The calendar said August the last time...

The calendar said August the last time I checked and it’s a strange feeling not to be going back to school this fall.

I always liked preparing for those school days. My mother always insisted on a trip to the mall for new socks, shoes and shoe laces, a couple of blouses and some jeans. The annual outing guaranteed lunch at my favorite fast food joint and, if I was well-behaved, a banana split.

I’d also hit the drugstore for new pens, pencils and notebooks. Then, there was the Godbey ritual: dumping my new purchases onto the living room floor, organizing and reorganizing school supplies according to color and size.

I never could figure out how to avoid the yearly trip to the doctor, which usually entailed some kind of immunization shot, or the dentist.

Where did the school years go? The time went so quickly.

But have faith. Graduates can return to the classroom. It takes just one student or child to open the door. And why not get back into the swing of things at Santa Monica Place’s back-to-school celebration, featuring arts, crafts, music, theater and a fashion show? Kids and parents can enjoy the festivities from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday at 4th Street and Colorado Avenue. (phone: (310) 394-5451).

There will also be a weeklong used clothing and toy drive for homeless children Monday through Saturday. Donate last year’s books, toys and clothes at collection bins located throughout the mall.