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