Detour
Viewing comments for Chapter 18 "Plan C - Rachelle's Version"Two very real women in not so real situation.
22 total reviews
Comment from Daylily
I am really far behind in reviewing again, but so very glad I caught up to this beautiful posting, Rachelle. It is both touching and fun.
?? Do you really sing opera ?? If you do, I would bet anything it is truly wonderful.
My recent screenplay that I submitted to a competition is still listed as being "In Consideration" and that thrills me. It would be a miracle if something exciting happens because there are so many strong submissions from even professional writers. It is a thrill to be participating no matter what happens. I also was notified that the tanka sequence I recently submitted to RIBBONS, the print journal for the Tanka Society of America, is going to be published in the next issue, so I am on a real emotional high right now.
I am enjoying your Amish/FS chapters so much. Smiles and hugs!
reply by the author on 31-Aug-2024
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I am really far behind in reviewing again, but so very glad I caught up to this beautiful posting, Rachelle. It is both touching and fun.
?? Do you really sing opera ?? If you do, I would bet anything it is truly wonderful.
My recent screenplay that I submitted to a competition is still listed as being "In Consideration" and that thrills me. It would be a miracle if something exciting happens because there are so many strong submissions from even professional writers. It is a thrill to be participating no matter what happens. I also was notified that the tanka sequence I recently submitted to RIBBONS, the print journal for the Tanka Society of America, is going to be published in the next issue, so I am on a real emotional high right now.
I am enjoying your Amish/FS chapters so much. Smiles and hugs!
Comment Written 31-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 31-Aug-2024
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Wow, Lily!!! You are really on quite a streak these days!! Nobody deserves it more, Miss Talented! Congrats. I'll keep my fingers crossed for the screenplay!! xxoxo
Yes, I do, indeed, since opera. I'm a coloratura, the highest of the high, and was even in the chorus of the NYC Opera when I was newly out of college, after my tonsilectomy. Seems like a lifetime ago now! Voice was my primary instrument; piano my minor.
Thanks for the lovely review and the extra sparkler. xoxox
Comment from Neonewman
Rachelle, I loved this masterfully crafted piece, my friend. I especially enjoyed the song bringing Rebekka to tears, thinking about her Mamm and the back story it brought.
God bless,
Steve
reply by the author on 31-Aug-2024
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Rachelle, I loved this masterfully crafted piece, my friend. I especially enjoyed the song bringing Rebekka to tears, thinking about her Mamm and the back story it brought.
God bless,
Steve
Comment Written 31-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 31-Aug-2024
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Thank you, Steve! I appreciate your having checked out the song so you could understand its impact. xoxo
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My pleasure, Rachelle.
Comment from Michele Harber
My apologies for this review being so late, but I've been actively preparing (read: shopping) for an upcoming cruise.
I had particular fun with this chapter because, for much of it, it was just you and Gretchen together, which gave you the freedom to kid around in a way that you couldn't when the Amish were around. Your separate versions of the stories indicate that the two of you have very complementary senses of humor, so I can fully buy your teasing each other as you do in the story.
The story involving Rebekah and her late mother is very touching. Have you ever seen the movie, "To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar," with Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes and John Leguizamo? It's one of the greatest feel-good movies of all time, and your story is, in some ways, very reminiscent of its plot. It has to do with three very flamboyant people (in this case, drag queens), forced to stay in a little town with a very insular population with little interaction with the "outside world," after their car breaks down. The drag queens bring the townspeople out of their shells, to the point where Patrick Swayze's character invites one of the townsfolk to join them on their journey. As you expect with Rebekah, she turns them down simply because this is her home, and all that she knows. As I enjoy the movie so much, reminding me of it is a good thing!
reply by the author on 30-Aug-2024
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My apologies for this review being so late, but I've been actively preparing (read: shopping) for an upcoming cruise.
I had particular fun with this chapter because, for much of it, it was just you and Gretchen together, which gave you the freedom to kid around in a way that you couldn't when the Amish were around. Your separate versions of the stories indicate that the two of you have very complementary senses of humor, so I can fully buy your teasing each other as you do in the story.
The story involving Rebekah and her late mother is very touching. Have you ever seen the movie, "To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar," with Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes and John Leguizamo? It's one of the greatest feel-good movies of all time, and your story is, in some ways, very reminiscent of its plot. It has to do with three very flamboyant people (in this case, drag queens), forced to stay in a little town with a very insular population with little interaction with the "outside world," after their car breaks down. The drag queens bring the townspeople out of their shells, to the point where Patrick Swayze's character invites one of the townsfolk to join them on their journey. As you expect with Rebekah, she turns them down simply because this is her home, and all that she knows. As I enjoy the movie so much, reminding me of it is a good thing!
Comment Written 30-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 30-Aug-2024
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No, I never saw that movie, though I certainly do remember the title (like, who could possibly forget the title!) It's uncanny how similar the plots are, though. But stay tuned this week, because they become divergent now!
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Oh! And a cruise?? Where to? Is this your first? May you come back as healthy as you leave!
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You'll definitely still have my attention when you release your next chapter this Sunday. Next Sunday (sailing day)--not so much! 😀
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Is this my first? Close. Try something like my 18th. In case you couldn't tell, I love cruising. This is a New England and Canada cruise. It's on my bucket list to visit every US state at least once, and this cruise will add numbers 25 (Rhode Island) and 26 (Maine). As far as coming back as healthy as I leave, are you suggesting I come back as Looney Toons as I started? Actually, my brother- and sister-in-law came back from a cruise a month ago with Covid. Hopefully, we'll have better luck.
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Wow! You DO love cruises! Yes, for awhile there, cruise ships were like floating petri dishes. May you come home Covid-free!!
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I'll be sailing off to begin my 33rd year of teaching piano, and you'll be sailing off to ME and RI. Enjoy!
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Thank you. Your sail is lovely as well--but it does lack the scenery, swimming pool, casino and Broadway-style shows. (I suspect you may contradict me on that last one.)
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Thanks. I'll do my best. We never even considered cruising the past few years, thanks to Covid. At least, now, there's a better (cruise) survival rate (my brother- and sister-in-law not withstanding).
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Well, WE do the shows (snippets from them) and at nursing homes, so...no comparison...You win!!
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Well, at least the kids you'll be with will probably be better behaved than the ones I'll encounter.
Comment from Mrs. KT
So very much enjoyed, Rachelle, despite the fact that I cannot believe that Gretchen is not fond of "Amazing Grace!"
Aside from that shocker, I loved how you very gently teach your readers more and more about the Amish lifestyle and beliefs. I have always found the concept of Rumspringa fascinating, but this is the first time I ever entertained the thought that a young Amish man or woman might fall in love with an Englisher during that time and have to decide whether to go out into the Englisher's world or return to the Amish.
Again, seamlessly developed and presented!
Kudos!
fondly,
diane
reply by the author on 28-Aug-2024
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So very much enjoyed, Rachelle, despite the fact that I cannot believe that Gretchen is not fond of "Amazing Grace!"
Aside from that shocker, I loved how you very gently teach your readers more and more about the Amish lifestyle and beliefs. I have always found the concept of Rumspringa fascinating, but this is the first time I ever entertained the thought that a young Amish man or woman might fall in love with an Englisher during that time and have to decide whether to go out into the Englisher's world or return to the Amish.
Again, seamlessly developed and presented!
Kudos!
fondly,
diane
Comment Written 28-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 28-Aug-2024
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Thank you very much for this, Diane. I always appreciate your candor and the thought that goes into your reviews. They're tremendously helpful to me. xoxox
Comment from LJbutterfly
When I read these chapters, I never know what gems you will use to stimulate my imagination. I could envision you taking off your clod hopper boots (my mother called ugly shoes clod hoppers) and soaking your feet in bubbling water. I enjoyed your reference, once again to the beauty of Amazing Grace, and then imagining you singing O Mio Babbino Caro. The video of Anna Netrebko's rendition was heavenly. I watched other artists so I could compare. Anna's voice was bolder, but lighter like fine, delicate crystal. I'm glad to know Tova is on her way.
reply by the author on 27-Aug-2024
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When I read these chapters, I never know what gems you will use to stimulate my imagination. I could envision you taking off your clod hopper boots (my mother called ugly shoes clod hoppers) and soaking your feet in bubbling water. I enjoyed your reference, once again to the beauty of Amazing Grace, and then imagining you singing O Mio Babbino Caro. The video of Anna Netrebko's rendition was heavenly. I watched other artists so I could compare. Anna's voice was bolder, but lighter like fine, delicate crystal. I'm glad to know Tova is on her way.
Comment Written 27-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 27-Aug-2024
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You caught every last nuance I hoped to get across. I always LOVE your reviews. They're so fabulous. Thank you times a million zillion. Xo
Comment from judiverse
Again, you add your humorous touches, as with the corncobs and Gretchen and Rachelle's fun as they enjoy the spa. It sounds like help is on the way to get them to the FanStory Convention. I loved the part with Rachelle expressing her wish to take Rebekah to New York so she can experience the music. A touching story of her mother who gave her musician to return to the Amish way of life. I can't understand how families can shun their own children because they choose to go to college or whatever. It doesn't seem right to cast aside family members like that. Oh, you really got me going with the singing of O Mio Babbino Cao. I had to look up the video, and I found Anna Netrebko singing it. Then I found her singing with Rolando Villazon. He has the looks of the bad boy your mother warns you to stay away from, but loved his voice. Are he and Anna married? She not only has a marvelous voice, but I liked her presentation. I'll definitely have to look for more videos of them. Great work with your story, by the way. I got sidetracked. judi
reply by the author on 27-Aug-2024
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Again, you add your humorous touches, as with the corncobs and Gretchen and Rachelle's fun as they enjoy the spa. It sounds like help is on the way to get them to the FanStory Convention. I loved the part with Rachelle expressing her wish to take Rebekah to New York so she can experience the music. A touching story of her mother who gave her musician to return to the Amish way of life. I can't understand how families can shun their own children because they choose to go to college or whatever. It doesn't seem right to cast aside family members like that. Oh, you really got me going with the singing of O Mio Babbino Cao. I had to look up the video, and I found Anna Netrebko singing it. Then I found her singing with Rolando Villazon. He has the looks of the bad boy your mother warns you to stay away from, but loved his voice. Are he and Anna married? She not only has a marvelous voice, but I liked her presentation. I'll definitely have to look for more videos of them. Great work with your story, by the way. I got sidetracked. judi
Comment Written 27-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 27-Aug-2024
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I so appreciate your listening to her singing o Mio...That meant a lot to me. Ditto for you extremely kind review.
I'm with you about shunning your children who want to expand their horizons. It kind of makes it cult-like.
Xoxo
Comment from Gypsy Blue Rose
You made me laugh.... it's so true. I believe in God but Buddhism. Fan of the Bible and there are many Christians in fanstory with narrow minds. I had reviewers mad at me for writing about zen buddhism. I believe most religions are based on love.
"Don't ever mention that to our fellow FanStorians. They'll have your hide for heresy of that biblical magnitude!"
Growing up in Spain, television had only two channels but the programs were good. I watched opera and Zarzuelas. My daughter has a beautiful voice and she used to sing opera, one was, "Mio Babbino Caro by Giacomo Puccini"
Well done!
reply by the author on 27-Aug-2024
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You made me laugh.... it's so true. I believe in God but Buddhism. Fan of the Bible and there are many Christians in fanstory with narrow minds. I had reviewers mad at me for writing about zen buddhism. I believe most religions are based on love.
"Don't ever mention that to our fellow FanStorians. They'll have your hide for heresy of that biblical magnitude!"
Growing up in Spain, television had only two channels but the programs were good. I watched opera and Zarzuelas. My daughter has a beautiful voice and she used to sing opera, one was, "Mio Babbino Caro by Giacomo Puccini"
Well done!
Comment Written 27-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 27-Aug-2024
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Heyyyyy! Look at THAT common bond!!
And you're right about the narrow-minded "Christians" on here (quite the oxymoron, right?) And they're big into group shunning, too. Seven is my current number of them muting me! I'm actually grateful; they've simplified my life.
So, does your daughter sing in public? Do gigs? How old is she?
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My daughter doesn't sing in public anymore, I miss it. She owns a house and business, along with a life partner, two dogs and a cat. LoL she did sing in choirs and shows... she has a beautiful singing voice .
Comment from lyenochka
Thanks for the Youtube suggestion - it certainly is a beautiful reindition - although I chose the one with the lyrics not the gown. And now I know the name of the song, which I would have guessed as Puccini's work!
Great way to weave the story to give it even more meaning and a lesson to be grateful for the detours that God puts in our lives. Nothing is coincidental.
reply by the author on 27-Aug-2024
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Thanks for the Youtube suggestion - it certainly is a beautiful reindition - although I chose the one with the lyrics not the gown. And now I know the name of the song, which I would have guessed as Puccini's work!
Great way to weave the story to give it even more meaning and a lesson to be grateful for the detours that God puts in our lives. Nothing is coincidental.
Comment Written 27-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 27-Aug-2024
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Nothing.
Comment from Jessica Wheeler
Gah! I absolutely loved this chapter! My heart burst when I read your choice of song - "O Mio Babbino Caro" was one of the first pieces I ever learned and performed in a foreign language (the first was "Caro Mio Ben") when I was around twelve. I remember feeling so intimidated! This makes me think of my first vocal coach, whom I absolutely adored.
Another fantastic addition to this fabulous book- I can't wait to see what's next!
Xoxo
Jess
reply by the author on 26-Aug-2024
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Gah! I absolutely loved this chapter! My heart burst when I read your choice of song - "O Mio Babbino Caro" was one of the first pieces I ever learned and performed in a foreign language (the first was "Caro Mio Ben") when I was around twelve. I remember feeling so intimidated! This makes me think of my first vocal coach, whom I absolutely adored.
Another fantastic addition to this fabulous book- I can't wait to see what's next!
Xoxo
Jess
Comment Written 26-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 26-Aug-2024
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Thank you, Jessica.
Caro Mio Ben was my first, as well, and it's always my students' first Italian art song, as well.
O Mio Caro Babbino, though, I wasn't allowed to do until my Senior year of high school, when my voice had grown mature enough and was properly trained. It remains to this day my absolute fave!!
Comment from Jim Wile
A beautiful and heartfelt and even humorous chapter, Rachelle. You ran the gamut with this one. You even got me to listen to O Mio Babbino Caro, which, I must say, was very beautiful, and I'm glad I did.
I think that's a very worthy tradition of the Amish to give their young ones a chance to experience outside life before deciding if they want to remain in the Amish community. Sounds like Rebekah may really benefit from it.
reply by the author on 26-Aug-2024
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A beautiful and heartfelt and even humorous chapter, Rachelle. You ran the gamut with this one. You even got me to listen to O Mio Babbino Caro, which, I must say, was very beautiful, and I'm glad I did.
I think that's a very worthy tradition of the Amish to give their young ones a chance to experience outside life before deciding if they want to remain in the Amish community. Sounds like Rebekah may really benefit from it.
Comment Written 26-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 26-Aug-2024
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I completely agree with you, Jim. It's wise on their part. The way they counterbalance it with "but if you choose to leave this lifestyle, you'll be shunned by your entire family as well as the community" is fascinating. If you break away from the Amish life, you're COMPLETELY on your own. Pretty stark.
I so appreciate your having taken the time to listen to the recording of O Mio Babbino Caro. You're a gem of a person, Jim; you honestly are. I feel lucky to know you. xoxo
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Yes, that is awfully harsh to shun them for something they encourage them to do. I don't know what the purpose of that is or who benefits from that. It seems like everyone loses.
I feel lucky to know you too, Rachelle. You're one of my very favorite FanStorians.
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All I can think is that shunning is kind of their insurance policy for people remaining in the Order. Without that, how could they possibly keep young people interested? For that reason, it has that "cult" kind of feel to it. I hate to use that word, but the punishing nature of the shunning seems so extreme that it doesn't seem fueled by love so much as restriction and fear.
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I would agree with that assessment.