Comments on: Our First Assignment

By: Just Julie

Just Julie — Sun, 10 Apr 2016 00:12:27 +0000

In reply to Mickle. Hi Mike! Thanks for stopping by. I thought the same thing by looking at Google Earth -- it looks like only a few of the trees are left now. They were so close together and imposing when I lived there. Everything looks smaller when we go back, doesn't it? Hope you are well. xoxo

By: Mickle

Mickle — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 18:06:10 +0000

Well done, Julie. Very evocative. I drove by there last month with my family, and it hasn’t changed a bit, except the Eucalyptus – looks like a few have been lost over the years..

By: Just Julie

Just Julie — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 14:19:56 +0000

In reply to Ginny. Thank you Nancy and Ginny. I think My First Mile is a great choice, Ginny -- thank you for your suggestion! xoxo

By: Ginny

Ginny — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 05:31:11 +0000

How about ” My First Mile”
I love the old pictures and details of your life!!!

By: Nancy

Nancy — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 01:22:36 +0000

I envy your swimming ability. I always wanted to learn but fear got in the way even though I live 2 blocks from the ocean and have lived near the water most of my life. Wonderful story about your childhood. I’m sure your class will enjoy it too.

By: Just Julie

Just Julie — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 00:56:55 +0000

In reply to Ganeida.

Hi Ganeida. Your funnel web spider would keep me out of any pool. I looked it up. Gah.

Yes, I read How Green Was My Valley many years ago and loved it. I should pick it up again.

We have some dangerous beaches here too. Shark attacks aren’t unheard of. We also have rip currents but there’s usually a flag flying to warm people about them.

And a Buick is a fairly common American car made by General Motors. The kind my parents had wasn’t red, but this was the model: http://carzz.co/1959-buick-lesabre-estate-wagon-the-station-wagon-show-at-carzz-carzz-buick-station-wagon-and-brown_2169745.jpg They aren’t as goofy looking anymore. 🙂

I’m quoting about the Santa Ana winds: “The Santa Ana winds are strong, extremely dry down-slope winds that originate inland and affect coastal Southern California and northern Baja California. Santa Ana winds blow mostly in autumn and winter, but can arise at other times of the year also.”

I’ll be in touch soon, dear Ganeida… xoxo

By: Ganeida

Ganeida — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 11:02:34 +0000

lol Eucalyptus & salt I have but I do not like being IN the water. I think sailing small dinghies did for me. There is NOTHING under you if you capsize, just lots of deep dark water & lurking shadows! Ugh!

As for pools, we had one. In Sydney. Home of sandstone & the funnel web spider. This deadly spider can live in water for up to 3 days & our pool was always full of them!

Have you ever read *How Green Was My Valley*? I learnt so much about incorporating all the senses into writing from that book & if you like food you will be drooling like one of your schnauzers!

Your beaches must be terribly safe. No-one would let a child swim so far out here ~ Rips & sharks & things. So much to think about in this writing. So much that seems normal for you would be strange & confusing here ~ like living in a house with so many numerals!!! And what is a Buick? And what sort of a wind is the Santa Ana? I shall have to google. Deary, deary, I am an ignorant soul… 🙂

By: Just Julie

Just Julie — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 07:52:23 +0000

In reply to Diane. I love that title. What a good idea, Diane. Thank you! xoxo

By: Diane

Diane — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 06:03:20 +0000

On the Brink

I love the sense of edges–the cement wall, your brother keeping you safe, the horizon, your father’s theoretical mile, even the edgy smell of eucalyptus.

Your instructor will love you, dear Julie!