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This time of year feels like new beginnings to me. In my early life, I looked forward to starting a new school year with so many feelings: joy, excitement, wonder, and hope for another good teacher. I loved school.
Because I was born in January, the local school board wasn't going to allow me to go to school until I was six. (What about kindergarten? This was never mentioned as a possibility.) Other kids in my weekly dance class were going to start school in September. Clearly they were either already six, or would be before January.
I begged my mother. I pleaded. I knew how to read. I knew how to tell time. I recited my alphabet forward and backwards. I was still an only child and I wanted out of the house. I wanted to be with other kids my age. I wanted to learn.
Mom tried everything. Finally, she made an appointment with Ralph Marcellus, the Superintendent of Schools of Phelps County. She took me with her to the appointment. I personally pleaded my case, and while he couldn't bend the rules for us, he suggested to Mom she enroll me in either the Catholic School, or the Lutheran School.
We didn't belong to either of those religions, but for whatever reason, Mom enrolled in the Immanuel Lutheran School. I was so proud. On my first day, I carried my lunch box and my red plaid rubberized satchel. I have no idea now what was inside the satchel, but I carried it to school every day my first three years of school. Later on (maybe when my baby sister was born) Mom arranged for me to have lunch every day with a lovely German couple who lived next door to the church behind the school. What I remember about them is eating lunch together, then the woman asking if I was full. I would say yes, and she'd come poke my belly, and say, there's room here for dessert. Lunch with them always included dessert. At least in my memories.
My first teacher was Mr. Holstein. He was nineteen years old, teaching grades one through eight in a one room schoolhouse. There were about thirty kids. He seated us in rows by grade, and he taught grades 1-4 first, then 5-8. I paid attention, usually through grade four, then I got bored. The first year I often got into trouble for talking to my neighbors. Mr. Holstein made me sit in the corner by the blackboard. I spent a lot of time in the corner. I didn't mind though. I could see the entire classroom from my spot.
Somehow, the excitement of attending school my first year lasted through all the years in school, and still today. September always seems the time to start a new project, wear new clothes, learn something new.
This year, I've started a Qi Gong class. New to me. Unfortunately, it's a Zoom class. I would prefer to go to the community center and learn the movements in person. I'll also start a new yoga class this week. I haven't attended one since I moved back to Portland almost three years ago. I miss yoga. I'm trying Qi Gong because it is a way to practice mindfulness, using one's body.
I don't have any new fall clothes. But I will have new jackets before winter, if my sewing plans work out.
How about you? Are you going to school? Starting new projects? Wearing new clothes? Have plans for this autumn? I look forward to hearing from you.
Oh, I so remember my Mum putting ringlets in my hair (I don't know if they are called that over there?) But you look so sweet. My birthday is in November, but you are allowed to start school before you are six here. It was okay for me I was one of the oldest, but for three of my children their birthdays are in August, so they started at 5 years and didn't turn 6 until it was nearly time to start the next year. This September I have one starting in year 10, and the other starting her second year of college in the first year (she failed last year so is starting again). It's never to late to learn. I'm currently learning French. I don't know why but I'm surprised at how much I remember from school.
My, you were a very pretty little girl! And so sweetly dressed, too. I am quite taken with your being able to remember those early years. It has brought back many memories. Like you, I always looked forward to school starting. And I liked being at school. You and I have several things in common, Sandra. With my birthday falling in late December, I had to wait a year to start school. And no kindergarten was available at that time. Though I went to Lutheran Vacation Bible School in the summers, they did not have a private elementary school. So this is where are start in life was different. I had to wait a year and felt a little like I was going to school with babies! lol But, I had a mother hen tendency and it all worked out. Thanks for sharing your photos and story!