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66 Comments

Angie "White" Robling
January 8, 2015 at 4:34 pm

Eddie, I SO LOVED this story, it was like I was there in the gymnasium again. I never knew Mickey Bishop, as he was killed shortly before I moved to Pike County. I bet your performance was amazing, wish I had been there for that. Keep on Tossing Glitter!!!!



    chromedust
    January 8, 2015 at 8:06 pm

    Angie- My life at school changed after ‘The Talent Show’- it was quite magical. Not that I no longer felt like an outsider but rather I began to embrace it. Mickey and I kinda became friends after that and I discovered in his own way he felt like a misfit too. Thank you for reading and adding your voice to Farm Stories!!! We’ll Toss Glitter ALWAYS!!! xoxo

Kathy Dispenza
January 8, 2015 at 4:42 pm

I LOVED that story!! It started my day off with a smile!!



    chromedust
    January 8, 2015 at 8:08 pm

    Kathy- I can see that sweet smile!!! Thank you for reading!!! Tossing Glitter to you!!! KEEP WARM!!!! xo

Kim Blue
January 8, 2015 at 5:17 pm

you have an amazing gift of pulling the reader into your stories. Thank you for giving us the gift of you’r words. xoxo



    chromedust
    January 9, 2015 at 12:29 am

    Kim- Thank you for reading and adding your voice to Farm Stories!!! xoxo

Julie Blacksher
January 8, 2015 at 5:21 pm

This is wonderful story. Thank you so much for sharing it. It brought back some great memories! I only spent three years in Pike County but I remember that Mr. Hays would come around with a microphone as our class was singing. I could never be brave enough to sing into it! Bravo!



    chromedust
    January 9, 2015 at 12:31 am

    Julie- Mr. Hays could be very persuasive. Thank you so much for reading!!!! xo

Sherry Burnett
January 8, 2015 at 5:42 pm

Wonderful story!!! As I read this story, I felt every emotion! My knees became weak and butterflies filled my stomach. So descriptive that I felt as though I was there in front of the student body, trembling! And, “I” would have been physically trembling. Standing in front of large crowds and being the center of attention was never my strong suit. I would have never survived! But, YOU overcame all that! At that moment you found your voice, your strength and your confidence. Keep the stories coming Eddie! Applause! Applause!



    chromedust
    January 9, 2015 at 12:35 am

    Sherry- Thank you so much for reading and for adding your voice. It’s funny I still feel like I have very little confidence. We never see ourselves the way others do. I appreciate your support so much!!! xo

Carla Willis
January 8, 2015 at 6:28 pm

I love what Sherry wrote above…exactly how I felt when reading….right back in nervous high school and many times still! Wonnerful, wonnerful as a 70’s icon Lawrence Welk might say!!



    chromedust
    January 9, 2015 at 12:37 am

    Carla- Love me some Lawrence Welk. I appreciate your support so much!!! xoxo

Rhonda Loft
January 8, 2015 at 6:28 pm

I didn’t want this one to end. What strong memories you have; evidence of your insight at the time.



    chromedust
    January 9, 2015 at 12:39 am

    Rhonda- I think I was always watching and making mental notes. It’s the little things that make life unforgettable. Thank you for all your support!!! xoxo

Cindy
January 8, 2015 at 6:36 pm

Great story! I remember how nervous you would get when you had to sing solos at Zoar but your performance was always wonderful. But you let the cat out of the bag – now your New York friends will know you can sing!



    chromedust
    January 9, 2015 at 12:41 am

    Cindy- You were witness to the drama behind the scenes. Makes me smile. Thank you for everything!!! xoxo

JWEARNEST
January 8, 2015 at 6:51 pm

Awesome story Eddie. I remember everyone in this section. I remember that Mickey Bishop was one of only 2 students that I paddled in my teaching years. Mr. Briscoe witnessed it. I think I broke my paddle on him. Mickey had thrown pennies in study hall and got caught. I think he was later killed in a car accident of some kind. Is Mr. Hays on your list of readers? He would certainly appreciate reading this. He is still teaching and inspiring students. This section is so powerful. Thanks for sharing it.



    chromedust
    January 9, 2015 at 12:48 am

    Mr. Earnest- Your support and voice truly mean so much to me!!! My school life changed after this talent show. Not that I was any less on the fringe but I felt like it was okay. I’ve thought about Mickey often through the years. He pushed the envelope. I shared with Mr. Hays and hope he enjoys. Thank you so much for your voice and support!!!

Sheli Cockerham Dillon
January 8, 2015 at 6:54 pm

WOW!!! I felt like I was there in the gym with you Eddie. Your stories play out like the Wonder Years in my head. Not a day goes by that I don’t wish I could sing and play piano. Mr. Hays brings tears to my eyes when he plays. I’m sure you deserved the roaring applause you heard in that gym. <3



    chromedust
    January 9, 2015 at 12:51 am

    Sheli- You simply could not have said anything better! I told someone this am I wrote this hoping it would play out like the ‘Wonder Years’- thrilled it did for you. Mr. Hays is such a talent… Would love to have a chance to hear him play again. Thank you so much for reading, supporting and adding your own voice!!!!

Angie Manges
January 8, 2015 at 6:59 pm

Thank you for sharing Eddie! This is not just another “story”…it’s like a well written chapter in a book. I too was like you…only you were able to overcome it. I wasn’t. I never had trouble belting it out and giving all I had with “the group” (swing choir). I did lots of solos at Winslow elementary during Mr. Hays’ first few years as a one-in-a-million music teacher. But I just could not overcome my fears once I got into high school and was at the mercy of my peers. I even chickened out on my senior solo at the last minute, which I will always look back on with regret. Isn’t it a shame that we must worry so heavily what others think about us during the best times of our lives? But I guess that’s just part of maturing and growing up….



    chromedust
    January 9, 2015 at 12:56 am

    Angie- If we only knew in our youth what we know today- Everyone has struggles and different talents. But I suppose reaching that conclusion is what makes it a journey. I appreciate you so much reading and adding your own voice and story!!! Thank you!!!

Amy Yaw
January 8, 2015 at 7:36 pm

Eddie! Bravo once again! You relate your recollections so magnificently that your readers become part of the experience you are describing. Thank you for sharing your magical gift!



    chromedust
    January 9, 2015 at 1:00 am

    Amy- Thank you so much!!! Your reading, supporting and adding your own voice to Farm Stories means so much to me!!!!

Carmen Church
January 8, 2015 at 8:16 pm

Beautiful, Mickey was our neighbor so I know how he could be! Brought back a lot of memories! XoXo



    chromedust
    January 9, 2015 at 1:02 am

    Carmen- Mickey was probably fighting his own battles. I’ve thought about him often through the years. Thank you so much for your support!!! xoxo

Tammy
January 8, 2015 at 8:17 pm

I WAS in that gym with you Eddie! Thank you for taking me back there. I remember that Debbie Morton sang a Carole King song, maybe I Feel the Earth Move, I’m not sure which song it was, but I had never heard a Carole King song before. That day began a long and wonderful friendship between Carole and I. I still love her music today. Thanks Eddie for the memories, and thanks Debbie for introducing me to Carole King. Keep on writing!



    chromedust
    January 9, 2015 at 1:03 am

    Tammy- Love that!!! Thanks for sharing your own memory- and reading Farm Stories!!!

Peggy Vacanti
January 8, 2015 at 8:20 pm

That teacher pushed you out of your comfort zone didn’t he? I’m glad you rocked it. Great story!



    chromedust
    January 9, 2015 at 1:10 am

    Peggy- He did indeed… My school life was forever changed and I’ll always be grateful to him. Thank you for reading and supporting Farm Stories. xoxo

Janet Borelli
January 8, 2015 at 8:40 pm

You are amazing!!! What a wonderful story!
Keep tossing glitter!! Xoxo



    chromedust
    January 9, 2015 at 1:11 am

    Janet- Thank you for all your beautiful support!!! Tossing Glitter with you!!! xoxo

sunni
January 8, 2015 at 8:59 pm

I was so shy in my high-school years that I would never have dared what you did. It took me moving away from my hometown (where I felt like nothing I did was good enough – even though I had a genius IQ) and struggling through lean years to see that I could make my own destiny with God’s help.
I knew for sure I’d arrived at peace with myself the day I began public speaking. I’d had no time to prepare, but stepped up when the scheduled speaker faltered. God gave me the words, for they flowed as smoothly as a well-prepared and-rehearsed speech, and I had absolutely no nervous qualms.
I later took a singing role in a local play (for charity) when no one else would do it. My talent is NOT singing, but I did surprisingly well. Again, all God.
You have a gift for story-telling. May God continue to bless you as you bless others.



    chromedust
    January 9, 2015 at 1:13 am

    Sunni- Amazing what we can achieve!!! Happy for you!!! Thank you for reading and sharing your own voice with Farm Stories!!!

Peggy Vacanti
January 8, 2015 at 9:10 pm

I always share your stories with the kids, Eliza would like to know who won the talent show. I also showed her a youtubbe video of the carpenters singing that song,and that Kathy and I sang it all the time at the piano. Glad you shared your memory so I could share mine. We should all sing it together sometime….



    chromedust
    January 9, 2015 at 1:17 am

    Peggy- Can’t remember who the winner was but in terms of life altering I took home the gold!!! It’s still my very favorite song and we’ll sing it next time I’m up!!! xoxo

Vance Hays
January 8, 2015 at 9:14 pm

Eddie,
I remember that day, as well. The look on your face during the applause that day is still one of the highlights of my teaching career. I’ve always believed that my most important role as a teacher is to convince kids that they are as talented as I already know they are. Thank you for your kind words. They certainly brighten my day and I believe they help more people than you know. I will always consider you a special friend.
Love,
Hays



    chromedust
    January 9, 2015 at 1:21 am

    Mr. Hays- Can’t begin to tell you how many times I’ve told this story to clients in my chair throughout a twenty-seven year career. It changed how I looked at myself and others. It was a small step towards being the authentic me. Eternally grateful for you, your gift and being in my life. Am so happy you enjoyed the piece.
    Love, me

Terenda Wyant
January 8, 2015 at 9:53 pm

Eddie, loved the story! I don’t remember that day but there are many things I don’t remember about school. Mickey was killed in a car crash between our junior and senior year. I am so grateful for teachers who saw potional in us and encouraged us to get out of the box. I do remember Mrs Dorsey and I am so grateful you shared about her. The guys gave her a hard time in class. Keep up the writing, you have a gift! Love ya



    chromedust
    January 9, 2015 at 1:25 am

    Terenda- Mrs. Dorsey was my angel and I’ve never forgotten. I believe she saw a bit of herself in me. That car crash was so horrific and young people were forced to see young loss of life way before they should have. Thank you for reading and adding your own voice it means so much to me. Love my lady in RED… xo

Cathy Miller
January 8, 2015 at 9:53 pm

Thank you for writing. I think of how brave you all were. Reading about Belinda, such a brave girl. I could never be that brave when I was young, probably not now either. I have a lot of fear about speaking in public. You are a fantastic writer. Love, Cathy



    chromedust
    January 9, 2015 at 1:28 am

    Cathy- Belinda was brave and demanded to be heard-I’ve never forgotten her. I appreciate you so much reading my Farm Stories!!! Thank you!!! xoxo

Mona Lisa Saare Ruckriegel
January 8, 2015 at 10:27 pm

I think Mr. Hays would be happy to know just a few years out of high school you were a much more confident singer, you were always singing with me and then you were amazing when you sang at my wedding. I love you and your stories………I also miss you…….next time in town call me…..kiss Jeff and keep on with your writing! I can’t wait for my book……..xoxoxo



    chromedust
    January 9, 2015 at 1:30 am

    MonaBaby- We did like to sing didn’t we!!! Good times!!! Thank you for reading and sharing your voice. I’ll give everyone here your love and let you know my next visit!!! xoxo

Craig Dawson
January 8, 2015 at 10:41 pm

Eddie, it should be obvious to anyone reading your story, that singing is not your singular talent! Great read, you’ve set a high bar, and I have no doubt you will continue to knock it out of the park. Well done, looking forward to more great stories. Craig



    chromedust
    January 9, 2015 at 1:33 am

    Craig- Appreciate your reading Farm Stories. One never knows what might resonate with someone- So glad this did. Thanks for adding your own voice!!!

Jenny Burns
January 8, 2015 at 11:52 pm

I wish I could remember this day with such clarity! well, maybe I don’t want to remember what an irritating youngster I was….!! my clearest memory of this show was Belinda and her fur collared coat. I tried hard to enjoy her song. the tambourine…the coins hitting the floor….I felt so badly for her. and when you got up to sing, you were visibly nervous…and I was scared those horrid boys had more coins…but you found your zone fast…wow!!! I was THRILLED to see everyone standing and cheering for you!! in a world that loves to watch people crash and burn, we were blessed to have the foundation mr earnest and mr hays helped us lay. and maybe Belinda too. it takes real fortitude of spirit to finish what you start in the face of such hostility. excellent read.



    chromedust
    January 9, 2015 at 1:40 am

    LJB- Belinda was the real winner that day-Courage plus being true to herself. Most others would have run. Thank you for reading, sharing your own writers voice and for being in ‘The Talent Show’ Hope you smiled as much reading as I did writing.
    xoxo

Donna dyer
January 9, 2015 at 12:39 am

Wonderfully poignant. Many a youngster suffers through those excruciating years. So happy you wrote this. It will be a touchstone for many. I wasn’t there, for I had middle school classes those first few years,. Keep writing. Love the stories.



    chromedust
    January 9, 2015 at 1:43 am

    Donna- I was talking with a teacher earlier about how it must have been almost as painful watching a child child suffer through those times. Makes everyone feel powerless.Your continued reading, voice and support means so very much to me. Thank you!!!

Jim Loveless
January 9, 2015 at 1:10 am

Eddie,
Your voice is powerful! Keep writing. You are able to transport the reader to a different time and place.



    chromedust
    January 9, 2015 at 1:44 am

    Jim- Thank you so much for reading Farm Stories!!! It means the world to me!!!

Kat Cockerham
January 9, 2015 at 1:14 am

Winslow students were fortunate to have a great vocal music program. Petersburg was all about band through my 6th grade. The honor I had of working with Hays in grades 9-12 is hard to put down in words. He had worked with these kids from Winslow, so why shouldn’t he pick them and not me? That was not the case–he made everyone audition, every single year, even though he already knew he had talent from Winslow. His quick wit and ability to inspire, along with his musical talents, have touched so many students. Your ‘discovery story’ has been played out thousands of times over. I wish I’d had a chance to sing with you. You know I loved you from the moment I saw you in Dracula Baby! I consider myself lucky to be one of your personal friends. I consider you to be one of the most genuine, non-judgemental, loving authors I’ve ever read to grace the world with their words. Thank you for this Farm Story and the many others you have shared. They make me feel. This one made my heart happy. You are a true artist and I can’t wait for more!



    chromedust
    January 9, 2015 at 2:00 am

    Kat- Hays ability to not only inspire but bring people out of the shadows is just a small part of why he’s so beloved. It’s truly an honor to have been his student. I appreciate so much about you- Strength and loyalty are hard to come by these days and that combined with your open heart make you a true treasure. Thank you for reading, adding your own artist’s voice to Farm Stories!!! Love you!!!

Jennifer Dedman
January 9, 2015 at 1:14 am

Enjoyed reading your story. After reading this I would like to believe that “old” dedicated teachers and personnel helped to develop and further the careers of a few who otherwise may have been over looked. Congratulations Eddie



    chromedust
    January 9, 2015 at 2:06 am

    Jennifer- Without a doubt those ‘special’ folks we had teaching us and showing us to be accepting, kind and forgiving – Were a gift. Our careers and personal happiness would not have been the same. Thank you so much for reading and adding your voice to Farm Stories!

Ivy Floyd
January 9, 2015 at 3:12 am

I remember the Talent shows and the Plays! I’ll always remember the first time I heard you sing in Your a good man Charlie Brown, I couldn’t believe that was my son! In high school I was so proud of the standing ovations. I thought you would go on to be a singer but then I saw your talent in drawing and I thought an Artist now here we are reading all this fantastic writing and I can’t wait to see what you write next! Keep tossing glitter and writing!



chromedust
January 9, 2015 at 5:59 am

Mom- Seems so long ago and then like yesterday! Thank you reading, supporting, loving and tossing glitter with me since the very beginning!!!
Love you…
xoxo



valorie davis
January 9, 2015 at 6:52 am

Love this story!! Made me laugh when you were thinking why did I pick Rainy Day and Mondays! I kept waiting for it to be your turn to sing. You are such a talented person in so many ways. Love you!!



    chromedust
    January 9, 2015 at 6:01 pm

    Sis- Made me laugh writing it!!! Thank you for reading and a lifetime of support!!! Love you!!! xoxo

Sherri Tredway
January 10, 2015 at 8:13 am

And yet another story I loved reading ! Thank you for sharing your stories … Very inspiring my friend 🙂

You motivate me to write!



    chromedust
    January 10, 2015 at 9:05 pm

    Sherri- Thank you for reading Farm Stories!!! I appreciate you so much!!! Start writing everyone has a great story in them!!! xoxo

Bradley K Hindahl
January 13, 2015 at 4:38 am

Must have been pre-Pike Central. I never knew Mickey. Once the consolidation occurred, there were very few assemblies where you weren’t entertaining us. You always so concerned about your perspiration marks. Great memories. Thanks for bringing them to life again!



    chromedust
    January 13, 2015 at 3:27 pm

    Brad- It was indeed Winslow probably 8th or 9th grade. You’ll be pleased to know my perspiration debacle is well documented in my book! LOL!!! Thank you so much for reading and adding your own voice to Farm Stories!!!

Cheryl Weeks Smith
January 14, 2015 at 4:07 am

I vaguely remember that talent show. I always thought you had a tremendous voice. I was always a little in awe of your talent. I never paid any attention to the rude, crass people.
Hays was a remarkable teacher. I remember singing my senior solo in swing choir and him just kind of looking at me. He said, “Weeks. I didn’t know you could sing like that.” Made my day! I always considered myself in the background, just harmonizing and blending in.
Eddie, I so enjoy your stories! Love you!



chromedust
January 14, 2015 at 5:27 am

Cheryl- Seems like a lifetime ago and yesterday!!! Hays was besides talented himself had that knack of drawing us out of ourselves and giving are best- Thats beautiful. I have such a loving spot for all you swing choir girls!!! Appreciate your reading and adding your own voice and story to Farm Stories!!! Love you!!! xoxox