Thursday, December 31, 2020

"Celebrate endings, for they precede new beginnings." Johnathan Lockwood Huie

 

                                                                The Indian Express 


Dear Friends, 

2020 was a disappointment in so many ways.  The pandemic dictated that we attend meetings and weddings via Zoom, eat take out alone, spend Thanksgiving and Christmas in the company of just one's housemates (if you are lucky enough to have housemates), and trade in the glamour of night life for the comfort of pajamas.  Sadly, many lost their lives and their livelihoods because of COVID-19.  Like most other people, I do not care to repeat this year.

On a more positive note, and because I always look for the good, some families have become closer during this quarantine.  Parents who are accustomed to traveling have had ample time to become reacquainted with their spouse and their children.  Cooking skills have been practiced and honed to perfection.  Board games and puzzles have reunited families, and gratitude for the small things in life - going to the movies, eating out, family members,  and playing sports - has increased exponentially.  Everyone learned how to be a part of the Zoom culture.  The clothing coffers of local charities are overflowing from the "big purge" of the quarantine. Home improvement stores have tripled sales because people suddenly had the time to do the projects that have been putting off.  Gardening sales swelled, as we stayed close to home and closer to nature.  The number of rounds of golf played in 2020 numbered 50 million more than in 2019.  It seems that we have realized that we need less, and that others need more. It is good to see 2020 end, and begin anew with 2021.  

As we sweep 2020 out the door, I wish you a happy new year!   

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestionsRittman 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 a group called Field Trip Zoom or we will come into YOUR classroom via ZOOM.www.Fieldtripzoom.com  and a company called www.StreamableLearning.com 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 readingSigned 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   dede_rittman  and Gradygetsglasses
Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® 




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