Words of Wisdom #SOL18 30/31

I am joining Two Writing Teachers for the Slice of Life Story Challenge.  I appreciate this space for writers to tell their stories and connect with each other.

"I don't have any words of wisdom.  I come to understand."  

Those were the words she said to me as we sat down to process this week's events.  She came to me in her role as the literacy instructional leader, but more importantly, she came as my friend.  Her words made me stop and I laughed, saying that they were profound words...words worthy of splashing across a sign to hang where everyone could see.  However, I wasn't joking.  I meant it.

"I don't have any words of wisdom.  I come to understand."

What would happen if instead of coming to the table with all the answers, we came to listen and understand?  I know it's something that I work on every day as a wife, a parent, a friend, a teacher and literacy coach.  It's not easy for me.  My natural tendency is to come up with a solution immediately (or even come to a conclusion before I understand the whole problem...not really a very good trait).  I have a million not so pretty stories of this character trait not working out so well for me.  

What would happen if we all gave each other the benefit of understanding and assuming best intentions?  So many hurt feelings would be avoided.  

Each morning, I begin my day with meditation, writing my gratitudes in my journal and setting an intention for the day.  I learned about creating a "to be" list from another teacher leader and friend.  I ask myself, "What or how do I want to be today?"  If there is something going on with the girls, my intention is often to focus on being patient.  Sometimes my intention is to be present in the moment and enjoy what comes my way.  

Today my intention is to listen to the message my friend gave to me.  

I want to understand for the sole purpose of gaining insight to what others are thinking and feeling.  

I don't need to have any profound answers or solutions.  

I will come to understand.  

 

Family Squeeze #SOL18 27/31

I am joining Two Writing Teachers for the Slice of Life Story Challenge.  I appreciate this space for writers to tell their stories and connect with each other.

This afternoon didn't end so well.  

Tonight was better.

Keith wrapped me in a hug.

Then Autumn burrowed in close to me and threw her arms around me.

Finally, Destiny jumped on the three of us shouting,

"Family Squeeze Time!"

We all wrapped our arms around her and squeezed as tight as we could.

Family squeeze time was just what I needed.  

Classroom Stitches #SOL18 #26/31

I am joining Two Writing Teachers for the Slice of Life Story Challenge.  I appreciate this space for writers to tell their stories and connect with each other.

Today, I use Eileen Spinelli's Poem of the Month, "Winter Stitches" as a mentor.  I had just happened to pop into a third grade classroom when they were getting ready to write their Slice of Life stories.  I quickly went to get my computer and settled in next to them.  Oh, how I miss writing with young writers. 

A Farewell to Spring Break SOL#18 25/31

I am joining Two Writing Teachers for the Slice of Life Story Challenge.  I appreciate this space for writers to tell their stories and connect with each other.

Dear Spring Break,

I want to take a moment to say thank you.  Thank you for time to take a break from the ordinary and slip into a different world for a just a bit.  There's nothing like traveling to warmer weather and seeing flowers blooming and leaves on the trees.  It gives me hope for what's soon to come back here at home.  

Thank you for the opportunity to see the world through the girls' eyes.  Autumn loved the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter, especially at night.  Destiny loved the ghost tour and was disappointed that we couldn't check into the haunted hotel.  I hope that these memories stay with them forever.  

Thank you for the ability to slow down just a bit.  Time to read, time to play, time to explore.  It was time we all needed.  And now we are ready to get back to our normal routine.  Sometimes we need these breaks to appreciate the ordinary moments of our lives.

Improvising at its Best SOL#18 24/31

I am joining Two Writing Teachers for the Slice of Life Story Challenge.  I appreciate this space for writers to tell their stories and connect with each other.

Long hours in the car can make children and adults antsy.  Those stretch breaks become very important.  Shaking out the wiggles, getting some fresh air, running up and down the hills can make the next several hours in the car more bearable.  So what do you do when you really want to play baseball at the rest stop and you didn't bring a ball and bat?  Watch below.  Keith and Destiny can always figure something out!

Yep, that's a giant pinecone and a stick.  After 10 minutes of Pinecone Stickball, Destiny was ready to continue on our journey north.  

What I Know Now...Anniversary Musings SOL #23/31

I am joining Two Writing Teachers for the Slice of Life Story Challenge.  I appreciate this space for writers to tell their stories and connect with each other.

Today Keith and I celebrated our 33rd anniversary.  I remember when I was younger (before I got married) thinking that people who had been married for that long must have really boring lives.  Hah!  Was I ever wrong!  Our life is anything but boring.  

Here we are on our first anniversary.  We had gone camping in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  I look back and think about how young we were.  I thought I knew everything I needed to know about life and about being married as do most early 20 somethings.  Again...how wrong I was! 

Thirty-three years later, I am much wiser.  I know that at this point in my life, I still don't know everything.  I've learned that my way isn't the only way to do something (that's been a hard one for me).  I've learned it's more important to listen to what's not being said.  And I'm learning to focus on the present and appreciate what I have right now.  

Here's today's anniversary picture.

And one with the best photo bomber in the world...

Our life is certainly eventful and I am so glad he's by my side every single step of the way.

NOLA Slice of Life #22/31

I am joining Two Writing Teachers for the Slice of Life Story Challenge.  I appreciate this space for writers to tell their stories and connect with each other.

Bakery Tour

French Quarters

Mardi Gras World

Ghost Tour

It was a day filled with lots of good food and fun.  But I won't lie...we are all exhausted!