As a kid, I helped my aproned Grandma Longenecker pick strawberries in her garden close to Anchor Road. As a teen, I packaged bologna at Baum’s Bologna company near Elizabethtown, PA. During my sophomore year in college, I worked as script editor for WEMC, the station broadcasting for Eastern Mennonite College, VA.
None of these facts appear in my first memoir, MENNONITE DAUGHTER. The strawberry-picking, bologna packaging, and script-writing were some of the details not included in the Story of a Plain Girl. If you’ve read my first memoir, you can fill in the gaps of my growing-up years with many more details, but not those.
***
Memoirs, because they are selective, do not include every itty-bitty detail from our lives. That’s the job of an autobiography. In My Checkered Life: A Marriage Memoir, a tale of our married life, I mention that husband Cliff, for a good chunk of time, crisscrossed the country presenting art & music shows in public schools (1985-2015).
As soon as the wedding bells stopped tolling when our son Joel married Sarah, we made big plans to tour Europe. Cliff’s Delta Sky Miles had accrued thousands of points, because of his flying home weekends from doing multimedia art shows. Points equated to dollars. We could use points instead of dollars to fund our flights. In 1996, the year our youngest child left home, Cliff had been doing shows for over twelve years, creating and booking his own performances under the aegis of American Art Assemblies. In those days, SkyMiles could expire, so we had to take advantage of the window of opportunity while Delta points were still valid. Besides, we felt a pause in our parenting. Both our daughter Crista and son Joel had made it through four years of college, and both had found suitable mates. We celebrated their weddings. Our children had flown from the nest. Why, we were empty nesters. Now it was our time to fly! London, Rome, Paris . . . here we come.
Excerpt From: Marian Longenecker Beaman. My Checkered Life: A Marriage Memoir, Chapter 27
Cliff emerging from the plane at gate in Jacksonville, FL, when security allowed (circa 1990s)
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Career-wise, I have always taught English. But when our children were young, I taught reading half-days to elementary and junior high students. Such a schedule meant I could bring our little tots, Crista and Joel, home from kindergarten after a morning of teaching, a great arrangement for a young mother: one foot in the work world, one at home with children.
In the 1970s, speed-reading was all the rage in education. In some schools, reading machines were part of the equipment designed to keep students’ attention on the page—and, it was hoped, be able to improve reading speed and comprehension. A story filmstrip roll was placed in the projector and the words shone up on the screen. However, only one line of words was displayed at a time, with a light moving across the words from left to right. The teacher could adjust the speed of showing each line and word, ensuring speed would not sacrifice comprehension.
Below I’m demonstrating how it works with a group of elementary students. My observation: This technique seemed most effective for reluctant readers, especially some boys who preferred hearing the whirr of a machine before turning the pages of a book.
Image: schoolhousemuseum.org
The Florida TImes-Union, Jacksonville, Friday, November 28, 1975
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We go through stages in life beginning with infancy. If we are fortunate, we end with the elder years, my stage now.
Shakespeare was well aware of the human life cycle. The Bard of Avon expounds on the Seven Ages of Man in his play “As You Like It.”
All the world’s a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages
He enumerates one’s life cycle in stages from birth to death.
First age: Infant
Second age: Schoolboy
Third age: Lover
Fourth age: Soldier
Fifth age: Justice
Sixth age: Old man/woman
Seventh age: Death
A stained glass vignette from the Folger Library in Washington D.C. depicts these stages, a reference to this particular Shakespearean play, As You Like It. You may notice, the progression below includes nine figures, not the seven as the play enumerates. Puzzling . . . !
Source for stained glass image of “The Seven Stages of Man”
I myself am well aware of the clock ticking off years, months, weeks, and days at an accelerated pace.
This year is galloping by. It seems as though it will be Thanksgiving in ten minutes.
Time on the hourglass of my life is sifting faster and faster too. Certainly more of life lies behind than before me, and so I reminisce.
This reflection today, a result.
Did this post help pinpoint an earlier stage in your life, one you may have forgotten about?
What value do you see in a former life stage, or in the stage you are in now?
Good morning, Marian.
I think as we get older, we do reflect more on time passing.
I don’t remember “reading machines.” Not something I’d enjoy.
That is curious about the nine figures instead of seven–artistic license. 😉
I’m not a fan of reading machines either–then or now. It was a “thing” in the 1970s and ’80s. It helped attract reluctant readers and, now that think of it, maybe beneficial for those who needed to strengthen eye muscles for some reason.
As always, thanks, Merril! 😀
You’re welcome, Marian. 😊
I don’t remember reading machines either. As a kid, I would have hated them. Just leave me alone and let me read!
Exactly–and the words would be so slow.
Interesting, Marian. So glad I missed the speed read era! I’m enjoying my books too much to speed along………
I’m with you, Jack, holding a book and pacing myself line by line is pure joy. Thanks! 😀
Marian, I remember the speed-reading craze, particularly the commercials that advertised organizations that provided this type of learning. 😊 I also think about the different phases of my life and the times when I didn’t think that God was involved, but He was.
L. Marie, the speed-reading craze has come and gone, but whatever our age and stage, God is present whether we are aware of it or not, locked as we are in time and place. Thanks again! 😀
I had never heard of the reading machine. How interesting!
I often find that when I attend funerals I learn from the eulogy really interesting things I never knew about the long past of a person I thought I knew well. Those people had done some cool things in the phases of their lives before I knew them.
I guess we have to make it a goal to keep on telling our stories – as you have done here. Wonderful.
Arlene, I’m glad you learned something new and have encouraged us all to be storytellers; otherwise, the those tales remain untold. Thanks! 😀
Some days, I look at the calendar in disbelief. The passage of time feels like it’s in speed read motion. Your post reminded me of the Evelyn Wood commercials I’d see as a kid.
I had to google “Evelyn Wood” because I’d never heard about her. Apparently she had been wildly popular for speed-reading because she appeared on Steve Allen and “I’ve Got a Secret.” Her method was an inexpensive, low-tech approach to the speed/comprehension initiative, using her fingers to scan the page.
Thanks, Jill! 😀
I also had never heard of/seen that machine before. As an early reader (I could read before I knew I could read, if that makes sense) and a speed reader (I only realized that in college when my friends didn’t believe that I’d read all the book in the curriculum months early) I would have been so frustrated as a student with that machine. But as I watch some of my grandsons who are very slow readers (and think they don’t like/can’t read), I can see the benefit.
On the other side of the post, I like the idea of us bloggers sharing some of the jobs we’ve done over our years. If we made it a guessing game, I think most of us would lose! 🙂
And I’ve just been writing a piece about the stages of life (using Jung’s sunrise to sunset hypothesis). Perhaps I’ll share it on Friday. You’re inspiring me…
Like you, I speed through books, a gift in itself. I remember reading Michelle Obama mentioning her husband “inhales” books. My husband says the same about me–ha!
Since high school, I’ve been a fan of Carl Jung. I thought I knew something about his work until you mentioned that you are contemplating writing a piece about Jung’s sunrise to sunset hypothesis, news to me. I can’t wait to read all about it, whenever it’s ready. Thanks, Pam! 😀
Okay, that settles it. On Friday. And here’s to inhaling words. xo
Can’t wait! 😀
As always Marian, I enjoy your blogs. As I face the reality of being in the Sixth Stage of life, I reflect back on the delightful experiences that were given to me by the people God brought into my life, and as I face the future, I do so with a sense of continued adventure for what still lies ahead, both in experiences and in relationships!
Howard, if you are in the “Sixth Stage,” I must be beyond that–ha!
Yes, you and I have a goodly heritage. I thank God at this stage we became “friends” on Facebook and then in real time. I can tell from your postings there that you are letting the joy of the Lord be your strength, traveling hither and yon, keeping up with friends and family! 😀
Being firmly entrenched in the 6th stage, as it were, I can reflect back to lessons learned, and wonder if people would believe the various different things my life has experienced. My father always counseled, “do what intrigues you, what challenges you”, a concept often running counterpoint to financial success. But in the end, it has served me well, and I am happy in my soul, a much better place than happy in bank account!
Ginger, I love the phrase “happy in my soul,” one I will surely think about today. Your father has given you great advice, wisdom that has served you well. Thanks for tuning in today to tell us so. 😀
Thanks for introducing me to the speed reader machines. It’s interesting to me it must have fallen out of fashion fairly quickly, as I’m not that much younger than you and never saw one of these as a student, and certainly not later when I became a teacher.
Such machines may still be used therapeutically, but as I recall, reading machines were expensive along with spools of film required.. Probably today, an adaptation exists digitally.
Thanks for sharing your perspective, Pete, as a happily retired teacher. 😀
As always, I enjoyed your reminiscences. I learned to speed read in fifth grade. My teacher divided the class into two categories: the smart ones and the slow ones, and paired us up. I was categorized as slow, but was determined to prove otherwise. When my partner and I read together, I was determined to reach the end of the page before her, so I taught myself to speed read. Fortunately my sixth grade teacher helped e regain my self-confidence.
Your fifth grade teacher strikes me as one who had good intentions but slow on the uptake about sensitivity to students’ emotions. Fortunately, her methods ignited a competitive spirit in you, and you have soared.
Your most recent book, Keiko’s Story is up next on my Kindle. Readers, you can find it HERE.
There’s no time like the present, Marian. While I have been aware of my mortality since I was a child (don’t ask me why this burden befell me from that young of an age), I try my best not to dwell on it, as it would make the brightest day turn black. Of course, I’m realistic about the reality of death and I experience every day that time seems to go faster and faster. A healthy balance is needed between reflection about life (and death) and living life to its fullest. 🙂
Liesbet, you, Mark and Maya live life in the fast lane, or so it appears to me. Apparently, your awareness about our mortality helps you live life to the hilt, embracing adventure on land and sea. You can find more about Liesbet’s adventures in a life less ordinary here: https://www.roamingabout.com/
Thanks, Liesbet! 😀
Thanks for sharing the link to our blog, Marian. I find it so ironic that we are “supposed” to live and travel slowly, taking our time, and relaxing along the way, but, honestly, I’ve never been so busy. Somewhere there is a disconnect! 🙂
Your keeping a family going, taking care of Maya, and promoting your writing life while traveling. Of course, you’re busy, busy!
This post is so true and poignant, Marian. Each day now is more of a blur than yesterday. Bet those hours you spent picking strawberries back in Pennsylvania seemed like forever. Sigh!
Lorrie, I believe you can envision the strawberry patch back in PA. Picking the berries was the fun part, but before the planting, Grandma and I “harvested” limestone pebbles and rocks from the soil that had previously been a trolley track. Of course, not very appealing . Those hours seem so long, long ago. Thanks for checking in! 😀
At one point during his struggle with cancer my husband, Hardy, asked me to find and read the Psalm that speaks about how long people might expect to live. Psalm 90 talks about our years being 70 or perhaps 80. Hardy missed his 86th birthday by three days, so he exceeded the biblical norm! Praise be to God for a peaceful passing into the heavenly arms on Sept. 3!
Thank you for making me aware of Hardy’s passing last week. It must be a hard, hard, hard transition. Even though you and your family were aware of his imminent death, the actual happening must still be a shock.
I appreciate your posting here, Elfrieda. Soon you will find a card from me in your mailbox. ((( )))
Thank you, thank you for the reminder that we are fortunate to reach the 70s. Even if they come harder in terms of health.
Yes, Melodie, as I tap these words, I am wearing an elastic neck/shoulder brace to support my posture. I read somewhere that for good alignment, your ears should be above your shoulders, a challenge these days. Thanks for mentioning this! 😀
Did this post help pinpoint an earlier stage in your life, one you may have forgotten about? You taught speed-reading! I remember being taught that and finding it annoying. I could read just fine on my own, yet there I was stuck in a class with a stupid projector doing back and forth nutty things. Hadn’t thought about that in decades.
Ha! Ha! Your comment made me chuckle. I myself could not abide being taught speed reading by a machine either. Like you, I was a whiz at reading. As I recall, not all students at the school pictured here used reading machines, mostly a remedial measure. Thanks, Ally! ;-D
Elfrieda, Hardy sounds like his name! Almost 86 years. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. On my desk today I have the Rejoice! devotional open to pages 16 and 17 and have so much enjoyed your reflections there this past week. Your stories from Congo were welcome and interesting. God bless.
Thank you, Melodie! Your comment made my day a little brighter! I want to share it with Hardy!!
Thanks for adding this, Melodie. I hope Elfrieda will read your response here and be comforted and encouraged. 😀
I’m very glad I decided to leave my higher education career five years early to write full-time. Oddly enough, I feel that I don’t have enough time to write everything I want to write.
Liz, you are writing from a Full Cup, the best situation for a writer to find herself. Brava! 😀
We’ve joined the empty nesters as my body starts wearing out. I had so many hopes for these “golden years”…having had a child in the house for over 30 years because they were so far apart. My greatest hope is that I honour God, something I can in whatever stage. Thanks for sharing Marian! xoxo
You are a productive–and successful–mom. Perhaps you need a little breathing space, time to relax and take a breath now. You are already honouring God with your words, your needlecraft, and your voice. After a wee break, God will show you next steps. Your willingness to follow His Will is a guarantee that you will flourish in the next stage, whatever that may be. Thanks for checking in, Jenn! 😀
I have always been a slow reader but then I tend to remember what I read better than those who whip through books. Speed reading was never a thing where I lived. I love looking at old pictures and remembering the times past.
Slow and steady wins the race, they say. Probably some of those fast readers you recall have forgotten what they’ve read. And they would never attempt to write books, as you have done many times over.
We have many things in common, one is looking at old pictures and remembering times past. Thanks for all this, Darlene! 😀
😊
I’m with everyone above , speed machines would never be my thing . I like to take as long as I can over a book or books . I tend to read about four books at a time , don’t ask me why I do this , I don’t know myself . One book is never enough . Sometimes I wish I had four heads it would be easier 🤔🫣. As I get nearer to the end of a book , all others are pushed aside till I finish it , then I carry on reading the others , plus a new one . I have joined many a book group only to give up because I hate having to read a book on a time scale . Strange aren’t I ,but I know there are others out there like me .
You are right about time going fast I can’t keep up with it . Our Granddaughter is one year old next month where did that go ?
Cherryx
Cherry, you are definitely not strange. I know plenty of people who juggle reading more than one book. Right now I’m a two-book person, one by Alexander McCall Smith. But before that, I was reading a memoir and three poetry collections, which makes four. I think our minds like variety to keep a balance. ;-D
And about those grand-babies. I did know about a grandson, but now a granddaughter? If so, you are twice blessed.
Thanks again for tuning in. . . always a pleasure! oxo
Hi Marian, it is nice to see pictures of you teaching. I was taught to speed read but it wasn’t offered to everyone. Only select children were given the opportunity and I still read a lot faster than average. This is one of the reasons I like to listen to classics as audiobooks, the reader goes slower than me and I can appreciate the descriptions and language better.
Robbie, I like how you parse your visual and auditory reading skills. Some students saw reading machines as “crutches” for slow readers. Typically, I notice you see the bright side of this method.
My husband “reads” all of his books in audio style. For me, listening to podcasts is okay, but I like to turn the pages of a paper book. Thanks for your “take.” Robbie. 😀
Hi Marian. Speed reading is a useful skill for me. I like all methods of reading. Physical books are best but I have 3,000 …
Robbie, you are a voracious reader! (You could have one of your fondant figures say that mouthful–haha!)
Your blog and book readers benefit from every bit. 😀
Hi Marian – thanks for sharing these memories of your earlier days. I remember those reading machines. I think we had one at our house in the 70s. I particularly enjoyed the picture of your husband getting off a plane – remember when people dressed up to fly? Now, anything goes!
Yes, you notice how times have changed. I imagine stores that sell men’s suits are having a hard time of it, unless they’ve adapted to the more casual style. Who knew?
Here’s to reading in all its forms and sharing our stories as you do on your blog: https://bvitelli2002.wordpress.com/ Thank you, Barbara!
Love the picture of you and the reading machine, Marian. I had never heard of such a thing. In thinking about the many stages of my life, I have to say I’m enjoying the one I’m in now the most. My young adult years, when my children were small, were both wonderful and terrible due to an abusive alcoholic husband. I loved the years when I was in college—I returned as a student when my youngest started kindergarten. My working years ebbed and flowed depending on projects, locations, and yes, people. These years in retirement living where I have dreamed of living for so long, are rich ones I’m very thankful for. Thanks for the thought-provoking post. 🙂
Linda, I remember you doing a count-down to retirement on your blog before you moved to Canada. When the day came, you seemed so very happy to have the leisure to write and “do your thing.”
Like you, I see a mellowing in my life as I look back. It’s easier now to connect the dots of God’s provision in hindsight. I’m guessing you feel the same way. You seem contented where you live now, still with a loving, caring husband and that cute pooch. 😀
Speed reading machines? I didn’t know it was ever a thing. Sounds like psychological torture. Thanks for sharing your memories, Marian.
Hi, Josephine! Readers like you probably would consider such machines a nuisance. I know I would; reading should process organically, I believe. However, some benefited from this approach as the post points out. Thanks for weighing in! 😀
Hi Marian, I’m glad you’re writing about aging. I thought I was the only one. I think everyone wants to remain active and vital as you age. So, for me, I have in large part depended on writing to achieve that.
Yes, I refer to myself, now at 82, as being in my “elder years,” what else can I say!
I have thought of walking and eating three squares as contributing to vitality. However, recently, I heard myself say to another writer, “I depend on writing as a way to stay sane.” Maybe what you are saying amounts to the same thing: “I have in large part depended on writing to achieve that.” At least, creative thoughts tend to squash negativity, a very good thing. Thanks for add your thoughts here, Susan! 😀
So helpful, Marion. I’m coming to grips with being 78. I can’t do as much as I used to do or do anything as quickly. I hike twice a day, but the pace has slowed. I miss the days when Vic was here. (No surprise in that!) We had a great marriage, learning from each other, supporting each other, exploring the world and parenthood together. When I look back, I miss the time when our sons were grown and we had travel adventures, usually with a spiritual destination.
Sending you the best.
I just read your September 26 blog post and left a comment there: admiring your vulnerability and showing some of mine. Actually, your reply here seems like a continuation of our “conversation” today.
Through the grief, I can tell you are savoring sweet memories of Vic. Good marriages are rare and great marriages are even more rare. Of course, I wish you had had more years together. Hugs, Elaine! ((( )))