A Fly on the Wall
Viewing comments for Chapter 29 "The Good, Bad & Very Ugly"A journal musings and assessments about situations
34 total reviews
Comment from estory
This is an interesting little story about the frustrations of dealing with other people, how that can aggravate us, but also of how a more sympathetic friend's compassion for those individuals can push us towards the better angels of our nature. Told with lots of personality, a self depreciating sense of humor, this grabs the reader and keeps one engaged through the whole process of manipulating the difficult walkers in the snow. estory
reply by the author on 17-Feb-2025
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This is an interesting little story about the frustrations of dealing with other people, how that can aggravate us, but also of how a more sympathetic friend's compassion for those individuals can push us towards the better angels of our nature. Told with lots of personality, a self depreciating sense of humor, this grabs the reader and keeps one engaged through the whole process of manipulating the difficult walkers in the snow. estory
Comment Written 17-Feb-2025
reply by the author on 17-Feb-2025
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You are a seriously excellent reviewer. Thanks for this thoughtful, thorough and helpful explanation of what appealed to you here. That is so invaluable to me. xoxox
Comment from evilynne
Well, that was enjoyable read, very humorous and well written. Phyllis sounds like quite a character I'm using a walker myself now, so I know how onery they can be when being folded. Evi
reply by the author on 17-Feb-2025
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Well, that was enjoyable read, very humorous and well written. Phyllis sounds like quite a character I'm using a walker myself now, so I know how onery they can be when being folded. Evi
Comment Written 17-Feb-2025
reply by the author on 17-Feb-2025
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'Ornery' is the perfect word, Evilynne; you are one hundred percent right!! It's not a fight I ever seem to win easily. Thank you for making the time to read this piece and review. It was a very nice one to read. xoxo
Comment from CD Richards
Ha! Reminds me of comedy skit about the well-intentioned young person (maybe a girl guide or boy scout) who goes to great lengths to help the elderly lady cross the road she didn't want to cross.
Great humour in the way you've presented the story, and very well written. The only thing lacking is the theme tune from the Clint Eastwood movie playing in the background; that would be awesome.
A fun read, thanks for sharing.
Craig
reply by the author on 16-Feb-2025
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Ha! Reminds me of comedy skit about the well-intentioned young person (maybe a girl guide or boy scout) who goes to great lengths to help the elderly lady cross the road she didn't want to cross.
Great humour in the way you've presented the story, and very well written. The only thing lacking is the theme tune from the Clint Eastwood movie playing in the background; that would be awesome.
A fun read, thanks for sharing.
Craig
Comment Written 16-Feb-2025
reply by the author on 16-Feb-2025
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Hahahaha!! YESSSS!!! You're right! That unforgettable whistle-warble thing!!
Thank you for this totally fun review, Craig. It livened my evening right up! xoxox
Comment from Gypsy Blue Rose
LoL. I agree with you. Some people are determined to help even when you don't want or need it.
We are close in age, think I'm 66 or 67 years old. LoL. I don't pay attention anymore. I'm afraid of falling outside and I avoid situations like that, specially when there are people around.
I love the good humor and the way you write. You are a true story teller.
reply by the author on 16-Feb-2025
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LoL. I agree with you. Some people are determined to help even when you don't want or need it.
We are close in age, think I'm 66 or 67 years old. LoL. I don't pay attention anymore. I'm afraid of falling outside and I avoid situations like that, specially when there are people around.
I love the good humor and the way you write. You are a true story teller.
Comment Written 16-Feb-2025
reply by the author on 16-Feb-2025
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A true storyteller and a true poet become friends on a writing site. Sounds like an interesting future post, no?!
Thank you for this very complimentary review. I appreciate it very much. xoxoxo
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Yes, I would love to read such story
Comment from LJbutterfly
This is really humorous from the beginning set up to the end. I'm not quite as old as Phyllis, but I can relate to her with a walker.
I have one of those cumbersome walkers (rollator) with a compartment beneath the seat, and breaks to lock it in place when you want to sit or stand still. Mine is red. My husband does the honors of folding it.
Your description of the annoying Miss Helpful was so thorough, I began to become annoyed. I'm glad all ended well.
reply by the author on 16-Feb-2025
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This is really humorous from the beginning set up to the end. I'm not quite as old as Phyllis, but I can relate to her with a walker.
I have one of those cumbersome walkers (rollator) with a compartment beneath the seat, and breaks to lock it in place when you want to sit or stand still. Mine is red. My husband does the honors of folding it.
Your description of the annoying Miss Helpful was so thorough, I began to become annoyed. I'm glad all ended well.
Comment Written 16-Feb-2025
reply by the author on 16-Feb-2025
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She was annoying in the same way as the Jaaaaaaaane character in Gretchen's and my Detour story, wasn't she!! And we know how everyone detested HER!! (or, should I say HERRRRRRRRRRRRR!)
Phyllis's is black, but it's covered with bows and ribbons and stickers because that way, she can differentiate it from the other residents' walkers at her independent living facility.
Thank you for this terrific review, Lorraine.
Oh! And btw, I received your lovely Super Bowl snail mail in yesterday's mail! So thank you!! I'm on February Break this week, so I'll be sure to respond. I love being penpals! It's very satisfying. xoxox
Comment from Ulla
Aw, Rachelle, this is absolutely wonderful writing. I have to say that I chuckled all the way through. I loved the remark that because your Jewish can't pass a day without suffering . That sense of humour appeals to me. And then the fight about the walker. Wonderful! Ulla xcx
reply by the author on 16-Feb-2025
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Aw, Rachelle, this is absolutely wonderful writing. I have to say that I chuckled all the way through. I loved the remark that because your Jewish can't pass a day without suffering . That sense of humour appeals to me. And then the fight about the walker. Wonderful! Ulla xcx
Comment Written 16-Feb-2025
reply by the author on 16-Feb-2025
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Haha. Thanks, Ulla. I'm so glad you liked my self-deprecating Jewish remark. It was one of my favorite parts of this, too!! xoxo
Comment from Tim Margetts
An excellent recounting, Rachelle.
The picture you paint is both moving, in the early parts where you discuss your early career and start in life and then, quite honestly, hilarious.
I could picture that woman, and am sure I have seen her, or others similar on YouTube videos of Walmart customers in their prime.
Full of fun and I would love to meet your good friend Phyllis.
Tim x
reply by the author on 16-Feb-2025
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An excellent recounting, Rachelle.
The picture you paint is both moving, in the early parts where you discuss your early career and start in life and then, quite honestly, hilarious.
I could picture that woman, and am sure I have seen her, or others similar on YouTube videos of Walmart customers in their prime.
Full of fun and I would love to meet your good friend Phyllis.
Tim x
Comment Written 16-Feb-2025
reply by the author on 16-Feb-2025
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Phyllis would love you - and she'd also admire your talent. As a writer, herself (plays; all the ones the students in our summer performing arts camp were written by her), she'd find yours delightful. In fact, I'll tell you what: I'll share some with her next week when we go to lunch and tell you what she said. Sound good?
Yes, Miss Helpful is DEFINITELY a WalMart escapee! Good analogy!
Thank you for this delightful review. Very much appreciated. xoxox
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I look forward to hearing what Phyllis says :-)
Tim x
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Stay tuned!!
Comment from Mrs. KT
Good morning, Rachelle,
Laughed myself silly with this offering, and we both know that I have no business laughing = hurts too much! (Last night was rough)
I love not only your attitude through this series of unbelievable events, but Phyllis' attitude as well:
Love how you characterize her:
Phyllis always sees the best in people, and I do admire that about her.
and
But Phyllis also has a tremendous sense of humor - and of the absurd - so I shared with her the complete tableau of the ridiculous chain of events that began with her simple act of lightly grazing her walker with my car door at the most inopportune of moments.
Then we proceeded to laugh all the way to her independent living facility five miles down the road.
Phyllis know the secrets to living a full life. We could all use a Phyllis in our lives!
Thank you for sharing!
Much enjoyed!
fondly,
diane
reply by the author on 16-Feb-2025
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Good morning, Rachelle,
Laughed myself silly with this offering, and we both know that I have no business laughing = hurts too much! (Last night was rough)
I love not only your attitude through this series of unbelievable events, but Phyllis' attitude as well:
Love how you characterize her:
Phyllis always sees the best in people, and I do admire that about her.
and
But Phyllis also has a tremendous sense of humor - and of the absurd - so I shared with her the complete tableau of the ridiculous chain of events that began with her simple act of lightly grazing her walker with my car door at the most inopportune of moments.
Then we proceeded to laugh all the way to her independent living facility five miles down the road.
Phyllis know the secrets to living a full life. We could all use a Phyllis in our lives!
Thank you for sharing!
Much enjoyed!
fondly,
diane
Comment Written 16-Feb-2025
reply by the author on 16-Feb-2025
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I'm so glad Phyllis came through so loud and strong. The reviewers are loving her, and that makes me proud, because she is an absolute standout of a person.
Sorry you laughed - and sorrier still that last night was so unpleasant. Oy!! This has been going on over a week now, right? Hopefully, the end is near...well, the end of the AFFLICTION, let me clarify!!!
Thank you for making the time to write such a fun and thoughtful review. You are a trouper, for sure! xoxox
Comment from Wy Jung
Besides, I'm Jewish - a day without suffering would have no purpose or meaning.
^^^ THAT had me laughing!
One thing I would change.. The word Trounce means to beat. (This is fresh in my memory because the text from my scrabble buddy last week before our game asked if I was ready to be trounced---! *I beat him all three games btw) :D
Other than that little change. A funny engaging story (per usual) with a little life lesson wrapped up in the middle. Thanks for taking us along!
~WY
reply by the author on 15-Feb-2025
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Besides, I'm Jewish - a day without suffering would have no purpose or meaning.
^^^ THAT had me laughing!
One thing I would change.. The word Trounce means to beat. (This is fresh in my memory because the text from my scrabble buddy last week before our game asked if I was ready to be trounced---! *I beat him all three games btw) :D
Other than that little change. A funny engaging story (per usual) with a little life lesson wrapped up in the middle. Thanks for taking us along!
~WY
Comment Written 15-Feb-2025
reply by the author on 15-Feb-2025
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I think you're right. I wanted "flounced." Thanks for not just reading, but for helping me improve this piece. xoxox
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Yes! That's the word. I couldn't think of it right off!
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I should mention that the previous time we'd played he beat me twice in a row, so these trouncings (wink) were well needed and earned!
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Oh, they DEFINITELY were!!!! He all but sent you a written invitation, didn't he? Proud of you!!!
Comment from T B Botts
Hello Rachelle,
I was wondering if I would find an entry this week for the last six, and you certainly filled the bill. Well done gal. To be frank, I sometimes think I should be able to be the White Knight to help those who might be in distress. I don't recall ever insisting on carrying on if my help was declined, but I'm going to be more aware now. At 72, my days of being too helpful are primarily behind me, at least in the physical sense, however, I haven't totally gone wimpy, and if I can assist someone I will.
I loved the descriptions you used gal. I could envision the whole escapade.
How delightful that your friend is so active. I suspect in years to come some young person is going to be describing how you're still doing so much while the rest of your peers are confined to a couch watching soap operas. Well done my friend.
Have a blessed day.
Tom
reply by the author on 15-Feb-2025
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Hello Rachelle,
I was wondering if I would find an entry this week for the last six, and you certainly filled the bill. Well done gal. To be frank, I sometimes think I should be able to be the White Knight to help those who might be in distress. I don't recall ever insisting on carrying on if my help was declined, but I'm going to be more aware now. At 72, my days of being too helpful are primarily behind me, at least in the physical sense, however, I haven't totally gone wimpy, and if I can assist someone I will.
I loved the descriptions you used gal. I could envision the whole escapade.
How delightful that your friend is so active. I suspect in years to come some young person is going to be describing how you're still doing so much while the rest of your peers are confined to a couch watching soap operas. Well done my friend.
Have a blessed day.
Tom
Comment Written 15-Feb-2025
reply by the author on 15-Feb-2025
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What a delightful review this was to read!!! I'm sure you would NOT overstep your helpfulness, Tom. You're smart and savvy enough to read a situation that presents itself to you.
I would LOVE to be described like I describe Phyllis. That would be my dream come true!
Thanks for the extra star this evening. I'm so impressed you have one left this late on a Saturday night!! xoxox
