Choosing a good one....

Today my co-teacher and I took our class to Lynd's Farm. The farm is a delightful family owned place that welcomes buses of children to learn about either apples or pumpkins and to pick their very own produce to take home. This was my second year to go and I was just as pleased today as I was last year. The staff is good with children and knowledgeable about just what happens to make apples and pumpkins grow.

Our students were visiting the farm to pick apples. After our tour and education session, we were allowed to go to the, "main event". Parents and children paid four dollars for the tour which included a supermarket produce sized bag of apples. The best part of the trip? Both my co-teacher and I were allowed to pick a 1/2 peck at no charge.

Hands down, Lynd's apples are the best I've ever tasted. Fresh off the tree, they just beg to be eaten. I must confess I've delighted in three today. I had one in the orchard, one at recess and one just a moment ago after dinner. I think I better put them up before I make myself sick. (Just like a bitty kid with too much candy!)

If you live in Central Ohio, please consider taking a trip to Lynd's with a few friends or family. Head to http://lyndfruitfarm.com/main/ to get more information. If you live farther away, hit the Internet and search for your own delightful orchard. I can almost guarantee you will pick some of the best apples of your life. Lynd's apples are nurtured in the warm Ohio sunshine with the utmost care. Nothing from the supermarket will compare with one of their apples; especially if it is picked with someone you love.

On this Wednesday....

As I prepare for school...
I peaked through my pictures...
just looking.

My eyes fell on this photo from the spring of 2007 and I smiled. My oldest daughter looks so very young. Cuddled up beside me is a dear one who was not yet a teenager. The young lady who I will wake in just moments looks me in the eyes and is 100% fourteen.

I love photos,
they catch moments in time that might otherwise be lost forever to the recesses of tired minds.

I pray you have a box somewhere to dig through or a computer cache to happily sort. Perhaps today, if you can spare a moment, you can find a favorite one as well.

Now and always,
I wish for you the knowledge that you are loved.
I firmly believe...
...that we are all here for a reason.
... that you and I are meant to be blessings to others.

May your walk be a beautiful adventure!

Thumbs up!

Toasted,

roasted,

Yummy....

(green beans?)

I promise it's true.

They were delicious.

Only one child declined a taste,

everyone else

and I mean

everyone...

loved them.

Our healthy eating discussions are so much more fun with actual food.

Doing the Motions...

One ball game,
One trip to a dance club
and it is clear...

Adults love motions as much as my students do!

Ha! you know it's true! =-)
Today as I wiped down our tables after Art,
my students sang "Autumn Leaves are Falling Down".

Sure it kept their hands busy and their voices united in happiness instead of mischief,
but it was so much more as well.

Singing together,
doing the "motions"
made them happy.

Sure it taught recall and memorization,
team building and rhythm...
but,
honestly,
I liked their smiles best of all!

Color Bingo

Naming colors...
Using crayons...
and yeah...
there were goldfish cracker "markers"...
(yup... we ate them when we were done)

My students practiced their sight words today.

Working together,
enjoying our day...
Kindergarten is a nice place to be.

Just a walk...

Without leaving my block...
Without loosing sight of my house...
My furry and dog son and I played together this morning.

Walking in the morning light...
makes the world seem
a better place.

May this day bring you good things,
perhaps even a walk outdoors to enjoy the beauty of creation.

I know it made my day begin right.
=-)
Blessings and peace to you.

A beautiful picture from my brother. He's lucky I love him... or I'd have to smoosh him with a rock! Sooooo.... very jealous... =-)

Can you count to twenty?

Trickier than it sounds, one to one correspondence can be hard for little ones. Thankfully, the love of pretty beads makes the hard work tolerable. My dear ones are smart little critters and are catching on quickly. =-)

Freed an hour early!

It was with a exclamation of pure glee
that I escaped an hour early today.
One of the schools that send children to our after school program was closed today.
Because of this,
I did not have to do my after school bus route.
With an hour to myself,
I found a coffee,
ran an errand to our local library
and even stopped to visit my very dear friend Bev who I rarely get a chance to see.
I felt positively spoiled.
I chuckled happily,
sang loudly to my radio as I made my way up the road
and absolutely grinned.
I am sure to anyone passing by,
I probably looked a little too happy.
Sigh....
aren't lovely treats wonderful?
I didn't even have to make dinner tonight.
My parents treated my kiddos
and I to supper for my birthday.
Now I know I feel lazy and indulged!
Three cheers for happy days,
birthday cake and cookies
and family and friends I love.
Only happy wishes to you.
Now and always,
may you be blessed!

The back half of Thirty...

I sit here, indulging in five minutes before I resume my morning routine. It is my birthday and I find that I am pondering the universe just a bit more than usual. Combine this introspection with a Monday morning and it is a little much.

The picture of my hiking shoes has been seen before on this blog, though not for a long time. My shoes were a purchase before I went on the, "Ice Cave Hike" at Clear Creek early this year. The hike, like life, did not go as planned. The water was high in the creek and so we took a different path.

It is easy to fret the "lost" things in life. To weep over what is gone. Harder to look forward in anticipation and walk on in peace. Still, I believe it is what we are called to do.

We are called to count our blessings, live with kindness and walk peacefully with those around us. When all is said and done, I am counting on the loving mercy of a God who will never forsake me.

Now and always,
may your adventure be one that,
will bring you peace.

May you be blessed.

Walking the "walk"... Hiking in the rain...

With a smile on my face,
I was back today at Battelle Darby.
Many months ago,
I tried to meet up with a "MeetUp" group that was hiking.
Rain
and a terrible sense of direction
prevented me from meeting the group.
But,
that day I decided to hike anyway...
kind of a...
"I will do what I desire regardless of who else will come with me..."
While I wouldn't necessarily advise
that hiking solo in the rain is the most intelligent idea,
I must say it was a blessing for me.
A turning point of sorts...
It was nice to be back today,
with my kids in tow.
The sky was clear,
and I know...
really know...
that I can make it on my own...
that I am never really left alone...
that even on rainy days...
I can "hike" on...

Brigadoon

On the Ancient Trail in Battelle Darby Metro Park, there is a stone bridge that catches the eye as you turn the corner of the path. Reminding me of the magical entry point into village of Brigadoon that shone on the Silver Screen so many years ago, I was struck by it's unassuming whimsy. Mossy and mysterious, it beckons you to wander further, to lose yourself in the world of canopied trails and open meadows.

If you crave a quiet walk, check out the park at: http://www.metroparks.net/ParksBattelleDarbyCreek.aspx

Today they rolled!

Weeks ago, I took a roll down the hill at Dawe's Arboretum. I could not convince my children to follow my example. My youngest didn't understand and my middle kiddo was scared. My oldest... well, she wanted to pretend she didn't know me. =-)

Today, as we walked toward the path to hike, my youngest daughter looked at me and inquired if she might roll down the hill before us. With a happy laugh, I assured her that she was more than welcome. So, down she lay, and off she went squealing all the way. My oldest? well... she'd still like to pretend she doesn't know us... =-)

A very fascinating experiment

In my hand I held a hedge apple.

I happily helped gather several
and waited expectantly for the explanation of why they were wanted.
It turns out that hedge apples are supposed to be a natural spider repellent!
My friend had read about it in an Earth friendly magazine and wanted to give it a try.
Just a moment ago I googled "hedge apples and spiders" and chuckled happily at everything that popped up.
Go to: http://www.http//hedgeapple.com/ and start your own education!
I've asked my friend to let me know if he has success
as I particularly dislike spiders
and love a good Science experiment!

John Bryan State Park

The sky was overcast and the air misty when I set out this morning to meet my friend for breakfast. Over pancakes and eggs, we caught up on the events of our lives before we made our way to John Bryan State Park located in Yellow Springs, Ohio.

As we stepped onto the trail

and followed its downward slope,

I paused from time to time to marvel

at the lush natural beauty.

Moss covered rocks...
mushrooms...
towering trees...
sheer rock walls
and the sound of rushing water...

I know I stopped and stared...

a lot...

I heard little exclamations escape involuntarily
and I made plenty of contented sounds of my own volition.

Along the way, a sign explained how the cave beside the trail was formed and invited us to take a peak. So, with a happy glance over my shoulder at my hiking partner, I hurried toward the cave. You would have thought from my haste that I was worried they would rescind the offer.

As we paused overlooking the water,
I felt a slight wistfulness come over me.

If you are someone who has gotten teary eyed over Folger's commercials
and find yourself suddenly understanding those "older" emotional adults from your childhood.. perhaps you understand how I felt.

It was a moment to freeze in time,
to treasure close to the heart on hard days.

Beside me stood a very nice man
who drove an hour
to meet me
so that together
we could go somewhere
he knew we'd both enjoy.

We share a love of the outdoors
and a sense of adventure.

I treasure our developing friendship.

In the busy world with it's ups and downs,
it is nice to be able to stand in the forest with a friend.

To feel the outside world slip away...
and...
even if only for a little while
to relax in the awe inspiring atmosphere
offered in one of the most beautiful parks
I have ever been blessed to explore.

Now and always,
I wish for you...

Beauty
Peace
Friendship

ordinary beauty

The other evening I was taking a walk by myself. My children were enjoying a visit with their father and I was enjoying some fresh air and the possibility of a tall cup of Tim Horton's. I went into the restaurant and no one walked to the counter. I stood there for a few moments and decided that it wasn't worth fussing over.

I had actually already had a cup of coffee on the way home from work and as it was only about seven in the evening, I supposed it was not actually a "necessary" purchase. I walked back out the door and noticed the staff taking a break out back. I mused that it was a good thing it was me who'd been ignored.

I honestly like the young adults who work there. Generally hardworking and always kind, I figured I'd just cut my losses and walk toward home. I was a bit disappointed as I strolled without my cup of joe. But, as I looked at the lights beginning to come on and listened to the busy night sounds in my suburb, I figured that the world wasn't coming to an end over my coffee.

Just then, I passed a landscaped island and something caught my eye. I turned back to look again. Sure enough, there on the ordinary looking bushes, were the most delightful lemony blossoms. I took out my phone and took a picture to share.

Like the friend who cleans their closet and shares hand me downs or the mother who calls announcing that she baked extra of her special casserole and she has some to share; the flowers were one of life's little miracles. Bitty jewels of joy that are sprinkled throughout life thus making the ordinary and perhaps dreary day into something better.

It is the small things,
the little "happinesses" that I believe keep us all going.

The blessings we never see coming,
the unexpected rays of sunshine.

I pray that something wonderful is headed your way,
a bitty treat to make you smile.

May your night,
your tomorrow,
your always,
bring you peace.

Enthusiasm

With a zest for life that warms my heart,

my students searched for critters.

Before we went outside,

we made a chart predicting what we thought we would see.

Everyone's thoughts were recorded.

Outside,

the wonder of the world made my charges,

squeal and run.

Though the "lesson objective" was to practice making predictions and observations,

the true joy was something more wonderful and less tangible.

Learning happened...

Life was celebrated...

Kindergarten was in session....

Spinach!

Spinach is yummy!

(Just ask my Kindergarten kiddos!)

Cross my heart...

Not a lie...

My little students...

Did not cry...

Not a one was caused to die...

Every single eye was dry...

If you must

wonder why...

Chalk it up

that they're not shy...

Healthy eating

Cutting...

gluing...

laughing...

"Ms. Susan healthy food helps you grow!"

"That's silly! Shoes aren't food!"

"Candy is yummy but not good for you."

The aforementioned phrases?

All things I heard today

as my dear students discussed

their "Healthy Eating" worksheet.

sigh...

My Kindergarten students are sincerely delightful.

Cathy and Brian

Yesterday evening,
cupcakes arrived at my door along with brownies and other goodies.

Gifts...
from a very good friend.

My children will eat on them for days.

For dinner,
I fixed Zesty Cheeseseroni,
a recipe based on one given to me
by a very good cook
who I am blessed to know.

Both the cupcakes and the Zesty Cheeseroni were a "hit" with my kiddos.

There was even some to share with my sister when she came to pick up her son.

May your day,
your night,
your "forever"...
be blessed with friends of all kinds.

Perhaps,
if you're especially lucky,
ones like my friends Cathy and Brian.

Hallmark...

I am one of the reasons cards "sing",
glitter isn't optional
and sappy writers have jobs
even in a difficult economy.


I honestly love giving and receiving cards.
Yesterday, a very dear friend sent me a birthday card.
I grinned when I opened it.
A "regular" card would have been enough to make me smile...
but this one...
this one hollers out happily that I am "queen".
I laughed out loud and smiled again.
As someone who fails miserably remembering birthdays,
I sooth my guilty feelings by sending cards whenever I feel like it.
I must admit though,
it is nice to be remembered.
My card was even early,
as my birthday isn't until next week.
I assure you when I count my blessings,
I count my friends.
Better than riches,
though I wouldn't turn wealth down,
friendship is something that defies fiscal assessment.

May you and I be the kind of friend we are glad to have...
I wish you good things,
blessings,
peace.

Morning comes...

Dear ones, it is morning and it has taken two cups of coffee to turn the smile on my face into a real expression of my feelings. I woke up. I said thanks for the day. But, I must confess that my thoughts were not that it was lovely to leave my little bed. I am sure, all of you can identify with this all too common feeling. With my body and mind more alert and my consciousness acknowledging the inevitability of what I must do, I greet you all. May your day be all it should be. May you be blessed.

As autumn began...

the wind teasingly whispered...

of what will come...

all too soon...

As twilight gathered...

the clock had yet to reach eight...

The sky was letting us know...

what we wish to forget...

summer is over...

fall has arrived.

Goldfish Bingo!

I sit with a tummy full of coffee

and a satisfied grin on my face.

The dear ones were "wrangled" today.

(insert chuckle here)

With clothes pins inscribed with each name

and a cardboard chart,

a new way of life was explained.

Each half of the day ends with a bit of playtime.

The catch is,

it has to be earned.

(insert another chuckle here)

If a student feels uncooperative,

that is certainly their choice.

They can just "practice" listening later.

With a matter of fact attitude,

the new plan was unveiled and put into place.

My smile...

enough said...

Happy thoughts of the best educational atmosphere available

are dancing in my head.

...my little laugh?

...probably a bit too pleased...

Now and always,

may you be equal to the tasks before you.

If you find a situation to be a bit rough,

think it out...

talk it out...

plan your move...

May you be blessed.

=-)

(oh... the picture?... a wonderfully fun Bingo Addition game complete with goldfish cracker markers... I do love those little critters)

Everyday is a new day..

This past weekend while out on the water, my friend instructed me how to maneuver the boat. This skill is not easy for me, but it is one I truly want to learn. So, repeatedly... I paddled... I banged into poles... I got a bit better... I have no illusions that I'll be a star on the water, but maybe I could go out onto moving water eventually and not be a danger to those I am with.

Today as I head to school, I'm going to think of those poles. Yesterday was a, "bang your boat into the obstacle", kind of day. I'm working today to make it a day where we can cautiously maneuver around such trouble.

Here's hoping it works.
May your day be beautiful...
may the "poles" you face be in shallow water...
May you be blessed.

Each day is a blessing,
a gift...

But, have you ever had a day...
you wish you could return for a refund and buy something you'd really like?

Just teasing...
(a little)

I know I have no more cause to complain than anyone else...
So... I'm trying to put it all in perspective...
Let's just say my dear ones were a bit, "challenging" today...

On this side of an extra large Tim Horton's...
I am weary but smiling a bit...

I'm positive that the world isn't coming to an end...
(probably)

I'm also looking over my lesson plans and preparing to "batten down the hatches" if my small charges are feeling too, "independently minded" tomorrow.

I hope your day has been carefree and delightful,
however, if it has been a "Monday" as well for you...

I pray that tomorrow will dawn peacefully.
May you be blessed.

I do not have words...

that can begin to say...

how I felt out on the water.

Wandering the forest...

quiet...

happy.

sharing an adventure... enjoying life...

I find, that as I sit here, I can not type what I am feeling. There is a quiet calm, a happy peace that I want to hold to myself. I am a talker, a sharer... but, in this moment... I feel quiet. I wish for all of you, the chance to share time with those who you can sit in comfortable companionable silence with... with those whose couch you can fall asleep on... with those who you can be yourself with... and not be found lacking. I wish you happiness.. peace.

Proud...

Coming to me and excitedly showing me her work,
this little one was so very proud of her improved cutting abilities.

I smiled and took her picture.

Each name that is practiced,
each picture that is colored or cut...
are chances to perfect skills and grow.

I always make "extra" copies so that we can "start over" if the need be.

If my dear students make themselves "blue" or color their entire picture brown,
I am likely to help them find,
"another chance" to understand.

Erasers,
extra paper...
tape!

Opportunities to not give up....
to keep going.

Each day is a new beginning for all of us as well.
Each experience a chance to grow.

May the life you have before you
begin anew each morning.

Now...
Tomorrow...
Always...
May you be blessed!

Using Poetry to learn alphabet sounds

Laughing and fussing over who got to be the next, "rabbit", my students and I enjoyed our alphabet poem today.

What a delight it was to watch them, "rest by the river" and "race" to their rabbit hole.


You would have thought the spot under our green table was better than Disney World for the delight being there caused my little ones.


=-)

A rabbit safely back in his hole!

Experimenting

With concentration and happy questions,

my students made the most of their Art experimentation time.

We've been learning color sight words and learning about mixing colors in Science.

You can even ask my students what color azul is,

they know their Spanish color words as well!

With smocks put on all by themselves

and "velcroed" closed by their classmates,

my students touched the wet chalk.

They watched as it drew dark and dried light.

They discovered what colors mix to make something new

and which,

just make a mess.

Cooperation...

Discovery...

Fun!

A happy thought...

More Please!

I want more...

• chances to roll down hills
• paths to climb with friends
• dinners shared with the best company

I want to...

• sit around a campfire in contentment
• see a turtle in the wild
• always keep a smile in my heart

I am grateful for...

• My family
• My friends
• The life I have been given
• The opportunities that I will discover on my walk

How about you? How do you feel this Tuesday? If you already feel a, "long week" coming on... If you are daydreaming about the weekend already... Then you and I have something in common. =-)

Make your own list and join me in looking forward to the possibilities

Brussel Sprouts?

I often say life is an adventure.

What is it that I mean?

Like you many of you,
I go to work each day.
I do chores in my home.
I pay bills.

So, where then is the adventure?

I make mac and cheese,
try to convince my own children to do their homework
and like almost everyone,
have odd piles of papers I don't think will ever go away.

Despite this,

or perhaps because of this,

I look for the quiet joys in life.

Someday I will see the Grand Canyon.

Now I will hike the best trails this part of the country has to offer.

Over a course of a lifetime,

I hope to perfect and discover

wonderful new cookie recipes to share at the holidays.

I am content to add one or two every year. Finding and collecting the treasures and savouring their delights.

Some days, I am tired and I am frustrated. Sometimes the thoughts in my head are neither nice nor especially kind.

There are times when the mundane is at risk of overshadowing the happy things.

Then I am blessed with things like Brussel Sprouts.

Yeah...

I did say brussel sprouts.

Using a recipe given to me by the very interesting man I am seeing, I shared a very nice time with my students today.

Sharing...

I think that is the key to adventure.

...the reason we all seem to seek companionship...

Whether it is delighting in "baby cabbages" that, "smell like peas" or having someone to hike up a hill with, life is better when we share it.

I am thankful for my children,

for my students,

for my dear ones...

My life is an adventure because of them.

Looking up...

Above us the trees towered.

The rock face was on our left
a respectable drop to the right.

Carefully we picked our way up and down the path.

The green moss on the walls had a texture that just begged to be touched.

The dusty trail called to us.

Up and down...
rock steps that countless others have traversed.

The beauty that is all around us...
has been here since long before I deemed it lovely...
and it will be a reality long after I am gone from this Earth.

Solid,
lasting,
wonderful.

It is easy to see
how our world was deemed,
"Good".

I invite you to make your own trek towards the Hocking Hills Region. More specifically, today I am endorsing the "Rock House" area. A good trail, not too busy, quiet... peaceful. Check it out at
http://www.1800hocking.com/rock-house or http://hockinghillspark.com/Rock_House.asp .