Shari Della Penna
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"Small acts of kindness can change and humanise our world."
   Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks 1948-2020
   ​Chief Rabbi of Great Britain, 1991-2020
                         Author, Advocate, Advisor

Love’s Labor Found (original post 9/8/15)

9/7/2021

4 Comments

 
    I’m the same girl and not the same...Folks keep growing from one person into another all their lives, and life is just a lot of everyday adventures. Well, whatever life is, I like it.
                                               from Caddie Woodlawn 
                                        written by Carol Ryrie Brink
                                 originally illustrated by Kate Seredy
                                                         Macmillan, 1935
                          (new illustrations) by Trina Schart Hyman
                                                         Macmillan, 1973
                                         winner: Newbery Medal 1936
    Yesterday was Labor Day. 
    My first job was babysitting for my neighbor’s three kids: two and a half; four; and five. I was eleven.
    It wasn’t babysitting, really. I played with the kids while their mother was keeping house. You know, laundry, dusting, mopping the kitchen floor, and such. She was a housewife in a day before we had a name for stay-at-home moms (and dads). Then, it was the moms who mostly stayed home. 
    It was summer so we played outside. I’d give the kids some lunch and my job was finished. My neighbor paid me 50 cents an hour for a couple of hours of work.
    I learned responsibility, time management, and how to have fun.
The kids looked up to me. I learned to respect myself and trust my decisions.
    (In 2015) I just spent a week working closely with fourteen smart, creative, and high energy teenagers. They mostly reported for work on time, stayed focused, and worked well together. And they had fun.
    (Now, 2021) my grandkids are growing up, faster than I imagined when I held them in those tiny, soft blankets and they each squeezed my pinkie finger and we gazed into each others’ eyes. 
    Maybe it’s my rose-colored glasses, but despite the global pandemic of COVID-19, Climate Catastrophe, rampant gun violence, laws skewed toward the wealthy, inequality between demographic groups (Black, white, brown; LGBTQ; women; national origin; well the list is long, but you get it) watching and listening to the kids is what gives me hope.
    The world will be in good hands when these kids are in charge.
    Have a great and productive week!  
                                         --stay curious! (and work hard)                                                                                                  
4 Comments
Laurie link
9/7/2021 08:55:59 am

Happy new year my sweet friend. Hope in the things God has planned. Love you!

Reply
Janet
9/8/2021 08:35:25 am

Shana Tova Shari to you and family. Wishing you a year filled with happiness, joy, and continued writing.

Reply
Shari Della Penna link
9/8/2021 02:58:18 pm

Thanks for your kind words and good wishes!

Reply
Mindi
9/12/2021 07:32:20 am

Always love your work. You are an inspiration!

Reply



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         I'm a children's writer and poet intent on observing the world and nurturing those I find in my small space .

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