Back to the Future

I'm completely convinced that teachers are the unsung heroes of our culture. Perhaps my viewpoint is a bit slanted by the fact that both my parents were dedicated teachers of the highest caliber. Their intelligence, humor, dedication and passion for education made an indelible impression on me. I also sat in the schoolroom of some amazing teaching professionals that no doubt have shaped my thinking and outlook more than I realize.

Mrs. Wread was my beloved first grade teacher. What an appropriate name, and it's fun to think of how her love of reading influenced me. I’m thinking that the formative experience with her loving encouragement set the stage for my love of school. I really did love it, but would scarcely admit that once I realized that wasn’t “cool”, which was some years later.

I could go through a hall of fame of teachers who made a difference in my life, ending with Mrs. Repulski, my senior high English teacher who was strict, hard and inspired us to like Shakespeare. I still don't buy blue ink pens to this day because that was forbidden in her class. I’m pretty sure if I filled in the names of terrific teachers I had between 1st & 12th grade, your eyes would glaze over as if I were making you sit through home movies. I do find it interesting that I don't remember even one of my college professors. Kinda sad.

I’ll fast forward and share a piece on teachers that I’ve read many, many times since the first Chicken Soup for the Soul book was published. This piece called “I am a Teacher” is in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week. I’m also participating in Flash Back Friday with Mocha With Linda, my book-fanatic friend. Go by and say Hi -you’ll be happy to meet a talented lady. This may look long but I hope you love it as much as I do...

I Am A Teacher

I am a Teacher. I was born the first moment that a question leaped from the mouth of a child. I have been many people in many places. I am Socrates exciting the youth of Athens to discover new ideas through use of questions. I am Anne Sullivan tapping out the secrets of the universe into the outstretched hand of Helen Keller. I am Aesop and Hans Christian Andersen revealing truth through countless stories. I am Marva Collins fighting for every child’s right to an education.

The names of those who have practiced my profession ring like a hall of fame for humanity…Booker T. Washington, Buddha, Confucious, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Leo Buscagalia, Moses and Jesus. I am also those whose names and faces have long been forgotten but whose lessons and character will always be remembered in the accomplishments of their students.

I have wept for joy at the weddings of former students, laughed with glee at the birth of their children and stood with head bowed in grief and confusion by graves dug too soon for bodies too young. Throughout the course of a day I have been called to be an actor, friend, nurse and doctor, coach, finder of lost articles, money lender, taxi driver, psychologist, substitute parent, salesman, pediatrician and a keeper of the faith.

I am a paradox. I speak loudest when I listen the most. My greatest gifts are in what I am willing to appreciatively receive from my students.

Material wealth is not one of my goals, but I am a full-time treasure seeker in my quest for new opportunities for my students to use their talents and in my constant search for those talents that sometimes lie buried in self-defeat.

I am the most fortunate of all who labor. A doctor is allowed to usher life into the world in one magic moment. I am allowed to see that life is reborn each day with new questions, ideas and friendships. An architect knows that if he builds with care, his structure may stand for centuries. A teacher knows that if he builds with love and truth, what he builds will last forever.

I am a warrior, daily doing battle against peer pressure, negativity, fear, conformity, prejudice, ignorance and apathy. But I have great allies. Intelligence, Curiosity, Parental Support, Individuality, Creativity, Faith, Love and Laughter all rush to my banner with indomitable support.

And so I have a past that is rich in memories. I have a present that is challenging, adventurous and fun because I am allowed to spend my days with the future.
I am a teacher… and I thank God for it every day.

John W. Schlatter in Chicken Soup for the Soul

Fresh Smiles for Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites is a new (just started today) blog carnival hosted by The Other Mama. I love the theme… it’s open enough to allow room for creativity & randomness. Thanks, Hilary! I've just been introduced to her and I'm charmed.

I was just thinking this morning about how a childlike sense of wonder is one of my favorite things. I just learned today that Rosebud has started waving and clapping this week!! No small accomplishment, as it signals that she’s ready for even more fun with her Nana (me!). A trip south to see her has just gone from important to urgent.

So today, I’m sharing my favorite little person who brings, joy, laughter and a fresh sense of wonder into my life. While I’m speaking about favorites, my daughter, Uncommon Blonde, blogged this week about “Ifs and Whens” and wrote, "I'll focus on what’s good about today. Whether it be tiny smiles, or lunch with a friend - a delicious meal, or a long talk with someone beloved - a favorite tv show or a good laugh -- these are all the gifts of every day that pass us by if we don't stop and unwrap them." Her sentiments make me smile because that's as good a defintion of living with a sense of wonder as I can think of. Here are fresh smiles for Friday:

And since Hilary was sharing about her favorite activity of shopping deals for her children, I have to add that I hit the “FairyTale Sale” last Saturday, which is hosted twice a year by the Seven Chicks and it was so much fun. I bought about 7 outfits and the “Eight Silly Monkeys” book and had a blast.
Life is Good.

Still Crazy After All These Years

Hillary is hosting a “crazy” blog carnival. (That’s the theme.) If there was ever a blog carnival that had my name on it – this is it. Here’s just a few pieces of evidence:

My sister and I can still sing every single word of the Joni Mitchell Song “ Twisted” without accompaniment and perfectly together. We love it. Oh mercy- some of you probably don't know this title as it was popular in the 70's. I was barely born then. ; ) Never mind that the title of this post is an Eagle’s song from the same era. Era- that word sounds old - but of course, I'm not. Call me delusional, but don't call me old.

I'll dance as if no one is watching, even if they are. My youngest child has been known to scold me and say “don’t EVER do that again”. Party pooper.

I call it “The Drama Gene”, which dictates that I’m not easily embarrassed. This doesn’t bode well for those shy people in my company. I love to laugh and do so too loudly, I’m pretty sure.

My mind can be like a Lazy Susan. It's full of good stuff. If I can't reach it at the moment, it will come back around.

One of my favorite cards, given to me by Uncommon Blonde several years ago, has the photo below with the inscription: Happy Mother’s Day to my very glamorous, sometimes goofy, always glorious Mom. I love it.
For lots of versions of crazy, visit Hillary’s place… you’ll meet some of my friends over there. My mama always said “you’re known by the company you keep” and “birds of a feather flock together.”

By the way, did you know that Joie de vivre is a lovely translation for “she’s a little crazy”?

Year of the Scarf

It’s freezing even in Florida this morning so I figured it’s a great day for a scarf. They make me warm. And unlike a turtleneck, if I start to feel stifled I can loosen it or take it off. I didn’t wear scarves much until this year, so I guess it really is the year of the scarf.

Rachel at Unexpected Blessings is hosting a blog carnival and it seemed like a great idea to join in until I started trying to take the photos. LOL.

This might be basic information to you, but I find a plain-neck solid top is the easiest thing to wear a scarf with. I love that it takes something plain and makes it more of an outfit. This first scarf I bought this year on sale at Ann Taylor Loft, one of my favorite stores.The second scarf is a little harder to wear because it’s short, but my mom made it for me and I really like it. She’s really handy with a needle. (That inclination totally skipped me.) I love jewel tones; bright, rich colors make me happy.
Photographers know better to than to make it look like your ceiling fan is a headdress, but I’m not a photographer. For more scarf inspiration, visit Rachel’s place. Happy Monday!