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Todd Brasel's avatar

Thanks for the shout out and the feedback!

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K.C. Knouse's avatar

I am also learning new words commonly used in other countries and cultures. Sometimes it can get confusing, but offers me the opportunity to keep my old mind sharp. Embarrassing experiences in school do have a way of affecting us years later. Reading your own work shouldn't be too perilous; after all, you chose the words.

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𝐂𝐁 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧's avatar

It’s the fear of mispronunciation of the words I chose. I come from a long line of mispronuncers 😂 My mom always says “glaucamole” so the fear is real!

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CansaFis Foote's avatar

...anything related to my hair, dress, mind, etc. is a good ode to the constant embarrassment i self incurred in chapter teen...probably the most embarrassing thing was getting caught tanning half naked during study hall outside the library by a class full of students...the cool thing about your company name is for short you can call it Al (props to Paul Simon for that tip)...and as for word make-up i like flopping around for fun sounds that sound like what i think i think i am saying...flugflangarance aka floofing around in your mind hole until you find a new word...i sub to folks who communicate with me...might be a low barrier of entry, but not sure what is writing if not communication....

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𝐂𝐁 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧's avatar

Writing IS communication! The author speaking to each reader as if written just for the reader. It’s the reader’s experiences and biases that make the story unique to them.

I hope the half nakey sunbathing was pre-cell phone era. I feel sorry for modern day teens and young adults living their stupidity for all the world to document!

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Todd Brasel's avatar

Wow! So great to come home from work and have a very nice shout out from a fellow writer on Substack! Thank you! I’m definitely checking out your Substack now 😎

Let’s see… I wonder if you are familiar with the terms “garbage plate” or “hootenanny.” Hint: they are food-related.

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𝐂𝐁 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧's avatar

Hmmm. Okay, I’m guessing a garbage plate is a dad’s plate. He starts with an empty plate and then he gets everyone’s leftovers instead of ordering his own meal.

And “hootenanny” I’ve heard my mother say… but I’m no sure how it relates to food! Other than maybe a big jamboree or shindig?

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Todd Brasel's avatar

😀 These were tough ones. “Garbage plate” seems to be very specific to the Rochester, NY area and according to one source is “cheeseburger, hamburger, Italian sausage, steak, chicken or white hots (a regional hot dog found in Rochester) served on a heap of home fries, french fries, baked beans and macaroni salad.” The contents may vary. The original idea what whatever was left on the grill at 2 am.

A hootenanny can be a lot of things, but in a food context, it can mean a 12-inch submarine sandwich. I’ve seen this used in St. Louis. A six-inch sub would be “half a hoot”.

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𝐂𝐁 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧's avatar

I’m more of an half a hoot gal, myself 😂 so I was totally wrong… but a+ for effort? Thanks for the challenge!

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Kathrine Elaine's avatar

Okay, teens years were one big series of embarrassments, where do I start.😂

This one time I was clowning in the school hall, my friend got on my nerves, so I called out “Go and kiss Mrs.Peterson’s ass!” Needles to say Mrs. Peterson was the most wicked teacher alive (they said she stabbed a kid once…), and of course, judging by my friends frightened face, Mrs.P. was standing behind me and she heard the whole thing.😅 I survived.

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𝐂𝐁 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧's avatar

Oh, doh! Caught in the act!!! Do you now still have the same impression of Mrs. P or has time and distance changed how you look at her? I sometimes think of my impression of people differently (now that I’m an adult, parent, human with more life experience).

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Claudia Befu's avatar

Thanks for the shoutout! 🌸💚

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𝐂𝐁 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧's avatar

So excited to get to the next chapter that you just announced!!!

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Claudia Befu's avatar

Thank you, looking forward to your feedback. Also, at the bottom of the newsletter there’s a voting poll: Which character from The Dust Pirates should write a letter from the future? Thanks for voting.

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