Mamma mia! It's a motherly hodgepodge!

This week's Hodgepodge centers on nostalgia and childhood...about mothers, and home.  I have had to put some thought into the answers, thinking back a loooong way to my youngster days! ( :   Here's my attempt:

1.  When the children of today grow up, what do you think they'll say about this period of time?  What do you hope they remember? 

First, I have to define "children"...because I think the question is talking about young ones, ages 3 to 12.  Those are the "childhood years."   What will they think of this time?  Looking back I suppose they will think that the technology was old-fashioned and that things were slow.  Doesn't each generation feel that?  Our world seems to get more electronic, and faster, all the time!    What do I hope they remember?  Human interactions over machines and technology.  I hope they remember fun times that they spent with family and friends... because that is what's always important, generation after generation.

2. National Teacher's day is the first Tuesday of May (this year it's May 7th)... share how a particular teacher positively influenced you. 

Yes, this is a tough question because I have racked my brain and can not think of a particular teacher who I loved and who made class-time special. Isn't that sad?  In elementary school I do remember Mrs. Hayes, my 4th grade teacher, as being very sweet and kind.  I remember my high school band director Mr. Rohrbaugh, because I loved band.  I don't know if he was particularly good at what he did though.  In college I enjoyed my Art History class taught by Dr. Bauer, because he brought old paintings to "life" for me, and I learned so much about why painters painted what they did, and how, and what was going on in that time period.  I also remember Mr. D. Lightman who taught newspaper journalism in college.  I recently saw his name as the byline for a newspaper article and emailed him.  I thanked him for teaching me, and for using his real life experiences in the classroom.  He emailed me back, so happy to hear from a former student!

3.  What's a dish your mama made, that if set in front of you today would whisk you right back to childhood? 

My mother made homemade apple dumplings.  I loved them! We poured cold milk on them, hot out of the oven.  It was really eating a dessert for dinner!    She also made an unusual tuna & potato chip casserole.... very different, but I loved it! I used to make it when I was first married.

4. Mother May I was a game we played when I was growing up... no pieces, parts, or plug-ins.  what games from your childhood do you remember loving that were also pieces, parts, and plug-in free? 

Tag - you're it!     (Olley, olley, in free!!!)  

5.  Besides your own mother, tell us about a woman who influenced you as a child.  

Again, a stumper for me.   Again, it makes me feel sad that I didn't have women "role models" that I felt close to, or who influenced me when I was a child.  I liked my girlfriend's mother Mrs. Olson.  She was always very sweet, a bit old fashioned, happy to be a wife.

You know, I think because I didn't feel a connection with others, I have made it a bit of a mission to be a female role model for young girls and ladies.  I want to share time with them, to give directional help, to be available.

6.  Mamma Mia!   What's the best play or musical you've ever seen? 

It's a tie!  "The Sound of Music" and "Phantom of the Opera".     I have seen both performed live on Broadway, and have watched the movie versions.  I love both for the story lines, but mostly for the marvelous, timeless music!

7. What are three smells that make you feel nostalgic?

My thinking cap is on again...  tough questions this week.     My mother-in-law used to always wear "Royal Secret" - only "Royal Secret"...so that perfume reminds me of her.    Babies have a wonderful, clean smell...I love that one too.  A mix of baby lotion, shampoo, powder.  (They have other "odors" too - but I'm NOT nostalgic about that! ha!)  And, lastly, I remember living in a little town in Ohio that had a Swan Rubber Company a few blocks from my house. Summer evenings when our windows were open we would get whiffs of hot rubber floating in to the house.  Not a pleasant smell, but it is an unforgettable smell!  

8.  My random thought. 

For those keeping track, I went to the Tim McGraw concert this past Friday in Charlotte. I love him as a performer, a singer, a family man, a GOOD looking man!  I decided to buy the VIP package which included special entry to a pre-show party, along with special merchandise, and excellent seats for the concert.  It wasn't cheap.  But, it was a bit disappointing.  Tim and his band only played 2 1/2 songs at the party, the merchandise was rather inexpensive and had the Pennzoil sponsorship name on it, and  they didn't have wine available at the party! What, no wine???   The seats were great though - and Tim was awesome in concert.   So, if you get the chance - go see Tim McGraw in concert but don't spend the extra money for VIP package!