Paper Memories

A month or so ago I came across a passage that I had written in high school. It was about my dad giving me driving lessons in the pasture at my grandfather's farm in Louisiana. I had completely forgotten about those very first driving lessons.


Tonight I found myself back in 2016. So many little details I had forgotten. I found myself smiling as I read through the pages.

 This little 1 year diary was the beginning. It was given to me on December 23, 1962, by my close girlfriend at the time Linda Ann Smith. I never completely filled it out as I switched to notebook paper inside folders. Several of my later journals were also gifts from friends - Fran, Cora, Mary - and daughter Lauren.

 

  I dearly love passages that have been written. Letters, cards, and notes are special for that reason.

Sadly I seldom write letters anymore.

However, my journal writing hasn't slowed yet.

What's New?

Television news about another horrific school shooting has been depressing.
Once upon a time daily life was not full of reports about murders, rapes, and robberies. We are living in disturbing times. And yet there are so many acts of kindness. People helping people.



It has been quiet around here, and I guess that's a good thing. 

SIMPLE JOYS

 Valentine's Day is always one of the sweetest days of the month.

Sad that it's over... 
I had these figurines out on my desk for Valentine's Day.
They are stamped Lucy Rigg 1979 on the bottom. I bought the pair years ago in Dyersburg.

I had planned to put this Eddie Bauer HOME pitcher in the booth to sell, but after turning it to the other side, I decided to keep it in the kitchen. I liked the way my green-handled silverware looked in it. Simple change. Refreshing change.

 Certainly enjoyed this book a friend loaned me. Molly and Vivian's stories are fascinating reading as the past and present are interwoven.

 How blessed I was to have loving parents and a happy childhood! 

After many idle weeks the paints came out.

Felt good to smear some paint around.

Valentine's Day Memories

When I was in grammar school Valentine's Day was such a big event. Usually a big decorated box in the front of the classroom held all the cards until time to pass them out.

When I first started teaching students would decorate individual boxes and place them on their desks to receive valentines. In later years we would make holders in class and attach them to lockers for decoration and for the big day.

This was a sweet student standing by my chalkboard message about valentines.

Oh, the many times I enjoyed Valentine's Day with my students!

Losing Track of Time

I guess I've been thinking about posting, but certainly haven't done it since my last entry date was in January. Gee, days pass, and I wonder what became of them. I have paid more attention to my handwritten journal than to this blog.

I shared this photo on Instagram with the following message.

I believe most of us tend to gather trinkets and treasures for different reasons.
Maybe that something special was a gift, a souvenir, or just a happy find. I came across a white pencil holder, and its one word decoration spoke to my collecting as well as writing soul.

Tonight my few words

 are to acknowledge my absence 

and my wish to get back on track.