Author Archives: Becky Dingle

About Becky Dingle

I was born a Tarheel but ended up a Sandlapper. My grandparents were cotton farmers in Laurens, South Carolina and it was in my grandmother’s house that my love of storytelling began beside an old Franklin stove. When I graduated from Laurens High School, I attended Erskine College (Due West of what?) and would later get my Masters Degree in Education/Social Studies from Charleston Southern. I am presently an adjunct professor/clinical supervisor at CSU and have also taught at the College of Charleston. For 28 years I taught Social Studies through storytelling. My philosophy matched Rudyard Kipling’s quote: “If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten.” Today I still spread this message through workshops and presentations throughout the state. The secret of success in teaching social studies is always in the story. I want to keep learning and being surprised by life…it is the greatest teacher. Like Kermit said, “When you’re green you grow, when you’re ripe you rot.”

Finding Our Own “Present” Places

Dear Reader: One of the most poignant remarks made about the family Christmas Eve gathering this year was made by Stephanie when she dropped off (unknowingly to me) Christmas presents. When I went on her FACEBOOK site to thank her … Continue reading

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Kindness Remains After Life Keeps Changing

Dear Reader: After telling everyone (on the blog yesterday) that on Boxing Day, the day after Christmas, it would be a nice thing to follow the English tradition of doing something kind for someone…it turned out I was the one … Continue reading

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Boxing Day-the Day After Christmas

Dear Reader: I think I might end up as one of those “crazy little old ladies” who do strange things at strange times in strange places. Going into Wakendaw Lakes yesterday to watch the grandchildren open their presents I drove … Continue reading

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Christmas Candy Magic

Dear Reader: Christmas is here! This is definitely the day that the Lord has made and we must all REJOICE in it! *(Rutledge was the closest to the podium so Bekah couldn’t get him in this photo…hoping John maybe had … Continue reading

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The Gift of Community

  Dear Reader: Christmas Eve 2016 has arrived…the family will be coming and meeting at the church for the 5:00 Christmas Eve Service. This year Ady, Rutledge and Eva Cate will help me perform some magic tricks before my story … Continue reading

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Christmas on Old Blackboards

Dear Reader: In June of 2015 a high school in the Oklahoma City School District (Emerson High School) was undergoing renovations for the new school year when an amazing discovery was made. As the construction crew began to take down … Continue reading

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“I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day”

Dear Reader: As a lover of stories and history…I have long recognized the power of the ‘story behind the story.‘ If one simply recites facts about an incident and never takes time to question the personal reasons behind courageous undertakings … Continue reading

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Christmas…The Anchor of Hope

  Dear Reader: When my family moved to Laurens, SC… after I finished junior high at Horace Sisk Jr. High School in Fayetteville, NC… we attended our extended family’s church-The First Presbyterian Church. It is a beautiful old church (dating … Continue reading

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Christmas at St. Jude’s Chapel of Hope

Dear Reader: For the first time since buying their mountain home… Honey and Mike are going to see how staying in the mountains goes during the winter months…a test run this year. Since I haven’t made it up to Honey’s … Continue reading

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Smilax Went Up Today…Christmas Can’t Be Far Behind

Dear Reader: It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas  (maybe not feel it) but look like it. Honey called yesterday to check and see if I was home and then brought the Williamsburg Apple Tree center piece for my … Continue reading

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