Wednesday, March 8, 2017

SOL17 - 9/31 - More "The Me I Used To Be"



Here's my post for the March Slice of Life challenge with the Two Writing Teachers community for Day Nine of Thirty-One.  Thank you, Stacey, Beth, Deb, Betsy, Lanny, Kathleen, Lisa, and Melanie.  

    This March, as I wrote last week, I thought I'd take Thursdays to live in the past and share a little of the "me I used to be".  

     I only remember about this picture because my mother told me how cute I was. When I lived in that little town until seventh grade, the school housed all students, K-12. And when homecoming came, they celebrated the usual high-school king and queen, the junior high ones, and the elementary ones. I'm not sure I was a princess or a queen, but here's the picture, the "me I used to be". I was in first grade and my prince was in second grade.
        I do remember other things about first grade. I'm old enough that there was no kindergarten at that time, and I was reading chapter books when I entered school. My teacher's name was Mrs. Hurt, and I remember that she called me up to her desk sometimes during the week to have me read to her. She gave me tips, and always a new book. One book series special to me then were the Betsy-Tacy books by Maud Hart Lovelace. There were many, thank goodness. I don't remember any other activity, but do remember playing hide 'n seek at recess. And because I lived so close to school, I roller-skated to and from. 


The pic is not in good shape, but if you look carefully, I do have a crown. '
I do wonder why we're not smiling. Perhaps because they asked us to 
hold hands? 
What would you share from the "you you used to be"?

30 comments:

  1. Oh, I love the Betsy Tacy books. I don't remember reading them myself, but I read them with my daughter. I think my slice about my first year of high school was probably inspired by this series you're doing this year.

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    1. Thanks, fun that you read the books to your daughter. I still have one that I found a few years ago. Maybe I should get it out for Ingrid? Thanks!

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  2. How adorable! I enjoyed reading your sweet memories.

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  3. You look like you are almost ready to smile in that precious picture. Your mother was right! I love this idea of "the me I used to be."

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    1. Thanks, it does make me wonder, though. Maybe the photographer was not good with kids?

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  4. So sweet, Linda! Look at you! I love the little stories behind the picture ... all about reading too, of course! Some things never change ... books and being adorable! :)

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    1. Thanks, Michelle. It is fun to look back once in a while!

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  5. The hand hold is a classic. Just as much as you have to. This gets me thinking about the year my twin sister was carnival queen. I was half jealous, half relieved not to be in the limelight.

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    1. I do imagine we were a bit embarrassed. At 6 and 7, one usually giggles at the thought of holding hands! Glad to hear your memory, too, Adrienne.

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  6. Love the picture, Linda. I don't think I would have been smiling either if I had to hold a girl's hand at that age. I guess the me I remember is the accordion player I used to be. I still actually have it.

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    1. Oh, one of my cousins played the accordion. I was always so impressed when he played. I hope you share a picture! And yes, I suspect that hand-holding is all we were thinking about, te he! Thanks, Bob!

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  7. What a great idea---I do imagine neither of you were too happy to holding hands :) I really enjoyed this look back at "Little Linda". Looking forward to the next post

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    1. Thanks, Deb. I'm not sure what's next, but I'm enjoying doing these posts!

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  8. Maud -- There's a name you don't hear any more. I love that you roller skated to and from school. I lived close enough to school that I could go home and back for lunch. I remember walking myself -- no crossing guards, no supervision, no escort. Just me. My mom would have a PB&J waiting for me when I got home because I had to head right back. Oh, how times are different now.

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    1. I think I went home sometimes for lunch, but not often. Yes, it's very different today. There is a group of parents in my neighborhood who hover together to meet their kids when they get off the bus. Those kids would only have to walk 2 blocks at the most to get home. Thanks, Jennifer.

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  9. How I love this post and will certainly give this a try. The holding hands is what I noticed right away. It never occurred to me that perhaps you didn't like it at all (presuming it is your BROTHER.) I used to have metal roller skates that expanded as your feet grew. They would never stay on and were the source of much frustration. Thanks for this slice, Linda!

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    1. Looking back at the early days is fun, though I wouldn't want to do it every day. No, this young boy in the picture is not my brother, just one of the 2nd graders. I did know him, because we all knew each other. I had those clamp-on skates with a key! You're welcome, Barbara. Glad you came by.

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  10. So much to love about that picture! You do look on the edge of a smile, Linda...and I love the way you are just barely holding hands, just enough to follow instructions.

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    1. I am imagining that we were told to hold hands, but really don't remember. I wonder if I was about to smile too? Thanks, Tara.

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  11. For me the line about your teacher giving you tips and a new book stood out. I can see a bit of a smile on your face. The Estonian style smile.

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    1. Aw, thanks Terje, maybe a little turn up in the corners? Yes, and it's fun that I remember that. She was a nice teacher.

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  12. What a sweet picture! I love how your teacher encouraged you as a reader and how that memory has remained with you!

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    1. Me, too, Michelle. Those are the things kids do remember, aren't they? Thanks!

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  13. I see the slightest beginning of a smile - perhaps they took the photo too soon! It is an adorable photo - so fun to see!

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    1. Thanks, both are possibilities, fun to guess, Maureen!

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  14. I love these looking back posts Linda. This picture is fantastic.

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