My inspiration for this post came from my dear, longtime blogging friend, Debbie @ Musings by an ND Domer's Mom, who is not only a gifted...
While I was in Kmart last weekend, I just so happened to walk through the main aisle on the second floor and spotted the Back-To-School highlighted area.
You know the area I’m talking about, right?
The area that used to contain all the summer highlighted items, which has recently been transformed into book bags, construction paper, crayons, glue, and pencils.
And I smiled because I was reminded of how much I dreaded school, yet LOVED shopping for school supplies at the start of a new year because everything was so fresh. There is nothing quite like the smell of a freshly sharpened new pencil!
Later that afternoon, I was also reminded of how much I enjoyed my final year in high school. And that’s strange because I had just moved from Pennsylvania to Florida right after my Junior year, which meant that my Senior year would be in a new residence and new school; not knowing anyone.
I was somewhat apprehensive and nervous because back then I was extremely shy, especially when it came to new surroundings and meeting new people.
Growing up I didn’t have many friends. I was a kid, happy and content enjoying my own company or spending time with a few close comrades.
But any reservation I had anticipated was quickly dissolved, as I was welcomed at my new school with open arms. And not only was I welcomed, but I became extremely social.
Yes! I suddenly found myself going to beach parties, bars, getting involved in school activities, auditioning for plays; spending more time socializing than I could have ever imagined.
Moving to Florida was one of the biggest life-altering and positive experiences for me because it was like taking the cork out of a champagne bottle, allowing my bubbles to rise to the surface.
My inner voice, my personality, my talents and passions had all been first realized, embraced and ignited during that single year.
And my family members were delightfully shocked to say the least.
“Is this the same Ronnie who was once quiet, shy and had no interest in socializing?”
I went from not talking much, to Chatty Kathy the Socialite.
It was truly a time of abundant joy and discovery for me, and I will always be grateful to my parents for making that move to Florida because it came at the right time and literally changed my life.
So today, I would like to share some pictorial highlights from my Senior year in high school with you guys and gals.
I edited these photos to make them a bit sharper, yet some are still fuzzy.
But hey, we're talkin' 1973-74.
Please enjoy…
I took this photo of my high school last July, when I visited my mother and brother in Florida.
I would like to conclude this post by saying thank you to the friends and teachers I met during my last year in high school, who were a HUGE part of my growth and development.
Because they were all there during a very important time in my life; nurturing me as I bubbled forth.
And to Florida, because I will always hold these fond memories in my heart.
Lately, and I know it has to do with missing my mother, I have been very conscious of my childhood and young adulthood; feeling reflective and grateful for the time in which I was born and for the wonderful life that both my parents provided for me.
They gave me everything I needed to bring where I am today.
I am blessed.
Have super cool weekend everyone!
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