Our neighbors came over for a swim after dinner. Things had started to cool down and the sun was behind the trees. Their children love us, and of course follow me everywhere. 6 and 4 year olds do that (thank goodness.)
It Happened Like This…
On the way to the house the 6 year old asked,
“Jennie, is Gloria inside?”
“Yes, she is.”
“Can I hold her?”
“Of course you can.”
“Can Gloria swim?”
“I don’t think so.”
“Does she have a bathing suit?”
“No, she doesn’t.”
I knew exactly where this was headed, so I took the ball and rolled it, went with the flow, grabbed the brass ring. You get the picture. By this time we were inside, and they scooped Gloria off the couch.
“Maybe we could put Gloria on the raft in the water. If we hold onto her she won’t be scared.”
That’s exactly what we did! Gloria had a grand time, and we did, too.
Getting everyone onto the raft.
Tah-Da!
On a side note, these children have seen Gloria once in a while at my house. I briefly explained about her, and they nodded. That was that. I haven’t really brought Gloria into their lives like I do in the classroom at school. Isn’t it interesting that they understand her and ‘get it’, when I have done nothing to promote her?
Gloria has a magic all her own.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
Gloria is simply special, Jennie. She has a magic that children (and adults) respond to. The video was fun. Most of all, I admire how you didn’t worry about something going wrong with this idea. Supporting children is your magic.
You are right about Gloria, Dan. You know that firsthand, too. I’m glad you liked the video, and ‘worry’ never entered my mind. Thank you for your very kind words. 🥰
The Video is from back to the future and song is Midnight Gloria 💜💜💜
I just watched it…love it!!! 😍
Did Gloria like it 💜💜
Oh, yes!!! 😀
👍👍👍
Well that was lovely and I agree with Dan Gloria has a magic all of her own ….and so do you with Children! It shines out of you like a beacon and it lights up all you writing and everything you do! 💜🌅🌅
Awww…thank you, Willow. ❤️ I just emailed you my favorite picture of Gloria; she’s with Dan.
Thank you so much Jennie I absolutely love it 💜💜💜
You are welcome, Willow. I knew you would love it. It’s in my ‘favorites’ photos. Their eyes are ‘locked on’, showing how special Gloria is and meeting her for the first time.
There is so much of Gloria in you and via versa!
Thanks! Who is in the photo? 😍
What a wonderful time for Gloria, the children and for you!! I love this. xo
Thanks so much, Darlene. It was great fun. 😍
Is is amazing how Gloria stimulates interest and imagination. Great shots
She really does, and I find it amazing, too. Thank you, Robbie.
Cute! Gloria lives up to her name wherever she goes.
She does!
Delightful, Jennie. These are memories that those children will carry forever.
Thanks so much, John.
😊
She indeed have a special kind of magic
Yes!
Your neighbors must love you. And Gloria.
They do. Lucky me.
So many smiles – thanks to you, Jennie and Gloria! What an adventure for her and a joy for us to read about! 🥰
Thanks so much, Vicki! 😍
Those kids are so lucky to have you as a neighbour, and Gloria has the best advocate in you too.
Best wishes, Pete.
Thank you, Pete. Funny thing, I think I’m the lucky one to have them as a neighbor. Gloria and I are bonded at the hip. Best to you.
…and Jennie has a magic all her own…❤️
Aww… that is so nice. Thank you, Laura. 🥰
what a blast! you and gloria are wonderful neighbors!
Yes! Thank you, Beth.
Aw! That is so sweet. I love it!
I’m so glad!
What a delight!! I love how Gloria fits in anywhere.
She really does. After all these years, I’m still amazed.
What fun!
Yes, it was!
They had so much fun. I love the puppet.
They did. She is very real to children. Thank you.
Gloria needs to be cloned
I have often thought the same thing, Annette. Really.
This is precious, Jennie. While I like the whole post, your enthusiasm is what made me smile the most.
I’ll write back in the next couple of days.
I’m so glad! Thanks, Pete. 😀
Gloria is the highlight.🤩 No need effort to promote her, as she looks so interesting. I enjoyed the photo and video, Jennie. Beautiful space
Thank you, Hazel!
Even Gloria can have new experiences. 🙂
Yes!
So glad Gloria had a great time! The children have great memories of her!
She really did, and making those memories is so much fun!
I wonder if Gloria was just a little envious of the kids being able to get wet. (Even I know Gloria!)
I think you might be right! Yes, you do know Gloria. 🙂
Gloria is simply beautiful Jennie. So nice to see all of you’ll in the swimming pool. The video was too good 👍👍👍👍
I’m so glad you liked it, Kamal! Many thanks.
Somehow I’ve been unable to follow your blog anymore Jennie, don’t know what happened there.
Lovely to see the video and everyone’s happy faces!
That’s terrible. Can the happiness engineers fix it? So glad you enjoyed this.
Probably not but I’ve subscribed so that should do it.
Okay, and thanks!
Gloria looks absolutely stunning, Jenny. It’s wonderful to see all of you enjoying the swimming pool together. The video was fantastic!
Thank you.
Having grate time with the kids essential ❤️
Great *
Yes, it is.
That’s good and I hope you are doing well Jennie.
You are always welcome dear Jennie 💕💕💕
🥰
I love how protective the little girl is of Gloria – cuddling her and talking to her as if she might be a bit frightened of being on the raft. As for you – you’re lovely and reassuring:). Thank you for sharing the video.
Sarah, I was happily surprised at how careful she was with Gloria, too. I’m so glad you liked this. Many thanks!
Hard to miss where that was going, wasn’t it? Lol. I’m glad you went with it. Gloria looks like she had as much fun as the kids. What a great way to spend a hot day, Jennie. Love it.
Exactly! I was ‘there’, all the way. Gloria had a blast, and so did the kids. It was perfect for a hot day. Thanks, Diana!
Just too adorable! Gloria is gaining more fame! 🥰😁
She is! I never expected the kids to pick up on wanting Gloria in the pool. It was wonderful. 😀
You may have to buy her a swimsuit. Lol 🙂
Yes, I might have to do that. Oh, help! 😀
Lol 😍
💖💖💖
Kids know!
Yes, they do!
jennie, you are so talented at interacting with children and truly a gift to the world – and so is Gloria and she does have a charm all her own – and I am glad she has a hat to help shield some of the sun – ha
That’s so nice of you to say; thank you! Gloria has been a gift for over 20 years. She’s the ‘real deal’. Thank goodness for her sun hat, right? 🙂
🙂🙂
That was wonderful to watch. Absolutely wonderful. It’s too hot everywhere this summer.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Marlene. Many thanks. Yes, it is way too hot!!
I agree with Dan as well. Gloria has magic! What a fun summer experience she had in the pool. Good times!
Thanks That’s so nice, Deborah! Thank you. Definitely good times.
You’re welcome, Jennie! Stay cool!
😀
Gloria must get awfully hot dressed all in black. So much fun taking her in the pool for the first time, even if she didn’t actually swim.
It was all prompted by the neighbor child, and just wonderful!