handwritten on August 3, 2017
As of recent, I've been really analyzing the poem entitled Where The Sidewalk Ends. It's strange because, I've heard this poem countless times and read it even more times. Yet, just now, it's beauty has really hit me and I'm not quite sure why. I suppose it could be because I was initially interpreting the poem incorrectly. Although, as with any poem, I think the beauty lies within making sense of the poem based on your own perspective and human experiences. I also think sometimes it can take years for a poem to make sense or profoundly impact you in the way it is meant to. I suppose, interpretation grows with maturity, life changes and new challenges.
Regardless, as I read this poem again...
handwritten on July 19, 2017
I have had the pleasure of nannying this summer (two wonderful children.) I feel like (myself included) sometimes this world becomes so caught up in the negative. This is what people are doing wrong. Kids should be ____________ but instead they are ___________. I've been smiling to myself a lot lately. Specifically, these past few weeks as I have watched many children play in the pool, play cards for hours and hours and just have fun (old fashioned style.) They are enjoying their friends, the summer sun and are not materialistic. They want to play outside, bake, make slime out of cornstarch and water and learn new card games no matter how long it may take. I took this very job on a whim and...
handwritten on July 1, 2017
Dearest friends,
Every day I am priveleged to work with the children at Children's Hospital, I am reminded of two stark truths:
1. I have never really faced a "difficult time/a difficult obstacle" (at least, not like they ones they are facing)
2. Optimism is the key to a beautiful life. Some things are out of our control and as many of these children have taught me-you face every day with a new smile.
This past week, I had the opportunity to meet a kind little friend who needed some cheering up. He had the greatest laugh (of all time) and together we engaged in a lot of bubble wand magic. We made bubble soup, pretended to make a bubble bed and tried to make the largest possible bubble we...
handwritten on June 28, 2017
As the saying goes, all excellent things come to an end. However, the hope is that the end becomes a new beginning. As I awoke this morning, I looked out the window and noticed the raindrops on the window pane. It immediately brought me to the ending scene of the parent trap where the characters have also awoken to a dreary day in London and are now waving their fearful goodbyes. In the background, one of my favorite Ella Fitzgerald songs is playing "Everytime We Say Goodbye." Life is short. In fact as I read the lyrics to this song, I was struck by the news that another jazz great had left us by the name of Geri Allen. Nick had spent time with her during a jazz improvisation class at Pitt...
handwritten on June 26, 2017
The hotel we happen to be staying at is hotel 53. We are currently in the city of York and what a wonderful city it is! It's full of laughter and nice people and fabulous music! Thus, in the spirit of 53, I've attempted to come up with 53 snapshots of this beautiful city! Actually, I'm going to attempt to write 26 1/2 facts as I'm not confident I can make it to 53! Here we go!
1. The hotel rooms are quite minimal
2. 150,000 is population
3. Vikings lived in York
4. Whip ma whop ma gade mothers street shortest street
5. Margaret clitherow was a Saint martyred here- sentenced by death by crushing sharp stones
6. Shambles street ancient street of butchers of York named from stalls used by...
