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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 pome lover
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so you sing opera, too. My goodness, what can't you do, Rachelle? I wish I could hear you, but I'm going to You Tube it right now.
This is a neat chapter with yours and Gretchen's barbs back and forth. so fun.
I hope Rebekah will go with you, but that's tough punishment if she does. I doubt she will, but since i said that, off she goes. :)

 Comment Written 25-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 26-Aug-2024
    My degree is in Vocal Music Performance. My goal was to be a world-famous opera singer. The closest I ever got was in the chorus of NYC Opera, and I hated it. So I left NYC, returned home, and realized that my gift was in teaching. It's been a perfect fit since 1982.

    Thanks for this terrific review. xoxo
reply by pome lover on 26-Aug-2024
    well, lucky students to have you. You're also a funny writer! Oh, I read Lee's response to you - he really has a unique sense of humor. He was "twirling his mustache" in his answer to my comments on it.
reply by the author on 26-Aug-2024
    Haha. Yes, Lee is, indeed, unique in his approach to just about everything.

    Btw, I saw your inquiry about why I hadn't done an interview with the menfolk, and the answer is because Terry Broxson, who was the creator of this whole 'advertising campaign/conflict' to get the book out there and curry interest among the membership here, said he felt also interviewing the men would be too much. He used PT Barnum's adage about "Always leave them wanting more." So, because he was the one who bankrolled me to be able to post this high, high up on the page, I just bowed to his wishes. Hope that answers your question about it!! xoxo
reply by pome lover on 26-Aug-2024
    yes, thanks. Glad you had help posting.
Comment from T B Botts
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Hello Rachelle,
it sounds like help might be on the way. Of course I'm sure there will be a tearing when it's time to leave, but what an experience they've enjoyed. I'm probably going to be virtually slapped by you, but I don't like that song. I'm a big fan of all kinds of music, though opera doesn't do much for me as a general rule. I've got several Andre' Rieu videos and the one from Tuscany has a very popular singer singing it, but it just doesn't do it for me. Sorry. She does a song from the movie Once Upon a Time in the West that is delightful though. Anyway, it's going to be interesting to see what happens next to the Wandering Ladies of Fan Story. Well done.
Have a blessed day.
Tom

 Comment Written 25-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 26-Aug-2024
    No, no; I TOTALLY get that most people do not like opera. It's one of those love-it-or-hate-it art forms, I think. I appreciate your candor. And your nice review; I also appreciate that. I always love to read what you have to say about my writing. xoxo
Comment from Wendy G
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I am so enjoying your story as you interweave humour and sadness seamlessly by developing your relationships smoothly, between you and Gretchen, and also with the Amish families. It's also talking about accepting others who are very different, and learning to value and understand them. At the same time each one retains her own distinctive personality. Great work. Always a wonderful read.
Wendy

 Comment Written 25-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 25-Aug-2024
    Your reviews always feel so warm and loving, as well as helpful and specific. Thank you for always being a reviewer I look forward to reading. Your feedback means the world. xoxo
Comment from barbara.wilkey
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Thank you for sharing this heart wrenching but heartwarming at the same time. You did a great job writing this.

I continue. "All three of those sibs inherited their mother's musical gifts. (continue,)

 Comment Written 25-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 25-Aug-2024
    Thanks very much, Barbara. I appreciate your feedback here. Xo
Comment from Ulla
Excellent
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Yes, Rachelle, O Mio Bambino Caro is easy on the ear. As I read this wonderful chapter was humming the theme throughout. Now, I really like this story. Ulla xcx

 Comment Written 25-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 25-Aug-2024
    I'm so happy to read this! Thank you. xoxox
Comment from Debbie Pope
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

You actually sing O Mio Babbino Caro? I knew that you were a vocal instructor, but I did not know the depth of your talent. I am reviewing today during commercials for Jane Pauley's Sunday Morning tv show. They just did a piece on the musical education of young people, helping them explore the possibilities of Opera. They are offering young people free trips to Italy to study opera--a kind of Rumspringa, I guess.
Still loving your adventure. I'm interested to see if Rebekah comes with you.

 Comment Written 25-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 25-Aug-2024
    Oh, yes! I learned SOOO many arias! The last two years of high school, arias were ALL I did with my private voice teacher, who, herself, was a retired NYC diva. Prior to that, I learned Italian Art Songs and loved those, too. Everything about opera is me: the passion, the expression, the over-the-topness of the music, the COSTUMES for gawd sake!, and the stories. I love opera!

    Thank you for this really special review. I love it, as I do you, my warm and wonderful encourager. xoxo
reply by Debbie Pope on 25-Aug-2024
    You should go on tour with Lee's band. Give the dive bars a little diversity.
reply by the author on 25-Aug-2024
    Yesssss!! I'll be sure and broach that subject with him at once!! xoxox
Comment from Begin Again
Excellent
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The calvary is on its way for the rescue, your wagon will soon be loaded, and will Rebekah go or stay? It appears as if he mother had shared a lot with her daughter, maybe subtly encouraging her to go and find her own way. The bath scene was humorous and the song... how else could Opera be sung but standing and belting it out. Great job!
Smiles, Carol

 Comment Written 25-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 25-Aug-2024
    Thanks for the terrific review, Carol! Very much appreciated. xoxo
Comment from Pam Lonsdale
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

No, of course you have to stand up and deliver a performance instead of just sitting there with your sewing and singing a top-10 favorite from the past. As Wayne would say, "Big eyeroll here." Always the performer.

Oh, dear, Rebekah knows an awful lot about her mother - she must have shared a lot of personal stuff with her daughter. But why? Did she want her to know that there is another life out there that could be equally good. But to be shunned . . .

You write "NYC" - would you say that, or would you say New York City? I think you should spell it out.

This was so well done, Allen. I know the Amish characters are fictional, but this is the real Rachelle through and through.

Your best piece yet - a few laughs and a lot of tears. Just like life.

xoxo
AH

 Comment Written 25-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 25-Aug-2024
    I love you for this beautiful review...and you're also completely right about the NYC. I'll change it shortly, after I'm done with the preliminary "stuff" I always do where FS is concerned. Thank you for all the time and intelligence that went into this review. You are very helpful...for a sicko asshole, that is, of course... xoxox
Comment from GWHARGIS
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Damn, Allen, when you said you were posting early, you weren't kidding. I woke up randomly and here you are.
I loved the seamless way you moved this chapter. From the recall of last chapter to the suggestion of bringing Rebekah along. The bath scene was perfect and set me up to do my southern bell shtick. Loved the backstory of the song. Gave me goose bumps and gave Mamm dimension. Great chapter. Feel like you covered a lot but it was smooth transition. Gretchen

 Comment Written 25-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 25-Aug-2024
    Thank you, my talented co-writer. I always feel confident handing the baton off to you and look forward to your shining finish for the chapter. This is THE most wonderful writing experience for me, having you to co-navigate with. xoxox
reply by GWHARGIS on 25-Aug-2024
    Hate to break it to you, but you're the leader. I make you do the heavy lifting. LOL. I just take a bow with you. It really was a great chapter. Gave Rebekah's character and the dynamic between you two a whole lot of depth. Bravo
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
Excellent
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It sounds like neither of you will forget this humbling experience as you both get close to nature and question the little things in life. A simple song can leave a lasting memory. This journey has been magical and it sounds like you will soon be rescued, love Dolly x x x

 Comment Written 25-Aug-2024


reply by the author on 25-Aug-2024
    Let's keep our fingers crossed! It's been quite the adventure!! xoxox