Texture Tuesday - White

Texture Tuesday is all about 'white' today.  Being the beachy girl that I am I had to go with a beautiful,  frothy looking beach pic.  Look at those white caps.  There is nothing like the beach during or after a storm; when the waves are rushing to meet the shore.  Today's image has three of Kim's layers-waterstained frame, cool grunge and providence.  

Peace!

The Beginning

Today is the first Tuesday in 10 years that I will not be driving to my old school.  It feels strange.  I dreamt last night that I walked into a Kindergarten class in my new school and the teacher was playing music from  a classic preschool CD!  It was the strangest dream.  Hearing that music was so calming for me in the dream.  I guess I'm working through the overwhelming feelings of beginning a new teaching position and all the responsibility that accompanies this new beginning.

I know I can do this and I will just move forward and do what I do best.... teach children.

Peace!

Our Word View - Strength

This week at Our Word View we are interpreting the word strength in our single photograph.  As soon as I read the word I knew the image I would share this week.

When I hear the word strength I think of my Dad.  It's kind of funny actually because it is the little girl in me that makes that connection.  As an adult I know that there were many, many situations in which he was less than strong.   This image was taken years ago.  When I think of my dad this is the image that comes to mind.  I miss him every day.

Please visit us over at Our Word View so that you can see my friend Liz's interpretation of the word strength.  

Peace!

Simple Woman's Daybook 8

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...the sky is gray and we have a mixture of precipitation.  If only I had posted yesterday ... I would have been talking about mild temps and beautiful sun.   

I am thinking...that this vacation went by way too fast and the next 6 weeks will be extremely busy.  

I am thankful for...the time I have had this week to rest, relax and prepare for my work in the 4th grade.


From the kitchen...I'm working on a plan.... I'll let you know how it turns out. 


I am wearing....my pj's until I have to change and head over to 40 M for an insurance inspection. 

I am creating... lesson plans and professional development goals. 

I am going...to enjoy the next few days with my children before things get busy when we return to school.  


I am wondering... what it will be like to help my 4th graders prepare for the MCAS.  Truly they should have all they need ingrained in them by now but we'll be working on test prep over the next few weeks.  

I am reading...Nothing still.  I'm in a bit of a reading slump unfortunately.  It seems to be easier just to hop around on the web and look at beautiful blogs rather than pick up a book.

I am hearing...the quiet of the morning ahhh it is lovely. 


I am hoping...that I will be able to move into a full time teaching position next year.  I am also hoping to hear from my teacher friend whose class I am now covering about how everything went yesterday with her c section. 


I am looking forward to...a full week in my new classroom.  


I am learning...how to get things done in school and leave the job there.  I hope I can be successful in these lessons. 

Around the house...I still feel the need to spring clean.  Maybe on Saturday while R is picking up some extra hours at work. 


A favorite quote for today... "Give but don't allow yourself to be used. Love but don't allow your heart to be abused. Trust but don't be naive. Listen to others but don't loose your own voice." Rishi

One of my favorite things...is window shopping with n and  watching favorite shows with my kids.  

A few plans for the rest of the week: insurance inspection over at 40M, window shopping at Charming Charlie's this afternoon with n and S, spring cleaning tomorrow, laundry folding and prepping for the week.  I'm also going to continue to say a lot of prayers for my friend who is fighting cancer.    Please if you are the spiritual type add my dear friend M to your prayers.  The prayers are working!  She is in her 5th week of treatment with just one more week to go. She has been kind, generous and encouraging as I have transitioned from my old position. I am so grateful for her friendship.   Thank you for your prayers and thank God that she is seeing improvement. 


A peek into my day

Peace!

Texture Tuesday - Felicity

I have been away from Texture Tuesday for a time and I have missed this creativity.  Unfortunately sometimes life gets in my way.  I am thrilled to be participating this week with the texture felicity.  I have processed all three images in the same way; adjusting the levels, adding two layers of felicity, one on multiply 61% and the next overlay 68% finally I tweaked the levels again.  I am pleased with the results.

These images take me back to a simpler time.  

Peace!

Mellow Yellow Monday

So the yellow wall is the basis for my Mellow Yellow Monday post today, but what I love about this image is the shadow on the wall.  A few weeks ago I was up early and turned around and the light was just right to cast the shadow of our fan on the yellow kitchen wall.  In all my years in this home I had never noticed this before.  How could that be?  So I grabbed my camera and took several pictures of this unique shadow. 

Peace!

Our Word View - Light

Light

Our challenge this week was the word light.  Originally I had a much different photo in mind to share with you today but as I was browsing through my pictures I saw this image and it spoke to me, much like it did the very day I took this shot.  This was taken very early in the morning last year at my school.  The lighting was mystical.  There was this fog that had settled over everything and then the sun began to rise through the fog.  I loved this image so much that I sent it away to create a canvas.  I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do.  

To see Liz's interpretation of the word please visit us at Our Word View.  

Peace!

And...here we go!

1. Finally, I am in my 4th grade class and it's vacation!
2. Working five days a week  sure takes some getting used to!
3. Dad says: "Give me a break"  (one of his famous Papaisms).
4. Smoochie is my favorite nick name for my favorite girl!
5. It took a long time, but I have left my old school and moved on to my new teaching position.
6. Change is hard  though I wouldn't have it any other way.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing, tomorrow my plans include taking the kiddos out on a mini spending spree and Sunday, I want to get my general planning done for the end of February and the month of March.


Peace!

Simple Woman's Daybook 7

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...the trees are bare and the sky is gray. 

I am thinking...that today will be a difficult day.  My last day at school.  Lot's of goodbyes.  I know it is best for me and my family but I really do feel like I am leaving a piece of myself behind.

I am thankful for...the friends I have made and all I have learned.


From the kitchen...not much this week.  Over vacation I'm going to go through some cook books and reinvent our meal plan.  Wish me luck! 


I am wearing....my pj's until I change into my gray cords, black top and vest and my purple and gray plaid scarf. 

I am creating... well I completed the book for lesson plans for J.  I will be working on lesson plans for the end of February and hopefully March as well.  It would be good to be ahead of the game.

I am going...to do my best to not cry today.  Do you think I can do it? 


I am wondering... how challenging it will be for me to complete my recertification application.   

I am reading...Nothing at the moment but my friend J told me about the book Faith.  She said it is a good read so perhaps over vacation?  We'll see.... 

I am hearing...The television..... 


I am hoping...that over vacation I can decompress and refocus myself so that I can be ready for the new challenges that lie ahead. 


I am looking forward to...February vacation!


I am learning...how to let things go... and that what people say and do is usually about them and not you... know what I mean? 

Around the house...I know it is only february but I feel the urge to start spring cleaning!


A favorite quote for today...  All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another. ~Anatole France

One of my favorite things...is watching The Vampire Diaries!  I'm hooked on this silly show. 

A few plans for the rest of the week: saying goodbye to my little friends and co workers,  starting my recertification application, putting together my Valentines.   I'm also going to continue to say a lot of prayers for my friend who is fighting cancer.    Please if you are the spiritual type add my dear friend M to your prayers.  The prayers are working!  She is more than halfway through treatment and has a wonderful positive outlook.  I am so grateful for her friendship.   Thank you for your prayers and thank God that she is seeing improvement. 


A peek into my day

Peace!

An Emotional Day

Well today was an emotional day, especially this afternoon.  I shared the news about my job change with the children in my classes today.  The older morning children managed it quite well.  I'm not sure they fully understood that I will not be back in their classroom after vacation.  We'll see what they have to say tomorrow.  My afternoon class was a different story.  Some of the afternoon children have been with me for two years.  When I  initially shared my information and let them know who would be joining the class after vacation the children cheered but then they stopped as if they suddenly realized the full extent of what I had shared.  One little fellow spoke up and said "So that means you won't be back after vacation?"  As he said this his lower lip trembled.  He then told me in a quiet voice that he would miss me.  As he was speaking a little girl climbed into my lap crying softly.  At this point I had to do all I could not to cry myself.  After some more discussion we went back to singing I had to get up to get a bandaid for one of the children.  At this point I had to have my little friend climb off of my lap.  As soon as I moved and she sat on the floor by herself the flood gates opened for her and another little friend.  I felt terrible.  The three of us walked down the hall to get snack and were able to have a few minutes alone in the kitchen.  These are two of the children I will miss the most.  I hope we can enjoy the day tomorrow without too many tears.

Peace!

Wordless Wednesday

Another Day Done!

Well yesterday was my second full day in my 4th grade class room.  With each passing hour spent with the fourth graders I feel more confident and sure of my decision to move forward and work to return to teaching in the public school system.

My principal sent home a letter to the families yesterday explaining the early departure of Mrs. F and my part in covering these day before vacation.  His words were encouraging.  In part he said,  "Mrs. P is a former   PPS teacher.  She is eager to get back to teaching here in P and we are fortunate to have her.  Please make her feel welcome during the transition.  I am sure you will find that your child's educational program will continue with the exact level of expectations, rigor and excitement that your child has been receiving all year."  I couldn't have said it better myself.

Now for the next three day's I must focus on my little preschool children and how to make the news of my departure as easy to understand as possible.  This is going to be a powerful few days.

Peace!

OUR WORD VIEW: WORD OF THE WEEK = TANTALIZING

OUR WORD VIEW: WORD OF THE WEEK = TANTALIZING

Our Word View - Tantalizing

This week Liz chose the word tantalizing.  This image was the first image that came to mind when thinking of that word.  Just looking at this image makes my mouth water!  This is a slice of cake from my birthday last year.  It is a lemon ricotta cake with lemon icing, a reduced and slightly sweetened raspberry coulis, and fresh home made whipped cream.  This was one of the best birthday cakes I have ever made!  I will try to recreate this yummy confection this year too!  

For next weeks challenge please visit Our Word View!

Peace!

Thoughts

Well I've been quiet lately.  More quiet than usual.  Lots of thoughts have been floating around my mind trying to find a good way out.  So today I came across a quote that spoke to me and inspired me.  

All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another. ~Anatole France


Over the past weeks as I transition from one once beloved job to my new highly anticipated position in a public school classroom I have been experiencing exactly what Anatole France so beautifully stated above.    I feel like I am grieving for the dreams I had of growing into a leadership role in my previous job.  I am also dealing with an increasing loss of respect for an individual whom I've looked up to for a very long time.  This is a loss that is difficult to bear and definitely leaves me with a level of melancholy.  I will be doing my best to let things go and be open to beginning my new life.

Peace!

Simple Woman's Daybook 6

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...it is white and beautiful!    

I am thinking...that I really want vacation!  Oh and that I am so excited to have earned an 'A' in my online writing class!  Yay!

I am thankful for...the opportunity to reinvent myself and begin again. 


From the kitchen...well one new recipe this week!  I tried crock pot teriyaki steak.  It was good but a bit salty.  I'll have to try to tweak this recipe. 

I am wearing...my pj's as I do my best to stay puppy fur free and wait to get dressed until just before leaving school.   


I am creating... lesson plans for  the art source book I'm working on for J.  I will also be completing my application for recertification. 

I am going...to stay positive and in the moment.  


I am wondering... how long it will take for my cough to go away.   

I am reading...Dear Mr. Henshaw (still) in prep of the takeover. 

I am hearing...The television.... news all about the birth control/religious belief controversy. 


I am hoping...that I will be in my 4th grade class tomorrow.  Not sure how that will play out.  We'll see. 


I am looking forward to...February vacation!


I am learning...how to let things go... still!  It is hard for me.  I am getting better at it however. 

Around the house...there is always something to work on!  Organizing and cleaning never ends!


A favorite quote for today...  “The final proof of greatness lies in being able to endure criticism without resentment." Elbert Hubbard

One of my favorite things...is watching The Vampire Diaries!  I'm hooked on this silly show. 

A few plans for the rest of the week: organizing my art sourcebook, starting my recertification application, putting together my Valentines.   I'm also going to continue to say a lot of prayers for my friend who is fighting cancer.    Please if you are the spiritual type add my dear friend M to your prayers.  The prayers are working!  She is halfway through treatment and feels that treatment is working!  Thank you for your prayers and thank God that she is seeing improvement. 


A peek into my day

Peace!

Wordless Wednesday

Peace!

Monday, Monday...

Today was a super busy day.  I spent the day in my 4th grade class.  It was my last day shadowing M.  It was a bit of a crazy day as two of the Moms from the class threw her a baby shower with games, pizza and cupcakes.  The children loved all the excitement.  By the end of the party the teachers were tired.

One of the fun perks of working up the street is that I can be home in moments.  Today I left work at 3:45, went to the market and was home by 4:30.  I had dinner in the oven in about fifteen minutes and then went to work on tomorrows crock pot teriyaki steak.  I'm looking forward to seeing how that meal turns out. I will be working at my other job for the rest of the week and waiting to hear if I'll be heading into the 4th grade on Friday.  I hope so!

Tonight will be an early night.  Everyone in the family is a bit under the weather so hopefully if we all get a  good night sleep we'll feel better in the morning.

Peace!

Our Word View - Reflection

This week Liz chose the word 'reflection'.  I had so many different thoughts on this word that I found it difficult to choose an image.  At first I was drawn to the idea of reflection in a large body of water or reflection in a mirror.  I have images that would fit this bill but I continued to reflect on our challenge.  Then I thought about inner reflection or the reflection of oneself in another's eyes.  I really wanted to go down this path but could not find the perfect image I was hoping to find.  I should have set up a shoot but was busy most of the week not feeling well.  I finally returned to the idea of the reflection of water.  If you read here you know that I am drawn to water.  It is a part of who I am.  Born under the water sign pisces it is natural for me to be drawn to this element of nature.  As I was browsing my photos I came across a long forgotten picture that was hidden away in an unexpected folder.

re·flec·tion

   [ri-flek-shuhn]  Show IPA

noun

1.

the act of reflecting or the state of being reflected.

2.

an image; representation; counterpart.

3.

a fixing of the thoughts on something; careful consideration.

4.

a thought occurring in consideration or meditation.

5.

an unfavorable remark or observation.

Synonyms

3.  meditation, rumination, deliberation, cogitation, study,thinking. 5.  imputation, aspersion, reproach, criticism. 

So here you see the reflection of light off many tiny droplets of water.  This is an image of a beautiful spider web that had collected droplets of rain.  This image has minimal processing.  I think the reflection of light off the water droplets give the impression of beautiful gems.  What do you think.  

I hope you go over to Our Word View to see Liz's interpretation and to find out what word we will be sharing for next week.  

Peace!

Good Day

Well I should have been resting today but I chose to spend some time out and about with my bestie C!  We went bargain hunting, window shopping and enjoyed each others company.  It was fun.  Later I went out with the fam to get some fun stuff for the kids and we ate pizza at Papa Gino's!  Yumm.  To top it all off I spent an hour on the phone with S.  Now n and I are watching Vampire Diaries.  Yay for Saturdays.

Hope your Saturday was a great as mine.

Peace!

Friday Fill Ins 4

And...here we go!

1. Go ahead, there's some yummy munchies in the fridge, help yourself.
2. Oh dinner... I'll get that soon!
3. Don't worry, the Pats have to win it!
4. Red, white and blue for the day.
5. Pretty much it was all Pats all day today at school.
6. Go Pats  now say it with me.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching my shows and going to bed early so I can kick this cold, tomorrow my plans include resting and getting some things done for school and Sunday, I want to make yummy food and watch the Pats win the Super Bowl!


Peace!

Simple Woman's Daybook 5

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...it is gray and looks like rain.  

I am thinking...that I really want my voice back!

I am thankful for...just 6 more days until my new adventure begins.  Lots to do in those six days.


From the kitchen...not much this week.  Maybe some yummy goodness for football this weekend. 

I am wearing...my pj's and bathrobe as it is a at home sick day for me today.


I am creating... a source book for art ideas for my teaching partner to refer to once I have left my current position.  I picked up the photos and I'll put it all together this weekend. 

I am going...to work with my class to create something beautiful for a friend.   


I am wondering... how long it will take to get better. 

I am reading...Dear Mr. Henshaw in prep of the takeover. 

I am hearing...The television.... Cooking channel background noise.


I am hoping...still....that we get a good snow storm.


I am looking forward to...February vacation!


I am learning...how to let things go... it is hard for me. 

Around the house...things are good; clean and relatively organized. 


A favorite quote for today...  “The final proof of greatness lies in being able to endure criticism without resentment." Elbert Hubbard

One of my favorite things...is snuggling with my dog. 

A few plans for the rest of the week: working on my online class, working in the 4th grade class, organizing my art sourcebook, starting my recertification application and creating prints for my Valentines.    I'm also going to continue to say a lot of prayers for my friend who is fighting cancer.    Please if you are the spiritual type add my dear friend M to your prayers.  


A peek into my day

Peace!