Detour
Viewing comments for Chapter 11 "E-i-e-i-o (Rachelle's Version)"Two very real women in not so real situation.
28 total reviews
Comment from T B Botts
Hello Rachelle,
you seem to be adapting to Amish life quite well. Do you accept all the challenges that come your way so well, or is that just part of the story? Four hours a night! I suppose if I counted all the time I spend getting up to pee every night, I might be only getting the equivalent of that more or less. I'm enjoying the way you're stepping up and being a surrogate mother of sorts to that young family in their time of loss. You ended this making me wonder what's next. Well done gal.
Have a blessed evening.
Tom
reply by the author on 02-Aug-2024
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Hello Rachelle,
you seem to be adapting to Amish life quite well. Do you accept all the challenges that come your way so well, or is that just part of the story? Four hours a night! I suppose if I counted all the time I spend getting up to pee every night, I might be only getting the equivalent of that more or less. I'm enjoying the way you're stepping up and being a surrogate mother of sorts to that young family in their time of loss. You ended this making me wonder what's next. Well done gal.
Have a blessed evening.
Tom
Comment Written 02-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 02-Aug-2024
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Yes, I an actually a very adaptable person. I think that comes from all these years of teaching. You always hit the ground running.
I didn't even think to factor in nighttime pee breaks, Tom!! Yiiikes! I better not think about it! They only last a couple minutes each, and I'm always able to fall right back to sleep. Yourself?
Thanks for the nice review. I love that you're on this journey with us! Xo
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Hi Rachelle,
I do usually go back to sleep, but it's still an interruption. I haven't slept well in years. Oh well, welcome to old age (not you, me!)
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I hear you, believe me!!
Comment from Bill Schott
I really enjoy this story as you tell it and love how you seamlessly weave the Amish facts into the conversations. I guess I don't have Gretchen in my following box as I can't remember reading her part. I will check this out. Fun story and now -- a cliffhanger.
reply by the author on 01-Aug-2024
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I really enjoy this story as you tell it and love how you seamlessly weave the Amish facts into the conversations. I guess I don't have Gretchen in my following box as I can't remember reading her part. I will check this out. Fun story and now -- a cliffhanger.
Comment Written 01-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 01-Aug-2024
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This is the nicest review, Bill! Thank you!
It's easy to follow Gretchen without even having to Fan her - though I urge you to fan her because she is, honestly, no hyperbole, a FANTASTIC storyteller!! It's so easy to become immersed in her novels from page one - and she is prolific! I promise you won't be disappointed. But, at the top of my Detour page each week, the number for each chapter appear, so all you have to do is click on the one before mine, and that will be hers that tells the same tale, but from her angle. Many of our fellow FanStorians like that facet of this book: that it's not just from one person's vantage point.
Again, thank you for this terrific review. xoxo
Comment from lyenochka
Oh no! I thought the E-I-E-I-O would lead to more family choir singing not a dangerous attack of the horses. Hope no one gets injured. I liked how you gave us a book reference and showed your knowledge of the Amish. And how fun for Diane that you remembered her love of flowers!
reply by the author on 30-Jul-2024
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Oh no! I thought the E-I-E-I-O would lead to more family choir singing not a dangerous attack of the horses. Hope no one gets injured. I liked how you gave us a book reference and showed your knowledge of the Amish. And how fun for Diane that you remembered her love of flowers!
Comment Written 30-Jul-2024
reply by the author on 30-Jul-2024
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Diane and I schmooze just about daily. And I know that she makes trips to the garden center daily, too.
So glad you're on this trip with us, Helen. Thank you for the very nice review. xo
Comment from Jessica Wheeler
Your vivid descriptions always transport me! The imagery in your writing is stunning.
"The meadow scents weave themselves throughout my olfactory system and are redolent with mint and sage, wildflowers, roses and, of course, goat dung."
Perfection! It has been such a pleasure getting to know more about you both through the bits of truth woven throughout this fictional adventure.
Xoxoxo
reply by the author on 30-Jul-2024
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Your vivid descriptions always transport me! The imagery in your writing is stunning.
"The meadow scents weave themselves throughout my olfactory system and are redolent with mint and sage, wildflowers, roses and, of course, goat dung."
Perfection! It has been such a pleasure getting to know more about you both through the bits of truth woven throughout this fictional adventure.
Xoxoxo
Comment Written 30-Jul-2024
reply by the author on 30-Jul-2024
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What a really nice review this is to read! Thank you for always being so encouraging and supportive with your words. Xoxo
Comment from Jim Wile
Tiger Woods is a famous 4-hour sleeper, and I must confess that I too am a 4-hour sleeper when I'm writing a novel. At other times it's more like 6 hours, but something about waking up early and writing I find very appealing. My wife sleeps at least 3 more hours, so in those wee hours of the morning, there's peace and quiet and no honey-do's to perform. Ah, bliss!
I loved this chapter, Rachelle, especially the growing contrast between you and Gretchen, who only wakes up because of that blasted rooster. This was heartwarming, funny, and educational too as you taught us some of the differences among the Amish. Loved how you brought Mrs. KT into the mix too.
This is such a fun story!
reply by the author on 30-Jul-2024
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Tiger Woods is a famous 4-hour sleeper, and I must confess that I too am a 4-hour sleeper when I'm writing a novel. At other times it's more like 6 hours, but something about waking up early and writing I find very appealing. My wife sleeps at least 3 more hours, so in those wee hours of the morning, there's peace and quiet and no honey-do's to perform. Ah, bliss!
I loved this chapter, Rachelle, especially the growing contrast between you and Gretchen, who only wakes up because of that blasted rooster. This was heartwarming, funny, and educational too as you taught us some of the differences among the Amish. Loved how you brought Mrs. KT into the mix too.
This is such a fun story!
Comment Written 30-Jul-2024
reply by the author on 30-Jul-2024
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Thanks, Jim.
That's interesting about you and your wife's different sleeping habits. Bobby and I are identical. We both are very high-octane all the time. We go to bed ahd schmooze for a good thirty to forty-five mintues, then, when we wake up four hours later, we start schmoozing all over again. Everyone thinks my husband is so quiet, but he's actually wonderfully chatty. I love it.
Thanks for the shout-out about Mrs. KT. As this continue, other FanStorians will get cameo appearances, as well. All part of the fun!!
xoxox
Comment from Neonewman
I love the the tales you two spin-off of each other in this journey. I can't imagine life without the finer things, such as EVERYTHING, lol. But I wouldn't be opposed to seeing what it would be like out in the Amish country. This is another excellent addition, Rachelle.
God bless,
Steve
reply by the author on 29-Jul-2024
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I love the the tales you two spin-off of each other in this journey. I can't imagine life without the finer things, such as EVERYTHING, lol. But I wouldn't be opposed to seeing what it would be like out in the Amish country. This is another excellent addition, Rachelle.
God bless,
Steve
Comment Written 29-Jul-2024
reply by the author on 29-Jul-2024
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I agree; it would take a real different mindset. Gretchen and I were just kind of thrown into it with no preparation.
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That's the way! I put my chapter up, fingers crossed, lol.
Comment from LJbutterfly
Oh no! You stop with two two massive draught horses running as fast as they can toward you. I hope it takes a week before they reach you. I enjoyed your description of the meadow. You made it easy to envision. This is another incredible chapter, with Gretchen providing the comedy and the horses providing the suspense..
reply by the author on 29-Jul-2024
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Oh no! You stop with two two massive draught horses running as fast as they can toward you. I hope it takes a week before they reach you. I enjoyed your description of the meadow. You made it easy to envision. This is another incredible chapter, with Gretchen providing the comedy and the horses providing the suspense..
Comment Written 29-Jul-2024
reply by the author on 29-Jul-2024
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It takes a village, right? Hahaha.
Thanks for the wonderful review. It really gave me that warm, fuzzy feeling inside. xoxo
Comment from pome lover
well, my sleep is about 4 1/2 hours, too, but not by choice. I fall asleep at my computer constantly.
But, to your story. You really crack me up. I keep picturing you running around the farm in your stiletto's, but I guess the goat ate them, too. And now, you have horses running at you. Heavens. Can't wait to read the next one.
Oh, I was thinking about you the other day because of your love of music. Did you ever see the movie, Mr. Holland's Opus? I watched it again the other night, and just loved it. Is that too maudlin for you? I think of New Yorkers as much more sophisticated than most people.
Anyway, I'm enjoying your story, and love your portrayal of Gretchen. Too funny.
Katharine
reply by the author on 29-Jul-2024
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well, my sleep is about 4 1/2 hours, too, but not by choice. I fall asleep at my computer constantly.
But, to your story. You really crack me up. I keep picturing you running around the farm in your stiletto's, but I guess the goat ate them, too. And now, you have horses running at you. Heavens. Can't wait to read the next one.
Oh, I was thinking about you the other day because of your love of music. Did you ever see the movie, Mr. Holland's Opus? I watched it again the other night, and just loved it. Is that too maudlin for you? I think of New Yorkers as much more sophisticated than most people.
Anyway, I'm enjoying your story, and love your portrayal of Gretchen. Too funny.
Katharine
Comment Written 29-Jul-2024
reply by the author on 29-Jul-2024
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Oh, I LOVED Mr. Holland's Opus!! New Yorker or not, I am a pushover for movies like that!!
No, the goats didn't eat my stilettos; I got the heel caught in the sideboard of the buggy and fell face-first into the mud.
So glad you're on this adventure with Gretchen and me. I love your reviews. xoxo
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oh, yes, I remember that - heel caught, and your face-first in the mud. Your descriptions are delightful. :)
Comment from jim vecchio
Sleep? What's sleep?
Anyhow, loved this excursion into Amish life. I had my own personal Rumspringa, and I chose the Lor's side. Though not Amish, I drove a bit through that country during my misspent college days and feel t rest in tht sort of country.
reply by the author on 29-Jul-2024
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Sleep? What's sleep?
Anyhow, loved this excursion into Amish life. I had my own personal Rumspringa, and I chose the Lor's side. Though not Amish, I drove a bit through that country during my misspent college days and feel t rest in tht sort of country.
Comment Written 29-Jul-2024
reply by the author on 29-Jul-2024
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Yes, a LOT of reviewers who've been there have extolled their experience.
I think it's so interesting that a group as strict as these folks allow for Rumspringa! But obviously it works out for them more often than not because they have very large communities. I guess it's the Baa Baa Black Sheep Syndrome: Leave them alone, and they'll come home.
Thanks for the lovely review, Jim
xoxox
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I know I came home to my little family in Connecticut, thanks to The Lord.
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Puts it all in perspective, doesn't it? xo
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Yes. God really put up with a lot from me before I finally straightened out.
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Well, He is a patient teacher.
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I shudder to think where my soul would've ended up in those wild days.
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There's so many of us in that same boat with you!! This is me, raising my hand, to be included in the group.
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Use the future God has gifted you with and give back through your writing.
Comment from Michele Harber
This was actually one of the more fun chapters, as it includes more of your patented humor. I do hope Gretchen has a good, self-deprecating sense of humor as, let's say, she doesn't come across as well as you do in your version of the story. Of course, I haven't read enough of her version to see how you come off in it.
As a lover of Lancaster, fascinated by the Amish culture, I enjoyed the cultural references, from Rumspringa to "early to rise, early to bed," to non-Amish people being referred to as English.
Incidentally, I don't think I've ever heard a nicer description of sunrise than the one you provided.
Just so you know, I just got back from the Jersey shore, and now you've got me wanting another trip to the Amish View Inn in Lancaster. It's adjacent to an Amish farm, and you wake to the sight of the farmers plowing their fields. Do you see the trouble you're causing??!!
reply by the author on 29-Jul-2024
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This was actually one of the more fun chapters, as it includes more of your patented humor. I do hope Gretchen has a good, self-deprecating sense of humor as, let's say, she doesn't come across as well as you do in your version of the story. Of course, I haven't read enough of her version to see how you come off in it.
As a lover of Lancaster, fascinated by the Amish culture, I enjoyed the cultural references, from Rumspringa to "early to rise, early to bed," to non-Amish people being referred to as English.
Incidentally, I don't think I've ever heard a nicer description of sunrise than the one you provided.
Just so you know, I just got back from the Jersey shore, and now you've got me wanting another trip to the Amish View Inn in Lancaster. It's adjacent to an Amish farm, and you wake to the sight of the farmers plowing their fields. Do you see the trouble you're causing??!!
Comment Written 29-Jul-2024
reply by the author on 29-Jul-2024
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I'm so bad, I should be shunned (the Amish form of punishment...) [actually, you'd be joining The Squad on that one. I believe I'm up to seven people on here who've muted me now!! My friend, DragonSkulls says his goal is to eventually be muted by everyone. That's how he'll know he's arrived. Hahahaha. At the moment, I'm pretty sure I'm beating him toward that goal.]
Anyway, thank you for this delightful review. It honestly means the world because you're so discerning with your praise and selective with your words. I've always appreciated your tell-it-like-it-is way. It's not lost on me for even the briefest of moments that you're a huge contributor to why my writing's improved over the years on here. Thank you for that. xoxox
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Am I going to see you in the post office, front and profile? I'm not sure I want to know why seven people muted you. What I do want to know, though, is how. Between your flashy clothing and flashy personality, I didn't think you could be muted.
If I have contributed to improving your writing, I'm thrilled! Let's just say I'm paying it forward, as Nancy E. Davis and Jim Wile taught me everything I know about rhythm and meter.
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The less you know, the better. You don't want to be muted by association, after all!! That's happened, as well!
Very noble of you...and lucky me to be the recipient of your magnanimity! xoxo
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I'm sorry. Do I know you?
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hahahahahahaahahaha.