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Viewing comments for Chapter 17 "Simple Gifts (Rachelle's Side)"
Two very real women in not so real situation.

34 total reviews 
Comment from MissMerri
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

You, my dear, are a fantastic storyteller! This could easily become a published novel or a movie. I can so vividly see the action happening as you describe it in your beautiful words and descriptive phrases. I can't wait to read more. Also, I think this whole unique idea is superb. How creative to have two people on a road trip describing the same thing differently. I love it! Do keep going.

 Comment Written 06-Sep-2024


reply by the author on 06-Sep-2024
    We are having the BEST time with this project, Adonna!! She's a fantastic storyteller and a great cohort to be in the trenches with. Every bit tge "team player" and a hilarious balance to my wry sense of humor. She's someone you can trust and count on - no longer everyday traits in this life, right?!

    Anyway, SO glad to have you along on out roadtrip!! Xoxoxo
Comment from Bill Schott
Excellent
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I really enjoy this trip offramp that the two of you are on. I still haven't totally seen Gretchen's pieces, though somehow one, I think. The musical piece was awe inspiring as you imagine hearing this hidden choir which uncovers to you these gems who get the advantage of a professional tutor.
It brings back a time in an Oklahoma church where my wife converted the high church to performing an Easter musical with music, singers, and staging. It was spectacular. It was deep and powerful for everyone. These folks had never imagined themselves being so good and changing others' lives.

 Comment Written 24-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 24-Aug-2024
    That's a wonderful story. Your wife had the vision AND the enthusiasm as a teacher to make it a reality, and everyone - whether in the performance or watching it - benefited from her talents. I bet she inspired a lot of people that day. Thanks for sharing that story. xo
Comment from Debbie Pope
Excellent
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I need to wait until Sunday to review this when I have some more six stars to award. I'll save your other posts, but please accept my virtual six for this one.
Like Solomon, you have made this post magical. You continue to amuse me with your bickering with Gretchen and your Jewishness (the Amish Farm Diet and all). Oy you are funny. I can only imagine how you would rewrite some of the books of the Bible.
This chapter earned you more brownie points with me. It's great.

 Comment Written 23-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 23-Aug-2024
    Hahaha. I love brownie point from you! I find them totally satisfying and validating.

    Simian Savant sponsored a fractured Bible stories contest, and I came in second with Rachel and Leah, if you want to check it out. I daresay, YOUS would be very savvy, too, should you ever decide to enter those unsacred waters!! lol

    Anyway, thank you for this delightful review. I always love receiving your feedback. xoxox
Comment from Michele Harber
Excellent
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This is another fun story, but I have to admit I don't like being lied to. Anyone who knows you knows your having been "on the cusp of tears" had nothing to do with the prospect of your family arriving, and everything to do with the prospect of dressy clothes and high-heeled shoes arriving!

On the other hand, I fully believe your excitement and enjoyment over being asked to direct the choir practice, and finding someone with perfect pitch. Again, anyone who knows you knows how important music (and teaching music) is to you. I bought that 100%, and never doubted that you would have cried very happy and appreciative tears over finding that one in ten-thousand with perfect pitch.

This is a lovely story, with welcome touches of humor. I particularly enjoyed the last line: "I no longer want to be rescued...though a cute fashion-forward outfit with matching high heels would certainly not take away from this heavenly feeling!" Let's face it; that's so you!

 Comment Written 21-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 21-Aug-2024
    Hahaha. I'm busted. Guilty as charged. Thanks for the fun review. xo
reply by Michele Harber on 21-Aug-2024
    I've known you way too long for that nonsense!!!

    You're welcome for the fun review. Thanks for the fun story that prompted it.
Comment from Jim Wile
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Just wonderful, Rachelle. So funny, sweet, and heartwarming combined. I loved your brief to-the-point conversation with Tova and your musings about the conversation to follow between her and the outside world.

What a marvelous description of how the music affected you at the end. I loved the way you admonished the group not to make you cry and then you were in tears just moments later. You seemed to have a great feel for the group you were teaching and could readily pick out Solomen's terrific musical ability.

I also loved your discomfiture with the menu and your making due with the side dishes. This was a very enjoyable and well-rounded chapter.

 Comment Written 21-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 21-Aug-2024
    Thank you, you sweet and gracious reviewer, you! I appreciate the warmth and encouragement here.

    It's easy to recognize when someone has perfect pitch. But in all my thirty-three years as a voice-flute-piano teacher, I've had only ONE student with it! My brother had it, too.

    xoxox
Comment from Ulla
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Hi Rachelle, what a joy this is to read. I absolutely loved it. You make the amish lifestyle shine through in this part, enlightening something truly different. All best, Ulla xcx

 Comment Written 21-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 21-Aug-2024
    Thank you, Ulla. I absolutely loved this review. It made me feel great. xoxo
Comment from jmdg1954
Excellent
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I missed a few posts but I think I'm up to snuff after reading yours and GW's equivalent post.

Both your styles obviously are different but each having a comical tone lends itself to a bit of similarities.

Both were a joy to read and will make a better attempt at the Yankees home run trot to keep up with the story.

Cheers,
John

 Comment Written 21-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 21-Aug-2024
    Hahaha.
    Thanks for the delightful review. It's wonderful to have you along on this road trip with us!

    Yes, Gretchen and I have different styles but identical senses of humor and the absurd. We are having the BEST time with this joint venture. xoxo
Comment from Neonewman
Excellent
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I love reading these, Rachelle. I read Gretchen's before this one and enjoyed the story from both sides. This is a brilliant concept. I see you used the Bible in the contest you entered. That was slick.
God bless,
Steve

 Comment Written 20-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 21-Aug-2024
    Hahaha. Yes, but Simian hasn't read this chapter yet, so he's in for quite the surprise when he sees his cameo appearance this week!! Thanks for the very nice review. I'm so glad you're with us on this road trip. xoxo
Comment from Daylily
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Another truly wonderful chapter, Rachelle. I like all the choir happenings you are describing. -- I was in our church choir for a few years and could only sing when I was next to someone else who was very good. I could accompany them really well. On my own, however, it is a true horror story because I get too nervous and cannot control what my vocal cords start doing. The church was very small so just another body in the choir loft was a blessing. lol

I am always happy to see a new chapter posted. You truly are a very accomplished writer. Love the bits of humor, too. Smiles and hugs!


 Comment Written 20-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 20-Aug-2024
    Love you, Lily. Thank you for this wonderful review.

    I have seen what you described in your choral setting. It is not unusual at all. xoxox
Comment from Gunner Lil
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Another very good chapter full more information.
Excellent dialogue that does move the story along making it an easy read.
Good sensory descriptions. Love the food menus.
Thank you for sharing.

 Comment Written 20-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 20-Aug-2024
    Oh, yes, those food selections are da BOMB!!

    Thanks for a very helpful, encouraging review. I appreciate it very much. xoxo