RAYMER ELEMENTARY

 AUTHOR VISIT

MARCH 10/04

Every visit is unique and every visit special. Sometimes there’s one person in a group that stands out and makes an impression on me that I will not soon forget. Today was one of those visits, but I’m getting ahead of myself.

A week ago I received a phone call from Teacher/Librarian, Pat Warrender from Raymer Elementary School in Kelowna.  She mentioned that she had heard about me from another librarian in town and asked if I would be available to come and speak to her primary students. I was delighted as this was the first time a librarian had phoned me. 

We quickly made arrangements and were all set.

The day started out bright and early, and I mean bright, the sun was shining in full force and it seemed as though spring was in the air.

Leaving early to attend another appointment we were greeted with warm temperatures and sunshine which made the entire drive very enjoyable. Arriving at the school a little early we were met by two very enthusiastic girls. After showing us to the office and over-hearing me ask directions to the library they inquired if I was the author they were expecting. Well, actually they asked Mom if she was the author.  Once we had my identity established they asked if they could show us to the library as Mrs. Warrender had earlier arranged.

Unbeknownst to me they had enjoyed another author that morning. As we walked down the hall one girl began asking questions that made sense once I learned of their earlier guest. This other author has been published traditionally and I suppose these girls thought I had been as well. I guess they learned that all authors are not created equal.

Once in the library, we were introduced to Mrs. Warrender who was as enthusiastic in person as she had been on the phone. I began to set up while the girls and Mom went back to the car for the rocking chair.

When Mrs. Warrender returned from an errand she said she was pleased with our display. Then she was off to gather Mrs. Facey grade 3 class, Mrs. Leland grades 2/3, Mrs.Goodall grade 1 and Mrs. Udala grade 2/3 classes. We certainly had a full house!

After a wonderful introduction the children greeted me warmly and another author visit was underway.  When it came time to read “The Rocking Chair Rescue” I did something a little different, I asked for two volunteers. With no shortage of anxious children to choose from I selected a boy and girl.  I gave each one a copy of the story and asked if they would hold it up and show the audience the pictures as I read. I explained because I am old and have funny glasses with an extra lens it is difficult to sit and read the story and hold the book up so everyone can see the pictures. They were more than anxious to help.

As I read, I noticed one young man who’s attention I’d definitely had – every time I looked up he was very focused. What can be better than having your audience respond in all the right places not to mention their full attention?

After the story came to an end it was time for the questions. Today’s questions were mostly about being an author. Such as, “Is it fun to be an author? What’s it like being an author? How long have you been an author?” One young lady asked how I knew what to write about. This led to a discussion about keeping a journal. Not that I ever kept a diary, however I did explain that when I was young and hospitalized for what was thought to be the mumps and kept in isolation, well, that kind of thing just stays with you, or at least it stayed with me.

We talked a little about the other books in the series – of course the children wanted to hear them. When it became clear that I was not going to get away with saying, “Well, you’ll have to ask Mrs. Warrender to purchase a copy of the books for the library.” I was forced, much to my delight to read a short excerpt from Ricky, the Rickety Rocking Chair. Since that went over well, the children began asking me to read Lost & Found. They were a tough crowd and weren’t going to give up until I did – so I gave in.

Mrs. Warrender asked if I would speak a little about being teased when I was younger. She also asked if I had any advice for the children. This question threw me for a few minutes as I have never really thought about giving anyone advise about teasing and how it can hurt.

I ask the children how many present had been teased at one time or another, unfortunately, most every hand went up. I then asked if anyone’s feelings had been hurt as a result of teasing. Most said yes, some said no. To one of the boys who had said no his feelings didn’t get hurt I asked him, “Really?”

Then, I insulted him. The look of shock on his face was evident. I asked him if what I had said made him feel good, he assured me it hadn’t. I then asked if anyone had heard the old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will …” I didn’t need to finish as the children did that for me.  I told them that I don’t believe that old saying. Words DO hurt!

I then I assured my little friend that my insult was not sincere and that I was just trying to prove a point. I hope my message was clear. 

On that note Mrs. Warrender came forward and asked the children to show their appreciation for my visit, which they did most enthusiastically.

As the children began to line up to leave the library a few came up and asked a couple of quick questions or made appreciated comments. I’m always a little sad to see each session end, but end they must.

Soon our second group with Ms. Zerr grade 2 class, Mrs. Affeld grade 1 and Mrs. Wyatt’s grade 1/2 classes were entering the library.

Our second session started out much like the first but it certainly did not end like any other I have ever done. After I spoke a little about how I started writing I again asked for two volunteers, this was turning out to be a good idea.

To my delight this group was as attentive as the first – they chuckled in all the right places. Years ago when I wrote The Rocking Chair Rescue I never dreamt I would be reading it to so many children and enjoying it so very much.

It seems I am always asked at least one question I have never heard before, today I was asked several. The first one was, “Does the chair really rock?”

Knowing how children like to be involved I asked the young man if he would like to come up and see for himself. With a smile on his face he willingly came up to find out. He discovered that he needed to lean back to make it rock and I think he was satisfied that the chair did indeed rock.

We discussed self-publishing as apposed to being traditionally published. And we discussed the difference between “publishing” and just “printing” the books. Before we got into this “authoring” business I never stopped to think about what a publisher does or doesn’t do. This is one of the things I love about these visits – I learn so much from the questions I am asked.

At one point a young man said he had a question for my Mom. I told him to ask away. “Have you always been cool?” he asked her.

I don’t think Mom quite knew what to say or if in fact she understood the question – I know I didn’t. I asked him what he meant. He explained that in the picture where Davey and Kathy bring the rocking chair into their backyard, Mom is leaning by the open door with her arms crossed. Then he crossed his arms and leaned to one side just as a “hip-hop” artist would. If in fact that is the right phrase.

I laughed and said, “Oh yes, she’s always been cool. In fact she is the coolest Mom I know.”

It has been several visits since I have been asked about our ShortHand logo, so I explained how and why Mom had to start a publishing company and where the name came from.

Then Mrs. Warrender stood and said, “In closing would you talk again about being teased – especially about the sticks and stones phrase.”

I basically did the same thing I had done with the first group, except this time I teased a girl with beautiful red hair. She too had a look of shock on her face. I suppose the children don’t expect someone who has come to their school for a visit to insult them. However, it really drives the message home. Before we closed I made sure I told the girl that I didn’t think her hair was awful at all, in fact I told her she had lovely red hair, and she does!

I have for a long time believed that things happen in this life for a reason. I am beginning to think that God had a plan for me right from the beginning. Teasing has become such a problem in our schools and it was pointed out to me that it is difficult to find books that deal with this issue. It was also suggested that I include this in an upcoming episode, which I will be doing.

Who knows where my life would have taken me if I hadn’t had arthritis? If I hadn’t been teased when I was young? Hadn’t gone through the things I have? Everything happens for a reason and could it be that I have been blessed to experience these things so that I can now, share the lessons I have learned with so many wonderful children?

Four years ago when I started to re-write my autobiography I had no idea where it would lead. All I knew was I had to “do” something – never being one to just sit around and let life pass me by. I never planned on being an author. It all just fell into place. And what better way than to share my experiences with others, especially if they can learn from what I have been through. After all isn’t that what it’s all about?

Even when I started doing these author visits I never realized the impact that they could have. I learn something from every single visit and as a result I feel that the children are getting more from my visits than just a story being read to them.

 It is my sincere desire to continue this journey I have been lead to. If I could give just one child hope, or encouragement what more could I possibly ask for?

Before we finished, the children promised me that they wouldn’t tease others. Way to go kids!

After Mrs. Warrender, the teachers and students showed their appreciation for my visit it was time to pack up our things. Just as the first group had done, many children came to me and either thanked me or asked one more question.

So now, I would like to thank Mrs. Warrender, the teachers and most of all the terrific students at Raymer Elementary for making my visit very special. Thank you all for your encouragement and kind words.

Oh yes, earlier I mentioned there was one person in the group that stood out and made an impression on me. That person was a boy who came up at the end and quietly asked me, “Has anyone ever given you a metal?”

“No, they haven’t,” I said a little bewildered.

“Well, they should!” he replied.   

What can I say to that?

Until next time, keep reading and be well. J

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