Remembering My Father

Twenty-three years ago today my father died. He died very young (though at the time I didn't realize just how young). It's always a sad day for me and one of contemplation and reflection.

I remember him telling me that a day never went by that he didn't think of his own father - a man who died before I was born, but who I knew was a teacher, and not just any ordinary teacher, but the best teacher ever. If only he were here, he would tell me, you wouldn't have a worry in maths (he was Irish). I believed him and cursed my luck (well, as much as anyone in Grade 4 curses) that my grandfather wasn't around to teach me. Instead, I was stuck with my father who worked with me night after night. Admittedly, he was a wonderful doctor and a gifted diagnostician, but we both knew (he would always be the first to say this) that patience wasn't his middle name. However, time passed and when the math marks were posted, I had the highest mark in Grade 4. My teacher couldn't believe it, I couldn't believe it and my father was as pleased as I have ever seen him.

Years later, this maths incident became the standard for me. Whenever I needed guidance, whenever I needed a pep talk, whenever I needed a push, a shove - okay a kick - my father would remind me of that accomplishment so many years earlier. See what you can do when you set your mind to it! he would say so often that it still resonates in my head.

I wish he were here. I wish I had listened better to his stories, I wish I could have asked him questions that I have only thought of as an adult - as a mature adult. I can still hear his laugh. I can more fully appreciate his sense of humour, his sadness, his complexity, his demons, and his love.

Happy Birthday, Jerry!

George Sands, wrote: There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved.

Jerry, you have given me double happiness. May all your dreams come true; you have helped so many others accomplish theirs.

Dr. Anita Brookner, Novelist

I had an interesting chat with my mother about Anita Brookner’s books. My mother has read just about everything written by Brookner, and she, like me, loves her work (some novels more than others, of course). So when I found Brookner's book, Dolly, at the library I called Mum to ask what she thought of it. To my surprise, she hadn't read it yet, but as soon as I hung up the phone, I knew she would be on the hunt to get it.

Anyway, I’ve just finished Dolly and I enjoyed it very much. To me, it’s quintessential Brookner: very character driven and full of delicious psychological detail about women’s lives and female identity. Can’t say that it’s my favorite Brookner novel, but it is a good book and worth reading.

Interesting note: When I was preparing to write this blog, I found that Dolly had been previously published under the title of A Family Romance. (So you see, Mum, you may have read it after all). While Dolly is admittedly a superior title for this particular novel, I find it annoying when authors change the titles of their books. More than once I have purchased a book only to find that I had read it under a different guise. However, a friend of mine who is a writer did this very thing recently because his original title, he said, conveyed a very different image of his novel.

I suppose I must concede. After all, it is an author's right. Far be it from me to ever criticize anyone for changing a name (smile).

49 Palms Oasis Hike

Recently,Jerry and I went on a hike to the 49 Palms Oasis, part of Joshua Tree National Park. It was an incredibly beautiful morning when we set out. The hike itself is about 3 miles (4.8 km) round trip and the terrain and mountainous scenery is outstanding. The rock formations have taken on amazing shapes and you can "see" all kinds of images embedded within them if you take the time to look (a favourite pastime of ours). The juxtaposition of desert plants with the greenery of the oasis is splendid and a treat for the senses. We had a great day.

One of the great things about living in Rancho Mirage, California, are the more than 300 hiking trails available within the Coachella Valley area.

A Hard Day at the Office!

MaryBeth, Sidney's trainer, told us that Sid had a particularly good training day yesterday and as the picture above attests, he and his pal were pooped at the end of it all. We are happy that MaryBeth's training methods focus on positive reinforcement and reward, instead of old-fashioned coercion and use of force.

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by Irish writer, John Boyne, is a wonderfully poignant and powerful story about two nine-year-old boys named Bruno and Shmuel, and a barbed-wire fence that initially separates the boys, whose lives are worlds apart. Set during the Holocaust, the book describes the evolution of their unlikely, and ultimately, tragic friendship. My Uncle Joe gave it to me when Jerry and I were in Dublin in August. It is a beautifully written book that Uncle Joe loves and so do I. I would strongly recommend this book to teachers and their students.

The Southwest Arts Festival

This morning Jerry and I attended the Southwest Arts Festival held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio. It couldn't have been a nicer day with sunny skies and temperatures of over 70 degrees Fahrenheit. An annual event for the past 21 years, the three-day show features over 250 acclaimed artists of traditional, contemporary and abstract works of arts. I loved the work of Laguna Beach artist, Shelley Rapp Evans who designs Spirit Keepers, wonderfully exotic figures thought to bring good luck and protection. Her Spirit Keepers are made from simple and unusual materials, many of which are found. Michael and Christine Love Adcock's baskets and ceramics are exquisite. We had an interesting chat with Michael who explained how some of the grass materials on the baskets and ceramics were harvested and then applied to the vessels. The work of Arizona artist, Kim Seyesnem Obrzut captured our hearts and imaginations. As Obrzut says, "I talk with my hands, the clay is my voice..."

This morning I woke up to find that my husband,in addition to giving me some wonderful gifts, had written me a poem for my birthday. I have his permission to post it here. And I just want to add that while I love all the presents he showers on me, it is his presence in my life that I love best.

Jerry's Poem

GOOD MORNING, LOVE. YOU ARE NOT GETTING OLDER JUST BETTER....

You make me laugh; you make me cry...
But I will never question why I fell in love with you.
Your smiles are bright; your eyes just shine.
I go to bed each night knowing that you are mine.

Your laughter fills the air each day; your wisdom helps me find the way.
That's why I love you more and more each day.
Esther, you are my pride and joy.
I love you.

Tomorrow is Robbie Burns Day

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne!

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne.
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.


If you have ever sung the beautiful and poignant Auld Lang Syne at midnight on New Year’s Eve, you have paid tribute to one of the worlds’ greatest poets. Tomorrow, January 25, is Robbie Burns Day, one of Scotland’s most famous and prolific writers (forerunner to JK Rowling who has blown everybody out of the water). Burns is the author of almost 600 poems, including My Luve Is Like A Red, Red Rose, A Man’s A Man for A’ That and the whimsical, To A Mouse.

Haggis, the national dish of Scotland, is traditionally served to celebrate the bard’s birthday. A few years ago when I was in Scotland presenting a paper at a conference, I had a chance to taste some traditional haggis (a combination of a sheep’s stomach pouch, oatmeal and various spices), which Burns reportedly loved, as his poem, Address to a Haggis attests. I was less than enthusiastic about it, but to be fair, it’s probably an acquired taste. Happy Robbie Burns Day!

Want to read an interesting book? I just finished The Freedom Writers Diary by Erin Gruwell and her students. The teacher, Erin Gruwell, young, White and naive is slotted to teach a group of supposedly "at-risk" and "unteachable" Black, Asian, and Hispanic students from the "wrong" side of the tracks. Written in diary format, and based on a true story, it describes how a first-year English teacher and 150 students used writing to change themselves and the world around them. The first-hand accounts by the students are full of love, laughter, tears and resiliency. It's a great book on so many levels. I suspect the book wil be required reading in many faculties of education. It'll be interesting to see how the book translates into film. It's on my list to see!

Mr. Sidney M. Doodle Enjoying Puppy Boot Camp!

Body Language

In the school picture below most of the girls are sitting with their hands cupped neatly in their laps, whereas the boys have their arms crossed and extended. Interesting how at such young ages we are socialized into our roles as little boys and girls.

A School Picture

I found this picture on the net. Who are these children? Where did they go to school? Where are they now? Did they like their teacher? What antics do they recall from so many years ago?

When I visit antique shops, I am always drawn to the photographs of strangers. I wonder who they are, where they've been, and what their lives were like. I see them at the important points in their lives, often in their best attire posed and smiling for the camera. I see them at their weddings, in school photos, with sports teams, with newly christened children, at graduation ceremonies, and in army attire. Did any of them ever think for a minute that their images, and those of their family and friends, would one day grace the (often dusty) shelves of thrift shops?

MORE Tales Out of School : The Sequel

A number of years ago, I compiled a book about teachers and what people remembered about them. People wrote about things that had happened months, years, decades and in some cases over a half-century ago. The stories described a broad range of human emotion – the shame of having to wear the same dress again and again, the pain of seeing a classmate disgraced as he was forced to eat the crayon he was chewing on, and the absolute joy of being read to. There were memories about classrooms that came to life because of a teacher's humour, punishments that “taught” lifelong lessons and remarks that were quoted years later to children and grandchildren.

It seemed that almost everyone could relate because no matter what our sex, age, or political viewpoint, a teacher has been a common denominator – a benchmark – and a shared collective experience for most people within our society. I was reminded of my former psychology professor who, no doubt trying to prepare us for the onslaught of public opinion about teaching and teachers, had warned: “Better get used to it. Everybody thinks that they’re an expert on education and teachers because they've all gone to school or known somebody who did!”

As I have noted and written about many times, teachers and all of us need to realize the impact a teacher can have – for better or for worse – on young minds. Teachers affect our lives more than they realize. Often the way we view the world, each other and ourselves is the direct result and the lasting legacy of a teacher.

For this reason, I am doing a sequel to my original book, Tales Out of School, which is now out of print. This is where you come in! I will be collecting some new stories for my book. If you would like to have your story of a teacher who made a difference (positive or negative) in your life included, please let me know and I will send you guidelines for submission. Thank you, too, for passing on this information to others who might be interested in taking part in the project.

Welcome, Sidney!

Dog Days!

In early February, Jerry and I will be picking up Sidney at the Palm Springs Airport. He'll be travelling all the way from Washington and we are very excited. Sidney is our new furry companion. He is a labradoodle, a cross between a labrador and a poodle. Right now, he's in a three-week training course that covers some of the basics in (a dog's) life such as bathroom routines and walking on a leash. We can't wait! Above are some pictures of Sidney.

Notes on a Scandal

A couple of days ago I went to see Notes on a Scandal. What an eerie and unusual film. While the story was sensational and a little overblown at times, it was the characterization and acting that kept me riveted to my seat. Judi Dench and her portrayal of a spinster teacher was superb. I can understand why she'll likely be nominated for an Oscar. I'll be surprised if she doesn't win. Cate Blanchett was also amazing in this suspenseful story of two teachers who are not your average or everyday educators! Max Lewis, an actor with Down Syndrome, also starred in the film and his remarkable and cheerful presence was unforgettable.