2022: My Year in Books

2022: My Year in Books

I have always loved to read. I remember being a middle-schooler and perusing my grandparents' bookshelves. I enjoyed authors like Agatha Christie and Danielle Steele (not sure I was supposed to be reading Steele's novels, but I did). I even read Flowers in the Attic, and I know I should not have been reading that book. LOL

During high school, in college, and even after college, much of what I read consisted of school/work-related texts - have-to-reads. For long while, I stopped reading for enjoyment altogether. 

Being an elementary school teacher for the last 12 years has helped me find my way back to reading for pleasure. However, for many of these years, I would only read during the summer months, when life as less hectic...you educators know what I mean. 

About 3 summers ago, I became intentional with reading for pleasure throughout the school year, and began experiencing how relaxing and de-stressing losing myself in a good book could be.

For 2022, I am challenging myself to achieve a specific reading goal, which consists of reading at least 50 books for pleasure. Many of the books I am planning to read will be picture books and middle grade novels that match the books prompts provided by the POPSUGAR Reading Challenge for 2022.

If you are interested in the reading challenge and to learn more, click the links above. I'd love the company.

https://unsplash.com/photos/f2Bi-VBs71M

Trying and Accepting #SOS

 

Sharing Our Stories: Magic in a Blog

If something is important enough, you should try. Even if the probable outcome is failure.

[Elon Musk]

This quote resonates with me more this school year than any other. 

Every day I enter my classroom knowing my Scholars are important enough for me to try...whatever it is.

However, there are so many things being asked of teachers this year that it seems like failure is inevitable.

I will never stop trying, for my Scholars are important enough.

But I have radically accepted that my best will also have to be good enough.

I’m joining an open community of writers over at Sharing Our Stories: Magic in a Blog. If you write (or want to write) just for the magic of it, consider this your invitation to join us. #sosmagic

Look What You've Done - #SOL21

I wasn't sure I had anything to write for a Slice tonight, but thankfully God reminded of something that made me laugh out loud yesterday.

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I'm with my 14-year-old son, stopped at a red light, on our way to get food from Chick-fil-A.

My windows are down.

In the turn lane to my left is a mom, at least I assume she was mom. She is behind the wheel of a mini monster truck, which I thought was pretty cool. There is a child in the front seat and what sounds like a preschool classroom in the back. Kids are screaming, crying, and complaining.

Mom can be heard calmly telling a child to put their head on the seat, and something about not touching anyone. 

Her windows are down.

As things calm down, not really, mom starts singing along with the song on the radio..."Hallelujah, look what you've done, look what you've done in me." I start head-bobbing and swaying to the music. I know this song!

Just as the light changes for me to go, I hear the loudest cry from one of the backseat kids...as if in complete distress.

"TURN IT UP!!!"

She was in distress. She needed to hear "her" song.

 "Look What You've Done" by Tasha Layton 

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Slice of Life

Trees - #SOS - Sharing Our Stories

SOS - Sharing Our Stories

 

Fire Dragon Maple             Chinese Pistache   

This invitation to write about trees made me reflect on my current experience. We recently planted two new trees in our front yard, after having two cedar-like trees removed.

The cedar trees had been planted by the original builders/owners of our home over 14 years ago. They had grown very tall and wide, and begun to restrict the amount of sunlight the lawn underneath their branches received.  They were also very messy trees that left feather-like foliage and sap-filled pods all over our yard.

Since the two new trees have been planted, I have had to learn how to care for them. Trees are very expensive. You may not be aware, if you have not had to purchase trees before. So, I have had to be very careful and fully aware of when and how much to water the trees, as well as how to mix the twice-per-month seaweed treatment.

As an educator, I consider myself, a lifelong learner. I have always attributed that characteristic to continuously learning and staying on top of my craft as a teacher. 

As a new tree owner, I now know (have learned) a bit about trees...a topic that has never been an interest of mine. But, since I have no plans to purchase more trees, I am applying what I have learned to ensure I don't kill these.

Control - #SOL21

I really didn't know what to write for a Slice today. I could write about how haywire the school year has started off.

Or, how flipped upside-down my home life is right now.

But, for some reason I feel lead to write about control. 

In all the stuff going crazy in my life right now, I have one thing I can control. It's just about the ONLY thing I can control right now...meal prep.

I actually took the time to plan, shop, and prep breakfast and lunch for the week. 

For everything else, God is going to have to work it out.

Slice of Life Story Challenge

In the Shadow of Addiction - SOL21

 In the Shadow of Addiction

(Originally published April 1, 2021)

After the first sip
then the next and the next and the next
fear and anxiety worn like a cloak
oh, that it was on invisibility

Prayers sent up
waiting and hoping and waiting and hoping and

Be. Ever. So. Quiet.
Do. Not. Awaken. The. BEAST
Hide yourself away from ITS distorted view
Behind closed doors

Cover-ups
Excuses, Excuses, Excuses
In The Shadow of Addiction
EVERYONE suffers the shame

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This poem was original written and published at a time when addiction was a distance thought...a thing to be reflected upon. Today, unfortunately, addiction is no longer a distant thought. It is a present thing in our lives.

This time, however, no fear, no anxiety!

Prayers are being sent up!

Hoping and Waiting are about all I can do.

Still being ever. so. quiet, but

This time,

To let God take control.

It Could Have Been Worse - #SOL21

Slice of Life

View from outside the car.           View from inside the car.

Friday, July 30 - I got one of those phone calls no mom, no parent, no one for that matter, wants to get.

T: Mom, I am so scared and I don't know what to do!!!

Me: What happened?!!!

T: I'm on the highway and the car in front of me hit a piece of wood and it flew up and hit my windshield. There is glass all in my car. My windshield has a hole in it.

Me: Are YOU okay?!!

T: I'm shook up, but I'm okay.

...

Y'all, God protected my baby, and I'm giving HIM all praise and honor!!!

A Symphony of Cicadas - #SOL21

 

Slice of Life

Almost every evening, around 7:30pm, when the sun is in just the right position to shade the street in my tree-lined neighborhood, I walk my Princey-Poo-Poo.

Yesterday evening, the cicadas were louder than I remember during any other walk.

Their music started out mezzo, or moderately soft, but only for second, before rising to a crescendo that was almost deafening (not really). 

As I listened, I thought, I'm experiencing a symphony of cicadas.

Time Well Spent - #SOL21

 

Write. Share. Give.

Slice of Life

There are times in our lives when we sacrifice our own wants and needs for those of another. Today, I had the privilege of doing this very thing for my daughter. 

I absolutely did not want to leave the house today, except to run a specific errand. But, I could tell my recently-graduated daughter was eager to get out. She spent the last 3 years making a life in Austin, but is now in transition as she moves back home. So, I did my best to extend our outing as much as I could.

1. Petco - to return an unneeded item

2. Michael's - to browse the isles

3. Marshalls / Home Goods - to check out the gourmet foods

4. Starbucks - for a late lunch and cold drinks

5. TJ Maxx - since it's on the way home (and they also have gourmet foods)

We didn't need to, nor did we, spend a lot of money. Because, today was more about spending time.

Quality Time is her Love Language after all.

Writing Outside - #SOL21

 

Write. Share. Give.

Saturday morning I went outside to write.

The clouds were wispy and sort of spread throughout the sky. They moved along at a consistent pace, at times giving the sun a place to hide, and at other times, allowing all of the sun's rays to shine through exposing me to brief moments of Texas hot.

I had ever noticed how peaceful and quiet our neighborhood is at this time of the morning. The birds provided a song for me to enjoy - an occasional "oo-oo-oo" could be heard, while much closer were the "teeer-teeer-teeer" sounds from birds living in the tree in my front yard.

Everything seemed so still except the occasional sway and rustle of the trees as a gentle breeze made its presence known, then quickly was no more.

Having taken the moment to sit in my driveway and write this morning made me realize that I need to adjust and find balance in the busyness of my schedule and obligations; I need to make time to enjoy the beauty of nature right outside my front door.

A Golden Shovel - #SOL21

Write. Share. Give.

I am participating in the Chippewa River Writing Project, and the "write out" prompt for the day required that I write a "Story Only I Can Tell."

In my response I used the line "Only I can tell the story of...".as a refrain, beginning each thought.

So, I have decided to use that line in a Golden Shovel that I wrote for a different writing opportunity.

    There are stories that need to be told and the ONLY

    one who can tell them is you, or I.

    Words inside of us that would, will, CAN

    penetrate the reader's mind and soul and TELL

    of joys and pain, and heartache, and triumph...THE

    lines of the perfectly-crafted STORY

    that only you, or I, possess the words OF.

A Feels-Big List - #sosmagic - June 19

I’m joining an open community of writers over at Sharing Our Stories: Magic in a Blog. If you write (or want to write) just for the magic of it, consider this your invitation to join us. #sosmagic

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I have been thinking about this prompt most of today, and I could not come up with one thing that feels/felt big. What came to mind was several things that feel big in my life right now.

So, I created a list...

1. Teaching in today's political climate feels big.

2. Teaching in today's social climate feels big.

3. Letting my 22-year-old, college graduate, who will always be my baby girl, figure out her life feels big.

4. Trusting my 14-year-old, black son to be safe in this world/country/state/anywhere feels big.

5. Starting the school year in a new school with a new team of teachers who I am expected to lead feels big.

When I think about the weightiness of my list, it is not hard to feel small and insignificant. I understand, however, that feelings don't always equate to reality. As I lean in to the big-ness of my feelings, I'm confident I will learn and grow, and maybe others in my sphere will learn something, too.

Finishing One Story and Looking Forward to Begin Another - SOL 2021

Teach Write, LLC. Writing Workshops for Teacher-Writers

I am currently taking the workshop in the image above. Cherylann Schmidt is an amazing instructor who is helping me make sense of Practioner Inquiry and the stories that can be gleaned from the work we do with our Scholars.

At the beginning of each session, we spend some time in our notebooks responding to a question related to the data we have collected. This past week, she asked two very simple questions.

• Where did we come from?

• Where are we going?

I'm not sure how much thought I gave to either of the questions before I started writing. Below is what came to mind.

• We came from a place of questioning...our practice, our effort, our impact, our purpose.

• We are headed toward understanding and revelation. - toward the ability to identify the stories our Scholars tell.

I know what you're thinking. Your responses are as simple as the questions. You might not be wrong. 

But, when I weigh my responses against the practioner I strive to be every year for every group of Scholars I have the privilege of teaching, those words carry a lot of weight; a weight I hope I can carry year after year.

Sometimes Things Go Haywire - June 10, 2021

Image by anncapictures from Pixabay  

So...the situation I write about below may not technically count as "going haywire", but it's dilemma for me all the same. 

As much as I welcome Summer Break, it comes with its own set of challenges. Namely the hours between 7am and 4pm. During the school year, those hours are accounted for. In the summer, I'm responsible for  making those hours productive.

I am keeping my routine for the most part, and I have an ever-growing To-Do list, but there are times in the day that I don't do much or I seem to get sucked in to doing something NOT on my list.

At the time of this notebook entry, I don't know how I will solve this problem. But, I do know I can't let time pass me by this summer. August will be here before you know it, and I will be writing about a totally different time problem...not having enough.

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Just before I was about to hit "Publish", I heard a familiar voice (in my head and not my voice) telling me to keep a "Done List". A list of the things I get done during the day. Some of those things may not be on my To Do list, but I will have accurate account of what I have accomplished for the day.

I think I'll try it. Thanks Jennifer Laffin for being that little voice I hear that keeps me on track.

I’m joining an open community of writers over at Sharing Our Stories: Magic in a Blog. If you write (or want to write) just for the magic of it, consider this your invitation to join us. #sosmagic

Pieces of Sanity and Jeweled Fragments of Calm - SOLSC 2021

Last Friday, my friend, Leigh Anne Eck shared the poem below by Alan J Wright. In her Friday Night Quickwrite, Leigh Anne invited writers to write with her in response to Alan's words.

My Friday Night Quick Write Response

I have read the first 3 lines (of Alan's poem) several times, and I can think of several instances in which I experienced "the stormiest of days". The most recent being May 22- May 31 when Rodney was in the hospital (in Austin) with a collapsed lung. 

In the midst of the confusion around how it (could have) happened, the  frustration surrounding when he would (actually) be released, and the discomfort of sleeping in a hospital ("window") bed (me, not Rodney), there were "pieces of sanity" through it all. It has taken a few days for me to get back in stride now that we are home, but I think I am finding "jeweled fragments" of calm.

Beautiful Blue - SOLSC -May 11, 2021

 

Yesterday, when I got home from traveling all the way to the Target on my side of town (picking up new pens ordered earlier in the day), from my school not on my side of town, there was securely wrapped package waited for me.

Initially, because of the size, I thought the sender had purchased, "The War of Art" for me (our next book club book). Though I would have appreciated receiving the book, I sincerely hoped it wasn't, because another generous gift-giver had already sent me the book.

I searched for a vulnerable spot in the packaging that could be penetrated without the use of extra equipment, and slowly began removing the wrapping.

It wasn't long before I was holding in my hands the MOST BEAUTIFUL BLUE, leather-bound, dot-paper notebook. I can't explain why I was mesmerized by the color, but I was (and still am). As I write this notebook entry, I really can't find the words to justly describe the color, so I chose a blue pen (this blue pen) to write with. 

The Beautiful Blue Notebook gifted to me by a MOST Beautiful Friend.

Thanks Jen.

Storms of Life - May 9, 2021

Storms of Life

*uncertainty of what is to come

*hardships associated with what currently is

*solutions/the end does not always come easy or when we want/expect

*worry can be inevitable

The storms of life come to make you strong. It's within the storms when you often realize what you are made of.

During to storm, a choice has to be made - often multiple times throughout - fight or flight, so to speak.

Many other thoughts are had also: 

Can I really handle this storm? Do I have what it takes? This is so hard? How will I ever get through this? If I hide/quit/ignore, maybe the storm will go away/work itself out.

I wonder how many people take time to reflect during or after experiencing storms in their lives? Do people evaluate how they have change as a result of their experience? What did they learn? What worked? What didn't? How are they different for better or worse as result of the storm?

This scripture came to mind as I prepared to write this post. James 1:2-3 says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because the testing of your faith produces perseverance." (NIV)

As a woman of faith, I am still a work-in-progress when it comes to "counting it all joy" regarding storms, but my faith allows me to experience storms from a different perspective.

I’m joining an open community of writers over at Sharing Our Stories: Magic in a Blog. If you write (or want to write) just for the magic of it, consider this your invitation to join us. #sosmagic

T-shirts and Quilts - May 8, 2021

This poem reminds me of the stacks of race day (5K, 10K, 13K) T-shirts I have accumulated over the years.

Most are currently folded neatly and stacked in a pile no longer being used for their intended purpose.

When I was a runner, as new shirts were acquired, older shirts were rotated out. But I never had the heart to throw any of them away.

Ironically,  I have kept my shirts all these years hoping to find a seamstress who will repurpose them into a quilt for me. 

I no longer run races, but I want to hold on the those memories in some tangible way.

I'm hoping my race day T-shirt quilt will be a constant reminder.

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Thank you Leigh Anne Eck for inviting me to join Friday Night Quickwrites. You can write with me, Leigh Anne, and others on the Three Teachers Talk blog by clicking here.

It's All About Relationships For Me - May 4, 2021

 

Someone asked me what I am passionate about as a teacher.

A Teacher Appreciation Giveaway on Twitter required entrants to leave a comment about what I love about teaching.

I am passionate about knowing my Scholars. I want them to know how much I love them and how much more I believe they can succeed.

What I love about teaching is building relationships with my Scholars. I whole-heartedly believe in building relationships with students and not just with the students on my roster. 

Building relationships can be a CULTURE CHANGER for a classroom and a school.

I'd like to think that receiving this honor is evidence of my passion and my belief that relationships matter.

Parent Appreciation Week - #sosmagic

 

I know Parent Appreciation Day/Week/Month isn't really a thing, but maybe it should be.

One of my Scholars' parents has generously blessed me with a Teacher Appreciation gift. It feels good to be thought of, considered and appreciated, and I am very grateful. 

As I composed my morning announcements email, I couldn't help thinking about how much parents have had to endure this school year. Today, I decided it would be a great day to thank my Scholars' parents for all they do to support me and to help me grow their kiddos.

I'm not sure how many parents actually read my daily emails, and honestly, it really doesn't matter. I'm going to write a note of appreciation in announcements all week. As teachers are being appreciated this week, 11 Scholars' parents will be as well.

I’m joining an open community of writers over at Sharing Our Stories: Magic in a Blog. If you write (or want to write) just for the magic of it, consider this your invitation to join us. #sosmagic

I Made It - SOLSC 2021

 

I Made It! 

Today is the last day of March; the last day of the month-long marathon for the Slice of Life Story Challenge. And, I have written a Slice of Life everyday this month. 

This is my second year participating in the challenge, and my experience both years has been ver.y much the same.

• struggling to generate an idea some of the days - I honestly think the struggle is part of the process.

• being excited and daunted at the same by the challenge of having to write something every day - my own Slices, as well as thoughtful comments to other Slices.

• wanting to quit part way through, but not quitting - Must. Finish. Strong. (or at least finish)

• arriving at THIS very point in the challenge at which I am now - 

The End.

Next Year - SOLSC 2021

 

Right around this time each year, I start thinking about next year. I think about practices I will keep and those I will discard - reflecting.

This year, I'm finding it hard to reflect. Instead, I find myself wondering, since I'll be joining a 2nd grade team at a new school next year.

As much as I wonder about my new teaching environment, my new teammates, and my new Scholars, I'm also hoping. 

I'm hoping instruction and learning next year will include a classroom full of Scholars and face-to-face instruction.

Today’s Highlights-SOLSC 2021

1. Morning Workout: Stronger / Better

2. 8-Hour Work Day: Teachin' Em What They Need To Know

3. Pick Up Middle Schooler: Cuz Hubby's Playing Golf

4. Be Late to Baseball Game: Cuz Is Teenager is Starving

5. Celebrate the WIN!: Dang! We lost by 1.

This is really just another tired Slice.

No More Dirty Laundry - SOLSC 2021

 

I may need to start doing laundry more often. 

Based on my initial statement, you probably think this Slice is about running out of some article of clothing. Well, just keep reading.

For the last 3 years, since retiring almost 6 years ago, my husband has taken care of much of the cooking and laundry for our family of 3.

One Sunday afternoon, while husband and son were at baseball practice, I decided to do the laundry...you know, to pitch in and help out.

I put the load of laundry in, added detergent, and selected the "Normal" cycle. Then, I pressed "Start".

The tub begins to turn...first, a rotation right; next, a rotation left. But, there isn't any water. Not even water-flowing sounds. Water usually flows down the inside of the washing machine door. But, it's not. Something must be wrong.

So, what would any logic person do? Exactly! I stopped the machine and called my husband. 

Our conversation went something like this.

Me: Hey, did you turn the water off to the washing machine before we went on vacation last week?

Husband: No! Why?

Me: I'm washing clothes, and the machine is turning the clothes, but not filling up with water. (flashlight in hand; trying to read and understand the on/off arrows on the water shutoff knobs)

Husband: Oh, no!! I'm on my way home.

Fortunately, he wasn't far from home. 

Making a bee-line for the laundry room with a most-concerned look on his face (surely it's broken and in need of repair-$$$$), he turns on the washing machine to restart the load. 

Then, turns toward me with a look that says, "Are you serious?!!"

This time the conversation goes like this.

Husband: "You know, the machine tosses the clothes around for about 2-3 minutes before the water starts."

Me: (Looking like a goofball) "Oh!!"

I learned two things that day. 

(1). I learned how my washing machine works.

(2). I learned to let my husband do the laundry.

Pooped Pooch - SOLSC 2021

I've  heard it said, "A Tired Dog Is A Happy Dog!"

But, I think it should be said, "A Tired Dog Makes A Happy Fur-Mom!"

...Trust You? (Boy, Am I Glad I Did!) - SOLSC 2021

Do you know who Penny Kittle and Kelly Gallagher are? I had heard their names, but I didn't really know who they were. Did you know they recently started recording Youtube videos dedicated to reading and writing? Me neither.

Well, all that changed when my teacher-writer friend, Leigh Anne Eck, shared a link on Facebook for Penny and Kelly's "Day 5 March 23 2021" episode on Youtube.

Leigh Anne said, and I quote, "Such a great Penny Kittle and Kelly Gallagher video on the writing process and how it is different for everyone. You want to watch this - trust me."

Well, I trusted Leigh Anne. 

So far, I have watched the first 4 episodes. 

Oh! My! Goodness! When I tell you these two are a wealth of knowledge regarding books to read and everything writing, I mean they are a wealth of knowledge.

On the "Day 4" episode, Penny and Kelly interviewed Tom Newkirk (didn't know who he was either). And, honestly, I still don't really; except that he edited the book they just finished writing together.

 Tom advocates for the return of fiction writing in middle school and high school, and has written about the impact fiction has on writers.

Of all the ideas shared about why fiction should be taught in middle and high school, my favorites were the ideas about teachers.

"Unless teachers have the chance to try and write fiction themselves,...they are going to have trouble teaching fiction." ~ Tom Newkirk

"Teachers of writers need to be writers." ~ Tom Newkirk

These quotes brought a huge smile to my face, immediately followed by heart palpitations. I have never actually tried writing fiction. Though, I have tried teaching it. 

Bet you can guess what I will be writing soon? 

Needless to say, I am very glad I trusted my friend. 

Thank you Leigh Anne!!!

Snail Mail - SOLSC 2021

Snail Mail makes my heart happy.