It’s hard for me to choose just one favorite genre of music because I enjoy rock, pop, country, and R&B. Lately, I’ve found myself strolling down memory lane, revisiting the classic hits of my youth. I grew up on country western music, often listening to my parents’ old vinyl records featuring artists like Conway Twitty, Glen Campbell, and Charley Pride.
I also loved the heartfelt lyrics and acoustic sounds of folk artist John Denver, as well as the storytelling style of country crooner Kenny Rogers. At the same time, I couldn’t resist the energetic beats of disco—especially the music of Earth, Wind & Fire and the Bee Gees. Soft rock was another favorite, with bands like the Eagles providing a mellow, easy-listening backdrop to many of my teenage memories.
If I could draw and paint, I would love to illustrate a children’s book. I think it would be so much fun to create something colorful and magical, something that would make a small child smile.
I am blessed to have a circle of friends who are more like family than friends. I know who to call when I need advice, a shoulder to lean on, or just someone to laugh with over lunch. In this ever-changing world, it is nice to know some things remain the same.
So I will end with two of my favorite friendship quotes:
Good friends are like the stars, you don’t always see them, but you know they are always there. -Christy Evans
“Never let your friends be lonely — disturb them all the time.” -Unknown
I have several different ways to unwind after a demanding day. When the weather is nice, I enjoy walking my dogs, Max and Mitzi. Some days, I will work out at the local Y; other days, I will curl up with a good book.
This prompt makes me smile, for I try to be grateful for each day and all that it offers. For me, here are a few of my everyday things that bring me happiness.
Coffee with my pups. Yep, my pups. Every morning, I make coffee, bring it to bed, and begin my day. I often write, scan the news, or prepare for my workday. and well, the pups are in the mix because they try to steal my coffee. Cheeky little buggers.
Working with my students – They have really made me feel extra special lately. I broke my ankle, and they all take turns fussing over me. Truly a blessing!
Texts or calls from friends and family – As I get older, I realize how special these moments are.
Walking outside and enjoying the sunshine and the fresh air.
Night time, when I settle in for the night, surrounded by Max and Moo.
“I hate this stupid thing, and I’m sending it back!”
Sigh. My first “real” cell phone was a nightmare—I hated being stuck with that new contraption. In the past, I’d used inexpensive flip phones on vacation, paying only a modest monthly fee. They were simple, nothing fancy, and often I’d keep them just until I eventually forgot about them and stopped paying the bill.
And oh the horror! Once, some of my eighth graders joked that I must be a drug dealer because I carried a burner phone. I just shook my head, gave them the “look,” and remarked, “You watch too much TV.” Back then, I had no desire for a phone glued to my hip 24/7. I believed phones belonged on the kitchen wall—safe from loss and easy to ignore—and I never worried about leaving home without one.
Still, nearly two years ago, circumstances shifted. My sweet daughter insisted it was time for me to get a phone—or else she’d get me a life alert. I wasn’t thrilled; Still, I even imagined the fun I could have if firefighters showed up every time I pressed the alert button. But Leslie reminded me that, eventually, they’d send the sheriff. Total buzz kill. Reluctantly, I accepted that it was time for this dinosaur to step into the 21st century. I didn’t have to love it, though, and to add insult to injury, my new smartphone proved to be much smarter than I was.
My family and my students laughed at my early struggles, yet they also helped this Grammy navigate the strange device. Despite the initial hiccups, I eventually grew to like—and even love—my phone, just a little.
I mean who wouldn’t appreciate having a camera at the ready or the ability to listen to audiobooks on a whim? And forget about traditional alarm clocks—the one on my phone is far more convenient. I now navigate road trips with ease, and with a single tap, my favorite tunes are ready to accompany me on drives or workouts. Of course, I love receiving texts from my kids, and, dare I say it, my phone has become a trusted sidekick. After all, nobody puts Baby in the corner—or in this case, back on the kitchen wall!
Running to the end of the pier, the two girls giggled with delight. The sun shimmered on the bay, casting a harsh glare, and Amy wished she had brought her sunglasses. Barb’s large straw hat shielded her face, but she still worried about new freckles appearing across her cheeks and the bridge of her nose. Seagulls squawked in protest and flapped away from the pier’s edge as the girls approached. With a shared grin, they kicked off their flip-flops, Barb dropped her hat, and the pair leaped into the cool, inviting water.
Axel’s sudden bark jolted the grandmother from her thoughts, and she laughed as she watched him chase a squirrel. But as she settled in her rocker, her mind drifted back to that island memory—when she and her little sister had played in the San Francisco Bay, a lifetime ago.
“There are two lasting bequests we can give our children: One is roots, the other is wings.” Teaching children values and giving them the opportunity to excel is essential to good parenting. However, I feel I must also provide my children (and myself) insight into the ones who came before us: our ancestors whose lives and stories have shaped us into who we are. This is my journey; these are their stories…
Tales of a Family 