Faithful Feedback

On By K.L. HaleIn Blog feed, memories, Uncategorized

Right after high school I worked a couple of summers at the License Bureau (boy did I have to gain some thick skin). My supervisor, Libby Ward, was an exceptional leader. She told me I could continue a great career there. She wanted me to stay and work for her (although I did not like the experience of being lunged at after telling someone he was in the wrong line after he had waited so long–but that did prepare me for being a principal). It was good money for an 18-19 year old and it definitely helped my typing AND communication skills. My typing was fast I and knew shorthand too. It gave me a “leg up” according to my friend who helped me attain the position. On the side, I would clean a few motel rooms for my aunt and uncle who owned a family restaurant and tiny motel. Of course they always gave great feedback; especially when I needed to fold sheets. ;-).

It was 1991 and I was relieved to make it to my senior year of college. As a student aide for that winter semester I was preparing for student teaching for the final semester (the best job I was preparing for was motherhood; I was carrying my first born). At 4:30 a.m. I would rise and shine and drive 30 miles from my rural town to my preschool job in the “big city” by 6:00 a.m. For six hours I would read with, chase, giggle, play, and attempt to “herd” and teach 18 3-4 years old with Ms. Edna. I’d get off work at noon and have time to grab lunch on campus before my afternoon and evening classes began. Typically it would be 9:30 before I got home. Ms. Edna inspired me to keep on keeping on. Ms. Edna Stockstill was in her 60’s at the time. She grew up a farm girl and could run circles around me it seemed. I decided I’d be like Edna. She wore her faith on her sleeve and kids and parents adored her. She could be rough and gruff at times and then soothe them with supple soul words. She was authentic and always provided great feedback and wisdom. My supervisor at the child development center, Marthann Hoover, was such a quality leader too. She’d drop by the classrooms and give immediate feedback. I felt blessed. After three years together we all shared some sadness when I could no longer work there due to student teaching. I was always so nervous when the university supervisors would evaluate me during student teaching (I said “you’un’s” over 20 times in my first evaluation–I give all credit to my rural roots ;-)).

All of my jobs in my teens and through college (McDonalds, the license bureau, babysitting, cleaning, and teaching pre-school) set me up for a career with expectations. And at every experience feedback was given. I paid it forward by always trying to give feedback to staff. There’s a difference between needing a pat on the back and truly wanting to know if you’re making a difference and meeting marks of mastery. We all need encouragement though, even if a “needs to improve” is identified (and still with me, daily lol). Each year as a leader I would attend trainings to further my feedback familiarity.

I wanted to take a few to feed feedback to you. To my fellow writers: I love your creativity, authenticity, talents and gifts, humility, humor, truthfulness, effort, timing, interests, thought-provoking statements, commitment, courage, and approach. I appreciate how many of you keep me informed, raise awareness, and further my own success through your encouragement. Being a writer isn’t going to bring a million bucks (yeppers, I can name several it did); but this journey has been essential for my own health and healing. My goal isn’t to be famous. Being a do-er dreamer is in me still. A couple of weeks ago I visited the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum with great friends. Soaking in the history, and of course goosebumps, while walking through she and Almanzo’s farm again reminded that no matter the age, there are dreams to be achieved if you can and so choose (Laura was 65 when she was published).

My time is more crunched lately with a myriad of goals I try to meet each week; and I like it. One day a week I have the privilege of being coached. We have developed such a partnership that our hour can turn into two. And once we depart one another, I’m jumping on my goals for the next week. Like most of you, I’m on my own as far as editing, marketing, and building my audience. I’m going to work on a page on the website solely for my publishing-an “author page” if you will. There will be a description of the children’s book series in which I’m writing. And I think I may have found an illustrator. That’s a wonderful story to share later. 🤍

Three months ago today I became a house dweller. The foundation is below me and I’m doing my best to build on it; and strengthen it (I was giggly over gravel on Monday). Many days, aside from house chores, I’m zeroing in on social media for short spurts (ugh, it’s HARD because I’m not a huge fan of it–but in this day and age, it’s a must to connect with others; and I’m finding such amazing artists). Other weekly activities include placing book in print house form, editing and re-editing over and over, and trying to READ. As a writer I need to be READING. Which leads me to my title Faithful Feedback. I’m averaging about 1,000 e-mails a week (how about you?) and I SEE YOU. Your names pop up in my inbox each day. And I smile. The names of your posts make my mornings. This family of friends and fellow writers has been my portion of professionalism to propel my projects (adequate alliteration?). It would be my wish to read each and every post daily. I’m amazed by the talent of this community. I’m in awe of your commitments. And I just marvel at the marvelous magic you make on your keyboards (from “punny” poems, quick quotes, to anecdotal adventures and achievements) Congratulations on making it this far in life and doing what you’re doing. I’m proud of you all. And it’s my pleasure for knowing you. Truly. Stay safe, healthy, and blessed. You are loved. Stay encouraged please.

Have faith 💚

Photo by Jeffrey D. Payne

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Photo by Phong Nguyen on Pexels.com

79 thoughts on “Faithful Feedback”

  6. atimetoshare.me

    Thanks for your ever encouraging words. Your positive attitude is contagious even to an old broad like me. We all need a pat on the back applied with sincerity.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  7. Ah dear lady, the power of following your heart. It can do no other but blossom like a flower. It may close over to rest at night but each day it comes back bigger, brighter and more lovely each time. May this journey be forever printed in your heart with the love that created it and now shared to show others a path made with belief 😀 ❤️ 🙏🏽 🦋

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  8. Dearest Karla, how thankful I am that God crossed our paths. I have complete confidence in Christ who is in you to bring this series to completion. My book is on hold but not forgotten. Thank you for your smiles written with heartfelt encouragement. Please know my world is brighter because of you. Love, Julie

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thank you my friend. You’re a light in mine as well. I have the confidence, book or not, that the writing we do will carry on after us. And maybe along the way we just keep our light shining and love as we linger on. I know you will. I’m going to do my best too. So glad to call you friend and sister. Love, Karla ❤️

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

    1. Thank you, Julie. I never thought I’d be excited over having gravel lol. It’s definitely not the most joyful thing of Spring but it sure helped out my mud pits. I’ve got an area to mulch and am having fun rooting indeed (I’m thinking fresh tomatoes, beautiful plants, and the overall joy of nature). It’s so good to see you. Thank you for your support. I hope all is well with you and yours (and those lovely grandkids). ❤️💚💛🍀

      Like

      Reply

  11. You always make me smile, often ponder and occasionally blush. I look forward to reading your posts. The words we share through the ether are from the heart and the soul and that makes them so much more powerful than mere vowels and consonants. Be well my friend.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Pam, thank you for such sweet feedback. That is so kind. I look forward to reading yours as well. You have a gift and you’ve used life’s obstacles to just be stronger. Stay well! I get my first Covid-19 shot this morning in thinking of “being well”. Hugs and blessings. 💛

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  12. Karla, your posts are always a rich blend of honesty, compassion, and kindness.💗 You reminded me of my student teaching experience – mine, one semester in a high school setting. Good times! Best wishes on your writing and publishing goals and life happiness. 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  13. You are obviously a high-energy person! You have a lot going. I enjoyed your post and your reflections. (I graduated from college in 1989, only a little ahead of you. However, I was 35 at the time.)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Jon! My energy isn’t what it used to be, but I sure try to make “hay while the sun is shining “. It’s important to my health and mind to stay busy. But I sure know how to relax too; even if my “relaxing” is a walk in the woods. You and one of my dearest friends are the same age. And share similar stories of college. Way to go!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  14. Hitesh.C.K

    Ma’am you are a game changer and an inspiration.
    beautiful quotes. Experiences mould a person and its so evident in your writings.
    👏👏👏👏
    thank you

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  17. Such a wow life Karla and am so proud of you. Your whole journey of learning and growing and completing the feedback loop is amazing. All the very best for the books and the website. I too am into all that😊

    It is so good to know you.

    Love and blessings 💖🤗

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  19. Vicki

    Positive critique helps us grow. You have a very full plate! I have never understood people who say they have nothing to do. I’ve always felt all you have to do is look there’s always something! Another inspiring post dear friend! 💝💕🌈💞😊☕

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Happy Thursday my friend! You have such wisdom to share~I appreciate your encouragement and thoughts so much. ❤️There’s so much I want to do that I’m floating in the immediate routine that is helping me the most spiritually, physically, and emotionally. I love shaking it up a bit to go explore when there’s time or when my soul says, “It’s time for a big nature break!” Do you ever feel as though you’ve lived 1000 lives and you want to soak up every experience to better the next one? And I know how to find rest too. Will you guys be headed to Branson soon? Want to walk? I love you dear friend. Stay safe and blessed. 🌈🤗💕💚❤️

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Vicki

        Probably not till June. Have somethings that have come up in April/May. Can hardly wait to hug you walk/hike visit giggle & just be! Still waiting to get my covid shot.See you in June dear friend!☺😊

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Sounds good. I hope they get you in soon with your immune. I’m fortunate my doctor did everything, including the scheduling. I just had to fill out the forms when I arrived to the spot. For the first time in over two years my sons and their families will be visiting Missouri in May. I’ll be happy to show off grandkid pics when I see you. And I want to know how life is for you my friend. See you in June! ❤️💚💛

        Like

  22. I absolutely love coaching you!! You are such a delight and a true kindred spirit. Our time together is fun, fast paced and so packed with great content. It’s so nice watching you flourish through this whole process. xx Lisa

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  24. Karla, you always find a way in your posts to allow me the privilege of discovering a few more golden nuggets. Feedback is the lifeblood of any relationship, and I was blessed with wonderful mentors during my teaching career. Best wishes with your continuing writing.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Richard. It makes me smile huge to know that it blessed you. I can imagine all you could share with your years in education. I appreciate your support immensely. Blessings to you both!

      Like

      Reply

  26. I was talking with my daughter today about some of the life skills learned in my early jobs. I appreciate the qualities you describe in Ms. Edna Stockstill, “…authentic….wisdom…” I wholeheartedly agree with paying it forward. The words in your green box left me brimming with tears. You hit a chord. I did not know how old Laura was when she was published. I get about 100 emails a day, and I keep working on a system to stay on top of them. I day off and my system derails. The word ‘emergence’ continues to pop up in my radar, such as in Mother Teresa’s quote. I need to pay attention. A great post on many levels!💕

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I’m so thankful for your thoughts and comments my friend. It touches my heart that it touched you. It’s taken me a year to find any rhythm on maintaining my site~and most now because I’m not working outside of home. It’s on Sunday nights or Monday mornings I set some weekly goals and this seems to be the time I do my weekly expunging. I always enjoy your posts and and pictures. And all your travel experiences. You have much wisdom and insight to offer. I know I’m forever a work in progress; give yourself grace too. Hugs and peace my friend. ❤️🤗💛

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  28. Just found this. Yes, feedback from faithful, honest sources is a true (and humbling) gift. Where would we be without it? Stuck, I am afraid. Thanks for the encouragement to seek and accept encouragement in the form of honest comments.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.