Dear Reader Column 05-30-07

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Dear Reader,

Thea inspired me to get out my hula-hoop today.

"Dear Suzanne, I have been reading with you since the beginning of 2002 and I must admit it is still the highlight of my day. There are so many choices now. You have opened my eyes to books I would never even have glanced at never mind read. I would love to get some of the baked goodies from time to time but the rules are so strict here in Australia with regards to sending food, so I just drool when I see the photos.

You have become my dear reading friend--going through all your life experiences, son marrying, mother passing away. My favourite though was the 'hula-hoop' picture. I have found it so uplifting and have it on my wall. Take care and many happy readings."--Thea F.

(Suzanne responds:) Thea, not only did you inspire me to find the old column and rerun it (below), but you inspired me to get out my hula-hoop. I can still rock and roll my hips and keep that thing going round and round. And I took a new photo for you, too. To see the old and new hula-hoop photos go to:

http://tinyurl.com/2lac8d

The Hula-Hoop Column from March 2003...

Dear Reader,

I was in a toy store the other day and saw some hula-hoops. I just couldn't resist--I pulled a purple and white striped one out of the box, put it around my waist and started moving my hips. I had my doubts about keeping it from hitting the floor, but my childhood hula-hooping skills were still with me. I could have kept it going and going. When the clerk behind the counter started rolling his eyes and giving the other store employees the 'this one is a weirdo look' I thought I better make my purchase and get out of there. Hula-hoops are a real deal now. I got mine for only a $1.29.

I keep my new toy by my desk, and periodically throughout the day I jump up for a 5-minute hula break. When I tell people about my pastime they either smile and fondly recall their own childhood hula-hoop memories or they get a disgusted look on their face and tell me about what an embarrassing experience this colored circle was for them.

I'm counting on hidden benefits from this new hula-hoop craze of mine. I've convinced myself that with every right and left twist of my hips, the inches are melting off my waist and behind. I sure hope it's true. I'll keep you posted.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
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http://www.DearReader.com

READ THE CLASSICS: My Antonia by Willa Cather and enter the free Penguin Classic's Drawing. Go to: http://tinyurl.com/358deh

Comments

[Sharon]

Now I'm jealous! In the 5th grade, I was the hula hoop champion and now I can't keep it up for a whole revolution. I think it's the M&Ms-induced no-discernable-waist thing, so maybe I just need bigger hips??? :D

Keep hooping!