Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Mr. Bitner's Core Class


I first fell in love with "Government" in Mr. Bitner's seventh grade Core class which also consisted of the studies of English and History. I may have lived in the shadow of the great white buildings of Washington, DC; but until Mr. Bitner's class, they were little more than tourist attractions for visiting relatives.


It wasn't so much the learning of democratic functions, but the way in which Mr. Bitner strode between the rows of desks drawing each of our faces to meet the passion in his eyes. The very air of Mr. Bitner's class was charged with the electric current of minds wanting to know more.


Current Events Monday were filled with the metal ring opening of notebooks, the placement of pencils on the desk, folded clipped articles spread smooth, best posture presented in the hopes of being called. The chance to Let Freedom Ring.


In Mr. Bitner's class intelligence was the commodity of popularity. We strove to be our best, we strove for hard won praise. We glimpsed into our own adult futures for the very first time and set our childhood ways aside knowingly.



A love of learning to last a lifetime. A teacher I admire to this very day.



This trio just make me smile!




68 comments:

Becky said...

These are fabulous! I was bored to tears with social studies in high school - too bad i can't go back now because it would interest me very much lol
Becky @ craftinbecky@comcast.net

TaDa! Creations said...

These are darling! I would love to win them.
tadacreations@gmail.com

Jennifer Bontrager said...

Please enter me in your drawing! Like you I too love History. It was my favorite class throughout school. And I also had a teacher that changed my life. froggie.22@juno.com

Valerie said...

Your technique and style are so original that it would be hard not to recognize your artwork. I would love a chance at owning these adorable characters with the Americana theme. I hope your days are finding you more at peace and I will continue to be a loyal follower.

Valerie

Melissa said...

Oh my goodness they are so cute! I especially love lady liberty's crown. I was never a fan of History or Social Studies in school, though I catch myself reading a lot about US History/Social Studies now with the state our country is in.

faithcreates said...

Your stories are so easy to relate to. Thank you so much for sharing them with us. I, too, had a teacher that will live forever in my memories. Actually, I have a few as each touched me in different ways and I'm thankful for that. Your creative artwork is so beautiful it would be an honor to own one small piece of it!

Faith at faithscreations@msn.com

Jane said...

These are so sweet! I love the expression on the star's face! Isn't it wonderful how clearly we can recall the lessons of our favorite teachers, those with the passion of their love of learning and teaching?
Jane-Jacksonville

Musings from Kim K. said...

Elizabeth - Your felt creations have always been an inspiration. I would be honored to own one of your Americana items. I hope your heart is free and I look forward to continuing following your blog.

LindaSonia said...

It's always been a pleasure to visit your blog. Your creations are sooo charming and I'd love to win them!!...count me in. LindaSonia (baddabinda@yahoo.com)

mimi said...

Oh my Elizabeth these just might be my most favorite thing that you have made. Your attention to detail is just wonderful. Please add my name to the hat and I will be keeping my fingers crossed. Have a Happy Day :)
xoxo
Mimi
mpanormios@hotmail.com

Lisa said...

I love these, they are so special. What a wonderful story and give-a-way treat! You are the best.
lisa_lutes@yahoo.com

annemarie said...

Your talent never ceases to amaze me - these are wonderful.

Debby said...

You are such a sweet person. Always giving away your beautiful creations that are truly one of a kind. Of couse we would all love to win this. Love all of them. The star is so cute.

Patricia said...

I so appreciate the pattern you've given for these. That little star is darling. Thanks!

Mic said...

As a recent follower of just a few months, I can only say how much I have enjoyed your blog since I stumbled upon it by pure luck. I have shared it with friends and they, too, have commented to me how great a blog it is. You will be very missed! If I win, I can only tell you that they will be well-loved and have a place of honor in my home! I wish you all the best and I am so glad your daughter has been restored to you. It is wonderful to wind down your blog with a happy ending. God bless you and yours.
Pam N.
mickle1052@yahoo.com

Anita Kehn said...

These creations are truly darling. Put my name in the hat. I, too had a teacher that influenced my life ~ my English teacher. Because of her I can spell and I love to write. Even though my writing is only for me I think my teacher would still be proud of me.

Mic said...

P.S. I work for a state legislature, so they may have to come to work with me and sit on my bookcase! LOL! Pam N.

Minet said...

These are so beautifull. I love the things your making. Your blog is an inspiration to me. Greetings from The Netherlands.

Minet

Mrs. Cozy Home said...

Oh my gracious, I have been wishing and wishing to own some thing you've made!

I would love to win this dear duo -- please leave a comment on my most recent blog entry if I am so lucky, I read them all :)

They would look so precious and be cherished in my 1940's kitchen ;)

Scrap for Joy said...

I just saw this merry trio on your Flickr. Who wouldn't love to have these to celebrate our national holidays? I never appreciated history classes in school but once I started to travel in the US, I became very interested in the history of the places I visited.
Hope you're feeling some Spring this week
xoxo
Joyce

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness! I just found your blog and love it. Make my heart happy to see all your cute things. I can't wait to check out the rest of your site. Please enter me in your giveaway. I will be back to check your blog often.

Peggy H.
www.neverenoughstash.blogspot.com

NanE said...

How ironic! I was just thinking yesterday that once Easter has come and gone, I will need to plan my window for Memorial day and had absolutely no clue what I could use. This little couple would be so perfect, so even if I don't win, I could make them myself! Thanks for sharing, Nan

tibblenibble said...

Elizabeth, these are so stinkin' cute! I hope you're enjoying your new freedom. I'm just pleased as punch that we won't loose out on visiting with you for a few minutes now and then completely. I actually love your stories best of all!
Holly mtibbles@sbcglobal.net

Mona said...

I would love to win these fabulous felt creations! I wanted to buy one of your creations when you were selling them, but alas, i couldn't afford it. Here's hoping I win! Mona @ peaceandquilts@gmail.com

2daisies said...

Hi Elizabeth

Please enter me in your drawing....I would love to have something of yours.Missed out on your other creations but I can keep hoping. I'm just so glad you left your blog up and I love reading your stories still!!! I do understand you needing a break though :-)Take care of yourself.

Doreen

dandpeagle@yahoo.com

Mary said...

Elizabeth, these are such cute characters. Would love to win them. Doesn't it seem as though some teachers are gifted with the ability to teach? If only they could 'teach' the teachers who aren't. Hope your day is wonderful!

Lori said...

What a talent you have. I love all the adorable and creative things you share with us. My living room is patriotic, this trio would be perfect.

Jess said...

I loved history and government. Happened to have a great teacher. I decorate my summer porch with lots of Uncle Sam memorabilia. Just love it!

Michle said...

Yea for the red, white, and blue. Would love to win!!!
Michle @michlemachala@gmail.com

The Star Gal said...

Please throw my name in the hat!
Gloria

Tresa said...

Yet another fabulous Elizabeth creation. Thank you for offering these precious characters as a giveaway.

tresak@hotmail.com
aka Speedy Lady :)

BucksCountyFolkArt said...

Hi E!

Just wanted to chime in and say how adorable these are. You are so talented. Wish I could get inside that brain and learn!

Don't put me down for this drawing. I already have been lucky enough to get an awesome gift from you and want someone else to have a chance.

Love ya!
Jill

Nan said...

Hi E. put my name in for the drawing. I would love to set these out on holiday's like 4th of July along with Magpie Ethel's little spun head gal decorated for the 4th.

The Star Gal said...

Elizabeth,

I just wanted to say that if you decide to break up this happy little trio so that 3 lucky gals can have one....I'd love to have the little star....after all I am from "The Star City".

Gloria
Roanoke, VA

Cindy said...

Oh, would I love to have these! As you know, I missed your sale last week.

As an American lit teacher, I love all the symbols we use to display our sense of pride and freedom. We have come so far as a nation...from the Native Americans to the explorers to our first settlers and founding fathers.

I always decorate my mantles in patriotic themed treasures from Memorial Day through Labor Day. They would certainly be treasured items! I would love to display a bit of Elizabeth in my home! Please count me it...
Thank you for a chance to have something of yours,
Cindy
www.whaleyccjt.blogspot.com or
email: whaley_family@yahoo.com

My Vintage Mending said...

I was just about to dig around and find this pattern. Just as darling as ever. Love them. Did I tell you our cat's name is Reagan! We have a Lincoln in the house too....our youngest bulldog. Big love of history in this house....Smiles...Renee

Happy@Home said...

Your creativity never ceases to amaze me. This patriotic trio is simply adorable.
~Kim
humbird170@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

Printed the pattern in which is not for me but for my wonderful husband. Thank you for the fabulous gift of your blog - couldn't live with out it.

Denise said...

Elizabeth,You are still surprising me with new cuties.I would love owning these to show them off to my grandbabies on the 4th of July. Denise

bigeyedchick said...

I will miss you. I love your blog! And seeing the things you create! I would love to win your last giveaway!
Laurel in MN

Tammy said...

Oh Elizabeth. This gave me a giggle. I didn't especially "like" my high school gov't class. It was a required course for seniors to graduate. BUT! It's where I FINALLY convinced the cute boy who sat in front of me in home room each week to ask me out on a date! LOL I'd had a little cruch on him all through the first semester of school that year. And, he was such a sweet, shy fellow...he just NEVER got the hint that I liked him. And, then we ended up in gov't class together 2nd semester. I had an entire class period to flirt with him! LOL I must have really worn him down! Not only did we date for 5 years, but we have been married going on 28 years this October!

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful giveaway and thanks for the chance to win. I love learning. I was just telling my ten year old about how I had to recite the Preamble to the Constitution when I was in fourth grade in front of my entire elementary school. He is just memorizing it now in the fifth grade. I can only hope that learning will mean as much to him as it does to me. Thanks for stirring my old memories of school with your lovely story. I love visiting your blog.

Unknown said...

I have enjoyed your stories of your life as I have read them over the months. Thank you for sharing them, you are a gifted writer. I wish you the best in your new endeavers.
Thanks you for the chance to have something from you to join the little "peg doll" I won from you a couple of year ago. I believe I answered a question regarding your time over seas as a child. She sits in my kitchen on my vintage shelf where she enjoys many compliments.
Becky
pbcronin(at)comcast(dot)net

Rosemary P. said...

Your stories have been delightful! I especially loved the story about the desk yesterday. I would love to see you write a book! God bless!
rmp32836@yahoo.com

Suz said...

I would love that trio, Elizabeth. (Just like a million others would!!!)

I couldn't be happier about your daughter and i totally get...when our kids aren't happy, mama isn't happy!

Hugs,
Suz

Diane Mars said...

Oh yes a Give-away Count me in! I cannot believe you are still finding more goodies~ oxox, Diane

Priscilla G. said...

Oh Elizabeth, I am desperately keeping my fingers crossed for this wonderful patriotic trio.
I know my kindergarten and first grade students would love seeing them in my classroom!

Priscilla G. said...

Elizabeth...I forgot to leave my email address:

I am the teacher who would love to win these!

readingp38@cox.net

Thanks so much!

Becky Garrison said...

How precious it would be to receive these pretties! I'm particular fond of that sweet star! Blessings to you, Elizabeth!

Becky G. in GA
camelliacottage1(at)live(dot)com

purplejan1976 said...

Hi Elizabeth,
Oh my, this freedom trio is
so adorable and I just love the
expression on the Star. : )
Thank you for sharing another
wonderful story and for the memory
nudge of social studies in high school. My teacher in that year,
loved to talk about his rifle
collection more than history, and
looking back, I believe it was a ploy to keep the boys attention in
the back row.
I would love to be entered in
your drawing.
Hugs,
Janis

Jan in TN said...

Of course I would love to win but most of all, I would like to tell you how much I will miss your blog, it has been such a joy to peruse as I have just found it since the first of the year. All the best to you and your daughter in the future, Jan in TN
fstutz1@yahoo.com

Janet's Creations said...

Oh, these little guys are so cute. I had a terrible social studies teacher in high school... sooo boring. I love the subject now.
You've made me think about that poor sad man (teacher) who found no joy in his work.
I was so happy to check in on your blog and finding two to read today. Thank you for all the joy. I would love to win these newest characters. I can see them standing pround on stack of history books. Wouldn't that be something?
janetscreations@yahoo.com

Jen W said...

These are just wonderful! I'm a longtime lurker - and I just adore your work. Wish I were that prolific.
Anyhoo, my oldest (17yr old boy/man)
is absolutely in love with anything American! Loves the presidents - reads anything he can get his hands on. Oh, did I mention he's "special needs"?? He loved the figures - asked if we could get them...I'll
certainly be keeping my fingers crossed! Thank you ever so much! (And I'm from Ohio too! Cincinnati to be exact!)

Diane Mars said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

They really are the cutest! And I'm so happy for Diane...she's a sweetheart! I LOVE my cute peg dolls! Thanks E!!!♥♥♥

Teresa said...

These are SO cute!!! Like all of your felt creations, I love them!
Teresa
williams826790@bellsouth.net

Debbie Doughty said...

:( I've been a day late and a dollar short for all your sales and give-aways! Oh well, I do enjoy seeing your creations and the stories behind them! Maybe one of these days I'll use one of your patterns and test my felting skills. TFS them!

Betty said...

I love your Uncle Sam but I have to tell you a story that you will understand. Living in Germany as an Army brat we were always told about Uncle Sam. Some how I got the idea in my head that Uncle Sam was a real person and fixated on this tall white haired gentleman who walked through our neighborhood every day. I figured out years later that he couldn't have been Uncle Sam as he had a very strong German accent! LOL

Hearts Turned said...

What a fabulous patriotic trio, Elizabeth! I love these so much! I don't remember seeing them before...must be when I was away on vacation...

Isn't it wonderful what a truly good and passionate teacher can do? Lessons and inspiration that last a lifetime...what a blessing.

My daughter just called excitedly tonight to tell us that she was just accepted as an elementary school intern for next year...will be teaching her own class...a dream come true for my girl. Her first steps to hopefully becoming that very type of influence to the children she's given to teach.

Wishing you a wonderful evening, my friend...

Julie

Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...

Lucky, Lucky sister....I am so happy for you! What a wonderful prize :)

M.L. @ The House of Whimsy said...

I think we all have a Mr. Bitner in our past. I'm sure thankful for mine.
ADORABLE creations here, Elizabeth. Thank you for sharing the pattern with us. : )
I was glad to read that the "parents meeting" dinner went well. I'm so happy for TSG. : )
xo,
Mary Lou

GardenOfDaisies said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
GardenOfDaisies said...

Wanted to let you know your cute little owl pin-keep arrived yesterday afternoon. He's making himself right at home in my sewing room. Just did a post about him. :-) Thank you!!

Paper Dolls said...

I love history and I love the USA. These are the cutest things!! I am going to try to make them for my patriotic holiday decorating! Thanks for sharing your story, I totally "get it"!

Nancy said...

Oh heck - I'm always late to the party! Just stopping by to tell you, Elizabeth, that the Birthday Gang arrived at my house safe and sound! They are absolutely adorably fabulous and I'm so lucky to have them come live with me so Thank YOU soooo much!!!! I love the tag book and the wonderful extras you included. xoxo Nancy

Beansieleigh said...

So CUTE! I just kinda stumbled here, and love what I see! Your felt creations and little pom-pom crafts are a real treat to see, and I loved your March 15th birdhouses! Looking forward to stopping by again! ~tina

Happy@Home said...

Hi Elizabeth,
Just popping in to let you know that "Waiting For Christmas" arrived safe & sound. Thank you so much and also for the added treasures. It seemed like Christmas as I opened the package :). Is there any law against having Christmas decorations out in April?? He's too cute to put away.

XXOO,
Kim

Andrea said...

I absolutely love your work, and since you included the pattern for this I really wanted to try to make it. I, however, am not an expert in sewing - yet- so I was wondering if you hand sew your felt projects or use a sewing machine? Since I am not a pro at sewing I sometimes find it difficult to read patterns. Thanks so much!