After a long wait, spring weather pounced on us yesterday and beckoned me today for a walk in the park. It seems all the creatures, ducks, swans, birds and dogs along the trail were happy for sun and warmth. I watched the ducks play in the lake and flap their wings and skim across the top in formation two by two. There were lines of follow the leader in the water. Snippets of conversations walked past me in nature’s celebration.
High school and college commencements are also in full swing. I read news of two seniors from Colgate University who received Fulbright grants to teach in Germany this next academic year. I bask in the achievements of past students who remain in touch. One is off to work in Boulder, Colorado. Another continues German at Princeton. Still others tell me about life after high school and how they kept German in their lives by traveling to and studying in Germany. It is gratifying, as a former educator, to see the seeds that I planted many classes ago are now well, alive and thriving. An SU student is on track to become a German teacher while another student teaches German outside of Rochester.
Next week I will join former students as they accept scholarships from the German-American Society of Central New York. They have every right to be proud along with their parents and other teachers. It is no small feat. Am I proud as a peacock? You bet! We teachers help build future leaders, one student at a time. Lives are forever changed by Fulbright Abroad experiences and by student study exchanges in Germany and other countries. So this is also cause for celebration. Please join me in celebrating our new graduates!
It’s Spring at Last!
The long white winter
is finally gone. Spring
appeared quite suddenly.
Ducks and swans called to
one another as they played
in the blue lake today.
Flitting about, flapping wings,
diving under the water, they
seemed ecstatic to finally
have spring. As I sat on the
park bench taking it all in,
snippets of conversation
walked past. A peaceful
calm enveloped me.
Dr. Mary Ann Niemczura 
You have all right to be proud as punch! What a wonderful start in life for these students and such terrific success from so many. To touch even one life is a gift, you’ve helped so many. Celebrate away! Also how lovely that so many keep in contact with you – a testament to you! Happy spring days to you and may the peace within you remain throughout the season. Warmest wishes. ❤️
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This is such a touching, thoughtful and lovely comment. Thank you for the kind words. Peace and happy writing to you.
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Vibrant poetic words to match the sights and sounds of spring. The pictures are lovely as well. I recognized a set of roses. Happy spring!
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Thanks for the thoughtful comment. I thought you might recognize the roses. They added a delicate color to the blog. Enjoy the weekend.
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Liebe Mary Ann,
Zu Deiner Veröffentlichung muß man sagen: Wunderschön geschrieben und sehr bewegend!
Mit Deinen Stil und Deinen Förmulierungen fazinierst Du Deine Leser und berührst ihr Inneres.Es ist eine große Gabe Gefühle und Empfindungen so in Worte zu verpacken,daß Deine Leser das Bewustsein bekommen mit Dir und Deinen Leistungen für die Förderung der Deutschen Sprache und Verbreitung der Deutschen Kultur eng verbunden zu sein.Die Schilderung von Deinen jahrelangen beruflichen Aktivitäten und die erzielten Ergebnisse lassen Deine Leser mit Dir ganz stolz sein .Ich glaube ,ganz zu recht.Wer so glücklich auf solche Lebensleistung zurückblicken kann,hat große Anerkennung verdient.
Freue mich sehr auf Deine weiteren Veröffenlichungen und Aktivitäten
Alles Liebe und alle Guten Wünsche dazu,
Dein Arno ,
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This is a very thoughtful and touching comment, Arno. I am pleased that my descriptions of nature, teaching German and former students have touched you. German remains my passion although I no longer teach. Today I can enjoy life at a much more leisurely pace. The journey still intrigues me. I wish the same pace of life for you and yours. Thank you.
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Congratulations and best of luck! The spring seems great with all those happening and beautiful sceneries. Great photos by the way! 🙂
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Thank you for the lovely comment. Some photos are mine, some of my niece who lives in Costa Rica and some from a friend in Germany. They all seem to fit together quite well. Happy writing to you. 🙂
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Congratulations.
Photos are just gorgeous. 🌍
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Once again, thank you for your kind words of appreciation. Much appreciated at my end of the pond, JoHanna. May your week be enjoyable!
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Congratulations;
And my warmest wishes;
I love so beautiful shots;
Kindest regards, ❤
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As always, thank you for such a kind and thoughtful comment. There is so much beauty around us if we only look. Have a wonderful weekend and happy writing.
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You are most welcome.
Yes, so true;
Have a nice weekend and happy writing;
All the best, ❤
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My pleasure as always.
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