A blue dress
I never wore ...29 total reviews
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
I loved your attitude to life here Wendy and because of it, you are a winner and also help others win too. You are ideal teacher material and I am convenced that your students loved you and learned a lot. You didn't take any of the favouritism of your sister to heart or was jealous and your personality shone through with your smile and helped you to a good life. A wonderful, honest and revealing story Wendy, much enjoyed, love Dolly x x x
reply by the author on 12-Aug-2024
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I loved your attitude to life here Wendy and because of it, you are a winner and also help others win too. You are ideal teacher material and I am convenced that your students loved you and learned a lot. You didn't take any of the favouritism of your sister to heart or was jealous and your personality shone through with your smile and helped you to a good life. A wonderful, honest and revealing story Wendy, much enjoyed, love Dolly x x x
Comment Written 11-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 12-Aug-2024
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Thank you very much Dolly, for these wonderful words of encouragement and affirmation. I value the generous gift of six stars too. In retrospect, my mother was right about both things - it is the inside that counts, and I can wear what I like. Took me a long time to learn, though. Thank you again.
Wendy
Comment from GoWiSt
"I never wore ...
A blue dress" They're not that expensive; why?
"My nickname was "the runt". Oh, tell me it wasn't really so.
"To this day, I am still the healthiest in the whole family." You go, girl.
As a fellow teacher, I feel your compassion fo your students.
You are the best of yourself when you are the best of YOU!
reply by the author on 12-Aug-2024
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"I never wore ...
A blue dress" They're not that expensive; why?
"My nickname was "the runt". Oh, tell me it wasn't really so.
"To this day, I am still the healthiest in the whole family." You go, girl.
As a fellow teacher, I feel your compassion fo your students.
You are the best of yourself when you are the best of YOU!
Comment Written 11-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 12-Aug-2024
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We never had bought clothes, always homemade. Yes, I was called the runt, (but I still am to this day the thinnest, and the healthiest of six). Thanks so much for reviewing. I always appreciate it.
Wendy
Wendy
Comment from Marilyn Hamilton
I am amazed how some children make it through childhood mentally whole but you seemed to do it remarkably. I loved the ending of your story most of all. The things that were said to you by adults were upsetting. Loved the story. Thanks for sharing.
reply by the author on 12-Aug-2024
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I am amazed how some children make it through childhood mentally whole but you seemed to do it remarkably. I loved the ending of your story most of all. The things that were said to you by adults were upsetting. Loved the story. Thanks for sharing.
Comment Written 11-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 12-Aug-2024
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Thank you very much for your kind review, Marilyn. The best gift to offer children is intact self-esteem. I am so pleased you enjoyed this one.
Wendy
Comment from GWHARGIS
Here, here. I was a chubby little girl with thick, thick, unruly hair. I was "cute". My sister was graceful and beautiful. I would hear things like "once you slim down, you could be as pretty as your sister." Growing up is tough enough for children but the comparison game is a spirit killer. Both of my sons have hazel eyes. One has green/brown and the other blue/green. Hazel eyes are gorgeous. This was a great testimony to the kind of person you are. Beautifully written. Gretchen
reply by the author on 12-Aug-2024
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Here, here. I was a chubby little girl with thick, thick, unruly hair. I was "cute". My sister was graceful and beautiful. I would hear things like "once you slim down, you could be as pretty as your sister." Growing up is tough enough for children but the comparison game is a spirit killer. Both of my sons have hazel eyes. One has green/brown and the other blue/green. Hazel eyes are gorgeous. This was a great testimony to the kind of person you are. Beautifully written. Gretchen
Comment Written 11-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 12-Aug-2024
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Thank you so much Gretchen! Ah, thick hair - just what I always wanted! Yes, the comparison game is a hard and cruel one for children. The best gift for children is appropriate self-esteem, and to know they are valued just as they are. Personally, I was thankful when Twiggy became a well-known model! Thanks so much for your encouraging review, and also for the generous gift of the sixth star.
Wendy
Comment from Begin Again
What an inspiration you are, Wendy! I could have used a special teacher like you when I was growing up. I, too, was the nerd that no one noticed, unless they needed something done. I found my salvation and my life within my stories... writing and fulfilling my dreams and imagination.
My first marriage was because his mother showed me some attention and made me feel special. A mistake in so many ways!
Never could wear yellow...I looked like a piece of butter. But I survived, an because I didn't turn by back on someone who needed help, I found the love of my life...if only for a while
You are a special person and I'm thrilled you turned into who you are today.
smiles and hugs, Carol
reply by the author on 12-Aug-2024
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What an inspiration you are, Wendy! I could have used a special teacher like you when I was growing up. I, too, was the nerd that no one noticed, unless they needed something done. I found my salvation and my life within my stories... writing and fulfilling my dreams and imagination.
My first marriage was because his mother showed me some attention and made me feel special. A mistake in so many ways!
Never could wear yellow...I looked like a piece of butter. But I survived, an because I didn't turn by back on someone who needed help, I found the love of my life...if only for a while
You are a special person and I'm thrilled you turned into who you are today.
smiles and hugs, Carol
Comment Written 11-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 12-Aug-2024
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Finding the love of your life, even for a short while, is a wonderful experience, although it magnifies the pain when you lose him. Personally I think the greatest gift one can give a child is self-esteem, and to feel wanted and loved. I asked my mother once if she loved me (because it was never said) and she replied "When you're good!" and yet, I was not a naughty child.
Ah well, we survived, and tried to do things differently .... Thanks so much for a lovely review.
Wendy
Comment from Jesse James Doty
This is one of the most inspiring stories I have ever read. You give us the background of your sister and you and how she always wore the blue dress and was treated as special by her parents and grandparents. Then you explain how different and ill at ease you felt because your mother would not make you a blue dress. You show us that later you grew up unspecial without confidence and then after finding your niche as a teacher you became confident and proud to be who you were inside.
Now, you show us how to be with our children. Showing us that we need to make them feel special inside and on the outside so that they can grow up to become confident and special human beings.
Thank you so much for this inspirational story about the blue dress and how it represents growth in you and in your students who were loved and accepted as they were.
Jesse
reply by the author on 12-Aug-2024
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This is one of the most inspiring stories I have ever read. You give us the background of your sister and you and how she always wore the blue dress and was treated as special by her parents and grandparents. Then you explain how different and ill at ease you felt because your mother would not make you a blue dress. You show us that later you grew up unspecial without confidence and then after finding your niche as a teacher you became confident and proud to be who you were inside.
Now, you show us how to be with our children. Showing us that we need to make them feel special inside and on the outside so that they can grow up to become confident and special human beings.
Thank you so much for this inspirational story about the blue dress and how it represents growth in you and in your students who were loved and accepted as they were.
Jesse
Comment Written 11-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 12-Aug-2024
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Thank you very much Jesse, for this insightful and very kind review. Yes, all children need to feel special and loved, and they need appropriate self esteem to take them through life. I value the generous gift of six stars.
Wendy
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The six stars were for a job well done.
I might not have told you but this resonated with me so much.
Have a great day.
Jesse
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Thanks again Jesse. I am pleased you could relate.
Wendy
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Thanks again Jesse. I am pleased you could relate.
Wendy
Comment from Tom Horonzy
Should I be happy or sad that you made it to be who you are, a light to the world that beams on her own, and like a bee to the flower you are filled with honey.
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reply by the author on 12-Aug-2024
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Should I be happy or sad that you made it to be who you are, a light to the world that beams on her own, and like a bee to the flower you are filled with honey.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 11-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 12-Aug-2024
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Lol. Whichever ... that's life, and my mother probably had no idea how she made me feel. The greatest gift one can give a child is appropriTe self-esteem.
Wendy
Comment from Wayne Fowler
You brought to mind the Johnny Cash song, 'A Boy Named Sue'. The name made him turn out tough, therefore the father was to be commended. (Nah!)
Parents are not psychologists, though they should be. I think all too often they inadvertently shape and mold kids to become one way or another. If an American boy, upbringing such as you describe could well have made a person a school shooter.
Off subject - as far as my being a poet with the 'There Is No Sky' post - it came in next to last. So I guess not. (I don't get no blue dresses either.)
smiley face here
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
reply by the author on 12-Aug-2024
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You brought to mind the Johnny Cash song, 'A Boy Named Sue'. The name made him turn out tough, therefore the father was to be commended. (Nah!)
Parents are not psychologists, though they should be. I think all too often they inadvertently shape and mold kids to become one way or another. If an American boy, upbringing such as you describe could well have made a person a school shooter.
Off subject - as far as my being a poet with the 'There Is No Sky' post - it came in next to last. So I guess not. (I don't get no blue dresses either.)
smiley face here
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 11-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 12-Aug-2024
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Lol. A wonderful review. Many thanks. Parents did not think about what effect their words had, I am sure. As it turned out, my mother was right on both counts. As for your poem, I voted for it, and I still think it was the best, and the most original and the most memorable.
Wendy
Comment from Rachelle Allen
The way you describe yourself, you're a dull brown rock. To me, though, you are a geode - FULL of color, FULL of EXTREME beauty, a true gem with all your shimmering facets that reflect light back onto others. You radiate beauty. And, above all else, you are rare and extremely special. I think YOU were given the greatest assets G-d hand on hand to bestow...including a sister who loves being your BFF because she recognizes the treasure you are. Beauty fades, and if it's all a person has to offer (oftentimes, beauties don't develop more assets because...well, why would they feel the need?), then those in possession of it become monumentally unimpressive, right? I guarantee all the children whose lives you touched think you're the most gorgeous person who ever lived, and I, for one, couldn't agree more. I'll take a person with a gorgeous soul (and a colorful, distinctive wardrobe) ANY DAY over someone whose face is pretty is everything else is non-existent. In my eyes, you're absolutely stunning in every way.
xoxoxo
reply by the author on 12-Aug-2024
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The way you describe yourself, you're a dull brown rock. To me, though, you are a geode - FULL of color, FULL of EXTREME beauty, a true gem with all your shimmering facets that reflect light back onto others. You radiate beauty. And, above all else, you are rare and extremely special. I think YOU were given the greatest assets G-d hand on hand to bestow...including a sister who loves being your BFF because she recognizes the treasure you are. Beauty fades, and if it's all a person has to offer (oftentimes, beauties don't develop more assets because...well, why would they feel the need?), then those in possession of it become monumentally unimpressive, right? I guarantee all the children whose lives you touched think you're the most gorgeous person who ever lived, and I, for one, couldn't agree more. I'll take a person with a gorgeous soul (and a colorful, distinctive wardrobe) ANY DAY over someone whose face is pretty is everything else is non-existent. In my eyes, you're absolutely stunning in every way.
xoxoxo
Comment Written 11-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 12-Aug-2024
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Oh what a review - my smile is from ear to ear, as yes, I do think of myself pretty much as a dull brown rock, but I am okay with that now. Rocks are strong.
But your words are SO lovely! And SO encouraging. Yes, beauty fades. I am trying to maintain "being nice on the inside" when I feel ftustrated or grumpy. And of course bring "being nice" to the outside.
I hope I made my students feel special and important in an ongoing and life-changing way. The interesting thing was that I had few behavioural issues, and when we were busy having fun with engaging and relevant learning experiences, I had to strongly encourage them to go out for recess, as they just wanted to continue what we were doing. They were good days!
Thanks again for a wonderful review! I also greatly value the honour of six stars. So precious.
Wendy
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xoxoxoxox