Happy New Year!

Happy New Year

I have a few question for all of you.

Will you refer to this new year as:

2010--two thousand ten,

or

2010--twenty ten???

I think I will try out twenty ten. It will be interesting to see who says it the two different ways. I have heard both so far.

New Year's Resolutions--are you making one or more for yourself? If you regularly make resolutions this time each year, do you keep them or do they last only a brief time?

I resolve to practice healthier living habits--this will include: eating right, exercising regularly, and taking time to meditate each day. My hope is that this will be a life style change more so than a short lived resolution.

I hope each of you that choose to make resolutions will be able to install them into your life.

HAPPY 2010 [no matter how you phrase it].

Take care,

MissT

Post Christmas Activities

Now is the time we have to decide--when do I take down the Tree--Crib--Lights--Etc...?

I like to observe the religious side and not just the secular side of the holiday so, I will not take the Crib down until after the Christian observance of the Epiphany. I really like the new tree we put up this year, so that will stay up as well. I may put some of the axillary decorations away early. The outdoor decorations will have to wait until the 24 inches of snow we have from two relatively close storms that came through our area goes away.

With 2010 so near, I need to get rid of or freeze the cookies and candy that are on my counter and still tempting me so my "New Year's Resolution" of eating healthy and exercising regularly has a fighting chance of coming to fruition. Although, the weather has provided opportunities to exercise, snow shoveling can be an aerobic activity--who knew?

Take care,

MissT

SNOW

We have been digging out from a BIG snow storm. I am very fortunate, all three of my adult children were home for Christmas and they gladly contributed man (and woman) power to clear the 10 plus inches we received. The snow (what I helped with) was not very heavy, I guess it was not very wet.

My hope is that a snow like this will get people out of their houses to help each other. It is so much more fun to clear a driveway with 5 people rather than all by ones self. I hate to hear and read about people dropping dead while shoveling snow--many hands make for light work.

So, find someone to help out today. Even if it is only an extra kind word or two, or a simple gesture of holding the door for someone. Every little thing helps and adds up in this world we live in. Send out some good will and it will be returned to you.

Have a wonderful (snowy) day.

Take care,
MissT

Almost Christmas

Greetings

Only one more day until the big celebration starts. I love Christmas Eve. I sing in my church choir--I get to start celebrating the holiday a few hours early that way.

This year I may need to take a nap so I can enjoy the late hour.

Song is such a great way to celebrate. Think of what it would be like to have a birthday without that special song.

Someone said, to sing is to pray twice. I believe that because we have been practicing for Midnight Mass and so many of the songs come straight out of the bible--it gives me a better understanding of the meaning behind the verse.

My advice to you--Go Caroling--even if it is in your own living room.

Happy Christmas to you all.

Take care,
MissT

5 days to go

There are only 5 days until Christmas. So far this has been a very enjoyable Advent for me. I got started early with Christmas shopping and baking so I have not had to stress over those things.

I hope that Christmas finds you enjoying this wonderful season. I hope you are able to spend time with friends and family. I hope you will take time to appreciate all the good you have in your life and not dwell on the negative. I hope you have a great Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

Take Care,
MissT

Christmas Wishes

Good Morning

We have been in a deep freeze here in Nebraska. With snow on the ground and temperatures staying very low it has been a challenge just to get around and do everyday tasks. I guess this is why I like the mid-west. Weather like this makes us so appreciative of the weather we get most of the time. Harsh temperatures and strong winds make us grateful for a calm day with the thermometer reading in the 20 degree range. I feel lucky to have the changing seasons so I can always be looking forward to change.

We are closing in on Christmas--only 9 days to go. It looks like we will be having a very White Christmas this year, I will have my children all together for Christmas Eve and morning. That is a great present in itself. I want to send all of you my wishes for a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New year--2010.

Take care,
MissT

The Holidays are Here

Good Morning

This is turning out to be an eventful winter were weather is concerned here in Nebraska. This morning it is only 1 degree and we had icy rain that turned into a snow mix over night. Driving to work should be interesting today.

I hope everyone reading this is well and looking forward to the next 2 weeks. I am ready and anxiously awaiting Christmas this year. My house is decorated, we have lights inside and outside, the presents are bought, wrapped, and under the tree. I feel fortunate to be prepared this year. It is much more enjoyable to look forward to Christmas that to STRESS about the holiday.

We had a BIG event happen over the weekend. My daughter graduated from college on Saturday. It was a great weekend. Her brothers and some freinds got to share in the festivities with us. We traveled to Colorado for the ceremony and we were grateful that the weather cooperated. We returned on Saturday pulling a U-Haul trailer full of her belongings. This is an ending and new beginning for her and we are very proud of our middle child. She has a bright future!

Try to enjoy the next 2 or 3 weeks. Relax and try to decide what is really important--do those things and let the rest go.

Take care,
MissT

Low Stress Holidays

Hello everyone.

I have not written a post for nearly a month. I will say that I have been busy and a lot has happened in that time period--but, I am glad to be back writing and I sincerely hope you are glad that I am back.

Today I want to say something about having a holiday season that is not overly stressful. What can we do to make that happen. I believe we can do a lot. We can make a concerted effort to DO the important things and NOT DO the things that are really not important. This sounds easy, but it takes so me soul searching and some self discipline to put into action.

First you must identify the things that cause you stress this time of year. It could be sending out cards, shopping, baking, cleaning, having house guests, etc... Now, once you have identified your particular stresses, you must prioritize them. What is most stressful? What could you do without? What brings you the most enjoyment? What will you decide to do with and what will you decide to do without? If you are honest with yourself I am sure there are things that you do because you think "you need to" that really could go "undone" and no one would really care.

After you decide to redo your holiday list of activities I really hope you will find that you and everyone around you will have a happier time and find more time to be together and share memories and a few laughs. My with for you and your loved ones is that this holiday season is full of the things that make you happy, and absent of the things that "make you crazy".

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you!

Take care,
MissT

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday!

It has all the things I like about a holiday and very few of the presures that spoil some holidays:

>>>having friends and family come to my home for a meal
>>>serving traditional Thanksgiving food
>>>having a reason to think and talk about what we are thankful for (something we really should do more often
>>>Thanksgiving is on a Thursday--therefore most people get a four day weekend (how great is that?)
>>>Finally, Thanksgiving kicks off the "Holiday Season" and helps me get in the mood to shop, bake, decorate, etc..which in turn makes me and hopefully my family happy.

HAVE A WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING--(only one week away)!!!

Take care,
MissT

Holiday Spirit

Holiday Spirit

Do you have Holiday Spirit? Do you get goose bumps when you hear Christmas Carols on the radio? Do you look forward to all the festivities that come this time of year? We are in the midst of another Holiday Season--whether we are ready for it or not!

I am ready for it this year. I am really looking forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas. I will be having a big group of family and friends over for "Turkey Day". I am planning a weekend full of "holiday stuff". We will be cooking, eating, shopping, decorating, and most importantly, visiting with each other.

I like the idea of the day after Thanksgiving being the start of the Christmas season. I have done a few thing ahead of time this year. We took advantage of a nice weekend and got the lights hung on the outside of the house. I have been picking up a few gifts--mostly stocking stuffers. This is uncharacteristic of me, normally I do not start any of that until December 1st or later. It actually feel really nice to have a head start on all of that.

As we have done in the past, my family will be having a "Christmas Cookie Bake" during Thanksgiving weekend. This is a fun way to get some baking done, stock up the freezer with sweet goodies, and spend quality time with weekend guest. I will be making my cookie dough ahead of time so that the messy part is over and the fun part can start sooner. Decorating and sampling the cookies is much more fun than mixing up the dough.

I hope all of you are getting in the Holiday Spirit. Try, like I will be, to find the good in the season. Leave the other stuff to someone else to worry about. Yes, there is too much commercialism, yes, Christmas Carol start on the radio before Halloween now, yes, we can get stressed out with too much to do and too little time. But, it is up to each of us to make our Holiday Season uplifting and fun. So, get in the Spirit of the Season and do not let yourself be a Scrooge. Choose to enjoy this time of year.

Take care,
MissT

Veteran's day

Veteran's Day

I spoke to my class of seventeen, three to six year old children today about the special holiday we have today. I told them that a Veteran is someone that is in the military. Then I asked them what they knew about soldiers. The most common thoughts that come from that group of young children was that a soldier had a gun, gaurded things, and looked for bad guys. We stood up, we all looked at a small flag held by one of the children, recited the Pledge of Allegiance and then I went on to speak to them about this special day.

I said that because we had brave people willing to be soldiers we stayed safe at school and at home. I told them that because they were good at gaurding thing they did not have to use the guns very often. I asked them to say, "Thank you" to the next soldier they saw wearing the special clothes we call uniforms. The children I teach are very young and innocent. The are easy to impress and easy to convince to "do the right thing".

I hope we all think and pray for the service men and women that are in harms way today and every day. Violence, as we are all acutely aware, because of the recent events in Texas and Florida, is such a waste of human life and sprit.

It is heartening to me to see young innocent children each day and realize it is possible to teach PEACE to them.

Take care,

MissT

Mountain Air

Clear mountain air!!!

Thought for the day:
Breath in deeply,
Think clearly,
Be deliberate in action,
Find time to be kind or generous, and
Your day will be good.

This is my last day in the Mountains--although I will be in Colorado one more day and night. It is so good to have the opportunity to get away from my day to day routine and experience nature in an up close and personal way. Being in the Mountain Berg of Frisco Colorado is a real gift to me. I take long walks, snap lots of pictures and collect tokens of nature to take home.

On this trip I took advantage of the unusually nice weather for early November--we could have had a foot of snow on the ground. I was able to collect lots of dried flowers and weeds. I have been creating dried flower bouquets for my friends here and I am able to take a nice array home to "play with" when I return to 'flatland' country.

I find such beauty in the way nature dries out a gorgeous flower or weed and creates yet another thing of beauty. My home (and those of my friends) will be decorated with this natural beauty for Thanksgiving.

I am so looking forward to the "Holiday Season" this year. I have planned the Menu for Thanksgiving--picked out recipes for the cookie bake that will happen that weekend as well--and thought about gifts for Christmas--I have even purchased quite a few gifts already this year.

The practice of early shopping has never been something I did--or even thought of as a possibility for me. I always have marveled at people (mostly women I know) that could "prepare" for the holidays all year round.

I never found myself in the "Holiday Spirit" so early in the season before. I am hoping my early preparations will help me (and my family) have a more relaxed and enjoyable Christmas and New Year.

The next time you hear, "Happy Holidays", and have the thought to be a scrooge about the offered sentiment, think about the fact that the person uttering the words may be one of those people (like me now) that wants to "start early" and get a little more enjoyment out of this time of year.

Take care,
MissT

Colorado Road Trip

Colorado Road Trip

(sing to the tune of "Going to California...")

I'm going to Colorado,
Colorado here I come,
They got some cool tall mountain there,
and I'm going to breath clean air!

I am going to take a ROAD TRIP! I love to pack up the car with drinks, snacks, some clothes, books on CD, and head out for and adventure. I will be visiting family and friends. That means free lodging (nice) and good company.

I will be my own company on the 8 or 9 hour drive to get there. That is nice too. I like to listen to NPR, music, and books on CD to help the time go by. I also like to take in the different landscapes along the way. I know, you are probably thinking, 'what landscape, it's Western Nebraska?' But I like the sparse land I see on the trip along I-80 then I-70. It may seem like a whole lot of nothing, but I enjoy the wide open expanse of sky, the cloud formations, the occasional wildlife, and the small towns I stop in as I make my way west.

Call me crazy, but I think that every state has it's own beauty. Some are beautiful because of all the trees and some are beautiful for the lack of trees. I think it is all in how you look at things. I try to look at things with that positive attitude in mind. I think it makes life more enjoyable and interesting.

Have a wonderful Sunday---I will be packing!!!!

Take Care,
MissT

Halloween

Halloween

Though for the day:

Be just a little bit silly today. Dress up, were a goofy hat, or sock that don't match, whatever it might be. You can get away with things like that on Halloween, so, why not take advantage of that fact and have a little fun?

I like this holiday. I really enjoy passing out candy at the door. We moved to a rural area last year and I was sorely disappointed with the turn out. I had a nice large bowl of candy ready to go and only ONE Trick-or-Treating child came. I am hoping for a better turn out this year.

Many Montessori schools do not do much celebrating for this holiday. When you allow any kind of "dress-up" day some people will over-due it and make it uncomfortable, scary, or out-of-control for everyone. When I had my own school I did not see it that way. My school was small so I was able to talk to the parents directly and keep thing somewhat "under-control".

But, what I want to know is, why is being a bit "out-of-control" once in a while a bad thing. It can be a very good thing. It can create learning and teaching moments not ordinarily brought out in the regular day to day routine. I say, have some fun, be a little scary, have a couple of pieces of chocolate, and behave yourself tomorrow,

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!
;) ;] :} :{ :[
Make a funny face too!

Take care,
MissT

Flu Season

Though for the day:
(sing to the tune of 'Shoe Fly' song)
Shoo FLU, don't bother me,
Shoo FLU, don't bother me,
Shoo FLU, don't bother me,
for I don't want your misery!

I am feeling a bit 'under the weather'. It may not be the 'official' flu because I am not running a fever--but it is 'no fun' none the less.

I have been coughing for the past few days. I am getting really good at coughing into my elbow crease, washing my hands a lot, and generally being paranoid about spreading germs.

I feel a bit "watched" by the people I see in the grocery store, pharmacy, etc... We are all so aware now of germs and the spread of them. Have you noticed (I am sure we all have) all of the 'pump' hand sanitizers are out in stores, banks, laundry mats, etc...? If you are not worried about catching the flu or anything else, just go do some errands and you will get that way.

We may be carrying this a bit too far. I still want to shake people's hands, do the sign of Peace at church, and get into an elevator instead of taking the stairs. Well, it is good to be careful, especially if you are caring for a child or an elderly friend. You would not want to take home those nasty germs home with the bananas from the grocery store.

My hope is that things will go back to normal in the near future. To look on the bright side, we may all get a bit better at this germ control thing and continue to use some of these things we learn--that could result in fewer days of feeling like I feel right now. I need to go blow my nose, disinfect my key board, and use hand sanitizer now!

Take care (take extra good care),
MissT

Synchronicity

Synchronicity

Look for synchronicity in your daily life. Recognize and appreciate it when it occurs and synchronicity will occur more often.

Synchronicity, as I understand it, is the thing that happens to you and it is hard to explain--when things just fall into place. Things and people seem to be in the right place at the right time. You are synchronized with nature, or the traffic lights, or circumstances. It is fun when it happens--like when you have been wanting to purchase something you really can not afford and someone says they need to find a donation center for that very item--that is synchronicity.

This phenomenon or occurrence can be very helpful and heartening to me. It is great to have the feeling--even for a moment--that you are in the exact right place at the exact right time to have good thing happen to you with absolutely no effort or toil. Wouldn't it be nice to not only have that happen to you on a regular basis, but to come to expect and even count on it regularly.

The Tao philosophy says exactly that. When we are truly TAO, we can come to count on the "universe" to bring and provide all that we need and want. I think the key is to need and want less so that it is easier for "the Universe" or "God" or "Carma" or "whatever" to provide those things.

Have a wonderfully, synchronized day, and be happy.

Take care,
MissT

Life Long Learning

Thought for the day:

Be a life long learner. Most particularly, be a life long learner in your field of work, career, expertise.

How boring life gets if you think you have all the answers and have nothing left to learn. I went to a lecture last night about the Montessori Philosophy. I have been living and working with that philosophy since 1976. Why would I want or need to go to a lecture about something I should know very well by now? Well, because it was GREAT! It was so fun to see the trainees who 'have to' attend the lectures learning all of what, I think I know so well, for the first time.

The trainees were, some of them, tentative, some confident, and some quietly, taking "first steps" in a journey I have been on for a long time. It is nice to be reminded that my life's work is not a destination but a journey. We do not arrive to what we are and stay their (hopefully). We are always on the journey and hopefully always taking strides--some may be back and forth--towards new and exciting goals.

I sat in the "student" seat last night. My teacher, the same woman I started with over 30 years ago, stood up and "did her thing" so well. It was very heartening to see a woman of her maturity (age) still excited about the same concepts, philosophy, etc...that all Montessorians know so well. It was good to be reminded that no matter how well you think you know a subject--there is always something to learn new or in a different way. She spoke to her students with respect and got them to reach down to what they know and share that with the class. IT WAS FUN!

Keep on Learn'en,
Take care,
MissT

Taking a chance

Sometimes it is good to do something that takes some courage and faith. I did that yesterday. It matter less what the action was than how it made me feel. I felt frightened, I was unsure of myself and a bit worried. But somehow I felt compelled to take the action that I took.

All my fears were not necessary. My worry was not needed. I did a "Good Samaritan" deed for a stranger and it all turned out fine. I took a chance that helping this person would not turn out to be a bad thing for me. I was happy to help and even more happy that nothing else happened.

It always feels good to me when I am able to help someone. I enjoy the interaction and feeling of well being I get when I extend help to a fellow human being. We should all look for opportunities to do it more often.

Thought for the day:
Help someone you do not know today. Look for opportunities
to hold the door, carry something, or just smile at people you
do not know. Trust that your help or kindness will be
accepted and appreciated.

Take care,
MissT

Reprieve

Reprieve

Thought for the day:
Make the negative small and the positive big whenever possible.

We have had a reprieve from cold, nasty weather. Yesterday afternoon was cold but gorgeous here. I drove back from Lincoln with sunglasses on my face. I had not had to use them in a while. Rain is wonderful and necessary, but I get tired of the long dark days that come with a rainy spell.

I was thinking about what else we could need a reprieve from. I need a reprieve from physical pain right now. I have had several, not too serious, ailments in a row just lately and I am getting weary of what comes with pain. I am weary from the medications, side effects, loss of sleep, things like that comes with pain. I am also very grateful in many ways. I have a wonderful family, good friends, and superb Doctors that all help me when I need help and encourage me when I need to stop feeling sorry for myself and get on with life--because so often, pain is just a normal part of life that we need to pay attention to, but not give too much attention to. Giving too much attention to anything negative has a tendency to make it into something bigger than it has to be. I think we can make the positive things bigger by intentionally concentrating on them just like we can do the contrary of that. I choose to do the former whenever possible.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Take care,
MissT

Duality

Duality:
a situation or nature that has two states or parts
that are complementary or opposed to each other [from Microsoft spellcheck]

This is a great word. Something that can be complementary or opposed--not just one or the other. Many time I think we think of things that are opposing as being--wrong--different--or bad. But, how much better would it be if we could think of the things that we find opposing as being complementary to our own opinion. I think we could all learn more from each other if we went about our daily interactions with people with that in the forefront in stead of concentrating on those opinions being--wrong--different--or bad. Think about it--I will be thinking about that as I go about my day.

Take care,
MissT

Kick some you know what!

Thought for the Day:
Take the opportunities that life gives you and Kick a Little, you know what once in a while!

Now!
Let me explain myself. I mean, do your best and do not be afraid of people knowing how good you are at something. I do not mean, get in their face and show off about your abilities--but in your private moments, with yourself, say, "I really kicked some ________ today. I did well; I was glorious; I was awesome; etc... Then, accept some praise in your usual humble way.

I get frustrated when someone I praise finds it hard to accept my acclamations. Really, when you think about it, not graciously accepting praise that is given in a thoughtful manner is a little rude. I am not talking about the easy and often too frequent ones like, 'you look great today' or, 'where did you get those neat shoes', but the real nice compliments about something you put a lot of effort into, like, 'that was a wonderful Thanksgiving meal' or 'I enjoyed your presentation', or 'Wow, what you said really made sense to me'. I feel it is respectful to yourself and to the compliment giver to graciously accept that kind of praise or compliment.

So, go be great and when someone can tell [and hopefully someone will, even if that person is yourself] accept the praise and say, "Thank you, you are so kind".

Take care,
MissT

Soup

Soup

I love soup. I love to make soup. I love to smell soup cooking. I love to look at soup. I love to eat soup.

I like how it can make your nose run and make you feel better when you are a little under the weather. I really believe in the healing power of a good batch of soup. I think it has way more to do with the process of making soup and sharing soup and making a meal out of soup than it has to do with opening a can of soup and eating it alone.

Soup should be shared. I am making a big batch of soup and I am along. So, I am going to think of someone (or many) to share this soup with. I bet, whomever I choose will enjoy my soup. It is a rainy, dreary, cool, October morning. The perfect setting for my activity. The house is just starting to smell like soup. I love to use my crock pot for this event. I like to start early and build the anticipation of what the soup will taste like. I often season my soup by smell first, then I let it cook a while before giving it a taste test---which is an absolute necessity---I think---when making soup.

I do not use a recipe for most of the soups I make--they are usually a combination of what I am craving and what I have available. I love to make soup without having to make a special trip to the store. It is fun to see what I can come up with and what I can 'use-up' when I make a big pot of wonderfulness I like to call, SOUP.

Have a SOUP-er day,
Take care,
Theresa

No Excuses

I have been reading and listening to self help and spirituality, books and CDs. So, I am tempted to apologize for not entering a blog for 5 or 6 days--but, the CDs say that we need to not use excuses. So, I will say that life has taken me away from my computer and now I am back. It is good to be back and I hope someone reading this is glad that I am back.

Thought for the Day:
Try to go one day without uttering an excuse. You may be surprised how many times you use them.

I am looking forward to my day. It started early; I am up doing laundry and other things before the sun has risen. I will be tired tonight--early--but I am enjoying this time now and that is good.

I am embarking on a new adventure--at 51 I am going to go back to school and get a Master's--maybe even a PHD. WOW! I never thought I would do that. Well, I feel that we have to stay open to being lead by our life experiences. I feel I am being lead to go down this path. It feels a bit scary--but in a good way--like being at the top of the highest point of a roller coaster right before you start to plunge!!! (Well, that is, if you like roller coasters like I do.) I feel excited, nervous, but I know it will be an enjoyable ride with lots of twists and turns, some expected, some unexpected, but I bought the ticket, strapped myself into the seat, and here I go!

I am trying to see this as an adventure and not a chore or something I have to do. I want very much to be successful at this endeavor--but, at my age, if it does not work out--if I do not finish the whole thing, that will be OK too. That too will lead me to the next thing and life will go on. I will meet interesting people along the way and definitely learn a lot in the process. That in its self is good and worthy of much effort I think.

My hope for myself and for my readers is that you and I will go out into this world we live in today--make not excuses--just do our best and enjoy each other.

Take care,
MissT

Crisp Air

Thought for the Day:

Breath in the crisp air and be glad you are here to enjoy the gifts God gives us each and every day.

As I sit at my computer I remember the walk I took this morning. I had a warm winter coat on and enjoyed the cold crisp air I was breathing in and out of my lungs with each step. I walked a bit faster then the last time I went out for a walk. The cold air encouraged me to be focused and make good time. I was so glad to be healthy enough to get outside and exercise in that way.

I intend on taking an evening walk too! This weather--though cold--is very inviting. I enjoy watching the birds and bugs getting ready for winter. They seem to be anxious to make the most of their time too. I have had some uninvited guests (mice) in my basement. I know they want to find shelter from the cold, but I do not want them using my basement for that purpose. They are persistent and I am just as persistent in trying to keep them out. We will have to see who prevails?

Go outdoors--breath in the cold air and thank God for being here to enjoy the gifts of nature.

Take care,
MissT

Water

Thought for the day:
Be low like water--find your place by being low and even--as water finds its place and takes the shape of a container. Be fluid and conform to your surroundings.

This may sound strange to you but as you think about water it is interesting to take the characteristics of water and apply them to yourself and others. Water in a stormy ocean is very powerful. Water in a gentle rain is soft and soothing to the earth. Water can damage or heal. A flood can wipe out an entire region while just enough rain can bring forth a bountiful harvest.

Water is so necessary to all life. NASA is trying to find out if there was ever water on the Moon so they can plan future trips and a possible Moon station. Water is vital--healing--life giving--calming--soothing--as well as the opposite of all those things. I guess I want to use water as an example and be the good things that water can be. I want to be careful to be just enough of something so that I, like water, do not over do it and cause problems for myself and others.

BE LIKE WATER!

Take care,
MissT

LET IT SNOW

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW!!!

I know, I know, it is a bit early for Nebraska to be getting snow--Oct 9-10--but, is it not beautiful?

We have one to two inches on the ground as I type and I think it is wonderful. But, I am invited to a wedding today and my husband is in Huston because of weather delays so I do know that some people are not as happy to see this white stuff as I am. Snow, when you are unprepared or have other plans, can really get in the way.

I am planning on taking some pictures of the snow. My relatively new found hobby of photography really helps me see things like snow in a different way. I know how disrupting it is for the bride and groom and for my poor husband stuck in a city so far from home, but I am anxious for the sun to rise so I can capture the reflection of light off the sparkling crystals we all call SNOW.

Go enjoy your day and try not to be too upset if your plans get interrupted by snow or weather or people or whatever.

Take care,
MissT

Good Morning

What a beautiful morning!

Thought for the Day: Welcome change into your life and see what happens.

When we are afraid of change and resist, there is a better chance that it will be a negative influence on our life. Change is so often inevitable that it does not make much sense to resist it and let it make trouble in our life. When we see change as opportunity or a new insight into our ordinary, maybe even boring day to day existence, it can be exciting and fun. So, my advice, take it or leave it, is to take the opportunity, there will be one soon I am sure, to look at change in this way and see what happens.

Have a wonderful day.
Here in Omaha we are looking at 22 degrees one morning this weekend--to cover or not to cover (plants) that is the question?

Take care,
MissT

Soar Above

Thought for the day:
Soar above any thoughts or actions of conflict--be like the red tailed hawk as it is soaring on outstretched wings above the smallness our world can be sometimes.

I am very lucky to live out of town far enough to see 2 or 3 beautiful Red Tailed Hawks flying and looking for their prey each day. I see them from my deck or from my car as I go to do errands or work. They take my breath away. They are so large and majestic.

I love to watch them soar on their large outstretched wings and study the ground so intensely. To be free like that is inspiring for humans. We are stuck on the ground where little things can seem bigger then they really are and our problems can overwhelm us at times. Each time I see a Hawk or Eagle flying I feel a little bit freer myself some how.

Take care,
MissT

Bunko or Bunco

The world according to Bunko, or bunco, I have seen it spelled both ways.

I am fortunate to have been and continue to be a part of a simple yet very profound BUNKO group. We have humble means--we began as a group of neighborhood women that needed a monthly--time out--or--time away--from the ordinary. Don't get me wrong, thst is a great reasons to form a Bunko group. But, we are, and they are, so much more than that.

This is a group of 11 regular members and around 7 substitutes that join when we need to fill that 12th spot at the table or when one of the regulars has a scheduling conflict (when the real world--life--gets in the way). I will speak for myself and hope that I convey the sentiments of the group when I say, that this seemingly ordinary group of women is anything but ordinary.

We bring a lot to the "tables"--literally and figuratively. We are by and large all smart, college educated (to some degree or another), mothers, wives (with good husbands and great children), we are good at being a friend, we help care for our elderly parents, we are employed (or at least contributing financially to our households), and we care about one other.

The last thing is the most important thing. We care about each other. Even if we just see each other that one day a month--we really care about each other and help each other in real ways. We pray for each other, check on sick members, offer the best kind of advice to each other, participate in active problem solving with one another, and most importantly, WE HAVE FUN TOGETHER!

I highly recommend anyone out there reading this to join a BUNKO group and make it into what it is meant to be--a support group for intelligent women (or men or couples, I guess) that drinks wine, eats great food, and once in a while you go how with 13 dollars in your pocket--LIFE IS GOOD!

Take care,
MissT

Being Responsible

Responsible

That can be such a BORING word. Who wants to be responsible all the time. Don't we want to relax once in a while and be irresponsible?

Unfortunately or fortunately, that is part of being human and an adult. But, lately I have been thinking about responsibility in a different way. (This is more of the enlightened, contemplative, meditative, thinking so get ready.)

Taking responsibility and "owning" all of your own life circumstances is a BIG deal. That means that we leave all "EXCUSES" behind. I am listening to a CD set of a weekend retreat with Dr.Wayne Dyer on this subject--"EXCUSES BE GONE". He is a spiritual motivational speaker and has written some 34 books on the subject.

This is the second go around for me. I listened to all 7 Cd's over a week period and then just began listening to them all over again--right away. [They are that good.] On the "second listen" I am hearing things I missed the first time through. This "taking responsibility" for all of your own life circumstances is a big deal. That means that we can not "blame" anything or anyone but ourselves and our own choices. WOW! I guess that really is taking responsibility for yourself. When I try to do that for myself though, it really does feel good. It makes me feel so much more in control of my own life. If you do not waste time "blaming and making excuses" there is so much more time, and energy, left to solve problems or even see that there may not be a problem (you thought you had) at all. It has been a freeing experience for me. I highly recommend anything Dr.Wayne Dyer has written. I am a big fan!

Take care,
MissT

Humility

Thought for the day:
Humility—Be Humble

Being truly humble can be a tricky thing. When you are good at something it is nice to get some feedback from people—‘good job, thank you, wait-a-go’—if you want to live a really humble life you need to do what you can to avoid those acclamations and praise. To be radically humble you need to fly under the radar and do good without drawing attention to yourself. I have tried it and it does have its own rewards. I think it is definitely worth trying.

Take care,
MissT

Frost On Your Pumpkin

Is there frost on your pumpkin this morning?

The first frost of the season! Many people rush around and cover their precious potted flowers, and drape their haggard tomato plants with quilts. I have been known to do the same. But, the last few years I have had a different attitude about the first frost. That attitude is--bring it on! I have thoroughly enjoyed my flowers and tomato plants, but, if God sees fit it putting an end to them--I am not going to fight it. In fact, I may welcome the relief of having to water, pick, freeze, save, give away, etc... that comes with late season flowers and produce.

I always try to welcome the changes that come with each season. This year I am particularly blessed. We have a beautiful area on our property that we call, "the prairie (or prayerie") that has native grass and wild flowers. Two very good things happen with this land. First it bring lots of wild life into our lives and we do not have to mow or water it to help it grow. It is a young prairie so we have several years to go before it will be weed free, but I have enjoyed it so much this summer and fall. It has changed from the lush greens and bright reds, purples, and yellows that summer and wild flowers bring to wonderful rich golds, rusty reds, and oranges fall has to offer.

My suggestion to you on this bright cold day is to get a coat out of storage and go for a walk. See if you can see and appreciate a weed that is offering it's seeds up to the ground and to hungry birds preparing for winter. Or, look for a Red Tailed Hawk, I see one or two daily, preparing itself for the long winter. These are beautiful gifts of nature we can all share.

Thought for the Day:
Concentrate on what is good about life and spend no (or very little) time and energy on what is negative.

Reason

Reason

Sometimes we want to make sense of the world when there is no way to make sense of what is happening to us. Well, maybe that is what happens when you--the enlightened--or spiritual--or whatever--person is trying to make sense of things that DO NOT MAKE SENSE!

You--all my numerous (?) readers will have to pardon me. I have been listening and trying to apply self help--spiritual--Tao--books and tapes to my life. I am trying to GROW. In my advenced years, I find myself in situations that do not hold up to reason and I want to deal with them in a healthy way. Believe me when I say--51--is not too old to learn. I have learned more in the past 1 1/2 years than I have learned in many previous years.

What I have found is that in this stage of life I find myself being an empty Nester--under-employed--time on my hands--person--that is able to contemplate life--look at life--and participate in life at a different level than I ever thought possible. I am able to do or not do, be or not be, buy or not buy, take part or not take part, in a way I have never been able to before. [If you are young and do not understand--just wait.]

I, for what it is worth, am HAPPY with myself--probably for the first time in a very long time.

Believe me when I say it is worth the wait--but at the same time--don't wait--grab it--learn it--live it!!!!!

Take care,
MissT

PEACE

Prayer of St. Francis:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

I have always liked this prayer--and I love several songs that use these words. But, recently, I learned that this prayer is a universal truth. A universal truth,as I understand it, is something that no religion, Hindu, Christian, Busdist, or Jewish, any one religion can claim as their own--or that they carry out this message better than any other religion. It is true because it comes from GOD. It has always been true and it will always be true. These truths come to us--people--wrapped up in religion--or meditation--or spirituality--or whatever. But, they are true, they have always been true and they will always be true.

WOW! That may be more than you bargained for when you signed on to read this Blog. But I needed to say it and to have it read. I hope that is OK with all of (all be it few) my readers.

I have not entered a blog in 10 or 11 days. For that I want to apologize. I have been dealing with some complicated personal issues and needed the time to be contemplative and "listen more that speak" if you know what I mean. Now, I am ready to speak again. WOW! This feels so good.

Taking time to be contemplative has never been easy for me. My husband has a saying (I don't know where he got it), "It is better to be tuned in than to be broadcasting" or "You learn more when you are tuned in and not broadcasting", I am married to a very smart man.

Well, it is a gorgeous, cool, fall morning and I am still in my bed clothes at 8:55am. I had a long phone conversation in the midst of writing this so I need to finish and get ready for my day.

Thought for the day: Be a Peacemaker--be compassionate, loving, understanding--do not ask for any of those things from anyone. The only way we can be true peacemakers is in being compassionate, loving and understanding to others. But, know that all of those things will come back to you in good time if you send them out into the world with no strings attached. The hard thing is to not attach the strings.

Take care,
MissT

Fall

I saw so much red sumac today. It just makes me smile. And the bug life--what is going on with that? They are so busy--I think they sense the change in season so much more than we humans. They are busy making the most of their short lives--we could really take some notes. Be busy--get stuff done--eat--and enjoy life. That is what I see the wee creatures of our world doing. We should be so lucky to have all of that hard wired into our brains like the natural existence of a spider, bird or beetle. They are not "burdened" with the ability to think and mess everything up like we sometimes do. Yet, there is the beauty of what makes us human. We CAN make choices and be happy--sad--heartbroken--feel joy--pain--relief. So much of the natural world works on instinct and born ability--I will willingly take the hard with the easy and be human. You can not feel joy without sorrow.

That was heavy!

Take care,
MissT

A Cool Still Morning

I sat on my deck this morning with a jacket and a cup of coffee. There is a profound stillness in the air that I would like to put in my pocket and keep with me all day long. Last evening the insects were chirping their little hearts out. It was quite loud. Nature, in silence and in noise is very powerful. I want to spend a day with those sounds and try to have as few other sounds enter my ears. That would be a nice day I think. Life might get in the way of that today. I can hear cars on the road now so I will have to be content with moments of peace and just treasure them.

Take care,
MissT

I saw a beautiful thing today...

. He/she was just a few feet from the window of our classroom--yet the children were all at lunch so just the teachers got to see this magnificent creature. A large Red Tailed Hawk! He stayed for the entire length of our 20 or so minutes of lunch we take between teaching, cleaning and preparing for the afternoon class. We were so glad to have the visitor but it took a while to round up a camera to capture this wondrous bird. My cell phone would have to do. To say the least, I had a really great day at work today. Things seemed so natural and worthy of praise for both the children and for me. I got some of the biggest smiles from some of the "shy" children or the "new" children so I feel I accomplished a lot. I was working with a Sub and that does not always work well as most teachers will attest to--this was not the case at all. We worked very well together. During a break in our day we went out (the children and teachers) to enjoy the sunshine. I saw a preying manias and decided to let the creature (this time small and green) crawl on me. He/she stayed on my until I did the "Pide Piper" routine back to the classroom. I deposited the Mantas on a beautiful sunflower plant in the garden area---what a day!!!

Take Care,
MissT

Monday Morning

Good morning everyone. It is a beautiful Monday morning here in the Middle of the country. We had a picturesque weekend and this week's weather looks like there will be very little to complain about. I feel so lucky to be having weather like this so well into fall. We could easily be having extremes--90's or 40's--and yet we are getting mild high 50's at night and reasonable highs in the 70's or low 80's during the day. It really makes me want to do projects out doors and spend as little time inside as possible.

I hope everyone reading this blog will make the most of the time you spend out doors this week. Think about the beauty we all share with trees, flowers, clouds, and blue Sky. Put a smile on your face and pass the feeling along.

Have a great day.
Take care,
MissT

Sunday

Sunday is a great day. We try very hard to have Sunday Dinner with our "adult" children. One is out of state so she is not able to participate often. Our two sons that live here are regulars at our Sunday Dinners. Sometimes it is a simple meal of cheese burgers and other times it is a real homed cooked meal with all the fixings. The food matters much less than the regularity of the event and the conversation that happens while the food is being cooked, eaten and the clean-up process that takes place after the meal.

We often eat our Sunday Dinners on the deck when the weather is nice as it has been this summer. It is nice to get close to nature and just listen to the sounds of crickets, birds, and children playing while we share a meal. I like having the meal just before another work/school week begins. It makes me feel that I have "checked in" with the boys so that I know more of what is going on with their lives.

So often the conversations we have at the Sunday Dinner will surprise me. I am happily surprised when I get to hear detail about the lives of our boys that I may not have heard otherwise. I am proud to hear about the good things they are doing. I am challenged by the advice they are looking for at times. I am blessed to think about how well all of my kids are doing--the choices they are making and the good work they are doing.

Staying close to children after they "leave the nest" is not always easy. I have found that "Sunday Dinners" are a good way to do just that.

Enjoy your Sunday routine--whatever that may be.

Take care,
MissT

Creating--being creative

Creativity is life giving. It can save a person from being unhappy with their lot in life. No matter if the creative process ends with a painting, song, new recipe or an original thought. the process of being creative is something I feel all humans need--or at least want and admire.

I want and need to be creative. I like to fix my hair different ways. I like to think of a better way to organize my junk drawer, I like writing words to children's song, I like to make materials for my Montessori classroom. None of these things are my job. They are what I like to do. I also like my job. But it would be sad if I had to choose between what I need to do at the exclusion of what I want to do. I am lucky that way. I can do both. I can be good at my job and at the same time I can nourish my creative side.

I think that people that suffer from depression, dissatisfaction in job, marriage, life, etc...lack what it is I am speaking about. They lack an outlet for the creative process. They lack the courage to try new things. Or, they lack the time, resources, or self knowledge that would allow them to be creative. This is sad to me.

The human spirit is fed in many ways. We are fed spiritually, physically, intellectually, and emotionally by what we do. I feel that being creative is a great way to feed your spirit.

Go and be creative in some way today!

Have a wonderful Saturday.

Take care,
MissT

Compassion

Compassion, this word is used a lot when we talk about illness, death, mental problems, physical defects--we must have compassion for the less fortunate around us. I think that showing compassion--giving the gift of compassion--is a wonderfully life giving behavior. Both for the giver of compassion and the receiver. We all know when we want or need compassion from people--but, do we always recognize when compassion needs to be given. It may be our best friend's, mother's death--but it could also be a stranger on the street.

Holding the door for someone that is just not quite up to par may be showing them the compassion they need right at the moment the need it most. If we go about life with only our needs and wants in the for front of our minds--we will miss valuable opportunities to show compassion. Believe me--we get in an equal proportion to what we give.

Giving out compassion on a regular basis makes me a more caring and care giving person--that is a good goal. Give compassion where it is needed and you will be rewarded in very real ways.

Have a wonderful Thursday.

Take care,
MissT

Good Idea for the Classroom

This idea came to me as I was enjoying a single serving of cheese. Inspiration sometimes comes to me at strange times. I took the wax that the cheese came in (about 1/2 cubic inch worth) and started warming it with my hands (playing with it and kneading it). It occurred to me that I could make small geometric solid shapes with this wax. Now, how to make that idea work in the classroom? I am saving enough wax as I enjoy the cheese, in an air tight container. Then I will do the following to make it into an extension to the beautiful geometric solid work we have in the Montessori Sensorial area of the classroom.

• First get two, 7 day pill organizers--the formed wax fits in there nicely
• Next make small pictures of each solid shape to glue onto the outside of the pill organizer--one for each "day of the week"
• place the formed wax in the pill organizers and place on an attractive tray
• the children can look at the shapes--mash them up and try to recreate the shapes--sphere, cube, ovoid, etc...
• if the wax gets too hard just warm it slightly by placing the pill containers, with wax inside, into a folded heating pad for 30 minutes or so before class begins--or before the first child works with it--then it should stay pliable when it goes form one child's warm and busy hands to the next.

I have not actually tried this yet--it is a bit early in the school year for this type of extension--but I am anxious to give it a try--I think it will be well received by the children. The attractive blue geometric solids are a very popular work in our classroom.

Take care,

MissT

Simbiotc--correction

I want to make a correction to a previous blog. I believe it was one I did about 2 or 3 weeks ago on Symbiosis. I believe I have the wrong perspective on the word. I now feel that I have a symbiotic relationship between my mind and body--as apposed to a symbiotic relationship with food, sleep, exercise, etc... This may seem like it is too obvious to be a revelation--that is, if you knew the correct definition to the word--which I obviously did not until now (at least that is my hope and feel free to correct me on the comment option if I am still not right).

Here is what I believe. I have been through a physically challenging 6 weeks (recovering from complications after surgery). This physical challenge has manifested itself in many ways. Many of the side effects are very unpleasant. I do not want to focus my attention on them--the positive side effect has been that I have developed (or been blessed with) this new found symbiotic relationship between mind and body--or want and need--or desire and satisfaction. Any or all of the fore mentioned.

This new found ability has been very interesting for me to explore. I have tried to "stay close" to this energy or whatever it is and cultivate the ability to think and be in tune with what my mind needs and wants and have them match up with my physical needs truly are. It is a bit hard to scientifically prove, but I have anecdotal evidence that it is working. I feel very much in control of a situation (healing) that is really out of my control. It is good for me to feel some control in this situation because so much of what I am physically going through is up to my body and how it reacts to medicine, rest, nutrition, etc...

Well, that was a bit more "deep" than I intended to get today.

I hope everyone reading this is having a good Labor Day weekend. I always feel that on Labor Day weekend I should work on a project that I have been putting off. I think the "idea" of Labor Day is to "celebrate it" by taking another day to rest and recuperate from the "Labor" of your life. I do not know why I have a hard time keeping all of that straight--maybe I think that my regular work does not "qualify" as Labor.

Take care,
MissT