I was born in La Habana, Cuba, in pre-Castro days and migrated to the United States in 1960--this dates me, doesn't it! There is a world of information on Cuba in the Internet, but it was difficult to find something that would share some information without a political slant. It is a tough task; if you are interested, visit this one which offers a good bit of information about my native land . Just ignore the politics, if you encounter any. I've also found a site whose claim to fame is that it shows photos of Cuba from pre-Castro days, the Cuba I know; if you'd like to peruse some of them, just follow this link. Finally, one more for good measure, this one also shows many beautiful sights; however, this last link's text is in Spanish!
Unlike many other Cubans, I grew up in the Midwest, in Kansas City, Missouri, where my father pursued his career opportunities. I mention my origins so you know that English is my second language and that I am well aware of the problems specific to ESL students. The English Department offers some sections of writing courses that address the specific needs of this student population. If you are interested, follow this link to ESL information.
I have lived in the great state of Tennessee since 1983 and have taught in the English Department at MTSU in one capacity or another since 1992. I began as an Adjunct Instructor (part-time), then as a Doctoral Teaching Assistant, a Full-time Temporary Instructor, and finally, when I completed work on my Doctorate of Arts, I was privileged to be offered a tenure-track position in the Department. I am now a tenured Associate Professor in the Department.
(2004 photo)
My two sons, Brad and Bryan (pictured above with the very special women in their lives; Brad left and Bryan right), have gone to school here; Bryan is an MTSU graduate (2003). Through them and through my own work in Graduate School, I know about life at MTSU from the student's perspective. My impression from both sides of the fence is that we have a wonderful school. I hope you feel the same way. The Dalmatian is Brad's dog, but the Lab is my Josie, who was born in November of 1990, so she was getting on in years when this was taken. I was going to replace this photo with a new one that includes my new grandson, Jacob Ferris Clayton (born 8/25/04), but I've decided to add the new one below b/c I had to put my Lab down January 2004, and I don't want to take her image off. By the way, my little grandson's middle name of Ferris is in honor of his mommy's dad who had seven daughters and no sons to carry on his family name; Jacob will carry it on for him!
I'll share a photo of my little friend, Annabel (Annie for short);
she was a Christmas present in 2004, before I had to put Josie down the
following month. A dog-lover friend of mine told me that Josie was holding
on until she knew that I would be loved and looked after as well as she'd
done. Somehow, that brought me a little comfort. Annie is a wonderful
companion and brings me a great deal of joy.
(Aug. 2004 photo)
This photo shows my immediate family. Seated is my 82 year-old mom, holding Jacob; then, behind her from left to right, Jacob's mommy, Nicole; his 10 year-old sister, Mariah; Jacob's daddy, Brad; Jacob's uncle, Bryan; Lara, Bryan's friend (she graduated from MTSU in spring 2004).
Here's a photo of him by himself. I know all newborns look about the same to
the world, but to us he's absolutely beautiful! Here he is at a few hours
old. (2004 photo)
Here he is now 4 1/2 months old. (2005 photo)
And sticking out his tongue, but surely, not at his grandma! Isn't he a
hoot! (2005 photo)
Jacob and Mariah, Halloween 2005. Grandson #2, Joseph, is due to arrive in February, 2006.
On February 4, 2006, my second grandson was born, Joseph Michael Bradley
Clayton [quite a mouthful for such a little fellow!]. Here is a photo of me
with my three grandchildren--Mariah, 12, Joseph, 7 months, and Jacob 2 years
old. I'm terribly blessed.
Getting ready to have some 2nd birthday cake: Jacob in the chair, Joseph,
Grammy, and Mariah. Just in case I've not bored you enough with family
photos, here are a few more! (2006 photo)
Jacob trying out the new fire engine he got for his 2nd birthday from his Grandpa Steve.(2006 photo)
Joseph and Jacob going for a ride! (2006 photo)
This is my whole family, except mom, who passed away on March 24, 2006, just about two moths after Joseph was born--at least she got to meet him and hold him. We're a crazy looking bunch, but we sure love each other. I'm the second one from the left, between my brother-in-law, Don, and my brother, Luis. Next is Lara, my son Bryan's friend then [he's behind her] , then my sister, Mary, holding baby Joseph; behind her is my long time friend, Steve, and next to him, Nicole, my daughter-in-law, married to my son Brad in the blue; he's holding Jacob, next to Mariah. The two handsome young men in the back row are my nephews Matthew [Luis' son] and Colin [Mary's son], wearing a tie. (2006 photo)
My darling grandkids, from the top, Jacob [28 months old], Mariah [12 years old], and Joseph [10 months old]. It may take a while to upload this one, sorry! [2007 photo]
My 4th grandchild was born January 2, 2008, a little girl named Addyson
Antonia Clayton [the middle name is after me; can you imagine how honored I
am!!?].
Here she is at 4-1/2 months with brothers Jacob, now almost 4, and Joseph, now 2-1/2. (2008 photo)
I've not had a minute to update this for a while, so here it goes. These are from the first half of 2009.
Celebrating my *%@# birthday in March 9009. Left to right: my daughter Nicole; 1st grandson Jacob [4]; my 1st son Brad [Nicole's husband]; my youngest son Bryan, Brad and Bryan's daddy, Steve; 1st granddaughter, Mariah [14]; young brother, Luis; littlest granddaughter, Addyson Antonia [after me! :), 1 year old ]; me; and youngest grandson, Joseph [3].
In my deck out back of the house at Easter 2009. If you see a change in me, it's a result of a Weight Watcher life style change.
Buying some fish for the pond, April 2009, Jacob, Joseph, Mariah.
Addy got a fish, too!! :)
Putting the fish in the pond. Btw, if I'm not grading your papers, dear students, I'm out here picking weeds, deadheading flowers, getting well needed therapy!
This is your professor in a rather informal moment using a bidet in Sevilla, Spain [May 2009] for alternate purposes than intended . . . very useful in this capacity, by the way! :)
That's it for now, more to come later.
