Looking Out for Each Other
For anyone who has been blogging for any length of time, most of us get to the point where we follow so many other writers that adding a new blog seems impossible. I know what you’re thinking: How can...
View ArticleThe Best Part of Blogging
I started blogging over four years ago without any expectations. Mainly, I wanted to see if I could build a site and have fun writing. Mission accomplished. As I’ve said to my wife from the beginning,...
View ArticleRedemption and Second Chances
Even though I’ve been retired for several years, I still run into former students around town. When you’ve taught elementary school as long as I did, that’s inevitable. Of course, while many have moved...
View ArticleGratitude for Life
One thing my parents ingrained in us at an early age was to appreciate our blessings. They were frugal but generous people, giving to others and their community. Some of this was through...
View ArticleIt’s a Small World
There are over eight billion people worldwide. It’s easy to feel like we are specks of dust in a vast universe. At other times, we discover the most unlikely coincidences. We often use the...
View ArticleAnother First
Blogging friend and memoirist writer D.G. Kaye https://dgkayewriter.com/ published a fun book in December 2022 called Fifteen First Times....
View ArticleWhen It Rains, It Pours
I’ve never been superstitious or one who enjoys complaining about his bad luck or thinks the world is out to get him. Hello, science, my old friend. (Apologies to Simon and Garfunkel for twisting their...
View ArticleDeveloping Thick Skin
You have probably heard the famous quote, “Experience is the best teacher.” This phrase goes back to Julius Ceasar. While I’ve always believed in that philosophy, I recently came across a saying by...
View ArticleBeing the Best Version of Ourselves
Even though I’ve been retired for several years, I’m always paying attention to what former students are doing now. Like many educators, teaching was more than just a job to me. It was my opportunity...
View ArticleSometimes You Just Have to Laugh
You’ve likely read how health experts advise us to reduce stress: meditation, yoga, massage, listening to music, stretching, walking and other forms of exercise, unplugging from social media, etc....
View ArticleTeacher Appreciation Day
You may not realize this, but today is Teacher Appreciation Day. Someone I know recently asked on Facebook for ideas about how she might recognize an exceptional teacher. People contributed suggestions...
View ArticleThe Dynamic Duo
When it comes to dynamic duos, there are many to choose from: (1) Batman and Robin, (2) Bert and Ernie, (3) Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire, (4) Mickey and Minnie, (5) Romeo and Juliet, (6) Simon and...
View ArticleA New First
When you reach 65 years old, there are few first-time experiences left. That doesn’t imply I’m ready to pack it in because there’s still a lot of life left in this dog. While there are more nagging...
View ArticleAmerica’s Obsession With Fireworks
I am a fan of nearly every holiday. It’s great when family and friends gather to celebrate if their actions don’t interfere with others’ rights to be safe. But I’ll be honest—I’m dreading tomorrow...
View ArticleThank You For Being a Friend
When I usually sit down to write a blog post, the words flow easily, but that’s not the case today. I recently lost an older friend, and it’s understandably making me sad. I’m also grateful for having...
View ArticleTake Nothing for Granted
We’re home after completing our 13th Springer Family Reunion. Our parents, Paul and Virginia, had the foresight and wisdom to start this tradition long ago, and I’m proud to say that their sons have...
View ArticleThe Return of Simone and Suni
First, I must apologize for what happened last week when I posted about our family reunion. As many of you know, WordPress loves to change its format periodically. I usually operate from a place where...
View ArticleSimple Pleasures Day 5 Blog Tour With Elizabeth Gauffreau
I’m thrilled to be part of the talented writer Elizabeth Gauffreau’s blog tour. I’m offering sincere praise, having read two of her books. Telling Sonny was a superior coming-of-age story set in the...
View ArticlePlot Twist
Who knew it would end this way? I certainly didn’t. A teacher develops a certain rhythm after teaching for 31 years. Many of the events that happen at school repeat themselves year after year, but...
View ArticleTag! You’re It! Pass it On
Two weeks ago, author and blogging friend D.G. Kaye tagged me to take part in a blogging challenge. Debby was one of the first blogging buddies I made when I started this hobby over five years ago. She...
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