I’m a creature of habit, tending to do everything the same way without change.
I find it comforting, however, sometimes it pays to switch paths.
There I was crossing the Park, on my way west, when suddenly Bethesda Fountain came to mind. It’s a favorite landmark of mine, I rarely see, since it’s not on my normal route, adding 5 or so minutes to it. 
I know, I know, are you that anal?
Yes.
When I came to the Boathouse where I’d take a right in order to see the Angel of the Waters, the name of the angel who sits on top of the fountain, something pulled me there.
Unbeknownst to me, it was a huge turtle tooling in the grass barely noticed, like he was in camouflage like an amphibious, mini Marine.
I happen to be a big turtle fan, so to say I was charmed is an understatement.
I then see a school group coming over the hill so I, in my reptilian glory scream…
“Hey, looky here.”
They were no more than 12 as they clustered around me like the pubescent paparazzi, taking snapshots of our shelled pal who posed as if he knew, hey, this is my 5 minutes of fame.
I loved how he didn’t hide in his shell. It was as though he was hosting them like unexpected visitors in his backyard
Their teacher, a Mrs. Longstreet, no relation to the Civil War General (I asked), started a whole dialogue with these kids about the difference between a tortoise and a sea turtle that had me taking notes.
Tortoises are land creatures, only popping in water to drink or bathe. A sea turtle however spends all its time in water.
“What about Big Sam?” asked some kid in a Yosemite T-shirt.
“Who’s Big Sam?” I said, like I was one of them.
“He’s the school mascot. He lives in the Science lab,” snapped a sassy, redheaded girl, like I was supposed to know.
“Mrs. Longstreet said, “Sam is a box turtle, and even though he loves to swim, he’s still considered a turtle…kind of half and half. Also his shell is different, like this fellow’s who I’d say, is a tortoise maybe related to Sam.”
The kids all laughed since apparently Big Sam is one helluva turtle.
I was so enamored of this woman having the attention of these children, not to mention me hanging on to every word she said.
After feeling I may have over stayed my welcome, I took leave.
Suddenly, the redhead yelled out, “Thanks Ma’am. We’ll show Big Sam he has a cousin not too far away.”
And as I turned back around, 15 school kids were waving at me like old friends.
To say I was charmed, is an understatement.
🙂
SB
First of all, “Big Sam” is the best turtle name in the history of turtle names. I’ll assume he’s Italian. Secondly, you are that teacher when you write about history, leaving us hanging on every word, unbored as you fill our heads with knowledge. Oh, and don’t get me started on the vocabulary lessons. I want you to be a tour guide at the park; you would make the experience fun.
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You know Top, I was so envious of that teacher. She was amazing. How she spoke to them, and how they listened. Teachers all over the world should be canonized. Thank you for saying such kind things. Your Turtling Pal
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PS. Big Sam I agree has to be Italian and I’ll bet hails from Jersey. 🙂
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You never fail to amaze me, Susannah. And you definitely made the field trip memorable by pointing out big Sam’s cousin.
I once pointed out teeny tiny jellyfish (millions of them) that were sharing the ocean with us in Hyannis. Ninety percent of the other swimmers ran screaming. Oops. Not the same impact as a turtle.
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Yeah but, if not for you, they would never have had the experience. You’re a teacher, I’ll bet your kids love you too. I’d sit in your class Skinny, anytime.
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You are a natural. I on the other hand, would have hit in back of a tree until the group passed on by!
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The smallest things does it for me. I wanted everyone to be as thrilled as me. I need a bigger life.
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No you don’t. Finding pleasure in the simplest things gives greater happiness. (I made that up. Sure hope it’s true!)
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Me too. Sounds awfully good. 🙂
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What a charming post, Susannah! You bring people out of their shells.
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Would be a great lead. So cute.
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That’s great, Susannah. It has me feeling good too and nostalgic for teaching little ones in Korea. When they are bad, it’s frustrating, but when they’re good, teaching is one of the best things in the world. By the way, are there any animals you don’t like? You seem quite philotherian (my new word). 🙂
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I’m not a rat fan though I try to understand their plight. Philotherian. Never heard that before. 🙂
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