Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Slice of Life: Trying again

 WRITE your slice. SHARE your link. GIVE some comments to (at least three) other slicers.If you're leaving your comment early in the day, please consider returning this evening or tomorrow to read some of our evening posters' slices.

Oh...Slice of Life...how I have missed you!  It has been a long time.  Life is busy.  I did not follow through on the March slice of life challenge.  Stopped after day two...disappointed in myself. So, I stopped writing.  Life was busy and many things were happening.

My youngest turned five.  My middle daughter turned seven. Home birthday parties were planned.  Easter activities were enjoyed.  Soccer games for my oldest...exciting wins and disappointing losses.  Stitches above my youngest daughter's eye.  Girl Scout meetings to plan.  Attended a teaching conference and then coming home to five little chicks in our house.  Friendship worries, school worries, financial worries...sleepless nights.  Submitting my first job application in a long time.  Embracing change.

Yet amidst the busyness of life, something was missing.  This morning I took out my writer's notebook and dusted it off.  I opened it up and just started writing.  It felt good to just write.  I realized that it is the daily writing that I have missed.  Taking the time to notice the small happenings.  Taking a moment to notice the smiles, glistening eyes of wonder, cuddles, laughter, buds appearing, and other precious moments.  Slowing down.  Thinking about daily slices.

Although I didn't follow through on the slice of life challenge, I am jumping back in and will continue to try my best to grow as a writer.  This is the message I want my daughters and students to learn...if at first you don't succeed, try, try again.  Thank you for offering the Slice of Life weekly post.  Although I thought I had failed at the March challenge, I now realize it was a learning opportunity.  I am not giving up - I will just keep writing.  As Pete the Cat states, "Because it is all good."
 

Monday, April 22, 2013

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

Here are some wonderful books that I have read recently...

Eight Keys by Suzanne LaFleur

Eight Keys

The story of a girl who starts middle school.  She encounters a bully and a mystery surrounding eight keys her father left for her.  As she solves the mystery, she also discovers the importance of friendship, family and believing in herself.

City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

The City of Ember (Books of Ember Series #1)

A mystery about two children who try to figure out how to save their the city from darkness.  The ending leaves you wanting to read the sequel.

The Great Wall of Lucy Wu by Wendy Wan-Long Swand

The Great Wall of Lucy Wu

Another story about a middle school girl, a bully and dealing with unexpected circumstances.  The main character has an authentic voice and comes to understand the importance of family.

I am currently reading...

The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen

The False Prince (Ascendance Trilogy Series #1)

Next Up...

Stick Dog by Tom Watson

Stick Dog

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Teaching Mission Statement

I believe in collaborating with others to maximize the learning experiences of all students.  I firmly believe that all students can learn.  If they are unwilling to learn, I will do everything I can to help them learn.  If what I am not doing is working, then I will change my practices to accommodate the needs of my students.

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Morning Struggles


My bed is so warm.  My body is so tired.  I know that I will feel better if I get up to exercise.  My body will thank me.  I will have more energy.  Yet, my bed is so warm. My pillows are so soft.  The blankets are comforting.  My exercise videos are calling.  My muscles are begging.  Yet, I remain wrapped up like a cocoon.  Who wins this morning struggle? The exercise bike is the winner!

Friday, March 1, 2013

Day One of the March Slice of Life Challenge



I am welcoming March with open arms.  Two of my daughters have birthdays this month and I cherish the days that they arrived in our lives.  I am looking forward to creating family memories with St. Patrick's Day, Easter, and the beginning of spring.  This year I am determined to find the time for daily writing opportunities amidst the busyness of the month. 

As the blankets of snow disappear, the mud reappears in our driveway.  I am grateful for the winds of March that eagerly blow winter away.  We will emerge from our indoor retreat and enjoy more time breathing in the fresh outdoor air.  The golden sunshine lasts longer in the day but doesn't always warm our skin.  Yet, every once in a while we will get a feel for its warmth.  The tulips and daffodils reappear starting out as tiny green slivers poking out of the ground. Their blooms bring smiles to our faces.  Robins will return to our yard once again.  The grass will change to green.  The land awakens.

Milder days remind us that spring is arriving.  At the end of the month, I look forward to finding something new to appreciate each and every day as buds appear and animals emerge from their hiding spots.  Spring makes the world such a happy place.

Monday, February 11, 2013

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

 

This week I read and loved...

A Dog Called Homeless by Sarah Lean

A Dog Called Homeless

The World  According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney

The World According to Humphrey (Humphrey Series #1)

Howard B. Wigglebottom Listens to his Heart by Howard Binkow

 Howard B. Wigglebottom Listens to His Heart

Goldilock and Just One Bear by Leigh Hodgkinson

Goldilocks and Just One Bear

Choice Words by Peter Johnston

Choice Words: How Our Language Affects Children's Learning

I am currently reading...

The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle

The Talent Code: Greatness Isn't Born. It's Grown. Here's How.

Next up...

Close to Famous by Joan Bauer

Close to Famous

Monday, February 4, 2013

It's Monday! What are you reading?

 
This week I read and really enjoyed...

In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson by Bette Lord

In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson

How to Babysit a Grandpa by Jean Reagan

How to Babysit a Grandpa

Bear Has a Story to Tell by Philip C. Stead



Bear Has a Story to Tell

Duck at the Door by Jackie Urbanovic

Duck at the Door

Fancy Nancy Splendid Speller by Jane O'Connor

Fancy Nancy: Splendid Speller (I Can Read Book Series Level 1)

I am currently reading...

A Dog Called Homeless by Sarah Lean

A Dog Called Homeless

I am still rereading and lingering with...

Choice Words by Peter Johnston

Choice Words: How Our Language Affects Children's Learning

Next up...

Close to Famous by Joan Bauer

Close to Famous