Hello friends and family,
At a complete loss over how to celebrate Melissa's upcoming 40th birthday on June 1st, I have decided to try to solicit your help. What I'd like you to do is to think about something about her that you like/love. It can be anything important to you. I'll gather responses from you all and compile them together, perhaps as something to frame.
But Melissa is very good at email, facebook, etc, and it's hard to be sneaky when not everyone lives close by. Hence, this blog. I'll keep it up for the next two weeks, and take it down after her birthday.
What I'd like to ask each of you to do it to post one or two lines below in the comments section, stating one thing (or maybe two) that you like about her. Make sure to say who you are! I'm shooting for 40, but if we get more that just means she can refer to this again when she's 50, 60 etc.
Please keep this secret from her, but pass it along to any and all that you think would like to comment, with the possible exception of her chemistry students :)
If you have questions for me, you can post them in the comments or send me an email at douglarkin01@gmail.com (not my regular account).
Thank you so much, and please try to post your comment by June 1st!
Doug (a.k.a. Mr. Maud)
Just post your comment here. It's easy!
ReplyDeleteI love Melissa for trekking to my site, be it Chicago or Murumba. And also for once baking something delicious for me in her new remekins, and for not hassling me all these years about returning those remekins. And, in fact, I think I know what I will send her for her birthday. Love you Mel! Nancy Irvin
ReplyDeleteFrom Andrea M. Anderson:
ReplyDeleteMelissa subbed for me for a quarter at LaFollette High School in 9th grade biology while I was on maternity leave - thus I LOVE her and will always! She's a woman in science and although that does not immediately qualify someone for LOVE status in my book, in Melissa's case it surely does. She's someone I see rarely, but when I do it is so easy and interesting to pick up right where we left off. Happy Birthday and welcome to the 40s club - I hear the membership is pretty high quality!
From Flow:
ReplyDeleteThere's so much to love about Maud! Her sense of humor, sense of adventure, sense of service...she just makes sense! I have so many memories...all involve music, laughing, silly jokes...and camping!
I am certain that Melissa doesn't remember, but we celebrated her birthday during training at Naivasha, and she had on the craziest outfit I have ever seen on a person with a fixed home. When I pointed it, she nearly tumbled over laughing, which made me laugh harder! After all this time, her easy smile, at that situation and many others, is what I think of first, and celebrate most about her!
ReplyDeleteJenn Brown-Carter
Maud helped me become the person I am today, like she did with so many other campers at CHC. She taught me to believe in myself and that I can do whatever I put my mind to. Whenever someone asks me why I work in the non-profit field I tell them about my first mentor, Maud.
ReplyDeleteTurtle
Maud...calm, cool, and collect...the under-reactor!! I love your easy smile and easy going manner... Just thinking of you brings a smile to my face. You are able to make everyone around you feel like they are special! Ceesco
ReplyDeleteMaud is such a part of what is CHC. I love her laughter. I have always admired her unique and positive view on life happenings.
ReplyDeleteLove, Jess
I love the way she teaches people to be who they are. Some of the best conversations were had doing the "pot parties" outside the dugout at ChC. Happy 40th Maud.
ReplyDeleteLove, Jaroo(Jamie)
Happy 40th Maudly! Wuv ya! What do I love about Maud: I love that we have, over the years, had a series of thoroughly entertaining conversations about topics as diverse as international social justice issues and how to best cook oatmeal whilst backpacking. I love that we ski and hike and tell numerous wacky jokes and laugh in spite of ourselves. What a true friend. xxoo Boomer
ReplyDeleteMelissa is one of the most POSITIVE people I've ever known. That is completely infectious. How can you NOT be positive around her? I am grateful for the short time that I've known her and look forward to many more years of friendship. Happy 40th! In admiration, Judy
ReplyDeleteWhat I love about Mel is her sense of humor! Whenever I am with her, it seems that she is making me laugh. She was/is also a wonderful travel buddy and I loved all of our adventures we had in Kenya, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, etc. I can't imagine what my Peace Corps experience would have been like without Mel! Wishing you many blessings on this milestone birthday! (I can't believe you are 40! Seriously weren't you 25, like, yesterday?). Love you, Jeri-can
ReplyDeleteMelster! I apologize for beating you at Ping Pong on your wedding Day and all the times I beat you at Tennis ( or did you beat Me?). Anyhow, I think you are a great daughter -in-law, mother, daughter, friend and especially wife and I am really happy that you are a important part of our family. I promise to cook you a great 40th Birthday Dinner when you come east for your summer vacation.
ReplyDeleteBest Birthday Wishes,
Jack
Dear Mel:
ReplyDeleteYou are Bright - You are Beautiful - You leave my Nephew Doug - also bright who, although obvously dazed and confused by the wonder of you, has managed to come up with this unique way to pay much deserved tribute to you on your natal day!
What's NOT to love about you guys....!
Happy Birthday & Much Love
Uncle Phil
I loved you immediately Mel the first time I met you in Kenya. Not only are you warm, friendly, and intelligent, but you also have a great sense of humor and excellent taste in men! You are a wonderful wife to our son Doug, a loving mother to our beautiful grandchildren Casey and Amani, and such a great daughter-in-law. Our visits together are always fun and our long, interesting conversations are always a pleasure.
ReplyDeleteHappy 40th Birthday Mel. Love you A LOT!!!! Barb
Dear Mel-ski:
ReplyDeleteI have so much enjoyed you, Dougie and your 2 daring babies..We don't see enuff of you these days.. I do remember our canning day ( I was so happy that someone in our family would carry on the tradition) and the fun we had also that reminds me that I miss having you all close by and look forward to your summer visit.at the 3rd annual.....Love you AP
From Teri Larson:
ReplyDeleteWhenever I'm around Mel, she always makes me laugh since she's got a great sense of humor. She's a warm, comforting person who is just an all around cool chick. I'm thankful to call her my friend. Have a very happy 40th!!
Melissa,
ReplyDeleteWe thoroughly enjoy our time with you and appreciate that you are always willing to play cards on the spur of the moment. Happy 40th birthday, enjoy your day! ~Kevin and Julie Cunningham
In addition I appreciate that I can talk "education" with you! My only regret is that we are not in the same district. Julie
Hi Mel!
ReplyDeleteFirst, Happy 40th Birthday! I have always admired how 'real' you have always been; so easy to talk and so incredibly caring. Just wish we all lived in the same state!! Love, Christy (and Jeff) hmmm... I think by the time you read this, I will be McGee, but for now... Christy Synowiec :) I will always remember your birthday now--a couple days after our wedding day :) so sorry you can't be with us- we will miss you!
Happy Birthday Mel!
ReplyDeleteWe live in different states but I always admired how fun & easy-going you are...and how much you enjoy the outdoors....wishing you an amazing 40th year!
Best-Rebecca Ryan-Sanin
Mel,
ReplyDeleteWhen we met in Kenya during our Peace Corps stint I immediately admired your confidence, your passion for yoga, and your unique ability to make nerdy scientific experiments look amazingly fun! As so many have said already, you bring joy and laughter to any occasion.
I still remember the tune you wrote to Sean's poem "Rejoice". Do you? Any I won't forget your blue hair band, getting mites from your chickens or your experiment with underarm hair. You certainly have enriched my life.
I wish you a Happy Birthday and may you continue to be true to yourself.
Rena Lenay Pugh Geibel
Missy, What is the difference between "six of one and half a dozen of the other?" And: do you wear your shirts "tucked in or tucked out?" For almost 40 years now I have carried those two fun thoughts. And so many others that I can't think of off the top of my head.
ReplyDeleteYou have done yourself and me proud!! :>)
I love you so much and wish you the happiest of birthdays. Mom
Nobody snorts hot pink oatmeal out their nose the way Missy can!
ReplyDeleteJuli Speck
Maudly....I'm not very good with words but I'll try. What do I like/love about Maud....her dry sense of humor. She is always able to make me laugh no matter the situation good or bad (stupid beaver). Her ability to let her hair down so to speak and be silly. Her love of the outdoors and the environment as well as her calm assertive nature. But most of all for helping to make me the person I am today. May our adventures continue well in to our golden years.
ReplyDeleteHAPPY 40th BIRTHDAY Maudly!!
Love ya J.J.
What I love about Maud - her sense of adventure, contagious positive
ReplyDeleteattitude, dedication, and her acceptance and caring of others.
Mohawk insisted I include Jellybean as well. Ranger
Mel's honesty and intent are as bright and clear as a crystal. Her understanding of our place in the universe leaves her always open to learning. She is exceptional! (And JE say she is VERY NICE!! :) We love you!
ReplyDeleteMel has always been thoughtful, not only in action but in thought and expression. She is a woman who truly thinks before she speaks and this ability makes those who are fortunate enough to engage her in conversation feel very special. Thank you for being, XOXO Beth
ReplyDeleteI love that she hasn't sent my shoe floating down the creek for at least 20 years! Seriously it is her optmism, sense of humor and the amazing fact that we have known each other since kindegarten! Jenny
ReplyDeleteWhat I love about Mel is that she is sweet, simple and natural. She has a calm, cool way about her that I am sure everyone loves.
ReplyDeleteShe is an awesome person and we wish her a very Happy Birthday and many more to come!
Love, Peggy, Ed, Eddie and Meghan Goutink
I love the fact that Mel loves camels! We were in Petra and I know that I would never have shelled out the money to take a camel hike through the lost city (ah, those stingy Peace Corps days). But Mel was insistent, so Mark, Jerlyn, Mel, and I rode on camels and enjoyed that amazing place. One of the best memories of that entire trip!
ReplyDelete-Sean
Maudly makes me laugh! She is always UP for any adventure-with our without kids and Doug. Happy 40th-the best years are to come! Blondie
ReplyDeleteIt will be a pleasure working in the same room with you next year. Being forty, you have a great deal of experience at inservice to share and only 20 more years left….lol. Getting older just means getting better. Rex
ReplyDeleteI have it over all these people simply because(with the exception of one other person)I have known you the longest.You live up to the girl scout creed every day of your life. You have touched and influenced many, many lives in forty years,but none more so than your father. You make me very proud MELESSA. lOVE YOU ALWAYS, DAD
ReplyDeleteI like Melissa because she makes me wish I taught Chemistry! You have great ideas, your students enjoy their projects and I love the way you think! I enjoy looking at all the projects you have in the hallway. I was honored to be a part of your "Host-a-Mole" Project. You are a definite asset to the DeForest Science Department!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!!
Meg
Well, I had to wait 24 years, but I finally got a SISTER! A book-sharing, pumpkin-pie making, Indian food-eating, Mahjong-playing, pencil-diving, blackberry-picking, cheese song-singing, Island-camping, worm-identifying, canoe-riding, museum-hopping, furniture-inspecting, cousin-raising, fun-loving true to life sister! And it is everything I ever hoped it would be! Lots of love on your 40th! Ju-lie
ReplyDeleteI hit the carpool jackpot with Melissa! Not only do we save the environment/a bit of money, but I also enjoy the company on our 15 minute commute. She is very knowledgeable. I've found she's trustworthy and I can respect her opinions on pretty much anything, for example: professional matters, music and cheesy radio show competitions. As the Germans say: "Schön, dass es dich gibt!" (It's nice that you exist).
ReplyDeleteLisa
From Skye:
ReplyDeleteMaud is an energetic, committed, adventure-loving, wonderful and funny person. I'm proud to know her and call her a friend! Love you...Skye
When people talk about "being in the moment" they should just add "insert picture of Melissa here" because you are one of the most grounded people I know! The world would be a better place if we could just replicate you :)
ReplyDelete~Alexa
What I love about Mel- great sense of humor, easy to talk to, very smart, fun to be around, her love for the outdoors and adventure, down to earth attitude about life. She is a caring and warm hearted sister in law, the kind who would travel all the way to NJ for the baby shower of her soon to be new niece or nephew. Happy Birthday Mel! We can celebrate this summer! Love, Noreen
ReplyDeleteMel just rocks! She's funny, clever, and somehow able to survive cohabitation with my brother. I admire her passion for the outdoors and for teaching, and think she's done a great job w. Vanz' 2 big cousins. Happy fowr to the izzo! Have douggie put you on a plane to come see us in der Schweiz!
ReplyDelete- Swiss Family Larkin
I once saw her chase a frog into a lake with jean and shoes on shortly after her wedding.
ReplyDelete-Rick
Hi Mel! Happy 40th!
ReplyDeleteYou're one of the few who didn't mind helping with the chickens, even though no doubt THEY minded :)
Have a wonderful birthday!
Love - Mark
The thing I love about Maud is that even when she went on backpacking trips as a CHC staff, she still took along the tail of her beloved "JellyBean". It was a great example to the Junior Girls Scouts (who I would take troop camping) that thought having a "stuffed animal" was "babyish". I always took extra stuffed animals along, and by morning they all had a parnter. So when I went to China on an exchange, one of my students gave me a tity Teddy Bear who made the trip. Thanks for the inspiration, Maud. AND Happy Birthday:-)
ReplyDeleteL, Cricket
I suppose we've known each other close to 25 years, huh? Now having already read these, I've become sentimental-love your mom and dad--they continue to be the best, by the way. Let's see: feeding schedules come to mind-food at timely intervals whilst traveling or session breaking; games, games, games from broomball to marathon sessions of tripoly; passion for music and song; knowing yourself and your needs; under-reactor? I think we had that conversation just before GROG this summer; problem solving that's out of this world and an unending passion for learning; a liberal, green viewpoint that matches my beliefs and ALWAYS, JUST A GIRL SCOUT! Here's to another 40 and the CHc Nursing Home down the road. Love ya, Shad
ReplyDeleteAlso, I thought I might how nice it was of Melto have the only Larkin Birthday in June. Gave us something to celebrate each year! (Pretty soon, there will be two of you).
ReplyDeleteRick, entry #2
Her small handwriting... Her enjoyment of simple pleasures... Her honest opinions without harsh judgement... Her intelligence... Her ability to climb trees... Her openness to trying without concern for perfection in the attempt... How she is comfortable quiet when there is no need for noise... The way she scrunches her face when she laughs... Her respect for others in all different walks for life... Her voice...
ReplyDeleteThank you, Maudlin, for all that you are, and for sharing it with me.
Fe
I love that you were my partner in crime throughout childhood - remember the banana tree?!
ReplyDeleteI love that, no matter how many miles have been between us, no matter how long it'd been since we last talked, our friendship still has the comfort and ease as if we'd just chatted yesterday. I love it when we sing together, completely enjoying the moment and unity it brings us, despite my bullfrog like voice! I love that you are so completely true to yourself today as you were over 30 years ago. You wrote me a poem about 20 years ago that I framed and I've kept with me through all my moves. When I feel alone or down, I read it and it always brings a smile to my face, knowing you are with me in spirit for life. Thats how you touch those around you - deeply and for life. Happy 40th Maudly!
Love always,
Renee
This may sound wierd coming from a woman, but I have always admired Melissa's powerful femininity. This probably makes Melissa (and many others) laugh, because she is so utterly earthy, but I don't mean feminine in the sterotypical way (hair bows, painted nails, giggles) but archetypally: independent, self-possessed, nurturing without coddling, encouraging without shaming, teaching without demeaning. I am struggling with words today so will simply add an emphatic "ditto" to what others have said to describe Melissa, a truly splendid, remarkable, unforgettable, and treasured woman.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Mel.
With Love from Elizabeth Strasser
Maud will always and forever be my "blue heart fashion earring" woman! I have so many memories of times spent together at CHc as a backpacker and and as a staffer. It was so nice to have a sister at camp!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Mud!
Love,
Bud
There's also the fact that Melissa is proud to be from Wisconsin. One has to stand in awe of her for that. And the fact that she toted that raggedy turtle all around Africa. It gives me hope that she'll continue to let the rest of us tag along with her as she continues her journey. Here's to the next 40 years!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Melissa!
ReplyDeleteWe are so fortunate to have had the opportunity to develop a friendship with you and your family. We love your quick, ready smile, relaxed nature, and spontaneity. We hope you have a fun and fulfilling fortieth year (alliteration for the scientist!)!
Love, Dana, Michael, Mathea, Anja, and Kaia
Well, it’s unanimous, you’re cool, and you rock!! What I love about Melissa is having someone like Melissa to love. What I don’t love about Melissa is that she has to live so far away!! I love all of these comments too, because each one creates very real images of you – everything that you are – and how much you touch and inspire everyone you are connected to. I miss not having more time to experience life in all its zaniness with you, the kids, kayaking, hiking, books, teaching science, or just laughing about the craziness of it all. Friends like you make the journey a good one, and one to feel good about, even if we sometimes feel like merry go bunnies or hiding behind gorillas. And haha you’re in trouble now, an underarm hair experiment, eh? I can’t wait to see you this summer!
ReplyDeleteHave An Amazing Birthday Melissa!!!
Love you!
Toni
Maudly!
ReplyDeleteHow do I love thee? Let me count the ways!
I love that you are so deeply anchored in reality: your sense of calm, your practicality, your ability to find humor and awe in everyday things. At the same time, you fly with possibility: your sense of justice, your zest for trying new things, your optimism. You inspire me with your sense of adventure. When I am with you, I feel good about myself and the world.
Sending you a big hug and so much love for your 40th!
Fynn
After reading all of these, what occurs to me is that I am simply so lucky to experience each of these wonderful things about you on a daily basis, and have for the past 11+ years. Happy birthday dear! (p.s. The kids voted for an ice cream cake this year, I think they wanted a break from cheesecake!)
ReplyDeleteYour loving husband,
Doug
Today is the day! HB and all that. I love that chemistry joke - diene? that kills!
ReplyDeletehave a wonderful day - don
Mel:
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday. Here's hoping the day brings the joy, peace and quiet wisdom that you bring to us all.
Peace and Love,
Seamus, Julia, Jillian & Shane
Dear Melissa,
ReplyDeleteThere are so many things about you I like. For one, your norderly 'Sconni accent, still with an echo of the old country. I love it when you talk to me all intellectually energized about some really cool thing you learned, --"Hey, Steph, did you hear about...?!"-- like we're farmers meeting at the lumber yard, and it'll be some breakthrough in astronomy or archaeology or neurobiology, or you learned an elegant chemistry concept modeling activity to use in your teaching. Or somebody in the world has done something outrageously wrong or wonderful we should vent about together or celebrate. Even when you're talking scholar talk, invoking critical feminist post-modern multicultural education theorists, you are still, like your friends here are saying, 100% down to earth. You can narrate stories about complex and abstract things in a way that makes it easy to listen.
Remember our very first class in grad school? The first night of Peter's Science Ed Seminar, Jan.2000. I didn't know a soul. At the dinner break, you came up to me all happy and friendly because I'd said I once lived in Tanzania, and you'd lived in Kenya. It was like you recognized me as kin. And just like that we became comfortable old friends.
Having you for a friend outside of school was so unexpectedly great, especially after having lived 8 years in Texas without a single female bosom buddy nearby. As I write this, though, it dawns on me that, blinded by the wonderfulness of having a real woman friend to hang out with, I failed to appreciate the importance of having you as an academic colleague. At the time, I took it for granted that feminist theory was an important strand informing any discipline. Which it is. But now that I think back, I bet if it weren't for you, there wouldn't have been anyone in our classes talking knowledgeably about feminist theory and practice in science education. When I asked you, up in the CIMC one day, "How did you become a feminist?" your answer was to me an epiphany: "I was in Girl Scouts..."
That first memory of you is still how I see you, Melissa: Outgoing, generously interested in other people, self-confident, and a really good listener. A true feminist, you assert your self powerfully while respecting others as your equals in power. I admire your honesty and your concern for the earth and for people all over the world, a realistic-sized sense of responsibility you express in the way you work and live your life, and in the way you and Doug are raising your children. You are caring, funny, and a great cook. Your smile is positively uplifting. You are comfortable in your own body, putting others at ease. You are a beautiful woman! And I don't mean just your soul-- I mean, your face and the way you carry yourself are beautiful. You are really kind of charismatic, yet totally unassuming. Now that you're 40, isn't it about time you thought about running for office?
yours,
steph
Dear Mel
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing all you have accomplished in your life and you are just now
turning 40! It is always so nice being wit you and your family when your
visit the East Coast. You are always such a peaceful presence though
we're sure you have your moments! We're looking forward to seeing you
this summer. Have a wonderful Birthday. We wish you much happiness in the year ahead.
Love,
Aunt Teen and Uncle Phil
Hi Melissa!
ReplyDeleteYep, 12 years later and we are still on Africa time. Happy Belated birthday! Hope you had a wonderful day yesterday. With all these wonderful comments about you how could you not love to be 40. I have a few thing add.....I loved that I thought Mel and Kevin were the other married couple in our group, I loved the G hat, even though we are from Minnesota. I love your generosity, kindness, free spirit, adaptability and loyalty. I love seeing you now as a wonderful, caring parent and a great role model for you kids! So glad we are still in touch and now there is another REAL married couple in our group. Hope you had a fantastic 40th!
~Tina
Hey Maud,
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoy your 40th Year!!!
Fun-loving
Optimistic
Resourceful
Trustworthy
Young in the Forever sense. . .
Happy Birthday Maud! June always makes me think of Maud and Raccoon lure-- isn't it a nice night for a 'coon hunt?? You have created a wonderful circle of love and support and it is always fun to hear you tell your stories. Here's to another 40 years of good living and fun adventures!
ReplyDeleteLove, AJ
Happy Belated Birthday Maud....
ReplyDelete(i am not sure how i did not see the email shadow sent out until now - yikes... but, better late than not at all for me to wish her a happy birthday on this great blog.... i love this idea of the birthday blog....:)
Favorite words about Maud.... i am so very happy that i was fortunate enough to be on the Canadian Backpacking trip with her and then on CHC staff... and now all the GROGs..mini-GROGS... it would all not be the same without her...She adds a lot of wisdom, friendship, spark and love to the things she does and the people around her.
Happy belated Birthday, Maud... Norway here we come....
Yikes - the last comment dated july 20th
ReplyDeletewas from Cracker Jack :)
May be I am quite late to write this given that the 40th birthday was so many months ago. Please note that each day is a birthday to be lived as it unfolds. You have come a long way since Lwanya. I envy Doug for the Wonderful Catch he got during his Peace Corps days. Please say hi to him. For a time we had a common interest in Fractals as we tried to find the value of x at Busiada.
ReplyDelete