Saturday, March 17, 2012

Hinting on St. Patrick's Day

After graduating from college in 1958, I entered a teaching order. However, I’d taken no education courses during the four years of college. My degree was in English with minors in mathematics, history, and philosophy. This meant that while in the convent I took classes in education to gain accreditation for teaching in Nebraska and Kansas.
            In at least one of these classes, the professor shared the ancient adage about how to teach:

First you tell ‘em what you’re going to tell ‘em.
Then you tell ‘em.
Then you tell ‘em what you told ‘em.

            So preview, present, recap.
            In this three-part teaching method, you first whet the appetite for learning. That’s part one.
            Today I’m whetting.
            I’m providing a broad hint about what I’m going to tell you about in my next two postings.
            Ta-Dah!
            The hint begins.
            Please hum what Wikipedia calls  “ the ominous, four-note introduction to the brass and tympani theme music” of Dragnet.           

 
            Those of you who follow my blog know that writing is my passion. To the right of this post are three images for A Cat’s Life: Dulcy’s Story, which was first published in 1992. Also, you see an image for the inspirational The Golden Sky by E. C. Stilson and for the humorous Just Nonsense by Melynda Fleury.
            These images are there to encourage you to order their paper books or e-books and mine. I wasn’t sure about putting any of these images on my blog. Selling while posting seemed, at first, a little crass to me.
            Yet communication is an important part of my being. Since I first began printing in first grade, I have been writing stories. In these I try to entertain, share my feelings and experiences, and reach out to others across the apparent span that divides us into separate beings. For me, writing—communicating—is a bridge to understanding. It is a way to alleviate the existential loneliness of life.
            Here’s the bottom line: I want others to read what I’ve written. I also want what others have written to be read.
            So in my two postings next week, I’m going to . . .
            Ah-ha! What do you think? Will I explain how I go about writing a post? Will I share my reading of books by other bloggers? Will I give you five habits of highly successful bloggers? Will I post a new image of a book I’ve written? Will I tell you about writing to agents to try to find one to represent my work?
            That’s what I call “whetting your appetite.”
            Please get out your detecting paraphernalia—magnifying glass, plastic baggies for clues, and thinking caps. The question my friends is “What is the blog coming home to myself going to share with you next week?”
            One thing I will tell you is that my Tuesday posting will be part of a big event that's happening that day—another hint. Maybe you read the same blogs I do and you’ll pick up on this.
            And of course, on this Saint Patrick’s Day, amidst bird song and wandering breeze, I wish you joy in the morning and a fair road to travel.
            

23 comments:

  1. Oh! I bet the guys in high school called you a tease, didn't they?!! LOL! I love your humor. I also love surprises.

    Whet with appetite!

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  2. Thanks for the St. Patrick's Day wishes and hints and suspense, Dee! I can hardly wait to see what you come up with next week! You're an inspiration!

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  3. Oh, you tormenting tease! :-) I'm positively agog to discover what's in store....

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  4. It was exciting to read what you went through in your last posts – too much violence though. I hope you’ll have a nice St Patrick’s Day and find a way to celebrate it. Have a great week-end.

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  5. Second guess You? You've got to be kidding!!!;-) Happy St. Patrick's Day and carry on...

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  6. LOL! I am thinking I might have an idea.
    You are such a teaser!
    Have a great weekend!! :):)

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  7. Hmmmmmmm. I do believe I read some of the same blogs. I think I know where you're headed.

    Love,
    Janie

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  8. I really don't care what you write about--JUST KEEP WRITING!! I'll keep reading!

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  9. Dee you have no idea how much I appreciate you putting my button on your side bar! You are such a wonderful woman and I just love you!
    As for what you are posting next week I bet I can guess but I'm not giving it away.... hahahaha

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  10. Hello All,
    Sure and I'm a thinking that some of you are grand and glorious detectives because of the other blogs you read. All will be revealed on Tuesday. Saint Patrick must have breathed on the wind today and blessed the sun's rays for it's in the 80s here and I've been sitting on the patio reading, eating, and staring into the distance. A day for dreamers. Peace to all of you who read this posting today.

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  11. I think I know the direction you are heading. But would be perfectly ready to come back to hear what you have to say about the alphabet.
    Have a great weekend.

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  12. Sorry, I'm thick.
    I'll have to wait and see what it'll be.

    But I wholeheartedly agree with the Prof. Those three phrases encapsulate not only teaching but also learning.

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  13. The plot thickens.

    I haven't a clue, Dee. Well, maybe one or two that I'll hold in abeyance until Tuesday. I hope you St. Patrick's Day was pleasant. We had a warm and breezy day and evening with our daughter and son-in-law, celebrating around a well laden table.

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  14. Curiouser and curiouser! I shall be very interested to see what transpires!

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  15. The first day of spring! It's got something to do with that, right? Okay, I'll wait. You have certainly whetted my appetite, Dee. Have a great Sunday...

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  16. Dee,

    You are sooo much fun! I absolutely love this! That reference to Dragnet is classic LOL ;)

    -Elisa

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  17. I think we read some of the same blogs, but you've got me stumped! I love the tease, though, so I'll just be waiting to see what you have up your sleeve! I loved your Dragnet reference...I didn't need the link. I knew those four notes! LOL! Until Tuesday....Debra

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  18. I have read your post over and over, yet cannot make out your secret message?? As an Ozzie I may think differently? Now I need to wait and see..Blessings to you for St Paddy's Day.

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  19. Oh, now you are toying with us! Can't piece it out, so will have to wait and see.

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  20. Cleverly done, madam! I haven't read Dulcy yet, because things got so crazy. But I so look forward to it. I may wait until we begin our RV trip, when I am free from responsibilities and can savor it.

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  21. people want to read your stuff becuz you have amazing stories. and you have something worthwhile to say about life.

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