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.”

To Be Continued…

Dear Reader: I had some kind of epiphany yesterday watching Rutledge and Lachlan stand by their Japanese Maples. I decided each year at the same time I am going to take a photo of each child by their tree and … Continue reading

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“If You Plant It, They will Come!”

Dear Reader: I almost dropped my watering can yesterday morning when suddenly something startled my peripheral vision. Could it be? It was! A butterfly! After all these weeks whining and complaining about the absence of butterflies in the garden since … Continue reading

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“A Slice of Life”

Dear Reader: Even though Grandmother Wilson reminded me, on several occasions, to stop and enjoy a “slice of life” the expression originally referred to a short film, documentary, or play with  “slice of life” dialogue throughout…”unembellished representation of real life.”  … Continue reading

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“When did I become a “Sugah” and a “Sweetheart”?

Dear Reader: I reckon I just have to recognize the fact that suddenly I am old. It is making me a little sad, like my drooping confederate rose (above) but also mad! Yesterday I told stories to seven different time … Continue reading

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Flowers: Messengers from the Past

Dear Reader: Two summers ago when Anne and I went to Ireland we spent a lot of time at the Burren. One of the strangest places you will ever see. At first glance it looks like God just cleared out … Continue reading

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“Boo Y’all” at a May Garden Party!

Dear Reader: “Boo Y’all” might seem strangely out of place at the end of May instead of October but Cindy Ashley’s napkins (she found for me last fall) fit perfectly with the blog readers’ get-together. I (Boo) was so happy … Continue reading

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Moon Beams, Coins in a Fountain and Wishes of Happiness

Dear Reader: Last night I tested batteries and lights for the garden lanterns and began placing them around as darkness descended. Soon, however, I realized that the sky looked like it was shining a giant flashlight on the yard and … Continue reading

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It All Began with Hope, a Prayer, a Dream and Orange Plastic Tape

Dear Reader: While cleaning out a crate of “stuff” (junk) yesterday….a long slender piece of wood got stuck in the holes of the crate. I tugged and pulled and finally the “stick” came flying out with something long and orange … Continue reading

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Be Kind to Yourself!

Dear Reader: When I look out my “blog bungalow” window I get to see the ginger plant Vickie recently gave me. Because I had been told that it would add a lovely scent seasonally to the garden I searched in … Continue reading

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Become a Lake…

Dear Reader: As I was searching through my old electronic files yesterday, I came across an anecdote that made me pause and reflect; The name of the story is: “Become a Lake” An aging Hindu master grew tired of his … Continue reading

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