In my honor and a gift for you!

Have I got news for you! No I am not one of the 'Weather Girls" and it's not raining men, but it is raining opportunity and I want to share it with you. Krissy Brady has a website. Have fun and do submit to one of these publications. Search her site HERE'

My good news is rea$on for you all to join me in my happy dance. I received an acceptance from Kim Pletticha, eidtor at Parent Wise:Austin on my poem, Dancing With Daddy. It will be in the Father's Day issue, and I am thrilled. A few years ago I made it into another of their Father's Day issues with an essay about my granddaughter, then four, who strummed her toy guitar at my dad's grave, wearing his western hat, singing him the Barney song. The editor called and told me my essay, Grandpa's Little Sugar, brought her staff to tears as they all had little , blonde, blue-eyed girls and could envision their daughters doing the same.

It is nice to know my words were far reaching and impacted others.

Yesterday I received another unexpected phone call at school. A woman called to ask if she were speaking to Linda O'Connell. I said, yes. She said she was calling from Delta Dental Health Theater (a one of a kind unique childrens' 'musuem'.) They offer field trips and use a varierty of media and activities to educate children on dental health. They used to have marionettes, and movies, and the highlight of the visit was not only a viewing of this cheesey looking tooth fairy singing a song (I swear they found my 1950s bride doll and put her behind plexiglass) but the GIANT set of teeth that would actually fit inside a giant's mouth. They are three feet tall and rest on a pink carpet (the tongue) and can be illuminated individually as the presenter tells the children the uses for each tooth in their mouth. This field trip has been free and sponsored by the dentists in our area for years. The giant teeth are one of two sets in the entire world. It is a unique place to visit on the St. Louis riverfront. It is $1.00 per person, open to the public. If you're ever near the Arch or the Old Spaghetti Factory, you should stop in and see this place.

They recently did an update and renovation. When the caller told me this, I figured she was soliciting donations or trying to sign my school up for a trip. No such thing.

She said she was at a conference out of town, and they had nomintaed me as Educator of the Year to be honored at their first gala extravaganza unveiling of the new facility and then at a banquet afterwards. OMG I couldn't believe it. Granted I have been bringing students on this field trip for more than two decades, maybe three. And I have had my mitts all over the strings of Mr. Tooth Decay and little Willy with a toothache. I know how to pull strings! Often if the presenter's assistant was absent they asked for a volunteer to help with the marionettes. All those times I raised my hand have paid off. That's the good news.

The bad news, I will be out of town on vacation. So my principal/boss and her husband will attend and accept the award in my honor. They want a photo and statement from me. They have a three foot parrot now who banters back and forth with the presenter and students. I am afraid MY words will come out of that bird brain's mouth. I'll have to weigh my words carefully. Have a good day. Awwwkk!
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