Meeting Flat Stacey

I have a new friend in my life: Say hello to Flat Stacey. She and I met through a mutual friend of ours, Stefanie. Stefanie has a daughter, Carly Rose. Carly is in third grade and working on a project based on the children’s book Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown. I am embarrassed to admit that even though I have five kids, I have never heard of this book or the project. (I don’t even know how old or what grade my offspring are in. I lost track somewhere after our third child.) That said, when my friend Stefanie asked me if I would participate, I not only immediately agreed, I also felt honored.

I enjoy kids for many reasons. They represent our future, have wonderful imaginations and carry no prejudice or misguided thoughts in their minds. They are free as we all should be. The project is made to help kids learn about reading, writing, language arts and social studies. I like three of those things. (I’m not sure what social studies means.) I also enjoy being a child myself. People who know me are nodding their heads in agreement after reading that statement. 

It was exciting to come home after a week on the road and find the package from Stefanie and Carly waiting for me. At first I went into a terrible panic because I read the due date completely wrong. I thought it said, “March 9^th.” All the things I wanted to do together started running through my mind. “We gotta get to Blue Marsh Lake and watch a sunrise! We’re only going to have a week together on the road, that’s terribly unfair! We will have to fly in the airplane next Saturday rain or snow!” I was so relieved when I relayed my concerns to my wife and she informed me, “It says May 9^th” before shaking her head and walking away- a common occurrence in the Harry Household. We have plenty of time! (I know- famous last words.)

I want to thank Miss Stefanie and Miss Carly for choosing me as Flat Stacey’s new friend. She is in very good hands and I look forward to all the adventures and memories we will be creating together. Most of our notes and pictures will be posted here. Stuff gets lost too easily on Facebook and I want to make our travels easy for anyone to find, at any time, including myself. That’s not to say that Stacey won’t be making occasional appearances on my personal Facebook page or perhaps even on my Flickr page. This project is a learning experience for me. I’m already hoping that after our time together is over, someone else will send me a new friend next school year. Thanks again ladies!

Below is a basic outline of the project. I love how Stefanie used the red pen for my benefit. A talented teacher herself, she always keeps me on my toes. I’m secretly worried that she will find something rong with everything I have written here today!

 

This is Miss Carly’s note to me. Miss Nikon and I are ready to tackle this covert mission! Miss Carly, you are very sweet and share a middle name with my daughter. I will have to bring her along when I personally hand-deliver Flat Stacey back to you and your mom! (A condition set by me when I agreed to the project.)