Kids are going back to school and I always feel a little nostalgic when this time of year rolls around. When I was a little girl, I loved getting a new pair of shoes and the clothes my mother made for me to start school. But most of all, I loved the new pencil box I got each year. They were only made of cardboard, had a drawer in them and contained pencils, an eraser, a pencil sharpener and a pen, one you dipped in the ink well.
I always loved school either as a student or a teacher. Speaking of teachers, I think each one should either have typed and put on their desk or else made into a large poster and tacked on the wall, part of a poem by one of my favorite poets, Walt Whitman. It is A Child Went Forth . I will post it here before I comment on it.
There was a child went forth every day;
And every object he look'd upon, that object he became:
And that object became part of him for the day, or a certain part of
the day, or for many years, or stretching cycles of years.
The early lilies became part of this child,
and grass, and white and red morning-glories, and white and
red clover, and the song of the phoebe-bird,
and the Third -month lambs, and the sow's pink-faint litter,
and the mare's foal, and the cow's calf,
and the noisy brood of the barn-yard, or by the mire of the pond-side,
and the fish suspending themselves so curiously below there --and the
curious liquid l
And the water-plants with their graceful flat heads--all became
part of him.
The field-sprouts of Fourth-month and Fifth-month became part of him;
Winter-grain sprouts , and those of the light-yellow corn, and the
esculent roots of the garden,
and the apple-trees covered with blossoms, and the fruit afterward,
and wood-berries, and the commonest weeds by the road;
and the old drunkard staggering home from the out-house of the tavern,
whence he had lately risin,
and the school-mistress that pass'd on her way to school,and the friendly boys that pass'd--and the quarrelsome boys,
and the tidy and fresh-cheeked girls--and the barefoot negro boy and girl,
and all the changes of city and country wherever he went.
I will end it here as I think by now you see what I am getting at. I hope all teachers realize that every thing they say and do, everything they teach, evevy new object or idea they present to their students becomes a part of that child. Wow, what a great responsibility.
This makes me wonder. When a teacher has your child nine months of the year, five days a week, do you ever think what a great influence the teacher has on your child? And do you ever wonder why movie stars and athletes get paid millions of dollars for one performance and yet teachers, who have such a great influence on your child gets paid so little?
Just food for thought. Happy school days.
Till next timer,
Be kind to one another.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Friday, August 12, 2011
If You grew up in Ridgefield
When I opened my e mail yesterday my inbox registered 147 messages. What the????????? Bob Horal asked if people grew up in Ridgefield that they replied with what they remembered. I have poor eyesight, but I started reading the replies. Some very interesting. However, after about 50 of these I just ended up deleting them. Too hard to read. I hope Bob can put them all together in one article and share with us.
I did not grow up in Ridgefield, but, I taught a lot of kids who did. "These are just a few of my memories.
My husband and I came to Ridgefield in 1964, me English, and my hubby in Chemistry and Biology. At the time there were on openings for an English teacher, but I was promised the next opening. In the meantime, there was no Kindergarten in the district and they wanted me to start one at Union Ridge and Lorna Montigue at South Ridge. I had a blast and almost wished I had majored in elementary education.
Some of my kindergarten memories are, making mud pies and decorating them with colored chips used in fish boles. We learned mud pie poems and had a mud pie display in our hall display window.
When we read The Three Billy Goats Gruff, we went over to the park behind Union Ridge and did an action play of the story. There was a little wooden bridge and the kids could get under it, which made the story more real to them.
Then I went to the old Ridgefield High School on Main Street. My last three years there ended when the school was torn down. (cried over that).
I remember a young blond first year math teacher (forgot her name). The boys loved to tease her and when she was out of the room, they took all their desks and put them out the window. She came to my room and cried. Shame on you guys.
In my husbands class, a lot of kids were always saying they had to go to the rest room, so instead of giving them a hall pass, they had to carry a beaker full of yellow water down the hall to the rest room. It certainly made a difference. Ha.The gum thing on my desk. Need I say more?
John Rose never handed in book reports and I decided I was going to end that. We had a football game that night and I told him if I didn't receive a book report, he would not be able to play that evening. At the game, he came running up handed me his book report and went on to play the game. When I returned home I looked at the report. The little stinker had pulled a fast one on me. He had copied his entire report of the book flap.
And the kids could never figure out why I always cried at their graduations. They didn't realize that over nine months I had learned to love them as if their were my own kids (even the ones who skipped class etc.)_
I went to every baseball game the kids plated and one of the nicest gifts I ever received is sitting on display in my library. It is the winning baseball signed by Jim Davenport, 2nd base, Dennis Nieman, short stop, Nick Anderson, catcher, Tom Kane, right field, Dave Berry, first base, John Rose, center field, Pat Gonzales, ?, . What a special treasure.
So, even though I didn't grow up in Ridgefield, I bet I have as many great memories of that little town and any one else.
I did not grow up in Ridgefield, but, I taught a lot of kids who did. "These are just a few of my memories.
My husband and I came to Ridgefield in 1964, me English, and my hubby in Chemistry and Biology. At the time there were on openings for an English teacher, but I was promised the next opening. In the meantime, there was no Kindergarten in the district and they wanted me to start one at Union Ridge and Lorna Montigue at South Ridge. I had a blast and almost wished I had majored in elementary education.
Some of my kindergarten memories are, making mud pies and decorating them with colored chips used in fish boles. We learned mud pie poems and had a mud pie display in our hall display window.
When we read The Three Billy Goats Gruff, we went over to the park behind Union Ridge and did an action play of the story. There was a little wooden bridge and the kids could get under it, which made the story more real to them.
Then I went to the old Ridgefield High School on Main Street. My last three years there ended when the school was torn down. (cried over that).
I remember a young blond first year math teacher (forgot her name). The boys loved to tease her and when she was out of the room, they took all their desks and put them out the window. She came to my room and cried. Shame on you guys.
In my husbands class, a lot of kids were always saying they had to go to the rest room, so instead of giving them a hall pass, they had to carry a beaker full of yellow water down the hall to the rest room. It certainly made a difference. Ha.The gum thing on my desk. Need I say more?
John Rose never handed in book reports and I decided I was going to end that. We had a football game that night and I told him if I didn't receive a book report, he would not be able to play that evening. At the game, he came running up handed me his book report and went on to play the game. When I returned home I looked at the report. The little stinker had pulled a fast one on me. He had copied his entire report of the book flap.
And the kids could never figure out why I always cried at their graduations. They didn't realize that over nine months I had learned to love them as if their were my own kids (even the ones who skipped class etc.)_
I went to every baseball game the kids plated and one of the nicest gifts I ever received is sitting on display in my library. It is the winning baseball signed by Jim Davenport, 2nd base, Dennis Nieman, short stop, Nick Anderson, catcher, Tom Kane, right field, Dave Berry, first base, John Rose, center field, Pat Gonzales, ?, . What a special treasure.
So, even though I didn't grow up in Ridgefield, I bet I have as many great memories of that little town and any one else.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
What Do They Have In Common?
A few days ago someone said on Face Book, "It's Tuesday and there's nothing to do." I can't imagine never having nothing to do, but if you are one of them, here is a little article for you to solve. What do these things have in common?
Toasting marshmallows over a camp fire. Hot Fudge Sundays on a hot summer day. Cuddling a child or a loved one. Wearing a comfortable pair of old shoes. Singing your favorite songs. Dogs. Country Quilts made by hand. Taking classes in something you are really interested in. Tinkling wind chimes. Finding the first blossom in early Spring.
Well, by now you probably already know what they have in common, but here are a few more things if you are not sure. Kindergarten drawings framed and hung where all can see them. Bacon and eggs. Steel cut oatmeal topped with lots of brown sugar and a little half and half. A glass of good wine (or diet Pepsi if you prefer.) Fresh air. Watching a red and gold sunset with someone you care about and staying until it turns into deep purple. Fresh peaches, so juicy that the juice runs down your chin.
You probably all know what they have in common now. Here are just a few more reminders (there are millions.) New peas. Being silly just for the heck of it. Gardenias, fragrant and beautiful.Wearing grungy clothes. Bird songs at dawn. Fresh Baked bread with strawberry butter. Hunting for antiques.(really old things that you can make beautiful>) Lilac bushes in bloom. A kind word or note from a friend. A great book to snuggle up with (popcorn on the side.) The dove gray morning just as a flash of golden sun appears and you drink your first cup of coffee.
Enough. By now you must know that these are Blessings that can make us happy. You should make your own list of things that make you happy and post it where you can read it every day. Reminds me of the old Hymn, Count your many Blessings, see what God has done.
Until next time
Be kind to one another
Toasting marshmallows over a camp fire. Hot Fudge Sundays on a hot summer day. Cuddling a child or a loved one. Wearing a comfortable pair of old shoes. Singing your favorite songs. Dogs. Country Quilts made by hand. Taking classes in something you are really interested in. Tinkling wind chimes. Finding the first blossom in early Spring.
Well, by now you probably already know what they have in common, but here are a few more things if you are not sure. Kindergarten drawings framed and hung where all can see them. Bacon and eggs. Steel cut oatmeal topped with lots of brown sugar and a little half and half. A glass of good wine (or diet Pepsi if you prefer.) Fresh air. Watching a red and gold sunset with someone you care about and staying until it turns into deep purple. Fresh peaches, so juicy that the juice runs down your chin.
You probably all know what they have in common now. Here are just a few more reminders (there are millions.) New peas. Being silly just for the heck of it. Gardenias, fragrant and beautiful.Wearing grungy clothes. Bird songs at dawn. Fresh Baked bread with strawberry butter. Hunting for antiques.(really old things that you can make beautiful>) Lilac bushes in bloom. A kind word or note from a friend. A great book to snuggle up with (popcorn on the side.) The dove gray morning just as a flash of golden sun appears and you drink your first cup of coffee.
Enough. By now you must know that these are Blessings that can make us happy. You should make your own list of things that make you happy and post it where you can read it every day. Reminds me of the old Hymn, Count your many Blessings, see what God has done.
Until next time
Be kind to one another
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Not my Day
I think I should have staid in bed today. Nothing seems to go right.
Last night my hot water faucet in the kitchen started to run a steady stream of water. It was too late to call a plumber and I was not able to get under the sink and turn off the water so..........I am sure I will have a huge electric bill and a larger water bill. I called someone this a.m., waited a couple of hours and when he came he had to leave to get a washer. He could not stop the stream, in fact he said he had never seen this much water, he assumed I just had a leaky faucet. It was leaky all right. Any how, he did get it fixed, but the faucet is on backwards and he could not get it to go the right way. I don't care....at least it works.
Then I came in to check my e-mail. What to my wondering eyes did appear, but t two piles of vomit, Oh goodness, Oh dear. Seems Annie ate something she shouldn't have. Then I turned my head and three more lovely heaps on the floor. By the time I got through checking all the floors I found twelve little piles of poor Annie's insides. Bless her little heart, I have one sick puppy on my hands. She is so small I don't know where this all came from.
Well, other than those little problems, I have such a sore toe that it hurts to even feel my stocking on my foot.
Believe it or not, we all have our bad days and I really don't have too many so I can't complain. I just have to remember that "this is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." I am and I will.
Until next time
Be kind to one another
\
Last night my hot water faucet in the kitchen started to run a steady stream of water. It was too late to call a plumber and I was not able to get under the sink and turn off the water so..........I am sure I will have a huge electric bill and a larger water bill. I called someone this a.m., waited a couple of hours and when he came he had to leave to get a washer. He could not stop the stream, in fact he said he had never seen this much water, he assumed I just had a leaky faucet. It was leaky all right. Any how, he did get it fixed, but the faucet is on backwards and he could not get it to go the right way. I don't care....at least it works.
Then I came in to check my e-mail. What to my wondering eyes did appear, but t two piles of vomit, Oh goodness, Oh dear. Seems Annie ate something she shouldn't have. Then I turned my head and three more lovely heaps on the floor. By the time I got through checking all the floors I found twelve little piles of poor Annie's insides. Bless her little heart, I have one sick puppy on my hands. She is so small I don't know where this all came from.
Well, other than those little problems, I have such a sore toe that it hurts to even feel my stocking on my foot.
Believe it or not, we all have our bad days and I really don't have too many so I can't complain. I just have to remember that "this is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." I am and I will.
Until next time
Be kind to one another
\
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Interesting Day
PHASE 1
About a year ago I received an e-mail from a person named Joyce Ackley. She said she heard there was another Joyce Ackley that was a writer and she wondered if it was me. She said she lived in Florida and was also a writer. I answered and told her, yes, I am that writer. Since then we have corresponded on FB.
PHASE 2
I informed her that I was 85 and perhaps she wasn't interested in keeping up a conversation with me. She said she would love to. I at once said, "Well, I guess you are my daughter and I named you after me. She wrote back and called me Mommy. As I wrote quotations on FB each day, she would often check like, which showed up as Joyce Ackley likes this. I told her it was rather embarrassing, because people thought I was always liking my own posts. So, she added her middle initial. She now became Joyce H. Ackley. I at once wrote back and said, "Oh no, My name is H. Joyce Ackley, don't tell me your middle name is Helen." It isn't. That would have really been hilarious.
PHASE 3
I asked her for her phone number and today I received an e-mail with the number. I at once called her. What fun. I heard a lady with a sweet southern accent answer the phone and I asked if it was my little Florida daughter. From there we had about a half-hour conversation. We talked about everything from the weather, our aches and pains, our writing and men. I am so glad I finally got to meet her in person. Nice lady, nice friend, nice daughter.
Until next time
Be kind to one another
About a year ago I received an e-mail from a person named Joyce Ackley. She said she heard there was another Joyce Ackley that was a writer and she wondered if it was me. She said she lived in Florida and was also a writer. I answered and told her, yes, I am that writer. Since then we have corresponded on FB.
PHASE 2
I informed her that I was 85 and perhaps she wasn't interested in keeping up a conversation with me. She said she would love to. I at once said, "Well, I guess you are my daughter and I named you after me. She wrote back and called me Mommy. As I wrote quotations on FB each day, she would often check like, which showed up as Joyce Ackley likes this. I told her it was rather embarrassing, because people thought I was always liking my own posts. So, she added her middle initial. She now became Joyce H. Ackley. I at once wrote back and said, "Oh no, My name is H. Joyce Ackley, don't tell me your middle name is Helen." It isn't. That would have really been hilarious.
PHASE 3
I asked her for her phone number and today I received an e-mail with the number. I at once called her. What fun. I heard a lady with a sweet southern accent answer the phone and I asked if it was my little Florida daughter. From there we had about a half-hour conversation. We talked about everything from the weather, our aches and pains, our writing and men. I am so glad I finally got to meet her in person. Nice lady, nice friend, nice daughter.
Until next time
Be kind to one another
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Count your Blessings
I went to physical therapy today. Across from me in the waiting room was a woman probably in her late 30's with the most perfect legs and a pair of shoes that any woman would love to have. Beautiful heels. I haven't been able to wear heels for a few years now. All of a sudden, right in public, I had a silent pity party. Since I am a very positive person, this is very unusual for me.
As I sat there wishing I could wear heels, a good looking young man passed in front of me in a wheelchair. Wow, I thought, at least I can walk. It may be difficult for me, but I can do it.
Then an older man and a young woman sat down. I noticed that he was using sign language and I thought, what have I got to complain about. I may wear hearing aids, but I can hear. I am so blessed. I can hear the birds singing in my yard every morning and I can hear my son's voice every day when we chat, always ending with "I love you."
Finally there was a girl about l8 with her leg in a small cast and using crutches. By this time my pity party had ended. I have so much to be thankful for. I have a lot of pain, but when I look at others and think of the people in the world who are suffering, I will be like Pollyanna and play the glad game. You can always find something to be glad about if you try.
So, count your blessings as the old song says, "name them one by one, count your many blessings see what God has done"
Until next time
Be kind to one another
As I sat there wishing I could wear heels, a good looking young man passed in front of me in a wheelchair. Wow, I thought, at least I can walk. It may be difficult for me, but I can do it.
Then an older man and a young woman sat down. I noticed that he was using sign language and I thought, what have I got to complain about. I may wear hearing aids, but I can hear. I am so blessed. I can hear the birds singing in my yard every morning and I can hear my son's voice every day when we chat, always ending with "I love you."
Finally there was a girl about l8 with her leg in a small cast and using crutches. By this time my pity party had ended. I have so much to be thankful for. I have a lot of pain, but when I look at others and think of the people in the world who are suffering, I will be like Pollyanna and play the glad game. You can always find something to be glad about if you try.
So, count your blessings as the old song says, "name them one by one, count your many blessings see what God has done"
Until next time
Be kind to one another
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Remembering
It seems that the past week has been one of loss. Many friends and relatives all died, three of them in one day.
My sister-in-law, Marge, was a darling girl when I first met her. At the time I was living in Memphis, Tenn. and my husband and I drove to Portland, Oregon to meet his family. Marge was a super housekeeper and I was always afraid I might spill something on her floor, or break her beautiful china. However, she was a sweet hostess and I was very impressed with her. I have to laugh now when I think of the day she was going to take me to downtown Portland to shop. We were ready to go and she said, where are your gloves? I didn't have any and she opened a drawer filled with white gloves, picked out a pair and informed me you didn't go to town without gloves on. Those were the days.
Then there is my daughter-in-law. Her mom died the same day. I only met her mom a few times. She had Alzheimer's, was 93 years old, and was ready to go.
Then their is one of my former students (40 years ago). Darci has become almost like a daughter that I never had. Her mom also died of Alzheimer's, was 90 and was ready to go, but left a big hole in Darci's heart. She will really miss her mom.
Strange thing that all three women were in their 90's, all had Alzheimer's and all picked the same day to go. Wonder if they will meet in Heaven?
Dieing is a strange thing. I am not afraid to die, I do hope it won't be in a painful situation or a traumatic way, but I am just not in any hurry to go. Some people think when you are old your life is boring. I feel it doesn't have to be. I have so many pictures I still want to paint. So many poems to write, and so many experiences to explore before I go.
What are your feelings about death? I think you should always remember to say I love you each time you leave someone as that person may not be around later. My son and I always say I love you every time we are together or talk on the phone.
If you read my blogs I would appreciate it if you would check as a follower. I know some of you read it, but you are not listed. I just want to be sure someone is reading all my rambling. Thanks so much.
Until next time,
Be kind to one another
My sister-in-law, Marge, was a darling girl when I first met her. At the time I was living in Memphis, Tenn. and my husband and I drove to Portland, Oregon to meet his family. Marge was a super housekeeper and I was always afraid I might spill something on her floor, or break her beautiful china. However, she was a sweet hostess and I was very impressed with her. I have to laugh now when I think of the day she was going to take me to downtown Portland to shop. We were ready to go and she said, where are your gloves? I didn't have any and she opened a drawer filled with white gloves, picked out a pair and informed me you didn't go to town without gloves on. Those were the days.
Then there is my daughter-in-law. Her mom died the same day. I only met her mom a few times. She had Alzheimer's, was 93 years old, and was ready to go.
Then their is one of my former students (40 years ago). Darci has become almost like a daughter that I never had. Her mom also died of Alzheimer's, was 90 and was ready to go, but left a big hole in Darci's heart. She will really miss her mom.
Strange thing that all three women were in their 90's, all had Alzheimer's and all picked the same day to go. Wonder if they will meet in Heaven?
Dieing is a strange thing. I am not afraid to die, I do hope it won't be in a painful situation or a traumatic way, but I am just not in any hurry to go. Some people think when you are old your life is boring. I feel it doesn't have to be. I have so many pictures I still want to paint. So many poems to write, and so many experiences to explore before I go.
What are your feelings about death? I think you should always remember to say I love you each time you leave someone as that person may not be around later. My son and I always say I love you every time we are together or talk on the phone.
If you read my blogs I would appreciate it if you would check as a follower. I know some of you read it, but you are not listed. I just want to be sure someone is reading all my rambling. Thanks so much.
Until next time,
Be kind to one another
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