Reviews from

A Fly on the Wall

Viewing comments for Chapter 3 "On Being Uninhibited"
A journal musings and assessments about situations

26 total reviews 
Comment from karenina
Excellent
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I cannot test your hypothesis, but I am nearing that age others (but never myself) would label as "old" and I must say I sense a bit of myself in your observation. I one wrote a poem about the way "old people" shuffle about (I was in my thirties then)---I recall one line of it: "I think of those with shuffling gait as telling time to slow and wait/ They know they'll reach their destination, it's not that they are old-they're patient!" I thought it was quite witty then...but I'm in my sixties now and I MARVEL at the truth of that insight back then. I shuffle a bit...and since death is at the end of my journey and with each year my journey by definition grows shorter I rather defiantly shuffle as I wish... and to the devil with those who may be tsk-tsking because they are caught behind me. Same with this crossing guard...as you say, we are uninhibited and untethered to social norms in our very youth and GOOD NEWS! Our sensory memory picks that right back up as we move on in years...your crossing guard is putting aside whatever "others" may think and doing something that both makes her happy and maintains some sense of wellness! I love this poem! It COULD be about me...(except I hate the color neon green and so....) Good show!----Karenina

 Comment Written 21-Apr-2019


reply by the author on 21-Apr-2019
    Hahaha!
    Well, first of all, it is my understanding, Karenina, that "old" is ten years more than whatever we are at the moment. So you're still a spring chicken!

    Second, that is quite the amazing poem by your quite young self!!

    And finally - go you! Defiant and proud! You've earned it!

    Thanks for this exceptional review. xo
reply by karenina on 22-Apr-2019
    They'll have to drag me kicking to the grave...and pry my poet's pen out of my hands! LOL
Comment from Bill Pinder
Excellent
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I like this story about uninhibited freedom. That is a real gift and a rare thing to see in everyday life. The opposite also creates misery for people who are overly inhibited.
Bill

 Comment Written 21-Apr-2019


reply by the author on 21-Apr-2019
    Yes, I come across some shy children in my line of work. Sometimes, though, those are the ones who just SHINE at the piano or the flute or even with their voice. Their music speaks so they don't have to. It's not "really them." It's always fascinated me. Interestingly, I'm seeing similar responses from the reviewers to this piece. Many say they wish they were uninhibited. My hunch is that their writing does for their shyness what my students' music does for theirs.

    Thanks for this really good review, Bill.
Comment from Ulla
Excellent
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Hi Rachelle, I've always counted myself of being rather uninhibited, but I can't abide with rudeness and no manners. Uninhibited to me means openness, being positive and live life to the full. Well. I've always been all of the above. I liked your writing a lot. Very well expressed as well. All best. Ulla:)))

 Comment Written 21-Apr-2019


reply by the author on 21-Apr-2019
    I hear you, Ulla, and couldn't agree more! Thank you for this nice review. xo
Comment from Rhonda Skinner
Excellent
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Good for her. I've always envied the uninhibited ones. Great description of her. Not sure if there's a difference between Canadian and American spelling for tuille. My dictionary says "tulle."

 Comment Written 21-Apr-2019


reply by the author on 21-Apr-2019
    I'll double-check that. Thank you.

    You know what's funny, Rhonda? SOOO many of our fellow members have expressed your same sentiments - that they wish they were more uninhibited. I think maybe it's a Writer Thing. What do you think?
reply by Rhonda Skinner on 21-Apr-2019
    Could be. We?re more apt to be observers than actors I guess.
reply by the author on 21-Apr-2019
    That's what I'm thinking, too.
Comment from damommy
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Not caring what people think comes with age, I think. I finally gave up worrying about that about 30 years ago. Some might call me eccentric, but I enjoy life. I'm glad you pointed out how we expect children to fit in a certain form. Hopefully, while teaching them courtesy and respect, we can refrain from squelching their natural exuberance.

 Comment Written 21-Apr-2019


reply by the author on 21-Apr-2019
    It's a fine line, isn't it, damommy. I bet you're great letting children be who they are, since you've mastered the technique already for yourself.

    What a great and interesting review. Thank you. xo
reply by damommy on 21-Apr-2019
    Thank you, but I demanded discipline and good manners.
reply by the author on 21-Apr-2019
    Well, but that doesn't inhibit creativity. It just makes other people like your children, too. And well-liked children tend to blossom beautifully.
Comment from LG Wolfe
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Rachelle - you have a natural talent for creating a setting. Don't let anyone every tell you otherwise. You treat the details just enough to get us in there with you. This is the kind of story-telling that is so readable.
Great job.
LG

 Comment Written 21-Apr-2019


reply by the author on 21-Apr-2019
    Thank you, Lisa. I'm thinking you saw the back-and-forth with the FS Troll the other day? I didn't give it any credence since she's such an obvious nut job. But I do appreciate your encouragement and support just the same. xo
Comment from Mastery
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Yes. I think you are entirely right in your analysis of this crossing guard and any and all who will extend themselves no matter what the situation. People should not worry so much about what people think. It takes up too much energy. :) Bob

 Comment Written 21-Apr-2019


reply by the author on 21-Apr-2019
    Way too much energy! And it lessens one's potential. That's REALLY not good.

    Thanks for this validating review, Bob. xo
reply by Mastery on 21-Apr-2019
    :) Bob
reply by Mastery on 21-Apr-2019
    :) Bob
Comment from Gail Denham
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I do like this post - perhaps because I want to be uninhibited - except by acceptable norms of behaviour. But to not care what color socks I wear - whether my garb matches those who are fashion conscious, to say what is truth, not the normal jabber that many mumble.
Part of it I think is to try and be meaningful - truthful - do what you know is right. Political correctness needs to go out the window, is my thinking.
Thanks for making me think - and I admire this crossing guard.

 Comment Written 21-Apr-2019


reply by the author on 21-Apr-2019
    Yes, I do, too. She's freer than the rest of us; that's for sure.

    And I'm with you as far as Political Correctness. It get so maddening!

    Thanks for the good review, Gail.
Comment from 24chas
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This may be one of my favorite things you have written, Rachelle. I love the spirit of the uninhibited and always admire them and you capture that in this piece. Alas, I am not one of them, but I would love to be. Nice job.

 Comment Written 21-Apr-2019


reply by the author on 21-Apr-2019
    Thank you, 24chas. But it's never to late to start, you know. Maybe tomorrow some motorists can catch YOU out on a street corner exercising in something bright orange!! Carpe diem, Baby!! xo
Comment from Debra White
Excellent
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Hi Rachelle :)

I really enjoyed your observation of the crossing guard and then reading on to your final conclusion about inhibition.

The uninhibited being is a beautiful being indeed. My daughter, Katie is uninhibited and I, for one am fascinated and envious of how she just 'is'.
She gives not one jot for conformation!
Being uninhibited isn't about 'not conforming' to what is expected, it's about just 'being' and doing what comes naturally without even considering how it may go down with everyone else. Sometimes it may be 'the norm' sometimes, maybe not...but what does it matter?! She's just loving life, her way :)

Thanks for sharing, best wishes as always, Debra :) xx

 Comment Written 21-Apr-2019


reply by the author on 21-Apr-2019
    You're among the lucky ones to have a child like that. I believe she was bestowed upon you because G-d knew you, especially, would appreciate such a soul. xo