Life History of Brenda (Harris) Olszewski

11. Share a story about one of your siblings.

Well the sibling I was closest to was Jim. He and I would do the dishes together sometimes and make up songs to pass the time like "Ain't,Ain't in the Dictionary" He still makes me laugh.

12. Did you have a favorite pet while growing up? Tell us about your pet(s). If you didn't have one what did you wish for?

The pet I most remember was our dog "Skippy" she was a very good dog and I remember her going everywhere with us kids and even one time when dad came into our room Skippy was there growling ready to protect us.

13. Did you have a favorite family vacation? Tell us something about it.

I think my favorite vacation was when we went to the Salt Lake Temple.
I was about 9 or 10 then. We drove by car and had lots of adventure. I loved staying at the farm of the Williams in Idaho. I was happiest because I got to ride the horses.

14. Do you follow any religious beliefs? Tell us about your church.

I am a Mormon. The Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter Dat Saints. I love it and know it is true. I thank God every day that Mom and Dad joined.It has made me a good person without it I don't know where or who I would be.

15. Do you collect anything? Tell us about your collection or favorite item.

Well for a while I was collecting Teddy Bears. I was getting too many and didn't have the room. Now I like Willow Tree figurines. They are so beautiful. I have 3. Each one of my girls have given me one.

16. Is there someplace you lived that you especially liked or disliked and why?

I love where I live now. I live in Akron, NY. part of it reminds me of home. Country setting and peaceful. I like to sit in my backyard on the patio. We have a swing and a fountain and a canopy. I like to go there and read. In the fall we have the mountain across from us and it is beautiful.

17. Tell us about your mother, do you have a special memory of her?

My mom was the best mother! I loved watching her cook. When I was little I would sit on the counter and watch her cook. I learned how to cook from her. That's my favorite memory of her. I also loved to hear her talk. We talked alot. I called her when I was upset or sad and I would always feel better. My girls do that now with me. We are close like that too.

18. Do you have strong political feelings? If so, do you have any idea where you got them? Or if you have no political persuasions, how come?

I really don't have strong political views. I do follow it and have some concerns, but am not radical at all. Dad always talks politics with Jim and Steve when I'm out and I join in sometimes but I was never that interested as they are.

19. How has music influenced your life, do you sing, play an instrument or have a favorite song?

Music has had a big influence in my life. I was 3 when Mom said I would go to Aunt Hattie's piano and pick out "Mary had a little lamb" and other songs I knew. I always had a passion for the piano. I begged for lessons and Mom would take me. I played for church and school .I loved it, it was always very relaxing for me. When my girls were still home they loved music too and I would play the piano while they sang for church and school. We had the best fun. We would sing to all kinds of music and Amy played in the school orchestra with her viola. Jenny and Carrie sang in all the choirs available and Jen and I were even in the musical "Fiddler on the Roof" that our stake put on. Jenny went on to take singing lessons and to go into competition.
I teach music in Primary and I stress the importance of how the music and words make us feel.

20. Do you have a school experience that really stands out in your mind, either good or bad?

Playing for the Senior Chorus was one of the best memories of school for me. As I have said I loved playing the piano and I was asked by Mr. Siano our music teacher if I would play. That in itself was a great honor.

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