A Fly on the Wall
Viewing comments for Chapter 27 "Multiples of Three"A journal musings and assessments about situations
18 total reviews
Comment from Debbie Pope
Oh, how I needed to hear about your misfortunes today! Now how callous is that. Actually, not at all. What I needed was your ability to find humor in any situation--no matter how dire. I will forever remember your sage observation that, "A day without suffering means I simply did not try hard enough." I so relate to that, and I'm not even Jewish.
I cannot relate to your mother's observation that after three bad things, people just quit counting. We (particularly my husband) hold firm to the literal interpretation of the truism. After 2 bad things, we live in fear of the 3rd. The ball will drop. Then you start counting over again. One bad thing happens and you KNOW two more are coming. It's a vicious cycle. Your mother's take is much kinder. After 3, you just quit counting.
Although I did laugh at much of your misery, I do empathize and I'm so sorry for your troubles. I'm scared to death of even minor fender benders that implode the airbags. Those life-saving devices hurt. And, I live in fear of poison ivy. You take it all in stride though. It's just another fly on the wall. Thank you for that.
reply by the author on 14-Jul-2023
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Oh, how I needed to hear about your misfortunes today! Now how callous is that. Actually, not at all. What I needed was your ability to find humor in any situation--no matter how dire. I will forever remember your sage observation that, "A day without suffering means I simply did not try hard enough." I so relate to that, and I'm not even Jewish.
I cannot relate to your mother's observation that after three bad things, people just quit counting. We (particularly my husband) hold firm to the literal interpretation of the truism. After 2 bad things, we live in fear of the 3rd. The ball will drop. Then you start counting over again. One bad thing happens and you KNOW two more are coming. It's a vicious cycle. Your mother's take is much kinder. After 3, you just quit counting.
Although I did laugh at much of your misery, I do empathize and I'm so sorry for your troubles. I'm scared to death of even minor fender benders that implode the airbags. Those life-saving devices hurt. And, I live in fear of poison ivy. You take it all in stride though. It's just another fly on the wall. Thank you for that.
Comment Written 14-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 14-Jul-2023
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HAHAHAHA! Honestly, I hope some day we can meet up in Real Life. You are delightful. Thanks for the schmoozefest/review. I maintain that G-d bestows a sense of humor upon people...but then He also gives them lots and lots of reasons to need it. I'm just showing Him I'm grateful for the gift. Xo
Comment from Michelle D. Carr
I laughed aloud. I'm sorry that you went through all that but a truism is that laughter is the best medicine and you accomplished normalizing catastrophe. I especially love the Barbie clown car. You use phrases which make it readable and I think you have a good sitcom script here. Thanks for this story.
reply by the author on 08-Jul-2023
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I laughed aloud. I'm sorry that you went through all that but a truism is that laughter is the best medicine and you accomplished normalizing catastrophe. I especially love the Barbie clown car. You use phrases which make it readable and I think you have a good sitcom script here. Thanks for this story.
Comment Written 08-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 08-Jul-2023
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I love you. You are cordially invited to review every piece I ever write from here to the end of eternity. That you for this oh-so encouraging review!!
Comment from Bill Schott
This story, Multiples of Three, is hilarious, in a sort of sadistic way, and drips with the sarcasm that allows all of these important instances to be down-sized or up-sized to be in the same channel of "three" bad events. That is quite a string of problems which thankfully spared a life, while also featuring the end of a family friend. Owe you a six.
reply by the author on 08-Jul-2023
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This story, Multiples of Three, is hilarious, in a sort of sadistic way, and drips with the sarcasm that allows all of these important instances to be down-sized or up-sized to be in the same channel of "three" bad events. That is quite a string of problems which thankfully spared a life, while also featuring the end of a family friend. Owe you a six.
Comment Written 08-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 08-Jul-2023
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Your words are six enough. Thank you for this wonderful review. xo
Comment from Carol Clark2
So sorry for all your trauma with car accidents, but I'm glad you are OK. Hope your bruises are healing, and I hope the poison ivy heals. Love the binge counting, but sorry for so many difficult things happening so close together. Blessings. Carol
reply by the author on 07-Jul-2023
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So sorry for all your trauma with car accidents, but I'm glad you are OK. Hope your bruises are healing, and I hope the poison ivy heals. Love the binge counting, but sorry for so many difficult things happening so close together. Blessings. Carol
Comment Written 07-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 07-Jul-2023
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All is good now, Carol; we can have a good laugh about it together!!
Thanks for the kind review.
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It's good you can laugh about the accidents and poison ivy. Have a safe weekend.
Comment from Mrs. KT
What a hoot, Rachelle!
And what a creative and vividly constructed work of non-fiction.
I laughed aloud at your self-description:
"I am a frou-frou Barbie fashion plate of a girl, so this means that I have to wear (Shoot. Me. Now.) pants and flat freaking shoes [which I have to buy because I do not own any such commodity!] for four consecutive weeks until my leg becomes presentable again."
Now, I do not consider myself in your league of Barbieism couture, but I do recall a certain someone in my past informing me that "With all the clothes you buy, you certainly are high-maintenance!" Does that count? :)
I also must share that my beloved mother also had a sharp tongue and a command of the English language that still resonates with me fifty years later when she informed me that "You look like the broad side of a barn in those jeans." Yup. To this day I lack any semblance of confidence when attired in jeans...
Your writing is so engaging, but I must share that the first sentence threw me: "I was never a big fan my mother's." I kept going back to it - wanting to add another word. Help me out here, please, because I either have given you an "aha moment" or completely insulted your exceptionally crafted writing ability!
Much enjoyed, Rachelle!
diane
reply by the author on 07-Jul-2023
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What a hoot, Rachelle!
And what a creative and vividly constructed work of non-fiction.
I laughed aloud at your self-description:
"I am a frou-frou Barbie fashion plate of a girl, so this means that I have to wear (Shoot. Me. Now.) pants and flat freaking shoes [which I have to buy because I do not own any such commodity!] for four consecutive weeks until my leg becomes presentable again."
Now, I do not consider myself in your league of Barbieism couture, but I do recall a certain someone in my past informing me that "With all the clothes you buy, you certainly are high-maintenance!" Does that count? :)
I also must share that my beloved mother also had a sharp tongue and a command of the English language that still resonates with me fifty years later when she informed me that "You look like the broad side of a barn in those jeans." Yup. To this day I lack any semblance of confidence when attired in jeans...
Your writing is so engaging, but I must share that the first sentence threw me: "I was never a big fan my mother's." I kept going back to it - wanting to add another word. Help me out here, please, because I either have given you an "aha moment" or completely insulted your exceptionally crafted writing ability!
Much enjoyed, Rachelle!
diane
Comment Written 07-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 07-Jul-2023
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Yes, I see what you're saying. I'll go back to that initial sentence and see what I can do to improve it. Thank you. I always appreciate tips as to where a reviewer has felt there is a 'snag.' I've been a teacher too long to ever get insulted anymore! Don't give THAT concept another moment's worry! After forty-one years, I have zero ego left!
Wow, I think our mothers were sisters! Mine used to say those kinds of things to my sisters. (I made it impossible for her to be able to lob such comments at me by being Barbie-perfect. Yeah, no years of therapy needed for THAT level of perfectionism or anything. Nooooo! Certainly NOT!) But, for the record, your having a substantial wardrobe does not make you "high maintenance." Rather, it makes you "sartorially discerning."
Anyway, thanks for the delightful review. It's always such a pleasure to read anything with your name on it. xoxo
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"Sartorially discerning," eh?
I like that!
I, also, have sister. Two older sisters, as a matter of fact. Haven't spoken to them since 2007. Piqued your interest? Not mine... :)
Of the two, the "younger" one inherited my mother's snarky tongue:
"How did you ever let yourself go, Diane?"
Ah!
Of all the things I could have said, I just calmly replied, "I am not in this world to please you."
And walked away.
Last I heard, "Hatchet-Face" is carrying on her "One Woman Crusade" to make certain only her worldview is viable...
As for me, no therapy.
Just gardening.
And writing.
And laughing at the pomposity of fools...
Love ya!
diane
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I had a feeling you might!!
I think we are twins separated at birth, Diane! My two sisters and I were estranged, as well. (They've both passed away.) The reason: they just could NOT keep a civil tongue in their heads while speaking to me...and since I was raised by "Her," too, I am more than capable of defending myself against the onslaughts...same as you. (I call that talent of mine my "Lillian Monster." I don't bring it out often, but it's always there, at my beck and call, should I need.)
Our friendship --yours and mine-- reminds me of this poem that I've always loved:
What made us friends in the long ago,
when first we met?
Well, I think I know.
The best in me and the best in you
hailed each other, because we knew
that always and ever, since Time began,
our being friends was
part of G-d's plan.
Our lives seem to have forged very similar paths, don't they. Of course we would somehow meet up and get along!
xoxo
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And PS - I actually just had a couple sessions of therapy and decided it was hooey and I was more than capable of figuring out where my pain started and how to deal with it. (I, too, think garden therapy is fab...but lately, thanks to the poison ivy issue, I've been opting out of that form of happiness.)
Oh! And PS, if you have a moment, check out the new opening line and let me know if that feels more satisfying.
Thanks!
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Yes! The first sentence flows better now!
Yes! To kindred spirits! How I love the poem you shared. Isn't it amazing that despite backgrounds, time, distance, and space, two individuals should somehow forge an understanding - a co-mingling of the mind and soul. I feel that way about you, Rachelle, and a few other special individuals on this site and in other areas of my life. A collective consciousness, if you will...
that draws and brings us together... and lets us know that our voices and spirits matter...
Yes! To forgoing therapy for gardening.
And on that note, I am about to head out to my "acre of possibilities" (in the dark) and spread "coyote urine" around my deer-loving perennials. It works! And I do feel triumphant as I lost many perennials last year when the deer thought my gardens was a buffet designed just for them!
Onward!
diane
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Where does one buy coyote urine? I ask because my BFF and college roommate has had HER garden treated like a salad bar this summer, too, and she is getting mighty frustrated. I want to tell her about this solution!
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I purchased the coyote urine on Amazon! Marvelous stuff.
And I also apply Liquid Fence around the perimeter of my gardens and sometimes directly onto impatiens, begonias, and hostas. (Also purchased on Amazon)).
Last summer, cheeky deer came right up our flagstone sidewalk - in front of our bay window - and munched away to their hearts' content. I felt so violated. We tried netting, Milorganite, and a motion sensor activated garden sprinkler to no avail.
Over the winter, I researched products, and it's coyote urine and Liquid Fence for the win! :)
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Thanks for the info; I will definitely pass it along!
There's a hilarious viral video of a woodchuck who takes the farmer's garden stash and eats away RIGHT in front of the camera. EATS and EATS and EATS and EATS....Just hilarious. Check it out if you haven't seen it.
Comment from Michele Harber
Note 1 to self: For your own safety, keep a safe physical distance from Rachelle!
Note 2 to self: Never get in a car with Rachelle!
Yikes! How long ago did these things happen, and are you fully okay?
I love the way, at least in hindsight, you face negative issues with a wry smile. ("I'm Jewish. A day without suffering means I simply did not try hard enough.") I also got a kick out of your honest self-evaluation ("a frou-frou Barbie fashion plate of a girl").
You managed to turn something that, in less talented hands, could have come across as kvetching, into something fun and enjoyable to read.
reply by the author on 07-Jul-2023
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Note 1 to self: For your own safety, keep a safe physical distance from Rachelle!
Note 2 to self: Never get in a car with Rachelle!
Yikes! How long ago did these things happen, and are you fully okay?
I love the way, at least in hindsight, you face negative issues with a wry smile. ("I'm Jewish. A day without suffering means I simply did not try hard enough.") I also got a kick out of your honest self-evaluation ("a frou-frou Barbie fashion plate of a girl").
You managed to turn something that, in less talented hands, could have come across as kvetching, into something fun and enjoyable to read.
Comment Written 07-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 07-Jul-2023
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Incident #1 occurred on April 7. The second hit came May 13th. The poison ivy came two days after Recital Day, and Eclipse Allen came to live here eighteen days ago. Sparkle I finally picked up from the collision shop yesterday. All the traumas are still good and fresh, I'm sorry to say. (Though the hematoma the size of France is gone, thankfully!)
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Oy gevalt! My husband once had an accident where the front airbag deployed and, as in your case, the worst injury (bruised ribs) was from the airbag, but it could conceivably have been much worse in your case and his without the airbag, so I guess we shouldn't complain.
By the way, if you're going to have geographically-shaped hematomas, aim for Rhode Island. It's a lot smaller than France.
Oh, I'd meant to mention I'm sorry about your cat. I've lost two so far, and I know how hard it is.
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You slay me.
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Why, I haven't got a violent bone in my body!!! 😉
Comment from judiverse
This is so funny. I know these situations weren't funny when they happened to you, but reading about them is. I can relate to you on the car situation. I have a 2005 Lincoln that is currently being repaired. (My late husband must have been ailing some time before he died, because he struck a yellow guidepost when he was getting the car washed.) Anyway because of a storm and subsequent power outage, there's been a delay in getting the car repaired. It may have had another birthday before I see it again. Sorry about the loss of your cat. Your new cat will be all right. They just take time to adjust to new surroundings. Great ending. I hope your trip is a success. Maybe good times come in threes, too. Wonderful story. judi
reply by the author on 07-Jul-2023
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This is so funny. I know these situations weren't funny when they happened to you, but reading about them is. I can relate to you on the car situation. I have a 2005 Lincoln that is currently being repaired. (My late husband must have been ailing some time before he died, because he struck a yellow guidepost when he was getting the car washed.) Anyway because of a storm and subsequent power outage, there's been a delay in getting the car repaired. It may have had another birthday before I see it again. Sorry about the loss of your cat. Your new cat will be all right. They just take time to adjust to new surroundings. Great ending. I hope your trip is a success. Maybe good times come in threes, too. Wonderful story. judi
Comment Written 07-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 07-Jul-2023
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Oh, I LOVE the way you think!! I'm going to tuck that away and keep it handy and that way not worry when the good times begin to roll!! xo
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Wouldn't it be great if the good times came in threes? judi
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Yessss!!!
Comment from Ulla
Hahaha, I had to smile when I read this. I loved it. It seems like your mom had a point after all. lol. What tough luck all this has been. I loved this chapter, Rachelle. Ulla:)))
reply by the author on 07-Jul-2023
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Hahaha, I had to smile when I read this. I loved it. It seems like your mom had a point after all. lol. What tough luck all this has been. I loved this chapter, Rachelle. Ulla:)))
Comment Written 07-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 07-Jul-2023
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Thanks! I'm trying to make some lemonade from the recent lemons I've been getting, Ulla. It's coming in the form of amusing my FS friends, and I'm totally fine with that!! xoxo
Comment from royowen
I love that, that trouble comes in threes, because after three, people stop counting. I've been fortunate in driving, I've had very few accidents from many years of driving, most of the time mobile. I love the way you've lined and listed your misfortune. Beautifully written, blessings, Roy
reply by the author on 07-Jul-2023
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I love that, that trouble comes in threes, because after three, people stop counting. I've been fortunate in driving, I've had very few accidents from many years of driving, most of the time mobile. I love the way you've lined and listed your misfortune. Beautifully written, blessings, Roy
Comment Written 07-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 07-Jul-2023
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Thank you, Roy.
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A pleasure
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Congratulations on your 200-milestone post. This is a great post to receive it on. My mom would agree, bad things come in threes. You did seem to increase that number. I am so sorry these happened to you.
My husband contributes to my martyrdom as I attempt to sit next to him to watch television. (to sit beside him)
reply by the author on 07-Jul-2023
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Congratulations on your 200-milestone post. This is a great post to receive it on. My mom would agree, bad things come in threes. You did seem to increase that number. I am so sorry these happened to you.
My husband contributes to my martyrdom as I attempt to sit next to him to watch television. (to sit beside him)
Comment Written 07-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 07-Jul-2023
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Thanks, Barbara.