Tag Archives: Catholic School

Stealing Elegance

Posted on June 27, 2016 by vanbytheriver

On my first trip to New York City, I stole a spoon from the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. It was not only the first time for me to the biggest of cities, it was the first and only time I committed … Continue reading →

Posted in Childhood, Education, Entertainment, Inspiration, Travel | Tagged , , , , , | 79 Comments

7th Grade

Posted on September 8, 2015 by vanbytheriver

It should have been a banner year, a year of achievement in a young life. It went mostly unnoticed. It came up a few days ago when a classmate posted a photo of my YWCA Babysitter Certification class from 1964. … Continue reading →

Posted in Childhood, Education, Family | Tagged , , , , , | 31 Comments

The School Nurse Crisis

Posted on July 6, 2015 by vanbytheriver

I was eleven when the call came from the school nurse. When I got home from school that day, it was not business as usual. My mother looked at me like I’d just been diagnosed with leprosy, malaria, polio, or … Continue reading →

Posted in Childhood, Education, Family, Health Issues | Tagged , , , , , | 52 Comments

Lingerie

Posted on June 30, 2015 by vanbytheriver

I was almost 14 when I managed to get my first real bra. It was not a purchase. It was a hand-me-down from a friend of my older sister. It was a pity donation. I had told her of issues … Continue reading →

Posted in Childhood, Education, Memories | Tagged , , , , , , | 73 Comments

Babushka

Posted on May 21, 2015 by vanbytheriver

  It’s a Russian term of endearment for Grandmother. It’s also used to describe those nesting dolls we remember. For me, it was something else. It meant that it was raining, snowing or windy, and I’d be wearing one of … Continue reading →

Posted in Childhood, Education, Family, home | Tagged , , , , , , | 52 Comments

May Queen

Posted on May 8, 2015 by vanbytheriver

It is fitting that someone as sweet and spiritual as my youngest sister would be chosen as May Queen, an honor bestowed on a graduating 8th grade Catholic school student. The annual ceremony over which she would preside began with … Continue reading →

Posted in Childhood, Education, Family | Tagged , , , | 21 Comments

The Handwriting on the Wall

Posted on April 26, 2015 by vanbytheriver

If you know what this is, you most likely grew up learning the Palmer Penmanship method of handwriting. The sight of these drills may still haunt you. I, for one, could never quite get my circles to look like the … Continue reading →

Posted in Childhood, Education, Writing | Tagged , , , , | 24 Comments

Blame it on Hayley Mills

Posted on April 9, 2015 by vanbytheriver

I was destined to become a nun. I was sure of it. This movie arrived just in time. Hayley Mills, the original “Parent Trap” star, played a rebellious, difficult cadet at an all girls’ prep school. Her “scathingly brilliant” ideas … Continue reading →

Posted in Childhood, Education, Inspiration, Movies | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 24 Comments

She Never Smiles

Posted on February 13, 2015 by vanbytheriver

This woman has not smiled in 40 years to avoid wrinkles. “Yes, I am vain and want to remain youthful. My strategy is more natural than Botox, and more effective than any beauty cream or facial. ” This is Tess … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Childhood, Depression, Entertainment, Photography | Tagged , , , , , , , | 18 Comments

Like No One is Watching

Posted on November 15, 2014 by vanbytheriver

Loving music of all kind, I can relate to the idea of “Dance…like no one is watching”. I have caught my reflection in the tv screen as I move to oldies, especially old Motown classics. The first record I ever … Continue reading →

Posted in Childhood, Music | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments