21X36X365: Leila (the smaller)

Leila uses her shy smile and sweet disposition to take captives. She stole my heart at her birth and hasn't loosened her grip one iota. She broadened my world and gave me a new role: Mom.

20X36X365: Harmonica Man

Harmonica Man was a fixture in my childhood. Although I'm sure he had a name, I never knew it. He gave all the kids at the festival harmonicas and we loved seeing him again each year.

19X36X365: Leon

Leon rode into my life on his unicycle. I may have been only 4, but with his wavy blond hair and his sense of humor (not to mention his 6' tall unicycle...), he was all that.

18X36X365: Lara

Lara was a rare breed of friend from camp. Every year we came together as if we hadn't parted. My pictures (and memories) are of her in a mouse costume. Would I know her without it?

17X36X365: Mrs. Hewitt

Mrs. Hewitt enticed interest in long gone characters with her tales of skinny-dipping presidents (JQ Adams) and crazed madmen shooting the Commander in Chief in the White House. Her excitement brought them to life again.

16X36X365: Mrs. Tarrant

Mrs. Tarrant was one of THOSE teachers (no, not the ones who inspire you). She called my Mom in for a conference because I corrected her pronounciation, then my Mom did it too. She gave up.

15X36X365: Alan

Alan is a great boss and a good friend. He helped me leave an awful job and move into a great organization. He went far beyond boss and I'm very lucky we met in bad company.

14X36X365: Kathy

Kathy was the co-conspirator in my childhood ramblings. Lazy summer days in the pool and countless hours of hide-and-seek marked our days. We were best friends and confidants. Sadly, we grew up and apart.

13X36X365: Mrs. Womack

Mrs. Womack is an inspiration. Although she had odd speech patterns, her love of the English language excited me to learn. She made us write one sentence with each of the 37 sentence patterns - very hard.

12X36X365: Emanuela

Emanuela has flat teeth just like me. She is like the sister I never had and always wanted. Although we see each other infrequently, she always there. I am so happy she is a Mom now.