Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Everything touched a chord: Midwest brick, pull up windows, arab style to crown the top, Old Glory waving proud. My heart swelled for just a moment as I recalled the scent of sharpened pencils from the 3rd grade, gold stars and chalk dust. Mrs. Birsch. Mrs. Hodson. Lipstick on a coffee mug and that curly-haired blond boy at my side (how I had wished he'd like me!).



My own children leave for a school so unlike the memories I carry with me. But when I see this flag, Allison in the second row always stands up no matter where she is; in her mind she places her hand over her heart and recites the Pledge of Allegiance. She envisions the founding fathers leaning over a wooden desk with their plumed pens and buckled shoes, she hears the fife and cornet, she sings the victory song sung in post-freedom-war agony.

And then the recess bell rings.

13 comments:

Dawn said...

Ahhh...the school memories.
I feel as though I'm living all those years through my children once again.
But so glad I don't have to go back;)

Nice photo!!

Judy said...

This tugged at my heartstrings Allison...beautiful post.

TexWisGirl said...

i just want to hug you, dearie. feeling pangs of homesickness myself this week, as families gather for thanksgiving feasts. oh well...

Anonymous said...

Brings back some memories for me, Allison.

Seeing Old Glory waving in the wind never gets old to me.

Hugs

Inger said...

I know and understand a feeling of homesickness as the holidays approach. I still have it after 50 some years abroad.

Debbie said...

That really is a beautiful picture! My new school is made of brick and even though it is much more modern I love it. We say the pledge everyday and often my mind wanders back to Longley Way and the two little girls with pig-tails. We had the same teacher every year until 4th grade. But your post leaves me wondering which curly blonde-haired boy you were eyeing... ;)

Love you,
Debbie

Nancy said...

Love this photo -- much like the school my dear husband attended in his small town from K thru 12.
Brick and mortar. A wonderful memory for you.

penny said...

My mind just got a whiff of sharpened pencils. Happy memories for me.
Looking back can be both happy and sad.. please don't be sad, Allison.

xo,
Pam

Out on the prairie said...

Another scent i would add was the paste we used in art, and memories of a kid who wanted to eat it.Not me, but i believe I did give it a try seeing him get in trouble for it all the time.HA!

Out on the prairie said...

Another scent i would add was the paste we used in art, and memories of a kid who wanted to eat it.Not me, but i believe I did give it a try seeing him get in trouble for it all the time.HA!

Randy said...

Hated school as a kid but I love it now even with all the work.

From Beyond My Kitchen Window said...

Since I work in a classroom , I get to see the excitement in the students eyes when it is their turn to start the morning exercise, which is The Pledge of Allegiance. They also learn what every word means in The Pledge.

Some memories just become a part of us.I like that you still remember yours.

Carole Barkett said...

You have a great way of bringing back memories