Our Word View - Beginnings

What is Our Word View?  A collaboration between two friends who lost touch over the years but have reconnected online.  We share a love of the ocean, photography, quotes, animals and family.  Often times our photographic interpretations of our word of the week are very similar.

This week  the word beginnings was chosen for our photographic interpretation.  I hope you will go over to Our Word View and see what Liz shares this week.

Well first I must say that I have enjoyed having time off from blogging.  How appropriate that I would return with a post about beginnings.  Last year at this time we had a wonderful snow storm.  It was then that my favorite puppy began her love of snow.  Watching her run and play in the freshly fallen snow at our local park was just so much fun!  As I create this post we are in the beginnings of our first snow fall.  I'm hoping that we will get at least 5 to 6 inches so that we can frolic and play in the snow.

Peace!

Our Word View - Hope

What is Our Word View?  A collaboration between two friends who lost touch over the years but have reconnected online.  We share a love of the ocean, photography, quotes, animals and family.  Often times our photographic interpretations of our word of the week are very similar.

This week  the word hope was chosen for our photographic interpretation.  I hope you will go over to Our Word View and see what Liz shares this week.

When I chose this word last week I had full intentions of creating a profound post in light of all that is happening in the world right now.  As I searched my images and sat quietly thinking about hope I decided to lighten the mood a bit.  

Here's hoping for a white Christmas.  

Peace!

Daybook

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...it is dark.

I am thinking...that today was an amazingly productive day!  

I am thankful for...being pushed outside my comfort zone and new opportunities!

From the kitchen...Nanny's bread, chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal cookies, peanut butter cookie dough(chilling),  lemon cookies tomorrow as well as brownies and coffee cake.  

I am creating...holiday memories!

I am going...to begin a new teaching position on Jan 7th.  I'll be working part time in one school making more than if i subbed every day!  So excited for a new, challenging opportunity.

I am wondering...what the children will think about their gifts this year.

I am reading...nothing at the moment.

I am looking forward to... sleeping late and vacation.. 

I am learning...to be open to unexpected opportunity.

Around the house...things are messy. We have a big cleanup planned for tomorrow.

A favorite quote for today...

Source: jenfarmer.blogspot.com via Skinny Mom on Pinterest

One of my favorite things ... baking for Christmas. 

A few plans for the rest of the week: tea shop, food shopping and errands with n, picking up my Godmother on Sunday, lunch with her and preparing for Christmas!  

A photo I'm sharing:

Peace!

Connections

I have a friend who is walking down the road that I traveled three years ago at this time.  Her mother is dying.

I spent the day teaching in her classroom yesterday as she spent the day at the hospital.  Her mother has rallied and will be moving to a nursing home.  Last night she sent out a message to many of her friends sharing an update about her mom.  She shared with all of us that she sensed the presence of God during her time with her mom the day and night before.  She believed that her mom was very close to leaving this world.

Upon reading her words I  felt an immediate connection.  In my minds eye I pictured the scene I shared in this post.  I had not connected this visit with God's presence before but looking back that is exactly what I experienced. I remember the atmosphere and light changed in my Dad's living room as our visit was drawing to a close.  It was almost foggy in the room as if we were covered in a gossamer veil that ever so slightly separated us from all those who were waiting on the other side.  I did not make that connection in the moment, not until now listening to my friend's experience.  I am certain that Dad could see through that veil and that is why he questioned where he was that night.  I am so honored that I was with him during that experience.

Now I hold my friend close to my heart as she walks with her mother on a similar journey. I hope that she will soon be home.

Peace!

Wordless Wednesday

Peace!

Our Word View - Journey

What is Our Word View?  A collaboration between two friends who lost touch over the years but have reconnected online.  We share a love of the ocean, photography, quotes, animals and family.  Often times our photographic interpretations of our word of the week are very similar.

This week  the word journey was chosen for our photographic interpretation.  I hope you will go over to Our Word View and see what Liz shares this week.

Honestly I don't remember what I originally thought when I saw Liz's choice for this week's word but tonight as I continued to fight back tears for those who have lost so much in Connecticut and searched my images for a 'journey' image it all came together when I found the above pictures.  We are all on earth to complete our own special journey.  We begin as infants are brought up by our parents and enter into adulthood with the goal to live long productive lives.  No one anticipates that life will be cut short.  It is not only the length of our journey that we should be concerned with but also it's breadth and depth.  Life is too short and unpredictable to not do the best we can each and every day to live the life we are meant to live.  I believe that our journey does not end when our physical life ends. Our journey continues onto a different plane.  I picture that plane to be one of joy and bliss without fear, pain or heartache.  When I see the above images I can envision that plane.  I know that on the other side of those rays of light is something beyond comprehension.  It is where those precious children and teachers from Connecticut now watch over all their loved ones.

Peace!

Simple Beauty

Peace!

Daybook

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...the day is dawning.

I am thinking...that being a landlord is not all it's cracked up to be. 

I am thankful for... cool kids. 

From the kitchen...fried rice...yummy!  We also made Lemon Ricotta cookies.  The plan was to freeze some for Christmas.  Oops.  We ate too many. 
I am wearing....my eggplant pj's until it is time to get dressed for work.  Then I'll be wearing my brown cords a brown T shirt and my denim jacket.  

I am creating...not much... lesson plans and smart board pages for my 2 week job.  That's enough. 

I am going...to continue to pray and ask for prayers for my friend M . Another round of chemo as she continues to fight against cancer.  

I am wondering...if it is possible to effect a small change where I am working. 

I am reading... Opening Minds.  It's a book on teaching philosophy.

I am looking forward to... sleeping late. 

I am learning...to be less reactive. 

Around the house...things are messy. We have to finish putting up the decorations on the tree.  I also want to decorate the mantle.  Cleaning must take place as well.

A favorite quote for today...

One of my favorite things ... lazy 'at home' weekends.

A few plans for the rest of the week: hopefully a relaxing weekend.  

A photo I'm sharing:

Peace!

Eight More!

Eight more wake ups until Christmas vacation!  We are all looking forward to a bit of rest and relaxation.  I am thrilled to say that my big shopping tasks for the kids are completed.  This is the earliest I have ever been finished.  To make it even more impressive this year has been (and will continue to be) a cash only holiday!  We have had to finagle a bit but it is all working out just fine.

Two weeks in a single classroom has been good for consistency.  I will be happy to receive a full paycheck this week.  I expect that next week I will only work a couple of days, but we will see.  I am looking forward to spending time in some of the other local elementary schools.  I miss my friends from my neighborhood school.

I have an 'award' post that I must work on.  This past weekend was busy with movies, table tipping, christmas shopping, cleaning and all the other household weekend tasks that must be completed.  I'm looking forward to carving out some time to share a few more reflective posts here at Surfside.  Stay tuned.

In honor of Texture Tuesday.....  here is an old favorite:

Peace!

Our Word View - Magical

What is Our Word View?  A collaboration between two friends who lost touch over the years but have reconnected online.  We share a love of the ocean, photography, quotes, animals and family.  Often times our photographic interpretations of our word of the week are very similar.

This week  the word magical was chosen for our photographic interpretation.  I hope you will go over to Our Word View and see what Liz shares this week.

There is something truly magical about putting up old ornaments.  I feel like I am transported back in time with each ornament I unwrap and place on my tree.  The memories come flooding back in waves.  Stories are shared and new memories are made each year.  Magical is the best word to describe trimming the tree with my children.  It reminds me of my abundant blessings. 

Peace!

Friday Fill Ins!

It's been a while since I participated in the Friday Fill Ins, but I'm back!

And...here we go!

1. I saw the twinkle in her eye and I knew we had connected! 
2. Respect...just a hint, please!
3. Once in a while you are presented with a great challenge. 
4. I have always been able to capture their interest , at least in times past. 
5. The road led me to where I am now. 
6. Everything looks new and fresh in the morning light.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to bringing home Papa Gino's pizza, tomorrow my plans include going out to get jeans for N and pants and a couple of shirts for me and Sunday, I want to enjoy my first experience with table tipping!


Peace!

Daybook

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...it is dark and cold.  The wind makes it feel about nineteen degrees.  Brrrrr.

I am thinking...that today is a new day.  Every day we have the opportunity to begin again and that is truly a blessing. 

I am thankful for... generous and collaborative teaching professionals. 

From the kitchen...pizza from scratch and plans for lots of cookies.... chewy ginger cookies, lemon ricotta cookies, anise tea cakes, chocolate chip, greek wedding cookies....  

I am wearing....my eggplant pj's until it is time to get dressed for work.  Then I'll be wearing my brown cords a brown T shirt and my denim jacket.  

I am creating...not much... lesson plans and smart board pages for my 2 week job.  That's enough. 

I am going...to continue to pray and ask for prayers for my friend M . Another round of chemo as she continues to fight against cancer.  

I am wondering...how to effect a small change where I am working. 

I am reading... Opening Minds.  It's a book on teaching philosophy.

I am looking forward to... the weekend. 

I am learning...to be accepting. 

Around the house...things are OK.  We have started to put up the decorations on the tree.  Things are a bit chaotic but this weekend I'll fix all that.  :)

Source: breedingevvvick.tumblr.com via Barbara on Pinterest

A favorite quote for today...

One of my favorite things ... my family.

A few plans for the rest of the week: working tomorrow and hopefully a relaxing weekend.  

A photo I'm sharing:

Peace!

Wordless Wednesday

Today is Dad's angel day.  Love and miss him every day.  

Peace!

Texture Tuesday

Well last week was the final Texture Tuesday so I thought today I would share some old favorites.

Peace!

Mellow Yellow Monday

I love the yellow of the flames in these two pictures.  There is such warmth in the flicker of the flame.

Peace!

Our Word View - Dazzling

What is Our Word View?  A collaboration between two friends who lost touch over the years but have reconnected online.  We share a love of the ocean, photography, quotes, animals and family.  Often times our photographic interpretations of our word of the week are very similar.

This week I chose the word dazzling for our photographic interpretation.  I hope you will go over to Our Word View and see what Liz shares this week.

I absolutely adore this Christmas image.  This time of the year is one of dazzling lights and beauty.  One of my favorite and most time consuming vignettes is what you see reflected in the mirror above.  I string lights under and over our mantle and hand dozens of beautiful blue, silver, white and clear balls from the lights.  I add in a few dangling crystal ornaments as well.  My creche is set up on the mantle surrounded by my collection of angels.  This scene makes my heart sing.  

Peace!

Happy Birthday Special Lady!

I can't believe that she's been gone for 12 years!  She has missed so much.  I still miss her every day.  n and I have been talking about Mum a lot lately.  She wishes that she had the chance to know her Nanny.  So sad!  I tell stories and show pictures.  It is not the same.  It is not enough.  I think this holiday season I'll share my box of letters from all of Mum's beloved nieces and nephews.  It might be a nice way for n to learn more about her grandmother.    Mum would be 80.  I can't picture it....  Love you Mum.



Peace!