Lessons in the Key of Life
Viewing comments for Chapter 14 "Punctuality at All Costs"A music and dance teacher's improvization
34 total reviews
Comment from Thomas Bowling
When I started writing my wife told me to write what I know. Apparently what you know is how to write great stories.
"There's also a potential fine of seventy-five dollars per day for each day since March first that you've been driving with these improper plates."
YIKES! I'm glad I don't live where you do.
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019
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When I started writing my wife told me to write what I know. Apparently what you know is how to write great stories.
"There's also a potential fine of seventy-five dollars per day for each day since March first that you've been driving with these improper plates."
YIKES! I'm glad I don't live where you do.
Comment Written 30-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019
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Fortunately, that did not come to fruition, and my brother-in-law was friends with the fire chief, so they waived that astronomical amount, as well (because I hadn't actually DONE any damage to the hose. They were just furious and out to frighten and intimidate me. Oh, did they ever succeed!!) So it ended up costing only $103 for the charge of 'crossing a fire hose.' It seemed made up to me, but I was grateful for how little it was compared to how much I imagined it would be, I just kept quiet and paid it.
Thanks for the terrific review, Thomas. I appreciate it very much. xo
Comment from Brenda Henderson
Awesome Tale! Compelling story sprinkled with just the right amount of humor, irony and authenticity. What a fun emotional roller coaster ride. I was on the edge of my seat! That is just the kind of story recounted on many a therapist couch! If I had 10 stars to give you would have gotten them. Erma Bombeck eat your heart out! Expertly crafted! Outstanding work!
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019
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Awesome Tale! Compelling story sprinkled with just the right amount of humor, irony and authenticity. What a fun emotional roller coaster ride. I was on the edge of my seat! That is just the kind of story recounted on many a therapist couch! If I had 10 stars to give you would have gotten them. Erma Bombeck eat your heart out! Expertly crafted! Outstanding work!
Comment Written 30-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019
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Erma Bombeck? Well, you have just won my heart forever. I always read her columns, and I thought she was the funniest writer ever. Thank you for the ultimate compliment, Brenda. I couldn't appreciate this review more. xo
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You're very welcome. It was well deserved!
Comment from Rikki66
The way you described a day in May is outstanding made me feel outdoorsy. Then the way your day went to hell in a handbasket was amazing. The tsunami coming to shore, Well done.
Rikki:)xo
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019
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The way you described a day in May is outstanding made me feel outdoorsy. Then the way your day went to hell in a handbasket was amazing. The tsunami coming to shore, Well done.
Rikki:)xo
Comment Written 30-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019
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Perfect description!! You nailed it, Rikki!! xo
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Truly welcome
Rikki:)xo
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
You did a great job telling this story, Rachelle. I enjoyed reading it. I wasn't sure how you would get your car home. It seems everything worked out in the end. You used descriptive words/phrases that make readers feel as if they are right there in the midst of all the commotion. Great job and thanks for sharing. Jan
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019
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You did a great job telling this story, Rachelle. I enjoyed reading it. I wasn't sure how you would get your car home. It seems everything worked out in the end. You used descriptive words/phrases that make readers feel as if they are right there in the midst of all the commotion. Great job and thanks for sharing. Jan
Comment Written 30-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019
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Thanks for this really nice review, Jan. I appreciate it very much. xo
Comment from Heather Knight
I suppose it was not funny at the time, but it is now. I love the way you write these stories. You need to have them published.
I have to confess I'm a bit sensitive to the topic of fire at the moment. I published a post about fire yesterday as there is one near where I live right now.
Thanks for sharing.
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019
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I suppose it was not funny at the time, but it is now. I love the way you write these stories. You need to have them published.
I have to confess I'm a bit sensitive to the topic of fire at the moment. I published a post about fire yesterday as there is one near where I live right now.
Thanks for sharing.
Comment Written 30-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019
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That must have been horrible!
Thank you for your kind review, Maria. xo
Comment from Gail Denham
Oh my - what a mess. To be caught up in a situation like that could take years off a person's life I imagine. Glad you got it straightened out. God was good to you.
well told story.
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019
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Oh my - what a mess. To be caught up in a situation like that could take years off a person's life I imagine. Glad you got it straightened out. God was good to you.
well told story.
Comment Written 30-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019
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Yes, I do feel like that.
Thank you, Gail, for the nice review. xo
Comment from Phyllis Stewart
I'm short of breath, more than usual, after that. I'm exhausted just from reading about this disaster. I can only imagine how you must have felt. Thanks to your wise daughter, however, it all ended well. I think you owe her a new car... at least. :)
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019
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I'm short of breath, more than usual, after that. I'm exhausted just from reading about this disaster. I can only imagine how you must have felt. Thanks to your wise daughter, however, it all ended well. I think you owe her a new car... at least. :)
Comment Written 30-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019
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She'll be thrilled that you think so, Phyllis!! (She's 37 now, though, and is responsible for all that herself!) xo
Comment from susand3022
Oh my word, Rachelle!!! What a day you had!!! Holy cow, if that had been me... I don't know what I'd have done! Probably just curled up and said, Just take the car and take me to jail then. It's the only thing of any value that I've got and it won't pay for those fines. Might as well just take me away now. Lol
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019
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Oh my word, Rachelle!!! What a day you had!!! Holy cow, if that had been me... I don't know what I'd have done! Probably just curled up and said, Just take the car and take me to jail then. It's the only thing of any value that I've got and it won't pay for those fines. Might as well just take me away now. Lol
Comment Written 30-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019
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I was about at that point, Susan!
Thanks for the fun review. xo
Comment from Alex Rosel
This was a nice read, as all your prose is :)
It held my attention, and I could easily relate to your predicament.
Here are a few points you might like to consider:
My reverie was broken by sirens, though, the same ones that had been a distant drone -- I'd insert a period after though and start a new sentence.
sounds like a chihuahua in a mouse trap -- I like this simile. Neat :)
I expounded on (and on) about how my day had spiraled from "quite ideal" to "a complete nightmare" in just forty minutes' time -- Personally, I'd omit the word time. It wouldn't be forty minutes of anything else.
And I love your concluding Lesson detail :)
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019
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This was a nice read, as all your prose is :)
It held my attention, and I could easily relate to your predicament.
Here are a few points you might like to consider:
My reverie was broken by sirens, though, the same ones that had been a distant drone -- I'd insert a period after though and start a new sentence.
sounds like a chihuahua in a mouse trap -- I like this simile. Neat :)
I expounded on (and on) about how my day had spiraled from "quite ideal" to "a complete nightmare" in just forty minutes' time -- Personally, I'd omit the word time. It wouldn't be forty minutes of anything else.
And I love your concluding Lesson detail :)
Comment Written 30-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019
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Thanks, as always, Alex, for the fine-tuning suggestions. I appreciate your doing that. It's always nice to know that a reviewer has my back. xo
Comment from judiverse
You have a sharp daughter--or she has ESP. How great that she showed up just when needed. Apparently the fire chief didn't care to hear about your need to get to your piano lessons. This couldn't be better if it was fiction. Perfectly told. How funny that you added the bit about your daughter's birthday. How much worse it would have been if your daughter hadn't decided to return home. You had several strikes against you there. It was great that your husband didn't lecture. It seems he didn't tell you about your daughter being home while you were on the way. judi
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019
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You have a sharp daughter--or she has ESP. How great that she showed up just when needed. Apparently the fire chief didn't care to hear about your need to get to your piano lessons. This couldn't be better if it was fiction. Perfectly told. How funny that you added the bit about your daughter's birthday. How much worse it would have been if your daughter hadn't decided to return home. You had several strikes against you there. It was great that your husband didn't lecture. It seems he didn't tell you about your daughter being home while you were on the way. judi
Comment Written 30-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019
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She arrived home in-between when he left and when we returned home from the debacle. It seemed like "too much of a coincidence to be a coincidence," as in G-d said, "Okay, Rachelle; I know I've given you a lot today. Here's a little present."
Thanks for the terrific review. xo
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You're welcome. I recall someone saying about the writer Emily Kimbrough, "She attracts incidents like a blue serge suit attracts lint." Seems like you do the same! judi
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Good simile!!