Lessons in the Key of Life
Viewing comments for Chapter 10 "The Saturday Morning Curse"A music and dance teacher's improvization
21 total reviews
Comment from 24chas
Some parents are absolutely determined that their child will fulfill the parent's own dreams no matter what the cost. It's a shame the kids will live with it forever. Nicely written as always.
reply by the author on 05-Jun-2019
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Some parents are absolutely determined that their child will fulfill the parent's own dreams no matter what the cost. It's a shame the kids will live with it forever. Nicely written as always.
Comment Written 05-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 05-Jun-2019
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You captured it exactly, 24chas. It was always brutal. Thanks for the nice review. xo
Comment from Debbie Pope
Oh, how I hate bad parents. Sammy's parents don't try to understand him, and that is unforgivable. Sounds like one of the parents has autism as well. They can't relate outside of their Norman Rockwell world. Dealing with parents like Sammy's taught you the diplomacy that you evidence in your writings. You see through people, but you nevertheless try to deal with their craziness--such as your ridiculous piano guitar lesson.
This one was sad but very good.
reply by the author on 05-Jun-2019
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Oh, how I hate bad parents. Sammy's parents don't try to understand him, and that is unforgivable. Sounds like one of the parents has autism as well. They can't relate outside of their Norman Rockwell world. Dealing with parents like Sammy's taught you the diplomacy that you evidence in your writings. You see through people, but you nevertheless try to deal with their craziness--such as your ridiculous piano guitar lesson.
This one was sad but very good.
Comment Written 05-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 05-Jun-2019
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Thank goodness for my FS friends, like you, Debbie, who 'get it.' That helps make it easier to deal with! xo
Comment from Debra White
Hi Rachelle, bless you! This piece made me feel so sorry for Sammy... not only did he have to take piano lessons that he clearly wasn't keen on, but his parents were crackers!! Poor kid!
I also felt sorry for you, having to go along with something you knew wasn't right for your student, and then having to 'jam' with his dad... funny, but in a bonkers, surreal way!
I love the way you tell 'em, Rachelle. You're a born entertainer:)
Best wishes to you as always, Debra x
reply by the author on 04-Jun-2019
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Hi Rachelle, bless you! This piece made me feel so sorry for Sammy... not only did he have to take piano lessons that he clearly wasn't keen on, but his parents were crackers!! Poor kid!
I also felt sorry for you, having to go along with something you knew wasn't right for your student, and then having to 'jam' with his dad... funny, but in a bonkers, surreal way!
I love the way you tell 'em, Rachelle. You're a born entertainer:)
Best wishes to you as always, Debra x
Comment Written 04-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 04-Jun-2019
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I certainly do have so many memories tied up with that family. But sadly, not one of them is a good one. The parents have long-since divorced, and everyone moved away, so I have no way to know whatever happened with poor Sammy.
Thanks for the warmth that is the calling-card for all of your reviews. xo
Comment from Michele Harber
Well, my FSBFF, this confirms several things that I already knew about you.
- One is that you have an amazing feel for dealing with kids. The fact that you recognized that the child is autistic, and figured out how to deal with him via "20 questions," speaks volumes (even if he doesn't).
- You make impeccable use of metaphor. Your reference to the progress you were(n't) making being equivalent to "the kind of progress an eye dropper does filling up a swimming pool" is priceless.
- You're the person I'd want with me in a crisis. That your response to Sammy's crying was not to embarrass him but to say, "We've changed our minds," and then go on to your next student, says it all.
- You have amazing comic sense, as indicated by the specific lines of dialogue you chose for part B of your story, and particularly, by the very last line which, in not repeating the same answers you'd been giving him but, rather, letting us know how you felt, provided the perfect punch line.
- Overall, you're freakin' talented!!!!!
reply by the author on 04-Jun-2019
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Well, my FSBFF, this confirms several things that I already knew about you.
- One is that you have an amazing feel for dealing with kids. The fact that you recognized that the child is autistic, and figured out how to deal with him via "20 questions," speaks volumes (even if he doesn't).
- You make impeccable use of metaphor. Your reference to the progress you were(n't) making being equivalent to "the kind of progress an eye dropper does filling up a swimming pool" is priceless.
- You're the person I'd want with me in a crisis. That your response to Sammy's crying was not to embarrass him but to say, "We've changed our minds," and then go on to your next student, says it all.
- You have amazing comic sense, as indicated by the specific lines of dialogue you chose for part B of your story, and particularly, by the very last line which, in not repeating the same answers you'd been giving him but, rather, letting us know how you felt, provided the perfect punch line.
- Overall, you're freakin' talented!!!!!
Comment Written 04-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 04-Jun-2019
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You always have the nicest way of brightening my life, FSBFF. Thank you for these gracious, enthusiastic comments. After you're done being my editor, then I want you for my agent! xo
Comment from Joanna S. Blue
I can see this so vividly. I felt so angry at the mother. She's such a "type" and yet this story is an individual tragic one. I can also feel how tortured you felt. And in your special way, you use humor and familiar touchpoints to make it enjoyable while teaching your life lessons.
reply by the author on 04-Jun-2019
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I can see this so vividly. I felt so angry at the mother. She's such a "type" and yet this story is an individual tragic one. I can also feel how tortured you felt. And in your special way, you use humor and familiar touchpoints to make it enjoyable while teaching your life lessons.
Comment Written 04-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 04-Jun-2019
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You always melt me, Joanna, with your warm and understanding reviews. Thank you for this one, especially. I appreciate it totally. xo
Comment from Sugarray77
Rachelle, I enjoyed reading more of your tortured piano teacher series. You write so well of the ups and downs of your life while you teach. I like your perceptions and unabashed honesty. Well done.
Melissa
reply by the author on 04-Jun-2019
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Rachelle, I enjoyed reading more of your tortured piano teacher series. You write so well of the ups and downs of your life while you teach. I like your perceptions and unabashed honesty. Well done.
Melissa
Comment Written 04-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 04-Jun-2019
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Thanks very much, Melissa. I always appreciate your comments and reviews. xo
Comment from judiverse
How brave of you to carry on with Saturday lessons, when almost everyone else is sleeping in. Poor Sammy. You'd think his mother, being a teacher, would have understood his problem. Maybe she thought that lessons would draw him out. She was failing to acknowledge his problem. I was hoping he would come through with a great performance. After Sammy made his declaration that he wasn't taking another piano lesson, I think it's funny that Dad took up his guitar for a session. Parents need to understand that sometimes you have a losing cause if you try to make a child do something he truly doesn't want to do. They should let him explore other interests. judi
reply by the author on 03-Jun-2019
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How brave of you to carry on with Saturday lessons, when almost everyone else is sleeping in. Poor Sammy. You'd think his mother, being a teacher, would have understood his problem. Maybe she thought that lessons would draw him out. She was failing to acknowledge his problem. I was hoping he would come through with a great performance. After Sammy made his declaration that he wasn't taking another piano lesson, I think it's funny that Dad took up his guitar for a session. Parents need to understand that sometimes you have a losing cause if you try to make a child do something he truly doesn't want to do. They should let him explore other interests. judi
Comment Written 03-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 03-Jun-2019
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You are singing my song, Judi. I completely agree! Thanks for the validation. xo
Comment from doggymad1
This six my friend is for the humour that had me giggling from start to finish.
The story certainly holds some lessons but the way in which it is told is excellent. The striving oblivious parents, and poor tortured child are vividly painted here. Looking forward to more
hugs
Freda
reply by the author on 03-Jun-2019
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This six my friend is for the humour that had me giggling from start to finish.
The story certainly holds some lessons but the way in which it is told is excellent. The striving oblivious parents, and poor tortured child are vividly painted here. Looking forward to more
hugs
Freda
Comment Written 03-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 03-Jun-2019
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Thank you, Freda. Next week is also a two-fer about the Saturday morning curse, and one is painfully funny. (The other is just painful.) I appreciate your sweet review. xo
Comment from Robert Zimmerman
I have a special response to this work. My wife retired 3 years ago but was an SE teacher at the county special school and her specialty was Autism. She was handed the Autistic students 30 years ago at the school. I wanted her to read this story before I responded. She had one word for the piece. Wonderful! I read the piece several times because I got to know a lot of the kids she had over the years. The vivid descriptions of behavior are so detailed, we both were taken with the story. I particularly liked the "magic mushrooms" and the eyedropper in a swimming pool references. My wife liked the piece so well after she told me how much she liked it, I said pathetically, "I write too." I am a journeyman pouter.
I am looking forward to more Saturday Morning stories.
reply by the author on 03-Jun-2019
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I have a special response to this work. My wife retired 3 years ago but was an SE teacher at the county special school and her specialty was Autism. She was handed the Autistic students 30 years ago at the school. I wanted her to read this story before I responded. She had one word for the piece. Wonderful! I read the piece several times because I got to know a lot of the kids she had over the years. The vivid descriptions of behavior are so detailed, we both were taken with the story. I particularly liked the "magic mushrooms" and the eyedropper in a swimming pool references. My wife liked the piece so well after she told me how much she liked it, I said pathetically, "I write too." I am a journeyman pouter.
I am looking forward to more Saturday Morning stories.
Comment Written 03-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 03-Jun-2019
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Two more coming at you this week! One is hilarious, the other tragic.
Robert, I can't tell you how much this review means to me. Please tell your wife I said 'thank you,' also. (And no more pouting, Journeyman; there's plenty of praise to go around! haha)
xo
Comment from JudyE
That poor child. I have to wonder why you didn't terminate the lessons yourself? I'm sure you had your reasons. I was taught piano because my mother was never able to learn but the outcome was much better than poor Sammy's. I've been enjoying these stories.
reply by the author on 03-Jun-2019
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That poor child. I have to wonder why you didn't terminate the lessons yourself? I'm sure you had your reasons. I was taught piano because my mother was never able to learn but the outcome was much better than poor Sammy's. I've been enjoying these stories.
Comment Written 03-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 03-Jun-2019
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I had his brother, as well, and he did nicely at lessons and liked music a lot. So I'd have lost them both if I'd terminated the one. I guess I kept hoping, hoping that he'd have made it so unbearable for everyone prior to leaving that they'd acquiesce. No such luck.
Thanks for the review.
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Some parents never manage to see the obvious, do they? I can understand why you kept persevering - and some autistic children are incredibly talented at music.
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Yes! That is absolutely true. This mom, though, was a teacher in a private school that is highly regarded for its educators! I wanted to use my No Nonsense Teacher Voice on her!
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Some people become totally 'different' over matters regarding their own children.
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Well, I'm guilty of that when it came to teaching my daughter piano lessons. (WHAT was I THINKING??) Poor child. I finally stopped when she was eleven, we just finished her lesson, and asked -and she wasn't even trying to be a smart aleck- "So do your other students, you know, LIKE you?"
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Oh goodness. I eventually helped one son with his theory but he was desperately trying to reach the minimum standard required for the uni course he wanted to do.
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How'd that go?
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It went well because he needed my input and was keen to learn. And he was probably surprised that, in the years between him being 10 and 17, I seemed to have learnt a lot! Haha.