Welcome to my blog. Thanks for visiting.
Hi, my name is Marsha Ingrao.
My husband, Vince, our dog, Kalev, AKA Puppy Girls, and cat, Moji, and his sister have lived in Prescott, Arizona since 2020. We love it here.
Family
My friends are my family because my family is so tiny.
I have a younger brother in Portland, OR. Like me, Randy and his wife have no children. Our parents, both only children, and their parents and grandparents have passed.
Marriage suits me. I’ve had two husbands, both for over twenty years. Mark Alvord passed away at age 47 from a rare genetic disease. His tiny family is all gone now. Then I married Vince and inherited another small, but not tiny family. Our generation lives on as does the next.
Jobs and Career
I reached my career goals late like Leo the Late Bloomer. I tried lots of other jobs before I finally started teaching.
- babysitter
- paper girl
- dietary worker at Portland Adventist Hospital.
- dental assistant
- shipping & receiving clerk – dental supply house
- real estate sales
- door to door magazine sales
- teacher’s aide
- k-teacher private school
- proofreader and a paste-up person at a printing company
- secretary
- office manager
- teacher
- administrator/ consultant
It takes forever to get your education when you wait! I finally reached the goal. I loved teaching. I loved kids and I loved teachers. I loved the process.
Retirement
George Washington set the example. He stepped aside after he served as President for two terms. Good thinking! I retired before anyone had a chance to say out loud to me that I was too old for my job.
Never regret your decisions! The history-social studies program flourished far beyond my vision for it. My friend, Joy took my job, then moved on and up the ladder. Now Justin, a new teacher when I started, a dear friend, serves in my old position as the Tulare County History Consultant. They advanced education further than I could have imagined.
Beyond Retirement
- blog
- served history-social studies teachers through California and San Joaquin Valley Councils for the Social Studies
- travel
- gardened in CA
- served the Woodlake, CA community through Kiwanis and the Chamber of Commerce, and Foothill Bible Church
- wrote a photo history book of Woodlake – Images of America Woodlake.
- moved to Prescott
- still blog, still attend church
Major Hurdles
- stage 1 breast cancer in 2019
- torn meniscus, deep vein thrombosis & pulmonary embolisms & pneumonia in 2021-2022
Yet, I live on to serve. How can I help you?
- Email: alwayswrite01@gmail.com
- Manny’s Blog
- Blogger Woodlake & History
- FB Home
- FB Page
- Twitter @MarshaIngrao
- Tumblr
Testimonials
I had several testimonials, probably spam. Does a hobby blogger need testimonials? I don’t think so.
Now it’s your turn.
Introduce yourself and share your About Page link with me.
Marsha Ingrao - Always Write 
254 responses to “About Me”
Hello newest Spikey! I know, a bit corny, eh, but that’s the term that has come to stick for those folk who are part of the clan known to be followers of Uncle Spike 🙂
Thank you… I really appreciate that as I for one, know how many interesting and entertaining blogs are out there.
My aim is to deliver an eclectic offering of posts, from my ‘point n shoot’ attempts at basic photography, to the sharing of my travel adventures over the decades, as well as day to day happenings here on the farm. Oh, plus a few observations on life as I see it, thrown in for good measure.
My promise to you is not to be overbearing, just a couple of posts a day, maybe 3 at weekends if I have something special to share. But if you are at a loose end one day, maybe you’ll enjoy trawling through some of my older stuff too. I have added plenty of categories to help in said digging process.
Thanks again and hope you have a great day…
UNCLE SPIKE
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Welcome to my home, Uncle Spike. Hope you enjoyed browsing, and will come back. This is my streaming blog when I write whatever is floating by in my life at the time. Thanks for taking the time to check in and see what’s happening in my life. 🙂
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Thanks for the thanks… I’m gonna have a decent look at your blog later (bookmarked) 🙂
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And I will do the same with yours! 😃
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Thank you guys for your nice word and for following my blog. I like your blog and I am looking forward to read more of your posts. Read you soon.
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Thanks Adrian. 🙂
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AnElephantCant help if he babbles
He rarely says anything too sensible
And when he sees the pretty blonde lady
He thinks uh oh maybe
His thoughts are almost reprehensible!
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hehehe! 🙂
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Hello! Thanks for following A Journey of Wonders, one of the best sources for travel and inspiration. Here’s the index in order to help you navigate my site: http://journeywonders.com/index/.
Enjoy and safe travels!
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Thanks 🙂
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Hi Marsha, just wanted to say thanks for your comment–that was very nice!
I thought our paths had crossed, maybe via Guapo! As big as the internet is, it’s still a small world isn’t it?
I hope you have a wonderful weekend, thanks again for your nice words,
Christy
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Yes, it is a small world. Guapo is a very encouraging person. I met him and Benzeknees last Christmas doing a stint of moderating the internet to respond to people during Christmas.
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Hi Marsha. I have nominated you for Blogger of the Year 2013. Please check out my post http://jtweaver.net/2013/12/04/blog-of-the-year-award/ and congratulations! Well Done!
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JT, I’m thrilled!!! Thanks so much!!!!!
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You’re very welcome. Well deserved.
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Even after you’ve seen how rough my first drafts are, you still nominated me!!! That makes me feel good! I’m afraid that now that I’ve settled into retirement, my blogging has been much blotchier than it was last year.
However, the friends I’ve made on the Internet have become close friends now after a year and a half of blogging. We’ve all moved beyond the blogging platform to connect in different ways, 😀 Thanks again! ☺
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Hi! I’ve nominated you for the “Blog Of The Year” Award! Congrats!
Follow this link: http://painttheworldwithwords.wordpress.com/?p=714
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Wow! I didn’t check, are you on my payroll? JK, I don’t have a payroll. You are so kind. Thank you so much! 🙂
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Lol! Nope! I just made some besties out here I feel! And ones whom I see writing great content!
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You are a sweetie pie, new BFF. 🙂
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Aww:)) You too!
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🙂 Twins! 🙂
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🙂
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Hi there! I’ve nominated you for the Most Influential Blogger Award! Congrats:)
Follow this link: http://painttheworldwithwords.wordpress.com/?p=711
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Wow, I’m honored. I’ve never been the most influential before! Yeah! Thanks a lot! 🙂
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You’re welcome hun:)
Congrats:)
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🙂
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I’ve nominated you for the “Versatile Blogger Award” Congrats!
Follow the link: http://painttheworldwithwords.wordpress.com/?p=509
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Thank you so much. I’m honored! 🙂
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Hey Marsha, Cool blog! Very interesting and we will definitely be back. Your friends at http://www.hitchhikershandbook.com
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Thank yo uso much! All of you! 🙂
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Thank you for taking the time to follow my blog! Means a lot, good luck on your journey! 😀
Cheers
Ky. 🙂
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Thanks so much. 🙂
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Hi Marsha- I really am enjoying your blog. Can’t wait to read your future posts!
All the best,
-Andrew
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Awww Thanks I’ve got to check yours out as well. I love your Gravitar, and as soon as Manny sees it, he’s going to want to come for a visit!
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Nice to see your blog. In your About page, ypu made a summary of life which most people will see as the part of their own’s life summary. If you want to save memories of your life with pictuers, audio, satellite views, travel account, etc. then have a look at my blog to see downloadable video presentations: http://mushtaqtariq.wordpress.com
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ok
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Though I’m sure it’s more work that pleasure what I’m doing to you right now, I appreciate the idea behind the awards,so therefor I pass them along..
This time to you..The Super sweet blog award 😀
Find everything here.http://goldyigal.wordpress.com/2013/07/30/super-sweet-blog-award/
Have a wonderful week!
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Thank you so much Goldygal! I am honored, and a bit sweeter now that you left me such a sweet award. 🙂
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😀 You’re welcome x
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🙂 Psssst (If she only knew!!!!)
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You’ve won yet another award! The Most Influential Blogger award. No rules, no muss, no fuss, just go to http://jtweaverblog.wordpress.com/awards/ and pick it up. Congratulations!
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Awwww. Thanks JT!!!! 😀 You are kind!!!! I am honored!!!
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you’ve got an award! http://syl101.wordpress.com/2013/07/12/wonderful-team-member-readership-award/
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Thank you SO much! I’m honored!
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You’re welcome 🙂
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I like “your babbling is music to my ears” 😀
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🙂 I’m a babbler 🙂 I love to babble with people. I have some wonderful friends that I’ve met here. 🙂
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😀
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number one: your blog is so super cute 😀 I love the little bunnies at the end of the page,
number two: I love the fact that you add pictures / visuals to your posts, I think they make the posts even more interesting.
number three: Im so so glad to have someone as jolly and talented as you following my blog and commenting, I FEEL LIKE IM ON TOP OF THE WORLD 😀 hahah!
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your experiences.
Tell you something, I wanna be a teacher one day. Perhaps I could get some advice on THAT 😉
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I loved being a teacher, and I didn’t start until I was 37. I knew I wanted to be a teacher from the time I was 13, so it took me a long time, but I finally did it! Let me know how I can help. I will address your questions in my next week, “Ask Marsha” post. Lots of love 🙂 M
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😀 I sure will
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Marsha,
Congratulations, I have nominated you for an award – see:
http://thestoryreadingapeblog.com/2013/07/06/ive-received-the-liebster-award/
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Thanks so much SRA. I am so honored. I’ll check it out later today. 🙂 Marsha 🙂
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I have nominated you for the Word Press Family Award. Stop by and check it out.
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Awwww, thanks JT. 🙂 Marsha Lee Ingrao 🙂 See how brave I am????
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Congratulations, again, Marsha! Just noticed you had this award : ) I have a different one for you in the hopper!
http://judylesko.com/2013/06/20/the-super-sweet-blogging-award/
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Thanks so much, Judy! I am honored! I suddenly feel sweeter. Read my blog tomorrow, and you may change your mind about me! 🙂 (I hope not, though!) 🙂
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LOL, Okay, I’ll keep the other two awards in the cupboard, just in case. Looking forward to reading your post : )
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I love your blog so much that I nominated you for the Sine On Award! To accept, please go to: http://mymomthoughts.com/2013/06/20/ive-been-awarded-the-shine-on-award/
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Thank you so much Marie! I’m honored. 🙂
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You’re welcome
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I’ve nominated you for the Sunshine Blog Award, because your posts always bring a ray of sunshine to my life! You can find the rules and information on this at this link: http://dwelchel.wordpress.com/2013/05/13/sunshine-bloggers-award-i-feel-so-loved/
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Thanks, Darla! Yours do the same for me:)
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🙂
your welcome!
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Hi Marsha Lee! I think you have a great blog and have nominated you for the Sunshine Award. You can check it out here:
http://scsurfbutler.com/2013/05/07/sunshine-award/. I hope it is ok, and like you said to me, there is no pressure! Thank you for all your support and visits as well!
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Thank you so much!!!!
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Hey girl I have an award over at my place for you HUGS
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Hi Eunice. Awwww you are so sweet. I’ll get by there today. Lots of love for you! 🙂
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Love to you as well Marsha 🙂
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Hey, I nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award. Check it out here – http://mischievouseyez.wordpress.com/2013/02/11/guess-whose-nominated-for-an-award/ .
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Hi Miss Mischievous,
You are so sweet. You are the one who is Very Inspiring!! I accept your compliment even though I have received that award, I appreciate your thoughtfulness in naming me!!! 🙂 Marsha 🙂
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you totally deserve the awrd too 😀
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🙂
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I’m going to answer you here until my computer is fixed via Costco tech support. Notifications acts as if my replies to comments that I have made on other blogs is sitting there as the thingy goes round and round. I can’t access email either so I will get back to you re: all comments later today if not ssooner. IO have not eaten breakfast yet and it is not 1;25pm. Met with my nurse friends that all retired before or after I retired (4 of us worked on same unit) I had not eaten before I met with them., I had a long day yesterday traveling a total of 260 miles for my MD appt.. in the hill country of Texas. I live about 30 miles from where the hill country begins or ends- whatever you choose. I take the scenic route and not the main highway for most of the drive.
Regards,
Yvonne
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It’s so frustrating to be hampered by technology. We wouldn’t be anywhere without it, but when it doesn’t do its end of the bargain, GRRRRRR. I hear you about breakfast. I finally got dressed at 11:00 because a friend called to go on a walk, and I also was going out for lunch. I had spent the entire morning on the computer doing various tasks and projects. I have not been to Texas except in the airport and in San Antonio for a week-end meeting. I loved San Antonio!!! 🙂 Marsha 🙂
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http://ligoeditions.wordpress.com/2013/01/18/the-ligo-weekly-220w-challenge-words-to-bring-the-world-together-spain/
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Hi Esenga,
I wasn’t quite sure what to do about this, but it sounds like a challenge to write about Spain. That sounds interesting – broad topic!!! 🙂 Are you going to write about Spain? I’ve never been there, have you? My picture would have to be borrowed. 🙂
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I have nominated you for the “Tell Me About Yourself Award”
http://kattermonran.com/2013/01/08/awards-part-one/
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Awwww Alistair Is this going to get embarrassing???? I’m honored though. It’s always amazing when people want to know more about me. l’il ole me!!!! WOW!!! Manny is hugging me and we are bouncing around the room. 🙂
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You’ll have to go back to the one who gave it to me for the rules as I have about 30 awards to give out (so expect more) and I am blocking them together
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I know how that goes!!!! You’ll be busy for a while!!!!! I still have one more to finish up that I will post tomorrow. Thanks again, Alastair. 🙂 P.S. So are you 45???
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I am indeed. Only until my next birthday though.
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Thus, your favorite number!!!
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Yep 😀
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Hi Marsha,
I read your comment on Book Hub Inc Blog that you have written some children’s stories and are looking for an illustrator? My wife is a children’s book illustrator and may perhaps be interested in working with you. Check out the link below to her blog and get back to me if you like what you see.
http://lucyeveritt.wordpress.com/personal-work/
Cheers
Stephen
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Awesome. I’ll check later. I’m at dinner with friends.
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You are a Beautiful Blogger! Hope you will accept this award from a fan!
http://algarveblog.net/2012/12/08/blog-awards-update-and-christmas-show/
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Thank you so much!!! I’m honored!!! I’ll be by and check it out later today. Marsha 🙂
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I have an award over at my place for you
xo
Eunice
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Eunice, you are too sweet. Thank you for that honor!!!
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You are very welcome!
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Hi, I have nominated you for a Very Inspiring Blog Award. See the link here for details. Kind Regards. Sue Ann http://sueannm66.wordpress.com/2012/11/07/awards-an-appreciation-and-gratitude/
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Thanks so much Sue Ann. You are SO sweet.
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Welcome – I’m inviting you to the LÄ«go Circle of Appreciation: http://esengasvoice.wordpress.com/2012/10/01/ligo-circle-of-appreciation/
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Wow! Thanks! That sounds fun!
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My pleasure. I hope you will enjoy 🙂
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http://managuagunntoday.wordpress.com/2012/09/22/my-kingdom-my-kingdom-for-one-lovely-blog-award/ I have enjoyed your blog and the atmosphere you create – so forwarded the award on to you,and thanks!
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Thank you SO much! I appreciate it!!
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I do like your blog very much – just sorry I didn’t see yr earlier comments had been misdirected, but anyway, thank YOU.
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It’s hard to follow comments! So no worries. Have a great day. 🙂
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It is a joy and honor to know you through you amazing blog. The world does need people like you who creates a positive change on others. Have a blessed day my friend.
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Thank you so much. You are doing the same thing through your blog. You are a very inspiring person!!
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Congratulations on your recent retirement. There is life after teaching. 🙂
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Yes, I believe that! It’s not quite real yet!!!
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Visiting your blog from cimplicityrockss. Who can resist reading a fellow teacher’s blog?
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I totally agree! What do you teach?
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I have been retired for about 16 years. Seems like only yesterday. I taught 4th, 5th and 2nd grades.
I know things have changed …. some for the better and some for….the other way. lol
But one thing never changes. We would never be teaching and stay with it if
we didn’t love the kids and think that we could really make a difference.
But I’m kind of glad I am retired. 🙂
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Congratulations, and I agree with you. When I moved into consulting, my teaching changed to adults mostly, and I got to go back and teach in classes occasionally. Those days were like adrenaline highs. I just retired on Thursday
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hmmm just wanted to tell you that my mom was also a teacher before she decided to takecare of me and sis on fulltime basis…but even till today her students keep visiting our house and they have always shown a great respect to my mom…….this can happen only to teachers .My family actually is full of teachers (My 2 uncles, My mom, My sis along with her Management job, My cousin sister and many more are in to teaching profession) ….i can see a wonderful teacher with a great heart in you ……keep writing, teaching , experimenting with website ….I wish you and your family loads of happiness …..:-)
I shall pick the tasty award in a day or two…please dont give it to anyone else its for meeeeeeee:-
)
My mind has caught something new and unable to write or do anything on blog for today and tomorrow ….will be back with nominations and my articles shortly….
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What a nice reply! Thank you. The award is for YOU, I won’t give it away to someone else! I do love teaching, and amazingly today is my last full official day of my career. I will be officially retired tomorrow.
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I know that you know this truth that teacher will not have a retirement ….its a very meaningful life isn’t it to have brought light into many young brains…am sure all your students would miss seeing you in class but they will see you in their hearts forever with your teachings …..feeling lovely talking to you ……just logged in to see your reply and again am going back to my book not doing anything for the day on cimplicityrockss…
Takecare mam …..
Let me know how the day was on your last day of official teaching career …:-)
i shall also check with my mom how she actually felt on the last day of teaching job…. 🙂
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You may have received TONS of these replies, but my computer kept hiding the REPLY button this morning, so when I scrolled down, all my writing disappeared. I see the button, now, so I’ll chance it this time! I wrote today’s post to tell YOU about my last day. It was MORE than awesome. I have some amazing friends. Hope you enjoy the post. Tell your mom hi for me.
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I enjoyed it every bit….i wish you much more happiness in your upcoming ventures mam….
Takecare 🙂
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Thanks so much!
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I am so glad that I read this. I am very impressed by your career!
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Thank you so much Tanshree. Amazing to me that I achieved the career of my dreams. I have enjoyed it so much. Just as amazing I am retiring as of Thursday of this week! Now I hope to start my next career which will include writing and photography and blogging.
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wow.I am so impressed by your zest for life. Your second innings start from friday then. I wish you all the luck that can take you as far as you want to go in your life!
All the best!
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Thanks, your comments inspired my post for tonight. I’m glad we met!
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wow, it must be the second time then that I inspired you to write something. It feels good!
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There you go. You are an inspiration!
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I am overwhelmed by your gesture. Thank you!
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I appreciate your work a lot. So I nominate you for the ‘ One Lovely Blog Award’. More information here:
http://lilaterbescu.wordpress.com/2012/08/21/one-lovely-blog-award-nomination/
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Thank you so much. That is such a compliment coming from you!!!
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Oh this is just too beautiful! I missed your about page before and am delighted to have found it now. What a plethora of inspiration here. I am too delighted. Me dad is hoping to become a teacher of highschoolers, middleschoolers, after thirty years of technical writing. He has long dreamed of being a teacher. Here, your story is just too inspirational, and fuels my hope that he will indeed achieve this goal. Definately in love with your blog.
Sincerely,
Autumn Jade
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Thanks, I feel the same way about yours! Notice my newest post – inspired by you!
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Margaret,
It was genuinely “nice” to meet you today. Thanks for visiting and commenting. In order for me to remember to keep visiting, I’m going to have to “stalk” you know by pressing the follow button. Otherwise, I may never find my way back.
Be well,
Kina
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Thanks! I agree, it was “nice” to meet you too! I look forward to getting better acquainted.
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I have nominated you for another award the Beautiful Blogger Award. You can check it out at http://seasonsgirl.wordpress.com/2012/07/19/beautiful-blogger-award/. Enjoy 🙂
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I also nominated you for the inspiring blog award- check it out at http://seasonsgirl.wordpress.com/2012/06/28/inspiring-awards/. Congrats and Enjoy!
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Seriously??? Thanks so much. You are so sweet!!! Isn’t this totally fun? I am enjoying reading other people’s sites that I would never have known if I hadn’t started this. What an amazing hobby! Thanks again!
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Thanks again. What do I need to do???? Thank you!!!!
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Just go to the link http://seasonsgirl.wordpress.com/2012/06/28/inspiring-awards/ and it will tell you what to do… if you still need help let me know 🙂
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very nice to meet you
David in Maine USA
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Thanks! Nice to meet you, too. Hope you come back. I will learn from you about Maine, and you will get a taste of Central California here. 🙂
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Count on it!
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ha ha yes i lose things!! i have a saying..you know you need glasses when you cant find your glasses!! and i walk upstairs a lot forgetting why im there once i get to the top..although that could just be dementia!!
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ok – we must be related!
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Hiya Marsha, not sure if im breaking the rules but ah who cares. i nominated you for the one lovely blog award back because i love your blog, i get your sense of humour and its great to meet someone as crazy as me!!
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I don’t know what happened to my comment back to you, but I’ll reply again, so if you get two replies to this, you’ll understand – things happen to stuff. Do you lose things? I do! Thanks for nominating me. I have no idea what all this means, but it’s fun anyway. We can post our Lovely Blog award pictures front and center all over our blogs together!!!
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your “about” page is sooo inspiring…
thanks for sharing your story ;~D)
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Thanks for the encouraging words. Thanks for coming back to my site. It’s awesome to have you. Marsha Lee 🙂
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I love your bio and the pictures from your past! And I can just picture you laughing so hard as you were trying to read the Sideways story! You’ve learned and done so much in your years teaching. Bravo!
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There were times I laughed so hard I cried, and had to have a student read for me! Life is good.
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