Lessons in the Key of Life
Viewing comments for Chapter 3 "Summer Performing Arts Camp"A music and dance teacher's improvization
24 total reviews
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
This was so funny!! I loved the scene with God stepping in to be prompt as well, LOL. I just love kiddies plays, and this is one I wished I could have watched. You certainly had some fun times teaching. Another brilliant chapter. :)) Sandra x
reply by the author on 03-May-2019
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This was so funny!! I loved the scene with God stepping in to be prompt as well, LOL. I just love kiddies plays, and this is one I wished I could have watched. You certainly had some fun times teaching. Another brilliant chapter. :)) Sandra x
Comment Written 03-May-2019
reply by the author on 03-May-2019
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I have had SO many fun times...though this camp did pretty much push me to the limit of my patience. But, hey! I'm still alive to tell the tale, and by sharing it, you got to have some enjoyment today, too!!
Thank you for the delightful review, Sandra. xo
Comment from Joanna S. Blue
I don't know how one person can have such entertaining events in her life. Of course, your gift for humor in your dealing with these often unexpected circumstances plays a large part, and your writing style. I love the way you incorporate the lessons. The Biblical play -- I can just see it--is a gem!
reply by the author on 17-Apr-2019
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I don't know how one person can have such entertaining events in her life. Of course, your gift for humor in your dealing with these often unexpected circumstances plays a large part, and your writing style. I love the way you incorporate the lessons. The Biblical play -- I can just see it--is a gem!
Comment Written 17-Apr-2019
reply by the author on 17-Apr-2019
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Anytime you're working with kids, the entertainment is built right in!! I keep notebooks of all the things they've said that I find hilarious to ward off any days that are less-than-delightful. I read a few pages, and -voila!- I'm in a good mood all over again.
Thank you for this really nice review, Joanna. It means the world to me. xo
Comment from Gail Denham
Oh too funny. Really enjoyed this several act story. And the morals! - Beginning with the spider - awful - and you really thought it was fake? Where on earth do spiders grow that big.
The play with God as prompter was hilarious in the rehearsal actually. That's what I think anyway.
Good story - good luck in the ratings. Perhaps one day you'll put together a book on all these adventures - or perhaps you already have.
reply by the author on 17-Apr-2019
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Oh too funny. Really enjoyed this several act story. And the morals! - Beginning with the spider - awful - and you really thought it was fake? Where on earth do spiders grow that big.
The play with God as prompter was hilarious in the rehearsal actually. That's what I think anyway.
Good story - good luck in the ratings. Perhaps one day you'll put together a book on all these adventures - or perhaps you already have.
Comment Written 17-Apr-2019
reply by the author on 17-Apr-2019
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As a matter of fact, I have! It's the one you're reading! It's entitled "Lessons in the Key of Life" -so great minds are thinking alike here, Gail! xo
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Great - I'm sure the book is a hit
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Well, people have given it good reviews so far...including yourself! xo
Comment from A. Willow Bends
You do know how to tell a story! I think you should concentrate on your great American novel. SERIOUSLY. Once started, it is impossible to not finish what you have written! ARTISTE! :) Keep up the great work! You inspire me!
Wendy
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2019
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You do know how to tell a story! I think you should concentrate on your great American novel. SERIOUSLY. Once started, it is impossible to not finish what you have written! ARTISTE! :) Keep up the great work! You inspire me!
Wendy
Comment Written 15-Apr-2019
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2019
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Oh my goodness!! I need you for my agent!! You make me feel so accomplished, my dear friend. Thank you for these heartening words, Wendy. xo
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Soooooo deserving! :)
Wendy
Comment from Louise Michelle
OMG - I can't believe that little scenario regarding the spider. As gross as it is, I have to feel sorry for the poor babies. And that brings to mind that I personally executed a couple of spiders in my house this morning. I hate killing anything (even cockroaches), but they are forbidden to live inside my house. Besides, I always apologize before I do the dastardly deed.
LOL - So funny about the God scene. I got a kick out of that. Some of our highest paid actors are valued for their abilities to ad lib. Another fun-to-read episode, Rachelle. Hugs, Lou
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2019
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OMG - I can't believe that little scenario regarding the spider. As gross as it is, I have to feel sorry for the poor babies. And that brings to mind that I personally executed a couple of spiders in my house this morning. I hate killing anything (even cockroaches), but they are forbidden to live inside my house. Besides, I always apologize before I do the dastardly deed.
LOL - So funny about the God scene. I got a kick out of that. Some of our highest paid actors are valued for their abilities to ad lib. Another fun-to-read episode, Rachelle. Hugs, Lou
Comment Written 15-Apr-2019
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2019
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Lou, you are kinder than I will EVER be. If it's in my house, it gets executed, and I never utter so much as a syllable of apology. You're a saint.
Thank you for the delightful review. I look forward to yours every time. xo
Comment from LisaMay
What a guffaw you gave me here. I loved the image of the exploding spider followed by exploding children. Obviously not experienced with the arachnid world through living in Australia, like myself.
Your stories and lessons learned are so well described, they put us right in the picture with you, feeling your frustrations and accomplishments... there is much to be proud of.
"God deduced something was amiss"... I'm glad He came to your aid. May He continue to do so.
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2019
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What a guffaw you gave me here. I loved the image of the exploding spider followed by exploding children. Obviously not experienced with the arachnid world through living in Australia, like myself.
Your stories and lessons learned are so well described, they put us right in the picture with you, feeling your frustrations and accomplishments... there is much to be proud of.
"God deduced something was amiss"... I'm glad He came to your aid. May He continue to do so.
Comment Written 15-Apr-2019
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2019
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Thanks, LisaMay.
I saw a video last year of an Australian "hunter spider" crawling up someone's refrigerator CARRYING A FREAKING MOUSE!!! You're more woman than I will ever be, living with such creatures so close by! Oy!
Thank you for the encouraging review. You know how much I always value your input and feedback. xo
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It's when you can put a saddle on a spider... now that is a real Aussie spider.
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It's amazing you people have such a tourist trade, isn't it?...
Comment from Ulla
Rachelle, this is so well written. I absolutely adore it. It's highly entertaining. Never did I know that teaching could be this fun. Rewarding, yes, but entertaining as this? I love it. Very well written and told. All the best. Ulla:)))
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2019
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Rachelle, this is so well written. I absolutely adore it. It's highly entertaining. Never did I know that teaching could be this fun. Rewarding, yes, but entertaining as this? I love it. Very well written and told. All the best. Ulla:)))
Comment Written 15-Apr-2019
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2019
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Thank you, Ulla! I couldn't appreciate this review more! xo
Comment from JudyE
Having been in a few amateur productions and having had children performing in them, I found this great fun while also realising what a nightmare it must have been at the time. I've suggested a few things but really most are just a matter of opinion. Please ignore them if you're happy as they are.
again a second tiem - and then a third - typo- time
Stress and worry and fears about what could happen - perhaps 'stress, worry and fears...' but perhaps there is better emphasis with the two 'ands'.
You're still young yet - I might have used either 'still' or 'yet' but not both.
'where the camper who was playing "God," in a white robe, sat with his back to the audience for the entire performance.' Maybe - 'where the camper, who was in a white robe playing "God," sat with his back to the audience for the entire performance.
Unfortunately, too many campers were milling about in the wings on Stage Left and made it impossible for Sarah and her walker to get through in time for her entrance. - perhaps '...making it impossible for Sarah...
Thanks for a fun read. Looking forward to the next chapter.
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2019
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Having been in a few amateur productions and having had children performing in them, I found this great fun while also realising what a nightmare it must have been at the time. I've suggested a few things but really most are just a matter of opinion. Please ignore them if you're happy as they are.
again a second tiem - and then a third - typo- time
Stress and worry and fears about what could happen - perhaps 'stress, worry and fears...' but perhaps there is better emphasis with the two 'ands'.
You're still young yet - I might have used either 'still' or 'yet' but not both.
'where the camper who was playing "God," in a white robe, sat with his back to the audience for the entire performance.' Maybe - 'where the camper, who was in a white robe playing "God," sat with his back to the audience for the entire performance.
Unfortunately, too many campers were milling about in the wings on Stage Left and made it impossible for Sarah and her walker to get through in time for her entrance. - perhaps '...making it impossible for Sarah...
Thanks for a fun read. Looking forward to the next chapter.
Comment Written 14-Apr-2019
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2019
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Thanks for all your helpful suggestions, Judy. You know I always appreciate your input and feedback.
Thanks, too, for the sharing about your own times in the theatre. I loved reading about that.
Comment from Sandra Elizabeth Williams
Oh yes, important lessons learned from your interactions Rachelle. The story of the spiders will stay with me for a while. The show must go on is a fine example of all's well that ends well, but I get you, it was too close to call. I believe God in His infinite wisdom saw all the hard work that you all put in and declared there was to be no failure. He got your back.
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2019
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Oh yes, important lessons learned from your interactions Rachelle. The story of the spiders will stay with me for a while. The show must go on is a fine example of all's well that ends well, but I get you, it was too close to call. I believe God in His infinite wisdom saw all the hard work that you all put in and declared there was to be no failure. He got your back.
Comment Written 14-Apr-2019
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2019
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Hahaha. What a LOVELY thought that is, Sandra! That definitely softens that near-miss for me immensely!
Thank you for the delightful review. Your words are always warm and gracious. xo
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You're so welcome, Rachelle.
:-)
Comment from karenina
What a fun accounting of some real "human" experiences, where everything OFTEN does not go as planned. I enjoyed each of your scenarios. I noted two small spelling issues--Spokesmodel should be all one word, not two as you've written it...and lobotomized ought to be lobotomized. (See? Not so bad to be human--and easy edits at that!)-
Karenina
reply by the author on 14-Apr-2019
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What a fun accounting of some real "human" experiences, where everything OFTEN does not go as planned. I enjoyed each of your scenarios. I noted two small spelling issues--Spokesmodel should be all one word, not two as you've written it...and lobotomized ought to be lobotomized. (See? Not so bad to be human--and easy edits at that!)-
Karenina
Comment Written 14-Apr-2019
reply by the author on 14-Apr-2019
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I got a red squiggly line under "spokesmodel" until I separated it. And I think your spelling of lobotomized and mine are the same?
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From your piece: " Full Dress Run-Through, as the Music Director and I sat there, looking haunted and labotomized," (with an "A")---and from the dictionary: " How do you spell Spokesmodel in English? Even common names are often spelled in a wrong way. This names correct English spelling is Spokesmodel" (all one word)...
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Okay, thank you. In the review, you spelled it lobotomized twice; that's why I didn't understand.
And I'm with you; I think Spokesmodel should be one word - and originally wrote it as such. But then my spellcheck underlined it in red.
I do appreciate your having my back on both these, though, Karenina; thank you very much. xo
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DUh----I make more mistakes than most on site so sorry about lobotomizing twice! I know I appreciate it when someone has my back and it takes NOTHING at all away from your writing...which was very interesting and well laid out! :)
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Oh, I never take offense when someone offers me suggestions on my writing or lets me know when something's misspelled. It makes me happy that they cared enough to help me. So always know I will appreciate any feedback you have to offer, Karenina. xo
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SO glad you feel that way--that is the spirit with which it was offered!
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Absolutely! If we're going to get better at this craft, we have to be willing to (a) take advice and (b) work with people...especially because on here, I truly believe everyone only wants to help.
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I agree. Of course I've had a few who immediately "one starred" one or two of my poems in retribution...but I never react in kind. They will either learn to take suggestions civilly or they won't improve!