"Take chances, make mistakes. That's how you grow." Mary Tyler Moore

America lost her sweetheart this week with the passing of Mary Tyler Moore.  Both men and women loved her as Laura Petrie in "The Dick Van Dyke Show", and women revered her in "The Mary Tyler Moore Show."  Mary Tyler Moore's character, Mary Richards, helped women to know their value - in business, in the home, and in both personal and workplace friendships.  During the run of the show, I was a young woman beginning my teaching career in 1974. In those days, female teachers were not even permitted to wear slacks (later on, we were permitted to wear pantsuits.) Although it seems archaic now, omen were still required to leave the profession when their pregnancy began to "show." The only thing that was equal for both sexes was the teaching salaries, which were really low, but equal! (I made a yearly salary of $8100 in the 1974-75 school year. I thought if I could ever make $20,000, I would be RICH!) 

Mary Richards made women see themselves in a new way; as strong human beings, as independent people, and as self-supporting individuals who were not merely someone's daughter, sister, or wife, but real persons in their own realm.  She made it OK to be 30 and single, while enjoying a career outside the home, rather than marrying, having children, and kissing a career goodbye.  

Mary Tyler Moore will be missed, as icons are.  I think she was so much more than an icon; she was a TV friend who came into our homes every week and shared her life with us, including the negatives, and made us feel empowered in our own lives.  Female viewers felt that if Mary Richards could do it, we could, too!

Although I am not a big fan of today's television, I am so glad I was a fan of Mary Tyler Moore.  Thanks for being strong and for making so many women believe in themselves!  Including me! "Oh, Rob!"  #strongwomen 


As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

GRADY GETS GLASSES was the winner of Best New Children's Book 2016 from The Authors' Zone. For more information about The Authors' Zone, please visit http://www.theauthorszone.com/submissions/  

Visit Dede's webpage for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER. Many colleges have made the book required reading. Signed copies are available  www.dederittman.com Dede is also a national speaker on The Three C's for Classroom success: Confidence, communication, and Creativity; Avoiding Teacher burnout; and many other inspirational topics. 

I LOVE writing. And I love writing children's books- my newest passion. Although it will be a ton of work, I am looking forward to selling my books.  Since I was a secondary teacher, I know that I have much to learn about elementary students, and I will have to follow my own advice and be my genuine self.  However, I also know that I am passionate about helping kids who have to wear glasses, and that GRADY GETS GLASSES sends a positive message. I am willing to work hard and do all the things that also made me a successful teacher for 37 years. I remain inspired! 

Elementary teachers in Western Pennsylvania and beyond - I am willing to come into your classroom in person or as a virtual field trip through a group called Field Trip Zoom.  Check them out!  http://www.fieldtripzoom.com/ 

Teacher friends- let me know if you want me to read GRADY GETS GLASSES at your school. I am willing to come in to discuss the creative writing process, why writing is important, and personal fulfillment through writing, along with reading my book.  I would appreciate the exposure, and I would make signed copies available for purchase in your classrooms following the reading.  Please email me at dederittman@gmail.com  The website www.gradygetsglasses.com now has plush Grady bunnies for sale!

Please like Dede's new page Grady Gets Glasses for updates about her children's book. https://www.facebook.com/gradygetsglasses?ref=hl 

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