By Cindy O’Neill

September brings the anticipation of the first day of school.  It’s a scary and exciting time and a chance to re-invent yourself, a time to show your friends the new you.  It’s the penny loafer or saddle shoes, the book bags, the coming together of friends and the realization of schedules and teachers demanding the most of you.  We all endured square dancing in the gym, lockers that got stuck, mystery meat in the cafeteria, being late for class, gym suits and typing class.  It was a time to experience cooking class and Home Ec., shop and auto mechanics.

Remember the wide-open starry eyes as you meandered down hallways searching for your friends, writing and passing notes when words could not hold themselves back.  Part of school was the graffiti filled bathrooms that served as hang outs or the warm water fountains that were positioned way too low. Some teachers were the best, and there was the teacher you will never forget.  The teachers we have come to know throughout our childhood will always be remembered.  Remember your teachers and how they contributed to the person you are today. 

Let the mothballs refresh your memory, enter your attic and open your trunk and see what comes forward with a step back to a day in September…..

Reflect back in September, remembering   

First day of school jitters, new school shoes and teachers.    *Thank a teacher today

Fill in the blanks with just one word and see how the memories flood back.  Take your time, this is not to be rushed but rather enjoyed.  Remember all the feelings and visual sensations and see where your mind travels.

My favorite teacher was _____________________________________________.

The paste at school tasted like _________________________________________.

My lunch was packed in a __________________________________for grades K-5.

Sharing a MIMA Moment

            Sharing your cubbyhole was everything you needed stored in a small space…

What is something very small but means something very big?

Column based on Mothballs In My Attic, a new fun nostalgia book that contains over 220 questions within 12 chapters, poems and illustrations.

To order a book visit www.mimabook.com or

send $14.95  Free shipping

To: MIMA Publications, 173 Maple Avenue, Metuchen, NJ   08840

Mothballs In My Attic (MIMA-mymah) is a monthly column to stimulate reminiscing and memories.  A MIMA Moment is a little snippet that has led us to the place we are today. Journey to the past to trigger thoughts, smells, and visual sensations and watch the activity bring in a flood of memories and conversation. 

The MIMA program includes one lead topic sentence, followed by additional related topics.  MIMA Months can be explored and expanded through various discussion groups, arts and crafts, family visits, dinnertime conversations and incorporated into physical activity. The possibilities are endless. Be Creative, start with your own memories and see what flows for you!

September Reflections: School Daze

The school classroom I remember was _____________________________

Where did you like to sit in the classroom, recall where the teacher’s desk and chalkboard were located. Did you have windows in your classroom, what did they look out upon. * Make a “first day” bulletin board with a big tree and branches and include everyone’s name on a branch.

The water fountain in my school was located__________________________ 

Recall how the water tasted in school, was it warm, was the fountain low, where was the handle to turn the water on? Recall the halls of your school, can you remember where the principal’s office was, the nurses office, library and lunchroom? * Visit the library and choose a book to read.

 Gym class was best when we  ________________________________

Recall where the gym was in your school, was it also the basketball courts? Did you have to wear a gym suit? What were some of the exercises you remember, jumping jacks? What sports did you enjoy playing indoors and outdoors. Can you recall the name of your gym teacher?

 * Incorporate a few exercises and play music or an exercise video.

MIMA Reflection…

Schooling never ends, learning is a circle of accumulated knowledge.

MIMA MOMENT:

September and School go together

Like penny loafers made of leather

Like new friends and new endeavors

School day memories last forever