Can't Quit Thinking About Tennessee

Have you ever had one of those experiences that was so absolutely wonderful that it just seemed to remain in your head even after it was all over?  That is what is going on with me now.  Let me share.
Last weekend I went with my friend, Brenda Brown, to spend a weekend in Franklin, Tennessee, located just minutes from Nashville.  The event was a weekend hosted by Patsy Clairmont, known to some of you as one of the major speakers at Women of Faith.  It was called, "On the Porch With Patsy".  Patsy actually invited us to spend time with her at her home where she has not only one amazing front porch, but one in the back as well.

We began our event at the Drury Hotel Friday night where Patsy took the time to introduce each of us.  It was amazing how many things we had in common, especially those of us who are/were in the education field. Patsy made us all feel so welcome and we were somewhat starry eyed for being in the same room with her.
The next day we were guests at Patsy and Les' home where we were welcomed with a beautiful day, blue grass musicians, hot cider, and of course:  the porch!  We had our individual picture made with Patsy, toured the house and the "man cave", walked into town for shopping.  Since Brenda and I had shopped the day before, we returned early so we could just "sit on the porch" and to our fabulous surprise, Les, Patsy's husband rode up in his golf cart, and we got to visit with him.  He is an amazing man to talk to and we felt so lucky to hear stories from him about his life and his 52 years of marriage. When everyone returned, we went into the house for a lovely luncheon where we got to know each other better.  Patsy showed us some of her art and made us feel  so warmly welcome.

We were shuttled back to the hotel, then picked up again later to go have dinner at The Factory where we were entertained by Cindy Morgan, Andrew Greer and other fine musicians.  The highlight that night for me was that Patsy sat at our table.  Somehow we got to talking about hearing loss and I shared that I had just received a hearing transmitter but my batteries had died.  At that time, Patsy handed me a battery!  Turns out she wears them herself and this also turned out to be the subject of part of her "talk" that night.  It was one of those God Moments that I felt He planned out to help me as I adjust to a new world of hearing. (By the way, I saved the battery, and am going to frame it to remind me to "listen" to the Lord always.

There are way too many details that followed and all of us who attended would have our own story to tell.  As for me, I continue to think about the weekend daily.  Patsy's words are carved into my heart and soul.  Right now I am reading, Twirl, and journaling as I go.  As I type now, Cindy Morgan is playing on my CD in the background.  She is singing, "It Is Well With My Soul."  To me, this is what I feel Patsy was trying to teach us...Rest in the Lord, be still, and all will be well.

Patsy Clairmont has a sparkle and charm about her that makes us all want "to be like her"!  We all left thinking that we were her best friend. :)  What a gift to be able to have people think that when they leave you.
I cannot end this blog without mentioning Danya Clairmont.  I watched this young lady all weekend as she stayed two steps ahead of all  that was going on.  She is remarkable, simply remarkable at what she does, never drawing any attention to herself.  Thank you, Danya, if you are reading this.

And to you, Patsy, if you are reading this, thank you for making me see that there is so much more life to live, that each day is a possibility for joy, big or small, and that to let the first word I say each morning be "YES!"

Our Saturday morning gathering with blue grass music and hot cider!

Adorable picture of Brenda and Patsy.

We always have a good time where we travel.  Love this girlie.

Brenda on the front porch!

Patsy on her porch welcoming us!

Rosie on the front porch!

Rosie on the back porch!

I fell in love with this red table and chairs and am getting ready to paint mine on my sun porch1

I wanted to steal this hand towel, but figured it best to just take a picture!!

This fireplace is inside the master bedroom with the door leading to the back porch.

I took this picture from the sidewalk.

I was honored when Deb Christiansen asked me for one of my piano CDs. So happy to have a new friend from Wisconsin!

Typical expression always found on Patsy's face.

Andrew, Cindy, and band entertained us Saturday night at dinner.

Patsy with songwriter/recording artist, Cindy Morgan.

Andrew Greer, songwriter from Texas....

Patsy speaking to us on Sunday morning.  Beautiful view behind her.

Rosie, Patsy, and Brenda.

Rosie

I loved the plate shelves in Patsy's kitchen.

One of Patsy's paintings.

New idea for that cake plate/dome I have in my garage!

This picture doesn't do this backyard justice.  It was a little cloudy when I took it.

We actually got to see that there really is a fall season!!

Brenda took this picture while the professional photographer was taking it, also!

Beautiful fall decorations in front of the Grand Ole Oprey House.

On Sunday, after the session, Brenda and I went to the Grand Ole Opry.

Keith wanted to have his picture taken with me.

Beautiful piece of Chuey art collection in the Garylord where Brenda and I read our books until time for the flight.

Great time in Nashville, Tennessee!  I will definitely be going back.

This is Why...

Many people ask me why I am still "working" after retiring from LISD in 2009. The key word that makes the answer easy is "working".  You see, when you have a passion for something, it doesn't fall under the category of work.  I am still involved with education because I absolutely want to be....at least, today.  It is by choice and I can hang it up whenever I am ready.  Once the passion goes away, I will quit, which I should.
Since joining the faculty as an adjunct instructor at UNT in 2009, an estimated 188 future teachers have crossed my path.  I have watched some of them more closely than others...some I haven't seen since they graduated.  Yet, all of them made me a better teacher and person.  I like to call them my "pups".  On Facebook I have had so many pup celebrations:  jobs, engagements, marriages, and babies! Some have become special friends and we will catch up at Starbucks now and then. Some have taken huge honors in their school districts, but their biggest honors have been the adoration of their students and the joys they are receiving as teachers.
I have been able to visit some of their classes, read to their students and sometimes, like today, simply hang out and talk to seven year olds. One of my favorite places to supervise is Cottonwood Creek Elementary in Coppell ISD.  The principal, Dr. Andra Penny, is a lady who I do call my friend, and we have had some great times working together.  This school is an amazing place to be. There is always something going on, the faculty is over the top great, and the kids are a hoot.
 Right now I have some of my pups doing their student teaching there.  I am supervising three of them.  I also have three pups who actually now have jobs there.  Lucky them and lucky CCE!  So, as you can guess, it is an absolute joy and thrill for me to go to this school on any given day to see the fruits of my labor, as little as it was.
Today, I supervised two of my three pups.  One of them (see attached picture) is actually going to finish the rest of her student teaching in Spain, so today was our last teacher/supervisor/student time together.  She presented me with this beautiful bouquet of flowers and a handwritten note that I will always treasure. Wow.  I was really touched.  She then proceeded to blow me out of the water with her final observation.  I will miss her but she has promised to stay in touch.  Personally, I think UNT should be sending me to Spain to finish my supervision!!!

I had some time between observations and went to one of my favorite places:  Ms. Stutes second grade class.  There's just nothing like spending time with seven year olds.  They are so excited about life and learning.  And this particular class loves their teacher! I decided to go hang out in the reading area (comfy couch was calling my name).  Soon I was joined by a rotation of very verbal, inquisitive, excited about life seven year olds.  We talked about Halloween outfits, Junie B. Jones, Magic Tree House books, Poke-mon and writing stories!  I watched my pup teach these children with all of the natural qualities she possesses.  She was so affirming, so positive, so skilled....I could just burst with pride.  Her students are so happy, so excited about learning and so excited about life.  Here was a young lady who sat in my classroom and is now in a classroom of her own.

So, why am I still "working"?  I bet you have it figured out by now. The time will come when this part of my journey will end, but it just isn't quite now.  There are more pups to help enter the greatest profession in the world which is that of being a teacher.  I bet you can even remember one who changed your life.  I only hope some of my students will remember me in a good way...I know I tried my best.
R.

NYCPD - a story you won't believe.

GREETINGS,

This is REALLY long, but I couldn’t leave any details out….

And now in keeping with our local “TALES OF THE SOUTH” -- without further ado:  "A Tale of Two Southern Girls in New York City" featuring Kay Allen and Rosie Alexander, both of whom grew up in Beebe, Arkansas and decided recently to take a trip to the big city.

We arrived late afternoon on Wednesday so we had one night of the city sights under our belt. On Thursday, the fun was to begin--- so about 8:40we entered the subway station at 50^th and Broadway. I had a $20 Bill (plus $1) in my pocket to purchase a METRO card weekly pass. When we got to the kiosk (two of them, side by side) I realized the cost was more-- $31 for the pass so I had to get into my billfold for a credit card which I held in my hand to continue. About that time, I realized a woman was standing between Rosie and me and she said "let me help you"--- I even (so foolishly) thought she might be a staff person. She asked "what do you want to buy?" I replied ‘a week pass’. So I inserted my credit card and she started pushing kiosk buttons to get the appropriate Metro card.  There were lots of choices, all confusing to me.  The machine responded and spit out the requested card….and when I got it, she asked "if I could help her out with a dollar or two". This all happened in about 30-40 seconds ......so I gave her the dollar I had in my pocket and started to move on.  Rosie was ahead of me and had passed the turnstile to the train.  I tucked my jacket under my arm, had the METRO card & my credit card in hand and turned to enter the turnstile.   As I tucked my purse on my shoulder, I realized it was open and my billfold was GONE!  I yelled to Rosie as I went through the turnstile(having to swipe the card twice) that my billfold was gone and she said "look in your purse again” and I did. No billfold.  We immediately returned to the other side and looked on the floor by the turnstile & by the kiosk-- and I made two more panicked searches of my purse. My billfold was not there! Amazingly, There were no more than a couple of  other commuters in the area so it  was easy to see the clean(not really) floor. In a matter of a couple of minutes, we had surveyed the premise and found nothing. Then I saw the woman who had helped me and she was across the area at another kiosk talking to someone else. I immediately approached her and said "you stole my billfold" which she denied. I made her open the shopping bag she was holding which contained only two umbrellas. She repeated she didn't have my billfold, but frankly I didn't believe her. Rosie and I went outside to the plaza to take a breath. I was in shock.  All cash money and credit cards, everything was GONE! I saw a janitor and asked if the were police nearby. I told him what happened and described the woman. He said she was a "regular "who was there a lot with a friend".... and I knew I'd really been HAD!! I decided she must have grabbed it and passed it off to her partner in crime. I called the police and while waiting, started texting/calling back to LR to Merilyn, Moppy, Vicki, Cack, Kay & Selma. It was about 9:05am. Needless to say, in 15 minutes, I had cancelled the two credit cards left in my billfold, put a hold on my bank account and all checks. I was already panicked that I had no cash(well my only $20 bill), no photo ID for the return plane trip and though my credit cards are labeled "with ID only"--- whoever had the billfold and cards also HAD MY ID.

The FIRST WONDERFUL thing that happened then was that in less than half an hour, my well connected friends at DFA(Kay & Vicki with Amy’s help) had texted me a copy of my driver's license. Believe me, that was a huge relief!

 When the first two policemen arrived: patrolman Manuel (badge 29575) & McPhee (didn’t get his badge), they took "the report" and asked me many questions. My story (supported by Rosie) didn't change. Despite their request, at first I did not want to go to their station and waste two-three more hours when I knew it was not going to do any good.  In my opinion, my billfold & its contents were long gong,  and so was the "kiosk helper". Two other policemen, Rameriz and Sanchez (like in Major Crimes on TNT) came to check the Subway station security cameras, but when they looked at the security camera footage, it was to blurry to see. These guys joined in and once again asked me to please come “down to the station” in hopes they could locate this woman and get my billfold/property returned. More than an hour had passed by this time and the "kiosk helper" had disappeared from the station area.  After several requests, my traveling partner Rosie smiled and said it was "the chance of a lifetime"--so I agreed and we headed down to the midtown north station with officers Ramirez & Sanchez in an official NYPD car and they even flashed the lights for just a moment!! The command post was located at Columbus Circle (across from a Donald Trump property no less) and at the edge of beautiful Central Park. In fact the entrance to this station was down stairs at the Columbus Circle subway stop!!  All of the officers were so nice to us-- and it was quite a busy place. One was even so kind as to find us a phone charger as both of our phones were very nearly dead by this time.

OK , now be patient—honestly, I am trying to summarize!!

Two of the officers had returned to 50th & Broadway to see if the “Kiosk helper” had returned… and she had so they asked her to come to the station and answer some questions.  At first she refused but they must have been persuasive because she finally agreed.  When she was on her way ( now 3 hours from the incident) the officers took Rosie and I to an area where she could not see us but  we could see her ---for identification purposes. All so clandestine!!

The next big thing was:  At 12:36 Selma texted me that someone was trying to return my billfold. I gasped and then shrieked to the officers!! Then I replied by text “ Call me immediately" and she did.  She told me a woman had gotten my work number from calling my State Farm agent(yes,Thank You Charley Benson State Farm and staff)  then called the UAMS department of Surgery to find  me. She gave Selma her phone number but not her name. Since Selma was one of the people I had texted first thing, she knew my billfold had been stolen so she gave her my cell number. Needless to say, we were all in SHOCK.  I called the number Selma gave me and the woman told me she had my billfold. She said I could come and get it in about an hour because she was going to lunch. She would not give me her name but said her location was at Houston & Varik (a few miles from where it was found). It all seemed so surreal…. Was this voice on the phone just someone who was working with the first woman and who might be leading us on a wild goose chase? Because she would not give us a name, we were still not sure the offer was legit.

So the police officers immediately created a plan--to send me withundercover officers to pick it up. Not exactly a sting operation…. But certainly more activity than I had ever participated in before….. Rosie had to stay at the precinct because there was not enough room in the unmarked police car with the three officers & me. So about 1:30pm, off I went with Officers Chen Liu (Chinese), John Almonte(Italian) and Hhiginio(Spanish). John was the spokesperson and he said this was my own little United Nations delegation …..  John gave the instructions of what to do. When we arrived, I was standing in front of a McDonalds restaurant when I called again and asked her if she could meet me there. She said to cross the street and come into the first building… so I did. This lobby had a check in security desk, so John had gone in first and then me and my ‘two shadow guys’.  In about a minute the elevator doors opened and several people emerged, two of which were together and one of them WAS HOLDING MY BILLFOLD IN HER HAND! I was truly stunned! I really thought I might burst into tears. I identified myself(I had told her I was wearing turquoise shirt/pants) and she handed it to me.  As I thanked her and told her how very much I appreciated her honesty--- officer John stepped forward and said he’d like to ask her some questions. And she freaked! She said NO empahatically, that she’d done the right thing, and she was not going to answer any questions or talk to anyone. She then looked at me and said “You have a funny way of showing appreciation”!! I was crushed that she was so upset.  I responded that I was in a strange city and needed help and did not know what else to do!! She backed up into the elevator and disappeared!! I felt so bad that she’d been offended.

She returned my billfold with all contents—driver’s license, all credit cards, all cash, all insurance cards, all of everything!!

We returned in VICTORY to the Columbus Circle station where Rosie had made friends with all of the other officers,  gotten a full tour of the facility(including the cells) and met both the Commander(Tom Selleck’s counterpart in Blue Bloods) and Captain Christine Bastedenbeck, commanding officer of the district. 

Over and over I thanked them for helping me…. Over the course of the five hours, I had told them all sorts of information about my home state—Home of Dillards, Tyson foods, Walmart, Sam’s Club, President Bill Clinton, Crystal Bridges Museum, UAMS, UA Razorbacks, of my Friday gatherings of I REFUSE TO BE UNHAPPY HOUR(S) AT FLAMINGO TERRACE in honor of my mother—I was not silent for a moment!  I believe it was nervous energy!

We took lots of photos, shared some handshakes and hugs and Rosie and I headed back to the hotel pretty well exhausted by this time.  HAPPY HAPPY but still with questions about the how did this turn out like this?? I texted the woman since all I had was her phone number and thanked her again and signed it an Arkansas Tourist in the Big Apple—and she responded: “Your welcome, Enjoy your time in NYC”.

So let me jump now to Monday morning when I got home and had a voice message from a woman, this wonderful guardian angel of a woman, I will simply call JoAnna who said she’d found my wallet and was trying to get in touch with me. So I called her to Thank her again and we chatted briefly. She said she found it on the hallway side of the station(where she comes in every morning)and opposite of the side where I had been-- just behind the turnstile. She said there were very few travelers and she looked around to see if anyone might have dropped it.  She said she did see one woman (in an orange t-shirt, ie my pickpocket gal) whose eyes were big and watching her as she picked it up and looked inside. So my guess is, she grabbed and tossed it thinking she could get it after we disappeared and her timing was a “big off”.

So my friends, that’s (part of) my story about my first trip to NEW YORK CITY!! I did see the Times Square, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, 9/11 museum, Grand Central Station, the TODAY Show, Radio City Musical Hall, The Ed Sullivan Theater,  Greenwich Village, The Empire State Building, Central Park, Madison Square Garden, Penn Station, the wonderful play ‘BEAUTIFUL” about the life of Carole King, and many more wonderful sights.  It was a delightful trip and I had a most wonderful friend, Rosie as my tour guide, director and roommate!

Wedding Bells in Louisiana!

Ron and I were honored to play for the wedding of Dezarae and Brett Peoples on September 20, 2014. It was a very sweet wedding and we are so happy for them.  We played "When the Saints Go Marching In" as they were going OUT of the church.  This was such fun and perfectly fitting since they were going to New Orleans the next day and attending a Saints game!

It was extremely exciting to get to stay in Vicksburg one night while we were there.  We stayed at the Anchuca Historic Mansion & Inn.  It was a wonderful place to see and we had a great time there.

Ron, standing from the balcony where Jefferson Davis once gave a speech.

The front of the mansion from across the street.

Of course, this would be one of our favorite rooms.

A few of the beautiful flowers on the grounds.

Breakfast! I didn't clean my plate but know someone who did!

It Was Time.

Today was a bittersweet day.  To be honest, I must admit that it was more sweet than bitter. The bitter part was that I said good-bye to my ever faithful Sooner Red CR-V.  After taking "her" in for an oil change and seeing the long list of "needs attention", I decided it was time to part ways. So, off to the used car lot she will go.  There was a lump in my throat as I took her last picture.  I have driven that car nearly 143,000 miles so you can imagine all the places she has taken me.  However, one must move on and that's exactly what I did.  I moved on over to the 2014 lot and found a new car that wanted to be mine.  The deal was so easy and so good that I know it was the right thing to do.  God wanted me to have that car! (Hey!  I see those of you rolling your eyes back! ha)  Think what you must, but I do have a pretty, shiny new car sitting in my driveway now.

But, it isn't all about cars.  I had the most amazing class this morning with some of my new pups.  You teachers understand how it feels when the instruction simply "clicks".  That is what happened today and it was extremely exciting.  I am so blessed to be teaching at UNT.  Okay, I know you are tired of hearing that, too.  Go ahead, roll those eyes back, then imagine me sitting here with a huge smile on my face.
R.

A Morning Mom Memory

This morning my feet were on the Highland Village trail, enjoying this fabulous cool weather.  I loved that I had to go back inside the house to get a light jacket.  I always begin my walk by taking a left on my street to the water tower where I enter the Highland Village trail.  My route is to the City Hall and then back home.
I had a wonderful experience this morning.  I looked over to my left as I walked and noticed all of the little teams beginning to gather for their morning soccer game.  I could not resist sitting down on a park bench to watch them play for awhile.  A myriad of memories almost swept me away.  I was remembering when Robert was on his first soccer team.  He was probably 4 or 5.  He would go down the field and wave to us up in the stands.  He was so happy and so proud and couldn't care less about what was going on with the game.  Sometimes he and a friend would even stay at the opposite end of the field to observe something in the grass.  Priceless.
I can't remember John's first team but we were living in Irving.  Because he was so tall, the referee at the first game made the coach show John's birth certificate to prove he was only 5.  I do remember his team when we came back to Lewisville.  John was a member of the Hot Tamales.  He played with them several years from where his soccer shorts were almost to his ankles to when they became the perfect length.  As a young player, John used to like to wait at the goal and when the game came back up the field, just kick it in and get the point!
With both boys, there were always uniforms to wash, shoes to buy, practices, and games.  Some times one would have a game on one field, and the other on another.  There were team parties and trophies.  I honestly do not believe I missed a game, except for maybe one or two, and friends recorded them with their big heavy VCR recorders.
I loved being the mom of little boys... and that love has grown every year since, day by day.

Her Name is Betty.

Yesterday I spent the afternoon with one of my best friends, Betty Tucker.  Betty is 88 years old and one of the most beautiful people I have ever known.  She lives independently in an apartment that has become over the years my safe place to fall.  She has told me such wonderful stories about her life and think about it...she has lived through many monumental events in our history.  The coolest part of all is that she can describe the dress she wore at her 7th birthday party and tell you word for word about the day WW2 ended and everyone ran out into the streets of Kansas City. She has never been in a hospital except to have children.
 She has listened to me talk about my joys and has also been the recipient of my struggles and concerns.  She has a fabulous sense of humor, a great laugh, and a love for reading like I have never seen.
A couple of years ago I gave her my kindle that had been replaced by more current electronics.  You would think I had given her a million dollars.  I constantly put books on there for her and she reads a couple a week probably. She loves books about the Amish and then will turn around and tell me how much she loved a current murder mystery.  She is pure joy to be around and I cannot express how much she means to me.
Back to yesterday.  I stopped by to take her a "real book" that I had just finished.  We had our usual visit then decided we would read awhile.  So with a cup of coffee and a small tray of cookies, we read, each in our own book.  Sometimes we would stop to tell the other what was going on, or share some writing that we thought was unique.  I probably was there for two hours in a perfectly peaceful

setting with such a great friend.  I am so lucky.
Betty knows all about my family:  Ron, Robert and Mandy, John and Salome, Lindsay and Josh.  She calls Alex her "grand-dog" and sends him a card now and then. She knows about my friends, my trips and especially, my students at UNT.  She worked in the bookstore at UNT for many years.
 Betty writes us a card or letter nearly every week.  She truly has kept the art of letter writing alive.  I always look forward to what she has to say.  It reminds me of letters that I used to get from my daddy.  He would write me a letter every Sunday night to tell me what was going on in Beebe.
Anyway, I feel that a blog is a place to put the thoughts that are on your mind at the time. Anytime I think of Betty, my heart is warmed.