Today it is prepositional phrases, writing about pizza, PE workouts indoors, and all sorts of learning.
I was thinking of the Calico Cat thrift store early this morning. It was a second hand store in Moses Lake, not far from Frontier Middle School. The money made helped benefit the animal shelter. A lovely lady named Twila owned and ran it, an older lady who always offered me insight and a smile. She told me that she would set aside Gonzaga shirts for me, for my kids. She knew I was always on the hunt for them. I have blogged about her before but it has been a few years.
When Hazel was a kindergartner, her teacher had let me know of a few things I could be on the lookout for while thrifting. I remember taking Oren there, he'd pick a truck or a book. I found some of the things Mrs. Nelson needed. Twila inquired about how I would be using the items. I told her they were for a kindergarten class, she gave them to me - no charge.
One day when I asked her how her day was going, her answer was; "Good. They're all good. Some are just better than others."
And when you never really have a bad day - well, that attitude is contagious.
Twila got sick a couple of years ago and I would go in and ask about her. Her workers were loyal and dear and they would share what was happening with her. She came back, having lost weight and was on oxygen. What did not change was her smile and her positive attitude.
A few months later I walked into the store and a handsome younger man was behind the counter. I asked about Twila, unsure of who the man was, I had not seen him before. He said she would be closing the store. The man was her grandson.
A thrift store where I bought countless children's books, some vintage dishes, and Zag gear for my boys would be closing. A store where I got small doses of therapy on a regular basis and was always made to feel welcome. A place where I collected some fun things for kinder teachers and friends...
Wow. I miss that store.
But I am grateful for the memories there, also for Twila's influence.
On a separate note, I have started writing my book. It is so difficult and yet it is very therapeutic. On days when I feel defeated or misunderstood, I go to my book. I did not know the characters when I named them, but slowly I am getting to know them.
Sometimes I crave getting to my computer to write.
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