A blue dress
I never wore ...29 total reviews
Comment from Mrs. KT
Good morning, Wendy!
I never had the opportunity to read your exceptionally well-crafted offering until now.
Goodness!
How it resonated with me!
Not the blue dress in particular; for me, it was "curls." I lacked curls as a child. My daughter lacked "curls" as a child. And oh... my...goodness... did people make fools of themselves calling attention to our lack of curls.
(I need to write about the above; it's been on my mind a long time...)
I loved every morsel of your narrative, and I am truly pleased that despite the blue dress, you and your sister are dear friends today.
A wonderful narrative filled with much wisdom... or lack thereof...But clearly, a piece that should be read again and again...
Thank you for sharing!
fondly,
diane
reply by the author on 03-Sep-2024
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Good morning, Wendy!
I never had the opportunity to read your exceptionally well-crafted offering until now.
Goodness!
How it resonated with me!
Not the blue dress in particular; for me, it was "curls." I lacked curls as a child. My daughter lacked "curls" as a child. And oh... my...goodness... did people make fools of themselves calling attention to our lack of curls.
(I need to write about the above; it's been on my mind a long time...)
I loved every morsel of your narrative, and I am truly pleased that despite the blue dress, you and your sister are dear friends today.
A wonderful narrative filled with much wisdom... or lack thereof...But clearly, a piece that should be read again and again...
Thank you for sharing!
fondly,
diane
Comment Written 03-Sep-2024
reply by the author on 03-Sep-2024
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Thank you so much for this wonderful review and rating (despite it's having expired). The six stars are a very generous gift, and a delight. I am so glad it resonated with you. Some things said or not said by people who are important in our lives can leave a permanent mark. Many thanks again.
Wendy
Comment from Annmuma
A wonderful story, well presented. I loved it and especially that last line that lets the reader know you and your sister are close friends. I saw no 'gotchas' any where in the piece. ann
reply by the author on 18-Aug-2024
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A wonderful story, well presented. I loved it and especially that last line that lets the reader know you and your sister are close friends. I saw no 'gotchas' any where in the piece. ann
Comment Written 18-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 18-Aug-2024
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Thank you very much Ann. That's a fabulous review, and I value it along with the delightful six stars. I am pleased you enjoyed this one.
Wendy
Comment from Mintybee
I love how you turned what felt like an insult into a freeing reality. I'm glad you can joyfully and confidently wear any colour and appreciate who you are on the inside. And how wonderful of you to put so much effort into making sure the kids in your class had a safe space to feel valued. Sounds like you're a wonderful teacher!
Mintybee
reply by the author on 16-Aug-2024
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I love how you turned what felt like an insult into a freeing reality. I'm glad you can joyfully and confidently wear any colour and appreciate who you are on the inside. And how wonderful of you to put so much effort into making sure the kids in your class had a safe space to feel valued. Sounds like you're a wonderful teacher!
Mintybee
Comment Written 15-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 16-Aug-2024
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Thank you. A lovely review, and I felt particularly encouraged by your first sentence. Now I just reread your review. Every single sentence is a delight and is very affirming. Thank you so much!
Wendy
Comment from Sallyo
Interesting experience! Looking good or at least not bad in all colours is quite a blessing, you know. I learned from quite an early age that I couldn't wear white, cream, grey, fawn or indeed any pastels because when I did, people asked if I was ill. They didn't say that if I wore red, blue or green. Nowadays, I can't wear the brighter colours well because my skin, once pale, is now sallow. My sister, like you, looks good in any colour. Your story made me stop and think about that... it wasn't my parents who disallowed some colours, it was me, in self-defence!
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2024
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Interesting experience! Looking good or at least not bad in all colours is quite a blessing, you know. I learned from quite an early age that I couldn't wear white, cream, grey, fawn or indeed any pastels because when I did, people asked if I was ill. They didn't say that if I wore red, blue or green. Nowadays, I can't wear the brighter colours well because my skin, once pale, is now sallow. My sister, like you, looks good in any colour. Your story made me stop and think about that... it wasn't my parents who disallowed some colours, it was me, in self-defence!
Comment Written 15-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2024
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I still like that dark cobalt colour and certain shades of white I wear frequently. I can't wear pink unless it is very dark pink. I can tell what suits and what doesn't, if I put it on. I don't like that citrus yellow or pale yellow, but that buttercup coour I love. Thank you very much for a super review, much appreciated.
Wendy
Comment from Jim Wile
This was a wonderful piece, Wendy, with so many interesting thoughts and lessons. It sounds like you've really learned about the important things in life, and it isn't primarily those few millimeters of skin that cover our frames. There is only a limited amount of time in our long lives when they look so hot anyway.
I wish your parents had been a little more understanding and had helped you to realize this sooner and saved you some angst.
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2024
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This was a wonderful piece, Wendy, with so many interesting thoughts and lessons. It sounds like you've really learned about the important things in life, and it isn't primarily those few millimeters of skin that cover our frames. There is only a limited amount of time in our long lives when they look so hot anyway.
I wish your parents had been a little more understanding and had helped you to realize this sooner and saved you some angst.
Comment Written 14-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2024
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Thank you very much Jim. The review is insightful and understanding.
Wendy
Comment from Paul McFarland
What a very nice piece, Wendy. This peels a little more of the onion. You have led a very interesting and productive life - a fine example for your children and grandchildren.
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2024
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What a very nice piece, Wendy. This peels a little more of the onion. You have led a very interesting and productive life - a fine example for your children and grandchildren.
Comment Written 13-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2024
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Thank you very much, Paul.
(I hope you and your wife are well at present?)
Wendy
Comment from lyenochka
I'm glad your sister is one of your best friends despite the wedge your mother and grandmother put between you with their overt favoritism! And your hazel eyes are much more rare than blue eyes!
It's Spirit's gift to you to respond with mercy and grace and use the hard things of your childhood to bring healing to your students as well as real love to your own children and grandchildren. Thanks for sharing!
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2024
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I'm glad your sister is one of your best friends despite the wedge your mother and grandmother put between you with their overt favoritism! And your hazel eyes are much more rare than blue eyes!
It's Spirit's gift to you to respond with mercy and grace and use the hard things of your childhood to bring healing to your students as well as real love to your own children and grandchildren. Thanks for sharing!
Comment Written 13-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2024
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Thank you very much for this lovely review.
Wendy
Comment from T B Botts
Hello Wendy,
obviously, you took what could have been something that could have crippled your self esteem for life and turned it around into an asset. While natural beauty seems to fade with time, internal beauty grows. Obviously your husband found you attractive, and who else matters? When I read this I see how the Lord set you aside to prepare you for a life in teaching and showing empathy to your students who so needed what you had to offer. Well done gal.
Have a blessed day.
Tom
reply by the author on 13-Aug-2024
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Hello Wendy,
obviously, you took what could have been something that could have crippled your self esteem for life and turned it around into an asset. While natural beauty seems to fade with time, internal beauty grows. Obviously your husband found you attractive, and who else matters? When I read this I see how the Lord set you aside to prepare you for a life in teaching and showing empathy to your students who so needed what you had to offer. Well done gal.
Have a blessed day.
Tom
Comment Written 12-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 13-Aug-2024
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Thanks so much Tom for your most encouraging review. I appreciate it greatly, as well as the six stars. Yes, I do believe everything was in His hands and plan. I've had so much evidence of His care throughout the years. Many thanks.
Wendy
Comment from Debbie D'Arcy
A wonderful story of self-discovery, Wendy! you didn't need all the accolades in childhood because you always had the spirit and intelligence to work things out for yourself, to self-believe. I too fell into the shadow of my sister. She was older but much more favoured. Later on, she suffered under the pressure while I felt much freer and happier. It didn't really help our relationship and you're so lucky to be best friends with yours. Like you, after training to be a teacher, I went into a job working with people with learning difficulties, severe disability and, eventually, high risk criminal offending. And I did it because I was drawn to people who didn't fit into the conventional norm and I just wanted to know how they ticked! I love your blue dress imagery and the picture is spell-binding (perhaps note your source unless it really is your sister). This theme of prettiness and acceptability on the outside versus the need for beauty on the inside (they don't have to be mutually exclusive) strongly elevates your compelling story into an exceptional piece of work. Well done! Debbie
reply by the author on 12-Aug-2024
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A wonderful story of self-discovery, Wendy! you didn't need all the accolades in childhood because you always had the spirit and intelligence to work things out for yourself, to self-believe. I too fell into the shadow of my sister. She was older but much more favoured. Later on, she suffered under the pressure while I felt much freer and happier. It didn't really help our relationship and you're so lucky to be best friends with yours. Like you, after training to be a teacher, I went into a job working with people with learning difficulties, severe disability and, eventually, high risk criminal offending. And I did it because I was drawn to people who didn't fit into the conventional norm and I just wanted to know how they ticked! I love your blue dress imagery and the picture is spell-binding (perhaps note your source unless it really is your sister). This theme of prettiness and acceptability on the outside versus the need for beauty on the inside (they don't have to be mutually exclusive) strongly elevates your compelling story into an exceptional piece of work. Well done! Debbie
Comment Written 12-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 12-Aug-2024
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Thank you for this wonderful review, and also for the six stars, which I greatly appreciate. Yes, I must acknowledge the source of the image. I just googled it. I am so pleased you understand, and yes, sometimes, feeling inferior can be a stepping stone to self- determination and freedom to relax and accept oneself. Good thoughts. I would love to hear more about your lifetime career experiences one day.
Thanks again.
Wendy
Comment from Pam Lonsdale
Wendy, this is both heart wrenching and heart warming. It hurts me to read of any child feeling inferior, especially when a parent causes them to feel that way. Yet, you found your calling in the classroom, and your confidence. You made your "kids" feel as though they were special - the opposite of how you were meant to feel.
I'm so happy to read that you and your sister are such good friends!
Thank you for sharing this very personal story. I loved it.
xo
Pam
reply by the author on 12-Aug-2024
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Wendy, this is both heart wrenching and heart warming. It hurts me to read of any child feeling inferior, especially when a parent causes them to feel that way. Yet, you found your calling in the classroom, and your confidence. You made your "kids" feel as though they were special - the opposite of how you were meant to feel.
I'm so happy to read that you and your sister are such good friends!
Thank you for sharing this very personal story. I loved it.
xo
Pam
Comment Written 12-Aug-2024
reply by the author on 12-Aug-2024
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Thank you verymuch Pam - such lovely and most encouraging words. Thank you too for the six wonderful stars, a fine affirmation, and I appreciate them.
Wendy