Growing Up in Flip Flops

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Every time I set our supper table before dinner with plates, glasses and silverware, there was always the addition of a large serving spoon beside my mother's setting.  And every time I saw that serving spoon in its spot, I knew its dual purpose;  both table implement and instructional tool.  In later years, a different kind of "serving spoon" served as an instructional tool for me.  I haven't forgotten those instructional moments, much to the chagrin of a former employer.

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I see a dazzling display of lights in my bedroom in South Florida that reminds me of my teacher's description of her first experience upon witnessing the Northern Lights.  It seems the same except the colors are different than what she saw.  It was years later that I finally figured it all out.

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This is not about how I spent a summer, but instead how I spent summers from about age six to 13.   It was in all likelihood, done out of necessity by my mother, but I learned a lot about people and myself during those summers.  Some aspects were difficult, but I'd live them all again if I could.

As a great philosopher once wrote;  Visions of good times that brought so much pleasure makes me want to go back again. 

So very true.

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Assuming that I was just attending a charity basketball game results in one of the more amazing experiences in my life.  One that is unlikely to ever occur again for anyone.  And why I was the lucky one for it to happen to, I have no explanation. 

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Growing up in a garden surrounded by a variety of citrus and fruit would seemingly be a dream situation for most people.  Not for me.  And growing up in that garden has had a surprisingly long lasting effect on my tastes.

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Sometimes you will witness a fleeting example of something extraordinary which you will remember for the rest of your life.  It can be something historic, such as where you were when you learned of the 9/11 tragedy, or something mundane, but still a surprise or a shock.

Here I remember something I witnessed on an elementary school playground during recess.  Which I still count as one of the most remarkable events I have ever witnessed.

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Never ever underestimate a child's curiosity.  And know that curiosity can be a very powerful motivation.

Confession is good for the soul, especially if the statute of limitations has run out.

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My mother did everything right in preparing for a hurricane.  And then the unexpected happened.  But, even when the worst is happening around you, perhaps one day you'll look back, and even that day will be pleasant to remember.  At the very least, it will make a great story to tell.

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I learn the truthfulness of Stevenson's comment that, "Sooner or later, everyone sits down to a banquet of consequences."  I learned how quickly that "banquet" can arrive and how loud and embarrassing it can be to attend it.  The result being I that I never wanted to visit that banquet hall ever again in my life.

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My mother proves in a very direct manner that she is not someone with whom to be trifled or bullied.  And I receive an early indirect lesson that I shouldn't  push my mother on issues on which she was firm.  Whether or not this qualifies her to be a "Southern Belle" is still debatable.