Steve the Crossing Guard works his magic again with children in this wonderful post. His last sentence is a powerhouse. I have included it in my stash of favorite quotes. Einstein, move over.
I got an email from Steve this week titled, “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning.” It reads:
You know that song from ‘Oklahoma’. Well, it was a magnificent January morning at the school crossing today. I remarked to the kids that it was and that it reminded me of a song from a Broadway show. Then, I proceeded to sing it while we were crossing.
Y’know, the younger kids liked it but even the high school kids did. There was a lot of energy at our crossing this morning. Keep in mind, that these kids come in waves or small groups of 2 or 3. So, I sang it about a dozen times.
It was terrific. I was really stoked this morning.
Have a great weekend, Jennie.
Your friend,
Steve
Photo of planet Venus (tiny spec) above town high school 12/20/18
The students and I have been fortunate to have the planet Venus looking down at us as we make our way to school, or, as in my case, do my school crossing duties.
It’s dark enough in the morning to easily see this planet, the second in our Solar System and about 50,000,000 miles from earth at this time.
It’s presence offered us an opportunity to talk about the planets, the 8 major ones, and we listed them. Of course, these kids generally knew about poor Pluto being downgraded from a major to a sub planet because of its size.
The exciting part of working with kids is their genuine interest in the world around them because they’re discovering new things that we adults often take for granted. Also, it reminds us of what it was like to be…
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A Teacher's Reflections 
Everyone should start the day with a rousing song. When I was about 5 we went on a week’s holiday to the seaside in a tiny chalet, taking Mum’s friend and children with us as well. Typical English summer holiday we woke up to rain most mornings and Mum’s friend and her daughter sang ‘Oh What a Beautiful Morning’. Missing the irony I thought it a strange choice. I assumed they had made it up. It was years before I realised they had borrowed it from Rogers and Hammerstein and a lot more years before I got to see the musical – it is one of my all time favourites.
Now I want to see it again. I only saw the off Broadway show but while the show is typical American, the music is universal.
Yes, it really is. I do hope you get to see it again. I still have the record album!
What a wonderful story! Thanks for telling me. I’m can picture this! When I was 10, I was given the choice of taking one friend to see ‘Oklahoma’, or taking 3 friends to an amusement park for my birthday. Thank goodness I chose ‘Oklahoma’! And I never looked back. 🙂
Thanks for sharing this, Jennie!
You’re welcome, Luanne!
Oh what a beautiful morning!
Thank you, Opher!
How terrific to know that this song lives on thanks to Steve the crossing guard — and Tidal Scribe’s mother’s friend and daughter — and anyone else who is moved to sing it (sincerely, ironically, or otherwise!) Hurrah for singing and hurrah for Venus and hurrah for Rodgers & Hammerstein. I believe that was the first song they created together after joining forces as adults (although they had collaborated in different ways as young adults along with Rodgers’ first lyrical partner, Larry Hart and Dorothy Fields’ brother Herbert.
Fascinating historical background. Isn’t it interesting how a simple blog opens up so much more discussion. That makes Life more interesting…and fun! Thank you.
Amen to that!
Yes’s, hurrah all the way around! Music is so powerful, and I still think Rodgers and Hammerstein’s music is the best. Steve’s story is proof, and so is Tidal Scribe’s. Looking for the good is one thing, yet I have found at school that singing – when everything is falling apart – is simply magical. Thank you, Will!
I bet those kids like me had the song stuck in the head all day. I’m going to go listen to it now!
He’s such a great crossing guard!
Thank you, I’m not sure if the song stuck there but I sure hope the smiles started them off to a good day. 😄
Me too! 😃
It really is a great song. Of course it has been stuck in my head all morning. 😀 And I think what Steve does is as important as what teachers in the classroom do – if not more so. Thank you, Deborah.
Steve is amazing. What a way to start the day, for him and for every child he guards. 😀
It is a great way to start. And, you’re right, it’s a feel good time for me, as well. Thanks.
Amen!
Steve is always such a source of inspiration. Planets, Hollywood musicals, he does it all! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
Very kind words and I sincerely appreciate your thoughts.
My pleasure, Steve. Keep up the great work. 🙂
He really does, Pete. He certainly inspires me! Best to you.
Oh So Beautiful… Sounds like Steve is another wonderful Soul bringing Joy to the world.. Many thanks for sharing Jennie.. 🙂 ❤
He is, indeed. He absolutely inspires me with what he does with children. Thank you, Sue! 😀
Jennie, thank you for a wonderful story and post!
You are welcome, Charles! We need more Steve’s in the world.
Yes, we do.
🙂
I love hearing about Steve, Jennie. He is an inspiration.
He definitely is, Norah. I truly love his stories and all he does.