Gloria’s journal is a treasure. We’re nearing the end of #3. Yikes! Photos and stories are rich in experiences. While the journal’s written words are always full of stories and adventure to accompany photos, her recent weekend with a child was far more. Dad decided to write with refection on Gloria’s many years. After all, she’s been around a long time. He writes with wit and humor – belly laughing at its best.
Here are excerpts from this long journal entry. It is hilarious!
Gloria helped Juliana feel better after having a stomach bug on Friday. She imparted her vast cauldron of sage wisdom unto us, assuring that time heals all, and that although he often asks, Zeb is allergic to peanut butter and should not have any.
At a local farmer’s market in Hollis, NH, Gloria is in awe of nature’s bounty. A glimmer of youth sparkles in her eyes, as she is reminded of her glory days. She reminds Juliana that life is fleeting, and to live each day to the fullest. “It takes a village”, Gloria tells Juliana.
After centuries of burning the proverial candle at both ends, Gloria is left in a crippling state of existential crisis. Thousands of sleepovers, hundreds of trips to the playground, and countless renditions of “Old MacDonald” leave her asking the age-old question:
“What does it all mean?”
Though immortality has its perks, aching bones and acid reflux serve as sharp reminders that at the end of it all, she is still, undeniably, human. Zeb, her loyal companion and emotional support animal, assumes his post by her side, always ready for life’s next big adventure… as she drifts off into a deep slumber, Gloria dreams of mojitos in Maui… “Soon”, she whispers to herself….”soon.”
Thank you to Juliana’s family for their love and great humor.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
I love how Gloria’s presence stimulates the creativity and wisdom and playfulness of entire families! She continues to be a wonderful gift to us all.
You are spot in, Will! Thank you.
This is priceless! I just love it. It seems Gloria inspires everyone. A wonderful, well-written and witty journal entry. Thanks for sharing.
This is one for the records. Definitely priceless! I had to edit (drastically) as I read it to children. Best to you, Darlene.
Gloria doesn’t just inspire the children but their families including mum and dad…a wonderful, witty tale of Gloria’s weekend x
She does, for sure! Thank you, Carol.
I need Gloria to help with my stomach bug!
Haha! I know she would love that. 😀
Gloria is simply wonderful, Jennie. She’s part of an experience these children (and certainly you) will never forget.
Gloria is simply wonderful, Jennie. She’s part of an experience these children (and certainly you) will never forget.
I agree! She’s the best. More to come on her first-ever trip ahead. Thanks so much, Dan.
oh, those books are incredible treasures, and this entry is a riot!
Yes, and yes! 😀
A delightful journal entry. I certainly don’t know what it all means, but I believe we should enjoy friends, farmers’ markets, and peanut butter (unless allergies prevent that). 🌞
I’m glad you enjoyed this, Dave! She is the best.
Gloria is a treasure. So is her journal. Wonderful post Jennie. Thank you
Thank you so much, Flower!
This is brilliant, Jennie. So clever
What a clever dad, who is vested in his daughter who loves Gloria. Thank you, Robbie.
Yes!
😀
Clever, clever. Inspiration with smiles.
Well said, Ally. Thank you.
That dad went the extra mile with a witty and fun entry into the journal.
Best wishes, Pete.
He really did, Pete. What a treat to read.
LOL!! That’s hilarious and priceless! Mojitos in Maui. When she goes sign me up too! 😂
I’m glad you enjoyed. the hilarity, Deborah. Definitely priceless!
😊
What a clever idea, Jennie. This particular writer–she has some talent!
Yes, it was so clever. The writer was a dad!
I have a version of Gloria. A granddaughter crocheted me a wonderful Snoopy and it sits in my room where I can see it whenever I need to.
The dad is very astute and a good writer. The child is lucky to have a father like him and a teacher like you.
That is wonderful, Don. Having a Snoopy or a Gloria can bring much love into our lives. I’m sure Gloria would love Snoopy. 🙂
Yes, the dad is just what you say. Thank you for your kind words, Don.
A true treasure Jennie.
Yes, indeed. Thank you, Brian.
Hi Jennie, this post is wonderful!
Thank you, Charles!
Mojito’s on Maui. 😀 What a clever entry. Thanks for sharing this Jennie.
That was the best last-liner! Yes, what a clever entry. Hats off to the dad. Thank you, John.
😊
Aw, that is so sweet, and well written too. Thanks for sharing this with us, Jennie. Gloria sure earns her keep, doesn’t she!?
Thank you, Anneli. Yes, Gloria sure earns her keep!
She is the equivalent (and then some) of my Boo Bear that I used in my grade one classes.
Oh, this is wonderful! Have you ever posted about Boo Bear?
No, but maybe one day I should. You’ve got my wheels turning.
Hooray!
It appears Gloria has a muse: Zeb! Love the ‘philosopher Gloria’ that was captured in this edition of Gloria’s Journal. 🙂
Yes, Zeb is her muse. His visit is ending next week, and then Gloria takes her first big trip with Zeb back to Missouri. As you can imagine, this will be a monumental event at school. I knew you would love the writing in the journal, Laura!
I LOVE the dad’s journal entry for Gloria! (If Gloria thinks she’s going jetting off to Maui without Jennie and the Aqua Roomers, she has another think coming.)
It really is the best, especially his humor. No Gloria, there’s not a trip to Maui without us. 😀
😀
Gloria’s journal and her involvement with the families has always been a brilliant part of this experience. It’s one of my favorite parts to tell when I describe your idea, Jennie.
Awww…thank you, Pete. Stay tuned for her big journey to Missouri with Zeb – a first for Gloria.
This is so beautiful and wonderful Jennie. Thanks a lot for sharing ☺️
Thank ou, Kamal!
Gloria is such excellent medicine, to both your students and their parents… It seems she inspires the child in everyone 😀
Love Gloria’s journal entries 😀 xx
Have a lovely weekend when it arrives xx ❤
Medicine; what a perfect word. She really works magic. Thank you, Sue. I’m so glad you liked her journal entries.
She is always a favourite of mine 🙂 xx ❤
😍
Always welcome dear Jennie 🙏🙏
Thank you, Kamal!
Welcome Jennie 😊
LOL. I love this broader view of Gloria’s wisdom and retirement dreams. What a riot. Journal #3! Wow. Thanks for sharing the fun and laughs, Jennie.
This was one hilarious entry! I know…#3. So glad you enjoyed this, Diana.
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Thank you, GP!
That is priceless. Juliana’s father is quite creative, but realistic for those of us getting up there in age.
He is! Thanks, Carla.