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.
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| 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"?
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.
ReplyDeleteThanks, 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!
DeleteHow adorable! I enjoyed reading your sweet memories.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Loralee, long time ago!
DeleteYou 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."
ReplyDeleteThanks, it does make me wonder, though. Maybe the photographer was not good with kids?
DeleteSo 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! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michelle. It is fun to look back once in a while!
DeleteThe 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
DeleteLove 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.
ReplyDeleteOh, 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!
DeleteWhat 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
ReplyDeleteThanks, Deb. I'm not sure what's next, but I'm enjoying doing these posts!
DeleteMaud -- 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
DeleteHow 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!
ReplyDeleteLooking 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.
DeleteSo 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
DeleteFor 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.
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks Terje, maybe a little turn up in the corners? Yes, and it's fun that I remember that. She was a nice teacher.
DeleteWhat a sweet picture! I love how your teacher encouraged you as a reader and how that memory has remained with you!
ReplyDeleteMe, too, Michelle. Those are the things kids do remember, aren't they? Thanks!
DeleteA precious memory!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Margaret!
DeleteI see the slightest beginning of a smile - perhaps they took the photo too soon! It is an adorable photo - so fun to see!
ReplyDeleteThanks, both are possibilities, fun to guess, Maureen!
DeleteI love these looking back posts Linda. This picture is fantastic.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carrie!
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