Janet Laura DeAngeles Beekman was born in the central valley of CA just before the start of WWII, I am the second daughter of a sweet, loving, silent-type, dark & handsome first-generation Italian dad and a strong, opinionated, blond & lively Scots-Irish-English mom who was never at a loss for words. I grew up in an “Ozzie & Harriet” type of home with a mom who was a housewife and a dad who went out to work each day. Except, my dad didn’t go to work in a suit, carrying a briefcase. He owned a smelly Tallow Works and wore blue-collar pants & shirt, drove a truck, and picked up dead animals and meat scraps from old-fashioned, saw-dust-on-the-floor butcher shops. And my mom didn’t wear an apron and stay in the kitchen or clean house all day. She was the secretary/bookkeeper for dad’s business and the office was attached to our home. My best friends were Tiofila and Engracia, the little girls next door whose dad worked for mine (I later learned the hard way what it meant that they were “illegals” from Mexico). I’ll write about that someday on my blog.
My hobbies have been many, but top of the list always has involved something musical. I love to sing. I play the accordion and used to play the clarinet. Some of my favorite childhood memories involve going to my music lessons on Saturdays with my mom or attending a week of summer Music Camp at the College of the Pacific about 50 miles from my home. Later I would graduate from COP – College of the Pacific, Stockton, CA (which became UOP – the University of the Pacific – my senior year). I spent a happy career in education – teaching all ages, from K to adult.
My husband of 55+ years, Bob, and I were married shortly after my college graduation. We have two children, 7 grandchildren, and one great-grandson – with another great on the way. I will write about them in my blogs as time goes by. Bob & I retired to Ennis, Montana in 2016. It’s a wonderful community with gorgeous vistas and delightful, loving people. You’ll see the sites and meet the people as you visit JanBeek.
Let’s get started!
Comments on: "About JanBeek" (13)
Hello Jan, I have nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award. Even though I am new to this blogging community, I am enjoying it and the honest sharing it provides. I find your blog very inspiring and have included you here to help others find you as well. I know we don’t do this to win awards but if you would like to participate and choose to accept the Award, please click here to see the details: http://professionsforpeace.com/2012/05/11/awards-can-help-spread-love/
Warmest Regards, Gina
Gina, did I ever thank you for this award? Way back in 2012 when I first started, you honored me with it… and I was smart enough then to know how to put it as a widget, or whatever you call it, on the margin of my blog. Thank you so much! I’m glad, 6 years later, to still be blogging and to see you’re back to creating posts, too. Love ya, dear blogging friend! ❤
Hi Jan. Well…after your kind words on my story about Glory I just HAD to come take a peek at your blog…and here I am! Ta da! I was instantly struck with how glaringly HAPPY your blog page is! WOW! And ZAP! A giant smile appeared on my face! It is a pleasure to meet you!
Hi Jan. I did not know how to pass this message on to you, so I am hoping you will find it here. You asked me about someone else’s blog that I had found inspiring, well written and used humor to express some of his thoughts… I do not know how to actually get the link to you, so maybe you can look him up: thefilthyfifties.
Thank you. I will look that blog up.
Just started following. I am a teacher in CUSD and remember you as a great mentor and a someone I would of lived to work under but never got the chance. I’m getting closer to retirement now and just live reading these blogs. Great work you do!
Hi Patty, I am just finding this wonderful comment of yours – posted six months ago. Sorry for the delay in responding. I appreciate your kind words. Where are you working in CUSD? How close IS your retirement?
Jan, this is a delightful about page and lovely to learn so much about you. Your childhood memories are strong and vivid … and I can’t wait to learn more about your time as young. How wonderful to have been married for 55 years + and have such a family … always a blessing. Look forward to reading your posts and many thanks for the visit and comment on my blog today.
Hello Annika, Sorry about the delay in responding to this comment. I am just now seeing it 4 months later! I have been following your posts – and enjoying your writing. Thank you for visiting JanBeek and leaving your messages. I hope you are enjoying a beautiful end of spring Sunday afternoon. It’s beautiful today here in Ennis, MT. ❤
No problem at all, Jan and I’ve done the same! So happy you’re enjoying my posts … Spring has been lovely in spite of the very varied weather! 🌼🌺
Dear Janet. What an interesting background and positive attitude! Happy to be connected. All the best! Mathias
Hi Jan, You and I are are in the same generation ~ The Silent Generation. I have five sons and eight grandchildren. Nice to be connected to someone who is enjoying each day and grateful to be here.
http://www.meinthemiddlewrites.com
Well, we may be in the “Silent Generation,” but you and I are anything BUT! We have found our voice and enjoy sharing it. Glad to meet you, too, Mary Lou. ❤