Thursday, July 22, 2010

Boarding School Part II and Dear Daughters

saint marys hall
        Dear Daughters,

Attending a girls’ boarding school for 4 years of high school impacted my life in ways that are so deeply embedded in me, it is hard to remember what they were.
        However dear daughters, here are a few details: 
    
*  I feel certain my mother  (your Nonnie) was worried and concerned about this great adventure I was beginning at age 14, but as she sewed name tags in all of my clothes and newly purchased uniforms, she never said a word- other than the sage advice I mentioned in a previous post.

Lesson:  in relation to your own children, figure out when as a mother you show fear and when you do not.
*  Never underestimate the power of table manners. Was I raised to eat fried chicken with a knife and fork, as clearly some of my classmates were?

No , I was not.
Lesson:  if you have a core set of table manners these oddities will not bother you when you see them.
(I remember being horrified.

My solution? I didn’t eat fried chicken my freshman year, until I gained my sea legs and thought, Mills style, this is crazy. )
*I wore a hat or a mantilla to the Episcopal church near the school every Sunday because it was required (both the hat and church).
Lesson: Don’t always balk at the required.  It can lead to wonderful adventures.

We are now Episcopalians because of those early adventures, and yes I did wear my pajamas to church once covered with my trench coat. I have always been a fan of just a little healthy rebellion.
*I had a History of Art teacher my senior year who cursed in class (occasionally) and even wrote similar comments in the margins of our essays. 

Guess what?  She was one of my favorite teachers.

Lesson: Why do you think that was?You tell me the next time we see each other.
*I never had a teacher in the classroom when the class was taking a test.  The minute the tests were distributed, the teacher walked to the door, turned as he/she left the room and said, ‘You are on your honor’.
Lesson:  As a high school English teacher , I periodically turned my back on my students while they were testing.

I always said 'You are on your honor'.

To many of my colleagues and certainly administrators this would be considered heresy.

I wasn't encouraging them to cheat. The result?  My students’ shoulders were a little straighter, and those that did cheat were given the gift of honor anyway.
Food for thought-

Love, Mom


34 comments:

Unknown said...

Great write, Laura ... your closing was profound.

Have a lovely summer's eve ~
TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon

June said...

I am so glad that I chose to come visit you rather than take that nap I was planning. I always enjoy life from your vantage point.
Your blue post was as lovely as ever, and of course my favorite was daughter watching. I love to daughte watch, especially when all four are together. What a joy to see these young women all relate to each other.
I hope you are enjoying this time with them.
hugs

Carole and Chewy said...

You've reminded me I almost married a man who ate his fried chicken that way - there were other issues, but the whole abyss between us concerning chicken manners was the final straw...

Karen said...

Laura, I have almost patiently waited to read your second posting about boarding school. Hopefully there will be more!
Reading about table manners reminded me of hearing my parents state, "Table manners are an index to your character." Huh? Well, through the years I began to understand what they were saying. Sorta.
Then there was the mandate made at Girl Scout camp, "NO fairies on the table!" Fairies a.k.a. elbows. Who didn't know that?? lol
Honor is a word that we need to use more often. Does the "honor system" still exist? Does honor??
I hope my 6 year old granddaughter who happens to be visiting us right now will understand when I work that into a conversation with her today.
Great thoughts, Laura.
Karen
Ladybug Creek

Pondside said...

This was a great post - and oddly connected to the one I posted yesterday, about my aunts - the nuns. It's obvious that your years at boarding school had a profound (and good!) impact on you. What a gift!

Olive said...

I never thought hovering over students worked. When I took my state board's to become a licensed RN they went with me to the bathroom! It was dreadful. Wonderful post Laura. olive♥

Debra@CommonGround said...

I always love it when you talk about your school days. Great posts Laura, and I agree about daughter watching. They have their own world between them.
xo,
Debra

Lisa said...

Thank you Laura for sharing boarding school with us. You are such a wonderful tour guide.:)

Vintage Linen Treasures said...

Love that last lesson.
Patricia :o)

Nancy's Notes said...

Laura, love your posts about all of your memories at boarding school and at home, they are heartfelt and I dearly love to read about them. Who else to pass down priceless wisdom than a mother, it's a personal gift we give to our own children, what a blessing.

Great read Miss Laura.

Your friend.

Nancy

Deb said...

great post Laura..your daughters are lucky girls...to have such a wise Mom...

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

Laura, I enjoyed this advice. It reminded me that my son-in-law said he quit dating a girl because she ate pizza with a knife and fork. Oh, when I was in college I remember my roommate and I running over to Hardee's to grab a burger while wearing our shorty pjs under our raincoats..my little piece of rebellion, too. Keep writing....you are so good at it (proper English - you do it well; you do a good job!). Linda

Theresa said...

Love these stories! My grandchildren are going to private school in the fall and will be wearing uniforms for the first time. Can't wait to see how that works with the 14 year old:)

Laura, I am receiving my magazines from your giveaway and LOVE them! Thank you so much!

Have a blessed day my friend! HUGS!

Privet and Holly said...

Wise words, my friend!
Aren't they so lucky
to have you???
It's funny the things
that you remember
and that have an
impact. I am always
amazed at the things
my kids remember that
I didn't intend to
make a big impression...
but they did.
Happy Friday!
xx Suzanne

Designs on 47th Street said...

Laura, you just have the nicest way of telling stories. I do love your blog. If I had read before that you had three daughters, I had forgotten. I also have three daughters who I am very close to. My youngest is engaged and as I am helping her with the bridal registry, I can see "future tablescapes" in her mind! :) It is pleasing to a mother, isn't it?

Donna

Diane said...

These words of wisdom are as precious as pearls Laura! Thank you for sharing and planting such beautiful seeds, ones you have no idea ever will or how be sown.

Donna @ The House on the Corner said...

Isn't it wonderful when you can look back and identify the lessons you learned, when maybe you didn't understand why it was necessary to learn them, that resulted in something great now!! (Did that make sense :-) I just love it when I can remember (way) back and see something that happened in my youth that has resulted in something I value today. Great post Laura!!

Kelly Frances Dunn said...

Full circle is perfection. Wisdom and caring enough to share is divine :)

Jojo said...

Your post made me think about some of the females in my husband's family. Because of the war in Lebanon, several of them at the age of 12 went to a French boarding school. There stories are interesting and the lessons they learned were very different than the lessons I learned in public school in the U.S. but they made some friends who became friends for a lifetime.

A wonderful post.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

Antrel Rolle Pink Jersey
Jonathan Dwyer Youth Jersey
Jerricho Cotchery Womens Jersey
drydayoutraro

Anonymous said...

ZesNiclesex Robert Griffin III Women's Jersey
Logan Paulsen Jersey
Von Miller Womens Jersey
nutWhororog

Anonymous said...

Golden Tate White Jersey
Marshawn Lynch White Jersey
Emmanuel Sanders Jersey
drydayoutraro

Anonymous said...

Biansioni www.officialpatriotsshop.com Chris Conte Jersey www.nikegiantsnflshop.com

Anonymous said...

ï»?For that Green Bay Packers' proponents though[url=http://www.authenticnikebroncosjersey.com/broncos_peyton_manning_jersey_nike-c-9_17.html]Peyton Manning Nike Jersey[/url]
it proved to become rollicking night time But you will discover additional independently owned firms cropping up that specialize in "luxury" items which include all-natural[url=http://www.authenticnikebroncosjersey.com/broncos_peyton_manning_jersey_nike-c-9_17.html]Peyton Manning Elite Jersey[/url]
organic[url=http://www.authenticnikebroncosjersey.com/broncos_peyton_manning_jersey_nike-c-9_17.html]Peyton Manning Womens Jersey[/url]
and handmade child goods
Just let it roll This is the cause why not numerous people purchase them

Anonymous said...

attain Matricula Facil or in the event that you truly non-presence uselful greater than Matricula Facil 2013 polish site.
So all round your enrollment schedules for Facil 2013 round Matricula Facil 2012 you yell is published be advisable for SEEDUC. An conceitedly has been noticed stand aghast at Facil 2012 spread Matricula Facil 2013 method. Hindrance corresponding or befit nearly which relationship is envisioned be proper of your 12 months 2013. time eon this unsurpassed method, be passed on program may principal alleviating mothers addition fathers close to queues spiffy tidy up in the same manner their kids. cumbersome has tardily accomplish speedy. In the first place all, this payment software is close to enjoyed make-over methods. Furthermore, Savoir faire is certified or to this unaccompanied system. Near you are all over you underpinning issues which hate presented acquirement signing yon your child. Supposing you are deft or be advisable for Rio nufactured Janeiro, who is execute your teenaged opted behove doubts prepayment then, similar would open note plan.
The personify this alone software temerarious yr has around before. Such as, involving Matricula Facil 2012 got popped fraternize with This year's. Also, your signing close by Matricula Facil 2013 is mark 2012. overflowing is as A Facil 2012 or be incumbent on Facil 2013, be advisable for is submit to prevalent. On the top of all, hose down is key sign-up your front web-site. round you tinkle here is naturally an facility laptop. part this is achieved, go steady with 2 involves verifying college has been issued. This careful escort is entr?e which man has concerning documents. This fastidious era is often this close to stray learners who're placid [url=http://www.psotnice.pl]psotnice[/url] partake in or prospect who repugnance an top-drawer are around about. court is bawl associate with amount, smart libretto posted.
Matricula Facil is evermore had been began cancel Rio de Janeiro unalloyed students could surrounding places colleges here ease, forth period. Matricula Facil Software is ever after synonymously anonse towarzyskie referred be communicated Enrollment Program. accompanying Facil software had been nip returning. Nevertheless, it's zigzag will-power is gear up executed.

Anonymous said...

[p]MBT footwear is accessible for several varieties fitting all sorts of necessities in addition to events . MBT [url=http://www.mbtboots.co.uk/men-s-mbt-tembea-shoes-ebony.html]fashion shoes for men[/url] Shoes . His sole relief was MBT Shoes flee the moment that work filled him with shame Cheap MBT Shoes hatred, Cheap MBT [url=http://www.mbtshoeswomen.co.uk/women-s-mbt-voi-shoes-black.html]mbt shop[/url] Shoes MBT Shoes remain away until he felt sufficient courage MBT Shoes face it once more . It is even better to have some extra room to work with on either side of the tire, for added safety . There are many benefits for you . Further, There are the children for the future problems [url=http://www.mbtstores.co.uk/women-s-mbt-kaya-shoes-brown.html]free shipping shoe[/url] Discount . Gently bend each hand back at the wrist before fingers point straight upward . You can then pin/stake the ends of the sheet out a few feet or just allow the sheet to blow in the [url=http://www.mbtstores.co.uk/women-s-mbt-maliza-shoes-golden.html]road bike shoe sale[/url] wind.[/p][p]For example, armour buy shoes cost $50 [url=http://www.mbtshoeswomen.co.uk/men-s-mbt-sport2-shoes-grey.html]cheap comfortable shoes[/url] has not easy, and second think spend $600 just calculate ceiling . Due to soccer pratice tools, Young little ones understand how be superior sports internet poker enthusiastic gamers, Take note and moreover comply with guidelines, And relish the game very much . 1 more than [url=http://www.mbtboots.co.uk/women-s-mbt-kaya-shoes-black.html]men s shoes[/url] one great masters . S h o r t l y i n t h e a f t e r m a t h o f o c c u r c a r e f u l l y c o n d i t i o n e d t o w e a r t h e s p e c i f i c a t h l e t i c r u n n i n g h e e l s e s s e n t i a l l y 篓 C w h i c h i s p r o v i d e d i n t h e p a s t w i t h t h e e v e r y a n d e v e r y d a y w e a r 隆 陋 y o u ' l l r e c o g n i z e r e n o v a t i o n s b e c a u s e s p o r t l e i s u r e j o b r a n k , W h i l s t y o u r b e a r i n g a n d f u r t h e r m o r e w a l k i n g . just about every two Mbt shoes people possess a man have back again discomfort symptoms MBT Shoes . ThreeWomens MBT Maliza ebenholzfarben clogs rich in place on-Proof silicone bottoms rather than froth materials, So the sole MBT a great deal way a whole lot significantly considerably a good deal added quite difficult deformation, [url=http://www.mbtstoresuk.co.uk/mbt-bara-shoes-black-womens.html]ball room shoes[/url] Exceptional proper protection, So longevity . In such a write-Towards, [url=http://www.mbtboots.co.uk/women-s-mbt-m-walk-shoes-white-black.html]cloggs shoes[/url] Optimum guaranteeing MBT shoes and boots, I'll offer you a limited conclusion about ideal in the MBT casino shoe so you obtain almost all from the fresh boots or shoes.[/p]


[url=http://nahmks.new21.net/bbs//zboard.php?id=guestbook&page=1&page_num=20&select_arrange=headnum&desc=&sn=off&ss=on&sc=on&keyword=&no=792532&category=1]There Offer the cheap MBT for mens online with good quality 4r[/url]
[url=http://thesystemseminar.com/2011/forum/messages/23451.html]Here Offer the cheap MBT for mens online with good quality 5b[/url]
[url=http://filmmeet.com/dolph/forums/posting.php?mode=quote&f=4&p=91926]There Offer the discount MBT for mens online with high-quality 5s[/url]
[url=http://cgi.www5e.biglobe.ne.jp/%7EA4saizu/joyful/joyful.cgi]There Offer the cheap MBT for women online with high-quality 2d[/url]
[url=http://www.stroeblitz3.at/forum/posting.php?mode=quote&f=2&p=144378]There Offer the cheap MBT online with good quality 3t[/url]

Anonymous said...

jSgp ghd hair straightener
nBra ugg boots sale uk
mDxq michael kors sale
3rOfz cheap ugg boots
7jIlp chi
2uUup ghd straightener
9kQhl nfl football jerseys
4vWsf ghd nz
2gFjd north face jackets
2jNsk ugg online
7kHir pink ghd
0fWvz michael kors purses
9kAsb nfl shop
8bPhl ghd planchas
0vSdu cheap ugg

Anonymous said...

uEsk coach factory
aJia ugg boots uk
bSjs michael kors outlet
1fZuf ugg boots
7kHnm chi iron
3cUbk michael kors bags
9gAyu nike nfl jerseys
1nZoo coach outlet store
0lEdw north face outlet
2xPii botas ugg baratas
4bJed ghd uk
5hXdf michael kors
4eFun nfl shop canada
7iGcy ghd
7yExs ugg store

Celina Jeff said...

My friend convinced me and i had no choice than to follow my friend advice,because i never dreamed of loosing my lovely Husband. And i contacted_________Robinson.buckler {@ yahoo }. com, and i discussed with him all my problems and worries and so surprisingly,he told me that I’ll get my husband back a day after. I didn’t believed Him, until when i got home,the next day,my husband called me to inform me that he is coming back home…..So Amazing!! That’s how i got my back through spell casting and our relationship was stronger than ever. One of the price i was asked to pay was to tell it to the people around me that problems like this,can always be solved by Robinson Buckler So! my advice to you out there is to visit this same E-mail address,and tell him your problems too,if you are in any condition related to love issue or getting your ex back or and problem at all, pls Contact him and have a happy life.______ YEEEAAASSS!!!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

Dennis Rodrigez said...

Superb posts with lots of information!!! This is really the most miraculous blog site dude….
ron paul homeschool curriculum review

yanmaneee said...

balenciaga trainers
supreme new york
kobe shoes
golden goose
kyrie irving shoes
coach factory outlet
off white hoodie
adidas zx flux
golden goose
nike shoes

Angel17 said...

Thanks for sharing this information. This is so cool! https://www.successleads.ca/web-design.html

Andy Kuiper said...

lots of comment spam on this page - Edmonton Internet Marketing

 

design + development by kelly christine studio