"The only thing complaining does is convince other people that you are not in control." Unknown

 

                                                                QUOTESGRAM

I saw a poem this week that made me think about how many people whine and complain.  I know complaining is in our human nature, but I truly believe that sometimes, people simply need to adjust their perspective in order to see things more clearly.  After all, if you don't like something, instead of complaining, do something about it.  If you can't do anything about a circumstance, what you can do is change your attitude. 

This short and succinct poem by Red Foley puts both small and large complaints into perspective. 

When I Whine by Red Foley 

Today upon a bus, I saw

A lovely maid with golden hair; 

I envied her - she seemed so gay

And oh, I wished I were so fair...

When suddenly she rose to leave, 

I saw her hobble down the aisle, 

She had one foot and wore a crutch, 

But as she passed, a smile.

Oh, God, forgive me when I whine;

I have two feet - the world is mine.

And when I stopped to buy some sweets,

The lad who served me had such charm;

He seemed to radiate good cheer, 

His manner was so kind and warm.

I said, "It's nice to deal with you, 

Such courtesy I seldom find."

He turned and said, "Oh, thank you, sir!"

And I saw that he was blind.

Oh, God, forgive me when I whine;

I have two eyes - the world is mine.

Then, when walking down the street, 

I saw a child with eyes of blue. 

He stood and watched the others play; 

It seemed he knew not what to do, 

I stopped a moment, then I said:

"Why don't you join the others, dear?"

He looked ahead without a word, And then I knew; 

He could not hear.

Oh, God, forgive me when I whine; 

I have two ears - the world is mine.

With feet to take me where I'd go, 

With eyes to see the sunset's glow, 

With ears to hear what I should know:

I'm blessed indeed, The world is mine;

Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.

 

Who is Red Foley?  Clyde Julian Red Foley (1910-1968) was a musician, singer, and radio and television personality.  He was also the father-in-law of Pat Boone. To read more about him, click on this link: 

https://countrymusichalloffame.org/artist/red-foley/  

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

Please invite Grady Gets Glasses (and me) into your school.  if you are not in the Pittsburgh area, we do virtual field trips with groups called Field Trip Zoom and Streamable learning . We will come into YOUR classroom via ZOOM. GRADY GETS GLASSES was the winner of Best New Children's Book 2016 and 2018 (new edition) from The Authors' Zone. Grady also won a 2018 prestigious Moonbeam Award for Best Children's Book with Merchandise.

Visit Dede's web page 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 

Connect with Dede!

Twitter       @dederittman

Facebook   Dede Faltot Rittman or Rittman Rules

LinkedIn   Dede Rittman

Google +   Dede Rittman

Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher

Instagram   GradyGetsGlassesPinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® . 

"Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at 20 or 80. Anyone who keeps learning stays young." Henry Ford

                                                                     QuotesGram 

One of the truisms I know about teachers is this:  Teachers love learning.  

Many of my retired teacher friends have become entrepreneurs, gone into other fields, and  began hobbies like photography.  Others have pursued volunteering at places like a local grief center for children, and they are learning new things about how to help those who are grieving.  Their learning continues, and I am in agreement with Henry Ford - learning keeps a person young.

I saw an article about a man in Turkey who is 71 years old.  He is a retired biology teacher who taught for 42 years, and then began volunteering to care for homeless animals.  Fevzi Uyar, of Turkey, has been nicknamed the "Grandfather of Animals", since he has built plywood shelters for homeless animals and helped to care for many more. He also provides blankets and rugs to his homemade shelters, and drives about 90 miles per day in has van, which is filled with necessities like dog food.   Even at his advanced age, Mr. Uyar went to veterinary school so that he could treat the homeless animals he has cared for these past years. He graduated from the school at the age of 71. He can now vaccinate, treat wounds, and care for his animal friends in a better way than he did before!  What a beautiful story of a teacher who loved learning so much, that it has taken him to a higher purpose for serving others for the second time in his life.

To see a happy picture of Mr. Uyar with one of his dog friends, please click on this link.  

https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/fevzi-uyar-grandfather-of-homeless-animals-vet/

What a great example of lifetime learning! Happy lifetime learning to all!  

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

Please invite Grady Gets Glasses (and me) into your school.  if you are not in the Pittsburgh area, we do virtual field trips with groups called Field Trip Zoom and Streamable learning . We will come into YOUR classroom via ZOOM. GRADY GETS GLASSES was the winner of Best New Children's Book 2016 and 2018 (new edition) from The Authors' Zone. Grady also won a 2018 prestigious Moonbeam Award for Best Children's Book with Merchandise.

Visit Dede's web page 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 

Connect with Dede!

Twitter       @dederittman

Facebook   Dede Faltot Rittman or Rittman Rules

LinkedIn   Dede Rittman

Google +   Dede Rittman

Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher

Instagram   GradyGetsGlassesPinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® . 

"Learn to relax. Your body is precious, as it houses your mind and spirit. Inner peace begins with a relaxed body." Norman Vincent Peale

                                                                     AZ QUOTES 

With the pandemic winding down and fewer restrictions in place, it is great to see people going on vacation and seeking relaxation again. I am especially heartened to see my teacher friends (who are still in the classroom) relaxing a bit.

The majority of the classroom teachers I know worked far more hours per week during the lockdown/hybrid/some normal/no normal school year that finished last month.  Many spent several hours a day on email alone - making sure assignments were understood, answering parent questions, and preparing for both virtual and in-person learning.  This summer is a great time to regroup and recharge.

I really looked forward to summer vacation when I was teaching.  I had so many jobs then - teaching 3 subjects, serving on a plethora of committees, coaching, directing, and more.  With all of my in-school activities and after-school activities, my work week was always 60+ hours;  I never had a 40 hour work week unless we had snow days. Despite the fact that most teachers continue to work on new materials for the coming school year, the daily pressures are not there, allowing the body to rest and the mind and spirit to calm down. 

Summer is halfway over, so relax and recharge!  The school year will be here before you know it.   I just saw Halloween costumes in Sam's Club, so back to school sales are not far behind!  Always hated seeing those back-to-school sales flyers in July.  Enjoy the present - relax and recharge!

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

Please invite Grady Gets Glasses (and me) into your school.  if you are not in the Pittsburgh area, we do virtual field trips with groups called Field Trip Zoom and Streamable learning . We will come into YOUR classroom via ZOOM. GRADY GETS GLASSES was the winner of Best New Children's Book 2016 and 2018 (new edition) from The Authors' Zone. Grady also won a 2018 prestigious Moonbeam Award for Best Children's Book with Merchandise.

Visit Dede's web page 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 

Connect with Dede!

Twitter       @dederittman

Facebook   Dede Faltot Rittman or Rittman Rules

LinkedIn   Dede Rittman

Google +   Dede Rittman

Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher

Instagram   GradyGetsGlassesPinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® . 

"What a teacher writes on the blackboard of life can never be erased." Unknown

 

Parade

I taught at North Allegheny Intermediate High School for 35 of my 37 years.  I was honored to be part of a faculty that lived the mantra of excellence in teaching.  One of my former colleagues died on Saturday after a brief illness, and not only was he an excellent teacher, he inspired others through his life story.

Frank Dileo was born in the small town of Sant' Onofrio, Calabria, Italy.  After World War II, his mother recognized that she wanted a better life for her children.  With several relatives already in America, she pinned a note to Frank's shirt front - reading FRANCESCO DILEO  BRACKENRIDGE, PA - and kissed Frank goodbye before he boarded a ship for the United States.  Earlier, Mrs. Dileo saw a woman getting ready to board - she explained that Frank was just 9 years old and all alone on this voyage - and she asked the woman to check on him.  Frank later told me that he saw her just one time.  She asked if he was doing OK, and he replied yes.  It was a scary voyage for a young boy all alone.  When he got to the port of New York, Frank was retrieved by his relatives from Brackenridge, and he went on to get his education and make his mark from there. During high school, Frank's artwork was entered into a contest by his art teacher.  Frank won that contest, winning a full scholarship to IUP. Frank’s proactive art teacher, a caring person who looked out for his students, and winning that contest changed the course of Frank's life.   The prize gave Frank the opportunity to study and graduate from college,  receiving both his  Bachelor’s and Masters' from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Those two degrees led to Frank’s tenure at North Allegheny as an art teacher for 40 years.  It seems only fitting that Frank would become the kind of teacher he was, as he repaid the kindness and interest  shown by his high teachers to his own students.

I wonder how many of us would have the fearlessness to put our 9-year-old child on a ship all alone for 12 days, even if it meant a better life for the child? Frank was so courageous, bound for a new land, where everything would be unfamiliar, including the language. Frank faced it all, married, and had a wonderful family.  As a side note, I actually knew some of Frank's other relatives, since I was from Natrona Heights, a little town next to Brackenridge, PA, where Frank grew up.  His brother Paul had a booming shoe repair business, and he fixed our family shoes for over 40 years.  Another one of Frank's relatives was a band and music teacher at the local high school.  Funny how one's life is always so intertwined with so many others. I feel so lucky that I knew Frank and his family, and that he left such a wonderful family legacy. 

 

Throughout my 35 years and Frank's 40 years at the same school, we had many occasions to spend time together:  lunch, hall duty, staff meetings, and hanging out together in the teachers' room.  Frank was always so proud of his wife and children, and so appreciative that he was an American. In fact, Frank embodied the American dream. 

 

Although I am not an artist, I have long admired Frank's work.  Although many artists prefer just one genre, Frank was good at so many art forms. He was an excellent potter, jewelry maker, and painter.  Frank inspired many students to go on to make art their life's work.  I fondly remember hearing so many of my former students talk about Mr. Dileo's talent, and more importantly, about how Mr. Dileo was a great teacher who helped them to achieve things they never thought possible.  

 

You see, a good teacher's influence never ends.  Although Frank is gone from this earth, his teaching and inspiration live on through the lives of all the students and faculty members he touched. Rest in Peace, Frank.  You were a wonderful friend and teacher. 

 

"What a teacher writes on the blackboard of life can never be erased."  Unknown 

If you would like to see a picture of Frank and read his obituary, here is the link: 

https://obituaries.post-gazette.com/obituary/frank-dileo-1082738053 

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

Please invite Grady Gets Glasses (and me) into your school.  if you are not in the Pittsburgh area, we do virtual field trips with groups called Field Trip Zoom and Streamable learning . We will come into YOUR classroom via ZOOM. GRADY GETS GLASSES was the winner of Best New Children's Book 2016 and 2018 (new edition) from The Authors' Zone. Grady also won a 2018 prestigious Moonbeam Award for Best Children's Book with Merchandise.

Visit Dede's web page 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 

Connect with Dede!

Twitter       @dederittman

Facebook   Dede Faltot Rittman or Rittman Rules

LinkedIn   Dede Rittman

Google +   Dede Rittman

Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher

Instagram   GradyGetsGlassesPinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® .