Happy 16th Birthday – it’s quite an event –You now have the privilege, the fenders to dent.But if you dent them or get a ticket –You may find you’ll have to learn to “picket”.To bargain your way back under the wheel –For Dad doesn’t just make any old deal. Love and Safe Driving, Mom &… Read More TO: THE NEW DRIVER IN OUR FAMILY by Gaylia Kenslow Stogsdill
You’re a darling little fellow, with your eyes so big and blue –And that curly-top so pretty, with its blonde, shiny hue.You’re not much for talking. “Ma-ma” and “Da-da” is all –But your walking’s getting better, ‘thou you still do get some falls.You no longer smile a toothless smile, and we say, “That’s all right”!!!‘Cause… Read More To Randy Lee by Gaylia Kenslow Stogsdill
This year has seen some changes, in you, my little man.You’ve added inches to your height and learned to take a stand.You know that little head of yours has ideas of its own.And you know how to get your way by standing staunch as stone.You’ve added words to the very few, you knew a year… Read More To Randy Lee 002 by Gaylia Kenslow Stogsdill
When ice and snow is everywhere –And we shiver and we shake –We tell ourselves how nice it’ll be –In Summer – We can’t wait!It seems that spring just lingers on –Old “Jack Frost” hangs around –We want some warmer days, alas –But chilly winds abound.And then one fine June mornin’ –When the suns a… Read More The First Heat of Summer by Gaylia Kenslow Stogsdill
There used to be a family joke about being duct taped in a chair and fed oatmeal when we became old…Ernest Cline: If Nostradamus Were A Guidance Counselor, from the book The Importance of Being ErnestThen they’ll stick your generic ass in some tomb of a retirement community where you’ll live out the remainder of… Read More Ernest Cline; If Nostradamus Were A Guidance Counselor, from the book The Importance of Being Ernest
Just want you to know I think you’re great –And thank you for the food I ate –I’m grateful you didn’t throw me out –When the storm was raging all about.And for that hair I left behind –Well, thanks a lot you’re awfully kind.Gaylia Kenslow StogsdillWritten for her mother in-law, Caroline Stogsdill Fletchall and her… Read More TO MY BABYSITTERS by Gaylia Kenslow Stogsdill
I remember your smile from the hallway –From the stairs or wherever we meet.I remember the sunshine you gave us –And, oh my, you were always so neat.If you ever had problems or troubles –They never showed on your face.You were always the same, day after day –And you always seemed full of grace –I’m… Read More Leona by Gaylia Kenslow Stogsdill
For whimsical, intense Pinup portraits, the master is Gil Elvgren. His work adds a sense of wholesomeness to the model. His depictions of the female form are fantastic.Gillette A. Elvgren (March 15, 1914 – February 29, 1980) was born in St. Paul, Minnesota and studied at the American Academy of Art in Chicago.His work with… Read More Gil Elvgren – Painter
While principles may come and go –You’ve been one to win the show.You’ve known all the students by name –And were always ready to join in a game.There will be many as the years go by –Who’ll remember you, and your part in their lives.They’ll remember back to Van Slyke School –Where a friendly principle… Read More Principle by Gaylia Kenslow Stogsdill
Roscoe Vanzandt – Union HeroOn February 1, 1937, the motor line at Flint Chevrolet Plant Number 4 was running, producing motors for General Motors. Just after 3:30 pm, as the afternoon shift ramps up, Kermit Johnson and a handful of other Union supporters begin running down the line. As they go, they instruct the men… Read More Roscoe Vanzandt – Union Hero
Ramblings of an Old Coot 