A Blog of my Own

With My Grandson Hugo

2012-02-11T19:23:00.001-06:00

I am up in MN for a couple days to spend time with our grandson Hugo, and our daughter, Krista, and son-in-law Eric. Hugo is now a 2 1/2 year old and definitely in a "no no no" and "my do it" phase! He is very insistent and of course cries when he can't have or do whatever he wants. In between these moments Hugo is a delightful, smart, fun little guy. This visit I have been receiving more hugs than usual from him. He has also told his parents "my Nana!"

What is so incredible is that in May our younger daughter and son-in-law will have our 2nd grandson, and in August, Krista and Eric will have their 2nd child, our 3rd grandchild! My heart will just burst with love and joy for these grandchildren. I didn't know what it would be like to be a grandmother, and now I will experience what it's like to have 3 grandchildren!!!

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

2012-01-28T22:26:00.001-06:00

"The Invention of Hugo Cabret" This book is amazing! I read it over two years ago. The story is magical and so unique. More so is the way the author, Brian Selznick, wrote and drew the story. As I tell my students who check it out, you have to read the pictures because they are not illustrations (pictures illustrating the text), these gorgeous drawings are integral to the story, they tell the story when there is no text.

My husband and I went to the movie called "Hugo" (nominated for some Oscars and already won some Golden Globes)several weeks ago. It was our first 3D movie. This movie was out-of-this-world. The director, Martin Scorsese, won the Golden Globe award for Best Director. There were other awards for the movie that I don't recall. Just read the book and go see the movie if you have the chance.

I bought the book after our grandson Hugo was born (I think that's when I got it---although that's somewhat vague because it came out in 2007). Yes, the name prompted me. And I'm glad! Now I'm saving the book for our Hugo until he's old enough to read it. I wonder if there will be more baby boys named Hugo because of the movie?!

Another Design/Background

2012-01-28T19:06:00.001-06:00

My daughter didn't like my last design/background, so I'll try this one. It fits me much better and I think it goes with my original header. I'll give it a shot! What's more important is writing my blog!

I was just invited to Pinterest about a week ago. Oh my. That is fun and interesting, but a time grabber! A little addicting. What is Pinterest? It's a digital "bulletin board" where you "pin" ideas, sites, blogs, recipes, actually whatever you want on your boards. Then there are others' boards to view or follow for more ideas, etc. to "repin" to your own boards. Have seen some cool stuff, gotten some good quotes, yummy recipes, garden stuff, and especially kid stuff (Nana needs ideas!).

Today I must finish my "discussion" for my eLearning Course I'm taking so I can be qualified in our district to teach online classes. So back to it....

Trying on New Designs

2012-01-17T22:12:00.000-06:00

Trying a new blog design. Some of my favorite blogs change their designs regularly. Thought I'd try this new look. Not sure how well my header goes with it, but maybe not a bad combo. Can always change!

Happy New Year and Dr. MLK jr. Day

2012-01-17T15:48:00.000-06:00

January 16, 2012:
Haven't written a post yet in this New Year of 2012! And why not write on this very important day, celebrating the life and inspiration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

I lived through the Civil Rights movement of the 1950's and 1960's. The first I was made aware of the unequalities for people of color in the U.S. was when I was in grade school. We were visiting my aunt and uncle in Norfolk, Virginia. At their big downtown Lutheran church I went to the Sunday School class for my age. It happened that somehow the discussion that day got into using drinking fountains and restrooms, and I was told unequivocally that NO, you never use the same facility as a Negro (I don't think the other "n" word was used). I was astounded and very confused.

We lived in Cheyenne, Wyoming at the time, so I had not had any real experience sharing life with people of color. However, I believed firmly that "Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world, red and yellow black and white, they are precious in his sight..." I believed I would have no problem using the same facility as a Black person. I remember a missionary visiting our church and using the example of the piano, that music needs both the white and black keys.

Not long after this experience in Virginia, we moved to a Kansas suburb of Kansas City. I attended white schools. However, my father (a Lutheran pastor) began working with the clergy of the greater KC area on Civil Rights, especially fair housing for all. He was even on the Mayor's Commission for Open Housing. And then the Civil Rights movement bombarded me.

I was in 6th or 7th grade when late one afternoon I answered our phone, and a deep, gravelly, mean voice roared in my ear shouting that my father was a "n----r lover" and he'd better be careful, or they would get him. I hung up and ran crying to my mother. Then things were explained to me. I was scared, and yet so proud of my father. And I was indignant at the threatening man and the world of racism and Jim Crow he came from. From that day on I was outspoken about equal rights for all.

In high school we actually had an "exchange program" for a week with a neighboring Black high school in Kansas City. I hosted one of the female students. I admit, it was very sad we had to bring Black students into my school this way. At the time I felt at least we were doing something to bridge the gaps in our white-suburbia lives.

After Dr. King was assassinated, I walked in the Kansas City Memorial March for him, with my father and our assistant pastor. We were definitely in the minority. However, we talked, and held hands with the other mourners. We were united in our sorrow. And upheld by the progress that had been made, still knowing much work needed to be done.

The Advent Door: entering a contemplative christmas

2011-12-04T18:59:00.001-06:00

"The Advent Door" is a website by Jan Richardson, pastor, artist, writer. I just bought her ebook, "Through the Advent Door" and am reading it for Advent devotions. I highly recommend her site and her book.

St. Nicholas Center ::: How to Celebrate

2011-12-04T18:35:00.007-06:00

'via Blog this'

Bicci di Lorenzo (active late 1380s - 1452), St Nicholas of Bari banishing the Storm

When our daughters were young, we celebrated St. Nicholas Day during Advent. We read a book or told them about the real Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, and said that the modern-day Santa Claus is in honor of St. Nicholas. We never pretended to believe in Santa Claus. Yes, we had stockings that "Santa" filled. But our girls knew that "Santa" was really Mommy or Daddy. On Dec. 5, the girls put their shoes outside their bedroom door, and in the morning, on St. Nicholas Day, they found coins, small gifts, and candy. To us, knowing the real St. Nicholas was generous and loving because of his faith in Jesus Christ, was most important. Emphasizing St. Nicholas points to Jesus Christ, 'the reason for Christmas'. We wanted our daughters to have that focus.
I recommend the St. Nicholas Center website. You can even send St. Nicholas e-cards from there.

from the webpage:

Why Celebrate St. Nicholas Day?
December 6 or December 19 on the Julian Calendar

Illustration from envelope, Bar-le-Duc, France
St. Nicholas Center Collection

To learn about the true Santa Claus and Father Christmas: St. Nicholas, a man of faith who lived his life in devotion to Christ
To focus on giving more than receiving: St. Nicholas cared for the needy
To emphasize small treats and family fun: St. Nicholas loved children
To provide a bit of special festivity early in the waiting weeks of Advent: St. Nicholas points to Jesus, the heart of Christmas
To offer a spiritual dimension to gift giving
To tell the story of a Christian saint, whose model life inspires compassion and charity
To honor St. Nicholas honors the Christ Child who selflessly gave the greatest gift of all—himself

Murmuration: Chance Encounter Captures Stunning Phenomenon Of Starlings (VIDEO/PHOTOS)

2011-11-04T22:28:00.000-05:00

Murmuration: Chance Encounter Captures Stunning Phenomenon Of Starlings (VIDEO/PHOTOS):

'via Blog this'

This is amazing! As I relax before bed, with my glass of red wine, I check my FB. And I come across what another friend posted. Something I've never heard of nor obviously never seen! The Internet just opens the world to us. Wow. Can't express in words the awe I have of so many beautiful, fascinating, meaningful things I find. Of course, the vulgar stuff I avoid. Concentrate on the good. And this murmuration is really something!

Thinking, Planning, Praying

2011-10-30T20:25:00.001-05:00

On Sunday nights I always had homework to finish when I was in school. Now that I teach school, I'm always thinking about lesson plans for the week on Sunday night. As I listen to gorgeous music on Rhapsody, I try to also gather calm, peace, patience, for the week.

Teaching has become tougher. As I enter school in the mornings, I immediately feel the tense energy as teachers and administrators quickly greet, and run along on their way to classrooms, bus areas, front car drop-off area, cafeteria. The students begin streaming in, like hot lava flowing slowly. Not explosive or red hot sizzling and throwing rocks. If we are lucky, the lava will stay slow and steady during the day. We don't always luck out. Too often lately we've had hot rocks exploding, and a kid has to be forcefully taken to the office to be helped.

So here I am. Praying for strength and wisdom. Thinking and planning for the week to come. Praying for our students that they have focus and positive attitudes toward learning. That I can make it through another week. Lord in your mercy, hear my prayer.

Living Things ~by Anne Porter

2011-10-29T22:49:00.002-05:00

Living Things by Anne Porter

Our poems
Are like the wart-hogs
In the zoo
It's hard to say
Why there should be such creatures

But once our life gets into them
As sometimes happens
Our poems
Turn into living things
And there's no arguing
With living things
They are
The way they are

Our poems
May be rough
Or delicate
Little
Or great

But always
They have inside them
A confluence of cries
And secret languages

And always
They are improvident
And free
They keep
A kind of Sabbath

They play
On sooty fire escapes
And window ledges

They wander in and out
Of jails and gardens
They sparkle

In the deep mines
They sing
In breaking waves
And rock like wooden cradles.

A poem from "A Tiding of Magpies"

2011-10-29T22:18:00.001-05:00

The blog "A Tiding of Magpies" has a poem a day usually, with often a beautiful image that compliments it. I have wondered about the copyright issues, but she always gives the author, etc. I just Googled Barbara Crooker and found her site and many more poems. I was moved by this poem and image that "A Tiding of Magpies" had on her blog today, so wanted to share it here.

Sometimes, I Am Startled Out of Myself
by Barbara Crooker

like this morning, when the wild geese came squawking,
flapping their rusty hinges, and something about their trek
across the sky made me think about my life, the places
of brokenness, the places of sorrow, the places where grief
has strung me out to dry. And then the geese come calling,
the leader falling back when tired, another taking her place.
Hope is borne on wings. Look at the trees. They turn to gold
for a brief while, then lose it all each November.
Through the cold months, they stand, take the worst
weather has to offer. And still, they put out shy green leaves
come April, come May. The geese glide over the cornfields,
land on the pond with its sedges and reeds.
You do not have to be wise. Even a goose knows how to find
shelter, where the corn still lies in the stubble and dried stalks.
All we do is pass through here, the best way we can.
They stitch up the sky, and it is whole again.

Have I gone too far?

2011-10-29T22:15:00.000-05:00

I have been blasting friends and family with info on the motion picture "Nicolas of Myra: The Story of St. Nicholas". It's just that when I see something that is fantastic, and will be a great addition/service to the "masses" I want to get it going, out there!

The small taste of the music for the movie has also driven me to Rhapsody to try to find something similar! Not possible. I'll have to wait for the soundtrack to be released after the movie is finally released!

I got on Amazon Thursday night and ordered two books on St. Nicholas, both reasonably priced. They will be here next week so I will read them and let you know if they are worthwhile!

Please "Like" Nicholas of Myra Movie on FB

2011-10-29T20:00:00.000-05:00

This is a campaign to help get the motion picture "Nicholas of Myra: The Story of St. Nicholas" out to the world! Please go to the FB page (see above) and "like" the movie page. This will help spread the word. I pray this movie can get out to audiences by this Christmas.

Nicholas of Myra - The Official Motion Picture Website - Wonderworker Pictures

2011-10-29T19:55:00.000-05:00

Nicholas of Myra - The Official Motion Picture Website - Wonderworker Pictures:

'via Blog this'

This looks and sounds like a marvelous motion picture! Unfortunately, the distribution needed to get the film to audiences, has not been found. Here are a couple paragraphs from the film's website:

It is in troubled times that it becomes most imperative for art to reflect the goodness in the world. With the lack of inspiring family entertainment that Hollywood offers today, there is no better time to tell the story of Nicholas of Myra -- one that does not undo the cherished myth we all grew up with, but instead, reinforces the hope and kindness it kindled within us as children. The story leaves no doubt that Santa Claus is for real, and that he is as much a sacred part of Holiday tradition as he is secular. He is for people of all ages, and really, not just those who celebrate Christmas. The origins of many of our age-old traditions are woven together like never before in this dramatic and layered tale that, until now, has been lost to the lore that replaced it for nearly two hundred years.

After years of extensive development, Nicholas of Myra Writer/Director Gerald Hartke took ambitious steps to finally realize the never-before-told story for movie audiences to enjoy. Although the screenplay had drawn interest from mainstream entertainment studios, it was not until the project caught the attention of a group of Western New York investors that the production began to accelerate. Along with Executive Producer Thomas J. Mallare, Hartke launched Nicholas of Myra LLC in 2005 and assembled a talented team of actors and filmmakers, as well as state-of-the-art digital cinema technology, needed to bring the epic motion picture to the big-screen.

Fueled completely by independent financing, the production remains headquartered in a 4,000 square foot studio/soundstage in suburban Western New York and has already garnered national, as well as international, attention. With the end of production clearly in sight, the goal now is to complete what might be considered the most ambitious independent film ever attempted, while showcasing the diverse beauty and talent of Western New York in an unprecedented fashion.

Be sure to visit www.nicholasofmyra-movie.com for the latest production updates and exclusive media from the upcoming motion-picture event, Nicholas of Myra: The Story of Saint Nicholas.

St. Nicholas Center ::: Discovering the Truth About Santa Claus

2011-10-29T19:47:00.000-05:00

St. Nicholas Center ::: Discovering the Truth About Santa Claus:

'via Blog this'

I love this resource and have used it for many years to teach my children and my church's children about the real, historical person, St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra.

Wonderstruck

2011-09-19T20:17:00.000-05:00

On Friday night we were at Barnes & Noble when I happened upon the just-released new book by Brian Selznick ("The Invention of Hugo Cabret") titled "Wonderstruck." Bought it and read the whole book that evening when we got home. It is wonderful! A very touching story with yes, intricate drawings as part of the story, but not in the same way Selznick did with "Hugo...". This story is about two children, one living in 1927 and the other in 1977. They are both missing parents, one by death, and the other by neglect. And both run away to find the stability and family they need. The way he puts the two stories together at the end is just excellent. And he tells the one story by just the pictures, and the other by text.

Go here for a lovely talk by Selznick: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9K2YaVxeTiM

I highly recommend this book for children and adults,.

Glorious Cooler Weather

2011-09-11T09:45:00.001-05:00

I sit out on the deck now as much as possible to enjoy the cooler weather! This morning it was 56 degrees! Warming during the day, but only to 80 or so. After those many days of over 100 degrees this is heaven! I don't know how they can survive in Texas where I read they have had 80+ days in a row w/over 100 degrees. And those terrible fires. So sad.

I've been having some random thoughts, I read an obituary this week about a woman who was in her 60's, and it said 'she loved to shop and rearrange her furniture.' What a depressing summary of a person's life. Maybe the writer of the obit just didn't know what else she did. Now I think of that when I page through my "House Beautiful" magazine.

Counting the days to our trip to Minnesota to celebrate grandson Hugo's 2nd birthday!! I've made a photo book for them and us that should arrive this week. Excited to see the final product. I used a different company than I used w/my last 2 photo books. Spent much time working on it, trying to get the right photos and then the best layouts.

Today is a sad and happy day. Sad because it is the anniversary of 9-11, and happy because tonight our church is giving us a celebration picnic, celebrating Paul's 35th anniversary of ordination into the ministry of Word and Sacrament, and our 25 year at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, Columbia, MO!

Gazing at my new pots of mums I worked on last night and this morning. They are all buds so soon will blosom. Not huge plants but very adequate, and probably when the flowers are out will be beautiful.

The Text This Week - Revised Common Lectionary, Scripture Study and Worship Links

2011-08-07T10:03:00.000-05:00

The Text This Week - Revised Common Lectionary, Scripture Study and Worship Links

This is a tremendous resource for study and devotional. I am assisting minister at worship today, and I looked here for ideas for our prayers. I always try to tie in the words of scripture from the lectionary into my written prayers.

Blessings on this Sabbath Day!

Me

2011-08-06T13:25:00.000-05:00

I uploaded this photo taken in MN in June 2011. When I look at my face, it doesn't seem to me that I look almost-60 years old. Maybe I'm kidding myself, yet still...

I am having some pre-60 anxieties I guess. Yes, what's in a number? It's how you feel that counts. And your attitude towards life. It still matters more to me this birthday than any other.

Being 60 soon means I'm nearing the end of my life. Certainly I pray and hope to live 20-25+ more years. Still I'm in the last half not the first half. This age, and the eventual retirement, has always seemed so distant to me. Now it is fast approaching.

And speaking of fast, I agree with so many older people that time does seem to go faster the older you get. Makes sense. Less time left means make the most of what you have, don't waste a minute. Yes, today is the first day of the rest of your life. Live it. And I thank and praise God for every second of it.

Summer Flies By

2011-07-14T20:36:00.000-05:00

Summer is flying by so quickly! Since I've been a teacher, summer always seems to get shorter and shorter. I will say I've truly relaxed and enjoyed June and July. I've been blessed to be with my grandson Hugo for almost three weeks (three separate visits---in MN and in MO). And of course my daughters and their husbands.

School is now coming to the forefront of my brain. Reading several books and articles to help my teaching. Checked out several award winner nominee kids' lit today to get going on reading. So I'm slowly getting school back into focus.

Right now I'm interested in Google+. A friend just invited me so off I go to check this out!

School's About Out

2011-05-30T16:57:00.000-05:00

"School's out for the summer" is the pop song a teacher at my former middle school used to play over the intercom as school was emptying on the last day. This Friday is the day. The last day of this school year, actually the last 1/2 day. And I'm in two modes: (1)Reflecting on the past year and what I will change or add or subtract to make next year better. (2) Getting geared up for our family vacation at a cabin/resort on Lake Minnewaska, about a two hour drive northwest of The Cities.

In our library we are already changing some things. We've moved the easy chapter books. The series books now sit on top of the book shelf in their call number area (Harry Potter above R for Rowling, etc.)with signs of the series title. Kids will see them so much easier instead of us pointing to the right aisle and them reading titles on the shelves and saying "I can't find it" they should see the series immediately. We're also working on making the Dewey Decimal number section easier to decipher. Kids have a tough time with that. We are adding artifacts that represent the subject area to the tops of these tall shelves, so books about cars, trucks, etc. are below the plastic truck and metal car on the top shelf. We have stuffed animals above the animal section, a sports collage above sports books, and so on.

I'm going to use a system another colleague uses at her library next fall for getting books returned. She has a "shelf marker" for each student, and every time that student brings a book back on time, she puts a star sticker on the "marker". When the student reaches 25 or 30 she has an end-of-the-year celebration or small gift of some sort to reward them for being so responsible. I need to get the details!

Onto our lake vacation! Yes, to celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary that was Dec. 28, 2010, we wanted to get our whole family together for a vacation. So we will all (daughters, sons-in-law, and grandson) be together for 6 days in this lovely cabin on the lake. I am so excited!!

Books and Reading and Poems

2011-05-15T18:00:00.002-05:00

These 2 poems by Billie Collins, former U.S. Poet Laureate, I like especially because I love books and reading and poems. The first poem, "Books", was in a post in a blog I just love, because the writer puts poems and pictures (art, photos, etc.) together in almost every post. I have the link in my "Links"---"A Tiding of Magpies". I highly recommend her ("distracted by shiny objects" is her 'name') blog. The second poem, "Dear Reader", I like so included it as well.

Books

by Billie Collins

From the heart of this dark, evacuated campus
I can hear the library humming in the night,
a choir of authors murmuring inside their books
along the unlit, alphabetical shelves,
Giovanni Pontano next to Pope, Dumas next to his son,
each one stitched into his own private coat,
together forming a low, gigantic chord of language.

I picture a figure in the act of reading,
shoes on a desk, head tilted into the wind of a book,
a man in two worlds, holding the rope of his tie
as the suicide of lovers saturates a page,
or lighting a cigarette in the middle of a theorem.
He moves from paragraph to paragraph
as if touring a house of endless, paneled rooms.

I hear the voice of my mother reading to me
from a chair facing the bed, books about horses and dogs,
and inside her voice lie other distant sounds,
the horrors of a stable ablaze in the night,
a bark that is moving toward the brink of speech.

I watch myself building bookshelves in college,
walls within walls, as rain soaks New England,
or standing in a bookstore in a trench coat.

I see all of us reading ourselves away from ourselves,
straining in circles of light to find more light
until the line of words becomes a trail of crumbs
that we follow across a page of fresh snow;

when evening is shadowing the forest
and small birds flutter down to consume the crumbs,
we have to listen hard to hear the voices
of the boy and his sister receding into the woods.

Dear Reader by Billy Collins

Baudelaire considers you his brother,
and Fielding calls out to you every few paragraphs
as if to make sure you have not closed the book,
and now I am summoning you up again,
attentive ghost, dark silent figure standing
in the doorway of these words.

Pope welcomes you into the glow of his study,
takes down a leather-bound Ovid to show you.
Tennyson lifts the latch to a moated garden,
and with Yeats you lean against a broken pear tree,
the day hooded by low clouds.

But now you are here with me,
composed in the open field of this page,
no room or manicured garden to enclose us,
no Zeitgeist marching in the background,
no heavy ethos thrown over us like a cloak.

Instead, our meeting is so brief and accidental,
unnoticed by the monocled eye of History,
you could be the man I held the door for
this morning at the bank or post office
or the one who wrapped my speckled fish.
You could be someone I passed on the street
or the face behind the wheel of an oncoming car.

The sunlight flashes off your windshield,
and when I look up into the small, posted mirror,
I watch you diminish—my echo, my twin—
and vanish around a curve in this whip
of a road we can't help traveling together.

Retirement Thoughts

2011-05-14T22:11:00.000-05:00

Thursday evening I went to our school district's retirement reception for ALL retirees from our district. Went especially for my dear friend and colleague, Stella Read, super counselor extraordinaire. I saw many friends from my past teaching assignments, and many friends who are retiring. Our HR Assistant Super. Dr. Laffey did a terrific job MCing the event, saying all the right things! It was very impressive.

So will I retire next year? Or will it be two years from now?? Hope it's next year but finances will tell.

I just thought retirement was so far away for so long. Only this year, since we've met with Paul's ELCA Pension coach and my MO. person, have I begun to feel the reality of it's approaching. It's scary and exciting.

Hard to believe I'm on the last part of my life. Thankful for getting this far, for sure. Just very sobering.

Addendum to "Post Easter"

2011-05-14T16:32:00.001-05:00

About a week after I wrote my last post, my coughing actually broke a rib! And that pain was something else. So I missed school for 5 days for my horrible bronchitis/upper respiratory bacteria infection and then 5 more days for my broken rib. I think I slept for 4 of those days while on muscle relaxant and pain meds. I went back to school this week and did OK. When I was experiencing tough pain, I took half my pain med and did much better.

One of my darling kinder students came into the Library Media Center on Tuesday this week, and she had the same "rib belt" I was wearing under my clothes but she was wearing on top, with the addition of 2 Velcro cloth bands that keeps her arm "stuck" to her belt, so she won't move that arm hardly at all. Glad I didn't have to do that. She broke her rib on the playground while at Adventure Club. I told her we were now "broken rib sisters"!

Post Easter

2011-04-26T20:37:00.000-05:00

So much on my mind to write about. I'll just get going.

I got new prescription glasses a few weeks ago. The frames are mainly round with beige and red-orange and brown. Hard to describe. My only problem is I don't think I see out of them very well. I had a new doctor, and I wonder if my other doctor is just better? I think I will go back and ask for another exam.

Right before Easter weekend I came down with a lousy cold/virus with sore throat, coughing, the works. Managed to enjoy my grandson Hugo who arrived Thursday night with his parents from MN. Otherwise I just didn't feel well. After they left for home Monday around 1 PM, I napped for 2 hours! I stayed home from school Monday and today, Tuesday, with my terrible cough. It's prevented me from sleeping well. I don't think I've had a virus this whole year, so I get one the end of April.

I delighted in watching Hugo play, reading to him, putting him down for naps and bed when he let me. He was more clingy to his mother than previously. When Krista and Eric went out with Anja and Steve, Hugo had to put up with me, and he did. I gave him his bath, which he loves, and from then through rocking he was fine.

I miss him. And feeling this sickness doesn't help the natural down I always experience when he and his parents leave. Not getting back to my own routine doesn't help either. Trying to rest to get well gives me time to think. I will say I feel so horrible sickness-wise that I'm preoccupied with that.

It seemed I had more on my mind to cover here, more profound things to write. Can't remember at the moment. I'll sign off until later then.

Typing with One Hand

2011-03-05T23:12:00.001-06:00

OK. I guess I did type with one hand during the blizzards!! So there were some updated blog posts! This brings me to memory. And how mine is sometimes not great. Another post for another time!

The New Year 2011

2011-03-05T22:59:00.001-06:00

So much has happened since Jan. 3, the last time I saw my grandson Hugo. I've had one trip north to Minnesota with daughter Anja accompanying me. And wouldn't you know, we had a huge snowfall while we were there! So our return trip had to be delayed from Presidents' Day Monday to Tuesday. We both had to secure substitutes for our school responsibilities. However, we had a wonderful visit with Hugo and family. Even though Hugo was coming down with a bad cold and eventually an ear infection was discovered. Boo. Still we had a good time. And we returned safely to home and our schools.
I'll add some photos here of our time together!! Tomorrow! I can't find them at the moment :( OH, I just realized they are on my laptop!! So I'll switch computers and then add them!!

Long Overdue Post!

2011-03-05T22:44:00.003-06:00

I realized as I updated my church's webpages/website today, that due to my broken hand from 12/20-2/25 I did not TYPE! No updates on this blog, nor any updates on my church's website except adding the newsletter! So today I've spent hours updating it (www.saintandrewslutheran.org). Whew!! It probably shouldn't take me that long, except I'm still not a pro! Still I figured many things out today. The Weebly.com blog taught me some good stuff. Plus I looked around more at the "Stats" and also the "Contacts". Truly I devoted the whole afternoon and some of the evening to this. I'm not complaining. It's cold outside, and I had no place to go. My hubby was working all day so this was just fine. I feel good about my work. I truly feel I've helped St. A's with Christ's purpose for us.
Tomorrow, Sunday, March 6, is our church's ground breaking for our renovation and addition! Truly exciting! There is a special service to go with the Ground Breaking at 10 AM. I'll take photos and maybe some video of it. A brass ensemble will be part of the service, beginning in the Fellowship Hall and progressing to the Centrum--our current sanctuary--and then outside for the ground breaking with reps from all demographics of our congregation!

Blizzard in Progress!

2011-02-01T15:41:00.002-06:00

This is some blizzard! Earlier this afternoon they closed I-70 in Cooper, Boone and Callaway counties! That is serious. Our public schools and M.U. have already called a snow day for Wed. The Mall is closed, most businesses, etc. Paul has shoveled numerous times since 7 AM. It has been windy so we have drifting. I'd say we've gotten over 12" already, and it's predicted to not stop until Wed. 6 AM. Amazing! Don't recall ever being in a blizzard before.

Here are a couple photos I just took---though it's hard to get the idea of how deep the snow is.

View from kitchen door to deck.

View from dining room window.

Yes, I still have my wreath up!

Brave Paul and dog Oskar.

Blizzard Warning!

2011-01-31T20:06:00.000-06:00

Don't recall ever having a "blizzard warning" from NOAA! Seems most of the country (30 some states) will be affected by this storm! They called school off early today due to icy conditions. Thank goodness the roads were OK, but the parking lots and cars were iced over.

I brought three books home from the library to read: "Inkheart", "Inkspell", and "Inkdeath". Wonder if I'll get through all three? I do have home projects that need doing. Hum.

We are watching the developments in Egypt. Seems many Arab countries are being inspired by Tunisia and now Egypt. On the evening news they showed Yemen as one. Can't recall the others at the moment. The people want a voice, like a democracy!

My husband Paul cooked a wonderful dinner tonight: roasted a chicken with root vegetables, wine and rosemary plus a few other ingredients. Delicious!!! And wine with dinner!! Not a usual weeknight thing!

Our governor has called a "state of emergency" because of the blizzard. Everything seems to be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, including MU which hardly ever happens. Now I'm excited to see how much snow we will get. Then comes the below zero temps. Brrrrr. I'm predicting 3 snow days from school. We'll see.

Elementary, My Dear, or Far From It: Links I've Been Mulling

2011-01-22T20:26:00.000-06:00

Elementary, My Dear, or Far From It: Links I've Been Mulling

I agree with this teacher blogger.

Dilemma

2011-01-22T10:39:00.001-06:00

Our dilemma is: to mail or not mail belated Xmas greetings (early Valentine's?). It's not the lateness. It's that we have seen most of our family in person in June and December at family weddings. Also, so many of our friends and family are on Facebook that we all keep up on photos and big events in our lives. So, what to do?? Maybe the answer is to send cards to only those we don't see on FB or haven't been in touch with this year--also those whose email address we don't have.

Here are photos I might use:

Happy New Year's! Update

2011-01-20T10:32:00.001-06:00

Since I broke my left hand Dec. 20, 2010, I type so slowly that I haven't blogged at all. So thought I'd try today to write some. First, my cast and pins are hopefully coming out Tues. Can hardly wait.

Today we have a snow day! Last week we had two. This snow is deeper (9-10" so far) than last week's (5-6"). Driving sounds bad from what I've read on-line.

Read this earlier today in reference to the horrible tragedy in Tuscon, AZ two weeks ago:

"There was one observation that was made this week I just have to pass on to you by a friend of mine, Allen Ginsberg, who is an historian up in Maine. And he said, this week, we saw a white, Catholic, Republican federal judge murdered on his way to greet a Democratic woman, member of Congress, who was his friend and was Jewish. Her life was saved initially by a 20-year-old Mexican-American college student, who saved her, and eventually by a Korean-American combat surgeon...And then it was all eulogized and explained by our African-American president. And, in a tragic event, that's a remarkable statement about the country." (Jan.14, 2011, PBS Newshour, Mark Shields)

This is the version on FB, a little different:

"This is America, where a white Catholic male Republican judge was murdered on his way to greet a Democratic Jewish woman member of Congress, who was his friend. Her life was saved initially by a 20-year old Mexican-American gay college student, and eventually by a Korean-American combat surgeon, all eulogized by our African American President." - Mark Shields, PBS.

Practical Theology for Women

2010-12-19T20:49:00.001-06:00

Practical Theology for Women: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

I've just discovered this blog. It was recommended by a friend in FB so I went right to it. I've added it to my links on my blog. Some very talented women blog writers, or just writers. "The Painted Prayer Book" and "A Tiding of Magpies" are the two others I'm referring to that I have in my links and enjoy reading.

Jesus Is a Liberal Democrat - The Colbert Report - 12/16/10 - Video Clip | Comedy Central

2010-12-19T08:29:00.000-06:00

Jesus Is a Liberal Democrat - The Colbert Report - 12/16/10 - Video Clip | Comedy Central

You gotta love Colbert! His comedy is so spot on! Points out truths with his exaggerated style. This clip is very good.

Christmas Decorating

2010-12-18T22:44:00.002-06:00

    Last night Paul and I got the lights on the tree. That was Friday night. Also enjoyed the hot tub. Love the hot tub in cold weather! To see snow on the ground a few inches away from the hot tub, lovely!
    Today I have put the ornaments on the tree. Have also arranged the Santa collection on the side board in the living room. Then I put five creches/nativities on the mantel. I'm decorating with a 15-month grandson in mind! Have to think about what he can reach, what is OK to play with, etc. I put the wooden toy nativity under the tree that is fine for him to rearrange. Also decided I couldn't use the heavy stocking holder weights because he could easily pull one down and get clunked on the head. Bad! So I have hung then on the drawer knobs on the sideboard.
    Also last night I decorated the dining room window in a new way, with bright electric candles in the window, and ice cycle lights hanging under the German lacy valance. Looks very nice. Not sure what I'm doing outside this year, so at least this is very visible from the street. So, now need to decorate the kitchen, and then I'll go down to the family room, our Swedish Christmas area (except for the straw ornaments in the kitchen).
    I enjoy doing this. Let's say I love the outcome! It's lots of work. The floor is a mess and so is the dining room with boxes and so forth. It takes me time to decide what to do every year. I don't do the same thing every year. Plus, this year I really think less is more. Partly because of grandson Hugo, but also because of my low energy. At least until school is out (Wed. is our last day). With some rest and less stress, I'm sure my energy will improve.

The Advent Door

2010-12-15T22:07:00.000-06:00

The Advent Door: "- Sent using Google Toolbar

This is a lovely website. The author and artist, Jan Richardson, also creates the site "The Painted Prayerbook" which I have in my links here.

One of her Advent writings reminded me of me. She wrote about always having the best intentions for Advent, to really meditate and read devotions on the scripture, etc., to prepare for Christmas. I am like that every year, always wanting to take time to slow down, take time to read my Advent devotions and to prayerfully meditate on Christ coming as Immanuel, God with us. To prepare to worship on Christmas Eve the real miracle of Christ's birth. And yes, like her, I often come to Christmas Eve without the preparation I had good intentions to do. Maybe this year, since I will be alone on Christmas Eve at church since neither daughter will be home, and Paul will being leading worship, I will have the time and desire to move into Christmas more deeply than sometimes. I pray so.

Saint Lucia Day

2010-12-13T12:04:00.005-06:00

December 13 - Saint Lucia Day

and my Birthday

Through snowy winter days
Thy song comes winging

To waken earth again,

Glad carols ringing

Come now, oh queen of light,

Wearing thy crown so bright!
Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia!

I've always wondered why my parents didn't name me Lucia, given I was born on this day. I love this saint's day and have celebrated it almost every year since I was in junior high when I first learned of it. I was in a group of girls who were doing the Lucia activities for the Trinity Lutheran Hospital Auxilliary in KC (I think my memory is correct on this). A wonderful young Swedish woman living in the US at the time taught us the songs and traditions. Ever since then, I tell people about the day. In college I even wore the real lit candles and served our college choir Lucia Buns (no one told me to put a damp handkerchief on my head before the crown, so I had the uncomfortable task of getting the wax out of my hair!).
One of my most cherished moments was when I was by myself on the labor and delivery floor in the Stillwater hospital, Dec. 13, 1981, on a Sunday, w/new baby Anja in the nursery, Paul and Krista at church, in a funk---the down day after the up and excitement of our darling Anja Kara being born the day before. It was my 30th birthday. Suddenly, around 9 AM, I hear singing, and in walks a dear friend, Adelia, with a tray filled with Lucia Buns and a coffee pot and china cups and saucers, plus wearing the Lucia candles on her head (electric ones), singing the Swedish St. Lucia songs. I was so thrilled and happy to have her there, to do this. We had our coffee, ate our buns, and then she gifted me, gave me, the Lucia candle ring which I still have and put out every Christmas, if I don't wear it earlier. What a wonderful friend, to do all this for me. It lifted my spirits, and I think of it each St. Lucia Day since.

Saint Nicholas ::: Who is St. Nicholas?

2010-12-05T21:30:00.001-06:00

Saint Nicholas ::: Who is St. Nicholas?

Tomorrow, Monday, Dec. 6, is St. Nicholas Day, celebrating the kind and generous Christian man who became Bishop of Myra (Turkey today). This is a wonderful website that explains the history and story, displays art, has e-cards to send, children's activities, and more.

We observed St. Nicholas Day when our daughters were very young, by telling them the story, and putting their shoes outside their bedroom doors (similar to the Dutch) and in the morning they would find coins and goodies in them. We did this the night before the saint's day. So our daughters learned early on that Santa Claus was once a real person, a Christian man.

So go to this link and learn more! And Happy St. Nicholas Day!

YouTube - Christmas Food Court Flash Mob, Hallelujah Chorus - Must See!

2010-12-01T21:38:00.000-06:00

YouTube - Christmas Food Court Flash Mob, Hallelujah Chorus - Must See!

Saw this on FB first. Very surprising, inspiring, and beautiful. There is a newspaper article that explains the event in more detail: http://www.wellandtribune.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2862077

When I first saw it I thought maybe only about 10 or 12 were the main singers with the crowd joining in. I was wrong, it is the Chorus Niagra, and as I recall the article said it had about 80 members "embedded" with the regular folk at the mall!

YouTube - Where's the Line to See Jesus OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

2010-12-01T21:33:00.000-06:00

YouTube - Where's the Line to See Jesus OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

This is lovely. There are two versions, the first being less professional. This is the new version, professionally produced. You can go to Becky Kelley's website to read her journey with the song: www.wheresthelinetoseejesus.com. Her father composed it.

Oops!

2010-11-21T19:55:00.002-06:00

Accidentally posted the Shakespeare article twice but can't seem to find a way to delete a post, and there must be a way. Oh well.

Shakespeare’s Pizza wins "Good Morning America" challenge | The Columbia Daily Tribune - Columbia, Missouri

2010-11-21T19:53:00.000-06:00

Shakespeare’s Pizza wins "Good Morning America" challenge | The Columbia Daily Tribune - Columbia, Missouri: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Excitement All Around

2010-11-21T19:50:00.000-06:00

It's been an exciting day! First my church voted to begin the construction process for the repair and addition on our church building. Second, our favorite pizza place won 1st place in the ABC Good Morning America "college hangouts" with only 4 nominated from the country. What was also so amazing about this is that another of the four was the Ol Stuga in Lindsborg, KS---one of my old hangouts when I was in college! Third exciting thing is our daughter, son-in-law, and grandson will be driving down from MN on Tues. for Thanksgiving with us! So I have lots to do to clear out the baby's room (it's a storage area when he isn't here). And here I am posting on my blog! Oh well, I'm a procrastinator from way back unfortunately. Yes, I save things for the last minute, especially household chores. Always have something else I'd rather spend my time on.

One More Try

2010-11-15T22:45:00.001-06:00

Now that I got this video on here, I just looked back at the original post w/the same video, the one that was not working the other day, and now it looks back to normal. What's going on? I just don't know. Oh well, I'll just have this great Hugo video on twice!

What's Up w/my Video??

2010-11-08T22:12:00.002-06:00

What is up with my video of Hugo?? I put it on here, and NOT on YouTube. So why is the YouTube thing showing up and not my video at all? Dang. I will work on this. Might just upload the video to this post! Crazy technology. Love it. Hate it.

Sherry Curry Pumpkin Soup

2010-11-06T19:26:00.003-05:00

I was going to take a picture of the pumpkin soup I made tonight, and be like a foodie blog for a moment. But I didn't. However, I did make our first pumpkin soup of the season and it was delicious. I use a basic recipe but always change it up each time, trying different things. When I looked online for pumpkin soup recipes, I also saw variations on a basic soup.

Here's what I did tonight:

chicken broth/stock (one lg. can about 5 cups)
3 lg. carrots (all I had on hand!)
1 onion
skim milk (about 1 1/2 cups)
1/2&1/2 cream (about 1/2 cup)
pumpkin puree (scrapped fresh tonight from a pumpkin I baked---about 4+ cups)
1/4 cup real maple syrup
1 1/2 or 2 tsp. curry
1/2 tsp. allspice
1/4 cup cream sherry w/2 tablespoons corn starch (for thickening)

I cooked the carrots and onion in the chicken stock (one recipe called for sauteing in olive oil) with about a teaspoon of black pepper. After the carrots and onions cooked I used my immersion blender to puree' them. While I was doing the above, I was baking the small pumpkin, cut in half, seeds scrapped out, the halves in about a half inch water in a baking pan. Baked the pumpkin for an hr. plus at 375 or 400. When done I scrapped out the pumpkin, blended that with a little milk until pretty smooth, and then added that to the soup plus the maple syrup. When heated through I put the sherry w/corn starch in a let it bubble boil just long enough to thicken a little.

My variations in the past have included using apple cider or juice with less chicken/vegetable broth. I've put apples in too, to sweeten (puree' them). Sometimes I've added mashed sweet potatoes to sweeten and thicken the soup. I have substituted ginger for the curry. And so on!! It has turned out very tasty each time.

Sometimes I serve it w/a dollop of sour cream or yogurt. One recipe I saw sprinkled roasted pumpkin seeds on the soup when served.

We enjoy this soup so much in the fall and winter. It's great served with a green salad (maybe w/thin apple slices, walnuts/pecans, and blue cheese pieces) and bread of some sort.

Fun w/Hugo

2010-11-02T22:26:00.000-05:00

I made a trip up to Minnesota last weekend, and though my daughter was fighting a virus, I still had a wonderful time. Mainly because I could take care of Hugo for her, and she could rest. While I was there I was "naughty" and taught Hugo how to flip Cheerios, sort of like the old Tiddly Winks game!! He got the hang of it, and had such fun. I love to hear his laughter as he flips the cereal pieces off the table or to the other side.

Before I had to leave on Sunday, I got to see Hugo try on his clown costume. Maybe I'll post a photo of that here too.

for the love of learning

2010-10-24T20:41:00.000-05:00

for the love of learning: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

This is a very interesting blog by a teacher in Canada who has stopped grading, having kids raise their hands in class during discussion, etc. I'm going to keep reading this guy. He makes some worthwhile points. We in education have to be open to "new" strategies because it's a new world. Teaching with the methods used 25 or 50 years ago can't meet today's learners' needs.

Love "Hugo's March"!

2010-10-18T20:12:00.000-05:00

The video prior to this post was taken by Eric while they were here visiting this last weekend. Hugo had been doing a little walking, but this weekend he really started walking many steps before stopping. Clever Eric put music to it for fun, and I think to take out the voices chattering away in the background!

Hugo's March

2010-10-18T20:09:00.001-05:00

Hit the Ground Running: The Educating Esme Blog for New Teachers: Oh, Oprah! Waiting for Superman

2010-10-16T21:40:00.000-05:00

Hit the Ground Running: The Educating Esme Blog for New Teachers: Oh, Oprah! Waiting for Superman: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

I heartily agree with Esme's opinions in her blog here.

For Whatever Reason

2010-10-10T22:24:00.000-05:00

For whatever reason I could not write anything on my previous post w/the video I put on here of Hugo. Oh well. Basically I wanted to save this video for myself! I love when that little red and white b is on a page, so I can just hit it and whatever I'm reading goes to my blog post! I couldn't figure out another way to download this little video so did it this way!

Lisa is holding Hugo, and Brian is taking the video. Krista is off to the side, and Eric out of view but you can hear his voice. Lisa and Brian are Hugo's Godparents. This is at Brain's parents' home I think.

Now Hugo is using his finger to point w/not just his hand. He really seems to be trying to point things out and say something in his own way. Exciting to watch this precious little guy develop. Love him so much!

Hugo - End of Aug. 2010

2010-10-10T22:18:00.001-05:00

hugo 11 months - w/Aunt Sally

2010-09-10T20:28:00.000-05:00

Hugo 11 months - at Grandma Anita's in MN

2010-09-10T19:51:00.001-05:00

Rev. James Martin, S.J.: Glenn Beck vs. Christ the Liberator

2010-08-30T20:50:00.000-05:00

Rev. James Martin, S.J.: Glenn Beck vs. Christ the Liberator

This piece is excellent, reasoned, and true! Made me feel much better after the weekend down partly caused by the Beck rally in D.C. I am still stumped as to why Christians follow this guy? Surely many of the "Tea Partiers" are Christians. Enough. I have work to do for school. Do read this.

YouTube - Dalton Sherman

2010-08-21T22:17:00.000-05:00

YouTube - Dalton Sherman

My friends in education, listen/watch this. It will wow you in more ways than one. It's a speech or motivational talk by a young student of the Dallas school system, to the beginning of the year convocation of ALL Dallas school employees (as I read it). The young Mr. Sherman is a terrific speaker. And his message is right on!

Activist preaches immigration reform - Lifestyle | The Columbia Daily Tribune - Columbia, Missouri

2010-08-21T20:05:00.000-05:00

Activist preaches immigration reform - Lifestyle | The Columbia Daily Tribune - Columbia, Missouri

I admire Soeren and his ministry very much. This article is worth reading.

YouTube - InfoWhelm and Information Fluency

2010-08-13T22:53:00.000-05:00

YouTube - InfoWhelm and Information Fluency

Short video that demonstrates what "information literacy" is and what it is not. It shows in graphic detail how this "InforWhelm" changes education. Or should change education. Worth watching.

Larry Ellison, dozens more, to give away wealth | Beyond Binary - CNET News

2010-08-09T09:41:00.000-05:00

Larry Ellison, dozens more, to give away wealth | Beyond Binary - CNET News

Bravo Bill Gates and Warren Buffett who are asking the megarich to sign a "Giving Pledge" to eventually donate at least half their fortunes!!! Praise God for generosity like this. Sure, they can easily live (extravagantly live if they want) on the half that remains. Yet, I'm thankful to them. I wonder if and when the Walton heirs will sign on to this? Since Sam Walton was from Columbia, MO, and has family still here, that's always an interesting question for me.

Last Video for now!

2010-08-02T08:31:00.000-05:00

Another Cute Video

2010-08-02T08:29:00.001-05:00

Video of Hugo from Grandma Anita

2010-08-02T08:18:00.000-05:00

Our grandson Hugo stayed overnight with his Boyd grandparents in Buffalo, MN over the weekend. Anita shot some darling videos. I'll try to get all three of them here, so my family and friends who don't do Facebook can see them!!

End of July

2010-07-31T20:05:00.000-05:00

Hard to believe today is the last day of July! I have exactly 11 days until my first official school meeting. Yikes! And so much to do in the library before then. This week will be my concerted effort.

Currently our Internet is working. This last week has been especially frustrating. We've had only brief connections except for today when, so far, it's stayed up. Actually the last 2 months we've had off and on troubles being connected. First they told us it was squirrels eating the lines in our neighborhood. When I finally got a tech to the house, he said the same thing. I spent so much time working on this issue. Finally I spent time on finding a new service. So this week we'll begin our Century Link DSL service. And the end of August, our new DirecTV will be installed. Then it's a good riddance to Mediacom.

I am working with a free program online called Animoto. It puts your photos into a presentation with music and backgrounds and transitions. Read about it in one of my tech blogs. Thought I'd try it so I can see if it might be useful at school.

Vienna: Giving Austrian capital a whirl - Travel - Stripes

2010-07-28T21:09:00.001-05:00

Vienna: Giving Austrian capital a whirl - Travel - Stripes

This blog is for our younger daughter, Anja, who loves Vienna! She spent a semester of her junior year in Vienna. That started her desire to travel, and explains why her first year out of college she volunteered to teach English at a Lutheran High School in Slovakia! Then she traveled more.

The article I cite above was written by my friend Lynne Dillingham who is a teacher of reading at Bitburg Elementary School in Germany. She has written several travel articles for the "Stars and Stripes" military newspaper. In fact another article is pending publication as I write.

John Lundberg: Poetry and Medicine: Keats Was an Apothecary

2010-07-25T09:58:00.003-05:00

John Lundberg: Poetry and Medicine: Keats Was an Apothecary

Interesting article. I agree poetry writing and/or reading is healing to many. It is to me. I've read several books on 'poetry and healing.' The two books I first read on this were by John Fox: "Poetic Medicine: The Healing Art of Poem-Making" and "Finding What You Didn't Lose: Expressing Your Truth and Creativity Through Poem-Making". Then I read more. Lots more. Another important book for me was " The Writing Cure: How Expressing Writing Promotes Health and Emotional Well-Being" edited by Stephen J. Lepore and Joshua M. Smyth.

School Dreams

2010-07-24T12:21:00.002-05:00

Usually a few weeks before school starts each year, I have "school dreams." They are the kind of dreams that are related to some anxiety about something new. This year they have begun earlier than ever. Probably because we are growing from a student population of 280 to one of 650 or so. We have a new specialist schedule that is a little more complex for our counselor and me, Library Media Specialist, because we split rotations---when she has the K-2 graders, I have the 3-5 graders. The schedule is designed for 4 sections of each grade, but several of our grade levels will have 5 which means I'll teach the 5th section out of their usual rotation. Confusing, eh?! Yes. I've put it on paper and it's starting to make sense to me. Then our curriculum is changing in that all LMS lessons will be happening during the same cycle. A committee is working on this, but I've yet to see it so I can begin lesson planning. Suffice it to say, there is SO much new stuff, I know that's why my "school dreams" have been in my head these last few weeks.

We visited our daughter's family last week in Minnesota. It was a little cooler there but not much. Had a fabulous time especially when I could do "Nana care" as Krista calls it! Hugo is crawling and standing up to things. He's 10 months next week. I probably won't get to see him in person again until we go up for his 1st birthday celebration Sept. 25. I must get going with Skype so at least we can try "talking" to each other and seeing each other on the screen.

A frustration when we returned home was no Internet. Our provider, Media Com has not been reliable the last several months. We've had lots of outages, which is so frustrating to my husband and me. We both depend on our Internet for our jobs and our personal communication. I'm taking an online inservice course so this really messes me up. We'll see how the repair goes on Tuesday. Today the Internet popped up and is working again, but who knows for how long. I did call another local server, SOCKET, and we'll try their DSL on a trial basis beginning in August. Just might quit Media Com all together.

Just updated my Kindle. Love my Kindle and my HTC Hero. Maybe I'll be able to afford a tablet PC one of these years, but meantime my HTC Hero cell phone, and my Kindle keep me conncected, especially valuable when we have these connections problems.

All for now.

Figuring It Out

2010-06-27T22:29:00.005-05:00

Yes! I figured out how to add pages! Amazing I had not seen that before. So I cleared up my home page.

Listening to Paul Halley, an organist, pianist, and composer. Love his work. We are subscribed to Rhapsody which I highly recommend. It costs a little, but instead of buying lots of CD's or MP3s you just listen to them on Rhapsody on your computer. I am lucky because my kids (all 4 of them!) gave me an Internet radio/music play for Christmas. I can play all this music wirelessly upstairs on my Ruku! Also down here in the family room on the computer (actually wherever I can connect to the Internet). Lovely. Oh, at this moment listening over and over to "Nightwatch" which just moves me. He was part of Paul Winter and his group years ago now.

Also very happy because Anja posted some more wedding photos on her fickr.com page and on FB! Still not the pro pics, but still some really nice ones from friends and relatives.

Frustration with Weebly

2010-06-27T14:23:00.000-05:00

OK. Problems again w/Weebly so here I am, back again! I have to reacquaint myself w/it's features. So here I go!

June 16, 2010 Post from Weebly

2010-06-27T14:13:00.000-05:00

The last of our wedding guests staying in our home left this morning, Paul's cousins from Switzerland. So I breathe a sigh of relief. I'm still basking in the memories of the wedding week, the wedding and reception. Anja said to me on Sunday afternoon, "Mom, it was perfect." What more can I ask for? It was perfect. The minor behind-the-scenes dramas were just that, minor. And we managed them. I say "we" because of the help of my sister and a dear friend. And "we" because we had friends arranging the flowers and baking the cake. "We" because of our friends who played in the string trio for the wedding, our organist, and our cousin who sang. "We" because of Anja's Godparents who wrote and said the prayers at both the wedding and reception. So many friends and family involved in this wedding.

Now I wait anxiously and excitedly for the photos! The one above is the one and only from our fantastic wedding photographer, Gerry McCarthy, a photo-journalist friend of Steve's. Krista got a couple photos of the bride and groom at the reception, but that is about it! I took no photos although I had my camera with me. I was having too much fun celebrating, talking to guests, and dancing to remember to take photos.

I am resting, catching up on email and FB, reading the newspaper and the blogs I follow, and just trying to remember what "normal" is like! Summer normal that is. Yes, I went right from my last media specialist meeting a week ago Monday, to driving up to Iowa to help Krista and Hugo drive the rest of the way to Missouri, and then the week of wedding prep. I realized on Thursday evening, that I had not been out of the house since that Monday because I was having a ball babysitting grandson Hugo while Krista and Anja ran around doing errands! Oh yes, I helped with some projects at home, like sewing little blue felt flowers together, folding and alphabetizing place cards, etc.

Back to other reading, and writing in my journal. And shortly dinner with Paul, eating more delicious left-overs! I'm not complaining because they are tasty and take no work besides throwing dishes into the dishwasher. Post-wedding week goes on.....

Sunday Morning

2010-06-27T14:12:00.000-05:00

Woke up from a strange-to-bad dream. Trying to wake up with some tea and looking forward to my Dunn Bros. Americano on my way to church later.

As I go about my day I think of all these topics to write about on this blog or in my writer's notebook. And then when I finally sit down I've forgotten most of them! My calendar has to be my memory of what's been happening. Maybe my emails too. Oh, and Facebook. Sad, eh? I used to write at the minimum twice a week, on the weekends, in my notebook. Currently I'm also revising my w. notebook system.

Yes, I have tried many notebook systems, from bound bland sketch books to 3-ring paper and binders, to spiral notebooks, to the back of my calender/agenda. Now I'm going to try a spiral or bound book again. I also have so much to catch up on in my w.n. that I may even type a few long entries to kick it off, and glue or tape those in. It has been beastly hot, so hot that many of my potted plants are stressed and some dying. I've been giving water and trimming them back to try to save them. Given that I put them out and planted them in mid-April, I guess this is to be expected. I am taking another eLearning course this summer (took one two summers ago) on "Digital Storytelling." I'm enjoying it. The final assignment is to create a digital story to use at the beginning of the school year in our teaching. When I read other blogs mine seems so meager. And I've waffled from one blog site to another. However, I'm not giving up on this. I will find my blog voice and purpose in the doing I believe.

Back to Weebly Blog

2010-06-15T11:15:00.001-05:00

Now my school district has unblocked Weebly.com so I guess I'll go back there!! Maybe I should have 2 separate blogs? No, I can hardly keep one active!!!

Back Again

2010-05-24T13:49:00.002-05:00

I've discovered I cannot get to my www.weebly.com blog from our school network system. So I am back again here. My other blog has not been active at all. That is I've not been actively writing my blog! Now I am determined to get back to it. Can't write much while at work though. I'll get back to you sooner than later!!!

My Blog Moved to http://ablogofmyown.weebly.com/

2010-01-03T17:23:00.002-06:00

My new blog: http://ablogofmyown.weebly.com/

Life is Fragile...

2009-12-16T22:45:00.002-06:00

I have a mantra lately: "life is fragile, handle with care." Maybe I should say "Life is fragile, handle with prayer." Yes, that is better. We've lost a good friend tonight. And she fought a valiant fight. C. was a woman of faith, filled with prayer and praise. I thank God for her.

Cancer. Death. Finite. Life finite. Only in Christ do we live infinitely.

Oh, And....

2009-12-15T21:36:00.006-06:00

Oh, and I've edited and added a new link: A Tidings of Magpies which is so amazing I can hardly describe it. This woman is a nurse and a poet. She collects fantastic poems and posts them every couple of days. She also writes her own poetry and gathers lovely photos and art. I wish my blog was as good. I will settle with reading hers and gathering deep thoughts.

Quotes from "A Tidings of Magpies"--

We are all in the gutter,
but some of us
are looking at the stars. ~Oscar Wilde

Unusual travel suggestions are dancing lessons from God.
~Kurt Vonnegut

“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” ~Hebrews 13:2.

Today's Thoughts

2009-12-15T21:19:00.003-06:00

As I sit at the computer listening to Christmas music from Pandora.com and glance at the Swedish Christmas tree in our family room, with husband napping on the sofa, so much is going on in my head: Christmas; packing up my desk and office stuff to take to our new school; anticipation of first Christmas celebration with grandson Hugo (delayed until Dec. 29); working hours at new school Sat., then Mon. and Tues. next week when rest of district is off for "winter holiday"; getting books delivered and organized first week in Jan.; first day of school in our NEW school Jan. 4; friends suffering from terminal cancer; etc. And I'm having my evening nightcap. Maybe I should just enjoy the Christmas trees and lights and music and let my thoughts rest---except for the miracle of Christmas, Christ our Lord coming to us as a human baby. I'll focus on that good news and enjoy some peace.

Nana I Am!

2009-12-02T17:10:00.003-06:00

I've decided to be called "Nana" by Hugo and all. There is something about being called "Grandma" that reminds me of my mother. And I'm not my mother. Besides, this way I'm differentiated since his other Grandmother is "Grandma."

We spent Thanksgiving with Hugo and his 'rents. It was a wonderful time. Hugo has such a cute smile that the camera just seems to miss. At least my little digital does.

Since returning Sunday night, life at school has been so busy. I am working with our book seller rep to get a list of books ready to order for the new library at our new school, where we begin classes on January 4! And thinking about organizing the new library media center, my new office/workroom, etc. has me waking up some mornings at 3:30 or 4 AM just thinking about what to do next, how will I do what, and so on.

I've worked on new lists of books tonight. And tomorrow I get the fiction list. Have to go through all of that as well. This is fun but still work! So to bed soon, after my glass of Shiraz.

Our First Grandchild: Hugo James

2009-10-06T21:29:00.002-05:00

I am in Minnesota helping out this week after the birth of our first grandchild, a grandson Hugo James. He was born Sept. 25, weighing 6 lbs. 11 oz.

It's an amazing thing, your own 'baby' having her baby! Krista and Eric are doing great at figuring out the early maze of parenting. Newborns are so much work. Hugo is changing so fast though. In just one week he has his eyes open more and moments where he is observing his world. It is so fun to watch him.

My challenge is to help, and not get in the way. It's tough sometimes. I don't want to hover, yet I want to be supportive. So far Krista has tolerated my lapses into advice giving when not needed or asked for. It's a touchy thing. Need to give them space even while I'm here.

It has been raining the last two days, and dark and cool. Amazing too that this Friday they are predicting the chance of LIGHT SNOW! Can't believe that! We'll see if that pans out.

Oh Hugo is having his fussy time before he goes to bed. Evenings are his times of being awake, calm, then fussy, then calm, etc. Back and forth. Poor little guy. Trying to figure it all out, this life outside the womb.

Working on School-Technology Stuff

2009-08-17T21:51:00.002-05:00

I found this short video "To Meet the Demands of a New Age: A 21st Century Curriculum Philosophy." I've never embeded anything before so thought I'd give it a shot. I like this video, even though the music hiccups!

To Meet the Demands of a New Age from Steven H on Vimeo.

An Email

2009-08-13T09:29:00.006-05:00

I received this email from a relative after I posted some Sojourners resources re:health care on Facebook:

Donna:
I can agree that greed and selfishness grieve the Lord, and break His heart,and that we as christians have a moral responsibility to the disenfranchised,poor,widowed,

,downtrodden and It is already a vital part of our everyday lives. I just don't agree that the government could even remotely begin to take care of the health care crisis in a responsible way. I look at their handling of the medicare and medicaid system, the welfare system, the incredible miss handling of debt by the government. The government is not proven to be responsible with anything-even our most basic freedoms are being slowly taken away.

This is my response:

Dear______,
I will just say that we are a HUGE country, and yes, gov. hasn't done everything right. There are abuses and holes. Do you have a better idea? We are still a young republic (no not a democracy exactly) but so complex w/so many people.Yet, I'm glad to have highways, roads, public hospitals, schools, Social Security (Paul's family survived on that after his dad died), Medicare, a military and police that protect us, politicians that are Christians and try very hard despite the odds to serve the people who elect them, and etc. etc. Government has supported you and your family I'm sure (public schools? any gov't guaranteed student loans? is your money in a bank that is FDIC protected? do you get tornado warnings or sirens? what about NOAH, the gov't supported weather and atmospheric people? do you benefit from any medicines or health procedures or vaccines that might have been discovered/developed with some grants from the fed. gov't? do you use streets and do you like the sewer system, electrical power and water that comes to your home via in many cases the city gov't?). I think you get my point. We need gov't. And WE ARE the gov't as we vote (by the way, only a small minority vote in our country) for our representatives.

I work with children in poverty by no fault of their own except by birth. And some of it is situational poverty, but much is generational, meaning their parents, grandparents, and onward, were poor. Many are Black and their ancestors not long ago were slaves in this country. How do we deny these children food and health care?? Thank goodness we also have several civic organizations that help our kids with dental care (our dentist, a friend and church member gives free and very reduced care to these kids) and supply clothes (my church helps with that) and school supplies. How will these kids ever succeed and get out of poverty if we don't help them? Some of their parents are in prison, yes. And a couple are deadbeats. However MOST are working and trying to live on minimum wage or slightly higher. What is our Christian duty to these people??

It is a fallen world because of sin. God didn't create it this way. It will never be free of sin and healed until Christ comes again. But I don't think God wants us to ignore the world. And I read the Bible and take it very seriously when Jesus says 'whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me.' (Matt. 25:40-46). How do we follow the commandment to love one another as God has loved us? Is that just for the people in our church, our denomination? Who is our neighbor? What about the Good Samaritan?

And then I asked about her well-being and signed it---Blessings and love, Donna
But then I added a P.S.---

P.S. What freedoms are being taken away? Last I knew the Constitution and Bill of Rights were still in effect.

We met several pastors in Germany who served churches in East Germany during the communist era. I don't think we can even imagine, even after some of their stories, what it was like. Speak of freedoms being taken.

Some people don't like some laws (that are Constitutional), and seem to equate them with loss of freedoms. What would our country be like without laws? I could give you lots of examples, which I'm sure you can think of. Even like eating in a restaurant and being pretty sure the health inspector has been there to keep kitchen conditions sanitary. We have a law to wear seat belts in MO. They seem to save lives. And in states where they have motorcycle helmet laws that save lives, people protest and say their freedom has been taken away. And when there is a flu pandemic, should we each just be on our own. Lock our doors, get no meds, etc.? Traffic laws? Etc.

_____, you got me going. I need to get to my lesson plans and school work. I have 295 kids who all use the library and computer lab and get lessons from me. Next year it will be 650 in our new school. I'm trying to get more organized than ever in anticipation of that.

First Day Back at School & Health-Care Reform

2009-08-12T20:19:00.005-05:00

Today was my first full day back at school and work! I barely got my desk uncovered before there were tech issues I needed to tend to and work orders to file. That's part of my job, so that's ok. It was fun to see colleagues I haven't seen since June when school ended. Of course, I did go out to lunch with a group of my friends from school that we've named "The Over-50 Club"! Have to do these lunches out before we don't have the luxury. And went through piles of mail and catalogues.

I was excited when my principal showed me some recent photos of our new school, Alpha Hart Lewis Elementary, and especially thrilled to see the progress in the Library Media Center!! Oh what a dream it is! Probably three-to-four times bigger than our current library. Beautiful fourth-a-wall of windows, then clerestory windows up high, all around the space. It has a very high ceiling. OK. I'll just have to get some photos and add them on there in the near future. My description doesn't do it justice. Just know I am so thrilled to be able to open that new library.

Some news, politics, have been bothering me. The terrible confrontations of loud, disruptive people at the health care forums that senators and representatives are trying to have to answer questions and get the facts out on the measure. And many of these people call themselves Christians. Not very Christ-like to do these rude things. There is no perfect answer to the health care issue, but something has to be done. I found a very good guide from Sojouners, an evangelical Christian group, that explains the issue's history, Biblical references, and the current debate. This guide was supported by Faith in Public Life, and Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good, besides Sojourners. Go here if you want to read it:
http://www.sojo.net/action/alerts/health_care_toolkit.pdf

And here is the creed Sojourners has written that I agree with whole-heartedly:

A Christian Creed on Health-Care Reform

In the face of negative ads, partisan rhetoric, and a news cycle filled with fear and half-truths about health-care reform, Christians must affirm that we believe in: quality, affordable access to life-giving services for all people.

As one of God's children, I believe that protecting the health of each human being is a profoundly important personal and communal responsibility for people of faith.

I believe God created each person in the divine image to be spiritually and physically healthy. I feel the pain of sickness and disease in our broken world (Genesis 1:27, Romans 8:22).

I believe life and healing are core tenets of the Christian life. Christ's ministry included physical healing, and we are called to participate in God's new creation as instruments of healing and redemption (Matthew 4:23, Luke 9:1-6; Mark 7:32-35, Acts 10:38). Our nation should strive to ensure all people have access to life-giving treatments and care.

I believe, as taught by the Hebrew prophets and Jesus, that the measure of a society is seen in how it treats the most vulnerable. The current discussion about health-care reform is important for the United States to move toward a more just system of providing care to all people (Isaiah 1:16-17, Jeremiah 7:5-7, Matthew 25:31-45).

I believe that all people have a moral obligation to tell the truth. To serve the common good of our entire nation, all parties debating reform should tell the truth and refrain from distorting facts or using fear-based messaging (Leviticus 19:11; Ephesians 4:14-15, 25; Proverbs 6:16-19).

I believe that Christians should seek to bring health and well-being (shalom) to the society into which God has placed us, for a healthy society benefits all members (Jeremiah 29:7).

I believe in a time when all will live long and healthy lives, from infancy to old age (Isaiah 65:20), and "mourning and crying and pain will be no more" (Revelation 21:4). My heart breaks for my brothers and sisters who watch their loved ones suffer, or who suffer themselves, because they cannot afford a trip to the doctor. I stand with them in their suffering.

I believe health-care reform must rest on a foundation of values that affirm each and every life as a sacred gift from the Creator (Genesis 2:7).

Amen.

Someone Else Reads my Blog!

2009-08-11T22:38:00.002-05:00

Yes, I had a comment from someone I don't know! Wow, I guess some other folks other than my family and friends take a look at this blog sometimes. I'm gratified. And flattered.

I have been researching lesson plans that integrate technology in the curriculum. Well besides a long lunch with my dear friend Lynn, that's what I've been doing the bulk of my day. Finding things, some useful and some not. I can adapt. Tomorrow I meet with one of our IITS instructors to assist me in designing some SmartBoard lessons for library and computer classes. Looking forward to that.

So I had my glass of wine, and now to bed. Tomorrow I'm at work at school! Oh, I do have a lunch planned with our "over 50" group from school. That will be nice to get back together and hear about each other's summer. To bed I go. Good night, dear readers!

Reading and Writing Blogs

2009-08-10T22:11:00.003-05:00

I have been reading technology education bits from blogs that I subscribe to in my Google Reader. One had an interview with some tech expert and he said to blog for oneself, and not to worry about who will read your blog. I liked that because I do this for myself, and maybe for the couple of readers (including my one follower, my daughter!) that do find my blog.

Today I had a meeting of my school's leadership team. This is a new involvement for me that I volunteered for. It got me thinking about a few school things. Then tonight I have spent the last 2 or 3 hours online reading and listening and watching some great stuff re: technology and education. My brain is literally spinning with thoughts and ideas. Thank goodness for my Delicious bookmarking or I would be a mess trying to keep track of it all! There is so much, so much I want to try or use, and so much I want to share with my teachers. Amazing stuff. I'm a little overwhelmed. Maybe it is enough for one session of reading to stop that now and just reflect here--oh yes, that's what I'm doing!

I have one more full day "off" before I get back to school and working in my library media center. And all the house chores and projects that are still undone, well I may get one or two done tomorrow. This is always the case.
Enough for tonight.

Lost Photos in Old Posts

2009-07-29T17:59:00.002-05:00

I just looked at some of my older posts and sure enough, I've lost those photos too. I obviously did not know that my photos were kept in Picasa (I think) and used here. Oh well.

It seems like I have just barely unpacked, and now I need to pack to travel to Plymouth, MN tomorrow afternoon! I do have lots of clean laundry to put away and to choose from. The good news is that it is predicted to be cool there during our 4-day stay. Oh yes, Anja and Steve are going up with me. It's very nice to have other drivers along for the 8-9 hour trip.

Home...and an Important Wedding!

2009-07-23T23:00:00.003-05:00

Yes, we are home again. Arrived early morning, like 12:45 PM from Germany via Berlin, London, Chicago and St. Louis with Anja and Steve picking us up in St. Louis. We were awake with only a little nap or two for over 24 hours! Oh well, I praise and thank God for our safe return! And it was good to see Anja and Steve, talk to Krista, and get jumped on and licked excitedly by our dogs!

It has been a day of laundry, cleaning out the frig, and other little chores. No, I have not completely unpacked yet. Clothes are either in a pile on the dresser or on the floor in piles of laundry! Tomorrow I guess! Or will I procrastinate that even longer?! Paul ran laundry and I cleaned up the kitchen and weeded my garden in back. And I napped shortly, but the phone kept ringing! No phones ringing in Griefswald! And after 5 days without Internet, I did my email, FB, and other catching up.

I want to write about our time in Berlin, and our trip home, but I will do that on my travel blog! Then I will be back to this blog exclusively!!

This is a very exciting weekend....Jess and Neil are getting hitched! And Anja is the maid of honor! And Paul and I get to go to the reception dinner at the Memorial Union at MU. We are honored they included us in their festivities. Very exciting! Jess has been a part of our lives since Anja was a freshman at Rock Bridge High School. We love her, and appreciate her talents and opinions. And since I met Neil earlier in the summer, I'm very impressed! Of course, part of that could be that he instantly fixed my garbage disposal that wouldn't run and I thought was totaly destroyed! I trust Jess, and this guy Neil is very special because SHE chose him!! OK, maybe they chose each other. I'm praying God's blessings on their union and life together for 60 plus years! Here's to you, Jess and Neil! Enjoy and savor your big day!

Thank you Jess!

2009-07-14T01:53:00.002-05:00

Yes,the header art is now fixed and back! Another big thank you and round of applause to Jessie who did this for me even though her wedding is less than two weeks away!!!!

We return to the USA on July 23, so then I will get back to blogging and posting here. Meanwhile I have a few more days in Germany with my travel blog!

Ooops!

2009-07-10T05:52:00.004-05:00

Oooops!! Lost my header art that my friend Jessie did for me! Oh my :( Somehow I deleted it from a photo account and didn't realize that is where it was kept. So I have emailed from Germany to Jessie to see if she can fix it now, or we will wait until I return home.

Haven't been blogging here since I've been doing my travel blog:
http//: donnablogging.wordpress.com

All for now. Hope we get the great artistic header back soon!!!

Exploring

2009-04-24T09:22:00.002-05:00

Paul has been exploring Greifswald and surrounding area. Yes, I am living vicariously through him!! Although I am so looking forward to going to these places! It is great to have him be the explorer, so he can be my guide when I arrive. His photos and emails are precious to me.

How is life different without Paul at home? Well, I usually go to bed a little earlier. I've also watched a few shows on Hulu.com, sitting in his recliner in his study, and using his laptop. And I've been more of a couch potato some nights, and watching TV shows I haven't watched all year. My favorite MSNBC shows I am avoiding, just not needing to hear so much news, especially bad news at this time.

Why am I not reading as usual? Good question. Maybe now that it's been well over a week of adjustment, I will stop this inactivity and get back to some productive reading, thinking, and writing. I am doing my tech education blog reading online---using Google Reader (I highly recommend it.)

Our dogs, Schatze and Oskar, are good companions, even though they still bark too much! They are my morning walking partners.

Helping Create Paul's Web Blog

2009-04-20T15:36:00.002-05:00

Yes, by long-distance I'm trying to help Paul with his Word Press blog pages! To see them so far, go to http://pastorphm.wordpress.com/

Paul arrived safely in Greifswald, Germany last Wednesday, April 15. He is settling in to his 6th floor student apartment (which may be switched to 1st floor when I arrive in June due to my bad knee). Last Friday and Saturday he had a retreat with his fellow pastors, at a retreat center on the Isle of Usedom, northeast of Greifswald in the Baltic Sea.

Easter Monday

2009-04-13T21:35:00.002-05:00

It's been a full past three days! Krista and Eric arrived from Minnesota on Friday evening, meeting us at Red Lobster for our Good Friday tradition that Grandpa Moe started when the daughters were very young. Saturday was mild and sunny, a great day for driving around and exploring new spots downtown in The District. Eric stayed comfy at The Artisan while Krista and I explored the shops.

Anja and Steve were in St. Louis for the weekend, celebrating Steve's grandfather's birthday. They did arrive back here Sunday afternoon for the rest of our Easter celebration, dinner and all.

Today Krista and Eric left at 11 a.m. to drive north, and I went to a doctor's appointment. The afternoon and evening I've spent with Paul, getting all in order for his departure to Germany tomorrow! Can't believe the day of his travel to Europe is only a few hours away. So I'd better get back to helping him.

Back from Minnesota

2009-03-25T15:54:00.012-05:00

As they say, 'had a wonderful time; wish you could have joined us!' Yes, good weather in Minneapolis on Saturday, gave us a chance to walk outside around the Walker Sculpture Garden, over the pedestrian bridge, and to the Basilica of St. Mary.

The Basilica is historic (first mass celebrated in it in 1914 and named a basilica by the Pope in 1926), full of sculpture and traditional art, overall worshipful and lovely. I was most impressed and moved by the scriptural, abstract art at each station of the cross. Reading the scripture and gazing at the paintings was very meditative and spiritually uplifting.

Saturday was capped off by "happy hour" at my favorite micro-brewery and pub in Uptown, Minneapolis, The Herkimer. We have gone to this pub almost every visit since Krista moved to Minneapolis and discovered it. The beer is very tasty, but I love their sweet potato fries best! Fun was had by all!

Sunday we worshiped at St. Barnabas Lutheran Church in Plymouth, where Krista and Eric belong. They had a large brass ensemble as part of worship that was terrific. After church it was to the grocery store to buy the fixings for lunch and dinner. Eric took the grill out of winter hibernation, cleaned it up, and grilled delicious chicken for our dinner (with a great rub Krista makes). In the afternoon we watched the MU vs. Marquette basketball game from Boise on the computer-Internet, since CBS was showing the NCAA Sweet Sixteen games taking place in Minneapolis (not Boise). MU won! This is all of great importance to us not only as MU fans, but fans of our local newspaper sports writer, Steve, our future son-in-law!

Monday was our day of shopping. And our shopping illustrates the exciting parts of my life presently! First, we went to show Krista Anja's first choice bridal gown (already tried on once in Columbia), and in the process bought it! Then we were at IKEA looking at baby cribs for Krista, and other sweet baby things. Exciting times! In the evening our good friends joined us for dinner.

So thus endeth my spring break trip account! Now there are spring cleaning chores to do at home. And I'd better get to them!

Pre-trip Stuff

2009-03-19T21:42:00.002-05:00

Dogs are scratching on the door to come in. I'm reading Facebook. Laundry is going. Clean clothes ready to put away or pack. Mind going over list of what to take to Minnesota. Trying to stay awake after a very busy day. Excited to drive north, just not excited about the length of the trip and the night-time driving. Need to drag suitcase up stairs. Winter clothes and my comfy red robe take up much space, so will take big suitcase. For Europe, this will be my suitcase and carry stuff for 6+ weeks! Talking to hubby between chores. OK doggies, I'm coming to let you in, and socks, yes, I'm coming to sort you and lament which one of you are missing. Onward. To work.

Etsy.com and My New Bag!

2009-03-09T17:18:00.005-05:00

Today I picked up my handmade-from-"Tippythai"-in-Thailand black denim BAG at the post office! It is what I plan to use when I'm in Germany traveling this summer. The work'person'ship is lovely. I think it will fit the bill just fine. Tippythai actually added a small padded piece for the strap for me, because that is what I've found in the past traveling, my travel bag strap starts to dig into my shoulder.

I found the bag on www.Etsy.com where one can find gorgeous jewelry, clothing, art, crafts, and even vintage items (my daughter told me about the site). Instead of paying for a bag from a big box store made in China by some poor soul making only a few cents an hour, I bought this directly from the maker/designer/crafter etc. with no middle person/company.

While at the post office I picked up the info needed to reapply for a new passport since mine has expired. Next I need to get a new passport photo taken, and get it all mailed. My husband applied for his 6 weeks or so ago, and it hasn't arrived yet. The post office clerk said that may be because his application would be in with the many spring break apps, since now U.S. citizens need a passort for Mexico or anywhere. It better get here soon because he departs for Germany in a month! I wait to travel until school is out. Time is flying though, and it will all be here before I know it!

Blogs of Note

2009-03-08T19:20:00.004-05:00

I was just reading some of the "blogs of note" at blogspot, and am very impressed! Nice creativity, perception, and depth in the writings/blogging I read. Plus some lovely photographs and art. So that makes me feel a little blah, like what do I really have to say and share? And how much do I want put "out there"? Still grappling with my blogging issues. Learning more about how others blog. I'm not giving up, just pondering.

To see if anyone out there is reading this little blog, I've added the "Followers" gadget. It will allow readers to become "Followers" of my blog. Hum, going from the above angst about my blogging value, to putting an actual request for "Followers"! There is hope!

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

2009-03-01T19:50:00.011-06:00

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot,
nothing is going to get better. It's not."
--Dr. Seuss, The Lorax, 1904-1991

Tomorrow is the 105th birthday of Theodor Seuss Geisel, and at my school we will be celebrating in the library all week. Geisel cared for kids a lot, and showed it by his fanciful, delightfully illustrated, whimsical, rhyming stories. Seuss wrote over 65 children's books.

I love Dr. Seuss---loved him as a kid, as a parent, now as a teacher, and will in the future as a grandparent!!! Hint, yes, sounds like I will be a grandmother in September!!!

Oscars and a Sunday

2009-02-22T22:58:00.005-06:00

Just finished watching the Oscars, and have been excited by the nominees and winners. No, I haven't seen many of the films at all (except "The Duchess" that won for best costume design). Even though I am now a teacher-librarian, I still love theatre and films. The stories, and the transformations!! The hope portrayed. The connections between people of all sorts. It brings God into the picture. God's love of all. Yes, I am still a part of stories and transformations, even in easy picture book literature!

And my adult S.S. class went well this morning. "Meditative writing" and "spiritual journaling" were proclaimed and accepted I think. I was happy to have about 12 souls attend my class at St. Andrew's. I was nervous, but after getting into it, I calmed down and was rather passionate about my beliefs in expressive writing/journaling as a way to connect w/God and ourselves. Thank you Lord!

Change

2009-02-19T19:33:00.002-06:00

Obama's campaign preached change, and it was needed for our country. They say change is a constant. Well, my life keeps changing. Our school just found out last week that our principal is retiring this summer, a year earlier than she had originally planned. We are all excited and happy for her, but of course sad for us. Dr. Carol Garman is an exceptional principal. She has done so much to boost Field School's program of learning. So there is one change.

Last September our older daughter, Krista, got married. Another change for me. Then in December our younger daughter, Anja, got engaged and will be married June 12, 2010. Another change for me. Next January, 2010, our school will move into the new school building, a pushed-back date. Still, another change for me. And in August, 2011, the other 400 students will join us, along with all the new teachers that requires. More change for me.

Change is good. Keeps us on our toes, as they say. Still, sometimes I feel like so many changes in such a relative short time, sort of bowl me over. I know I'll stand up again, and keep standing, but I may need a big rock to lean against, to help me stay upright. God is my rock, and truly my salvation. And God gave me Paul, a very loving husband who grounds me as well. I can weather this change. Even celebrate it!

Spiritual Journaling or Meditative Writing

2009-02-15T14:24:00.017-06:00

I'm teaching one of the adult S.S. classes next Sun. My topic is "Journaling for Spiritual Growth." I've been given several books from Augsburg-Fortress to use: "The 40-Day Journey" series. This is how the series is described: "The 40-Day Journey series invites readers to take a personal spiritual journey with a Christian leader from the past or present...Each book is a rich resource for personal meditation or small group discussion anytime, but is especially valuable during Advent or Lent."

The series includes notable Christian writers such as Martin Luther, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Kathleen Norris, Joan Chittister, Parker J. Palmer, and Madeleine L'Engle. The idea is to read an excerpt from the writer's work, read scripture, then ponder and write in your journal using the questions they provide, and end with prayer. This is all well and good, and I'm going to show and explain these books. However, I'm also going to cover more about how to journal for spiritual growth, or write as a "meditative practice" (Francis Dorff, O. PRAEM.). In fact I'm using the terms spiritual journaling and meditative writing interchangeably.

The two books I've reread to help prepare for this class are: Morton Kelsey's "Adventure Inward: Christian Growth Through Personal Journal Writing," and Father Francis Dorff's book "Simply Soul Stirring: Writing as a Meditative Practice."

St. Augustine said this about what he wished to know: "I desire to know God and the soul." As Father Dorff writes, "The over eight thousand pages that remain of Augustine's writing over the next four decades of his life attest to how deep this desire to know God and the soul actually went..." This is the goal of my teaching this class and my own journaling, "to know God and the soul..."

I'm preparing a Power Point to go with my presentation. Have been working on it the last few days.

I found a helpful website called www.journalkeeping.org
And I'm sure there are many others out there in Cyberspace. I'd best get back to working on it.