wow! First congratulations on being published in NVF! That is wonderful! One of these days, I must submit something to someone and see where it goes - you have inspired me! As for "Talking Libra", all I can reiterate is "Wow"! Your brain is amazing - makes me think you have some sort of Urantia link to other inhabited worlds.
Corry (Short Story) - 6/17/2008 9:57:32 AM
You have a wonderful way of absorbing the reader into your world and into the unfamiliar by retaining just enough familiarity so we can wholly relate - we can actually begin to believe we might be the characters in your stories, even the caretakers of an alien dog. As I've said before, you produce a wonderfully dark, "twilight zone" feel to stories such as this one - your mind produces things most of us could never have conceived. Very nice!
Adrift (Part Three) (Short Story) - 6/17/2008 8:48:53 AM
We do live and die as we live. My husband Tom smoked so heavily he died of heart and lung disease and died on his way to get the cigarettes too. Amazing but true. I'll probably die at Bingo, I go so often and love it so. Good story and lots of good messages in it. Love storyteller on the lake site.
Corry (Short Story) - 6/15/2008 8:23:25 AM
Wow - what a story! Compellingly written, I was hooked - well done -
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.
Swimmer, Swim (Short Story) - 6/14/2008 2:11:39 PM
Being able to read this confounding and profound write is to me able to get in touch with yourself. The storyteller on the Lake did it again. Words worth reading and learning and teaching us too about the universe. Thanks, it is an interesting story, I enjoyed it.
The Rabbit and the Farmer (Short Story) - 6/10/2008 5:45:35 PM
I kinda like the idea of a "candy apple view of life"! We get back what we project, right? Isn't that what the boy did through his "imaginings"? We create worlds! You are very skilled at describing details - I pictured everything so distinctly.
The Rabbit and the Farmer (Short Story) - 6/10/2008 4:51:48 AM
enjoyed the read
Mask Society (Short Story) - 6/10/2008 4:19:10 AM
interesting write--lots to consider
Writer's Block (Short Story) - 6/10/2008 4:16:58 AM
good story--i like his self reflection
The Rabbit and the Farmer (Short Story) - 6/10/2008 3:33:14 AM
a very interesting and well written story
Mask Society (Short Story) - 6/10/2008 2:59:02 AM
Good story with lots of thinking put in it. Like a wheel that goes round and round the stories are told, each in their own way by the author. I like the fact that you ruminated on this.
The Rabbit and the Farmer (Short Story) - 6/10/2008 2:54:28 AM
Nice write and held my interest til the end. Let nothing interfere with my life to end it tragically. I do so like the way my life is going along smoothly but slowly.
Storm Rider (Short Story) - 6/7/2008 11:02:16 PM
Those flying creatures sound like my favorite pre-historic creature, the terradactyl~
What an incredible story of humanity and spiritualismn!
I found this story intriguing and intense Joe! Carry on...
I write short stories too, but nothing like this! Mine are Dragons and children, with lessons built in and Erotica with adventures seeked.
Write On!
Warm hugs and warmer Blessings, Warrior Purple PaSSion Lady Shexooo
STay Positive!
Reverie (Short Story) - 6/6/2008 7:20:01 AM
1st. YOU know another Sheila??? I thought I was one of akind, my name is not used often! hmmm... I love your story output Joe, you have my thoughts swirling, I only know a few who speak of their dreams and you being a guy, (sorry, but women usually speak of dreams and who is in them Etc.) but I like it I'm saying' more for the feast at thought! Want to know a secret about dreams ( I read Dream books and I have a few dream Journals of my dreams still around) To remember a dream: Go to bed, leave the book and a "pencil" on the floor, pencil so you can grab it quick and BEFORE you go to sleep say over and over, I will remember my dream till you drift off to sleep! and most times than not, YOU will! I do all the time NOW... and If you go to bed (AFTER losing something precious to you) Think it and ask your Angels BEFORE you start drifting and your Angels/etc. will show you where to look! YOU have to take this serious you know... Smiling... YOur subconcious mind talks to you and in dreams, is telling you SOMETHING you should know or want to know... and the ending to this wild story is incredible with lasting mindful details! The walking stick, you know of them huh, Kewl, My Sweet guy Paul makes them and rain sticks (well... he use too) and I have 2 rain sticks and I want a want a very kewl walking stick...The wood you find matterS! and it must be found, Giving back to the earth/etc... YOur story was a super intelligent ending! Sheila knew all in all, she was noticed in class/etc... I loved it! and you got me thinking of a dream, I would love to speak about... A fish with nasty fang like teeth, trying to get in the boat I was in and that same fish had (atleast 10 circling the boat, they had snake like bodies and the sharpest teeth, I woke up sweating but feeling good, and I know I was SAFE! I think the dream represented certain Ppl and jealousy and that can rare it's own ugly face. Anyway... nice chit chatting with ya' - even if 1 sided for now.... WRite on STory Teller! I guess delving into another of your fiesty stories!
Warm hugs and love, Warrior Spiritual Shexooo
STay Positive!
P.s. Let's create a story of a headache that wouldn't quit, and with that headache, more resulted from it... A guy - a Girl, but the terror made sense - I'll be thinKing....
Reverie (Short Story) - 6/5/2008 4:47:48 AM
Wow! What a ride this was, and so very intriguing every step of the way. The very idea propelling this story makes my mind reel with possibilities and ponderings of what is "real" and how this differs from what is "truth." I can't help but link your story to thoughts I have on how we create our own worlds - our own experience - through the thoughts we harbor, the images we project and the emotional fuel we set behind them. I love your title. And, this technology of which you write, is unsettling yet fascinating. I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
County Road 44 (Short Story) - 6/4/2008 8:53:29 AM
This has somewhat of a "Twilight Zone" feel to me. I must admit, I would have tried to save the pig, too. This would make an excellent episode for some sort of show about "fate" or "consequences." Isn't it amazing how some relationships exist in a state of chaos and within a barragement of words that really cannot be defined as "conversation"? It becomes the norm somehow - a comfort zone - yet beneath it there still is some semblance of caring.
One Hundred Days (Short Story) - 6/4/2008 8:03:40 AM
So she did not find true happiness with him, This is an enduring and sad write but has happened to so many. Stuck with it and read to end but kind of thought the ending was going to be this.
Ploughman's Yoke (Short Story) - 6/4/2008 6:59:35 AM
I love the way you introduced us to your characters. The story took me on a ride I never expected. I connected with Garrett (must be because he is from Vermont - one of my favorite places). Your writing is beautifully descriptive - I especially loved your words about the wisteria and sage, somehow reading them made me feel nostalgic. There's nothing like New England in the fall.
County Road 44 (Short Story) - 6/3/2008 3:18:37 PM
quite a story, felt myself annoid with their bickering at each other, only to smile when all that faded away to concern and compassion after the incident...the ego of the human species is vividly displayed in your piece...and the pig...is just being a pig
The History of My Poetry (Article) - 6/19/2008 5:32:59 PM
Very interesting article. I wish I had read it a long while ago, nevertheless, my view of you as a grand writer would not have been affected. Funny you mention Lao Tzu. One of my poems, The Enigmatic Way, was heavily influenced by the Tao Te Ching. I'm hopeful you can dig up some of those '70s poems influenced by the Gita and post them here. It's a shame that Wisher and psuedopoet are lost, but they remain somewhere inside you and will likely manifest in new and refreshed ways.
Nearby Roads (Poetry) - 11/29/2009 12:43:04 AM
I enjoy reading this poem.Excellent work.take care
Nearby Roads (Poetry) - 11/28/2009 11:51:02 PM
some of my most sacred places were found on such side roads and their beckonings...good luck
Nearby Roads (Poetry) - 11/28/2009 4:00:50 AM
enjoyed the read
Nearby Roads (Poetry) - 11/27/2009 5:44:01 PM
The alternative routes with their invitations and allure, "A secret unbeknownst special gem..." ...you deliver this with gentleness and true feeling.
John
Nearby Roads (Poetry) - 11/27/2009 3:16:11 PM
Listen to that "something inside." Take the road that calls to you most clearly. Show up late for work or don't go in at all. Call in and let them know something personal came up - the "you" of your day deserves its time, its turn. Explore the road, the day, yourself - imagine the treasures waiting just beneath the routine.
In My Milieu (Poetry) - 11/25/2009 9:03:37 AM
You ask some profound questions. Well penned and much enjoyed.
In My Milieu (Poetry) - 11/24/2009 5:06:20 AM
A well written piece,I enjoy reading it.take care
In My Milieu (Poetry) - 11/22/2009 6:12:25 AM
Very spiritual here, Joe! I love: "...I do not want to be its master/And it seeks no servitude from me..." because this line dissolves our usual linear perspective on relativity. The "something that preceded me" was always me and ever will be me - that part of the broader whole, that part of the Self that stands outside just on the periphery. I call it the "observer." What moves me about these words is that our observers are our connecting strand - that part of Self that unifies us with other selves. It is the One.ness that, if we should stop to take notice, enables us to honor that Light that shines out through others' eyes - our One.ness Light shining back at us. Wonderful Sunday morning read over a cup of hot tea. Thank you ~
And So We Continue (Poetry) - 11/6/2009 9:27:11 PM
a very well thoughtout work of art very good
Cook and Me (Poetry) - 11/6/2009 6:32:23 PM
Your inner storyteller and your inner poet have merged in this ambitious portrayal of salty characters brought to life in rhythm and rhyme. I am amazed by your energy; I would've been exhausted for a month after attempting this! I could see a somewhat scaled back version as a great, full-color-illustration children's book.
Sushi (Poetry) - 11/6/2009 6:27:10 PM
Now, how does one go from Cook and Me to a ku?
And So We Continue (Poetry) - 11/6/2009 6:25:32 PM
I like how your title and your form both reflect the "ever-revolving" as it relates both to the Earth and the incessant cycles of human behavior. You've also carefully demonstrated the link between the two. Your use of "and so" as it begins nearly every line grinds the reader in its redundancy into the "feeling" that you're trying to convey, which seems to me to be "when will there be change?" You're right, the message is important and there are many who do not hear nor will they. Yet, there are many who do hear and humanity seems to be undergoing a shift of consciousness toward a new and heightened awareness. Yes, it lies beneath all that is apparent - for now. But, I think you know that already as you're part of it.
And So We Continue (Poetry) - 11/6/2009 6:09:35 PM
well said and it needs to be written about over and over again
And So We Continue (Poetry) - 11/6/2009 3:01:20 PM
THANK GOD 'EVERYONE' IS NOT A PART OF THIS ONGOING, NON-RESISTENT, MAD CYCLE OF EXISTENCE...LIKE 'YOU' FOR INSTANCE. THANKS FOR A TIMELY, WELL EXPRESSED, 'WAKE UP' CALL. BLESSINGS.
JOYCE * HIS INSPIRATIONS
Sushi (Poetry) - 11/3/2009 8:34:22 PM
a bit eerie for the fish! a good start to writing haiku but if i remember right, its sylables are 5-7-5--not sure, i havn't done much with them
Cook and Me (Poetry) - 10/25/2009 8:46:25 PM
i enjoyed this tale-fun and creative!
Distant Star (Poetry) - 10/12/2009 2:52:42 AM
LOVELY!!!!!!!!! Liana Margiva
Distant Star (Poetry) - 10/11/2009 10:50:27 AM
Your exquisite photo and words marry and create for me a union that speaks on behalf of the horizon itself. What is this thing called "distance" and how does it relate to the journey? There is always a point beyond destination, always a burgeoning yearning.
Distant Star (Poetry) - 10/9/2009 9:07:49 PM
interesting write
Distant Star (Poetry) - 10/9/2009 3:35:15 PM
Very illuminating, J.A., I really like this automatic writing style. I do this sometimes also. It is quite freeing and liberating.
Peace, love, and light,
Amber "V"
Distant Star (Poetry) - 10/9/2009 2:42:30 PM
J.A.
What a wonderful about the quest beyond. What is out there.
Mary
Were You There? (Poetry) - 9/28/2009 1:49:45 PM
This is excellent- in subject matter, distinctive style, wording and what is not said.
Were You There? (Poetry) - 9/28/2009 1:28:27 AM
A well written and interesting poem.I enjoy reading it,take care
EDWIN
Were You There? (Poetry) - 9/26/2009 5:59:39 AM
Love, love it! I love the concept and I love the flow, which is natural and unimpeded. I have considered these same notions on many occassions. Our world(s) are as we create them so say the sages; thus, we draw unto our experience that which we "intend for" whether that intention be at a conscious or subconscious level. And, perhaps, those intentions were set - by us - before incarnation. I wonder who intended for me? I have written of these ideas in "am" as well as "induction" and other poems. This poem of yours has immediately ascended to within the top two or three of my all-time Aarntzen favorites! You are awake; you are a light shining!
Were You There? (Poetry) - 9/25/2009 7:14:55 PM
interesting write-i like it
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