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Panther Den Birthday & Anniversary Calendar

August 2006

Hi Den Members,

  It's never too late to send me your birth date or anniversary date to be added to the calendar. A greeting or happy wish might just be the thing to jump start your special day!! For those with anniversaries, also include your spouse’s name. Ladies, include your maiden name too. 

  Send your information to Nancy Sumner at:

                nancysumner@sbcglobal.net

Thanks so much and have a wonderful month!

Your Calendar Girl,

Nancy Sumner '66

Elwood   

Beautiful Mediocrity  

  When I was a child, I had dreams of becoming famous, living in a lavish home with servants at my beck and call, owning a tennis court, a swimming pool, and a stable of beautiful horses -- having all of the wealth and property that the movie stars of that era had.

  It did not take long to realize that this dream was a tad unrealistic. I was not beautiful, I had no talent, and there were no wealthy relatives that were "dying" to make me rich. Moreover, I lacked the co-ordination to play a decent game of tennis and discovered that horses could leave a terrible smell!

  Still, one always desires to be "best" at something so I tried my hand at first one art or craft -- then another -- only to find there were so many people infinitely more talented in every endeavor. Recalling Vince Lombardi's remarks about winning being the "only" thing simply added to my angst.

  Years have passed, and I find that I am enjoying mediocrity to the fullest. The stars, the "best" in their field are always looking over their shoulders to see who is following them. Movie stars are frequently prisoners of their own fame. Politicians find every facet of their existence examined under a microscope. Age becomes the enemy of many.

  It is my belief that one can do an excellent job and still not be the best. Moreover, I believe that the time and exertion spent doing something well is the big reward. Accolades are wonderful and we all enjoy them, but the elation comes with completing the task well.  

  Many will disagree with my premise, but I have come to feel comfortable in my Golden Years with mediocrity. It is heavenly to come and go with no fanfare. It is bliss not to worry that there is someone better at anything I choose to do. Mediocrity is beautiful!

Karen (Stine) Hollies '54

Virginia Beach, VA     

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Anniversary:

   Barbara & Vernon Huse

   Aria & Terry Rogers                  

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Birthday:

   Steve Odom

   Susan (Dauenhauer) VanDiver

Anniversary:

   Melanie & Larry Jones

   Brenda & Ray Strayer

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Birthday:

   Ron Runyan

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Anniversary:

   Judy & Jerry Hallett

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Birthday:

   Dan Laub

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Birthday:

   Sandy (Brunson) Runyan

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Birthday:

   Pat Donahue

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Birthday:

   Janelle Perkins

Anniversary:

   Jerry & Judy Kaser