Have a Safe, candidly productive Happy Halloween! Boo!
Funny as I read this prompt, I can just imagine the distracted look I’d get if I asked any kid under 13 this question today!!
However, I am certainly no kid anymore, and I always enjoyed most of my subjects, except English Grammar. I know, right? As an author of now three books and a published poem, you wouldn’t think it would be my response. Well, it proves there is humor in life, and I do like a challenge.
In my early grade school years, I focused on reading and math. Yes, the Fun with Dick and Jane series with their dog, Spot, sister Judy, and Zeke the gardener.
In middle school, I still liked math, but took to History, Geography, and poetry/Literature
The above remained with me throughout High School and into my early college years at St. Joseph’s University. Go Hawks! I had an English Comp/Lit teacher then who looked a little like Professor Erwin Corey with his tweed jacket and bow tie, but he was pretty inspiring. Funny true story: on our first night, the 13 or 14 students in our night school class were as struck by his appearance and demeanor as I was. He entered, turned to us, and said, “Good Evening!” Then continued walking to one of the front windows, looking out onto the campus. Pausing briefly, he turned back and said 350 words on the word “Evening,” and we will see what I am dealing with this semester. Until then see you next class.
Needless to say, my paper was the one he picked that night, as I had made every sin in writing mankind in that one paper. The good news was that it didn’t count toward our mark. Thank God also today for “Grammarly”! I managed to write many good papers that year with the help of my wife and older sister, Mary, with grammatical editing. I remember pleading my case in the English lounge on why I got an A- rather than an A.
He asked me a few questions regarding the first paper that he butchered. I was honest and stated that most Authors are known for the creativity behind the story, adding that they all use proofreaders and editors, many of whom couldn’t write the stories I presented that year.
He said, “Well, that is an honest answer, and also why I didn’t give you the ‘A”. You need to work on your grammar, but don’t be discouraged —your stories, I knew, were original and very good. I thanked him, and we talked a little more about his photography art displayed in the English Department and about it as something I might be interested in pursuing, too. What bothers me is that for the life of me, his name escapes me. The year was 1976; if it rings a bell, please let me know!
Family, Friends, and Neighbors – Still looking for reviews of my latest story, as well as new reviews of my 12-year-old Philadelphia Holiday Story, which has been recognized in over 20 countries. FREE Sample Listen @ http://www.A-Glimpse-From-Christmas-Past@Audible.com
Amazon Store URL
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FT5W5NZ9
Google Play Store URL
https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=kdGLEQAAQBAJ
Apple Store URL
https://books.apple.com/us/book/a-chance-encounter-with-a-most-unusual-acquaintance/id6753361174
Kobo Store URL
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/a-chance-encounter-with-a-most-unusual-acquaintance
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