Breathe

Taking 

A 

DEEP

Breath

Is like

Drinking

A 

Tall 

Glass of 

Water.

Reflections

Been thinking and searching for my word for the new year.  A week ago, I was all go for "downsize".  Thought it was the perfect word.  Shared the whole journey I have been on for the last couple of years and the words and their significance with my hubby.  We both agreed what a wonderful word.  Now a week later, I am not feeling it.  Yes, my house is in desperate need of being decluttered and renovated.   But in a few short months my daughter will be back home and we will all be here.  So downsize doesn't fit.

During winter break, I go through a cycle.  First, everything seems overwhelming.  So much to do and so many expectations.  Once Christmas is over, I feel the need to purge.  Then there is the free time that causes a degree of anxiety.  Thinking about the close of the year is sad.  But then, the promise of the new year gets me excited.  Now I am back to thinking about selecting a word, and it keeps coming at me through different means.  I am now ready to embrace it for it brings me laughter and creates memories of a life well lived.  The word is "joy". And in my head I imagine the "o" divided into four sections.  One for each of us- Richard, Danny, Grace, and myself.  The challenge is to be mindful and experience and celebrate joy with each of the four important sections of the "o".

Connections

Instead of constantly checking my Facebook, I have limited myself to checking twice a week.  This is a #nerdlution that I plan on keeping.   Facebook is one way to stay connected, but I don't need to be that connected.  It is more important that I take the time to have actual conversations with those that I am closest too.  Today I spoke with my brother and sister on the phone.  I felt that I got more out of the conversations then I did with liking any of their posts.  Granted, because of what we have posted over the past month, we had a starting point for the conversations.  There was a commonality, and then we went from there and had a deeper conversation, which I am thankful for. 

Pop

From the porch, 

Pop held court.

Leaning over the railing, 

Watching, reflecting, 

Imparting thoughts, 

Responding to ideas.

Words that continue

To drive us.

Hurdle

Perfection 

Is a weight

That drags 

All creative thoughts 

Down.

Far 

From being creative.

Inspired

Today one of my students inspired me.  She had brought in a poster board with photos that she wanted to share with the class during Morning Meeting.  When it was her turn, her face lit up as she shared the photographs and the stories behind them.  She explained that it was a timeline of milestones of her life.  During questions and comments, a fellow classmate asked why she created it and when did she do it. In my head I was thinking it must have been a project for a previous school year. She replied that she had just created it over Thanksgiving break and she just wanted to share it with us. It got me thinking about my #nerdlution-  carving out creativity time.  She didn't get stuck on making her poster perfect like I find myself doing when I write.  She just created.  In creating, she showed us what brings her joy.  I am envious and inspired.

Preparations

Preparing students for next week when we go see a production of "twas the night before Christmas".  Today we tackled the poem by dividing into groups of three and playing a version of "I have...Who has?" It was wonderful to listen to the groups and watch as they tried to put the lines in order, helping each other out.  The time spent gathering materials for the game was well spent after I heard a student say that she wanted to play it again.