Love Given and Received
It's all about heart39 total reviews
Comment from Carol Clark2
Great poem, Rachelle! Having students become the piano teachers was a great idea. We know that teachers learn as they teach. Congrats on the success of your student teachers. They're quite accomplished, and you can be proud of that. Best wishes in the contest. Carol
reply by the author on 18-Jul-2023
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Great poem, Rachelle! Having students become the piano teachers was a great idea. We know that teachers learn as they teach. Congrats on the success of your student teachers. They're quite accomplished, and you can be proud of that. Best wishes in the contest. Carol
Comment Written 18-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 18-Jul-2023
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Thanks for totally understanding, Carol. I am SO very proud of them and brag about them every chance I get! xo
Comment from Annmuma
Rachelle, this indeed exceptional writing. The emotions, the characters, the scenes, the flow -- everything is perfect. I have several teachers to whom I give credit for helping me be me and succeeding in life. Teachers are underpaid and undervalued by too much of the population. If there is any silver lining, it must be in having the opportunity to influence young minds and seeing success in that student's face every day as they master life. thanks for writing and good luck in the contest. ann
reply by the author on 18-Jul-2023
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Rachelle, this indeed exceptional writing. The emotions, the characters, the scenes, the flow -- everything is perfect. I have several teachers to whom I give credit for helping me be me and succeeding in life. Teachers are underpaid and undervalued by too much of the population. If there is any silver lining, it must be in having the opportunity to influence young minds and seeing success in that student's face every day as they master life. thanks for writing and good luck in the contest. ann
Comment Written 18-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 18-Jul-2023
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You nailed it Ann. It's being able to see the blossoming that is the reward for every (good) teacher I know. It makes us feel rich in the way that matters. Thanks for understanding that part.
Thanks, too, for such a wonderful, affirming review. It's such a treat to read. xoxo
Comment from Michele Harber
Beautifully written, Rachelle. I'd be awfully surprised if this didn't take first place, especially with that uplifting story at the end.
This is written with perfect meter and rhyme but, equally important, it's written with heart. It's obvious that every word you say is very personal to you. I particularly like the verse that starts, "Growth is like a gorgeous plant ...," and the two lines that follow.
My only question is whether you were deliberately capitalizing certain words ("Tenacity," "Just Anyone") for emphasis that, grammatically, shouldn't be capitalized.
Sadly, in this day and age, at least in NYC, if you call a child "Sweets," or any term of endearment, it can come back to haunt you as some form of verbal abuse. What a shame children have to be denied something meaningful to them due to adult paranoia or greed.
reply by the author on 18-Jul-2023
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Beautifully written, Rachelle. I'd be awfully surprised if this didn't take first place, especially with that uplifting story at the end.
This is written with perfect meter and rhyme but, equally important, it's written with heart. It's obvious that every word you say is very personal to you. I particularly like the verse that starts, "Growth is like a gorgeous plant ...," and the two lines that follow.
My only question is whether you were deliberately capitalizing certain words ("Tenacity," "Just Anyone") for emphasis that, grammatically, shouldn't be capitalized.
Sadly, in this day and age, at least in NYC, if you call a child "Sweets," or any term of endearment, it can come back to haunt you as some form of verbal abuse. What a shame children have to be denied something meaningful to them due to adult paranoia or greed.
Comment Written 18-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 18-Jul-2023
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You're right about the endearments. Sheesh, how RIDICULOUS!!! Thankfully, since I teach in people's homes and not in a school, I use endearments liberally, and I sense that my sweeties (see?) just love it.
Just Anyone I really wanted capitalized (originally, I used quotes, as well), and Tenacity I'm still mulling over. Thank you, though; you know I always appreciate your input.
As far as winning, I've read other posts from this same contest that I found exceptional. They made me feel proud to be part of their group. It's encouraging to see that there are still so many of us who love this gig and take it to heart.
Thanks for this great review. xo
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I'm sure they do love the endearments. I loved when teachers hugged me. It made me feel special. If they did that now, they'd be behind bars.
I can understand why you might want to highlight "Just Anyone," but I think "Tenacity" makes its own point without the capitalization.
I haven't yet seen the other entries for this contest, but they'd have to be really good to offer yours competition. I do know how important and meaningful teaching can be, though, as my husband and several friends are teachers, and they've benefitted from the teacher-student relationship as much as their students have. My husband had one particular student say she become a teacher herself because he was such a mentor and inspiration to her. I'm happy to hear that so many teachers on the site have such positive things to say about such a demanding and rewarding career.
My pleasure for the review. I call 'em as I see 'em.
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That's why a Michele Harber 6 is so special. xo
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😀
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I made the changes you suggested, and, as always, you were EXACTLY right. You are such a gifted editor. Thank you for helping me make this just right. xoxox
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I'm glad they were helpful. I'm taking a book publishing course, and I'm actually editing a children's book manuscript my teacher wants to submit.
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Well, they've hired the best editor out there!! That's for SURE! xo
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Thank you!!!
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xo
Comment from barbara.wilkey
I've never heard of a program like this, but it's wonderful! I can see how it would work. Thank you for sharing this contest entry with us. I figured if I instilled a love of reading in my first graders, I did my job. I enjoyed reading and wish you luck with the contest.
reply by the author on 18-Jul-2023
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I've never heard of a program like this, but it's wonderful! I can see how it would work. Thank you for sharing this contest entry with us. I figured if I instilled a love of reading in my first graders, I did my job. I enjoyed reading and wish you luck with the contest.
Comment Written 18-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 18-Jul-2023
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You did an enormous service, teaching them to read!!
Thank you for this really nice review, Barbara. xo
Comment from Pam Lonsdale
I had a very good friend who was a piano teacher and, for her, every moment spent with them was special. Be it piano or the ABCs and 123s, teachers who care are, as you said, rare. And they do so much more than teach the lesson at hand.
Your "girls" have all gone on to excel in their fields, and that says more about you as a person than as a piano teacher. Congratulations on your successes, who will go on to offer others the same opportunities.
Have you looked at your post? The beginning doesn't line up in a centered format, but falls off to the right. It just looks weird. Could you space down a few lines and get it to center with the picture over the top?
Also, the line "Caring's the ingredient" - I've read it a few times and keep getting hung up on the "s". Would "caring the ingredient" work as well?
These are just suggestions, of course.
A lovely read and a great entry for this contest. Good luck!
xo
Pam
reply by the author on 18-Jul-2023
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I had a very good friend who was a piano teacher and, for her, every moment spent with them was special. Be it piano or the ABCs and 123s, teachers who care are, as you said, rare. And they do so much more than teach the lesson at hand.
Your "girls" have all gone on to excel in their fields, and that says more about you as a person than as a piano teacher. Congratulations on your successes, who will go on to offer others the same opportunities.
Have you looked at your post? The beginning doesn't line up in a centered format, but falls off to the right. It just looks weird. Could you space down a few lines and get it to center with the picture over the top?
Also, the line "Caring's the ingredient" - I've read it a few times and keep getting hung up on the "s". Would "caring the ingredient" work as well?
These are just suggestions, of course.
A lovely read and a great entry for this contest. Good luck!
xo
Pam
Comment Written 18-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 18-Jul-2023
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I LOVE it when fellow writers care enough to offer ways to improve a piece. That means the world to me, so thank you for that.
I do notice what you're saying about the placement issue. I'll definitely take that suggestion and just have it start lower. It's so weird that sometimes it does that, and others it doesn't. Also, sometimes, after awhile, it corrects without me doing anything...which is even WEIRDER.
Thanks for your warm and lovely words about the long-range value of teaching. It's such an important career for that reason. Pam, if you PM me your address, I'd love to send you a copy of my book, Lessons in the Key of Life.
xoxoxo
Comment from Ulla
Hi Rachelle, I really enjoyed this story about how you taught for a reduced fee so noone had to wait in a cue. Yes, COVID ended so many things, didn't it? Good luck in the contest. Ulla:)))
reply by the author on 18-Jul-2023
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Hi Rachelle, I really enjoyed this story about how you taught for a reduced fee so noone had to wait in a cue. Yes, COVID ended so many things, didn't it? Good luck in the contest. Ulla:)))
Comment Written 18-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 18-Jul-2023
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Hi, Ulla. Actually, the Teaching Students were the ones who taught for the reduced fee. They were younger and had less experience, so that seemed fair.
Thanks for the good luck wishes.
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Oh right, now I understand.:)))
Comment from Terry Broxson
Rachelle, this is an excellent entry for this contest. The opening line is extremely strong. The last stanza is equally strong. It is also very cool that some of your students also became teachers. Thank you for entering this contest for wonderful teachers! Terry.
reply by the author on 18-Jul-2023
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Rachelle, this is an excellent entry for this contest. The opening line is extremely strong. The last stanza is equally strong. It is also very cool that some of your students also became teachers. Thank you for entering this contest for wonderful teachers! Terry.
Comment Written 18-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 18-Jul-2023
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Thank you for hosting it!!
Comment from Paul Manton
Rachelle, where have you been? I've really missed you!
[Since you know me so well, I will ask a simple favor at the end.]
Well, now you're being reviewed by 'the Magician' - blog still active - all about my time in teaching - so today I get to spend time with your career - which comes as a great relief, because putting my resume together took FOREVER!
Great picture - and fabulous results for your girls - how lucky they were to have you as their mentor.
Review: trochaic 4/3/4/3 meter with an abcb rhyme - looks perfect to me - but I'll let you know if I spot a glitch.
Well, opening gambit spot on: whether you were kind is the foundation of it all - and I say the best teachers are 'born' to it - though I note that sometimes takes time to mature.
Oops - a little problem in the third verse: you need to lose a syllable from either the third or fourth line - how about ' . . wait until/Tenacity they master'.? Fixes the meter exactly.
'Growth is like . . .' verse has my loud applause; I hadn't heard 'they don't care what you know . .' before - spot on. Great quote.
'big victories. . .' a bit weak? Stronger word than 'big' needed.
Well, I'm with you all the way here, Rachelle. Except 'forty' won't fit me, as I end on fifty-four. (See 'The Magician') And that doesn't scan!
Great piece. Thank you and congratulations. Paul
[Now my request: since winning reviewer last month, some odd things have happened - by the 10th July I already had 30 votes (same rate as June) - but having stumbled up to 37, in the last five days, ZERO VOTES! So, call me paranoid, but I spot a stitch up here. Would you check after this please, that the normal voting option appears, as if it doesn't I'm going to call fire and brimstone down on the management! Sure you'd enjoy that.]
Your friend, Paul
reply by the author on 18-Jul-2023
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Rachelle, where have you been? I've really missed you!
[Since you know me so well, I will ask a simple favor at the end.]
Well, now you're being reviewed by 'the Magician' - blog still active - all about my time in teaching - so today I get to spend time with your career - which comes as a great relief, because putting my resume together took FOREVER!
Great picture - and fabulous results for your girls - how lucky they were to have you as their mentor.
Review: trochaic 4/3/4/3 meter with an abcb rhyme - looks perfect to me - but I'll let you know if I spot a glitch.
Well, opening gambit spot on: whether you were kind is the foundation of it all - and I say the best teachers are 'born' to it - though I note that sometimes takes time to mature.
Oops - a little problem in the third verse: you need to lose a syllable from either the third or fourth line - how about ' . . wait until/Tenacity they master'.? Fixes the meter exactly.
'Growth is like . . .' verse has my loud applause; I hadn't heard 'they don't care what you know . .' before - spot on. Great quote.
'big victories. . .' a bit weak? Stronger word than 'big' needed.
Well, I'm with you all the way here, Rachelle. Except 'forty' won't fit me, as I end on fifty-four. (See 'The Magician') And that doesn't scan!
Great piece. Thank you and congratulations. Paul
[Now my request: since winning reviewer last month, some odd things have happened - by the 10th July I already had 30 votes (same rate as June) - but having stumbled up to 37, in the last five days, ZERO VOTES! So, call me paranoid, but I spot a stitch up here. Would you check after this please, that the normal voting option appears, as if it doesn't I'm going to call fire and brimstone down on the management! Sure you'd enjoy that.]
Your friend, Paul
Comment Written 18-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 18-Jul-2023
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Thank you, Paul. That "tenacity" glitch was making me crazy. But I knew someone would help me...and I sort of even suspected it would be you. Thanks very much.
Truth be told, it's actually my forty-SECOND year, but that didn't fit the rhyme scheme. And "o'er forty" I didn't like, either. So I just said, "We're going with plain old forty. Done."
Congrats on fifty-four!! WOW!!
Thanks for all your help. I'll check out the reviewer issue and PM you.
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I would kiss your feet tor your kindness, but the distance from London is just too far!
Love from Paul
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Plus I have dancer's feet. No one wants to kiss THOSE!!!
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Then instead, I doff my bard's cap and bow obsequiously.
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Wow! I'm curious what you do for the BIG acts of kindness and courtesy!
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State secret.
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I understand...
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Getting late in London now. Talk again tomorrow.
Paul
Comment from Debbie D'Arcy
Wonderful verse with absolute sincerity and credibility at its core! I'm not surprised you've had so much success in your teaching career. Your approach is spot-on. What you have which so many don't is charisma, enthusiasm and deep investment in each individual - all this you place before the obvious skill of your art. Brilliant - and a winner in my books! Well done, Rachelle! Love Debbie x
reply by the author on 18-Jul-2023
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Wonderful verse with absolute sincerity and credibility at its core! I'm not surprised you've had so much success in your teaching career. Your approach is spot-on. What you have which so many don't is charisma, enthusiasm and deep investment in each individual - all this you place before the obvious skill of your art. Brilliant - and a winner in my books! Well done, Rachelle! Love Debbie x
Comment Written 18-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 18-Jul-2023
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Thank you Miss Always-So-Positive-And-Kind-To-Me. I could not appreciate it more. xoxoxo
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I'm a little bit in awe :))
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It's mutual!! xoxo
Comment from Wendy G
I enjoyed both your clever poem, and your informative notes. I can't agree more with the premise that teaching is a calling, and certainly not for everyone. Best wishes in the contest.
Wendy
reply by the author on 18-Jul-2023
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I enjoyed both your clever poem, and your informative notes. I can't agree more with the premise that teaching is a calling, and certainly not for everyone. Best wishes in the contest.
Wendy
Comment Written 18-Jul-2023
reply by the author on 18-Jul-2023
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I'm sure you, also, as an educator, loathe that adage "Those who can, do; those who can't, teach." Whenever someone says that, my response is, "Teaching is doing...and for sure not everyone can do it!"
Anyway, thank you for the lovely review. I appreciate it. xo