Day 1593

Today was a special day indeed! Two of “the people I want to be when I grow up” convened for a “doggy love-fest!" It was a beautiful morning!

First, my dear friend, Charlean, who runs “Old Barkers Farm Senior Dog Sanctuary, brought five of her sweeties down for a special visit. Welcoming dogs who need a place to rest their weary bones in a safe haven for the rest of their lives, this woman is an angel here on earth!

The other person was my beloved second grade teacher. She had kindly donated a vast number of doggy gifts to Old Barkers after saying goodbye to her sweet Maddie the French bulldog. We met at her home and enjoyed treats, puppy gifts and great conversation! Jan was a young teacher who was given 36 students (there was barely space for anything but desks in the classroom) of higher ability to allow the other teachers to have smaller numbers of children to guide. She said she soon discovered that worksheets were not going to be successful with her large crew. She would hand out the assignments to the first row and, and by the time the last row handed those dittos (oh the smell!!!) over their heads to the last child in the row, the first row was done! She pivoted quickly to abandon the 1960’s curriculum and replaced it with creative writing, art projects, magical endeavors and even egg hatching right in the room! What an incredible year! She is the reason I chose education!

We were even joined by a a special friend who saw the dogs through her backyard and was encouraged to join in the fun! Charlean asked me if I knew everyone in Anoka and I told her “All the amazing ones!”

We enjoyed treats, dog toys and great conversation! My second grade teacher spoke of her incredible life (She is known nationwide for her artwork!) and left us with these wise words:

“Don’t tell yourself you can’t do something! Instead, say ‘YES’ to life and hang on for the adventures ahead!”

We encouraged her to write an autobiography! I will be the first in line to buy that book!!!!!