handwritten on March 10, 2019
I would say around a year and a half ago (even a bit more now), we received the very devastating news that my dad had been diagnosed with cancer. It was a dark time for all of us (especially my dad) and before his surgeries began, I remember going out to eat at The Grand Concourse. I can remember the food tasting okay. Even though there were so many options and countless desserts, the vibe was different. The colors of the food looked dull. I do not remember enjoying the smooth coffee or the homemade donut or even the salads. Back then, life had been messy. Sometimes it only takes the weakening of one color in the rainbow to make the whole rainbow grow dull. Quite lliterally, color had been...
handwritten on March 9, 2019
My husband came home from night shift around 7:00 AM yesterday, and we decided a spontaneous breakfast out before he fell asleep was just what we needed. It is funny how sometimes an unexpected event and also the anticipation of delicious food can really heighten your senses. As we were traveling along and crossing bridges to get to the North Side, both of us mentioned the beauty of the blue skies and the sun that seemed like it was shining down on every neighborhood in Pittsburgh.
As we were eating our breakfast and sipping our coffee, we were joined by countless walks of life who must have had the Blue Skies Breakfast plan in mind as well. Two police officers were chatting and eating...
handwritten on March 8, 2019
Every so often what we teach at school creates a light bulb in the tiny whimsical body of the child we are teaching. And the beauty and the whimsy in this light bulb moment is one never knows just exactly when the light bulb will turn on. Somtimes, the engines of the mind are loud and crank up to full speed with a celebration and a resounding sputter. Other times, the light is whispered through the ear of another and sometimes the light bulb is so dim and celebtration so silent that if you blink or even cough, you could miss it.
Realizations are probably one of the most powerful moments in the classroom. Because often times the application of the problem or the life skill you are trying to...
handwritten on March 6, 2019
I think one of the hardest deeds in life is finding whimsy in frowns. But you know, it certainly can be done. Back when I was in high school (ages ago it seems), for concert celebrations, graduations and even some good old hot peanut butter fudge sundaes, we would go to KINGS. Kings was our official hangout of whimsical frozen delights. I believe it was one of my greatest friend's high school graduations, a group of us decided to go Kings and order what was called the frownie brownie. Mind you, this was considered whimsical fun amongst the band musicians that were my friends primarily. We ordered the frownie brownie sundae which consisted of countless scoops of ice cream and too many...
handwritten on March 5, 2019
Last night, I happened to be at school until 7:45 PM trying to plan for a substitute teacher. For those of you in the field of education, you understand my pain. Teaching seems to be one of the few professions where planning a whole day down to the very minute is necessary when absent. Unlike other occupations, we cannot disappear without first planning our day for our children. And let me tell you, though a teacher of four years, this process never gets easier. In my heart, I cannot leave unworthy plans for my students for one day. Because though it is just one day, it is still their day and their time and their hearts that should be growing even when I am not present. Call me crazy-but...
