Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Three Muses - Inspirational People

For the first seven years of my schooling, Earl Zehr was my teacher in our little one-room country school. He taught all eight grades. Additionally, he was playground supervisor at recess, drama coach for school holiday programs, pianist for our morning patriotic song, and janitor to tidy up at the end of each day. Time was set aside each day when he would read a chapter in the latest book he had chosen to share with us. I can still see the reverent way he held a book and turned the pages, as his measured voice took us to adventure in far-away places. He inspired in me a love of the written word that has enriched my life immeasurably. I will be forever grateful.

This schoolroom scene is actually "constructed" of eight different bits and pieces harvested from cyber-surfing, into a reasonable facsimile of the corner of the schoolroom where his desk sat. That little one-room school is gone now, existing only in the memories of those of us who attended in those wind-swept prairie days. This is my tribute to Mr. Zehr.

24 comments:

  1. Bev, I'm quite sure that if Mr. Zehr read your beautiful tribute, he'd be as proud as a peacock. To have such a wonderful teacher in your life for such a long time is a rarity indeed. Beautiful! Hugs, Terri xoxo

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  2. Bev, your tribute to Mr Zehr is touching and so beautifully illustrated. How fortunate you were to have such a wonderful teacher who obviously gave his all to make sure his students lacked none of the opportunities afforded by larger and more affluent schools. I love your word pictures. Bravo.

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  3. What a magnificent trubute to your Mr.Zehr Bev !
    I think when he was still living, that he read your blog whit a huge smile on his fase.
    Your piece reminds me of my own schooldays.
    Very well done !!

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  4. What a truly wonderful and inspiring teacher, Bev. He would be so impressed with your tribute to him. Love how you created the blackboard..wow! Excellent art!!

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  5. I am new here and I am in awe of the quality of entries. I love your school room and the loving story of your Mr Zehr who made such a difference in your life.

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  6. This is so wonderful..it is nice to have that one teacher from childhood that we will forever be grateful! I know I remember a few teacher's that have inspired me as well and made a bit of who I am today. Teacher's are amazing.

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  7. What a fantastic tribute to your teacher, Bev!

    Psst, mine was Elvis singing Blue Moon.

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  8. I love this tribute- teachers can have a profound influence for the rest of our lives- wonderful digital collage!! Thank you for your lovely comment on my blog.

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  9. Splendid tribute to your teacher, Bev! The school I sometimes help at nearby had only 2 teachers when my son attended 20+ years ago now has 120!

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  10. A fitting tribute to someone who was obviously a great teacher. I can't even remember the names of my school teachers let alone what they did for me :o( This is lovely work!
    Ali xx

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  11. What a wonderful tribute to Mr Zehr
    It sounds like his teaching filled many shoes,It takes a special person to be able to inspire so many. A remarkable man I am sure!

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  12. Beautiful tribute to your teacher, Bev! And you have constructed your image very cleverly. I do agree: a good teacher can really inspire you and have a great influence in your life.

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  13. Bev, what an amazing tribute to Mr Zehr, and what a proud man he would be if he could read this now.

    Inspiration indeed. Wonderful.

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  14. Thank you for sharing Mr. Zehr with us...beautifully written and created art. I loved every second reading it and enjoying the lovely art that resulted! LynnF

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  15. What a wonderful tribute and I love the quote on the blackboard…I often thought that the student of
    today would do better if they had one great teacher in there lives the first few years of their education.

    wonderful art piece...

    Louise

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  16. And a wonderfully moving tribute it is too, Bev. Mr. Zehr sounds like a loving, enlightened gentleman, and, as a fellow teacher, I know how much it would mean to him that you have become the talented, creative, generous kind soul that you are. I love this entry.

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  17. Oh, Bev ! What a fantastic tribute to your teacher Mr.Zehr. Beautifully created ! Compliment !

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  18. Fun way to show your inspirational teacher, Bev!!!

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  19. What a wonderful way to start your education, Bev! I love all your quirky art and share your love of books. Thanks so much for the lovely compliment you paid me on my blog... =)

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  20. Great artwork, and great tribute to your teacher, Bev!

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  21. Love how you paid tribute to your teacher. Very well done.

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  22. What a wonderful tribute to Mr. Zehr! Teachers who really have the gift for teaching are so important to children. My sister's mother-in-law taught for years in a one-room schoolhouse. I don't think it's around anymore either. I wish it was, so I could go take some pictures of it! ~Lori

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  23. Bev,a beautiful and profound tribute to a teacher that showed so much caring and dedication to his students.Your visual is so clear I can see the actual school room you spent many, many happy hours. Well Done!!!

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  24. How fantastic, I wish every child could have a teacher like that!!

    Linda

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