Thursday, March 31, 2016

In Search Of (ISO)

Inspired by other slicers, I am using the titles of my March posts to create a poem, 
Looking for a pattern, 
A theme, 
A message, 
Here goes...

Once upon a time, 
Mother & Daughter and the race against time.
Birthday girl
"Find your calling" 
(A) Path
(Is) Patiently waiting.
Traveling ideas
(From) Casual conversations. 
Slowing down. (Listen) 
Measuring life.
(Practice) Gentle Yoga. 
Waiting. 
Refilled.
(Write) Artist's statement. 
(Cherish) Book(s) love

Spring ahead (be present)
March Madness
First day of Spring
Promises of Spring break
Cherry blossoms
Windswept hair
Bridesmaid dress
Friday nights
Sleepy slice
Puzzle (wonder)
Saying no (assert) 
Coconut cream pie ice cream (indulge)
Gender colors
Holiday clean up
Audience (family) 

Grateful for the opportunity to share my writing with a wider audience than just myself.  I have been inspired by the posts of others and will continue to write. 


Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Slowing down

What is it about heading to the beach? 
Your heart rate slows down.
Thoughts have an opportunity to percolate. 
Dreams resurface.
Grateful for beach days. 

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Puzzle

I have...
Who has...

As I brainstorm ideas of how to use this learning structure in art class,
a puzzle perhaps.

Life is a puzzle 
I want, 
I need, 
Things I don't have. 

Yet, 
I have... 
Love,
Health, 
Shelter, 
And  
Ideas brewing.

I have it all. 

Monday, March 28, 2016

Sleepy Slice

I had a busy day today.  
Time got away from me again. 
As I start to fall asleep
I remember that I had not written my slice for the day. 
So I crawl out of bed, 
sleepy, 
eyes closed, 
and trying to type, 
a note to myself, 
to make time tomorrow. 

Sunday, March 27, 2016

Holiday Clean Up

Sometimes time gets away from me.
Preparing for Easter dinner, 
clearing the dining room table
cluttered with schoolwork 
and the wine rack received as a gift at Christmas, 
I turn and see the Christmas cards hanging from the louvre doors. 
How did I not see these remnants, 
or more importantly, 
how did the time get away from me? 

Saturday, March 26, 2016

Coconut Cream Pie Ice Cream

Let me first start off with the fact that I am not an ice cream person.  I would rather have a slice of pie than a bowl of ice cream.  

Today the last item on my list for Easter dinner was vanilla ice cream.  We are having almond cake and it was suggested that it would be nice to have ice cream with it.  As I was looking for vanilla ice cream, I spotted a container of coconut creme pie ice cream.  It took me less than 5 seconds to decide that I needed to have it.

As I sit on my porch writing and eating my ice cream, I reflect on how life is about the little things that bring joy. 

Friday, March 25, 2016

Waiting

Waiting on the porch for my crew to arrive. 
Dinner is in the oven.
What a wonderful end 
To a beautiful day.
Everyone sitting at the kitchen table. 
Love. 

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Cherry Blossoms

I Going to see the Cherry Blossoms was not part of our plans today.

"What are your plans today?" asked my daughter as she was getting ready for her commute. 

"I have dentist appointment" I replied.

"I am going to go for a long walk" replied my husband. 

"You should go see the Cherry Blossoms.  They are supposed to be at their peak" states my daughter. 

My husband and I looked at each other.  Today was our first day of spring break and we were content to just stay close to home. 

"It's supposed to rain tomorrow.  You should go today.  You can get your walk in as you walk around the Tidal Basin.  It's not that far away.  Take the Metro." My daughter continues to try to convince us. 

My husband and I just look at each other.   The thing is that we have lived in the DC area our entire lives and forget how fortunate we are to live so close to the Nation's capital.  

"Let's go!" And off we went to explore the city that we take for granted and take in the blossoms that look like delicate puffs of clouds. 




Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Promises of Spring Break

"Ms. Kelly.  When I get back, I will look differently" called the third grader as his ride pulled out of the parking lot heading for spring break. 

"I am sure you will" I respond.  Then I got to thinking.  How will he look differently?  Will he get a haircut?  Grow?  Get braces?  

Eleven days.  Eleven days until we meet again at school.  For a third grader it must seem like a lifetime.  To a veteran teacher eleven days does hold a certain amount of promise-that I will be able to put attention on my house and myself.  I think when I get back I will look differently too.  I have a dentist and eye doctor appointment. I plan on getting my haircut and colored. I also plan on shopping for new clothes.  Plus I am heading to the beach for a few days to rest. 

Yes, when I get back I will look differently too. 

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Two words

Goals change. 

Two words that keep bouncing around in my head.

Goals change. 

Where, when, and by whom?  

I feel like the rug has been pulled out from under me. 

But these two words keep calling me. 

How shall I respond? 

Saying No

"I am going to have to practice saying no" says my good friend.

Temporarily it stops me in my tracks. 

"I am going to have to practice phrasing my questions so that the answer Is no" I reply.

Temporarily it stops her in her tracks.

Then we both smile and start laughing. 

Good friends till the end... Lucy and Ethel


Monday, March 21, 2016

Windswept Hair

"Oh, Ms. Kelly.  What happened to your hair?" asked a second grader as our paths crossed in the hallway. 

Was he asking about my gray roots that are long overdue for a coloring?  Or was my hair all over the place because I had just come from parking lot duty where the wind had made an appearance which impacted my appearance. 

"Is it all over the place?" I asked. 

"Yep" he smiled. 

"I wish I had hair like yours.  Short and curly." I said. 

He smiled again.  "I just got mine cut yesterday." 

"It looks good.  Guess I will get mine cut over the break." 

"Yeah, you should probably do that." 

"Have a good day." I say as we go our separate ways.  And as I walk down the hallway to my classroom I dodge into the bathroom to see what he saw.  Wow! That wind really made a mess of my hair.  Thankful for a second grader's honesty.

Sunday, March 20, 2016

First Day of Spring

A cold, cloudy day, 
with periods of rain
and snowflakes...
Are you sure it's the first day of Spring? 

Bursts of colors that have been missing from the landscape
peaking, poking, and leading me to believe
that it could be the first day of Spring.

Free Italian ice from Rita's. 
Now I know that it is the first day of Spring.

Saturday, March 19, 2016

Measuring Life

This morning I attended the funeral of a friend's mother. 
Sitting and reflecting on how you measure a life. 
How would my life be celebrated? 
What stood out today about the eulogies given...
Laughter, kindness, adventures, love, dedication, encouragement, 
more laughter, 
and more love.
Grateful for the stories shared. 

Friday, March 18, 2016

Traveling Ideas

Lucy and Ethel at it again, 
Sometimes we get to talking
And get distracted on our journey while journeying. 
Today our exit was missed
As we excitedly were talking about ideas. 
No worries though, 
As we figured how to get back on our original path.
Laughing at another instance of being somewhere else
While at the same time being present.

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Gender Colors

"Colors have no gender." I hear a student tell her table mates as she is working on creating her art project.

I stopped as I tried to figure out where the table was in their conversation. 

It started as "What makes it a boy's color?"

"Colors have no gender." 

And the rest of the table nod their head in agreement. 

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Casual Conversations

"Did you run in the race this past weekend?" 
I hear a voice from behind me.  Then I remember that I am wearing the shirt from the race.  I assume that "The Race" that she is referring to is the marathon. 
"I ran the 5k part of 'the race'" I reply almost apologetically.  
"Did you run?"  I ask. 
"No.  I saw your shirt and I know that the race was this past weekend." 
"Are you a runner?" 
"Yes. But I haven't yet run a marathon.  Just a half.  I was wondering how the course was." 
From there we compared races that we have run and goals that we have set.  I explained that I was coming off a foot injury and the 5k was a test to see if it had healed.  At that point, I realized that I shouldn't feel guilty that I didn't run "the race", that goals are individual and independent from other people, that I need to run my race. As I finished loading my groceries, we wished each other well in pursuing our goals for future races. I am now ready to run my race. 

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Bridesmaid Dress

My daughter is in the throes of "what was I thinking when I agreed to be a bridesmaid."  It is her first time of being a bridesmaid and she excitedly said yes when she was asked last year at this time.  

Eight months ago she ordered the dress as mandated by the bride-to-be.  It was supposed to come in October.  When October came, she was told that the dress had come in but it was not the size that was ordered.  It will come in November.  No dress in November.  Definitely December.  Santa didn't have it on his sleigh.  January snow, and February seemed to leap right over the dress.  Now it is March.  It finally came and it is now in her possession.  

Upon trying it on, she sighs, unhappy with the design and the fit of the dress.  Looking at her reflection in the mirror, she asks "what was I thinking when I agreed to be a bridesmaid?" With images of the movie 27 Dresses flashing through her mind, she vows that she will rethink saying yes the next time she is asked.  If only. 

Monday, March 14, 2016

Springing Ahead

Daylight savings time has me feeling like I am falling behind.  I keep looking at the clock and figuring out what time it would really be and what I would normally be doing. I know a week from now I will be grateful for the change.  Then my body will feel like it has a spring in its step.  Until then, I sit here yawning due to the loss of sleep, and waiting for my new bedtime. 

Sunday, March 13, 2016

March Madness

Sitting next to my husband as the brackets are announced.  I am not a college basketball fan but he is.  Let me take that back.  He is a fanatic.  Resigning myself to the fact that over the next three weeks, he will spend a great deal of time watching it and talking about it and I will understand. Because this is his thing. 

Saturday, March 12, 2016

Mother and Daughter and the Race Against Time

Back in the race again,
after a bout with plantar fasciitis
that started after a summer of living in flip flops.
Switching to Naots as I healed, 
until a book and a car door crushed my foot in the fall.
Five months of setbacks and healing. 
But I am back
and glad to be back. 
Taking time 
to take back time.
Running races 
with my daughter,
Setting goals
with my daughter
and sharing experiences
with my daughter.
Grateful to be back in the race against time 
with my daughter. 

Friday, March 11, 2016

Friday nights

Why is it that on Friday nights I want to go to bed as soon as I get home from work? When did my life change?  I used to look forward to going out on Friday nights. It was a release to go out after a week of work. Whether it was a movie, a happy hour, or any other adventure, I was always good to go.  Now my perfect Friday night involves chilling at home with my peeps.  Change is good. 

Thursday, March 10, 2016

Book(s) Love

The Gifts of Imperfection
led me to 
I Thought It Was Just Me 
which now is leading me to
Daring Greatly.

Books become a part of your being.
Grateful for having been introduced
to the work of Brene Brown 
for I have work to do. 

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Patiently Waiting

The end of the day part of the day
Which is just as hectic as the day.
Running here 
And running there, 
Just wanting to get home 
To start the other part of the day. 

The universe, and my car, has other plans for me, 
As I sit in the parking lot of the grocery store, 
Waiting....
For my coconut fruit bars to melt, 
Waiting...
To be rescued

The plan was to go home,  
Take my gratitude walk, 
Make dinner, 
Eat with whoever is home tonight,
And write my slice of life. 

The plan changed.
As I sit in the parking lot of the grocery store, 
I have written my slice of life, 
And am patiently waiting
To post, 
To walk, 
To make, 
And to be rescued.
I think I will have a coconut fruit bar.
Patiently waiting.




Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Gentle Yoga

"May you find peace in your own silence."

After a day filled with the volume
Of energy and activity that occurs with learning, 
The words filled and refilled my soul.

"May you find peace in your own silence." 

Monday, March 7, 2016

Artist's Statement

As I was planning the next project to undertake with my students, I researched different versions of artist statements.  A prompt that I am going to include as part of the project is "Some of the things I learned while creating it were...".  I think their responses will give me a window into their understanding of the process.   Reflecting on the artist statement has me thinking about how I can personally use it.  When I create my next entry for my illustrated discovery journal, I am going to use the prompt to guide my reflection.  A written reflection is a window that I can see through. 

Sunday, March 6, 2016

Find Your Calling

Since the beginning of the year, I have been toying and experimenting with creating an illustrated discovery journal.  This is the entry I created today.  Each time I create an entry it feeds my artistic soul as well as giving me food for thought.  The hearts in this entry represent two practices that are important to me.  The first is the daily gratitude walk that I complete each evening.  The second heart symbolizes my yoga practice.  "Find Your Calling" should be the title for the next chapter in my life.  After completing my entry, I notice that I continue to ponder the meaning of the symbols I have chosen for my entry. In addition I refer back to my previous entries to see if there is a common thread or a message from my subconscious.  Seàrching for the unmistakeable touch of grace. 

Friday, March 4, 2016

Birthday girl

Reminiscing about past birthdays celebrations, 
From family celebrations at home,
To friends gathering and always having pizza 
at Pizza Hut, at Kid Zone, at Swim center, at Chuck E Cheese.
Making crafts and jumping on the trampoline
And sleepovers, always a sleepover.

As you prepare to head out on the town tonight, 
I smile because even though you are an old woman (according to you)
And getting ready takes on new meaning, 
And the food has become more sophisticated 
And the drinks powerful
And you and your friends have a designated driver, 
You still have your sleepover. 



Thursday, March 3, 2016

Once upon a time

There was a beginning....

A middle....

And an end. 

That's my story and I am sticking to it. 

Audience

Who do I write for? 

When I write for me, 
It flows.
My hand can't keep up 
With the current of thoughts 
Spilling out of me
For an audience of one.
One and only me.

More than one,
And it comes in drips.
Like ringing out a towel, 
Waiting 
For one drop, 
Another, 
Hoping to connect 
The random
To create something of value to others. 
But what is the value for me? 

Who should I write for? 
Me. 
Problem solved.

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Path

What are your dreams?
Caught off guard
I found myself thinking of dreams I have for my children.
Yet they must dream for themselves. 
Just as I must dream for myself. 

What are my dreams? 
And how does one start dreaming 
For oneself when nothing comes to mind.

Maybe tonight when I fall asleep 
the nightly dreams will illuminate a path 
to a hope and a dream- 
from memories of the past 
to snapshots of today
to the future me.

Until then...
I pray that my dream finds me
and points the way. 

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Refilled

At the end of each day
Another opportunity
To reflect and celebrate
The gift of today.

Carving out time, 
Bundling up,
Lacing up,
And heading out the door, 
Stopping, gazing at the sky- awestrucked by the stars above, 
Breathing deeply, holding, exhaling, cleansing. 
Then meditating with each step, 
Pushing forward 
While looking backwards, 
Grateful, thankful, blessed, 
For the kindnesses encountered 
And my soul is refilled.