TO JEANNA, WHO KNOWS...

  Take a look at this photo.
 It may seem a little odd, but it was a G.A. (Girls Auxiliary) Coronation, in the Baptist church, where I grew up. I'm not completely sure how the young ladies, with the crowns and scepters achieved such high honors, as  I was not in G.A.'s that long. We could never keep a leader past summer camp, so...

 However, I was involved in two of these coronations, as a crown bearer. My job was to follow my Queen down the aisle, with a pillow bearing her crown.
 See all the adorable little girls, with their smooth hairstyles, and pastel dresses. But, wait! There in the middle. Who are those two puffy haired, freaks in Red? What are they doing in there with all those normal children?

 The little one is my niece, Jeanna. I am the sad girl on the right, and this was my mother's handiwork.
  I was dressed in pink, my entire life, yet Mom chose this moment, this very important, photographic moment to see how I looked in scarlet brocade.

 This is not a great photograph, but if you look closely, you may notice something in our eyes. Sadness? Fear?
We had just been through the traumatic experience of the 1960's Home Permanent.

Once in awhile, I would begin to feel pretty good about myself, only to be brought back to reality by a home perm. Mom, the kitchen beautician, would say, "it's only until the curl relaxes, then it will be so pretty." Until then, I got to enjoy the giggles, and comments from classmates about my poodle bangs. Kids can be very cruel, especially when moms give them so much to work with.

  Teachers do this, as well.
 " You did well on that test today. You won the spelling bee. Well, now it's recess, so lets go out and run"
Me: " Sure, I can run. "
Teacher: " We are going to run around the parameter of the playground, twice. I'll time you. "
 Me: " Wow, this is hard.
 Is my chest supposed to hurt like this?
 My friend left me behind! Why would she do that?
 Boy, it really is hard to run in a dress and Sunday school shoes.
 Why does our playground have swings, when we don't get to use them?
 Everyone looks like they're through running.
 Why can't I play on the swings? I just want to swing.
 Was that the bell?
 Everybody is going in! Except my teacher. She's still standing there with her stupid stopwatch. Maybe she should get an hourglass.
 I think I'll be sick, tomorrow. "