I see the world through the eyes of the children who are in my life. They give me the humorous slant, the freshness, wonder and silliness that are all so precious. For many years creative fodder has been riding around in the back files of my brain waiting for the opportunity to become a story or a poem; waiting for the chance to entertain others with the joys I've experienced. In my childcare experience, I have cared for over fifty children. Oh, if you could see my memory files! I've also worked as a nanny for twins, a preschool teacher for the infants and twos, Cub and Girl Scout leader, VBS teacher at church and been the house on the block where the other children gathered to play.
It was so quickly that my own four children grew up and left to make their own way. If there is a part of my life I could live over, it would be the years my children needed me to make their world right and just and happy. My children have blessed me with eleven grandchildren and even more fodder files.
I also attended the local community college and earned an Associates of Art degree in English. It took over a million years, but, when I opened the folder my certificate came in, a flood of emotions jumped out at me. All the struggles to accomplish graduating, of getting my work in on time even if the children need last minute cupcakes for school, or their special jeans washed after bedtime, or even threw up all night. Going to college was not easy, but rewarding when I read my name on the diploma. Later, I continued my schooling by studying Early Childhood Education. As a point of humor, some of my instructors had no children of their own. In later years, I met up with one of them after she had raised her own little ones. She hugged me, and said, "I knew nothing, I'm sorry. Those little critters never read the books."
So, now here I am in my retirement-- still finding children delightful and amusing. I hope you enjoy sharing in the fun through my stories.
