Sunrise Inspiration

"Oh, Sunlight!  The most precious

 gold found on Earth"

Roman Payne

Sunrise for me is the most beautiful hope for the Day!  It begins in hope and becomes what we make it.  This to me is inspiring.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Cathy

 

My Favorite School Teacher

When I think back on all the teachers who have influenced me the most in my life, I think of my third grade teacher, Miss Spalding, first. A little background. I spent 1st and 2nd grade at St. Mary's School. During the year I was in 2nd grade, parish boundaries changed to establish a new parish that would have to parochial school and we lived in the boundaries of the new parish. As a result the next school year, I would be attending public school. I really loved St. Mary's School and the sisters that taught there, especially Sister Michael Clair, a Sister of Saint Joseph.

This frightened child, shy and really knowing no one at the school, had to walk into this 3rd grade classroom without knowing a soul. Rumor had it that I was getting the meanest teacher in the school and if she would become angry with you that meant she didn't like you. This was who Miss Spalding was.

At that time I realized how gullible I really am...I can't change that. I still am. But then I believed everything I was told. Miss Spalding was indeed daunting. A large lady who carried herself with dignity. She had control and command of the class from the time she entered the room in the morning until we left in the afternoon.

Why was she so good? Because she cared. Reprimands were meant to encourage not demean. She didn't single anyone out. She had no "teacher's pet." All were treated fairly. She gave us lessons in art history. She taught us writing skills by allowing us to expand our imaginations. Art had purpose it wasn't used to kill time. "Times tables" were serious lessons not just something that had to be done. Spelling was not a necessary evil but a skill that was to be used in communication. She loved her work. And only after that year did I really come to appreciate how good she was to me.

My sister Rita had her in school as well. My brother Tom began his 3rd grade year with her but tragically she died and Tom did not have the benefits of all her talents and skills as a teacher. God blessed me with someone who knew the value of an education and took each of us individually to task so that we could be the best we could be. Miss Spalding really deserved an A+ from all her students...

~~~+~~~

For Miss Spalding and all dedicated
teachers,

Thanks be to God!!!

For more favorite teacher stories visit Catholic Teacher Musings.

I was tagged...

before Christmas by Lisa for the Book Meme. Before I wait another day and I realize somewhere over Denver that I did not reply to this, I am going to do it now. It was really fun to do because it allowed me to think and reminisce about the books, new and old, that I have read. At my age it is good to challenge the memory. So here goes:

*1. One book that changed my life: My Other Self, in which Christ speaks to the Soul on living his life, by Clarence J. Enzler. I don't know if is still in print but it is much like Thomas a Kempis' Imitation of Christ, but I found I could identify with this interpretation better.

*2. One book that you have read more than once: Rome Sweet Home, by Scott Hahn. (not to mention all of Jane Austins books).

*3. One book that you want on a desert island: The Holy Bible.

*4. One book that made me laugh: If life's Bowl of Cherries,What Am I Doing In the Pits?, by Erma Bombeck. (A women who could help you find the humor in parenting.)

*5. One book that made me cry: The Diary of Ann Frank. Enough said.

*6. One book I wish had been written: Statistics for Dummies. I could have used it at SMWC as it was mandatory for graduation and I struggled to get that passing grade...and a more grateful student God has never seen!

*7. One book I wish had not been written: I don't know of any book I wish had not been written, but there are a few books I wish I had not READ.

*8. One book I am currently reading: Sweet Revenge, by Diane Mott Davidson. Her books are great books if you need a Colorado fix (and I usually do since I live in Indiana so far from my roots) and if you like mysteries.

*9. One book I've been meaning to read. Okay, I have tried to do the one book thing for as long as I can. So I have 4--count them 4--books I've been meaning to read. 1) A Christmas Beginning (a mystery and yes, I know it is no longer Christmastime) by Anne Perry; 2) Parish Priest by Douglas Brinkley and Julie M. Fenster; 3) Living the Catholic Faith, by Charles J. Chaput, OFM, Cap.; and 4) Murder on K Street, by Margaret Truman.

So there you go...I gave it my best shot. Now I must try to tag someone who has not already been tagged. If any of you whom I have tagged have already done this you can always pass it on for me to someone you know has not been tagged

Here are my choices Lisa at Unexpected Journey, Maria at Mommy of Four, and Danette at A crocus in the valley. I will drop in on these ladies and let them know what I have done. They are new pages to me and maybe this is a good way to welcome them to my "family". Good day to you all and ...

~~~~~~~

Thanks be to God!!!