Moments in Time

Reaching Our Potential

2012-02-17T18:17:00.002-05:00

As a teacher of 8th-graders, I always strive to make my students understand that they control their future. Each and every one has the ability and the power to achieve success in their lives, and I encourage them to work hard and to make decisions that will have a positive impact on their lives.

A couple of years ago, I interviewed an exceptional young man who has never seen himself as being disabled. Instead, he's been an athlete and a scholar. His story made me think how much we all can accomplish when we have the fortitude to tackle the challenges and climb the mountains that are laid before us. When I was working on the article, I came across a statement by Zimbabwe native and double-amputee Prudence Mabhena who said, "I want to show the world that disability does not mean inability." That quote could well define Oliver Horne on one condition - he's not out to prove anything to the world. He is simply persistent in living his life to the best of his ability.

Open publication - Free publishing - More mercer

R - E - N - E - W

2012-01-09T23:19:00.001-05:00

R E N E W: rest, explore, nurture, exercise, within

It's going to be a great year!

It finally came...

2012-01-01T19:09:00.009-05:00

that long awaited word of the year that's been floating around... just out of reach. I made lists and pondered and still was undecided. Then it came to me, and I felt that it was right. "Renew." I'm ready for that.

I'm ready to restore my physical self into a healthier state of existence. To make like new. To refresh. To renew.

I'm ready to make extensive changes to the way I work and live. To work more efficiently as a teacher and get home at a more reasonable hour and work more effectively in my home. Doing what needs to be done and not putting things off until later. To renew.

I'm ready to focus my efforts on a few projects I have in mind. To begin again. Resume. Renew.

When I think of the word "renew," I think of vitality and spirit. To look at the world in new ways, to consider new possibilities, to say yes to new opportunities. It's going to take some effort... all this renewing I plan on doing. But I'm ready to say good-bye to "can't" and actually do something to make a difference this year.

What plans do you have for the new year?

She's a "Can-Do" Girl

2011-12-28T01:00:00.000-05:00

The other night, while other mothers and daughters were in the kitchen baking cookies and other Christmas treats, Hannah and I were pulling out paints and art supplies for a different kind of creation. Her painting was an "H" made of leopard print while I created the "Can-Do" Girl. I didn't have a destination in mind as I began my work, and by 5 a.m., when Craig (bleary-eyed and yawning) walked into the kitchen the papers and brushes and paints and stamps were proof positive that she was a work in progress. I think she'll be my inspiration this year.... the push I need to get past "can't." That's why I'm calling her the "Can-Do" Girl. Because really, we can do anything we set our mind to. I'm saying farewell to can't. Want to join me?

Yes, Christmas is Over, however...

2011-12-27T01:03:00.000-05:00

I couldn't resist posting one more photo (make that four, I guess) before I officially put the trappings of Christmas away until next year. Each year as I place ornaments on the tree I think of where they came from. I have many dating back to my early 20s when I put up my very first tree in a garage apartment in my mom's backyard. I inherited some of her ornaments and have others that have been given to me or made for me by family and friends. For instance, the ornament in the top photo came from a Christmas party with neighborhood moms who used to get together and celebrate birthdays and Christmas. The Santa in the middle is a skydiving Santa. My sister gave me that one. And on the bottom is one of my favorites. A handmade creation by Hannah. Ornaments tied to memories make decorating for Christmas that much merrier.

Christmas Wishes

2011-12-25T21:49:00.006-05:00

Christmas wishes. Do you remember how you wished for things as a child and held your breath on Christmas morning as you tiptoed into the living room to see what Santa had left? I remember the "Dawn" dolls that were wrapped under the tree, the drum set that mysteriously disappeared shortly after Christmas festivities were over, the Frye boots (circa 1970s), and the guitar that I never learned to play.

Hannah has always kept her Christmas wish list manageable, but I'm sure my mother spent months paying for the gifts she gave her three girls. Christmas was her favorite time of the year with its decorations, pretty wrappings, and giving gifts that she hoped we would cherish. Even as we got older, Christmas was a special time for her. One year, she bought us nice wall clocks. Mine still hangs in the living room chiming out the hours day and night. The last Christmas gift she gave was an angel. My sisters and I found them wrapped and tagged in her closet after she had passed away just a few weeks before Christmas. Now, December brings with it a mix of joy and sadness as I inevitably think of my mother and how much she loved us and our Christmases together.

I can't hear "The Little Drummer Boy" without thinking of her. We even played that carol during visitation before her funeral. And I always think of how festive she made her home, adding decorative finishes to each room in her house.

My wish this year is for everyone to find joy in each and every moment of the Christmas season and to spend the holidays enjoying loved ones and friends.

Merry Christmas from my home to yours....

It Was a "Wendy" Kind of Day!

2011-12-04T21:41:00.012-05:00

We usually never know "why" things happen the way they do. We make plans. We put our heart and soul into whatever it is we're planning. Then things happen. Things that are out of our control. You know the saying... "stuff happens."

A couple of years ago, I made plans to visit four of my blog friends. But it didn't happen. My plane was delayed and delayed some more. So much more, in fact, that finally, at 1:30 the next morning, my flight was officially cancelled. I gathered my things and went right back home.

New plans were gradually made. Peggy is making plans to visit me during the summer of 2012. Now, Annemarie is coming with her! And today, TODAY, I met Wendy! My birthday soul sister. In my state.

And I was late picking her up.

There's something about those best laid plans that, uh, somehow go awry.

The clock and calendar in my head were not in-sync with my plans. It's happened twice this week. Thinking I was supposed to be somewhere at a particular time, only to show up late.

But aside from the unexpected people-watching Wendy got to do, we were able to meet, and have lunch, and view the city while we chatted, and chatted, and got to know each other.

What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than with a new, old friend. Somehow, seeing her in person made up for my cancelled trip from two years ago. Well, almost. I still think they had a wonderful time, and I missed all that.

Before I go, I have to tell you that Wendy is an amazing woman, an inspiration who is following her dream. Last night, I made this mixed-media piece for her because she had the courage to follow her dream. Maybe, one day, I will too.

Giving Thanks for ...

2011-11-24T23:11:00.010-05:00

my amazing husband who doesn't let a day go by without doing something for someone else

my sweet father- and mother-in-law who raised a wonderful son for me to marry

Maggie who can make me laugh even when I don't feel like laughing

a daughter who brings joy to my life and puts a smile on my face... every day

pencils, paints, brushes, papers, canvas, and the courage to create

beautiful views of rivers and oceans and clouds and sky

a home filled with love and warmth and joy

colors of fall that only God can create

the spirit of Christmas with its traditions and sparkly lights

a good book that makes you stop, think, and appreciate

friends I've met through blogs and scrapblogs

having a job that is both challenging and rewarding

sisters who listen and laugh with me

Jesus Christ, my savior, from the artist Akiane

love

Scout, a loyal if not royal member of the family

Hope you felt a little independent today....

2011-07-04T23:18:00.003-04:00

I reached for some paper this morning...

2011-04-06T17:20:00.012-04:00

and suddenly the canvas and paints that had been calling my name were quieted as I began to work.

Papers that I had been saving for a special project seemed perfect for today. I used gel medium to attach a background to my canvas. Then I sketched my girl, painted her face, cut out her wings and dress, and attached them. I added a birdcage and distressed the papers I had used.

I was a bit worried about her hair, but I finally got that done, adding highlights then taking them away. Then, jewelry was added. Classic pearl.

Last night I mentioned to my husband that I just might paint our bathroom today. Well, I DID paint, didn't I? And between you and me... this was a lot more fun.

For more mosaics, visit Mary at The Little Red House. You'll find beauty and inspiration and something to make your day a little brighter.

Angels Walk Among Us...

2011-03-19T11:37:00.007-04:00

Not just heavenly angels, mind you, but everyday mortals who touch the lives of others in immeasurable ways. One such angel is right here with us, my dear friend Peggy, who blogs at Middle Age Ramblings.

If you look through her blog, you'll see what I mean. She's a wonderful friend to young Joseph and his mom, she visited Rwanda, donating cameras to the residents there, gave away hugs in New Zealand, and most recently gifted my classroom with a flip Video camera. Awesome, amazing, generous... that, my friend, is Peggy.

Peggy has a passion for life and a mission to make the world a better place any way she can. How absolutely wonderful it must be to live with such zest! Thanks to Peggy, my students will have opportunities to create short videos based on stories we read in class. No more read a story and answer questions. Instead, they will be able to act out parts, extend the story through acting, and do so many things we haven't had the opportunity to do before. Having the video camera right there in my classroom will make it easy and accessible. I can't wait to get started!

So, thank you Peggy. Thank you for caring about my 8th-grade students and for giving them something to smile about!

For those of you who are teachers and haven't heard about DonorsChoose, go.there.now! The site allows you to post projects that you would like to implement in your classroom. Donors from all over the world search for projects to support, make a contribution, and if all goes well, your project receives full funding. In addition to having friends and family contribute to my projects, I've had total strangers provide substantial gifts to help fund them. These gifts provided my classroom with an Elmo document camera, a laminator, and now a flip Video camera. With salary cuts and forced furlough days, I haven't been able to spend as much money on my clasroom. Thanks to DonorsChoose and people like Peggy, I've been able to use technology and create learning resources to help my students succeed.

** The photograph above is of Peggy while she was in Rwanda. Here, the children are watching themselves on video.

I may be two days late...

2011-03-05T23:48:00.003-05:00

but I'm a firm believer in better late than never.

And even though we celebrated his birthday on his birthday...

I'm letting the world know

that my husband is the best guy ever.
That he works hard to provide for his family.
That he gets up early every morning to
prepare breakfast and pack lunches

and then cooks supper at night.

That he understands who I am (for the most part),
and puts up with the insane hours I pour into
work, or sometimes, just doing nothing
because I just put in insane hours
at work.

Who has been an amazing father to our daughter,
and continues to amaze me each and every day
with his generous spirit and loving attitude.

Happy birthday! I love you!

Forgot the birthday candles, again...

2011-02-03T16:53:00.004-05:00

Sidney Lanier's, that is. Last year, I really wished that I had brought cupcakes to celebrate his birth. This year, I thought the same thing. Somehow doling out the money to buy cupcakes for 99 students doesn't seem like such a good idea. And bake? Nah.... That didn't happen, either. But it would be such a fun idea, wouldn't it?

We did watch a short video about the poet and read "Song of the Chattahoochee." That's going to have to be enough this year.

Happy birthday, Sidney!

So many friendships...

2011-01-24T21:48:00.004-05:00

were created through Scrapblog.com. Many of my friends here on the blog first met each other through that site. We would create digital scrapbook pages and visit each other's creations, leaving messages and "loving" them. That's how I came to know Annemarie (Mommy Victory), Peggy (Miruspeg), Wendy, and Julie (Octamom). Tonight as I looked through some of my scrapblogs, I even saw a message from Mummy McTavish! (I didn't remember that link; she probably doesn't either!)

I saw on Facebook over the weekend that Scrapblog has been bought out by Mixbook. I haven't visited that site yet, so I don't know the capabilities, but I'm kind of doubting that the scrapblogs with embedded videos will work.... Fingers crossed, though, just in case. As I looked through my creations, I had to take the time to watch the video clips in my August Rush scrapblog. I loved that movie, the music, the characters.... If you haven't seen the movie or just want to watch the clips, I'm adding it here. It should work at least for a while.

The company is allowing us to download free print quality jpgs of our scrapblogs until February 28. Books or cards must be printed by January 31. I've downloaded five so far. That's also where I make my blog headers, along with a little help from Picnik.

*sigh*

I don't like change very much.

...feeling free

2011-01-15T20:52:00.008-05:00

This is the first weekend since September that I haven't had to worry about grading essays. Talk about feeling free! I woke up today feeling like a huge weight had lifted from my shoulders. It's not that I don't enjoy grading essays.... I actually do. I love to read good sentences and paragraphs that really say something. I love to see my students become better writers. It's just that it takes so much time, I feel like I'm missing out on life when I have essays to grade. So finally, none to grade, none waiting to be graded. None. Instead, I have hours spilling forth in front of me with the freedom to do as much or as little as I want. And that, my friend, is what feeling free is all about.

It doesn't always cover the ground....

2011-01-10T22:29:00.006-05:00

Snow days in the South aren't the same as snow days up North. For instance, it doesn't take tons of snowfall to earn us a snow day from school. A little bit of snow or ice and temperatures below freezing will do the trick. No snow chains on our tires down here. Up until a couple of years ago, snow days were pure fantasy for my daughter and for most of my students. Nary a flurry to coat our roads from the time they were four or five years old until they came close to being teenagers. Now, though, we're getting a little comfortable with annual snowfall, although I must confess that we had a little more ice than snow this year.

A few spills made it even more exciting....

Did you notice the type of sled she used today? It doubles as a boogie board during summer trips to the beach.

Nothing like a little repurposing.... and a day in the snow!

Driving down the highway...

2011-01-09T23:28:00.005-05:00

you would never know that a long, winding trail lay hidden in the trees and vegetation beside it. The three of us traipsed along the trail yesterday afternoon, dogs in tow (or perhaps people in tow), as twilight began flirting with the last rays of the sun.

I had dropped back a bit, enjoying some solitude as the others pushed forward. As I walked, I couldn't help but make the metaphorical connection to life.

I noticed how at times the trail curved ahead of me, leaving me wondering where it was leading. Isn't life often like that? We know we are traveling a path in life, but we're not quite sure where it will lead. It seems we have to have faith to keep moving ahead, even when our destination is none to clear.

In some spots along the path, trees and bushes closed in on me, making it a bit more difficult to see my way. Vines hung low, causing me to duck under them. I even saw caution tape in a few places along the route. Caution tape. I guess the caution tape in our lives are those hunches we have.... the feeling that maybe this isn't the best idea afterall. We don't stop. We don't turn back. We just move along a bit more carefully.

And then, there are times when the path is wide open and easy to follow....

Even then, don't we wonder sometimes what would have happened if....

I think of Frost's poem, "The Road Not Taken," as I watch my daughter on a switchback coming toward me... almost. It seems true that we can never go back, but we can come close to picking up the pieces.

And as darkness begins to descend in these woods, I look up to see a fiery sunset. A reminder it seems, that there is a light at the end of every journey. And that the sun is always shining, somewhere, even in the darkest of times.

Sometimes You Just Need To ...

2011-01-02T14:21:00.007-05:00

Write it down.

Live your dream.

Make it happen.

It's been a while since I made to-do lists

and checked off what I accomplished

each day.

Maybe that's what's been missing.

Maybe this year I'll write down my goals,

live my dreams,

and make it happen.

I hope you get to live your dreams, too.

Happy New Year!

The art work is my second mixed-media piece. I used charcoal to shade around the girl, her wings, and her clothes... something I didn't do on my first piece. The charcoal really seemed to add some dimension I think.

Changing My Perception...

2010-12-31T23:47:00.008-05:00

It's January 1, 2011. That means a fresh start. A new outlook on life. At least that's what it means to me.

A new outlook on life.

I'm embarrassed to admit that even with all of the blessings in my life, I have a difficult time accepting them, appreciating them, and keeping a positive outlook. I want that to change this year. That's why I've chosen "perceive" as my word of the year.

Simply put, "perceive" is to attain awareness or understanding... to notice or become aware of something. It can be a mental process, or it can mean becoming aware of something through your senses. Both definitions work for me, as I embark on this new word journey in 2011. As I focus on how I perceive things, I hope to see through the worry and negativity and become more aware of the good things in my life. To count my blessings. I also hope to slow down and truly experience life through all of my senses. Listening to and appreciating the sounds that surround me... the laughter of children, the rustling of leaves in the wind. Seeing and appreciating the beauty all around me... the way the sun's rays break through clouds, the mist rising from the river. Acknowledging the soft comfort of an old t-shirt or warm blanket.

This will be my third year focusing on a word rather than trying to keep resolutions. During 2009, Annemarie, Peggy, Wendy, Julie, and I posted jointly each month about our words and how they were impacting our lives. Last year, left to my own devices, my word "fulfillment" fell to the side. I tried to think about it off and on through the year, but I often let the busy demands of life push feelings of fulfillment to the side. At least far enough to the side that I wasn't truly acknowledging how fulfilling my life was.

This year will be different. To make my word more a part of my life, I plan to share my journey here, and you're invited to join me.

Interested in choosing your own word for the year? I have two blogs for you to visit. The first one is Christine Kane's. She has a free discovery tool you can download as you think about the word you want to focus on for 2011. I also want you to visit Caroline at Constantly Evolving and Nowordz Photography. Not only will you get to see beautiful photography, but you will also read inspiring posts. It was Caroline who inspired me to choose a word in 2009.

Finally, I want to wish you an amazing new year... A year full of blessings and good times.

And the artwork at the top... that's mine! My first mixed-media piece of art. I was so excited to finally, finally, use canvas and paint and paper and embellishments and gel medium and gesso to create art. I'll be posting another one soon.

I Was a Teenager's Mom Today...

2010-11-28T00:44:00.008-05:00

Chauffering my daughter from
one social engagement
to the next one.

She watched a movie with one
set of friends, and then
she went ice skating
with another set.

Then dinner, and
I was invited.

We had other things
to do today, but
this was way
more fun.

'Tis the Season...

2010-11-26T17:39:00.006-05:00

for list-making, gift-shopping, and spending time with friends and family. And while some brave Americans were out before dawn this morning to take advantage of post-Thanksgiving sales, my thoughts turned to a different type of gift. A gift that brings hope to the recipient. Click on one of the arrows below and see what you think. I've signed up. Maybe this is something you'll want to add to your list this holiday season.

Giving Thanks....

2010-11-25T00:03:00.005-05:00

for the quiet moment at dusk as the day's light begins to fade * peppermint mocha frappacinos * being with my family * snuggling with my daughter * receiving hugs from Scout * and giving hugs back * the way the morning light filters into the sunroom * fulfilling work * the most wonderful daughter in the world * a home * a car that does what it's supposed to do * books that stop me in my tracks * beautiful photographs * peace * music that makes me get up and dance * the time I spend with my daughter * freedom and liberties that come with being an American * my education * the best mother- and father-in-law on the planet * the comfort of a cozy bed on a Saturday morning * the warmth of the fireplace during the cold months of Winter * starry skies at night and blue skies during the day * cloud pictures * rare snowfalls * sisters who listen * rich and creamy coffee ice cream * the sound of ocean waves crashing onto shore * family even though we're miles apart * friends and co-workers who brighten my day * a husband who makes life easier and happier than I could have ever imagined.

Okay, This Time It's Me....

2010-11-22T17:08:00.002-05:00

Jumping for Joy....

It's a beautiful day,

and I'm on Thanksgiving break.

What could be better?

Maybe, just maybe, I'll accomplish something tomorrow.

Until then, I'll practice my leaps.

Jumping for Joy....

2010-11-18T20:29:00.004-05:00

Do you have any idea

how excited I am to have

Thanksgiving break next week?

Let's just say

that I am

jumping

for joy!

Fall Beauty

2010-11-07T01:30:00.003-04:00

Today began like many of my Saturdays. I stretched my arms over my head after I woke up, relishing the comfort of my warm bed. After a chat with my sister, I moved into the living room and settled into a chair by the fireplace to read the newspaper. Then, I did what I inevitably do... I pulled out a batch of papers and began to grade.

A little while later, that girl of mine asked if I would go outside with her. Not really in the mood for a walk in the woods, I took her up on her offer anyway. We made our way over broken logs and pushed past some of the last bits of fall foliage, stopping every now and then to take pictures.

It didn't take me long at all to enjoy the moment. The sky enveloped us in a deep blue; trees towered over us casting dappled rays of sunlight across our path. We climbed up hills and remembered days long past when the woods were a wild playground for a little girl and her mom.

It was a beautiful fall day.... A beautiful moment with a beautiful girl.

Maybe They're Growing Up...

2010-08-17T20:07:00.003-04:00

Or maybe their teachers from last year exaggerated a bit to induce a sheer state of panic among teachers on C hall. Either way, I'm pretty proud to be teaching this year's 8th-graders at my school. In fact, after hearing all of the horror stories about what was headed our way, I'm really happy. They're really not so bad. In fact, I like them. A lot.

What makes things a little more difficult is the fact that we are short one teacher on our hall this year. Instead of dividing our students among seven teachers (or even eight as it was my first four years of teaching), we are dividing them among six teachers. I'm on the four-person team, which means I have ninety-nine students this year. Yes, that's ninety-nine. Or one hundred if I have one more student enroll. Let's keep our fingers crossed about that....

In the meantime, I'm still getting to know the ones I do have, and they're still getting to know me and what I will and won't put up with. Which isn't very much since I have a lot of teaching to do this year.

And I think they've just about figured that out. Maybe.

It Was Just One of Those Days...

2010-08-09T00:49:00.013-04:00

when expectations and disappointment collided, leaving my hopes dashed and crumpled at my feet. No one likes to think of those two words together, yet invariably, they meet and crash as they did with me last Friday.

Talk about high expectations...! My airline ticket had been purchased months ago and plans had been made to spend the weekend with four of my blog friends. I had never met any of them in person; this meeting, this get-together, would be a first. I even left work early to keep from being late and missing my flight.

But once I got to the airport, I sat and waited and sat and read and sat and chatted for what seemed like forever. There wasn't just one flight delayed due to weather, but several, including an earlier flight to my same destination. And all the time as I sat there, I remained patient. I waited. I watched the hours go by, planes land, passengers disembark. Finally, my plane did arrive. But just as we began boarding, we were told there had been a mechanical malfunction of some sort. They grounded the plane. And while other flights continued to take off right there at my gate, I still had hope. I still had high expectations.

Then there was a new gate and the promise of a plane sitting and waiting for us. Another hour ticked by. More minutes, perhaps a half hour, passed, when finally, I noticed the captain making his way to the desk. He didn't look too good, I thought. He looked off. Tired. I wondered if he just got in from one of those flights full of delays.

And then, more than eight hours after I had arrived, they made the announcement. Our flight was cancelled. The crew had too many hours and couldn't fly. Cancelled. Finished. Over.

Rebooking didn't help. I was politely told that my new flight would land after 9 p.m. on Saturday. The few seats available on other airlines showed promise of an earlier afternoon arrival, yet there were lay-overs and plane changes. Even a four-hour layover before a 50-minute final hop to my destination. And what if I encountered all of this again on my way home... With ninety-nine students waiting in my classroom first thing Monday morning, could I risk it?

Oh, I wanted to keep going. I so wanted to be there with my friends. But by then, I knew it was over. And disappointment got the best of me.

I walked away and found a seat away from the crowd. As I leaned my head against my bag, my tears began to flow. I had been patient, and trusting, and filled with expectant joy all day awaiting this wonderful weekend with friends, only to have my expectations end in such finality.

Then she appeared.... This angel of a person. She came up to me and asked if I was okay. I couldn't speak, of course.... I nodded and managed to tell her that I was fine. "Are you sure," she asked. Yes, I nodded. I'm okay. Really.

And at that moment, it all came into focus. A new perspective had been found. While I was due my disappointment, I couldnt' stop my thoughts from turning to the other people on my flight and the one before it. I thought of the stories I hadn't been told. Of the man dressed in his Navy uniform heading somewhere... home, perhaps, after being away for a long time? To a waiting wife or an ailing mother or father? Who knew what stories each of those passengers held close to his or her heart.

It was at that moment that I had to accept the collision course of expectations and disappointment. I had to tell myself that a greater power was at work, that it just wasn't meant to be. Why? I'll never know. But it happened. And for whatever reason, I knew at 1:30 a.m. that I would not be visiting my friends. I headed to my car and drove home.

I confess that I did check flights again on Saturday morning. Bleary eyed from little sleep, I tried to convince myself that catching another flight and visiting with them for even a few hours would be worth it. From what I could tell from the rates, a rental car would add about $300 to my trip. Gulp. Or it would be a two-hour round trip drive for someone to meet me at the airport. That's when I closed the computer and tiptoed into my daughter's room.

Quietly I slipped into her empty bed and peeked over the blanket, just waiting for her to walk back into the room. And when she did, I smiled at her look of surprise. I was home.

Peggy, Annemarie, Wendy, Julie and I first met several years ago on Scrapblog.com. We continued our friendship on our blogs and joined together last year to share and post reflections on the words we chose for the year.

I Know It's a Bit Incongruous...

2010-07-30T15:03:00.007-04:00

to have a summer rafting picture on the same page as this winter header, but I figured that if I had limited time, I would be better off sharing about our recent trip to North Carolina than to worry over getting my header up to date. That's my thinking at the moment anyway.

Anyway, that's Hannah and me in the raft, along with our guide, Cotton, who is in the very back, and another guy who just happened to be put in the raft with us. He's the one who is definitely not paddling or attempting to paddle as evidenced by his outstretched arms and hands proudly hoisting his oar high into the air when he was supposed to be paddling forward. (Just between you and me, I think he knew where the photographer was standing).

We were on the French Broad River near Asheville. It's a slower trip than the Ocoee River in Tennessee, with a little less action, but the scenery comes close to that of the Chattooga River area. We also had a chance to jump off a cliff (okay, maybe it wasn't as high as a cliff, but it was at least a rock outcropping pretty high above the river) and picnic on a little island.

Craig, as you can see, decided to try his skills in an inflatable kayak.

Before I go, I'll have to brag on the food we ate while in Asheville. I'm not sure if it's my age, or what, but this is the first trip I've taken that turned out to be such a culinary delight. Our first dinner was at Bistro 1896 (or some number similar to that). The berry dessert there was scrumptious. At Vincenzo's, a cozy little Italian spot, the pasta was both plentiful and savory. During our shopping expedition later in the week, Hannah and I stopped in at Early Girl Eatery for lunch where we feasted on a grilled chicken sandwich. Did I mention that the sandwich had goat cheese on it? In fact, we were so impressed with Early Girl that we brought Craig back the next day for breakfast. Our two other dinner time triumphs were the Tupulo Honey Cafe where I ordered an appetizer of fried green tomatoes on a bed of grits and the Sunset Terrace at The Grove Park Inn. The food, and the view from the terrace, were excellent.

Honestly, I don't think I've ever carried on over food the way I have this week. In fact, I don't think I've been so gastronomically happy in my life!

How about you? Do you have a favorite restaurant that you always look forward to visiting?

I couldn't resist...

2010-06-27T04:42:00.005-04:00

playing with more beach pictures tonight. Instead of creating my own layout, I decided to use two theme pages from Scrapblog. It was a very time-saving way to highlight a few of my favorite photos from our afternoon at the beach.

Shades of Summer

2010-06-25T05:40:00.008-04:00

I would love to tell you what I've been doing for the past three months, but it's really rather bland.... I've concocted blog posts in my head many times but never seemed to find the time to sit down at my computer and compose them. I've kept them close and have been at home just being a wife and mother, a sometimes housekeeper, well, I'm sure you understand how life just takes over at times and pulls one away from keyboards and monitors and mice.

Pictures always seem to tempt me back to the computer though. Especially pictures taken at the beach. So, here I am once again sharing my favorite subject with you... my daughter. I think she's gorgeous, and sweet, and smart, and about 100,000 other wonderful things. But for now I'll just leave you with it.

I hope you're enjoying your summer. I am.

I escaped...

2010-03-07T10:02:00.007-05:00

to Barnes and Noble for a little while yesterday. I've always found that I belong amid racks of books and magazines.... As I wander along, I touch a few book covers and hold some volumes in my hands, reading the back and skimming through a few paragraphs before placing them back on the shelf. I admit that I do judge a book by its cover. I love the texture and the feel and the images that were chosen.

I always find myself in the same areas of the store.... I browse the tables where 75% off makes it hard to resist buying something new. I scan the titles in the education aisle hoping for something new and inspiring. I take a peek into religious books, memoirs, and children's picture books, never sure what will capture my attention.

As a child, I had my own library system and would let friends check out my books. Each book had a carefully crafted check-out card in the back, and an index box sat close by cradling the cards that awaited reunions. I imagined owning my own book store one day. I imagined a seating area with coffee and cocoa close by. I imagined tables and racks of books and magazines, storytime.... I imagined The Shop Around the Corner from "You've Got Mail." I imagined a smaller version of Barnes and Noble.

When I was growing up, there were no independently-owned bookstores in my town. There were no Barnes and Nobles or Books A Million. Trips to a neighboring K-Mart helped me build my library.

Just now as I peeked into the green plastic bag, I smiled.... Good reading is ahead, although I will probably have to save it for spring break. I bought Sue Monk Kidd's collaboration with her daughter, Traveling with Pomegranates. As a mother nearing the 50-year mark, with a daughter soon to be entering high school, I'm sure it will make me stop and reflect on and savor the time I have with my daughter before college and work and a new family sidle in. I also bought a CD set of The Chronicles of Narnia. I've looked at this marked-down version for six months probably and finally tucked the last set safely under my arm.... It's a "just in case" purchase.... You know the kind; you don't really need it now, but you might one day. And the new issue of Somerset Digital Studio. It definitely inspires me to play with pictures and create.

But now, before Pomegranates, Narnia, or digital design, I have papers to grade and lessons to plan for next week. But the promise of what's inside the green bag lingers in my mind, the whisper of a favorite melody.

Mosaic Monday: Winter Play

2010-02-14T21:10:00.010-05:00

It was a snow day this past Friday. I think my students knew more than I did; several asked me on Thursday what time it was supposed to snow on Friday. Hmmmm. I couldn't answer that question, nor did I really, truly think we would have snow. But we did. And the official notice came in plenty of time for us to get ready to enjoy a four-day weekend.

We played in the snow on Friday and went for a walk, marveling out how so many snowflakes would join together in bunches as they fell from the sky. We would eye one cluster high above us, then stick out our tongues and try to catch them... giggling when they would land on our noses or splat in an eye instead.

I'm sure that if anyone peeked out of their windows as we walked by, they would have thought we looked a bit like Maggie chasing after snowflakes.

I'd like to order another snow day and four-day weekend.... Perhaps two weeks from now?

I'm taking part in Mary's Mosaic Monday at Little Red House. If you want a visual treat, click on over!

If you happen to see a heart floating around...

2010-02-12T00:05:00.002-05:00

it's from us....

Happy Valentine's Day!

xoxo

Hannah got this idea from the clever Color Me Katie site. If you haven't met Katie yet, you should go for a visit. But be prepared, you'll want to stay a while.

Getting it Right....

2010-02-10T01:57:00.005-05:00

Have you ever thought, really thought, about how empty your life would be without certain people in it? How just knowing certain people helps you stay on an even keel during both smooth and tumultuous times? For me, that person is my sister, Traci. An idealist, a dreamer, a rock-solid realist all rolled into one.

With four years between us, she was often a little too old to play with her little sister, but I remember spending hours and hours in the floor with her, Barbies and Barbie clothes spread out before us....

I remember peering from the stairs to catch glimpses of "Dark Shadows," too afraid to sit out in the open without my sister close by....

I remember my sister slipping me money, so I could buy a slice of pizza at the skating rink.

When she went off to college, I remember writing her pages and pages of letters, many of which were recaps of the latest novel I was reading. But for me, it was a way of talking to her even when she wasn't there.

I remember how she never said one ill word toward me when I went to her house "to help her out" after her first child was born. Me. A skydiving, plane-flying, non-child-rearing person at the time. I got so lost on my way back from the grocery store, I ended up in the next town. She had to get out at night to help me find my way back to her home.

Not long ago, I posted a list of people and things for which I was grateful. Leave it to me to leave her off that list. My sister. My cheerleader. My confidante. My friend. I told her that she was in a realm of her own. That the gratitude list just didn't go high enough to include her. And she should know.

A couple of years ago when she was preparing to go on an Emmaus Walk, I wrote a letter to her that shared my feelings and made it clear how very special she is in my life. She never got the letter. It never arrived. And while I could never come up with the same words that I used that day, the feeling is the same. She is a precious person to me, and I can't imagine how empty my life would be without her.

I'm thankful to be a part of her world and that she is a part of mine... a big part that can't be filled by any other. You know the saying, "you're more than a sister, you're a friend?" It's absolutely true.

The photo is of Traci with her son as they welcome his baby sister into the world. Can't you just see the love?

I have another sister, Parris, who is also a dear and special part of my life. She'll take center stage soon in an upcoming post. xoxo

Nineteen Years.... Really?

2010-02-09T02:32:00.006-05:00

I remember

the proposal at a University of Alabama football game

saying "yes," then immediately locking our keys in the car

I remember

finding the perfect dress, but then buying it a size too big in another town

the perfect shoes and veil all within my budget

I remember

walking down the aisle and saying "I do"

knowing it was the best thing that had happened in my life

I remember

Mom and Traci and Parris

Carson, Mikal, and Matt

I remember

how perfect the weather was that day... warm breezes and blue sky

and how perfect the weather was for our honeymoon

a ski trip where buckets of snow seemed to fall from the sky

But what I didn't realize then

was just how blessed my life truly would be

with a comfortable home

and a precious family of my own.

Happy Anniversary to us!

Today Could Have Been a Celebration....

2010-02-03T21:21:00.015-05:00

We've been reading and studying poetry the last couple of weeks, a nice repreive from all of the essay-writing we tackled during the fall. It's such a nice change of pace as we peer into the words of poets past looking for examples of alliteration, personification, and imagery... the magic pixie dust of writing.

This week, as we read about Sidney Lanier, we realized that this is his birthday week, and that today, February 3, is his birthday. Oh how I wish I had thought ahead and bought a birthday cake in honor of this amazing poet. How fun it would have been to bring party hats to school and let my students partake in the festivities. But, I thought too late and wasn't too sure I would be willing to pay for a sheet-cake big enough for 93 hungry eighth-graders. And they wouldn't want me to bake one myself.

But it was a good idea. Maybe next year?

In the meantime, here's a favorite of mine...

The Song of the Chattahoochee

Out of the hills of Habersham,

Down the valleys of Hall,

I hurry amain to reach the plain,

Run the rapid and leap the fall,

Split at the rock and together again,

Accept my bed, or narrow or wide,

And flee from folly on every side

With a lover's pain to attain the plain

Far from the hills of Habersham,

Far from the valleys of Hall.

All down the hills of Habersham,

All through the valleys of Hall,

The rushes cried `Abide, abide,'

The willful waterweeds held me thrall,

The laving laurel turned my tide,

The ferns and the fondling grass said `Stay,'

The dewberry dipped for to work delay,

And the little reeds sighed `Abide, abide,

Here in the hills of Habersham,

Here in the valleys of Hall.'

High o'er the hills of Habersham,

Veiling the valleys of Hall,

The hickory told me manifold

Fair tales of shade, the poplar tall

Wrought me her shadowy self to hold,

The chestnut, the oak, the walnut, the pine,

Overleaning, with flickering meaning and sign,

Said, `Pass not, so cold, these manifold

Deep shades of the hills of Habersham,

These glades in the valleys of Hall.'

And oft in the hills of Habersham,

And oft in the valleys of Hall,

The white quartz shone, and the smooth brook-stone

Did bar me of passage with friendly brawl,

And many a luminous jewel lone --

Crystals clear or a-cloud with mist,

Ruby, garnet and amethyst --

Made lures with the lights of streaming stone

In the clefts of the hills of Habersham,

In the beds of the valleys of Hall.

But oh, not the hills of Habersham,

And oh, not the valleys of Hall

Avail: I am fain for to water the plain.

Downward the voices of Duty call --

Downward, to toil and be mixed with the main,

The dry fields burn, and the mills are to turn,

And a myriad flowers mortally yearn,

And the lordly main from beyond the plain

Calls o'er the hills of Habersham,

Calls through the valleys of Hall.

~ Sidney Lanier 1877

P.S. Happy Birthday!

Photo: Sierra Club

Have you ever fallen in love...

2010-01-27T22:12:00.012-05:00

with someone you just couldn't have? Years ago, during a college astronomy class, I fell head over heels in love with the constellation, Orion. That gallant hunter who fills part of the winter sky with his presence....

At the time, young and working my way through college, I felt a connection with Orion. I considered him a guardian watching over me. Even now with the passage of time, I find myself waiting for that first glimpse of him during late fall and early winter. Soon, he will be gone again, watching over someone else in another part of the world. But I know that as soon as the nights lengthen across the shadows of day, he'll be back to watch over me. And I'll send another kiss his way.

I wrote the poem during college and remember it still.

This is when I stop and wonder...

2010-01-20T00:01:00.004-05:00

if all of the hard work will pay off. Today is the big day.... The day my students get to show me and show themselves how they have progressed as writers this year. And, oh, how I've worked them! I see myself through their eyes.... glasses perched on the tip of my nose, imaginary whip in hand as I have them write one more time... as I have them add details one more time... as I have them re-read that sentence to make sure it makes sense... one more time.

Since August, I've graded between 450 and 500 essays. The last batch over the weekend after my students had put pen to paper once again for a practice writing test. And as much as I love to write and enjoy seeing my students mature as writers, I'm ready for the push to be over. I'm ready to redirect our efforts toward literature and poetry. Toward rhythm and rhyme.

I bet you can hear the relief in my voice.

And hope.

Hope that my students remember what they've learned so far this year as they face the final prompt tomorrow.

Hope that they will capitalize the first words of their sentences and put periods at the end.

Hope that they will craft interesting phrases and call on imagery and figurative language to help them express their thoughts, their ideas.

That they'll know the difference between persuasive and expository.

And that they'll proofread their papers one last time.

I've been reminded more than once that our scores on the writing test don't affect our Adequate Yearly Progress. That they won't hold us back. That I really could get by without grading so many essays each year... without teaching so much about writing. But, you know what? My students will have to pass the 11th-grade writing test to graduate from high school. And I want them to be ready for it.

I want them to face a blank page with confidence and assurance, and then...

I want them to get out their pens and write.

Looking for Fulfillment...

2010-01-02T08:58:00.012-05:00

It's time that I put 'fulfillment' to work for me. That means, today at least, fulfilling a promise to myself and to my students. I have to finish grading my students' essays!

Funny how we put some things off and let them hang over our head like a dark cloud. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy finding out what my students wrote, but having to do something, is what often makes me procrastinate the most. And essays take a.lot.of.time to grade. On the upside... I can choose from a rainbow of colored pens to mark with... I'm using one of my blue Staedtler triplus fineliners for today's grading marathon. And I can sit in my comfy chair in front of the fireplace as I work.

My husband is already up and at it with a full day of activities on his schedule... a work-out, some work at the office, drop off his dry-cleaning, a small bit of shopping as he prepares for a trip. I, on the other hand, have had a leisurely morning although I, too, have a full day of activities to mark off my list. I think this happens when you use January 1 as a day for yourself... doing what you want to do instead of what you need to do can pretty much fill the next day to the brim. (I can almost hear the school uniforms call to me from the laundry room in their wrinkled-sort-of-way... "Don't forget us. We need our wrinkles smoothed away before Tuesday!")

So, I'll be back late today to see what's been happening at your place. Until then, I'm on a quest for fulfillment. And it's got to come from accomplishing a few important tasks today.

And my word is...

2010-01-01T11:29:00.012-05:00

That's the word I chose to focus on during 2010. Fulfillment. It doesn't actually roll off the tongue. It's a little awkward to say. But that one, simple word carries with it a lot of possibilities for the new year.

It's about "making full." Being fulfilled in all areas of my life. Relationships, work, creative endeavors.... It's about "meeting requirements." Fulfilling responsibilities as a wife, mother, teacher, and human being.... It's about "measuring up" and feeling a sense of satisfaction at the end of the day. Not trying to be perfect, but feeling at peace with the effort I put forth and the choices that I make. It's about "converting into reality" the dreams, desires, and plans that I would like to achieve. And, perhaps my favorite definition of the word, fulfillment is about "developing the full potentialities."

I like that.

Developing my full potentialities. Ending each day with a sense of satisfaction.

Fulfillment.

I first got the idea of focusing on a word from Caroline. The idea is to let go of resolutions that never seem to make it past mid-January and instead let a word help direct your life for an entire year. Last year, I chose "faith" and "joy" and teamed up with several other blog friends to post reflections each month. That experience was profound, as I unconsciously began to incorporate my friends' words into my own life while intentionally looking for joy all around me. Wendy has already chosen her word for the year, which you can read about here.

If you haven't chosen a word before and would like a little inspiration, I have two places you should go. First, visit my friend, Caroline, an amazing writer and photographer who inspired me to choose a word for 2009. You should also visit Christine Kane who, during the entire month of December, focused her blog on Word-of-the-Year to inspire and encourage others to explore this idea.

And then, come back and tell me about your word! I want to hear all about it and would love for you to share your journey with me this year. I'll continue to post reflections each month and hopefully provide a link to my friends' reflections. I'll be glad to include you on this journey, too.

Happy 2010! Let fulfillment begin!

365 days... 52 weeks... 12 months...

2009-12-31T00:01:00.000-05:00

That's how long it's been since Peggy, Annemarie, Wendy, Julie, and I first posted about the words we chose to focus on during 2009. During these months, we forged friendships together as we shared our individual journeys with one another.

Although I chose to focus on FAITH and JOY this year, I must say that I learned as much from my friends' words as I did my own. Balance, discipline, abundance, and excellence made their way into my own life as I read their monthly posts or looked at the photographs and other images that helped them tell their stories. I often found myself contemplating their words alongside my own.

When I chose faith and joy, I could already see a connection between the two... that by having more faith in God and in His plan for my life, I will be able to experience more joy in the daily moments that make up my life. I shared my words with my students and made it a point to think about the words as the days and weeks rolled past.

How did I do? I think in the beginning, I was more attuned to the words and what I wanted them to mean in my life. As the months passed, however, I found myself slipping into old habits of worry. Yet, in the middle of the day or during the evening at home, I would stop and really look at the world around me. And I would smile. Joy, I realized, is all around me if I open my eyes wide enough to see.

God wants each of us to be happy... to experience joy in our life each and every day. Why else would He send beautiful rays of pink and orange to greet us each morning? Why would the sounds of nature, from birds' songs to the crashing of ocean waves, soothe our souls? Why would He bless the earth with children whose carefree laughter is a clear invitation for us to experience joy?

He gives us these bursts of color and song as a gift so that we will know joy.

Here are Peggy's final thoughts on "balance:"

This post is our final reflection on our words for 2009. I chose the word BALANCE because I hoped it would empower me to leave my unbalanced life behind in 2008. Overall it actually helped in the most simple of ways. That is, when I was feeling quite stressed out throughout the year, I would, now and then, remember, "oh yeah – balance" and take a few deep breaths.

The philosophy of balance can be found in many of the world’s religions, particularly the eastern religions. In both Hinduism and Taoism, the idea of balancing your mind, body and spirit is very important. In Hinduism it is believed that the body is made up of seven basic "chakras" or energy centers, each of which correlates to different bodily functions, levels of consciousness, emotional states and so on. In order to stay healthy, we need to ensure that these chakras remain balanced. Similarly in Taoism, there is the concept of "chi," which is the vital energy that flows through the body. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed that illness is caused by imbalances of yin and yang in the body, which blocks the free movement of "chi." Thus, to stay healthy you need to maintain the balance between yin and yang in your body.

In western culture, a commonly heard phrase is "healthy mind, healthy body," which encourages balance between mental and physical health. Having a healthy mind and body, however, is only a part of the story. As suggested by the following Taoist quote, we also need to bring our spiritual selves into balance: "Unless the mind, body and spirit are equally developed and fully integrated, no [wisdom] can be sustained."

Annemarie shares these thoughts:

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (NIV) Hebrews 12:1-3

This is the last edition of my monthly reflections on the word DISCIPLINE. My friends and I started on our respective journeys twelve months ago after reading Caroline’s post having no idea where the road would take us. It has been wonderful trip. I chose the word discipline to inspire, motivate and direct me through the year.

It was a good thing to aspire to but one that I will probably never fully achieve. When I finally came to that realization, I finally felt more relaxed. The point was to reach for that goal with PERSEVERANCE. I fixed my eyes on Jesus who helped me to remain steadfast because knowing I could do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13) So as I endured difficult times, those words carried me through. My goal was not to be the perfect parent or the perfect teacher, but be more planned and organized in both of these areas.

I haven’t exactly decided what my focus is for next year, but I am certain it will involve creativity of some sort. So don’t “lose heart,” I will be back with another series of posts.

Wendy shares this with us:

January 1, 2009 I made a commitment with my blog friends ….post each month about one WORD for the year. I chose ABUNDANCE.

In the beginning, I had been blogging regularly, receiving inspiration from other blogs, and sharing my blogging with close friends. I had already quoted scriptures that speak of abundance. I understood that God wants abundance for us and wants us to recognize the abundance we already have no matter our situation. In January, for the first post I said this; “How will a WORD impact the way I am living? How will this one WORD teach me, challenge me, make me want to be a better person?”

Well, my commitment to this WORD saved me from myself. When I was depleted of spirit, I was reminded. When I was depleted of funds, I was reminded. When I was depleted of love of others, of love of self, of discipline, of faith, of balance and of excellence, I was reminded. I was reminded of my abundance every month by the words of this blog group. I was encouraged by their words and I was inspired to give more.

I learned that if you hold fast…keep moving…keep living…and keep giving, you will have enough. You will have abundance in your life. God promised it and even without faith we will have it. Faith just makes it better.

Mitch Album says “The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.” I could say the way you get Abundance is the same….
I cannot say it any more clearly than the acrostic that I posted in January: Abundance is a verb. It is an act of life that requires one to move…to do, in order to become.

Atone for your hurtfulness.
Bid farewell to judgment.
Utilize your mind.
Notice your surroundings.
Draw on support from friends.
Acknowledge the gifts of others.
Nullify negativity.
Create moments of meaning.
Embrace the little things

I am looking forward to 2010. My word for 2010 is Gratefulness. Again I say, ““How will the WORD impact the way I am living? How will this one WORD teach me, challenge me, make me want to be a better person?” Come along with me those who will and commit to another WORD for your year.

... and here are Julie's final thoughts on excellence:

What an interesting discipline, this practice of choosing and focusing on a guiding word for the year. It has been a blessing and touchstone throughout '09 to meditate on the facets of excellence as my blog buddies and I have traveled this rotation.

In choosing excellence as my word for 2009, I was expressing a heart's cry to 'come up' in various areas of my life. Because I'm in the business of raising many children, I am also in the business of managing people's expectations. Some folks have very minimal expectations of me, assuming that I am too busy, too distracted to contribute in other areas. Some expect that I must be some kind of 'super mom' and figure I'm the one to call on for any kid-related project. And the reality is different.

It is focusing on excellence that helps me see what I need to be doing in my day to day life and what needs to be taken to the curb. I can't do it all excellently and there are areas where it is acceptable to me to do simple 'maintenance'. But in those areas I feel the Lord is calling me to serve, a plumb line for me to determine if I am walking where He is leading is to discern the caliber of contribution I am making. And when something comes along that is a good thing but is something that shouldn't be on my plate, holding it up to the light and seeing if it is something that could be accomplished with excellence makes it easier to put down when I see it is something that cannot be done to that level in my present season. Excellence can be defining.

I am so thankful to be on my journey with like-minded people, believers who have let go of legalism and are embracing the miracle of grace. And somehow in the doing, they are also continuing to walk with excellence, not out of a sense of fear or obligation, but out of a grateful heart, wanting to bring their best for the King. Where I set my standards for myself, the level of character I expect from myself, are all outpourings of my desire to please Him, an expression of His in-dwelling.

Has this beacon of excellence been a tool this year? Absolutely. Have I 'achieved' excellence in all the areas I would have liked to? Absolutely not. And that is the purpose of these defining words, to create a philosophy, a guide for our varying paths. Clarity has come this year through this term of excellence, clarity in areas that need more work, clarity in what needs to be laid down, clarity in what areas have been refined and may have something to offer.

Excellence.

And the journey continues.

It's Coming Down...

2009-12-30T00:03:00.017-05:00

the tree, that is! I already miss the glow of the lights and the way our stockings look so festive hanging on the mantle....

Even though my tree is full of ornaments (memories), I did buy two new ones this year. One is a silver "joy," which hangs by a green ribbon. The other is a snowlady and her little girl sledding down a hill. The snowlady reminded me of the big snow we had when Hannah was little and how we used makeshift sleds to slide down a big hill nearby.

I'm thinking "joy" may have to hang near my desk this year as a reminder of my journey....

Is your Christmas all packed up and stored away? If I had it my way, my tree would twinkle just a little bit longer....

Wishing you...

2009-12-23T00:01:00.000-05:00

I can't believe...

2009-12-21T21:57:00.009-05:00

that my girl is 14 years old now!

and that 14 years ago at 10:13 p.m., she made her arrival into this world. Where, exactly, does time go?

She had a great party last night.... She invited six friends over for a slumber party. Did I say "slumber?" Excuse me. I meant to say a "let's-see-who-can-stay-awake-the-longest" party. And, boy, did they!

Well, not completely. A few fell asleep between midnight and 2 a.m. Then a few more managed to find some zzzz's around 4 a.m. Me? I was one of the first asleep.

Here's the nearly-speechless birthday girl after unwrapping "the best present ever." (She's way advanced in the technology department compared to her mom.)

And here she is with her friends after pulling the all-nighter.... Aren't they a bright and fun-looking bunch?

Happy birthday, birthday girl! I love you!

Off Task? Shhhh.....

2009-12-18T23:09:00.009-05:00

As a teacher, I pack the curriculum into every minute of every hour of every school day. Teaching grammar, writing, and reading in one hour and getting students prepared for not one but three state assessments requires it. So imagine my students' surprise, and mine, when I totally fell off the wagon!

It started in academic support, a 45-minute enrichment class with my homeroom students. They were bickering, and it was constant yapping and yacking as they shot verbal jabs at one another through the air.

"You sound like brothers and sisters," I said, finally, in exasperation. "Haven't you heard the saying that if you can't say anything nice, you shouldn't say anything at all?"

"Huh?" They asked with faces turned towards me expectantly.

I told them to look around the room and think about something nice they could say about every single person sitting in there. Then I had them write their name on a slip of paper, which I put into a cup. After they pulled a classmate's name out of the cup, they had to come up to the front of the room and say something nice about that person. And they couldn't just say "she's nice." Having been the recipients of numerous writing lessons during the past four months, they were required to e - l - a - b - o - r - a - t - e. "Details," I said. "Give us details!"

And they did.

They were able to say nice things about every person in that room. The girl who began the year with attitude written all over her face was complimented on her behavior and on her beautiful complexion. Her smile lit up the room. And another girl who has struggled with friendships and self-esteem had at least seven students clamoring to say something nice about her.

These kids are smart. They weren't about to let their teacher off the hook. They said that I had to say something nice about each one of them. And then the tables were turned again as several of them wanted to say something nice about me. Things like "you work us hard, but we know it's because you want us to be better writers." "When I get here in a bad mood, you make me laugh." "You're not all moody on us."

They've proclaimed Thursdays as "Therapy Thursdays."

I was so proud of them. And a bit worried. Our academic support time had rolled into language arts time, and it was thirty minutes of community-building instead of grammar and writing and reading.

But, you know what?

That was the best lesson I've taught all year.

Shoot!

2009-12-14T19:57:00.010-05:00

Did I tell you that my daughter made the basketball team?

And that she scored four points tonight?

Whoo-hoo!

That's my girl in the center of the picture.

The photographer wasn't having a good night.

It's kind of hard to cheer and take pictures

at the same time.

The Lady in the Zebra Coat

2009-12-05T12:19:00.008-05:00

i went to a party last night

wearing a zebra-print coat and a pair of dark jeans

one fashionable shoe outshone by one air-cast in orthopaedic gray

i ate

i talked

and then i

joined hannah

and sang into a mic

although i only knew the

choruses of the songs we sang

and i was her back-up singer

and one of her back-up dancers

and i had fun,

which for me, is a biggie...

i tend to be crabby sometimes...

and not always the life of the party...

*smile*

Name That Blog...

2009-12-03T20:54:00.012-05:00

I'm a few days behind with blogging, but when I saw Relyn's post here, which referred to Beth's post here, I decided I just had to play along.

In their posts, both Relyn and Beth explained how they came up with the names for their blogs. My story's pretty simple....

I had wanted to start a blog, but like Relyn, was a little hesitant to jump into it until I had the perfect name. I knew that my blog would be a mix of writing and photography, and I wanted these words and images to capture the simple, every day moments that make up my life.

And, with that, I had my name: Moments in Time. And it's here where I place those words and images that capture those moments in time.

Now, I'm really curious.... How did you come up with your blog's name?

Animal Show: Reflecting on Our Words

2009-11-30T00:01:00.005-05:00

This month, Peggy, Annemarie, Octamom, AVT Coach and I decided to choose an animal that expresses or epitomizes the meaning of our chosen word of the year.

I'm sure my choice of dogs to express the meaning of joy doesn't surprise those who know me. Both Scout and Maggie have a way of warming my soul, making me laugh, and filling me with heartfelt joy.

They are ALWAYS happy to see me. They do the silliest things that make me laugh out loud, yet they are attuned to the personalities and emotions that flavor our home....

Studies have shown that owning a pet can add years to your life. In fact, just petting a dog has been shown to lower blood pressure. And residents of nursing homes have shown a boost in mood and social interaction when a dog has been brought in for a visit.

My two dogs definitely bring joy to my home, to my life, to my family.

Peggy chose dolphins to symbolize what "balance" means to her...

One day a long time ago, I was watching a documentary about dolphins and something inside me clicked. I was well into my late 20’s and was watching the television as if I was glued to it. It felt as if I was in a mind-meld with the dolphins and it was too a point that I started to cry because on some spiritual level, I understood what these dolphins were saying. I just knew that the dolphin was my Spiritual Animal Totem, I just knew it!

The beautiful, graceful, sleek dolphin carries many messages for the two legged! A key to understanding because the dolphin meaning is connected with themes of duality. It has to do with the dolphin being both fish and mammal. It is both of the water, and an air breather. Ergo, dolphin symbolism talks to us about "being in two worlds at once." Indeed, the dolphin is a great conveyor of the concept of yin and yang.

It is playful, and is a reminder that time to play is a crucial element in walking in BALANCE. It moves through the water quickly and with great grace, ever moving with the flow. Dolphins tell us to move with the ebb and flow of life, and not to search for brick walls to smash into. To spend our energy fighting the current gets us nowhere. Being constantly at war with others, with our surroundings and with circumstances we cannot change, destroys the spirit, eats away at hope, and consumes the joy of life.

The power of the Dolphin is community in BALANCE.

AVT Coach chose the amazing elephant for her word, abundance.

I have chosen the ELEPHANT as an animal depicting ABUNDANCE. Of course, it does have abundant size but it also lives abundantly. Here is what I found out:

Elephants cry. They express grief at the loss of another elephant. They exhibit behaviors that depict sadness, bowing their heads, lowering their ears, and pausing at the place where another elephant has died.

Elephants play. They express joy at seeing other elephants. They dance around, spin and twirl, and trumpet joyful sounds.

Elephants are helpful. They take care of each other and especially the babies in the group.

Elephants give back. Without intention of doing so, their feet make large depressions in the ground where water can collect and be a provision for other animals.

Elephants are social. They live in large family groups and communicate over long distances with each other.

In my quest for an Abundant life, I think these characteristics are certainly a start. Have empathy for others, find joy in play, care for others, give back to the greater community, and create a positive family environment.

Octamom chose the swan as her symbol for excellence....

My word for '09 has been excellence and after a bit of zoological searching, I finally settled on the swan as the emblem for my word. Swans typically mate for life and have strong family bonds. The male and female swans nurture and raise their cygnets together, developing their own 'tribe', if you will. The image of a swan has graced many a coat of arms, conjuring connotations of nobility and are seen as symbols of love and fidelity because of their tendency to form life-long bonds. Many fairy tales and myths surround the species, the moral of the tales often being the adherence to beauty and grace, even in the midst of difficulty and ridicule.

Plus, swans are just pretty to look at. They just are.

Which is perhaps not the most excellent reason to choose a swan as my symbol of excellence. But I also got to take a great picture of one down of the lake during the summer.

And that sealed the deal for me...excellence.

Annemarie chose the ant for her word, discipline....

The ant has received a bad rap throughout history as a pest, a nuisance, an annoyance. While in Puerto Rico, I would often be surprised to find ants in my sugar, but no one else would be surprised. In Texas we are known for a more ferocious type, the fire ant - certainly not a little creature to be reckoned with.While thinking about this critter, I began to realize the one thing no one has ever called an ant is lazy. When you see ants, what are they doing? Moving, carrying, building, preparing for whatever may come. If you destroy their home, the very next day they have set up shop just on the other side of the sidewalk. Which brings me to my story...

In a field one summer's day, Grasshopper was hopping about, chirping and singing gleefully. Ant passed by, bearing along with great toil an ear of corn he was taking to the nest. Grasshopper tried to dissuade Ant from his work by inviting him along in his day of reverie, but Ant could not be swayed. He was preparing for the long winter. Ant tried to convince Grasshopper of the foolishness of his ways telling him he too should lay up stores.Grasshopper was not worried about winter as he had plenty of food for now and continued to while away the hours and days leading up to the first snow at which time he found himself dying of hunger. Meanwhile, Ant and his family could be seen surviving from what was stored away during the good weather. At that point Grasshopper knew IT IS BEST TO PREPARE FOR THE DAYS OF NECESSITY.

There are times when I would rather play than have the DISCIPLINE to stay at home and clean house or go to the grocery store and shop for the family. Sometimes I give in and later have to pay the consequences. Other times I pull myself together to get done what needs to be. Over the course of this year, my focus on DISCIPLINE has led me to see the error of many of my ways - most of which I have tried hard to change. Of course being human and having a the luxury of being able to go out if need be, I have not perfected this way of life. It is still something I strive to improve.

As always, a huge thank you to Caroline at Whimsical Whispers for enlightening me about choosing a word for the year, and thanks, too, to my four blog buddies who have joined me in this journey.

Tired of Turkey? Try This Tasty Treat!

2009-11-27T15:39:00.007-05:00

With tummies packed full of Thanksgiving fare, you might not be in the mood to eat anything yet. But if you are, and the leftover turkey doesn't look too enticing, you might want to try this delicious recipe I found a'la Paula Deen.

As you know, I'm not much of a cook, so when I try a recipe, and my family eats it (happily, I might add), it's time for a little happy dance! Today, I got to do my happy dance. Enjoy!

"Mexican Veggie Casserole"
2 T vegetable oil
3 C chopped zucchini
1 C chopped onion
1 (15-oz) can corn, drained
1 (15-oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15-oz) can ranch-style beans
1 (10-oz) can diced tomatoes with gree chilies, drained
1 package taco seasoning mix
2 C 2% shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
1 (8-oz) package 1/3 less fat cream cheese
1/2 C light sour cream
12 (5-inch) corn tortillas, divided
Garnish: chopped green onion

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 9x9 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add zucchini and onion; cook for 8-10 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir in corn, black beans, ranch-style beans, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning mix.

In a small bowl, combine 1 C cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream.

Layer 4 tortillas over bottom of prepared pan. Top tortillas with half of zuchini mixture; top evenly with half of cheese mixture. Place 4 tortillas over cheese mixture; top with remaining zucchini mixture. Top evenly with remaining cheese mixture. Cover top of casserole with remaining 4 tortillas. Sprinkle evenly with remaining 1 C cheese.

Bake for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Garnish with green onion. Serve immediately.

Click here to learn more about cooking with Paula Deen.

I talked about Paula in this post, too.

A Plentitude of Gratitude....

2009-11-25T11:06:00.005-05:00

I have a confession to make. I procrastinate. I find a million other things to do than what needs to be done at that moment.

Like now.... My house needs a little cleaning. Well, a lot if you count the gazillion paw prints that have been tracked onto the floor during the past several days of rain we've had here. Papers and books are stashed here and there, including several bins full in the dining room that have been waiting a sort-through since summer. And if I don't get things sorted and moved and cleaned, how will I ever make room for Christmas decorations?

Which leads me to Thanksgiving.... in a roundabout way, of course.

Thanksgiving. Being thankful.

I looked at a gratitude journal at Barnes and Noble last night and was tempted to buy it. I held it in my hands. I flipped through the coated pages. I looked at the designs and the journal prompts. And I realized that I don't need a gratitude journal to express my thankfulness. I can share it with you rather than keep it tucked away somewhere in my clutter. So, today, on the eve of Thanksgiving, I share these thoughts....

I'm thankful for...

my family, of course. For a husband who works hard to provide for his family, who gives freely of his time to prepare meals and package breakfast and lunch five days a week. For a daughter who brings me joy every day. For in-laws who know the meaning of love and friendship and faith.
my home. Even though it's a little on the messy side today and is in need of a few repairs, it's home.
a car that doesn't leave me stranded. In my younger days, I had cars that would choose when and where to crank. I had to be pushed off nearly everywhere I went in my Kharmann Ghia Volkeswagen. I bought cars that should have had "lemon" printed on them in bright orange paint. Now my husband takes care of that for me. (Did I already say I'm thankful for my husband?!)
a job. It's tough sometimes teaching nearly 100 teenagers. It's demanding. It's challenging. But the rewards are there.
silly puppies and faithful dogs. There's no other animal on the planet that can convey love and trust like dogs can. (That's my opinion, of course; you're welcome to your own!)
time to play.
the freedoms America offers and the choices that come with it.
the inner drive that let me see college as a way to better myself and my future.
Mr. Anderson who helped me obtain a loan, so I could quit working full time and finish my degree.
friends who have been a part of my life.
the gifts and abilities God has given me. I pray that I will recognize these gifts and use them for His purposes.

I need to give thanks more often. For the ray of sunlight that is battling its way through this cloudy day.... for the colorful leaves that still decorate the trees in my yard.... for the little things that brighten the minutes of each day.

Gratitude and thanks.

To my friends in America, I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving! To my friends in other lands, may you have a Happy Day of Peace and Joy!

Snapshot Saturday

2009-11-14T11:37:00.012-05:00

I love how the early morning sun streams through my windows....

I love how the light casts spotlights and shadows on the golden leaves outside my door.....

I love the gentle rustle of the leaves as a light breeze dances through them....

Maggie carrying a ridiculously too-large-of-a-bone around the house nearly dropping it on my foot. Scout nestling into his spot on the couch, head resting comfortably on a pillow. At least until he hears a squirrel close by and dashes out for the chase.

Hannah waiting for a friend to come over for a weekend of make-up and photo shoots, late-night giggling and midnight snacks.

A new Somerset magazine to linger over. Recipies to peruse. Essays to grade.

A snapshot of my Saturday.

Passionate Petals... Reflecting on Our Words

2009-10-31T21:49:00.013-04:00

This year as I’ve journeyed through life contemplating faith and joy, I’ve been more aware of the beauty around me each day. Yet even though my focus has been on these two words, I’ve still had days when I saw the world through a darker lens. A busy schedule and seemingly constant demands have clouded my world at times.

When Peggy suggested that we choose a flower that reflects our words, my first thought was on finding a photo that captured the essence of joy. I thought of sunny buttercups and my mother’s favorite flower, tulips. I also thought of flowers that connected to my word, faith. All of which led me to Caroline of Nowordz Photography, one of the most gifted photographers I know.

Caroline brings joy to many with her ability to capture the beauty of everyday life, so I asked if she would be willing to share one of her photographs with me. And she sent this lovely shot...

The beauty of the flower against the muted tones of the background seemed to perfectly capture my feelings this month. Even when peering through the world in an imperfect fashion, there we find it. Beauty. It stands out against the backdrop of life leaving us with a more peaceful and joyful feeling.

Thank you, Caroline! If you haven’t been to her site, you’ll want to click right on over to Nowordz Photography and to Whimsical Whispers. I’m sure you’ll be inspired and in awe of what you see.

Peggy, who suggested that we choose flowers to reflect our words this month, shares this beauty with us...

The amazing flower I chose to represent my word is called "Hippeastrum Cinderella".I took this photo in my hairdresser's garden last week. The complete beauty and balance of this flower called to me as I was leaving his house.

Flowers have always been a source of pleasure and happiness symbolizing love and friendship and since the dawn of time we have instinctively known that flowers can lift our spirits and make us feel well again. They play an important role in restoring or evoking a sense of harmony in mind, body and spirit of healing in its quintessential form.

Annemarie shares this...

The orchid is considered to be one of four noble plants. Because it grew deep in the mountains, it was compared to scholars who had transcended the greed and fame-seeking of the secular world.

Orchid growth is affected by everything from elevation and light to humidity, air movement and nutrition. When I looked up how to care for this "delicate" flower, I realized that this is a flower I would probably kill in just a few days. In my search for a more disciplined life, I came to an understanding about myself. I like my laid back life. I love that I am not always worried about menus and shopping lists. My children are healthy and happy. Yes, my house is less than tidy, and my flower pots outside are less than tended, but I am happy. So as this year of searching for discipline is nearing an end, I will begin thinking about what it is that I would like to work on next year....I have two more months to think about it.

AVT Coach shares this with us...

I have spent the past ten months with an action plan to have the most abundant life possible. I have cultivated new friendships and renewed old ones. I have committed time to family and used social media to create more connections with people. I made efforts to use my leadership skills in my work and have encouraged countless families in their journey toward spoken language. I have meditated and prayed. I have listened to music that stirs my soul. I have set new goals for fitness and nutrition. Abundance has been all around me each step of the way.

My chosen flower can only be the flower that is a personal favorite. I have chosen the poppy. I smile when I see an abundance of poppies scattered across a field as in a Van Gogh painting. The dichotomy is that poppies have a bad rap. They are associated with a shady industry that is the demise of many people, unhealthy, commemorate the death of soldiers in some countries and symbolize remembrance.

They were used in the Wizard of Oz to hinder Dorothy's journey down the yellow brick road. Even so, looking over a field of these beautiful flowers gives me a feeling of abundance and of gratitude. Abundance spread in the open for all to see and enjoy.

And Octamom shares this....

As my blog buddies and I continue through our Reflecting on Our Words project, I have been delighted with the number of ways my creative friends have come up with to bring imagery and metaphor to their guiding word for the year. This month, the theme was to choose a flower that exemplifies each of our words. It was a fun mental challenge to think through flora and fauna that would give example to my 2009 word, excellence.

I at first thought of flowers that have great beauty or hardy qualities or are rare. But what kept coming back to me is the flower that we see a lot of during this season, the blossom that someone decided is the 'birth flower' for November. And that would be the chrysanthemum. (The chrysanthemum illustration on the right is from the New International Encyclopedia from 1902, with the image url being hosted at Wikipedia.) The chrysanthemum is actually native to Asia and wasn't introduced into Europe until the 17th century. It is often seen as a symbol in Chinese and Japanese artwork. In the U.S., it is a floral symbol of the season, a happy spot of color for the autumn.

Chrysanthemums are also used in a number of beneficial ways. The petals can be used to make a sweet tea. The blossoms make a natural insecticide that is not harmful or toxic to animals and humans. The plant is also used as an antibiotic and an antiviral agent. A potted indoor chrysanthemum has also been shown to be effective in reducing indoor pollutants in the air.

And now for the tie-in to my 2009 word, excellence.

True excellence brings with it the benefits similar to the chrysanthemum. When I operate in excellence, I can make life sweeter, more palatable for those around me. When I operate in excellence, I can help reduce the pests of procrastination and apathy. When I operate in excellence, I can help fight off the infecting agents of mediocrity. And when excellence is present in the room, the environment is all the cleaner for it.

Stargirl....

2009-10-23T00:09:00.010-04:00

I guess you could say that I'm on a literary kick.

Fact is, our school is ordering a class set of books for each grade level, so I've been scurrying around trying to decide on the best novel to read and share with my 8th-graders. I want something that gives me plenty to teach.... characterization, plot development, word choice, and theme while giving the students a good story to enjoy.

I may have found it with Jerry Spinelli's Stargirl.

Written from a teenage boy's perspective, this story weaves its message through a plot that focuses on peer pressure and the need teeangers feel to fit in and conform with their peers. Stargirl, the other main character, is a free spirit, who is more concerned with how others feel rather than what they think. Yet as the characters wade into their relationships with each other and with their classmates, they find that remaining true to themselves is more challenging than they imagined.

The story made me smile... and cry, of course. Don't they all? Yet I think it will soon become the new class set of novels for my 8th-grade classroom. Its theme of being yourself (and being happy with who you are) is one that I hope my students will embrace as they continue their journey into adulthood.

Although I can picture numerous activities to go along with the book, it only took me a couple of hours to read it. So, if you measure time by the seconds rather than the hours, you can probably squeeze this one in!

I'm Blushing....

2009-10-15T00:01:00.002-04:00

I know we're not supposed to be obsessed with looks and image. I really try to let my daughter and my students know that "looks" aren't what make us who we are. What we do is what makes us who we are.

But I have a confession to make.

I've been looking a little drab lately.

My hair has hung without much shape, my face has seemed pale, and I've been thumping around with this air cast on my right foot for nearly three weeks. That little fashion addition definitely hasn't helped to improve my self-image.

That changed this week when I took Hannah to the Clinique counter at the local department store. Although I never wanted my daughter to wear make-up, she is definitely a glam-girl who loves to play with all things that come in powders, creams, pencils, and wands. It was time to restock her beauty supplies with an SPF/tinted moisturizer. I decided it was time to add a little color to mine.

Years ago I loved using a gel blush of Clinique's, but, as usual, it was discontinued a year or so later. Powders just seem to make my face look drier than it already is, so pale is my usual shade of color. I had just about given up on getting that blush of color on my cheeks when, voila, I discovered something "new" at the Clinique counter. A creamy blush stick that you swipe across your cheeks then blend in. I decided its $18 price tag was worth it; it was just the right shade and blended perfectly with my skin tone.

A little splash of color. A subtle blush. Suddenly, I'm feeling a little better about myself!

A True Time-Stealer....

2009-10-12T19:36:00.010-04:00

What an amazing story.... one that moved me to tears and made me think again about the power of words and the power of the human spirit.

Over the past few years I've read several books that gave me insight into the lives of other people who lived in countries that faced brutality and death on a regular basis. Fictional accounts, yet historically accurate in many ways, these books made me more aware of the vast differences that exist in our world.

This weekend, with nearly 90 essays to grade, I kept stealing moments with The Book Thief. Essays lay on my lap, while The Book Thief remained on top, open to its story. As I stumbled through the last pages, I was in tears, wrapped in emotion so heart-breaking that it pained me to realize that this story could have been true of the children and adults who lived through the Nazi regime and the ally invasion that finally ended World War II.

In the beginning, I found the book difficult. Written from the perspective of death, I kept wanting to move into the story of Liesel... I didn't care at first to read what Death had to say. But as I continued to read, I became one of the people of Himmel Street, and I stayed there until the very end.

The essays await, visits to you are still to come, but I wanted to share this remarkable story with you. Written by Australian Markus Zusak, it's a book you won't want to put down. Read it when you can.... and let me know what you think about it.

Lights, Camera, Action... As We Reflect on Our Words

2009-09-29T20:35:00.011-04:00

My friends and I have been posting together once a month as we reflect on the words we chose to focus on in the beginning of the year. When I began to think about a video that would appropriately reflect my thoughts on faith and joy, I immediately thought of the artist Akiane Kramarik. Her faith is the foundation for her art, and I can't help but feel joyful (and in awe) every time I look at her work.

Below is a CNN clip of an interview with her...

Peggy teamed up with The Moody Blues to convey her thoughts on "balance:"

Octamom shares the work of Kari Jobe whose video of her song, "I'm Singing," includes viewers' experiences, the result of which she says is "excellent... really amazing people continuing to walk with joy, even in the midst of some tough times."

Annemarie gets kudos for creating this original video to showcase her word, "discipline."

And AVTCoach gives us a video on "abundance." (I must have been the least techno-savvy one in the bunch because I couldn't figure out how to get the code over to my blog....) So please click HERE to watch her video, which features Akeela and the Bee.

This Boot Was Made for Walking....

2009-09-28T01:06:00.009-04:00

I always find it a little difficult to pack up my summer sandals at the end of the season. Our summer temperatures linger into fall, and while I may switch from capris to full-length slacks, I can usually get away with wearing sandals for several more weeks.

Yet the time has come a little early this year. I've actually been advised to switch from this strappy little number ...

to something more in line with a boot. And they weren't talking about an up-dated Ugg or a cute little faux fur-trimmed number. More like this one in classic gray ....

And, no I'm not going snow skiing any time soon either. That's a top-of-the-line air cast. Big and heavy and not enjoyable to wear at all.

It seems that I may have a stress fracture in one or more of the metatarsal bones of my right foot.

Last time I had a stress fracture it was in my tibia after running a 20-mile marathon training run. The current stress fracture is a little more of a mystery. The physician's assistant said that I may have begun the process during my four-mile walks this summer and compounded the problem when I took my strappy-sandaled feet back to the hard, cold floors of the classroom.

Whatever the cause, I'll be sporting this boot around for the next three weeks.

And you know what? That's okay because my foot sure was hurting before I started wearing this thing.

Another Year to Celebrate!

2009-09-25T00:01:00.001-04:00

According to the Days Alive Calculator, I've been breathing 17,530 days so far. That's 48 years. 48! Can you believe it? And I'm not the only one.

It was a year ago this week that AVTCoach and I struck up a conversation and discovered that, of all things, we are birthday soul sisters. Not just celebrating the same birthday. We were actually born on the same day in the same year. How cool is that?

It took a while to put it all together, but when we did, we had fun comparing notes about our lives. You can read all about my birthday here, what it means to be a Libra here, and her birthday tribute to us both here.

This year, we decided to post a photo history of sorts, showing us at the ages of 8, 18, 28, 38, and ... um, 48. Just so you know, I had to dig pretty deep to find these. (Note to parents of three children: Please keep taking pictures after the third child is born!)

Being from a military family, I'm constantly adding up the years and trying to figure out exactly which state or country I lived in at that time. Now, I can positively say, that at least for part of 1969, I lived in a brick house across the street from my grandparents. Here I am hugging the teddy bear I got for Christmas. I was probably my happiest living here and would gallop imaginary ponies through my grandparents' yard and tie the ponies to the foot of my bed each night.

By the time I was 18, I had graduated high school and had already been working full-time as secretary to the librarian at a junior college. I took classes at night but stopped once I went to work as a secretary/paralegal at a law firm. Here I am celebrating my 18th birthday with my grandmother, Queenie Anne, whose birthday was the day before mine.

By the time I turned 28, a lot had happened. I had become a skydiver and a pilot and was working my way through college. I finally had to leave the law firm because the classes I needed were only offered during the day. I did keep working, though, as a radio DJ and news anchor. The biggest news of the year was that Craig asked me to marry him... at an Alabama football game! After saying "yes," I promptly locked the game tickets and the keys in the car. (And he still married me!)

By the time I was 38, I had become a mom! Hannah was three years old by then. She's definitely my greatest accomplishment. Being her mom is an absolute blessing.

And now, I'm 48. During the past 30 years, I've worked as a paralegal for 11 years, in public relations for 11-12 years, and I've been teaching for nearly five. I wonder what my future holds?

But, more importantly, here's hoping that I have another 17,530 days to live! A happy, healthy ninety-six isn't too much to ask for, is it?!

... that goes for AVT Coach, too! I wouldn't want to celebrate such a big day without her. And if you want to wish my friend a happy birthday, click on over to her site. She's the other Partridge Family fan...!

Happy birthday, Wendy!

It's a Balancing Act

2009-09-19T18:23:00.009-04:00

Sometimes, I feel like I'm on a tightrope. If I lean a little too far one way, I'm sure to find myself dangling, barely hanging on, until I can regain my balance and stand up straight again. Regretfully, the balancing act is here to stay, and I find myself keeling over one side then the other as I try to balance out my life. Work and home. Family time and me time.

I have never been able to go to work at the scheduled time and leave when the work day is over. Oh, how I want to... how I envy those who are packed up and ready to leave when the last students walk out of the building. Yet I simply cannot do it. Instead, I find myself working late every day and even later on some days than others. The janitor knows me well, as I've often left just as he's getting ready to turn on the alarm system. Three and a half hours after our "official" work day has ended.

So, that's where I've been lately. Either at work or at home doing work it seems. And althoughI had so much fun blogging and visiting during the summer, I knew it would have to end, or at least slow down, when school started.

I was so right.

During the school year, I become so wrapped up in teaching that I have little time for anything else. Cooking? Walking? Out of the question. Just late nights grading or creating or just getting ready for the next few days. There's also more running around with Hannah now that school's back in session. And homework that creeps on hour after hour.

On January 1, I'm claiming Peggy's word, "balance," as my very own. I'm in great need of balance right now. Always have been really.

"Balance" has not been an adjective for how I live my life.

So, here I am squeezing in a little time here to say hello and let you know that I've missed visiting all of you and having you visit me. And even though I have plenty to do right now...

I'm going to hit publish and then spend a little time in your company. That's what I need right now. A little company... at least before I climb back onto that tightrope of mine.

Mosaic Monday: All Dressed Up With Somewhere To Go

2009-09-06T20:05:00.011-04:00

When Hannah was a baby, she smiled and laughed a lot. When she was a toddler, she would put her sweet, little feet in my high heels and try to walk around the house in them. When she was in pre-school, she would wear my scarves, my hats, and my jewelry and look in the mirror and smile at herself.

When Hannah was in elementary school, she would play in my make-up, brushing colorful eye shadow over her eyelids and eyebrows.

When she began middle school, she would twist and twirl her pony-tailed hair into a messy bun on the top of her head and fall out of her desk and trip on the stairs.

Then, this past Saturday night,

Hannah artfully brushed a subtle shade of eye shadow over her eyelids and combed mascara through her naturally dark lashes. She styled her friend's hair in cascading curls before styling her own hair into a sleek, sophisticated look.

She slipped into her first little, black dress and stepped into her first pair of high heel shoes.

And she went to a friend's Bat Mitzvah and smiled and laughed a lot.

She danced with her friends and forgot to eat because she was having so much fun.

And I sit here now, both proud and wistfully sad.

Proud that she is as sweet as she is beautiful... that she is wise and silly and graceful and clumsy. And a bit sad remembering her toddler days and that she's not my baby any more, yet always will be.

God gave me the gift of motherhood, yet it's a gift that tugs at my heart and coaxes happy-sad tears down my cheeks...

on a Saturday night when she's all dressed up with somewhere to go.

XOXO Peanut... I love you

For more photo mosaics, visit Mary at Little Red House... the generous host of Mosaic Monday.

2009-09-05T10:51:00.008-04:00

52 hours spent at school

7 1/2 hours available for planning

4 1/2 of those spent in meetings

93 students to teach each day

93 essays to grade

93 tests to grade

93 review sheets to grade

93 universal screenings to grade

25 literature tests to grade

1 giant notebook to compile

1 school Web page to update

4 days of lesson plans to complete

Sitting on my deck with Scout on a Saturday morning.... priceless!

So, how was your week?

(I've missed you guys!)

2009-08-30T19:47:00.010-04:00

"I have found that JOY is all around me....

It just takes opening my eyes and heart to really see it and feel it!"

~~ Roban

It's exciting to be joining four of my blog buddies for the eighth time as we post reflections on the words we chose at the beginning of the year. This month's reflections are short and sweet... a simple sentence or two about our journey this year as we strive for balance, discipline, excellence, abundance, and joy in our lives.

"Striving for BALANCE between complexity and simplicity, constantly evaluating and re-evaluating the trade-offs I have to make to get there." ~~ Peggy at Middle Age Ramblings

"DISCIPLINE is setting your eyes on the prize, recognizing what you need to do to get there and removing all obstacles that will prevent you from finishing the race." ~~ Annemarie at So I was Just Thinking

"In August, I recognized the ABUNDANCE of seeing old friends, listening to great music, feeling the cool mountain air, and having a real time phone conversation with a good mate!" ~~ AVT Coach at This Abundant Life

"EXCELLENCE: A process and a discipline, not a destination." ~~ Octamom

Special thanks to Caroline at Whimsical Whispers for inspiring us to begin the journey in the first place!

And the Winner is....

2009-08-29T00:25:00.010-04:00

Have you ever noticed that when you find something you love, you want to share it with others? It's just too good to keep to yourself.... Kind of like Oprah, I guess, and her "Favorite Things" show. You know the one. It's the show where she gives everyone in her studio audience trinkets like HDTV Refrigerators, Artisan Stand Mixers, and Camcorders.

Well, consider me a small-scale Oprah when it comes to sharing things I love. Like when I kept giving my mother-in-law Bath and Body hand soaps because I loved them so much. Kitchen Lemon, Sun-Ripened Raspberry, Coconut Lime Verbena.... One day I happened to get a good look in her bathroom and realized that she had enough of my favorite hand soaps to open up her own Bath and Body franchise. She loves them; she uses them, but sometimes enough's enough.

I gave one sister a leather journal for Christmas one year. I love all things paper and journal-y. For Hannah it was an Italian link bracelet like mine. I finally bought my running friend the same kind of socks I ran in. They were so soft, my feet did a little dance when I put them on each morning.

So, when I was working on my mosaic for this past Monday, I thought it would be fun to introduce more of my blog friends to something I love by offering a giveway. After a quick Facebook chat, Rebecca generously agreed to have Scrapblog donate a 12x8 Keepsake Album to one lucky reader of mine.

So, with the help of the random generator at Violets are Blue, I'm pleased to announce that ...

McVal at Sew Not My Day

is the lucky recipient of one of my favorite things!

Check your e-mail, McVal, for information on how to create and claim your keepsake album.

Because several who left comments said they wished they could see my mosaic images up close, I've added a couple below. Just click on the Scrapblog logo for a larger view.

And thanks to each of you who left comments last Monday. This was my first giveaway, and it was definitely one of my favorite things to do!

Mosaic Monday: Scrapblog Giveaway!

2009-08-23T22:52:00.007-04:00

I discovered blogging and scrapblogging at about the same time. It was June 2008 while Hannah and I were at the beach. Suddenly, my world became much larger! I not only became a blogger and scrapblogger, but I met new friends from all over the world each time I clicked "publish."

To commemorate the reawakening of my creativity, I've teamed up

with scrapblog.com

to offer YOU

a chance

to WIN

a 12x8 keepsake book.

All you have to do is leave a comment on this post, and you'll be entered in the drawing.

If you're the lucky winner, you can either print one of the scrapblogs you've already created, or create something new. It's so easy!

Here are a few pages of the digital scrapbooks I created using scrapblog.com....

So, go ahead, leave a comment! The deadline is Friday, August 28.

Mary at Little Red House is the gracious host of Mosaic Monday. Skip on over and take a look at the other mosaics....

Watching Her Grow...

2009-08-20T00:12:00.005-04:00

I love this picture of Hannah....

She paused as we made our way into the school building for her first day of kindergarten. Her smiling face seems to say "I'm in big school now; can you believe it?!" I smiled when I looked closely at the picture and noticed her hand. I can practically see the energy and excitement dancing through her....

And that pink bookbag... Barbie, I'm sure. Matching lunch box held her snack for the day. I remember that white blouse, so crisp and fresh in the sweltering August heat. Her sandals, her toes....

I remember her spunk when she ran up to me after school and proclaimed, "I didn't even drop my tray!" (Apparently, she had been a bit worried about that happening during lunch... apparently she did okay that day!)

And here she is seven years later on the first day of 8th grade. No more pictures in front of the school. The front porch will do just fine she says! Her eager smile is still there.... And she's excited. Still.

She makes friends easily (something I've never been as good at) and is diligent in her work.

But I have to wonder where the years have gone. Afternoons of sunshine seemingly vanished over night.

"You only have me for five more years," she said recently with a sneaky grin on her face.

"No," I reminded her, "I have you for life! And, uh, watch out... I would make a great college roommate!"

Mosaic Monday: Jellyfish, Sea Dragons, and Sharks (oh, my!)

2009-08-16T23:29:00.004-04:00

I love museums and aquariums. I can spend all day poking around...

Last weekend, Hannah and I met my sister and her daughter in Atlanta for a few days of exploring....

Our primary destination was the Georgia Aquarium, the largest aquarium in the world. It didn't take me long to find two of my favorite sea animals: the Australian weedy sea dragons and sea horses. These two creatures seem almost mythical to me. The aquarium also is home to Nandi, the only manta ray ever to reside in a U.S. aquarium, whale sharks, and cute beluga whales. Not to mention the most diverse population of aquatic life ever found in an aquarium.

The Titanic Aquatic exhibit was still open, so we were able to see the artifacts recovered from that tragic crossing. It was amazing to see a display of china plates stacked one behind the other sitting upright in the sand just as they had found them deep on the ocean floor. Unbroken, no less. Clothing, luggage, and other personal items were also on display, all recovered practically intact from the wreckage. As we made our way through the exhibit, we came to a passageway that was designed so we could feel the vibrations and sounds of the engines just as third-class passengers did on that fateful night. It was a bit eerie and sad to walk through the exhibit knowing how many people lost their lives that night and how frightened they must have been as the ship was sinking.

There was so much to see throughout the aquarium, I can't tell you about everything. But you can visit the Georgia Aquarium virtually by clicking here. And if you're ever in Atlanta, you might want to put this on the top of your "to-do" list.

The photos are: (1) jellyfish (2) sea worms (3) shark (4) beluga whale (5) Hannah and Allison petting the sting rays and sharks (6) sea anemone (7) otters (8) whale shark (9) Hannah "swimming" (10) sea horses (11) jellyfish (12) the cousins in front of the aquarium entrance.

Mosaic Mondays are hosted by Mary at Little Red House. Click on over!

Packed and Ready to Go

2009-08-13T23:34:00.006-04:00

it was my daughter's first day of school yesterday

can you see the excitement on her face?

dressed in her new uniform

with her hair just so....

she was excited

she's a great student

but y'know what?

I think she was most excited

about seeing so many of her friends

and that makes me smile

because without them

school would just be

textbooks and assignments
and cafeteria food

but with friends

it's more like a gathering

where smiles and laughter

are the commas and exclamation points

that punctuate each day

I hope she has an exceptionally good year!

Four years ago this month...

2009-08-13T00:05:00.001-04:00

I plunged into a new career. Head first, without looking back, dismissing naysayers as I ventured into a middle school for the first time in 30 years! This time, not as a student but as an 8th-grade language arts teacher. Without a degree in education... without having substituted... without having been around middle-schoolers since I was in 8th-grade three decades before! Eighth grade! Can you believe it?

You're probably wondering how I became a teacher without having a teaching degree or even substituting.... Aren't you? To save time and (hopefully) keep you from clicking on another blog, I'll give you the short version of my path to teacherdom.... I already held a bachelor's degree in communications and had a lot of experience as a writer. I had a little teaching experience by working with interns and guest lecturing at a local university. That's probably how the teaching bug bit me.

The bad news was that I would have to work my way through college again as a graduate student and spend endless evenings (three to five years worth of them) earning my teaching credentials. I just didn't want to wait that long. Instead, I chose an alternative program called TAPP, or Teacher Alternative Preparation Program.

After a summer "boot camp," where I learned the basics of classroom management, teaching, and curriculum design, I simply walked into my classroom and began to teach. Whew, was that tough! In addition to teaching each day, I attended some evening classes and seminars during my first two years of teaching, compiled a huge portfolio, was observed over and over and over again, and had to pass the necessary examinations, but the focus of TAPP was "on-the-job" training so-to-speak from the first day on.

It's been four years, and at the end of this year, my first class will be graduating from high school. But probably the strangest thing of all is that my daughter, who was going into 4th grade the year I began teaching, is going into 8th grade this year! She's the same age as my students.... my baby is one of them now!

Time passes by so quickly. Here I am during my first year of teaching....

This time next week, instead of enjoying a pajama day I'll be meeting the kids who'll be a big part of my life this year... nearly 100 of them... all with different personalities, talents, and stories that make each one unique. It will be up to me to discover each student's uniqueness by peeling back the layers of facades they have so carefully constructed over the years....

Sometimes it takes me half the school year or more to figure them out... what makes them tick, what ticks them off, what motivates them to learn (or at least to not socialize quite as much!). Each child is a mystery to unravel, all while I try to teach them what they need to learn this year... in literature and language arts.

Am I ready for them? I better be....

I'm a teacher now!

Mosaic Monday: Hilton Head Island

2009-08-10T00:21:00.011-04:00

My summer slipped quietly away this past week....

It didn't happen immediately.

It just slowly slipped past

as clouds drifted by

and playful waves lapped onto the shore.

Sitting under a blue umbrella,

I looked out over the ocean

and saw diamonds glittering

on the slate blue sea.

I watched birds glide with ease

on currents of ocean air.

truly free

I let the wind dance in my hair.

I let the sun warm my face.

And I read and relaxed and dreamed good things

as my summer slipped away.

Photographs taken on Hilton Head Island

South Carolina

August 2009

For more mosaics visit Mary at her Little Red House!

Paula & Roban

2009-08-06T23:43:00.007-04:00

Photo of Meryl Streep portraying Julia Child in the movie Julie & Julia. Photo taken by Jonathan Wenk for Columbia/Sony.

For most girls growing up in the South, cooking is an art that is learned from their mothers, who learned how to cook from their mothers, who learned how to cook (well, you get the idea). For me, it just didn't happen. Instead of helping my mom cook, I was busy reading a book or playing outside with my friends. My job was to set the table before dinner and to clean up afterwards.

As I grew older, I learned how to make cross-wind landings in single-engine airplanes, how to pack a parachute, and how to turn flips in freefall. But the two things that continued to give me trouble were cooking and baking. I guess you could say that we just didn't mix very well.

I'll never forget the year my husband went out of town on my birthday, leaving us girls alone to celebrate. You can't celebrate a birthday without a cake, so we went to the grocery store and bought a box of cake mix, some frosting in a can, and decorations to go on top. Hmmm. We called that cake a "dinosaur wasteland" and not just because the decorations were tiny little dinosaurs. We gave it that name because it looked like a dinosaur wasteland. The frosting kept sticking to the cake, causing me to peel off huge chunks of cake every time I made a swipe to add more frosting. It wasn't a pretty thing at all.

And cooking? Well... other than cooking spaghetti and my own family recipe, I've left the kitchen to my husband. Let's just say he's done a lot (okay, make that 99.9%) of the cooking since we've been married. He's the kind of person who can come in and put together a meal in less than 30 minutes. Get me in the kitchen and a dish that's supposed to take 10 minutes to prepare and another 20 minutes to cook might take two hours to complete.

That is until now!

If you want to know what I've been up to this summer, look no further. I've been in the kitchen learning how to cook. Complete meals... not just a dish here or there... but complete meals!

No, I didn't run out and buy a copy of Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Instead I turned to any Southern gal's best pal in the kitchen (that would be Paula Deen), my neighborhood Publix store, and a few other trusted souls. With their help, I've been able to wow my family with some pretty good eating these past couple of months. And most importantly, I've begun to get comfortable in the kitchen. The acts of chopping vegetables, mincing fresh herbs, and stirring the pot have been rewarded with savory aromas and a pervading sense of well-being that I felt when I began to actually feed my family something good. Instead of feeling rushed and unsure of myself, I began to enjoy the process.

I can't wait to tell you about one of my family's favorite dishes.... It's Paula Deen's Herbed Stuffed Chicken Breasts (page 65 of The Lady & Sons Savannah Country Cookbook).

Paula Deen (courtesy of pauladeen.com)

When you read the recipe, you'll see that you have to pound the chicken breasts and then coat them on one side with cream cheese. After that, you place crumbled feta cheese on top. Then, you sprinkle basil, oregano, and Paula's House Seasoning over all of it. Next, (this is the fun part) you roll the chicken breast up and wrap a slice of uncooked bacon around it.

When I place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour melted butter on top, I just have to stand back and admire my creation. It looks like something you would be served in a nice restaurant... something cooked by a real chef!

If you haven't heard of Paula Deen, you may want to mosey on over to her Web site. You can read all about her or just skip to the recipes that are posted online.

I'll tell you more about what I learned from Publix and the other trusted souls in the weeks to come. Until then... as Paula says, "let's get cookin'!"

Just a Few Facts Should Do...

2009-08-05T00:23:00.000-04:00

I love it when someone wants to get to know me better. It reminds me of friendships I had as a child, of times when we would ask each other random questions or fill out quizzes in magazines... little by little peeling the layers off to find out who we really were inside.

Last week, Silver tagged me asking that I post six things that would help her get to know me better. She actually said that I should feel like I had just stepped out of a confessional by the time I finished. It isn't always easy to go into confession mode, so I decided to share two things with you: a blog post from last year and a scrapblog I created.

So, if you'd like to know my quirkier side, you should click here! Or, you can click on the scrapblog icon below to read 20 random things about me. Either way, you'll probably leave my blog feeling a little more knowledgeable about your Moments in Time blogger friend.

Of course, part of the fun of all this is getting to tag other people to share information about themselves. A sort of give-and-take of information to keep it from getting too lopsided. But instead of actually tagging you, I'm just going to ask you right now if you'll go ahead and tell me six or more things about yourself. You can either do it in a post or in a comment right here on my blog.

I do want to get to know you better. So go ahead... get started!

pssssst! Guess what?

2009-08-04T10:07:00.006-04:00

I'm at the beach!

Yesterday morning was absolutely gorgeous. The morning sun was glittering off the ocean... twinkling like diamonds scattered across the ocean waves. I was able to sit under my umbrella ALL day! Loved it! ... was even able to read an entire book yesterday... Falling Angels by Tracy Chevalier. Wonderful book. You'll have to read it when you can!

I've taken a lot of photographs. Unfortunately, my card reader for the camera isn't accepting the new memory card I bought before the trip.... So, I'll have to share them after the trip.

The beautiful sunset photo of the exact beach we're on came from virtualtourist.com.

I hope you're having a great week! EnJOY yourself!

Mosaic Monday: Reflecting on Our Words...

2009-08-01T00:02:00.006-04:00

At the beginning of the year, four friends and I decided that we would each reflect on a word during the year. Each month, we've shared our reflections on those words and how we are incorporating what those words mean to us in our daily lives.

This month, we've created mosaics that illustrate what our words mean to us.... My mosaic is on "JOY...."

What brings me joy? my daughter Hannah, good movies, great books, knowing that Craig is a caring father, Scout, twinkling Christmas lights, summer days before it gets too hot, blogging, taking pictures of Hannah, Akiane’s amazing art, Maggie, when a student ‘gets it’ and becomes a writer, morning light as it dances through the window panes, the smell of Biolage shampoo, doing things with Hannah, finding a hand-crafted necklace that has a meaning that resonates with me, being able to walk and run through the neighborhood, making new friends, eating good food, reading magazines (or looking at the pictures!), unexpected snow days, blue skies with windswept clouds, Autumn, scrapblogging, colorful flowers, driving my car, pampering ourselves, pedicures and summer sandals, my family, Starbucks frappucinos…. and so many other things I don’t have pictures of, like warm baths and cozy beds, a roaring fire on cold days, night sounds and falling stars…. The more I think about it, the more things I find that bring me joy!

In addition to finishing up a 3,000-mile journey with her children these past couple of weeks, Octamom created this beautiful mosaic on "Excellence...."

Excellence...
Completed Road Trips
Blue Skies
Ballet
Extended Family
Coming Home

Annemarie's mosaic just makes me feel good...!

Annemarie: As I move toward a more disciplined way of life, these are some of the things I have been trying to incorporate more of. It is not an issue of right or wrong, but of more or less. I want to get more organized, do more cooking, cleaning and exercise and get a decent amount of sleep. I think it is a never ending journey, but one that is worth the trip.

AVT Coach has been living an abundant life and shares this mosaic with us...

During the past seven months, the four of us, along with Peggy, have created poems, song lyrics, collages, and more as we reflected on our words. Here are the links if you'd like to look back on our year of reflections...

January Our Words in Poems
February Reflecting in Song
March Seeing our Words
April A Cup of Verbal Tea
May Artfully Said (collages)
June Reflective Thoughts (scrapblog)

And our journey began with one of Caroline's posts at The Zen in You....

enJOY your day!

It's Friday and...

2009-07-31T08:59:00.005-04:00

I have things I have to do today.
I need to hop in the shower, dry my hair, get ready for the day....
I need to either go to the next town over to see my husband's new office, or
go to the school and get my room somewhat arranged for the new year....

which means arranging desks,
hanging posters,
making my room inviting....

And here at home,
I need to sweep and mop the floors,
put things away,
dust the furniture,
and get my house smelling all fresh and clean again....

I need to tackle the laundry,
wash my fave chino capris,
iron a few things,
and get ready for a trip to the beach....

I don't have time to blog,
or visit other blogs,
or leave comments,
or even say hello....

But I can tell you that a few of us bloggers will be posting a reflection on our words,
tomorrow....

We're waiting until tomorrow because we've been busy doing things called living....
And even though some months seem to take forever to end
(as in months with five weeks between paychecks),
the end of the month still slips up on us....

So have a great Friday
and know that I'd like to be visiting you
to see what you're up to
and what you're thinking about
and what your plans are for the weekend.

P.S. I'll probably sneak back later just to see who's around!

What's Up Wednesday....

2009-07-29T00:13:00.002-04:00

I don't usually have specific days for specific posts, but I found a "What's Up" post over at Jeanne's Life or Something Like It and decided to create my own version of a What's Up list. I added a little alliteration, renaming it "What's Up Wednesday...." and turned it into a quick summary of what's been going on in my life. So, just so you know...

1. I've seen several movies lately... Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Public Enemies, and Pelham 1-2-3. All of them were good; of course, I had been waiting for Harry Potter to come along since last November when the movie was first scheduled to be released. Johnny Depp was in Public Enemies, and John Travolta was in Pelham 1-2-3. Enough said!

2. Since May, I've had three cases of poison ivy, and I don't even garden! Go figure. I think one my dogs must be rolling around in it, and she must have the plant's oil on her when I pet her. (I'm thinking it's mischievous Maggie's fault.... I've never had it until now, and she's the newest addition to the family.)

3. I realized the importance of wearing good exercise clothes last week. I have a fondness for tennis skirts and have been wearing the skirts while walking. Underneath, I wear fitted shorts that come down on my thighs. One day, I wore a pair of shorts that had ripped in the inseam. Chaffing began to occur when I was still more than a mile from home. I couldn't walk or jog for several days. For that matter, I could barely walk at all!

4. I'm better now, thank you. I logged four miles Monday morning and another 1.5 miles with Maggie Monday evening. On Tuesday, I only did 1.5 miles... more on that later.

5. I'm having an extra long summer this year. Our school district pushed our start date to mid-August. Now our governor has asked us to stay home three more days (without pay) to help with budget issues. Although I prefer getting paid for all 190 days of my contract, there's a bright side.... I get to take Hannah to her first day of school for the first time in five years, and I have an extra day of Christmas break to look forward to.

6. It's easier to walk four miles than to walk the 1.5 miles around my block. When I get to the bottom of one long, steep hill and am facing the climb up the other side, I start looking up for a helicopter to come lower a rope to me. I even daydream about telling my underage daughter to carefully, carefully, drive the car to get me.

7. Maggie, our mixed-breed dog, may be part human. Yesterday, she was on her back legs with her front paws on the kitchen island. She "cruised" from one end to the other just like babies do when they're learning to walk.

8. My dining room is still full of boxes, folders, papers, and books from my classroom. I've organized one of our new units into a binder. What in the world am I going to do with all the other stuff? Load it back into my car and take it back to school in a few weeks? Without even going through it? "I pledge to never bring home tons of work to go through during my summer break ever again." And I mean that.

9. I have two painting projects to take care of within the next couple of weeks.... Our back stairway doesn't match the newly-painted kitchen, and it's supposed to. Hannah wants her bathroom painted. I know it will be worth it in the end.... It's just that whole procrastination thing....

10. Even though we're being furloughed for a couple of days at the beginning of the school year, I'll probably go in one day to arrange my room. i love getting it organized and ready for that first day. I would have done that anyway....

So, what's up with you these days?

Mosaic Monday: Running Route

2009-07-26T20:15:00.009-04:00

Up until about four years ago, I was much more active... playing tennis and running. After a year of trying to juggle that with my new career as a teacher and as a parent and (well, you get the picture), I stopped doing the things that I should do to stay healthy.

I can't really call this my "running" route. It's more of a walking route. Four miles with a few hills and smaller inclines thrown in. About an hour's worth of exercise on a good day. Seven years ago, it was just part of my running route.... maybe one day I can call it that again. Until then, I'll keep walking. At least at this slower pace I can stop and smell the flowers along the way!

P.S. Mary didn't host Mosaic Monday last week, but I went ahead and created one anyway. If you like air and space, vintage newspapers and the original moonwalk, take a peep here! And for this week's Mosaic Mondays, visit Mary at Little Red House, where her beautiful beach mosaic will have you pining away for windswept clouds and ocean waves.... She also has Mr. Linky directing traffic to other Mosaic Mondays!

Blowing Bubbles....

2009-07-23T23:56:00.006-04:00

During the school year, I kept a pretty tight circle of blog friends.... Not so much because of some underlying anti-social personality disorder but simply because it takes time to visit and read and chat....

But during the summer months, I get to spend a little more time drifting about and have discovered some fun and quirky, colorful and comforting, artful and beautiful blogs. Today, I called my daughter over to look at Katie Sokoler's Color Me Katie site, where we were quick to find inspiration. Particularly when we found this post.

As soon as my daughter saw Katie's creation, she said she wanted to create a bubble picture of her own. So, she got busy locating round objects, gathering paper, pencil, paints, and scissors.... And began making her own bubbles....

Then we looked for just the right place to take the picture. Living room? No... It was too big. Sunroom? No... It was too small. Hannah's room? Yes... It was just right! Even though It took a little rearranging of furniture to make it happen....

Katie has many more inspiring works.... In fact, we're thinking about doing this in a nearby shopping district before school starts back.

Ahhh. Summer blogging.... It's more than a pasttime, it's inspirational fun!

Breakfast... for moi?

2009-07-22T10:54:00.010-04:00

Hannah's self-portrait....

My daughter made my breakfast today. A toasted and buttered English muffin stacked with a poached egg and a slice of cheese with a little seasoning sprinkled on top.

I make these for breakfast quite often, but hers tasted so much better. A buttery-delicious welcome to a new day....

And for those of you with smaller children still running around, your time will come. They call these the teen years. I call them wonderful... at least most of the time!

A Medley of Song

2009-07-21T10:38:00.010-04:00

Have you ever noticed how noisy nature is?

I decided to sit on my deck to blog this morning. And it hit me. The loud song of the cicada. The tall trees that tower around me seem to be nature's own speakers as the concerto blasts through the air. At times, the symphony can seem deafening as the song rises into a crescendo. Afterwards, it begins to fall into a summertime lull until the next crescendo takes over.

If I need a few facts to back up my claim, consider this: the song of a singing cicada can actually register at over 100 decibels. But, get this... male cicadas are not loners. Instead, hundreds and thousands of the males gather together to sing, fly, and ultimately land on sunny branches as they court females through song.

The cicada songs aren't the only sounds of summer. As day turns into evening, frogs join in the medley, and owls make guest appearances swooping from the trees with their lonesome "woos" seeming to echo in the distance.

Mosaic Monday: The Original Moonwalk

2009-07-20T00:01:00.002-04:00

Photograph of Buzz Aldrin from NASA Web site. The newspaper photographs are my originals.

I was only seven years old when U.S. astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin took their historic first steps on the moon. I don't remember watching the coverage on television, but my older sister remembers. She said we were at our grandparents' house and that my Papa didn't believe any of it was true. "I remember him saying that they were in Russia, not on the moon," she said.

As a former journalist and a space enthusiast, imagine my excitement when I unpacked old newspapers that my husband's grandmother had kept over the years. These newspapers (which I photographed and used in my mosaic) were published between July 15 and July 22, 1969... when NASA launched Apollo 11 and Armstrong and Aldrin walked on the moon! I'm thrilled to own these historic documents!

Since today is Mosaic Monday, I also went into the NASA archives and used some of their photographs to create another mosaic. Information about each photograph is included below.

1) Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Mike Collins take a break during training. 2) Apollo 11 blasts off! 3) A serious mood dominates Mission Command during the lunar landing. 4) Earthrise from the moon 5) This is one of the first photographs Armstrong took after landing on the moon. 6) (center shot) Armstrong also took this photograph of Aldrin. When you enlarge or zoom in on the photograph, you can see Armstrong in the reflection on Aldrin's visor. 7) Aldrin salutes the American flag. 8) astronaut's footprints on the moon 9) This photo was taken after Armstrong returned to the module after his moon walk. 10) Mission Control cheers a successful mission. 11) The astronauts await their pick-up after splash down. 12) While in the quarantine van, the astronauts can only wave to their wives. 13) President Nixon congratulates the crew.

One thing I noticed as I looked through the photos actually taken on the moon was that Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, was not in many of them. Hmmm. I'm guessing Armstrong was like a lot of us bloggers. He was usually the person behind the lens instead of in front of it!

Wishing you blue skies and joy on this Mosaic Monday!

Being a Friend

2009-07-15T00:01:00.001-04:00

The two girls slowly made their way into the surf. My daughter, Hannah, who is usually adventurous and confident, was not eager to get into the gulf waters. She held back, shaking her head and turning away as if to walk back to where I sat under the brightly-colored beach umbrella. Her friend was standing in waist-deep water urging her to come on....

Sarah talked to her; I talked to her, but Hannah still didn't want to commit herself to the ocean's waves. She had seen a clear strip of dots and was worried that jelly fish were nearby. The clear water was cool and inviting, yet still she lingered near shore.

I watched as Sarah walked back to her... their heads bending together in conversation. Finally, Sarah took Hannah's hand and the two of them made their way into deeper water. Side-by-side, one step at a time.

Watching them made me think about friendship. How sometimes we need a friend to encourage us from a distance, giving us advice and supporting our decisions. And how, at other times, we need a friend to help us through rough waters, holding our hand every step of the way.

It seems that friendship is on a few of our minds lately. Peggy also wrote on this topic in her recent post at Middle Age Ramblings.

Mosaic Monday: Shades of Summer

2009-07-13T09:51:00.006-04:00

Oh, the shades of summer.... from the beach to the backyard, summer is a time to enjoy special moments in time! For me, summer means trips to the beach and time to read those novels I've put off all year. This year, it's also meant lacing up those shoes and going for long walks through the neighborhood.

For today's mosaic, I tried to go for a softer look by altering the saturation a bit. The colors were more vivid on my originals. I still didn't quite get there on the "soft" look.

For more Mosaic Mondays, visit Mary at Little Red House! After looking at the beautiful flowers she is sharing in her mosaic today, you can scroll down and find even more Mosaic Mondays to visit.

Happy Monday!

Friendship.... in Charlotte's Words

2009-07-10T14:32:00.010-04:00

The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when you discover that someone else believes in you and is willing to trust you with a friendship. [adapted Ralph Waldo Emerson]

My husband's family understands the value of friendships. My mother- and father-in-law, who are now in their 80s, have maintained friendships with people for 60 years or more. My husband and his brother also have strong friendships with people they have known since childhood. My lovely sister-in-law, Charlotte, is no different. She has friends literally across the globe. I can't begin to imagine how many gigabytes her e-mail address book takes up! It's a given that this family knows the importance of friendships and how to make them, nurture them, and enjoy them.

Today is Charlotte's birthday. Before she began celebrating, she sent this e-mail to her friends. It's a message we should all remember, so I thought I would share it with you!

"My dear friends,

Today is my birthday and I am having a luncheon, ladies only. Now this may not seem like a big deal to you…and you know, 5 years ago it wouldn’t have been a big deal to me either. But for me today…it is a HUGE accomplishment! You see, I have lived in Portugal for 3 years and I am just beginning the 4th year…and this is the first time of living here, I have GIRLFRIENDS.

I just want to say, please don’t take your friendships for granted. I know you probably say that you don’t, I said that too, before I moved here…how could I ever take a friend for granted??? My friends are too special to me…but I did in fact take my friendships for granted, you were always there, and I knew I would always have friends, so why would living here be any different? Well, it took living in a foreign country, not knowing the language to make the shortest of conversations and not having a job to meet people that I might have something in common with, that I realized how much I had in fact taken my friendships for granted.

Thank goodness for emails and for telephone with free long distance calls because I was able to stay in touch with you in many ways, but each year that ticked by, I missed that special bond I have always had with my girlfriends…going shopping, meeting in each other’s homes, talking about shoes, weight, cooking, well, all those things we “take for granted” with our friends. All of a sudden I didn’t have any of that kind of relationship here. Of course I had Mario to talk to, and often I told him he was my only friend…but somehow it was not the same, if you know what I mean. There was a huge void in my life, it was MY FRIENDS…I simply had no friends here. No one to call up and chat on the phone with, no one to tell me “that dress looks good on you”, or “No, Charlotte that is not your color”...again, you know what I mean.

The point of this message is that I now have some friends and the hole inside of me is beginning to fill up once again. It is the most incredible feeling in the world, to experience that emptiness ‘fill up’ again…so that is why I say to you…don’t take your friendships for granted. Treasure them, nourish them, and love them.

My mother taught me how to be a friend at a young age…it was nothing that she did or said, I just watched her with her friends and learned from those interactions. Thank you Mama…it is the best gift you have ever given me.

I have always said that my friends were my lifeline to happiness. You have been with me through thick and thin…and there is nothing in this world that I would ever do to lose you or what we have shared together. It is a remarkable bond that I cherish. Now I can send this to at least 5 women today here in Portugal…they are a part of my heart now, just as all of you are, and always will be.

The best gift that I have is the blessing of your friendship. It is worth more than anything money could buy.

Thank you very much.

Love, Charlotte xxx"

Harry, Ron, Hermoine... I'm Glad to See You Back!

2009-07-08T19:24:00.011-04:00

I promise to get off the celebrity and movie kick immediately following this post. But I have to tell you, I'm a Harry Potter fan. A big Harry Potter fan. I adore the books; I love the movies. And while I understand that some people prefer not to read the books or share them with their children, I consider them pure fantasy... a delightful escape into a magical world of invisibility cloaks and flying hippogriffs, house elves and dear friends who stick by you no matter what.

Last year, many of us on the scrapblog site created digital scrapbooks featuring our favorite books. One of the two I created featured the Harry Potter series. To make my scrapblog a little more entertaining, I embedded a video clip of interviews conducted during the filming of the newest movie, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince."

The movie has already premiered in London and will hit U.S. theatres on the 15th. So, if you're looking for me next week, you'll find me sitting in a darkened theatre eagerly awaiting the return of Harry, Hermione, and Ron. I've missed those kids!

You can view the scrapblog below or (for a larger view) click on the "scrapblog" button at the bottom, click "full screen," then hit the arrow button to play the video.

An MJ Dilemma

2009-07-07T20:50:00.008-04:00

Let me be up front with you before I get started with this post. I have mixed feelings about the whole Michael Jackson thing. Those allegations from the past are hard to ignore. The amount of money being spent on his memorial service is insane. Yet, as a child of the 70s, I can't seem to not mention him at least once on my blog. If you're absolutely, positively tired of hearing about him, move on now; you've been warned!

Part of me thinks I’m out of my mind for shedding a tear for Michael Jackson, a man who allegedly engaged in questionable (if not criminal) activities with children. Yet here I am with my television on watching his memorial service and feeling a sadness for what I'm not sure.

I watch as a spotlight shines on his gold coffin. Musicians and other celebrities take the stage and share their own memories and thoughts of the Michael they knew.

He’s been a controversial figure in the past. Evidence exists that makes you question his morality. His life has been turbulent and troubled to say the least. Yet his music, his dance, his sheer stardom are undeniable. He is a part of music history, of my history, my memories.

I remember Jackson 5 records being among the first of my collection. I remember how my cousin and I would take over the living room as we danced and sang to “ABC” and “I’ll Be There.” We were not much younger than he was at the time he recorded those songs. In later years, a friend and I sat in her car singing “We Are the World,” over and over and over again. Such a powerful message that song delivered.

As I sit here, I ponder the “why” of my tears. Perhaps I shed a tear for my own youth…. for a childhood where I would escape into books and an imaginary world of my own creation. I can understand wanting to have a worry-free childhood and how he tried to recreate that for himself. Perhaps I shed a tear for my own mortality… for the idea that if he can die, so can I. Perhaps I shed a tear for the sad ending to his life. A life spent searching for something – acceptance, love, happiness – something that eluded him regardless of the lavish lifestyle he lived.

Like many others probably, I try to deny the idea that he could truly hurt a child. I want to believe instead that he was reliving his own childhood that years earlier had gone awry. Yet the allegations and evidence speak loudly. They are hard to ignore.

Today as I watch the memorial, I am sad that no one was able to help him see the joy and promise of the life he had before him. I am sad that he may have put his selfish needs above others’. I am sad that instead of inviting the people who truly loved and cared about him into his closest circle of friends and family, he kept the “yes” men and women close by – people who sat idly by, or even took an active part, in his demise.

But we can’t blame others. We are all born with free will, and it was his will to engage in destructive behavior that may or may not have played a role in his death. It was his choice to put his reputation on the line. But still I watch the memorial and see the vibrant entertainer that he was. I imagine the excitement that would have emanated from the stage of his London tour.

In the end, however, it was his daughter who spoke through her own tears the words that matter most…. “Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine, and I just want to say I love him so much.”

I hope and pray that he was a good father, and that these three children who carry his name take from that memorial service special memories of not just a superstar but of a father who loved them.

But now it's time for the world to return its collective thoughts to other things. It's time for us to think about the U.S. soldiers who are helping the people of other countries. It's time to think about the many people all over the world who devote their time and energy to improve the lives of others. It's time to think about the amazing opportunities each of us are given and how we shouldn't squander them.

So, good-bye M.J. It's time to move on....

Mosaic Monday 4th of July

2009-07-06T10:57:00.006-04:00

I decided to follow Caroline's lead at Whimsical Whispers and create a mosaic that captures the essence of my weekend. You can read about these photos of mine in the post immediately below this one. She also linked to The Little Red House, where you can find more mosaics to enJOY!

Have a wonderful week!

It's Not Always About Winning...

2009-07-04T20:12:00.009-04:00

I was able to watch the winners of the Peachtree Road Race early this morning as they zipped by our hotel on their way to the finish line.

These runners are fast. It took the winner of the men's race just over 27 minutes to finish, and the first female to cross the finish line, Lineth Chepkurui, ran the 6.2 mile (10K) race in 31:30, just one-tenth of a second ahead of the second-place finisher. To put that into perspective, they run twice as fast as I ever have... on a good day.

I didn't run the Peachtree Road Race this year. Instead my daughter and I were on the side of the road cheering for the runners who passed by us.

Including this guy....

who would be hard to spot if we didn't have our own system worked out. (After taking pictures at about 13 of his 20 Peachtree appearances, I'm getting pretty good at this!)

I did say "20" Peachtree appearances. Yep, since running in his first Peachtree Road Race in 1987, Craig has run the race 20 times. Besides counting t-shirts, we also use hands (anyone's will do) to keep track of the math. This year Tyler was our behind-the-scenes hands guy with Hannah looking on and giving encouragement!

Like I said yesterday, winning this race is not the point.

Unless you fly around the world entering races you probably won't be taking the medal and prize money home for this race. Instead, it's the experience that counts. Of standing at the starting line waiting on your turn to start running... of seeing historic buildings and churches along the route... of looking up at gleaming skyscrapers stretched toward a dazzling blue sky... of looking at the backs of thousands of runners as they begin the slow run up Cardiac Hill... of hearing uplifting cheers or music nearly every step of the way... of quickening your pace as you make that turn on 10th Street and begin the last half mile to the finish.

It's an Atlanta tradition dating back 40 years when only 110 runners showed up at the starting line. Today, 50,009 runners' footsteps pounded the pavement along Peachtree Street. Of those, only two walked away with the winning runners' top prize. Most of the others walked away with a cotton t-shirt and a winning feeling that only comes when you've accomplished something you've set out to do.

Cheers to everyone who began the race at the starting line and finished it next to Piedmont Park! You all won today!

It's a Peachtree Kind of Day....

2009-07-02T21:10:00.020-04:00

This weekend is BIG in America! It's the 4th of July, the holiday that celebrates our independence, our journey as a nation.

While you may not be celebrating at your house (depending on which continent you live), you're welcome to stay and celebrate with us. And while I can provide some photographs of our big day, the mouth-watering ribs and succulent corn-on-the-cob will have to be grilled and cooked over at your place!

If you decide to stay and celebrate with my family, you'll find yourself in the middle of 55,000 runners, 150,000 spectators, and 3,200 volunteers as we head to Atlanta for the 40th running of the Peachtree Road Race. This 10K race has been the mainstay of my summers since meeting my husband in 1989. No matter where we live, we try to get to Atlanta on that holiday.

Photo by National Geographic; Picnik Courtesy Me

One of the exciting things about this largest 10K on Earth is that people from all over the world descend on Atlanta to take part in this event, yet I've still randomly bumped into people I know and haven't seen in years!

Some people ask why the race is so important. If you're in the middle or back of the pack, you're definitely not vying for a fast finish. With so many feet pounding the pavement in front of, behind, and beside you, time is not a factor. Instead, you run it because you can! You are cheered on by thousands of spectators who line the route and by bands whose renditions of "Rocky" and other inspiring songs help you rise to the top of Cardiac Hill and make it one more mile to the finish line.

If you're there to watch, you have to get up early to cheer on those taking part in the wheelchair race. They begin at 6:55 a.m. sharp. Their strength and sheer willpower are amazing! Before you know it, the first men come racing by (and I do mean racing!), followed by the first female athletes. The fastest finishing time for a male is 27:04 and for a female 30:32. Ummm. Let me put this in perspective for you.... My fastest Peachtree time is about 54 minutes and that was while training for a marathon.

Here's a photo of Craig and me after that 2001 Peachtree Road Race:

Although running the Peachtree is definitely a fun experience, I still enjoy standing on the side with Hannah and cheering the runners on. Some of the people you see amaze you. There's usually a group of firefighters running in full gear. We're talking Atlanta humidity and heat. There's usually someone dressed up like the Statue of Liberty. And I'll never forget watching an older man several years in a row make his way slowly up the road with his number pinned to his shirt hours after the race was over, the barricades removed, and cars moving once again along the route. He never gave up!

While I have crossed the Peachtree finish line five times, my husband will be making this his 20th Peachtree Road Race. He's only missed three since his first race in 1987! (Go, Craig!) Here are all of his t-shirts from those 19 races!

We usually have friends join us from all over the country. When we do, we take time to "stoop" (or hang out on the front steps) after the race. This picture is from one of my non-race years when we brought Hannah with us. (Sorry about the poor photo quality. I snapped a quick picture of it this morning).

The day won't be over until we've lunched at Houston's and later taken a well-deserved nap.

I hope you've enjoyed a run-down of what's in store for our 4th of July! If you plan to be on Peachtree that day, let me know; I'd love to see you!

Reflecting on Our Words

2009-06-30T00:02:00.010-04:00

Beginning in January, four blog friends and I followed Caroline's lead at The Zen in You and chose a word or two to focus on throughout the year. Each month we've shared our reflections with each other and posted them on our sites.

I incorporated this month's collaborative post into this scrapblog. For a larger view, just click on the Scrapblog logo. Then click "view full screen." Tabs to move through the pages will be at the bottom of the scrapblog.

My fellow bloggers include:
Annemarie at "So I Was Just Thinking..."
Peggy at "Middle Age Ramblings..."
Octamom, and
AVT Coach at "The Abundant Life..."

Did you choose to focus on a word this year ? If so, I'd love to hear from you!

Surfing U.S.A.

2009-06-27T00:11:00.008-04:00

The girls decided to rent surf boards today before they checked the condition of the water. They had frolicked in crystal clear waters all week, with only a tiny bit of seaweed puff-balls floating around. Once they got out there today, however, they realized all kinds of odd looking creatures had joined in on the fun. There were more clear jelly-fish type things (minus tentacles), jelly-fish with their tentacles, more than the usual share of seaweed floating around, what looked like pine needles (although I haven't seen any pine trees nearby), and other creatures that looked like baby eels.... ewww.

The girls did venture into the ocean though.... I have video to prove it. But after getting a sting on her leg and seeing the swimming baby eel-type creatures scurrying off their surf boards, the girls had enjoyed it all they could.

Here they are contemplating what lies beneath....

And how you shouldn't wait until the last day of vacation to do something extra fun....

Seaside Escape

2009-06-25T10:44:00.007-04:00

What do you get when you mix two girls with sun, sand, and shops?

You guessed it! Shopping at the beach!

With days of sun and sand behind us, we decided to designate Wednesday as our official shopping day. We drove up the coast to a quaint little outdoor market that's located literally steps off the beach. We enjoyed looking at the clothes and jewelry and the hats and trinkets all artfully arranged in the spaces.

Hannah and her bff even tried on a few outfits...

Although most of our day was spent exploring more than buying, we did end up with a few things. My daughter bought a nice pair of jeans and a new top. Her bff found a cool t-shirt. And I came away with a cute pair of sandals.

I'll have to show them to you later!

A Day at the Beach

2009-06-23T09:28:00.006-04:00

My battery was running low, so I didn't get much video yesterday. But here's a quick look at the girls playing in the surf. They were out in the waves for hours!

This was my first attempt at using MovieMaker. I majored in broadcast communications in college and even dabbled in video production after I graduated.... but, um, from the looks of my editing ability, I'm back at level 1!

Have a great day!

Can You Guess Where I Am?

2009-06-20T19:00:00.010-04:00

Don't you just love sun-filled days at the beach?

I think I've finally convinced my daughter that the best time to be on the beach is late in the afternoon. Shadows begin to stretch out a bit and a nice breeze blows in off the ocean.

I prefer sitting under an umbrella reading a book.... But I keep pulling out my camera to take another picture again and again and again...

and my absolute favorite time to be on the beach... is when the sky bursts with color. When the pinks and oranges splash across the sky and cast a golden glow on everything below.

Although the days don't match up exactly, this is kind of a special time for me. I began my blog last year at the beach and created my first scrapblog then, too. So, unofficially, this is my one-year blogoversary! How cool is that?

A Freebie That Can Save A Life!

2009-06-17T01:14:00.007-04:00

I'll never forget the last time I saw her. She was leaving an Atlanta restaurant as I was going in. My cousin was in her early 20s then. A little pony tail flounced around whimsically on top of her head. She was dressed in a cute little skirt and leather jacket. I've never lived in Atlanta, so this was purely a chance meeting... and our last.

I missed an opportunity years ago that may have saved my precious cousin's life. I'm trying to save someone else's now, and you can, too, by registering to become a bone marrow donor.

From now until June 22, a non-profit foundation called Be The Match is conducting a Marrowthon to increase the number of available donors on the national registry. During this time (or until their funds run out), they will cover the cost of having your tissue typed and placed on the registry.

It's really simple. Just go to the Be The Match Web site and complete a short questionnaire. If you meet the basic registry guidelines, a pop-up window will guide you through an online form and the order form for the registration kit. When the kit arrives, you'll follow instructions to collect a swab of cells from inside your cheek and return the kit. Soon, you'll be added to the official registry.

According to the foundation's Web site, seventy percent of people don't have a suitable donor in their family and depend on the National Marrow Donor Program to find a match to save their lives. I was never tested for my cousin. In spite of the odds, however, I often wonder whether or not I would have been a perfect match.

To learn more about the process and what it means to be a bone marrow donor, click on this Be The Match link.

You can also click here for FAQs about becoming a donor.

Teaching and Learning Our Way Through Life

2009-06-13T17:49:00.013-04:00

Funny how we go through life teaching and learning.

I went on a long walk this morning and noticed a dad and his son in their front yard. A lawn mower was idling nearby; the dad was pointing something out to the son as they stood near flowers planted beneath the mailbox. It looked like a mini-lesson in progress. Perhaps the dad was reminding the son not to get too close to the flora. Or maybe he was showing him how to weed that area once he was finished mowing the grass.

As I got closer, I realized the son was one of my students this year. Small world, isn't it?

But it got me thinking. That young man is learning how to take care of his own lawn one day. The dad didn't just say, "go cut the grass, son." He was out there with him teaching him how to cut the grass and take care of the yard.

Growing up, I wasn't taught very much when it came to taking care of a home. I figured out how to clean by watching my mom on Saturdays. She swept, she mopped, she vacuumed. I was given the job of polishing furniture, and I still enjoy doing that today.

But when I moved into my own apartment at age 18, I had no idea how to cook. Not even how much water to put in a pan when heating it to make iced tea. Or how much water I would need to boil potatoes. I had never been invited into the kitchen to help with the cooking; my job was always to set the table.

As a mom, I'm even guilty of giving instructions without actually modeling the activity for my daughter. As a teacher, I should know better! I'll tell my daughter to clean up her room but not tell her exactly what to do. She'll be in her room for hours, music playing or television on. Finally, I peek my head into her room....

"What have you been doing?" I ask as I look around the still slightly-cluttered room.

"Cleaning my room!" she says proudly.

I look around. Yes, the clothes are off the floor. But did they make it to the washing machine or were they tossed into the ever-growing dirty-clothes hamper? The knick-knacks and other memorabilia may be artfully arranged, but did she move them and dust the furniture? The obstacle course may be removed from the floor, but did she vacuum?

Sometimes, we need to give explicit instructions about what we expect. Dust, vacuum, put everything in its place, even if it means a trip downstairs to the laundry room!

When I saw my student and his dad this morning, it reminded me that we're either teaching or learning throughout our life, and it's our responsibility as parents to make sure our children get the lessons they need.

As I dropped my daughter off at a slumber party later, I called out for her to have fun and "behave." Hmmm. I wonder if a teen's definition of "behave" is the same as mine?

Here's the contract writer side of me... (You know, when I'm not teaching, or blogging, or taking photographs, or hanging out with my daughter...)

2009-06-12T00:00:00.006-04:00

Mercer University physicians and students are making a difference in the lives of others. Read "Mercer Medical Students Serve and Learn" in the latest edition of The Mercerian.

Sharing Moments

2009-06-06T07:47:00.010-04:00

I had settled into a chair to wait while a new battery was being installed in my car. A new book was on my lap... one on teaching adolescent writers. I scanned the table of contents then turned to the introduction and began to read.

"You must be back in school," said an older lady sitting near me.

"No. I actually just got out of school. I'm a teacher," I said, momentarily stopping and turning to her.

"Oh. My daughter's a teacher," she replied. She told me her daughter's name hoping I knew her. Then shared the names of other people who live in the town where I teach. No bells rang. No name was familiar to me.

I hesitated for a moment. Just a moment. Then I slowly closed the book that I had been looking forward to reading, and I turned to my neighbor.

Her white hair was disheveled. Her glasses perched a little crooked on her nose. The bifocals not disguised. Her face weathered with a criss-cross of wrinkles that had created a road map of her life.

She told me about her daughter's long teaching career. Her moves from an English classroom to social studies and science. She told me how her daughter has changed over the years, probably from worry, she said. Worrying about a daughter who, after undergoing surgery for seizures when she was 11, has been partially paralyzed ever since. Talking and walking aren't easy for her. Now 31, this granddaughter volunteers with young children despite her challenges.

She told me about her other daughter who lives further down the road in another town. Who doesn't get by to see her very much because she's helping her husband run their business.

She told me about the work she used to do while raising her family. Mostly office work and once for the recreation department. She told me about another daughter who actually has a degree in recreation and works for the city scheduling ballgames and other recreational events.

She told me about her husband who died 11 years ago. How she still misses him.

She told me about the wreck she had, and we both looked out at her car, its front bumper damaged and patched. It was the first wreck she had ever had. She told me about the other driver who had hurt his ribs in the accident. She wondered why it's taken so long for the man to settle with her insurance company if he just had bruised or broken ribs. She'd had them before and the doctor had told her there's nothing you can do about them but let them heal on their own.

Then my car was ready. I tucked my book back into my bag and stood up to leave.

It was a little hard saying good-bye to my new friend. I didn't get her name. I didn't take her picture. But my chance meeting with this sweet lady will remain with me. A reminder of the future, maybe. Of how life can be. Lonely for someone to talk to. Willing to chat with anyone who will spend a minute or two listening.

A wealth of stories and advice. A guidepost to my future.