Pages

▼

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Apple of My Eye

Sunday I spent the day with my two BFFs, Debbie and Maria. Our history is long. We met at school, and have remained close over twenty plus years.

You see, our job, our work, is a great profession. We are teachers. So is Paula, and her mom, and her mom before her. It just gets in your blood I suppose.

The apple is our symbol and no one has a bigger collection than my friend, Debbie.

 Every room, even the bath, is a canvas for apples of every hue and medium, spread over a lifetime of collecting. She retired a few years ago but still finds time to volunteer to remain close to the children. They are the real reason we teach.

I’ve seen lots of changes over the years but some things never do. Like the light in a child’s eyes when he sees something wondrous; the smile when he finally understands; the wildly waving hand and high-pitched squeal of, “I know, I know”; or how his heart swells with pride from your words of praise. What a gift to share in this delightful world.

During this, Teacher Appreciation Week, I’m thankful for having had my share of these glorious moments that money can’t buy and time can never erase. It’s not the cards or gifts that I will remember but these precious children whose lives I was blessed to touch. What memories do you have of a special teacher? We'd love to hear about them!

If you are reading this post, thank a teacher!
Hugs,
Patti


And thank you all for participating in our "What's It Wednesday" party!

Don’t forget to grab a feature button.
Ivy and Elephants 


at

57 comments:

  1. Lauren @ My Wonderfully MadeMay 8, 2012 at 9:16 PM

    Wow -- that IS a collection of apples! Thanks for this post -- I always say I could never be a nurse or a teacher! Especially in today's world -- teachers have one of the most difficult jobs I think. Thank you for all the lives you've touched and shaped!

    ReplyDelete
  2. SusieMay 8, 2012 at 9:36 PM

    My daughter is a teacher. She gets these kinds of things every school year. She has thinned her collection way down. I told her, it's okay since you have displayed them and enjoyed them for years. Smiles to you, Susie

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousMay 8, 2012 at 9:39 PM

    Now this is one big ole collection of apples! It's wonderful! Thank you so much for hosting your party.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnneMay 8, 2012 at 9:40 PM

    What a great collection of apples.I know the true meaning and how special they all are.You are a true blessing to the children you teach.They are lucky and blessed.
    Anne

    ReplyDelete
  5. xinexMay 8, 2012 at 9:49 PM

    Thanks for all you do and did for kids, Paula. What a neat collection of apples! Great photo features too!...Christine

    ReplyDelete
  6. Julie MarieMay 8, 2012 at 9:50 PM

    What a wonderful collection your friend has, and how precious you have all remained friends these many years... I have such a high respect and regard for teachers, like you and Paula... and your families before you... I remember my favorite teachers so well... especially my literature teacher in junior high who encouraged my love of writing... I will never forget her, and I am sure so many of your students feel the very same way about you!... Happy Mothers Day to you and Paula!... xoxo Julie Marie

    ReplyDelete
  7. Rosemary@villabarnesMay 8, 2012 at 9:53 PM

    What a great collection your friend has. I still remember my fave teachers. Thanks for hosting.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Carlene @ Organized ClutterMay 8, 2012 at 9:55 PM

    The apples are sure a great teacher collection!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Blessed SerendipityMay 8, 2012 at 10:07 PM

    What a great collection of apples. Being a teacher has to be such a rewarding career. It is definitely a very important one. Thanks so much for hosting the party.

    blessings,
    Danielle

    ReplyDelete
  10. SwedishCorner ~ DownUnder...PernillaMay 8, 2012 at 10:14 PM

    Great collection of beautiful apples :) Fab features this week too.
    Greetings from Australia♥
    ~Pernilla

    ReplyDelete
  11. RobinMay 8, 2012 at 10:48 PM

    I have quite a few teachers amongst my family and friends so I am already a big fan! Most are in it for the reasons you explained and as a parent I want to thank you for making a difference. Nice apples too!

    Robin
    Robin Flies South

    ReplyDelete
  12. FarahMay 9, 2012 at 1:00 AM

    hello hello...I came here first time vie Note song and happy to link up my pillows here...
    Hope you will enjoy a visit at
    http://craftaworld.blogspot.com/
    With love
    Farah

    ReplyDelete
  13. WinnieMay 9, 2012 at 1:29 AM

    WOW - I've never seen such a unique collection. Beautiful and also interesting

    Thanks for hosting another party!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Anna at the Doll HouseMay 9, 2012 at 3:30 AM

    You are certainly teaching me a lot about antiques and collectables. So, I'd like to send you a symbolic apple as thanks.

    Anna

    ReplyDelete
  15. Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble ChristmasMay 9, 2012 at 4:43 AM

    What a fantastic collection!!

    Thanks so much for hosting!!

    Hugs,
    Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  16. Curtains in My TreeMay 9, 2012 at 6:21 AM

    We need more wonderful teachers like your friend, my little grandson is graduating pre-school tomorrow LOL, he has a wonderful teacher and I will tell her

    THANKS for featuring my flower pot post , I was so excited to notice it on your fabulous blog
    I always love coming over
    Janice

    ReplyDelete
  17. GailMay 9, 2012 at 8:18 AM

    What a fabulous collections of apples! Great features this week and thanks for hosting, Gail

    ReplyDelete
  18. Liz @ Quirky VistasMay 9, 2012 at 8:31 AM

    Love the features this week. Such a romantic feel to this week's choices. Thank you for the party. I look forward to seeing what all everyone's been doing.
    Liz

    ReplyDelete
  19. Cottage and BroomeMay 9, 2012 at 8:55 AM

    A very sweet post! For some reason I am surprised you two are teachers. I guess because you have so many wonderful collections I assumed you were antique dealers! But it is nice to know that two people who have such an appreciation for beauty and history are teaching our children. Thanks to you and Paula….. Laura

    ReplyDelete
  20. bjMay 9, 2012 at 8:55 AM

    I love this post about your friends...
    Great apple collection.
    xo bj

    ReplyDelete
  21. Scrappy Pink CornerMay 9, 2012 at 9:25 AM

    what a cute post. Love all the apples you all collect. I see so many being sold at garage sales and whenever I ask, they say I am a teacher. So thats where most of the gifts we give teachers end up. LOL.
    Teachers really have it tough now. Children are out of control and parents expect the teachers to be the disciplinaries for them. How sad. I had great teachers and I wish now I could see them all and hug them. I only had one through out my school year that I could not stand, but nobody could. But my memories of my teachers were all good. Loved them all.
    TFS. Ana

    ReplyDelete
  22. Pellie / PennyMay 9, 2012 at 10:02 AM

    What a fabulous collection of apples you have.
    What a wonderful blog hop you hostess.

    Hugs,
    Penny

    ReplyDelete
  23. Doll in the Looking GlassMay 9, 2012 at 3:45 PM

    Thanks for sharing this colorful collection of apple collectibles. Especially love the cloth doll shown in the first photo.

    Appreciate your dedication to the noble teaching profession!

    Debra

    ReplyDelete
  24. andrea@townandprairieMay 9, 2012 at 4:50 PM

    I recognize some of those vintage apples! Thank you, teacher! And, thanks also for hosting this week! Regards, A

    ReplyDelete
  25. Barbara F.May 9, 2012 at 6:02 PM

    I love apples, real and faux! What a great post, and I made it to the party this week. A little late, but I made it. xo

    ReplyDelete
  26. Artsy VaVaMay 9, 2012 at 7:22 PM

    Thanks for hosting the party and for featuring my upcycled pickle jars!

    ReplyDelete
  27. KathyMay 9, 2012 at 10:20 PM

    That is some collection and yes, I agree Teachers are the apple of our eye. So glad to drop by from White Wed. Thanks for hosting the party,
    Your long lost friend, Kathy

    ReplyDelete
  28. Auro @ Add that Xtra in the OrdinaryMay 9, 2012 at 11:54 PM

    That was such a sweet post on "Apples"and wow what a collection, must say!Your students,I'm sure are all blessed to have such an angel of a teacher like you by their side.
    Thanks for hosting todays party dear, have linked in with "Of the Knights and Pawns"
    Hugs
    Arani.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️May 10, 2012 at 7:52 AM

    I love the collection of apples. I have a very small collection.

    Dee

    ReplyDelete
  30. KarenaMay 10, 2012 at 8:48 AM

    A wonderful collection!! My 6th grade teacher Sr Evelyn had a huge influence on me!

    Thank you so much for including me and hosting!

    I have a feature Interview and Giveaway on my site with Tina from The Enchanted Home...I hope you will visit

    xoxo
    Karena

    Art by Karena

    ReplyDelete
  31. LVMay 10, 2012 at 9:31 AM

    What a wonderful post. I truly enjoyed reading it and seeing all your vintage goodies.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Johanna GehrleinMay 10, 2012 at 9:49 AM

    Hi Paula and Patti,
    whow, that is a charming collection. I like to see the different types of apples. So nice to have such sweet memories. Thank you for sharing this amazing collection and for hosting this event.
    Best greetings, Johanna

    ReplyDelete
  33. Linda @ Life and LindaMay 10, 2012 at 10:51 AM

    That's quite a collection...how sweet!
    I just saw the cutest apple cupcake that would have been perfect with this post. Thank you for hosting and have a happy Mother's Day.

    ReplyDelete
  34. The Charm of HomeMay 10, 2012 at 2:32 PM

    I love the apple theme. Mom used to have her whole kitchen done in it. Thank you for hosting!
    Sherry

    ReplyDelete
  35. The TablescaperMay 10, 2012 at 5:03 PM

    That is an amazing collection. Teachers have an amazing calling. Thank you for being a teacher.

    - The Tablescaper

    ReplyDelete
  36. Sally Annie MagundyMay 10, 2012 at 6:26 PM

    Love this post, so very charming! Perhaps I should say that I'm a bit biased, my husband is a teacher. :)

    What a fun collection your friend has - my husband has received many an apple themed gift over the years but none so dear and darling.

    Happy VTT!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Janis@All Things BeautifulMay 10, 2012 at 9:52 PM

    I love those hanging herbs! What fun features!! Thanks so much for hosting!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Castles Crowns and CottagesMay 10, 2012 at 9:54 PM

    Beautiful Patti,

    Oh my precious one, you are in a profession that is WORTHY of skilled and tenacious people that will do anything to make sure the kids are getting what they need. I lasted for nine years and it is time for me to do something else, for I do not have that extra sparkle that one needs to go the extra miles to learn all the new and overwhelming things! But what an honor it has been to be a part of educating the kids that came my way.

    THANK YOU for your kind and lovely comment tonight. One day, ONE DAY, I will see HER again. And yes, we have only a life time to love but eternity to LIVE LOVE..what a thought. BE WELL! Anita

    ReplyDelete
  39. FABBY'S LIVINGMay 10, 2012 at 10:07 PM

    Oh, so happy I could link up still! I got home late last night and thought I shouldn't even bother, lol! Thank you lovely Paula for dropping by and for the lovely comments. Great apple collection, how cute! You are such a generous lady Paula, you did and still do so much for kids. God bless you and yours this coming MOTHER'S DAY! Hugs,
    FABBY

    ReplyDelete
  40. Zuni, Chickadee Home NestMay 10, 2012 at 10:42 PM

    Thank you for hosting; I've visited several other posts and they've been so fun and informative. I love your tribute to teachers...indeed it is well earned. ~Zuni

    ReplyDelete
  41. MarlisMay 10, 2012 at 10:54 PM

    Great collection of apples.. I too taught a very long time ago, seems like eons, HS French and German. Loved it, too many politics though and in the end, I wasn't teaching content, but to a test.. Thanks so much for sharing the collection.. they are gorgeous.. xo marlis

    ReplyDelete
  42. WhiteWhispers2uMay 11, 2012 at 2:06 AM

    Hello, Thank you for your visit and nice comment on my bakers rack.I love all the apples and have a few Teacher friends myself.How fun! I only taught Pre-School but loved it.I will be back to visit again, you have a fun blog~Cheers Kim

    ReplyDelete
  43. Cindy AdkinsMay 11, 2012 at 9:51 AM

    What a wonderful collection of apples - and a rewarding profession! It's always such fun visiting your blog.
    Hugs, Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  44. DiannMay 11, 2012 at 1:52 PM

    What a great collection. And a wonderful profession! Thank you for joining TTF this week and I hope you have a wonderful weekend and a very happy Mother's Day!

    ReplyDelete
  45. PamelaMay 11, 2012 at 1:57 PM

    What a great collection ladies! Thanx for sharing at THT!

    ReplyDelete
  46. L'Heure Bleue At HomeMay 11, 2012 at 2:54 PM

    What an amazing collection of apples! I love a collection that is so meaningful and inspirational.

    ReplyDelete
  47. joyh82May 11, 2012 at 4:03 PM

    What a great apple collection she has! Teachers are the best :)

    ReplyDelete
  48. Jane, Naples, FloridaMay 12, 2012 at 8:03 AM

    Thank you for sharing the apple collection! It's just great! Thanks for visiting Flora Doora, and I am happy I found your blog!

    Jane
    Flora Doora

    ReplyDelete
  49. SImple and Serene LivingMay 12, 2012 at 2:24 PM

    Thanks so much for the feature :)

    ReplyDelete
  50. BlissMay 13, 2012 at 12:25 AM

    Well how do 'ya like them apples!

    ~Bliss~

    ReplyDelete
  51. PalomaseaMay 13, 2012 at 1:05 AM

    What a beautiful post, dear Patti and Paula! I have been blessed with teachers in my family...my parents (music). I am a huge proponent of our country investing in teachers and schools...for our children are the precious future!
    I am also very honored to call Anita my dear friend. She is a remarkable teacher and human being...she has touched and enlightened more lives than she can ever imagine!
    Blessings to you all,
    - Irina

    ReplyDelete
  52. jacky @ small garden loveMay 13, 2012 at 10:22 AM

    Hi, thanks so much for the feature and for hosting. Have a great weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Tami @ Creative girl VintageMay 13, 2012 at 7:19 PM

    Hi Patti thank you for the invitation to link up with you. I look forward to meeting some new friends. I love your apple feature..my daughter is a 4th grade teacher & loves her collection of apples.
    Thanks for visiting my blog too!!
    xo Tami

    ReplyDelete
  54. Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLizMay 13, 2012 at 8:31 PM

    Those are some great apples she's been collecting! I applaud you for being a teacher- I wouldn't have the tolerance for it. I did do some volunteer reading with students when my kids were in elementary school. Being a teacher is an important job and I'm grateful for those who do it!
    Thanks for visiting my blog!
    Liz

    ReplyDelete
  55. romance-of-rosesMay 13, 2012 at 9:57 PM

    Lovely post. I still remember my second grade teacher, Miss Hill, sweet, sweet lady. I don't know if you girls are mothers but if you are, Happy Mothers Day and thank you for remembering me. Hugs...Lu

    ReplyDelete
  56. Jane@Cottage at the CrossroadsMay 13, 2012 at 9:58 PM

    I would not be the person that I am today were it not for the influence of most of my teachers! I retired after teaching for 31 years and hope that students remember me in the same way. Teaching is so difficult but so rewarding. What a great collection of apples your friend has!

    ReplyDelete
  57. BrandiMay 14, 2012 at 7:32 PM

    Wow, such a collection you have, Patti! So nice to read that you and your friend have remained close for so many years.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for your comments! We enjoy hearing from you.