#TenThingsYouMayNotKnowAbout #PeteSpringer

/ Marcia Meara

Good Morning, Everyone! Today’s special guest is author and retired teacher, Pete Springer. I’m very happy to have Pete join us, and I know that you are going to enjoy his post, so without further ado, let’s get started. Pete? You’re on!

Thanks for the pleasure of visiting The Write Stuff, Marcia. While I loved my career as an elementary teacher, my wife and I have embraced retirement and the opportunity to try new things. As you probably know by now, I’m following your path by writing later in life. While teaching, I knew I wanted to write middle-grade novels for children after I retired. I’ve spent the last few years learning how to write fiction by taking classes, reading books, joining a critique group, starting a blog, and writing most days. I love the creative challenge of building a fictional story from scratch. It’s what gets me excited to get up in the morning.

Before diving into that, I wanted to pay back a profession that had been so good to me. I wrote a book (They Call Me Mom) about my 31-year teaching career to pay it forward to the next generation of teachers. I call it a combination memoir/advice book. After serving as a master teacher to four student teachers during my career, I wanted to share my experiences and some of the moving and funny moments.

Now, I’m following through with my original goal and writing novels for the age I know best—middle grades. I’ve got two manuscripts going, one about to go to my editor any day. From the start, I wanted to write entertaining contemporary novels for kids in grades 5-8 about problems that today’s children face. Don’t let anyone tell you we had it much more challenging than kids do in 2023 because that’s not true.

Ten Things You May Not Know About Me 

ONE:
I’ve visited each of the 50 states, though I don’t remember some because I was too little to recall much. Right before Covid started, my wife and I made it to the last one. (Alaska)

TWO:
People tell me I’ve got a good voice for the radio, and I’m one of those rare people who doesn’t mind public speaking. I used to read our local newspaper over the airwaves once a week for the blind and those with limited vision. I spent my career as an elementary school teacher, but my backup plan was to become a sports broadcaster if I didn’t like teaching.

THREE:
While happily retired, I miss reading aloud to children as I love literature and am a big ham. It was my chance to be an actor, imagining how the author wanted the characters to sound. I now read to seniors at assisted living twice a week as part of my community service work.

FOUR:
Several of my previous students have become teachers. I taught the last five years of my career with one of my former 4th-grade students.

FIVE:
I love almost all sports. Though not a star athlete, I won some local racquetball tournaments (spelled racketball in the UK). Now, I enjoy going to sporting events. I’ve attended the Super Bowl and the Final Four College Basketball Championships. Our son is a college football coach.

SIX:
I try to stay in touch with my former elementary students as much as possible to see what direction their lives took them. One of my past students became a nanny to Jennifer Lopez (J. Lo—the singer and actress) and later to one of the Kardashian sisters. I recently connected with a student from my first year of teaching. (He’s now 49—yes, I feel old.) He is now a Hollywood film producer, director, and writer. He has a film coming out later this year starring Lindsay Wagner (from The Bionic Woman).

SEVEN:
I met my wife in the teaching program in college. We started and finished our 31-year education careers in the same years. I taught elementary school (grades 2-6), and she was a preschool teacher and then director at the same site.

EIGHT:
Last year I fulfilled a Bucket List item by flying across the country and spending time with each of my three older brothers. The four Springer brothers ended up in the four continental time zones, so I got my miles in. I went to New Jersey, Minnesota, and Colorado, before returning to my home in California.

NINE:
On the same trip, I met two blogging friends in person. I spent part of the day in the classroom of the brilliant teacher, Jennie Fitzkee, and read a story to her preschoolers in Massachusetts. I then traveled to Pennsylvania and met Villanova University professor Jim Borden. I spent a glorious day with him in Philadelphia and visited many historical parts of the city. Jim filmed me running up the famed Rocky steps. Meeting them was one of the highlights of my trip.

TEN:
We live within a couple of miles of the Pacific Ocean and our famed redwoods, the tallest trees in the world. Coast redwoods reach 370 feet tall, while giant sequoias are seldom more than 300 feet tall. Temperatures are mild year-round, ranging from 30-80 degrees Fahrenheit.

 

BLURB

Who Will You Inspire Today? Teachers face this challenge and responsibility each day, but in the process, the author discovers that his students can also have a profound influence on him. Pete Springer takes you on his memorable thirty-one-year journey in education as an elementary school teacher and offers the many valuable life and teaching lessons he learned along the way. Get ready to laugh out loud at some of the humorous and memorable experiences that all teachers face, feel inspired by the inherent goodness of children, and appreciate the importance of developing a sense of teamwork among the staff. Learn valuable tips for working with children, parents, fellow staff members, and administrators. This book is ideal for young teachers, but also a reminder to all educators of the importance and responsibility of being a role model.

Author Pete Springer
(Photo was taken by my former sixth-grade student, Breanne Egbert.) 

My name is Pete Springer. I taught elementary school for thirty-one years (grades 2-6) at Pine Hill School in Eureka, CA. Even though I retired over three years ago, my passion will always be supporting education, kids, and teachers.

When I came out of the teaching program many years ago, I realized how unprepared I was for what was in store for me in the classroom. My college education mainly focused on learning theory rather than the practical day-to-day challenges that all teachers face. Thankfully, I had some great mentors to lean on to help support me in the early part of my career.

I have made it my mission to pay it forward to the next generation of teachers. I was a master teacher to four student teachers, and I have several former students who are now teachers, including one who teaches at my former elementary school. That is pretty cool!

While teaching, I decided to write books for children one day. That ship is now in the harbor. I took some writing workshops, found a writing critique group, joined SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators), and recently finished writing my first middle-grade novel. I’ve always connected with kids, and this is my new way of teaching.

You can Buy They Call Me Mom HERE
You Can Reach Pete on Social Media HERE:

Blog 

Facebook

Twitter 

Fantastic YouTube Video

 

174 thoughts on “#TenThingsYouMayNotKnowAbout #PeteSpringer”

    • I feel very fortunate, Sharon. Being a teacher has its ups and downs, but in many ways, I feel like a proud papa/grandpa as I frequently run into past students—in some cases, more than one generation.

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    • Glad you enjoyed this chance to learn more about Pete, Olga. I thought it was a very uplifting and inspiring post, and was happy to be sharing it here on TWS. Thanks for stopping by and taking a moment to say hello! 😀 ❤

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    • Our focus is on our son getting married (One month from today). I’m secretly hoping my travels become limited because of future grandchildren. 😊

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    • I agree on all of the above, Jeanne. What a wonderful connection he’s had with his students as they moved on with their lives! Thanks so much for stopping by this morning and taking the time to share your thoughts. 😀 ❤

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    • My school family (teachers and students) is important to me. I organize a monthly retirement lunch for the staff on the first Wednesday of each month. That’s today.
      😊

      We’ve had the experience of gabbing away at a restaurant when one of our former students walks in. You can imagine the looks of surprise on their faces.

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  8. I love how you keep in touch with your students, Pete. That is an indication of how much you care. I recently connected with my high school biology teacher on Facebook and have enjoyed getting to know more about her outside the classroom.

    Visiting all the states is on my bucket list. I’ve been to 28 of the, so I still have a ways to go. We visited Alaska about ten years ago. Beautiful to visit, but it’s too cold for me! 🙂

    Thanks for hosting today, Marcia.

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    • So glad you enjoyed Pete’s post today, Joan, and good for you for hitting 28 states. That’s no small thing, even if you still have a few to go. You’re over halfway there, by golly! 😁Thanks for stopping by today, and here’s to a super rest of the week! 😀 ❤

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    • Speaking of cold places, our son just took a job in South Dakota and will get married back there a month from today. I used to live in the Dakotas, and it can be over 100 in the summer but -20 in the winter (without the wind chill).

      I trust that retirement is going well with you, Joan. It’s been six years for my wife and I, and we still wake up happy daily.

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      • That is too cold for me, Pete! Retirement is going well. Both my husband and I are happy not to have to work. It took a while, but I’m finally getting into a routine for writing. I think the first few months, I was mentally exhausted from my job.

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  9. I can never say enough good things about you, Pete. Your list of ten things is one of the reasons why. Good luck with you’re middle-grade novels. Thank you, Marcia, for having Pete as your special guest today.

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    • Aww, Nancy, you are too kind. I don’t fit the stereotypical image of writers as introverts who lock themselves in a room all day. I enjoy being around people.

      By the way, your blog is terrific. I always enjoy your insights.

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      • You must be a people person magnet, Pete. You like people and people like you back! Thank you for your thoughtful compliment on my blog. I have high regards for your opinion, so I’m flattered. All the best to you. 🙂

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  10. I loved Pete’s list! I, too, have visited all 50 states. I find it funny that he considers 30 – 80 degrees mild. There is nothing mild about anything below 60. Lol! I love that he still reads to others. What a wonderful gift he is providing for those senior citizens! I look forward to hearing more about the novels he is writing. Thanks for sharing his list with us, Marcia!

    Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
    http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com

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    • I’m one of those kids you probably have in your class who wears a T-shirt and shorts in any weather, Yvette. Now I get a lot of “Oh, that poor man” looks. 🤣 Thanks for reading. Now, finish that school year strong! Summer is right around the corner.

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    • It is a great pleasure to have Pete visiting with us today, Yvette, and I’m so glad you enjoyed his post! Thanks for letting us know, and have a super rest of the week! 😀 ❤

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  11. Thanks for the opportunity to appear on your blog, Marcia. I know I’ve told you this before, but it’s worth repeating—When someone else creates the same path we want to travel, it somehow makes navigation easier. Way to chart that course and make your dreams come true. If I ever get to Florida, I would be honored to sit in on one of your wildlife talks. (My dad was a wildlife biologist.)

    I’ve got a busy day with our monthly retirement lunch, and then my writing group meets for four hours, but I’ll check back in later today.

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    • Thank you so much for those kind words, Pete. I’m very happy to know that my decision to write my first book at age 69 helped inspire you to try a later-life career, too. If I never finish another book, I’m still so glad that I did manage to get a few stories out there, and I know you’re going to feel the same way with each book you produce.

      If you ever get to Florida … and I’m ever allowed to go back to doing my wildlife talks … I’d be thrilled to see your smiling face in the audience! My doctor has me on house arrest for now while we determine the best way to manage my heart issues, but I’m hopeful that once we’ve figured that out, he’ll ease up on me a bit. I miss talking to folks about Florida’s interesting critters.

      Today, I’m busy enjoying everyone’s thoughts on your post. Will try to hold down the fort until you return from your retirement lunch. Enjoy!! 😀

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  12. Hi Pete,
    I follow your blog, but it was fun learning so much about you here. My brother is a career teacher, too, and so many of the things you said are sentiments he has shared. I can’t wait to share this post with him.
    Thank you, again, Marcia, for introducing we readers to another one of your fabulous guests!

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    • So glad you’ve enjoyed reading Pete’s #TenThings list today, Valerie. I though his post was fabulous, and am very happy to have him visiting us here on TWS. Thanks so much for stopping by and taking a moment to share your thoughts. Have a great rest of the week! 😀 ❤

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    • I am also at the point where the expiration date on our body parts is no longer covered. This is one time I might actually buy the extended warranty. 😊 Every lunch gathering starts with someone talking about their new knee, hip, shoulder, etc… Then, of course, grandchildren and trips come up, but one of our favorite topics is the news on some of our former students.

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    • Hi Valerie. As I often tell people, teaching was the hardest yet most rewarding job I ever had. You might be able to see me smiling all the way from California. I just got an invitation today from one of my former students. This one (the student/invitation) means more to me because her life could have gone either way, given her circumstances. I can’t wait to tell her how proud I am of her.

      Thank you to your brother and all the other teachers doing their best despite everything that makes this profession challenging.

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      • Hi Pete,
        My brother keeps up with many of his former students, too, and it’s fun when I meet people who think they know me. Then it boils down to, “You’re Mr. Ormond’s sister!” Since you are writing a middle-grade novel, I’m going to pass along something my brother did when I wrote my first book that is middle-grade, but also considered YA. He wrote a teacher’s guide to help teachers teach to it. This may be something you and your wife might be interested in, and it came in handy in the past few years for many who found themselves as homeschool teachers and didn’t know what to do.

        Help for Homeschoolers!

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  13. I enjoyed your list, Pete 🙂 How wondeful you’ve seen all fifty states. I would love to do that. You do live in a beautiful area! Riding through redwoods, Avenue of Giants is on my bucket list along with the northern coast on the Harley. I love your connection to your students, and book, and now your writing for middle grade.
    Great post and thanks for hosting it, Marcia 🙂

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    • You are very welcome, Denise. It was a great pleasure to have Pete join us today, and I’m so glad you enjoyed his post. Thanks for visiting and taking the time to let us know your thoughts. Here’s wishing you a great rest of the week! 😀 ❤

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    • The Avenue of the Giants is definitely worth seeing, Denise. It saddens me to no end that the city of Eureka has lost some of its charm because of problems with crime. Sadly, homelessness is rampant here. It’s understandable since it’s an area where people can survive outside year-round.

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  15. Wow! Those ten tidbits were like a breath of fresh air. Pete’s enthusiasm comes through loud and clear—both in his past endeavors, and in what he is doing now. A wonderful post. Thanks for sharing, Pete and Marcia!

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  17. What an interesting Ten Things list from Pete. And how amazing to be able to say you’ve visited all 50 states. I’d love that so much! Congratulations on all the successes, and here’s to many more! Thanks for hosting, Marcia!

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    • I’d love to be able to visit all 50 states, too, Jan, but I just might have missed out on that opportunity. Still, I’ve been to several, including a six-month stay in Alaska, so I’m not gonna complain. So glad you enjoyed Pete’s post, and thanks for stopping by to let us know! Have a great rest of the week! 😀 ❤

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    • I’m afraid that my version of visiting all 50 states sounds a lot more glamorous than it probably was. My parents used to take LONG trips (we did a lot of camping), and driving 700-800 miles per day was no big thing to them. My wife and I are good for about four hours.😅

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  18. I loved reading your Ten Things, Peter.
    Filled with enthusiasm, which I am sure has rubbed off on those young lives. It’s no wonder your former pupils have gone on to great things. And congratulations on achieving your writing ambitions and bucket list items.
    My parents were both teachers. Your book about your career in teaching looks interesting, insightful and funny. I shall look forward to reading!
    Thank you for sharing!

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    • So glad you enjoyed Pete’s inspiring and uplifting #TenThings post, Jackie. Thanks so much for stopping by and for taking the time to share your thoughts. It’s greatly appreciated. And here’s to a wonderful rest of the week! 😀 ❤

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    • I have cut my blogging time way back this year, Jacqueline, but I will sign up for your blog. One of the things I should have put on my top ten list is I LOVE DOGS! We’re partial to big dogs (lots of labs), and there are times when there’s nobody else I’d rather be around more than our dogs.

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  19. These ten things are always fun to learn something new about our friends and colleagues. Good to see Pete in the spotlight here. Congrats to Pete on his book to the editor. I look forward to reading it. ❤

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  20. Yet another fascinating insight into a fellow author’s life! I read Pete’s book a couple of years ago and his love for not just teaching but also his practical and caring support came through loud and clear, and so I’m not surprised that so many of them keep in touch or (the ultimate accolade) follow in his footsteps and become teachers themselves. It’s typical of him to now spend time reading to seniors to help them – just as I’m aware of his support for other authors in the community. Many thanks to both of you! ❤ and hugs!

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    • I try to stay in touch with as many of them as possible. I’ve always seen our young people as an investment in the future. Yes, there are few better feelings than seeing one of my students taking on leadership roles in this generation.

      One of the reasons I enjoyed Someone Close to Home so much was because it sheds light on one of our most pressing issues—the respectful treatment of our elderly.

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    • So glad you enjoyed Pete’s #TenThings list, Trish, and it was my very great pleasure to have him visit here on TWS. I really appreciate your stopping by and sharing your thoughts on some of his accomplishments, too. He’s inspirational, that’s for sure!

      Big hugs right back atcha, my friend!! 🤗❤️🤗

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  21. I did know a few of those ten things Pete. Perhaps one day we will hear you speak; a voice that sounds good on radio is a blessing for the speaker and the listener.
    I can hardly imagine how tall those trees are, but I would love to have been there to see the first Europeans discovering them.

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    • Thanks so much for stopping by to check out Pete’s post, Janet. I hope you learned a couple more things about him in the process, and I appreciate your taking the time to leave a comment, too! 😀 ❤

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    • I was in awe the first time I saw a redwood tree. When we have visitors, it’s a reminder not to take those majestic giants for granted.

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  22. Pingback: Ten Things You May Not Know About Pete Springer (Courtesy of Marcia Meara’s The Write Stuff.) – Pete Springer

    • Thanks for that kind compliment, Margie. I feel like I’ve gotten to know you and Tony through your blog. Marcia’s series is excellent because it’s like learning the backstory of one of the characters in a novel.

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  24. I enjoyed getting to know a bit more about Pete. After listening to him on Rebecca Budd’s podcast, I agree that he has an excellent broadcasting voice. Are author-narrated audiobooks in his future, perchance?

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  25. Pete and I follow each other’s blogs. I always enjoy his posts (which prompted my visit here) and welcome his comments on mine. I post a lot about music and he always takes time to tell me which songs he liked or didn’t like, all done with wit and knowledge. I never fail to be impressed by his experience of teaching and life, and the wisdom he displays. As someone who was once told that he had a good face for radio I’m pleased that he fits the medium better than I might!

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    • Hi, Clive! Glad to “meet” you and how nice that you and Pete visit back and forth with your blogs. It’s such fun to make friends from all over the globe, isn’t it? Thanks so much for stopping by today and taking a moment to share your thoughts. It’s greatly appreciated, and hope you’ll drop in now and then, even when Pete isn’t the guest of the day. Have a super week ahead! 😀

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      • Hi, Marcia. Likewise! That’s the beauty of blogging, isn’t it – we can ‘meet’ and chat with people from all over, and learn so much from what they write. I’ve had a look at your recent posts, which are interesting, so I’ve followed your blog. You’re stuck with me now! Have a great week 😊

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      • Clive’s musical knowledge far exceeds mine. He’s introduced me to many fabulous songs and reminded me of old favorites. One of the most beautiful aspects of blogging is meeting people through our blogs on the other side of the world who we would have never met otherwise.

        Clive also has some great posts regarding mental health. That’s one of the reasons I first discovered his blog. I’d describe those as educational posts filled with empathy.

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    • Hi, Beth! Welcome to my blog, The Write Stuff. I hope you’ll enjoy all the shenanigans that go on around here. Lots of guests, lots of me, and lots of stuff about writing and wildlife and whatever else strikes my fancy. Hopefully you’ll find it informative and entertaining, both, and will enjoy your visits. Pete’s post was a great spot at which to jump on board, for sure, and I thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us. Have a great week ahead! 😀

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    • Ah, this is cool. I like matching up blogging pals from near and far, Marcia. Beth is an absolute gem as a preschool teacher and has a unique ability to notice things in the world that most of us would walk right on by.

      My work here is done. 😎

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  27. Marcia, this was wonderful! Thank you for posting a Top Ten Things about Pete. Of course my greatest moment was when he visited my classroom. I did not know Pete visited all 50 states, and I did not know what some of his former students have done. They wouldn’t have gotten to that point if they hadn’t been in Pete’s class. I know, I have seen him in action. Staying in touch with his students is a testament to his teaching. Okay, my big question is, which Super Bowl did he attend? This Tom Brady fan really wants to know.

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    • Well, it was the Tampa Bay Bucs, but it was long before Brady was there. Super Bowl XXXVII in San Diego. Tampa Bay 48 Oakland 21. Not a great game, but the time of my life. I won a sweepstakes (Yes, people do win those) and Ryan (in 4th grade) and I had the time of our lives. I’ll send you a picture, Jennie. Who knew he would become a coach? We spent a glorious day at the San Diego Zoo among other things.

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      • I don’t watch sports, I’m afraid, but I DO love zoos, Pete, and my daughter lived in San Diego for a couple of years. We made the Zoo our top priority when we visited her, and it was, indeed, glorious! I also saw my first golden eagle on that trip, along with several other Life Birds, including a roadrunner. (And he was actually running down the middle of the road!) 😀 A great trip!

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      • What a perfect event for you and Ryan! It does seem fitting that he’s a football coach. I think you mentioned this before, but sometimes my mind is a colander. Yes, people do win sweepstakes. I won a trip to Ireland. My mother told me to keep a diary, and I’m glad I did.

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    • This is my blogging friend, Marcia, whose classroom I visited in Massachusetts. Jennie is a master with children. Any parent/grandparent would be thrilled to have Jennie be their child’s teacher.

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      • Alas, my son will soon be 52, so I think his classroom days are behind him, but you never know. I mean, learning never stops, right? (I try to learn something new every day, myself, and I’ll be 80 on my next birthday.) At any rate, I’m very glad to have Jennie following the blog, and hope she’ll find it entertaining and occasionally, informative, or dare I say it, educational. (Well, at least about a couple of things … like alligators, for starters. 😂)

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    • Welcome to The Write Stuff, Jennie, and I’m very happy to have you join us. Hope you’ll enjoy visiting when you can. You never know what’s going to be happening around here. 😀 Thanks for checking things out, and I can see why Pete would be your hero. It was a real treat having him as a guest on TWS, for sure! 😀

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  29. Thanks for featuring Pete here, Marcia! I enjoyed learning a bit more about him, but I have to admit I already knew a few of the ten things from following his blog. 🙂 What he forgot to mention is that he is one of the kindest, most inspiring, giving, and open-minded bloggers on the web.

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    • Okay, somebody pop this guy’s big head. If you haven’t met Liesbet yet, Marcia, she is the definition of brave. I highly recommend her memoir Plunge. How many people do you know that could live on the water on a catamaran with her boyfriend (now husband) and dog and swim with reef sharks? She would be ideal for this series because, unlike me, her life is anything but ordinary.

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      • You’re right, Pete. Even living surrounded by salt water on all sides, I don’t know many … make that ANY … folks who’ve done the above. I’m sure they’re out there, but I’d rather canoe with alligators any day.😁 My rule: “I don’t SWIM in any body of water that isn’t enclosed in turquoise concrete.” Period. But then, I don’t do well in sun, either, so I stick to the shady, tannic acid stained waters of our central Florida rivers for my adventures.

        Having said all of that, I love hearing about those who’ve experienced all sorts of adventures I probably wouldn’t dare to take part in, myself. I learned at a very early age that one can live MANY lives vicariously through reading, without risking much in the way of bodily harm, hence the hundreds of books on my shelves and my Kindle. 😂 With that in mind, I’d love to have Liesbet as a guest any time! 😊

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        • Thanks, Marcia. I’d love to be featured on your blog. I have heard many amazing things about you and we have quite a few blogging friends in common. I’ll get in touch one of these weeks. Life on the road is busy – between driving, sightseeing, research, and work. We currently crossed over from Colombia (after six months) to Ecuador with our dog and truck camper.

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        • Marcia, I can be a risk-taker too, but my daredevil days are over. I’m fascinated by people like Liesbet, who have chosen this nomadic path. I find that exceptionally courageous. She and her husband, Mark, are incredibly resourceful, whatever life deals them. I hope her South American adventures in Colombia will be part of her next memoir.

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    • It was my very great pleasure to have Pete visit us on TWS, Liesbet, and I’m glad you stopped by to check out his post. I COULD sneak in and add your above accolade as a #11 to his #TenThings list, but I guess that would be cheating, in a way. But it’s obvious to anyone who follows his blog (or knows him from his visits to others) that your comment is on the money! Thanks so much for stopping by to cheer him on, and I hope you’ll visit often. (I promise to try to get Pete back another day, too, if that helps. 😁)

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  30. That’s certainly an achievement to have visited all 50 states as well as having had an obviously successful and fulfilling career…Pete is one of my favourite bloggers I always enjoy his posts and now he has retired I’m sure there is more to come…It was lovely to learn a bit more about Pete a lovely post 🙂

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    • So glad you enjoyed Pete’s #TenThings post, Carol, and I do hope to have him back for more in the months ahead. Great to see you over here, too, and I really appreciate your stopping by to let us know your thoughts. Thanks! 😀 ❤

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        • Thanks so much, Carol. I’m glad you enjoy stopping by TWS, and hope you’ll continue to enjoy visiting. Got my first #WildlifeWednesday post going up in two days, too, and you are officially invited to check it out. Hope to see you there. Have a great day! 😀 ❤

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          • I will try but I am off to Oz this week and will be travelling to Bangkok on Wednesday so I may be late checking in…if not I will catch up as and when I can I love anything to do with wildlife 🙂

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            • Sounds exciting, Carol, and I hope you have a great time. With any luck, the blog will still be here for a long time yet, and you can always catch up with any posts that interest you. And the #WildlifeWednesday series is one I hope will be running for a good while, too. Now that I’m not allowed to give my nature talks in person (at least for some time), I am going to share some of the things I’ve learned here on TWS. Will see you on your return! 😀 ❤

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  31. Thanks so much, Carol. I think you know by now I feel the same way about you. I appreciate you being such a good blogging buddy and respect your commitment to the environment. Maybe someday my wife and I will make it to Thailand.

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  32. What a treat to learn more about you, Pete, and thanks to Marcia for this post! You have had an impressive career and I can easily see there’s more stuff coming. I was teaching the children of some medical students I taught when I first arrived at UNC, which was fun, and I’ve had the opportunity to make professional visits with some of my grad students. Isn’t that the best?

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    • Glad you enjoyed Pete’s post, Toni, and I agree about the reading to seniors. In fact, I think a lot of things Pete does are awesome! 😀 Thanks so much for stopping by and taking a moment to say hello. Hope you’re having a great week! 😀 ❤

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    • My mom moved into assisted living later in life. As her cognitive abilities declined, it became harder to connect with her. One day I tried reading to her from one of her old journals, and I felt sparks of memory. That experience stuck with me, so I talked to the owner one day (I had taught two of her children long ago) to see what she thought about trying it. It’s been over a year, and it is still one of the best parts of my week.

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      • Thanks, Sue. I’ve been asleep at the wheel and didn’t see your comment. It bothers me when people speak harshly about the next generation. I see a lot of promise rather than the self-centered, stereotypical views of young people. We’ve got to have faith in our young people, as they will carry the torch.

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  38. So fun to get Pete’s Ten Things, Marcia. I liked his connection to J. Lo and the Kardashians. Lol. But I really love his commitment to giving back to the community and continuing to support kids from his past as well as kids everywhere. And Pete, your book is ready to go… I’m almost done and loving it. Congrats all around. Thanks for featuring our amazing blogger friend, Marcia.

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    • Yes, Springer runs with the beautiful people. 🤣 That’s about as close as I’ll ever get, though that’s not something I care about. Contributing something positive to the world is far more important to me.

      It was very kind of you to take the time to read my manuscript, Diana, particularly when this is supposed to be your downtime. I’m learning all the time and trying to soak up all the wisdom from those who have been doing this much longer than me. Your previous comments helped me a lot and helped provide me with guidance.

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    • It was a real delight to have Pete join us for his #TenThings list, Diana. (I’m hoping he’ll visit many more times in the months ahead!) Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts, too. ALWAYS great to see you! Now get back to your downtime and I hope you’ll be fitting some FUN into that, as well. 😀 ❤

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      • I will relax, but I’m experiencing a burst of energy, so back into the sunshine today. I think I was Vitamin D starved (not uncommon here in the rainforest). Lol I guess that’s not something you experience in Florida. Have a great day, my friend.

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  39. Always fun to learn more about our blogging buddies. Following Pete’s blog since he began (he’s a newbie compared to some of us who have been at it for more than 10 years, ye gad), I feel like I know a lot about Pete, and yet I learned more here. Thanks Marcia! Pete’s first book is wonderful – I bought it as gifts to friends who are retired elementary school teachers and they loved it. I can’t wait for Pete’s next one, as I have several middle-grade grandkids who will receive it as a gift. I already know it will be fantastic.

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    • Thanks for all of the encouragement, Pamela. I think you know by now how much I enjoy your writing, whether it be short stories or novels. Just like an author—leaving your readers wondering what’s next for you. My dream is to someday see one of my future grandkids (yeah, no pressure there to my son🤣) holding one of my books in his hands. The wedding is two and a half weeks away, but who’s counting?😊

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  40. Pingback: Friday Showcase – 19th May | Stevie Turner

  41. I was there when that trip happened! Well, not THERE there, but I remember your post like it was yesterday, lol.

    Thanks Marcia for putting this together. Always great to see what my WordPress friends are up to, and to make new ones as well!

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    • So glad you enjoyed Pete’s post, Stuart, and believe me, it was a treat to have him visit The Write Stuff, too!

      Thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to say hello. New friends are always welcome here, so I hope you’ll visit often! 😀

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