Reviews from

A Fly on the Wall

Viewing comments for Chapter 18 "On...People Who Improve Us"
A journal musings and assessments about situations

24 total reviews 
Comment from John Ciarmello
Excellent
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I clicked on your name on the banner because I hadn't seen it before, and I'm so glad I did. I enjoyed this piece and look forward to reading more of your work as it is posted. I was lucky enough as you were, to have a few teachers, like you've mentioned in my life. It is magical. Best, JohnC

 Comment Written 02-Aug-2022


reply by the author on 03-Aug-2022
    What a really nice review; thank you. I'm glad you clicked on this, too, and I will look forward to reading your work, as well!
Comment from Deniz22
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Beautiful tribute to a wonderful teacher! Thank you for writing it, as in some way, I am sure it causes your readers to pause a moment and think of all the people in our lives who helped us in some way, big or small. We need to remember the old saying, "If you see a turtle on a fence post, you know he didn't get there by himself." God bless you, Dennis

 Comment Written 30-Jul-2022


reply by the author on 30-Jul-2022
    What a beautiful and very touching review, Deniz22. I couldn't appreciate it more. Thank you.
Comment from Anne Johnston
Excellent
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Thank you for sharing this heart-felt tribute to a teacher who influenced you so much. I just read Helen's interview and enjoyed what you had to say. Happy Birthday, hope you have a good one.

 Comment Written 29-Jul-2022


reply by the author on 29-Jul-2022
    Why, thank you! Yes, so far, so good. Thanks for the nice review, too!
reply by Anne Johnston on 31-Jul-2022
reply by Anne Johnston on 31-Jul-2022
    You are welcome
Comment from Sandra Nelms-Ludwig
Excellent
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This is a beautifully written story about your family dynamics but mainly about your teacher. I wish you had included her name in this piece. Not including her name keeps her at a distance from the reader. A description of her appearance would also make the reader know her better. I had such a teacher too. This story was so well told. I enjoyed reading it.

 Comment Written 29-Jul-2022


reply by the author on 29-Jul-2022
    Thank you, and I agree; I need to do some editing and include her name and description. Stay tuned!!
reply by Sandra Nelms-Ludwig on 29-Jul-2022
    Yes, that lets the reader in, and her name should be shouted aloud. She has done so much for you. Read My Teacher in my portfolio. The phot is of the teacher who saved me. Literally saved me from my horrible family life. I read the poem at her funeral.
Comment from Michaela Moore
Excellent
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I cannot wait to read more from this book of memories and commentary about life that you are writing. The title of the book is perfect because that is exactly what you make me, the reader, feel like. A lucky fly that graces your wall and is aloud to see your beautiful life unfold.

 Comment Written 27-Jul-2022


reply by the author on 28-Jul-2022
    What a wonderful review this is to read. Thank you for the encouragement and enthusiasm. So very much appreciated. xo
Comment from Marienkiefer
Excellent
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I really loved this story. It had a good progression.

-Tones of admiration
-Reverence for a mentor and friend
-Recognition for role and influence of teachers.
-One teensy-tiny thing before I sign off: excellent and consistent mention in beginning and last paragraph that your teacher changed you forever, I was hoping to read a few examples of how exactly. Could some detail or examples be worked into the story perhaps? It may be inspirational if you d would consider this a worthwhile addition.

Sparkling in the story is the descriptions, explanations and authors note for reference. Amazing that you visit 70 homes every week. How do you do it, I am in awe for your energy.

I find too that your writing is energetic and impactful.

Great story. Teachers are amazing...and talented.


 Comment Written 26-Jul-2022


reply by the author on 27-Jul-2022
    This is a tremendous help, Marienkeifer; I totally see your point with regard to my saying not once, but twice, that she changed me, but then not offering examples. I'll work on expanding on that this weekend. Thank you for the excellent advice.

    Yes, I'm definitely the Energizer Bunny kind of person. I sleep only four hours/night, so that helps me accomplish a lot in 24 hours' time, for sure.

    As far as the seventy students, I'd see one hundred if I could; I genuinely love it that much.

    Thank you for your input and encouragement. Always so appreciated. xo
reply by Marienkiefer on 27-Jul-2022
    My pleasure, Rahelle.
    I used to describe myself exactly the same:Energizer bunny, 4-6 hours sleep. Until a brain aneurysm changed everything? Nothing more delicate or complex as the brain. All the best🌸🌸
reply by the author on 27-Jul-2022
    Holey moley!! How long ago was that, and are you okay now?
reply by Marienkiefer on 27-Jul-2022
    Five years ago. I am fine now, but doing things differently. Every day is a beautiful day, with God?s blessings. Thanks Rachelle.
reply by the author on 27-Jul-2022
    Well, that's good to read. And I love your spirit!! xo
Comment from Ric Myworld
Excellent
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I think many of us can look back and remember a teacher who made some sort of difference in out lives, even those like me who never went much, but still managed a degree. LOL. Thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 26-Jul-2022


reply by the author on 26-Jul-2022
    I think you're right about that. (And hey, you achieved, without as much instruction, what the rest of us had to sit there in class and try to absorb!)
Comment from Michele Harber
Excellent
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Lovely story, Rachelle. It must be something about fifth grade teachers, because I adored mine as well. She was sweet, gentle, perceptive, understanding and protective. Apparently, it wasn't only on me she had an effect. The actor Steven Weber ("Wings," "Mom") was my classmate second through fifth grade. He once did a PSA on staying in school, in which he mentioned this teacher by name.

You were very lucky to have had a teacher who became an honorary member of the family. I'm thrilled that my daughter is experiencing that right now, with her 12th grade English teacher, who did so much to increase Leah's confidence and self esteem. We're in regular phone and text contact with her, and recently joined her and her kids for lunch.

Your story is filled with love, respect and admiration, and I suspect anyone who hadn't been lucky enough to have a teacher like that will wish they had after reading your story.

 Comment Written 26-Jul-2022


reply by the author on 26-Jul-2022
    Oh, wow! Very cool, indeed!
reply by Michele Harber on 26-Jul-2022
    😀
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
Excellent
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You did a great job with your touching tribute to you 5th grade
teacher, Rachelle. I enjoyed reading it. Your love for her exuded
from every loving word you wrote. I could imagine seeing all the
instances she was there for you. My sincere condolences on the
loos of your treasured teacher. Yes, you will do her proud as your
continue teaching.
Thanks for sharing, Jan

 Comment Written 25-Jul-2022


reply by the author on 25-Jul-2022
    Thank you for this absolutely lovely review, Jan. I couldn't apprecite it more. xo
Comment from jessizero
Excellent
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This was such a touching, sincerely written story about your former teacher. A good teacher can change your life. It sounds like you had a great one. Thank you for sharing this here, and best wishes to you.

 Comment Written 25-Jul-2022


reply by the author on 25-Jul-2022
    You are so right, Jessizero! Thanks for this beautiful review. xo