Thanks Mr. Holloway!

Can you think of a teacher that had a positive impact on you? Foremost in my mind is Mr. Holloway. He was a small man with big glasses, a moustache and rather bald. He was probably in his early sixties the years I was in his classes as he retired three years after I graduated.

No, it's not a misprint; I did mean years! To clarify he was my English teacher and Latin teacher for two years which leads me to another explanation. Luckily, I was not repeating-just taking two different levels.

By sharing this info, I am dating myself. There are not too many high schools teaching Latin these days. It is a wonderful way to learn about English vocabulary and some cool history. I know it helped my SAT scores, also.

English class was challenging. He made certain we could not cruise. There were plenty of times we all thought he expected too much. Plus-did we really need to learn or read half of what he taught? Symbolism, similes, gerunds, protagonists, alliteration, bibliographies, Dante, Shakespeare.....WHY? He knew why!

While many other students were struggling with college English, I found the classes easier than in high school! Not only did I benefit then, it has served me well to this day.

I never got back to school to express my appreciation. Today I am. Thanks, Mr Holloway for teaching me discipline, knowledge and how to think for myself!

Do you have a "Mr. Holloway" to thank? Imagine how good you'll both feel when you do!

Connections

Today I am missing my best friends very much! Two are relatives. The other two are former co-workers. I would love to get together with any or all of them right now. Distance is the issue. As previously stated, I live in NE, and these women live in the Midwest and CA. Hardly a day trip!

Fortunately, we stay in touch via e-mail. Unfortunately, cyber hugs just aren't the same.

I am also close to three much younger women. Two are relatives I have known since their birth. Both are happy, doing very well and live far away. I am proud of them, and try to have a positive impact on their lives. They certainly put a positive spin on mine.

The third is someone I met about eighteen months ago. Even though she is twentysome years younger than I and from a completely different culture, we are kindred spirits. Her family lives in a different country. As far as I am concerned, she is another cousin or third niece. Yet, I view her as an equal as I know that she can and has taught me things about life. Gladly, I see her weekly since we share a common activity!
My experience is that I can learn from people of all ages and backgrounds. The qualities I value in a

person are universal and ageless. I cherish the interest and joy so many add to my life.

"One's family does not have to consist only of relatives." quote by suze

First Edition

Today is the first day I'll_______________. You can fill-in the blank. Think for a minute and make it something just for you. Whether you are a single woman, SAHM, career woman with or without a family, single mother, wife, caregiver, divorced or retired, put yourself on your own list! In my adult life I have been all of the above except for one.

For me it is to start this blog today. You're invited to take this journey with me!