“Dance more.”

Follow the future generation. They remind us of the fun and joy in life. Thank goodness for them.

Happy New Year.

Quality beauty products for all! Yes, folks, this was our combined elephantine gift. You, too, can have a fine golden sheen of hair beautifully uplifted by the unfortunately named accessory. (Der Meister: “Isn’t that the indentation left in the chair after you’ve been sitting for a while?”) Accentuate these with body wash that, if the label is to be believed, would make Hef proud (though is sadly mediocre in the tropically scented category).

And the added bonus: the price tags that are still attached.

I can feel your envy.

Now, who would be worthy of finding this fine (re)gift in their stocking? Takers? Going once, . . .

Sometimes those of us who are imaginative enough to want to change the world for the better are seen as crazy and are accused of disregarding the rules or upsetting the order of things. It’s not that we “crazies” don’t like rules, it’s simply that we like them to make sense and help us progress, not keep us boring and stagnant. Personally, I don’t think keeping things the same simply because we can is a justifiable reason for being against change. (True story: I was once in a job interview where both the administrator and teacher justified their purpose for teaching a particular text because, “I had to read it, you had to read it, so the students have to read it.” It was almost like a punishment. I felt they were too lazy to consider reevaluating the their lessons, disregarded the value of the text, and missed the point of teaching and influencing young people’s minds.)

Sometimes it’s reassuring to know that I am not the only one facing opposition in my pursuits. In remembrance of Steve Jobs, Apple’s main man, who passed away recently, I give you some of my favorite quotes of his. I may not agree with all of Jobs’ decisions, but I do agree that we each have to love what we do, stay true to ourselves, and learn how to either overcome or recruit our nay-sayers.

“Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square hole. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”

“Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick. Don’t lose faith. I’m convinced that the only thing that kept me going was that I loved what I did. You’ve got to find what you love. . . . Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it.” –from his Stanford commencement speech

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. . . Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become.” - from his Stanford commencement address

So, fellow crazies, go put your own “ding” in the universe.

Respectable Ms. L claims she started dancing “before Moses,” and her stories always give us an entertaining glimpse at a professional dancer’s life. Her anecdotes include relating how one of her teachers would place her ashtray on a dancer’s foot to ensure proper turn out as it was extended in the air. (As if you needed more reasons to have the Clean Air Act.) Then when she was in college, Ms. L decided to take a class in modern dance to understand and appreciate the style better. After three odd days of “exploring the room,” she accepted the fact that modern dance was not for her and left it to those who actually got it. While she was in a ballet company, one of Ms. L’s instructors, like many ballet masters and mistresses, used a wooden stick to keep time. (Notice Lucy’s teacher in the video above.) Then if he got annoyed any particular dancer, he would sneak up and smack the barre behind them with that stick, scaring them to death.

There’s one particular story in which Ms. L taught fellow classmate a first-hand lesson about the strength and endurance of real dancers.

As some teenage boys will do, Ms. L’s classmate would mock ballerinas, claiming that dancing was for wimps. This boy obviously knew nothing about dance. Be adventurous and try balancing on one leg while extending the other in the air parallel to the floor and maintaining perfect poise and balance. Or simply notice a professional ballet dancer’s well-defined muscles or the state of their dance shoes, and you’ll realize the amount of work that goes into a dancer’s training. Ms. L finally got tired of her schoolmate’s taunts and offered to give him a ballet lesson after school so he could see for himself just how “wimpy” dancers were. He agreed.

A basic ballet class can last from sixty to ninety minutes, depending on the teacher and level of class. Ms. L’s class includes about 45 minutes of barre work, in which we stretch and warm up our muscles. Center work comes next, followed by combinations across the floor, then various jumps and leaps. Class usually ends with a warm down and a reverence, or bow.

Ms. L went easy on her fellow student and gave him a lesson consisting only of barre. The boy didn’t come to school for three days afterwards. When he did return, he came to Ms. L and cried, “What did you do to me?! I’m so sore! I couldn’t move for three days!” Ms. L had no sympathy. She told him she just gave him the basic warm up exercises every ballerina gets for every class—exercises she did almost daily. What’s more, where he only did the exercises once during their “lesson,” she actually did them three times: once to demonstrate, once to “mark” the steps at tempo, and once to fully perform the steps with him. And, as she pointed out to her “student,” she was perfectly fine. Her classmate learned his lesson, admitted he was wrong, and never called dancers wimpy again.

Mastery in any activity requires commitment and hard work, as most of you readers can attest to. For an example of fantastic athletic ability (and agility), as well as for your own enjoyment, I give you a bit of Baryshnikov with his amazing spins and leaps. (And to quote one viewer, “Why bother with gravity?”)

During the next phase of serious moonlight, have your red, patent leather, or blue suede shoes ready and let’s dance!

Here is a list of guest stars—in no particular order—that we think would be fun guest stars on the Muppet Show if it were still around today and had its traditional format. These folks would have a good time laughing it up. (Think about it. My kids discovered Alice Cooper through the Muppet Show. If Alice Cooper is cool enough to have a good time laughing and goofing around, these folks will, too.)

Before you ask if any of the kids watching the show will know all these people, remember first that the Muppet Show was not just for kids. Also, remember some of the previous guest stars from when we were kids. Sly Stallone, Roger Moore, Raquel Welch, James Coburn. I may not have known their work, but I recognized names or faces. And seeing them goof off with Muppets made them fun.

Some of these people have appeared on kids’ shows like “The Electric Company,” “Between the Lions,” even “Arthur.” (It might reveal that our TV is often tuned to kid television, but there are worse things.) If someone appears on a PBS kid’s show, they’ve got something going for them. Then as we all considered more potential guests, we thought of some who might be a nice surprise. So, imagine these people laughing, dancing, and generally having a good time with the likes of Kermit, Gonzo, Animal, Miss Piggy, and Beaker—and smile.

• Jack Black
• Johnny Depp
• Reba McIntyre (Johnny Cash was apparently once a guest on the show! I had no idea!)
• Christopher Lee (vampires, alien kids, hobbits, Jedi masters, chocolatiers, why not Muppets?)
• Ellen DeGeneres
• Tom Hanks
• Bonnie Hunt
• Sir Alan Cumming (did you know he’s been on the “Electric Company”? Had a great time, too.)
• Jimmy Fallon (ditto)
• David Tennant
• Catherine Tate
• Josh Flitter (funny kid from “Nancy Drew”)
• Emma Roberts
• Jay Baruchel (that geeky guy from “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” and the voice of Hiccup in “How to Train Your Dragon”)
• Sir Patrick Stewart
• Scott Bakula (because had a good time on “Quantum Leap”)
• Helen Mirren
• Wayne Brady
• Anne Hathaway
• Hugh Jackman
• Rupert Grint
• Helena Bohnam Carter (because I think she’d just have so much fun)
• Will Smith
• Bruce Willis (because his very small bit cameo in “Nancy Drew” showed me just how fun he could be with kids)
• Ringo Starr
• Paul McCartney
• Mandy Patinkin
• Nathan Fillion (the guy who plays Richard Castle)
• George Clooney
• Conan O’Brian
• Rene Fleming (if Rudolf Nureyev could be on there . . . )
• Topher Grace
• Kenneth Branaugh (Shakespearean comedy and tragedy, WWII German military leader, self-absorbed wizard professor, Norse gods . . . I can imagine him laughing with the Muppets and making Piggy swoon with Shakespearean quotes)
• Christopher Walken (For the adults. He’d be fun and eerie at the same time. Then you can introduce your kids to “More Cowbell.” And his Simpsons bit: “You’re scootching. What did I tell you about the scootching?”)
• Harry Connick, Jr.
• Joe Mantegna
• Martin Short (did you know he’s the voice of the Cat in the Hat?!)
• Kelsey Grammer
• One of those crazy chefs from TV (The Swedish Chef can throw them out of his kitchen because they don’t know how to properly cook a “birdie”)
• Priscilla Star Diaz (fun girl from “The Electric Company”)
• Samuel L. Jackson
• Jim Carrey (he apparently sent in his resume to “The Carol Burnett Show” when he was ten. How fun is that?)
• Sandra Oh (I’m watching her in “Princess Diaries” now. And looking back at when “Grey’s Anatomy” was in it’s early stages, she was the best one.)
• Craig Ferguson (though he’d have to watch his mouth; he’d be funny and he already has practice working with the puppets on his show . . . and that weird mohawk zombie robot, which in my opinion, has had a bad influence on Mr. Ferguson, since he is fouler ever since that robot appeared.)
• Hugh Laurie
• Stephen Fry (he and the above could appear together; that could be fun)
• Holly Hunter
• Kevin James
• Lemony Snicket (an author who doesn’t mind acting for a crowd; his episode would be . . . interesting)
• Alan Rickman
• Denzel Washington
• Yo Yo Ma (he was one of many cool people who appeared on Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood)
• Zachary Quinto (a pretty good Spock in the current “Star Trek” movie, and his costars from “Heroes” have said he is a super nice guy which made it weird for them think of him as the uber bad guy)
• Simon Pegg
• David Bowie (because “Labyrinth” is on our minds)
• Sandra Bullock
• Hugh Grant
• Selena Gomez
• Flight Time and Big Easy from the Harlem Globe Trotters
• Stephen Hawking
• Neil Gaiman (he could make it dark and eerie)
• Tim Burton (ditto)
• Usain Bolt (gold medalist sprinter and world record holder)
• Weird Al Yankovic
• Donny Osmond (He went up a few notches in my book when he—along with Weird Al—had a good time laughing at himself being a complete dork in the video “White and Nerdy.”)
• Brandon Flowers (really—wouldn’t that be cool?)
• Tracey Ullman
• Ray Romano
• Ellen Page
• Jane Lynch
• Allison Janney
• Hank Azaria
• James Levine
• Jack Prelutsky
• India.Arie (I saw her once on “Between the Lions” and realized she has a lovely voice, a charming attitude, and may be neat since she appeared on a children’s show.)

And because of connections, we wanted to add:
• Elaine Bradley (of the Neon Trees)
• Stanford Olsen

Who would you like to add?

(And check out one of the most fun movie previews we’ve seen recently.)

I’ve loved experiencing some of the long-time resident eateries of our city, as well as find new favorites that were worthy to join the ranks. So, here are a few of the fine locally-owned eating establishments we have found in our own backyard that we would be happy to share with any visitors.

Left Fork Grill
It is easy to offer genuine praise to this establishment and its owner. When we decided to take our friends here for the monthly dinner, they asked what was good on the menu and I told them—in seriousness—to close their eyes and point. The genuine welcoming atmosphere of this eatery is exemplified by the sight of the chef wandering about his restaurant, a joyous light in his eyes and a big smile on his face as he visits every table and chats with folks who love his food. He will gladly talk to you about his choice of ingredients and preparation, if you ask. The fine ladies who work the tables love serving food they love themselves—ask them. The chef worked for years at well-regarded up-scale restaurants before deciding he wanted to serve his delicious creations for the general populous—and we genuinely appreciate it. You know you’re somewhere special when you walk in door and see the board boasting such specials as fresh blueberry pancakes, baked flounder, lamb shank, prime rib (which covers the entire plate so your perfectly round boiled potatoes and fresh string beans come on the side), and a pear-and-blue-cheese soup du jour. I knew it was going to be a great place when I saw that the turkey sandwich had real Havarti cheese. Also offered are beautifully breaded halibut fish and chips and genuine wiener schnitzel. Along with his soups and salad dressings, the chef makes his homemade pie crusts and fillings daily—delicious fresh stuffings like apple, peach, blueberry, peach-blueberry, pecan, and various creams. Order your pie fast, because they do run out. And you will order pie, even if you have to get it to go.

O’Falafel
This small but tasty eatery is locally owned by a family who came here from the Middle East and brought their delicious talent for cooking with them. A woman in our church became good friends with this family, and she had the owner demonstrate pastry making at one of our activity nights. While we ate his tasty apple treat, she explained that he had also made the delicious pita bread served with our dinner that night, and we all became interested in his restaurant. While the owner explained his fare, I started scheming about when I could visit to get more of that pita bread. Then one of the ladies next to me started telling me about his menu. She mentioned the different types sandwiches—all made with that delicious pita bread—and suggested I first try the Falafel sandwich with it’s fried hummus and other goodies. She then went on to talk about the tasty seasoned rice and other generous plates, and I told her she had me at “fried hummus.” My friend and I went later that week to try it out, and I was glad to have a starting point, since so many things looked good. We were able to thank the incredibly kind and sociable owner in person for his fine demonstration, and he gave us a taste of the seasoned lamb his staff prepared “just for him.” (Read: a bit spicier than the menu offers.) I’ve been back there since share this tasty food and nice atmosphere with others (and to be informed by the owner that I need to taste okra cooked Mediterranean-style to taste it for real). How wonderful to have a locally owned eatery that serves such delicious examples of native Mediterranean cuisine.

Locally owned Italian fare
We love Italian food. Here’s one of my favorites and one that everyone should have the pleasurable experience of dining at for any special occasion.
Cannella’s serves delicious food which comes nicely priced. A nice evening out for two. Their ravioli comes nestled in a homemade pesto sauce that I could drink. Get extra bread to mop up the sauce and house salad dressing.

Multiple award-winning Cusina Toscana offers what I imagine to be a taste of both genuine Italian cuisine and atmosphere. The Italian owner is a constant presence as he visits guests, monitors the service, and occasionally takes over a pot or two in the visible cooking station to show the cooks how to do it. (And Der Meister knows a fun story about him.) Celebratory atmosphere—we’re together, we’re eating fine food, life is good! Here I learned that prosciutto is best served lightly draped over cantaloupe and that berry-sized capers are surprisingly lovely. I also learned what true, flavorful, fresh lemon chicken should taste like. Special occasions are made memorable here. I can still see the Fisherman’s twinkling eyes as he enjoyed his special appetizer of fresh oysters while watching his family laugh and smile around him. Save your money and go.

The Other Place
A long-established Greek-American restaurant that we discovered a while ago. Some may find it not exotic enough for their taste, but I love it. Three items basically make up my favorite meal: tangy lemon rice; Greek salad dressing covered with Feta cheese atop a fresh salad (yes, I’m purposefully focusing on the dressing and cheese); and delicious, perfectly browned and buttered pita bread. We are all happy when we go to this restaurant. (And it’s fun to giggle at people’s confusion when we tell them we’re going to “The Other Place” to eat. It’s a bit reminiscent of the one line I remember from a movie we once flipped through on TV: “I’ll meet you at the place near the thing where we went that time.”)

Himalayan Kitchen
Our friends chose this as our monthly eatery recently. The friendliest staff ever, and our water glasses never had a chance to get empty. I was glad to have a tour guide for the long menu. I love everything I tasted. Perfectly barbecued chicken (pure flavor from the grill, friends, not coated in some heavy sauce). Deliciously buttery curry chicken. Homemade naan—garlic style, if you like (which we did). And their mango pudding should be served by the vat; it makes you that happy.

And one day, as I was driving home from the southern end of the valley, I saw a bright blue and white sign announcing a new eatery that has happily joined our group. Though it’s not local, I cheered to see it’s arrival and insisted on going for dinner that night—and met no resistance. Before this, we have only been able to enjoy this tasty goodness in the valley of the sun, thanks to the recommendation of fine family members. Now, Butterburgers, crinkle fries, cheese curds, and frozen custards have arrived—and welcome!

Naturally, there are other tasty places we regularly patronize, such as our favorite juicy burger eateries and local college pizzeria, but this list focuses on local places we discovered recently that liven up our fare. Lovely finds to share our with others, and a way to experience a taste of the world without a passport.

Anyone care to share their favorites?

A teacher affects eternity; she may never knows where her influence stops.

I have read this quote countless times on bumper stickers, mugs, and paper weights, and have brushed it aside for it’s maudlin taste—until now. I’ve learned it’s true.

I’ve been a volunteer at a local literacy center for a few months now. After reading about the center in a local newspaper and doing a bit of research, I signed up to volunteer. The center teaches English-speaking adults how to read, write, and do basic math, and I work with one of these amazing learners. These adults are like you and me: they have jobs and families; they eat out and go to movies; they have goals and dreams. But, for various reasons, most did not learn to read past an elementary grade level. They’ve compensated in various ways like claiming to forget their glasses or passing paperwork on to someone else. Then something happens that makes them want to change their lives. They want to read a menu and order what they want instead of “what he’s having.” They want to read Goodnight, Moon to their grandchild. They want a college degree. Through various individuals or organizations, they find this center.

According to the center’s policy, if you want to learn, you have to be the one to call. One reason I admire the adults here is because they chose to be there; they made the decision to learn. It takes courage—and humbleness—to place a call and tell a stranger on the other end, “Hello, I’m 20, 40, 60 years old and I’d like to learn how to read and heard you can help.”

Teaching at the center is different than teaching a classroom of teenagers, and presents its own challenges and learning experiences. I’ve learned that my actions as a teacher really do have eternal consequences for anyone I teach, and sometimes those consequences—and their lessons—are unexpected. I also understand better what type of teacher I am and what I value as an educator.

During my two-day volunteer training at the center, the director explained that many learners there had bad experiences with school and/or teachers. That would be understandable. We expect our teachers to do their job—to teach and help children succeed. As one former teacher has said, our school system has 12 years to teach our children how to read, and they should be able to do so. Think about it: twelve years, nine months each year, for about eight hours a day in one building full of teachers. If the student shows up, he should be assured of being educated in basic reading, writing, and math skills, regardless of other influencing factors. It’s the basic purpose of school. If schools don’t fulfill their purpose, we’re disappointed and angry. Sometimes we become indifferent and miscreant.

We volunteers got to meet a couple of the learners at the center. When we asked them how they got through school without learning how to read, one learner’s explanation enlightened my own teaching experience and clarified my definition of a teacher.

This learner told us that he made it through school without learning to read because all of his teachers had labelled him as a trouble maker (because when you don’t understand the lesson, you find other ways to occupy your time), then, like they did with all trouble makers, they shoved him in the back of the class and ignored him.

A teacher affects eternity.

As the learner spoke, two feelings came to me simultaneously. First, I got nervous; he had a very poor opinion of teachers and I hoped he wouldn’t find out that I, sitting next to him, was of those professionals he hated. Then I wanted to jump up and shout in mutual understanding, anger, and shock, because this man had just described some of my colleagues who had seen my own “trouble makers” at school and told me, word for word—and I am not making this up—“Just put them in the back of the class and ignore them. Teach to everyone else.” I realized this man had been one of those students. Suddenly, I was face to face with the true repercussions of those teachers’ actions. I also realized how important my decision was when I, without hesitation, refused to follow this advice.

I actually thought those teachers were joking at first, because their advice made no sense. First of all, it wasn’t going to help me—the problems wouldn’t be solved, they would just move with the kids to the back of the class. Second, it wasn’t going to help any of my students—they wouldn’t get the education or the help they needed and expected from me. Also, I could only imagine what sort of evaluations I’d get if I followed this advice. Ignoring a problem was not part of my job as a teacher. I simply thought about each of my students and realized I couldn’t and didn’t want to ignore them. They didn’t deserve that. I was also advised to kick the problem students out and send them to the office repeatedly. I did this for a time, but it didn’t get the desired results, nor were the students getting the necessary help. So instead, I took some time to work with as many as I could individually.

Some educators trivialized my actions, but I ignored their mockery. Other teachers told me that, by not ignoring these “problem” students, I was “just making more work for myself.” I laughed outright and thought, “More work? I don’t know what you do, but figuring out how to help a student learn isn’t more work. It’s called teaching.” I wasn’t just going to ignore part of the class and hope the problems would go away. I also wasn’t going to teach just those students who seemed to care. That was not my job. It was my job to determine what my all my students knew, what they needed to know for my class, and then help them progress. If something wasn’t working, then I would find out why and make necessary changes. Not everyone wanted to be helped, and I didn’t solve everyone’s problems, but I made an effort and we made progress.

I had no idea that, years later, I would realize how potentially eternal and influential my actions may have been for some of my students. They each had varying degrees of issues to work with, and sometimes it was simply showing them a level of trust and respect. I hate to think what would have happened to them if I had left them alone.

Listening to this learner at the literacy center brought back memories of specific students. One of my students had looked at me one day and suddenly exclaimed, “At least you help me! None of the others will help me.” I was shocked. A call for help comes in many different ways, and apparently not all teachers heed that call. All my students had to do was ask—or yell—for help and they’d get it. I also noticed and responded to behavior, since a specific call for help wasn’t always vocalized. Either way, I’d help them because they needed it. I thought any teacher would do the same. I expected any teacher to do the same. We want our students to learn, after all. I realized my students were so thankful for my help because I actually heard and took the time.

Of course, the students had to do their part, too. But once they realized that I wasn’t going to ignore them, they were willing to make more of an effort. Again, I didn’t solve every problem, and it was not my fault if they failed, but I made an effort, which made a difference. I took my job as a teacher seriously—I was affecting eternity. I had to show my students that I recognized my responsibility and that they mattered.

What if some of the adults at the literacy center had gotten the type of acknowledgement, challenge, and help they had needed? What if one of their teachers, instead of ignoring their need or deciding it was too much effort, had recognized their call for help? Would it have made a difference? I don’t know. But something positive could have happened, because I saw it happen with my students.

Expert educators believe that in an ideal educational system, all students in a class would be on the same learning level so that the teacher doesn’t have to spend time helping small groups of students that are behind, leaving the rest of the class on their own. But we don’t have this ideal system. We are working with human beings who have all kinds of factors influencing their lives and learning. We need to take the time to show our students that we do care. That is our job, isn’t it? We teach because we care about them and what they know.

Every teacher affects eternity. Our students look to us to determine whether we are a teacher who is going to bother with them, one who is going to care. As a teacher and tutor, I value my students as well as my own knowledge. I care about their attitude as well as what and how they are learning under my instruction. I refuse to ignore them and their needs. I will continue to be the type of teacher who takes the time for my students. Whether progressing with encouragement or standing strong against opposition, I strive to be an influence for good.

Der Meister’s comment: It’s sad to think our child gets all of her math help from an English major. (But thank goodness he can do it.)

Homework! Oh Homework!
by Jack Prelutsky

Homework! Oh, homework!

I hate you! You stink!

I wish I could wash you

away in the sink.

If only a bomb

would explode you to bits.

Homework! Oh, homework!

You’re giving me fits. 

I’d rather take baths

with a man-eating shark,

or wrestle a lion

alone in the dark,

eat spinach and liver,

pet ten porcupines,

than tackle the homework

my teacher assigns.

Homework! Oh, homework!

You’re last on my list.

I simply can’t see

why you even exist.

If you just disappeared

it would tickle me pink.

Homework! Oh, homework!

I hate you! You stink!

Dear Nanny-O taught us to play to win, and play fair. However, we also learned not to hold a grudge when others win. After all, it’s more fun to play with someone who is skilled at the game and offers a challenge. However, when losing a game on the day of your birth, it’s acceptable to express your dismay at the winner’s seeming impudence by declaring with a pout, “But it’s my birthday!”

Thanks to dear Nanny-O, I learned that age is nothing when it comes to laughing at a deserving joke or groaning at a deserving pun. By dressing up in a costume to join the party, Nanny-O proved that at any age, a person should still occasionally be silly and have fun. And where she may have grumbled about getting her picture taken, she is smiling in every picture, especially surrounded by those she loved.

Nanny-O proved that words are wonderful at any age in your life. I remember her describing the moment she realized she could read by herself, and that it was like magic how the words made sense to her. During one of my first visits to her home, I was excited to see her reach for her well-worn dictionary to look up a word der Meister had used in their conversation. l realized by her movements, the placement of the book, and it’s worn cover that this was a natural act, and that her dictionary and the words within it were like old and new friends. She loved words, loved learning new ones, and used all of them as they were meant to be.

At every family gathering with Nanny-O there was singing. Der Meister would pick up the guitar or someone would sit down at the piano and everyone would sing. How appropriate and touching that out last visit with her included music, and how fitting that at her funeral, we gathered around her and sang for her.

Everyone can recall her love of avocados, and salad isn’t salad without her toasted sesame seed topping. Those lucky enough to hear it will never forget her reading of “Lil Ret Rotten Hut.” Birthday parties won’t quite be the same without Nanny-O. I’ll miss hearing, “Surprise surprise!” as she smiles and gives the lucky “dearie” a birthday card with a thoughtful Nanny-O message written just for them. Her family letter messages in which she shared her testimony, expressing her love of the gospel and our brethren, uplifted and strengthened our own faith.

Nanny-O was proud of us. All grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and any spouse that joined the family became one of her “dearies,” and she would keep track of our lives and take pleasure in all of our successes. We felt Nanny-O’s love and concern for each of us, whether she was attending our wedding or college graduation, laughing at her great-grandchildren’s silly teapot skit, sharing a story about her husband, supporting the rock career of a grandchild, or placing complete and pure trust in her daughter as caregiver. She may have wondered about how some of us were trotting along in life and just what we may have been thinking along the way, but by her conversations and actions, we knew Nanny-O loved and supported all of us.

We will miss our dear Nanny-O. But how lucky to have our lives blessed by such a fine, exemplary lady.

Smiles galore!

(*title in homage to original Tin Grin, Dr. Silcox)