A Challenge From a Teacher

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Larry C

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since 2001-09-10

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United States

0 posted 2003-04-04 11:44 PM

A Challenge From a Teacher
By Larry Chadwick
In Memory of my daughter Ginger Michelle

L.L. Bean wasn’t really her style. But then again that hat. She had to have that hat. It would work so perfect with her classroom. So she sat down at her computer and proceeded to write a whole sequence of topic titles. Relying on her kindergarten experience she got her scissors out and separated each title into a single paper strip. When they were folded in half they went into her hat. And the hat went to her high school English classroom. It would do her juniors and seniors good to write impromptu papers on random topics.

The following is my challenge to you:

I have started on this challenge and intend to write them all. But my challenge to you is to take one of your choosing and for a few minutes be a high school student again. Prose or poetry your choosing.

Assignments From My Daughter
Ginger Michelle Chadwick

1. Flattery Versus Praise
2. If I Could Meet A Star
3. Words Don’t Always Mean What They Say
4. Where My Money Goes
5. Keeping Peace
6. Making Our Highways Safe
7. The Influence of Motion Pictures
8. Get Rich Quick
9. Vacation USA
10. Today’s Music
11. Gold Is Where You Find It
12. Proper Clothes for The Young Adult
13. Living Cheaply But Well
14. Honesty In Advertising
15. I Predict…
16. Good Bye, High School
17. I Don’t Want To Be Rich
18. My Hero
19. I Was So Embarrassed!
20. If I Could Write A Column
21. Prom Etiquette
22. That’s Not Funny
23. Just Say “No!”
24. Never Say “No!”
25. How To Get What You Want
26. My Best Friend
27. You Can’t Choose Your Relatives
28. The Most Important Invention Of Our Time
29. Improving Government

April 4, 2003

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

kaile

Member Ascendant

since 2000-02-06

Posts 5146
singapore

1 posted 2003-04-07 12:56 PM

Yup, you can't get anything past me

KristieSue

Senior Member

since 2003-01-31

Posts 1460
PA, US

2 posted 2003-04-07 03:10 PM

I just saw this... ;-) Seems like an interesting assignment. I'm going to go dig out a hat and do the same for myself...

might not be the best, but I'll give it a shot....

Thanks for the ideas!!!

Failure isn't failure if a lesson from it is learned ~ KS

Sunshine

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since 1999-06-25

Posts 63354
Listening to every heart

3 posted 2003-04-07 03:44 PM

Yes, Larry. I'll join you here in the classroom, or sit in the corner wondering why I didn't...

Your daughter is so proud of you!

[This message has been edited by Sunshine (04-07-2003 03:45 PM).]

Skyfire

Member Elite

since 2000-12-27

Posts 3381
Riding

4 posted 2003-04-07 05:26 PM

Heh heh excellent. This is exactly what I've been looking for

Life may be hard, but it's your attitude that determines your happieness

Kielo
Senior Member

since 2002-02-11

Posts 1109

5 posted 2003-04-07 11:27 PM

I found two that interest me...

I will try that. Thank you.

Kielo

I know only one thing, and that thing is that I know nothing.

Larry C

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since 2001-09-10

Posts 10286
United States

6 posted 2003-04-08 12:58 PM

kaile,
Thanks. You're a great guy! I know you turned your work in early...

KristieSue,
I'm looking forward to the results! Thanks.

Karilea,
I'm eager to see what gets turned in. It may seem odd, but this took a fair amount of courage to post. Thank you I needed that.

Rhonda,
Cool! I can hardly wait! Thanks.

Kielo,
Perfect...I'll be watching. Thanks!

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

skyshine

Member Elite

since 2002-02-07

Posts 3058
Beneath the northern stars

7 posted 2003-04-08 01:14 AM

this is way cool, Larry!

~Liz

Waited on a line of greens and blues, just to be the next to be with you..
~Mr. Big

Janet Marie
Member Laureate

since 2000-01-22

Posts 18554

8 posted 2003-04-08 05:53 PM

/pip/Forum15/HTML/001734.html

thank you for the inspiration Larry...it was one of those days where I needed to write in spite of my mothy moody muse.

vlraynes
Member Rara Avis

since 2000-07-25

Posts 8229
Somewhere... out there...

9 posted 2003-04-08 07:00 PM

So glad you posted this, Larry.
This may be just what my muse needs...I'll give it a shot.
I have no doubt that Ginger is smiling proudly
at you right now.
Hugs to you, friend.

Larry C

Member Patricius

since 2001-09-10

Posts 10286
United States

10 posted 2003-04-09 12:25 PM

Liz,
Does that mean you've joined the class? Thanks so much.

JM,
My pleasure and what a wonderful write it is. You made my day, thanks.

Vicky,
Cool, I'd like that and thank you for your kindness.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

kaile

Member Ascendant

since 2000-02-06

Posts 5146
singapore

11 posted 2003-04-10 11:19 AM

hi again, just read your comment in the English Workshop and thought i throw you another assignment to make it 30

30. Sarcasm vs Humour

Midnitesun

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since 2001-05-18

Posts 28647
Gaia

12 posted 2003-04-10 07:47 PM

LOL, you know I can write VOLUMES about that #28...the greatest invention.
I can assure you it's indoor plumbing!
Some day I'll have to write about outhouses and the annual Outhouse races in Alaska.
I'm not kidding!

[This message has been edited by Midnitesun (04-10-2003 07:47 PM).]

Larry C

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since 2001-09-10

Posts 10286
United States

13 posted 2003-04-11 12:34 PM

kaile,
I'm thinking Ginger would have liked that assignment a lot.

You're the best.

Kacy,
So are you skipping class? Huh, are ya'?

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

Sunshine

Administrator

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since 1999-06-25

Posts 63354
Listening to every heart

14 posted 2003-04-11 08:30 AM

Yes, Larry - I understand what courage this took. I truly do. I have posted Journey Part I and Journey Part II in the Open Forum.

I hope you approve.

Karilea - If I whisper, will you listen?...

Sudhir Iyer
Member Ascendant

since 2000-04-26

Posts 6943
Mumbai, India : now in Belgium

15 posted 2003-04-11 09:22 AM

Hi Larry,
Please accept my meagre offerings...
/pip/Forum64/HTML/003411.html
/pip/Forum39/HTML/001762.html

Thanks for providing good reasons to write...

Regards,
Sudhir

[This message has been edited by Sudhir Iyer (04-11-2003 10:06 AM).]

Sunshine

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Listening to every heart

16 posted 2003-04-11 10:58 AM

Larry - I saw your note. Do you want me to continue?

Larry C

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since 2001-09-10

Posts 10286
United States

17 posted 2003-04-11 01:01 PM

You had to ask? Don't stop! Incredible stuff, I love it. I'm at work and couldn't get to the second piece right away. But already replied in it. I wasn't complaining even a little bit. Tears have never frightened me, ever.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

Sunshine

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-25

Posts 63354
Listening to every heart

18 posted 2003-04-11 02:58 PM

Larry C

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since 2001-09-10

Posts 10286
United States

19 posted 2003-04-12 01:06 AM

Sunshine

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since 1999-06-25

Posts 63354
Listening to every heart

20 posted 2003-04-12 11:25 AM

Larry, thank you.  All parts, I-V, are now done, and perhaps a column was formed.  I don't know.  I will leave that to you...and I hope you don't mind, but this wrote itself, or perhaps your daughter sat with me, and wrote it for me...

all I know, is that for now, I will only complete this one challenge.  It felt right, and I thank you for allowing me to continue a "father/daughter" dance...

and I hope it brought something to you.  I know it did for me.  Now, I am tired, and will not write any more on this particular subject, but did want to thank you, for adding a stick to the fire, and for watching the embers go high...

and now I must go finish my other project...yes, that one...

it's time.

Karilea - if I whisper, will you listen?

[This message has been edited by Sunshine (04-12-2003 11:27 AM).]

garysgirl

Member Laureate

since 2002-09-29

Posts 19237
Florida, USA

21 posted 2003-04-12 05:26 PM

Larry, this is really great. It's like everyone who accepts your challenge is writing a tribute to your wonderful daughter.

No, I didn't know her personally, but from what I've read about her from you and the others, she sounded like a really wonderful person on the inside and out.

I will try to write something. I don't promise on challenges because I never know how they will turn out.

This is really touching to me, dear friend.

Heart Hugs,
Ethel

Larry C

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since 2001-09-10

Posts 10286
United States

22 posted 2003-04-12 06:31 PM

Karilea,
Indeed this meant much to me. And it seems there is an element of Ginger in it. It was moving that it dealt, in large part, with a phase of life to which we never arrived. A column if ever there was one. Thank you so much for participating in this challenge. I have been richly blessed for it.

Ethel,
No commitments required. It is so meaningful that anyone has an interest in this project. And thank you for such kind words. It is much appreciated.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

Kellie_Cantrell
Senior Member

since 2002-05-22

Posts 1667
New York

23 posted 2003-04-13 02:53 PM

I'm in Larry. I've done a few.

(¨`·.·´¨) (¨`·.·´¨)
  ·.¸(¨`·.·´¨)¸.·´
     *`·.¸.·´*
    Love Always
       Kellie

I TAWT I TAW a puddy CAT!

Larry C

Member Patricius

since 2001-09-10

Posts 10286
United States

24 posted 2003-04-13 11:27 PM

Thanks Kellie,
I found the goodbye one.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

SmartChick
Member Rara Avis

since 2001-09-23

Posts 7081
On A Journey To The Unknown

25 posted 2003-04-14 02:13 AM

Hi Larry!

I haven't seen you in a while. Hope you are doing well. This looks like a good challenge. I will see if I can do one or two of them.

Larry C

Member Patricius

since 2001-09-10

Posts 10286
United States

26 posted 2003-04-14 02:25 AM

Sue,
I sat out all of Forum #25. Didn't realize it until it was full. I have been writing prose as I have discovered much personal satisfaction in that format. Hope all is well for you too. And I look forward to your reaponse to the classroom assignments.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

garysgirl

Member Laureate

since 2002-09-29

Posts 19237
Florida, USA

27 posted 2003-04-15 09:55 AM

Larry, I did two of them. I hope that you like them.
/pip/Forum79/HTML/000079.html
/pip/Forum79/HTML/000093.html

Hugs to you, dear friend

Ethel

[This message has been edited by garysgirl (04-15-2003 09:57 AM).]

Larry C

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since 2001-09-10

Posts 10286
United States

28 posted 2003-04-16 12:02 PM

Ethel,
So very well done. Two A+'s!

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

SimplyGold
Senior Member

since 2002-07-10

Posts 1453

29 posted 2003-04-28 04:53 PM

Larry,

Just saw this. My muse has been on vacation lately and refuses to come home. This may help? I haven't had an english assignment in many, many years.

I'll plan on working on it this week.

SG

Larry C

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since 2001-09-10

Posts 10286
United States

30 posted 2003-04-29 12:17 PM

SG,
Sweet...I'm looking forward to your report!

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

Sven

Member Laureate

since 1999-11-23

Posts 14937
East Lansing, MI USA

31 posted 2003-05-20 12:23 PM

I'll take number two. . . give me a day. . . great challenge here Larry. . .

------------------------------------------------------------------------

To the world, you may only be one person. But to one person, you may be the world.

Larry C

Member Patricius

since 2001-09-10

Posts 10286
United States

32 posted 2003-05-21 01:09 AM

Sven,
Ginger was very tolerant about deadlines.

No hurry however I'll keep my eyeballs peeled. Thanks.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

kaile

Member Ascendant

since 2000-02-06

Posts 5146
singapore

33 posted 2003-05-31 11:00 AM

/pip/Forum79/HTML/002091.html

er, did another some time back

Larry C

Member Patricius

since 2001-09-10

Posts 10286
United States

34 posted 2003-06-01 02:02 AM

kaile,
Cool! I love it. You have stretched my expectations.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

littlewing
Member Rara Avis

since 2003-03-02

Posts 9655
New York

35 posted 2003-07-22 12:57 PM

Larry - I have "My Best Friend"
xxoo

Ok I had my best friend but it ended up in Open all dark and sad as usual . .
I will find a new one
xxoo

[This message has been edited by littlewing (07-22-2003 05:13 AM).]

Midnitesun

Member Empyrean

since 2001-05-18

Posts 28647
Gaia

36 posted 2003-07-22 05:33 PM

hey bro, just to let you know,
I've been working on one to go
into Open after I return
from vacation...
ie. mid August this year, of course

kaile

Member Ascendant

since 2000-02-06

Posts 5146
singapore

37 posted 2003-12-26 03:45 AM

bumping this up so i can do this again...

Titia Geertman
Member Ascendant

since 2001-05-07

Posts 5182
Netherlands

38 posted 2003-12-27 07:32 AM

Good thing you did Kaile, because I missed this challenge completely and it's such a good one.

Hi Larry, thanks for your daughter's challenge. Remember I wrote you a poem back then that I will see her spirit in every sunrise? I often think about her when I'm driving to work while the sun is rising and I always say 'Hello Ginger, you've brought me beauty again this morning'.

I'm going to try to do each one.

Thanks, Titia

Like scattered leaves...my words will flow

Midnitesun

Member Empyrean

since 2001-05-18

Posts 28647
Gaia

39 posted 2003-12-27 10:53 AM

Good morning!
Happy holidays to you, and thnking you each day for challenging us to pen worthy thoughts.

garysgirl

Member Laureate

since 2002-09-29

Posts 19237
Florida, USA

40 posted 2003-12-27 12:02 PM

Hi Larry!! I hope you are doing well. I'm glad
this challenge was brought back up. I may try
some more of them. I enjoyed doing the ones that I
tried to do earlier.
Hugs to you and yours,

Ethel

Larry C

Member Patricius

since 2001-09-10

Posts 10286
United States

41 posted 2003-12-29 07:36 PM

littlewing,
Bet I can't persuade you that I wasn't ignoring you.

Kacy,
Ditto kitto!

kaile,
You're the man...

Titia,
I've never forgottet that. If only you knew how much that meant to me than and still does.

Aw Kacy,
You touch me to the core...

Ethel,
You know I intend to do them all as well. And I really miss the time I used to spend working on this project. And thank you for being such a dear friend. *hugs*

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

Sunshine

Administrator

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since 1999-06-25

Posts 63354
Listening to every heart

42 posted 2004-04-09 05:09 PM

I've been thinking of Ginger today. It's time to take on some of her challenges again. You game, Larry? I am...

Larry C

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since 2001-09-10

Posts 10286
United States

43 posted 2004-04-09 05:59 PM

Ya' know dear friend your timing is impeccable as usual. Just yesterday I was cleaning out my email account and stumbled accross my last email from her entitled "My Favorite Dad". It brought my mind to a screeching halt. I printed it out and pondered on it for some time. How I miss my baby. She would be 30 now. I'm rambling on to say "YES"!

&

And a big THANK YOU.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

Sunshine

Administrator

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since 1999-06-25

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Listening to every heart

44 posted 2004-04-09 11:03 PM

Then, her will be done...

Soon.

I shall have something by tomorrow, for the "teacher"...

Larry C

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since 2001-09-10

Posts 10286
United States

45 posted 2004-04-12 11:27 AM

Karilea,
Do you have a link?

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

wings of the moon
Member

since 2003-03-27

Posts 323
Pink bubblegum land

46 posted 2004-04-13 04:48 PM

Just for fun...a rubbish poem from me...

chosen question : 17. I Don’t Want To Be Rich

I crossed thousands of rules today,
just by walking down the road.
I smelled the scent of codes installed for centuries
and I continued, watching the beautiful gardens and austere windows, empty as always.

Sunshine

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Listening to every heart

47 posted 2004-04-14 12:02 PM

Not yet, Larry. Life got in the way...
hopefully I'll get a chance to work on it tonight.

croyles
Member

since 2004-01-27

Posts 102

48 posted 2004-04-16 04:08 PM

Im going to choose one too

croyles
Member

since 2004-01-27

Posts 102

49 posted 2004-04-16 05:10 PM

Sorry larry c, this is hardly a poem, but maybe wanna read it anyway?
/pip/Forum89/HTML/000099.html

Larry C

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since 2001-09-10

Posts 10286
United States

50 posted 2004-04-16 06:39 PM

Sunshine,
Okay I promise to be patient.

croyles,
Thanks. Your effort is much appreciated and your write was thought provoking for sure.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

Sunshine

Administrator

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since 1999-06-25

Posts 63354
Listening to every heart

51 posted 2004-04-18 09:37 AM

Still thinking...

Larry C

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since 2001-09-10

Posts 10286
United States

52 posted 2004-04-20 11:08 AM

Believe me I understand. I thought I'd be done with this project by now. A looong time between #8 & #9 for me.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

pictureme
Member

since 2003-11-28

Posts 248
Ohio, USA

53 posted 2004-04-20 11:42 PM

Hi Larry C.
Well, well, well, well.....that is a deep subject. :-)
I especially liked your challenge and I hungered for yours. I went back and read to #9 of your challenges. I feel I know more of a heart, a father and daughter! :-)
I must confess #9 had my tongue tasting salt and again I thirst for #10. So may I encourage you to feed me!
Just a quickie that came to my mind:

A Father Paints
*
Sitting at eye level
resting on elbows
*
fitting on a cushion
waiting, beginning to feel
*
the painter loves, all ways
touching every place
*
he can paint.
*
Please continue to keep on keeping on!
pictureme :-)

Larry C

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since 2001-09-10

Posts 10286
United States

54 posted 2004-04-21 10:38 PM

pictureme,
Wow! Such huge compliments. Thank you for your generosity and your encouragement.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

Allysa

Senior Member

since 1999-11-09

Posts 1952
In an upside-down garden

55 posted 2004-05-05 12:37 PM

/pip/Forum15/HTML/002103.html

Number four. I hope it is acceptable, because I had fun thinking about it.

Larry C

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since 2001-09-10

Posts 10286
United States

56 posted 2004-05-05 02:53 PM

It was a ton of fun. I'm still trying to figure out how you have so much fun on such little money!

Excellent and thank you for participating.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

kaile

Member Ascendant

since 2000-02-06

Posts 5146
singapore

57 posted 2004-06-26 02:43 PM

/pip/Forum15/HTML/002139.html

submission for #13

Larry C

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since 2001-09-10

Posts 10286
United States

58 posted 2004-06-26 03:15 PM

Hahaha, I found it them came here. And bless you for doing these. It makes my day for sure.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

ESP
Member Elite

since 2000-01-25

Posts 2556
Floating gently on a cloud....

59 posted 2004-12-06 06:24 PM

I'm gonna bookmark this and get to work...but they prolly won't be worth posting or anything. It is a lovely idea for you to share these assignments with us.
Lizzie.

"Time has told me not to ask for more, one day our ocean will find its shore" ~Nick Drake

Larry C

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since 2001-09-10

Posts 10286
United States

60 posted 2005-07-25 09:39 PM

Talk about tardy! That was Ginger's gift...to encourage those who lacked confidence. Don't just write, post.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

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