I was looking for something on a shelf in my closet when a giant box landed on my head and most of the contents spilled out. My organizational skills suck. Sprawled out all over the floor were mementos from long (and I mean L-O-N-G) ago. There were cards we held on to — anniversary, Valentines Day, etc.—I even found an invitation to my wedding in the box.
There were ticket stubs from concerts. I’d like to go on record as saying I was a pretty rocking teenager… The Who (their first last tour), Kinks, Grateful Dead, Billy Joel, Police, Rolling Stones (another first last tour), Van Halen (David Lee Roth’s first go-around), Elton John (after John Lennon was killed. Yoko came out during ‘Empty Garden”- very moving), Yes (which I remember hating).
If someone was touring, I was there. It gave me bragging rights the next day in school. Back then, it was important to give off an “I’m cool, I go to concerts” vibe at all times. I really wish I kept my collection of concert T-shirts—I’d make a small fortune on eBay today.
I struck gold when I came across two items I forgot existed. My autograph albums from Grammar School (5th grade) and Intermediate (8th grade). It was customary for graduating students to ask your friends and teachers to sign a page and wish you well in the future.
My fifth grade book had many of the customary “Best of Luck” and “Best Wishes” sentiments written by teachers. My friends, on the other hand, wrote more colorful but sweet sayings. Things like:
“If all the boys lived a cross the sea, what a good swimmer Annette would be.”
“When you’re old and have nothing to eat, take off your shoes and smell your feet.” (This makes absolutely no sense.)
You get the picture.
Teachers wished me well. Some saying what a “lovely girl” I was (I was… Truly, I was). I was a bit of a clown when I was nine-years-old, as evidenced by the following words:
Below was written by my 5th grade teacher. I’m pretty certain I tortured the poor man with my smart-ass mouth and sparkling personality.
Fast forward to eighth-grade. Well, well, well… we certainly lost our wholesome sweetness. It was all about sex… especially for the boys.
And apparently I held onto my class clown crown. Fortunately, my teachers appreciated my humor (mostly) and gave it back.
This was written by my math teacher. He was an awesome man. (Note: He knew how to spell “Annette”, back then I called myself many things. This was my “French” version of my name. People indulged me because I was just so darn wonderful.
This little walk down Memory Lane proved to me that although we grow up and become responsible(ish) adults—there’s two things that never change:
Making people laugh will always be my lot in life.
And at any age… if a boy can bring sex into the conversion, he will.
Okay, I haven’t done this in a while, so I’m going for it. A shameless plug…
My book The Casual Rule is available on Amazon for kindle. If you don’t own a kindle, Amazon offers a free Kindle App.
It’s a great read ( if I don’t say so myself), especially this time of the year, as the story includes Christmas Eve & Day chapters.
Here’s the link (or you can click on the book icon to your right)
Here are a few Amazon reviews:
-If you are looking for a fun, witty, sweet story that will make you laugh then The Casual Rule is the book for you. I loved this story. It is funny and sexy with a bit of drama all in one.
-If you’re looking for a book with a little bit of smut, a little comedy and a ride on an emotional roller coaster, then pick up this book today. You will love Julia. She is incredible and I think she’s one of my new favorite female characters this year.
-If you’re looking for a light and fun romantic comedy with plenty of laughs you are sure to enjoy The Casual Rule! It would make the perfect beach read!
-FABULOUS! AWESOME! And every other superlative you can think. OH MY! Such tender love. Totally a page turner and I do mean that. If I could give it more than 5*, I would. And I rarely ever say that about any book and I have read some terrific books. This book hooked me from the very beginning. No superfluous words. Just amazing writing. If you truly love heartrending romance, READ THIS BOOK. I read it and turned right around the next day and reread it. Still makes me tingle.
-Funny, sweet, sexy, and totally captivating with characters you could feel. There are hordes of hopeless romantics who will love the way this story unfolds.
Re: Fanfiction:
There was an update on the Fifty Shades- A Different Way story on Nov 14th. If you missed it, check it out.
One Last Thing:
Thank you to everyone for the kind words either through comments or private messages on my last blog entry. It’s very much appreciated.
I’ll leave you with a quote by Drew Barrymore:
“Life is very interesting… in the end, some of your greatest pains, become your greatest strengths.”
AC Netzel 
At least your walk down Memory Land didn’t make you cringe! Those notes were pretty funny! Especially from the boys. But, of course, they would have run off screaming if you had given them a second look. Makes one wish for the Good Old Days. It sounds as though your teacher recognized the person you would become.
Yes, I was very fortunate that my teachers appreciated my sense of humor, even then.
What a really sweet memory!! It’s nice to know that you were appreaciated by teachers and pupils! Hope you always have this type of appreciation in your life!!!
Thank you Rose. It was a fun walk through memory lane. I’ve been fortunate to have very good people in my life. 🙂