Testing

30 04 2012

The testing is done, and today I am inspired by the real teaching that can take place once the high-stakes assessments are done. Project- based learning, where students work together balancing their skills and talents to create wonderful learning environments that culminate in products and presentations where kids can show what they’ve learned without multiple choices and bubbled answers. I love the low hum of conversation, the give and take in activities, and the sharing of ideas that builds real-life skills while so much learning takes place. The kids are so much more engaged in this type of learning, and they love to share what they know. It’s so much fun to see the process of discovery. Sometimes being a teacher is the best job in the world!





Camera

25 04 2012

Today I’m inspired by my new camera! I can’t wait to see the world through this new lens. Already I have ideas and am thinking in new ways about how to look at the world around me. Sharper close-ups and more saturated sunsets will all be possible now. I can’t wait to explore the features and learn how to use them. Growing and learning in my craft are the best inspiration.





Rainy Days

22 04 2012

Staying home on a rainy day is all the inspiration I need, as long as it doesn’t happen too often!  I love waking up to the sound of rain pattering on the roof, and swishing palm fronds outside my window.  The fresh sweet-salty ocean air, refreshed by rain, cleanses me.  It was a good day for cancellations and postponements.  Perhaps on another day I will feel like venturing out into the world, but today was perfect for staying home.  We cooked delicious vegetarian meals, arranged our living room into a more pleasing configuration, and did the usual cleaning, shopping  and laundry that weekends require.  As unusual as it is in the Sunshine State, tonight I will fall asleep to the  sounds that awoke me;  the pattering rain and swishing palm fronds, and maybe even rumbles of thunder.  It could be worse.





Home

16 04 2012

We spent time today searching for a home; another home with more space for our growing family.  We’ve seen many different possibilities, and compared them with our current home which has many features we love.  When I think of home, it is more images and feelings that I experience, than a certain type of house.  Tropical foliage, a wide porch, a cool, open interior, fans and comfy furniture, a spacious, well-designed kitchen and soothing bedroom spaces with spa-like bathrooms are what I dream of.  A private backyard with a pool and hammock, a porch swing and perhaps a small waterfall which can be seen through double French doors from the living room.  I imagine a quiet street, walking or bicycling to shops and restaurants, and entertaining family and friends.  Some of these things we already have, but not enough bedrooms here.  I also imagine wonderful meals with friends and drinks around the pool, all of which are possible now but we rarely actually accomplish them!  I don’t really imagine who would cook the wonderful meals.  Obviously someone who has more time than me.  Still, dreams are what keep the world interesting!





Friends

13 04 2012

This week I’ve been inspired by friends.  The joy of companionship with good friends is a daily blessing for me.  Like many people, I’m lucky to work with some of my best friends.  I appreciate shared interests, thoughtful gestures, laughter and professional discussions.  Coming home to my number one best friend, my husband, is what I love best.  And while friendship is very important to me, solitude is equally relished.  I love to be alone sometimes, and am refreshed by silence and time to myself.  Balance is not always easy to achieve.





Time and Meaning

10 04 2012

Am I giving time to what I really want to do with my life?  I think so.  There are so many things I want to do with my life.  I don’t give equal time to them all, and sometimes they aren’t the priority I want them to be.  Sometimes things I don’t want to do with my life press to the forefront!  What do I want to do?  Creating is what I love best, whether it is writing, photography or art, decorating, cooking, or thinking of new teaching methods, looking at the world in different ways, or understanding something clearly.  To often mundane chores interfere.  The dilemma is that I hate having a dirty house, or feeling disorganized, or not being prepared, so I forgo the creative activities; or perhaps I avoid them?  Hmmm.