Kindness

Kindness is a word that is easily understood. We can easily recognize the kind acts of people we encounter. We know when we, ourselves have shown kindness towards someone.

As simple and understandable as kindness is--it is often not practised by people. How often have you been at a traffic light and cars continue to go through after your light turns green.

How often do you hear children saying unkind words to each other--at school--at home--in a store--etc...

We each have the power to make a change for the better. We can CHOOSE kindness. That may seem simple, but to consciously choose to be kind in all situations is quite a challenge.

That means that we have to NOT go through the yellow light--rather, travel at a speed that will allow yourself to stop when the light turns yellow.

That means us kind words all day long--even to your spouse, co-workers, boss, (or when you are talking about those people to a trusted friend).

Kindness is a choice. People do not "make" us mad. They do not "make" us loose control. Those actions are within our power to control. We just need to flex the muscle we are not so used to using. Practice saying kind things and it will get to be a natural way of speaking.

Take care,
MissT

Sunday

Sunday. The day of rest. The day to get ready for the next work week. This could come in the form of laundry, grocery shopping, cooking some meals ahead. You may need to cleaning up the kitchen after a weekend of letting things slide a bit. It could mean to simply, take a nap at 2pm. In my case it is all, or most of the above mentioned. I like Sundays a lot. The expectations are different on Sunday. On Saturday we have 2 whole days to get the weekend chores done. By Sunday afternoon you are looking at the list and deciding what to push to the next weekend. It seems that everything does not really need to get done "this weekend" after all. We prioritize, we categorize, we make choices about what is important. On Friday night everything seems possible--on Sunday afternoon everything does not seem so urgent.

Enjoy your Sunday. Get a couple of chores done (the really important ones) then take a nap--that is what I am going to do. There is no better way to prepare for a good work week than to have a well rested worker show up to work ready to do a great job.

Be Good, Be very Good

"Be Good".

This is a common phrase spoken by parents as they leave for an evening out and a babysitter is in charge.

It is part of the phrase my husband and I often say to our own adult children as they leave for a trip, adventure, or evening out with friends--"Have fun, but be good" is what we say.

I have been thinking about what that simple Phrase means. In a way, it is a very "loaded" statement. It puts pressure (all be it reasonable) on the child and babysitter. It, hopefully, causes the adult 'child' to think about his/her behavior and be more responsible. These are all good things--but I think the phrase is over used and has lost some of it's impact because of the frequent use.


What else could we say to the child being left with a sitter or the 20-something going out for the evening or a weekend trip with friends. What could we say that has more impact and maybe would accomplish what we seek. That is, a well behaved child that does not disrespect the sitter therefore the sitter will be more willing to return for another evening our (good sitters are very valuable to a family). What is it that would keep the young people safe on the roads at night or in a strange city. Words matter--I believe words make a great deal of difference in my life and in the lives of those I speak to, so I want to choose my words carefully. That is especially true in the fore mentioned situations.

Why not be more specific and raise the bar of expectation with our children. Maybe something like this: "I know what a charming and fun child you are, we are very lucking to have this intelligent and caring sitter here tonight. Please show her the respect you show your teachers at school or the minister at church (whatever fits for you situation) and have a wonderful evening together. Your parents want to go out and enjoy our time together; we can not do that if we are worried about what is happening with you. We love you and want you to enjoy yourself and we want this sitter to want to come back another time."

For the 20 something person: "Honey, we trust you or we would not be OK with the plans you have made (for the evening or weekend). This does not mean that we do not worry about things that can happen to young people. It is easy to get 'caught-up' in the moment and forget to use good judgement. Please think before you act tonight (this weekend) and always us the good judgement that has made us so proud of you in the past (through in a concrete example).

I know this takes a little planning--they will not be willing to stand and listen to a long winded goodbye like this at the last minute. In fact it would have a lot more impact--I think--if this is delivered during the day or even, (for older 'children') the day before said trip or outing.

Wow! That was very preachy!

Take care,
MissT

thought

Thought for today #11:
Slow down and enjoy what you are doing. We (me included) often miss enjoyable details of our own lives. Take the time to notice the small things that make our world so incredible.

Rain

"Rain drops are falling on my head...." There is a beautiful summer rain falling outside my door this morning. I am so grateful for the rain. It means that I do not have to water the numerous pots of flowers that are flourishing this year. It means that my lawn will not have brown spots where the sprinklers miss. It means that those new bushes we put in a few weeks ago will do well without any work on my part. I have a lot to be thankful for today.

I also have a nice house with big windows to frame this rain like a post card just for me. The sounds and smells of a summer rain are really something to behold. I am going to get off the computer and go enjoy the rain. I hope you are enjoying your day too. Be it rain, sun, cloudy, stormy, weather--they all have their own place in our world so try hard to enjoy the weather today--whatever that weather is.

MissT

Chic

I am feeling quite "chic" today. I love it when something negative happens and it turns into a positive. My internet is not working at my house so I went to a local coffee shop to use their "Y_Fi"-- I don't think I even spelled that right--but it sounds good to me.

I did something fun today. I had to take a few days off work so I am trying to make the most of my time off by doing things I would normally not be able [time restraints] to do. I had lunch at a sandwich shop I like [by myself]. I engaged strangers in conversation and showed them some of the pictures I have been taking on my didgital camera. By the way--our picture phones and digital cameras are the hi-tech version of wallet photos--only better. I showed two small preschool girls [and their mother] pictures of a mother robin feeding her babies, grasshoppers, and spiders--I bit they will have interesting dinnertime conversation tonight.

I also got my nails done at a place I have been frequenting of late. The gal that did my nails asked me if I had a "green thumb". I admitted that I had learned a lot about plants and gardening from my childhood on a farm and a friend that ran a garden shop for years. We [the nail gal] and I made plans to "swap" services in May. I will plant a couple of large pots of flowers that are easy to grow--give her care instructions--she will do my nails---GREAT!

Life is more fun when you are open to new and out of the ordinary experiences--GO ENJOY LIFE TODAY!

Another thought for today:
Save your best smile for your loved ones today. Too often we "give away" our best smiles, behavior, pleasantries, etc... to strangers we see in the store or at the gas station. Go ahead and be nice to them, but save your best smile for your husband, wife, kids, etc...

Take care,
MissT

Mud between your toes

Thought for today #10:
Feel mud (or sand) between your toes today—I guarantee you will feel younger! [Then go wash your feet.]

Skirt

Thought for today #9:
Wear a skirt (if you usually don’t) on a Tuesday for the heck of it—you may walk with a different gait that day.

That is all I have for today--talk to you tomorrow!

Take care,
MissT

Saturday!!!!

A Bug---small in a big world---big in a small world?

[Notice the shadow--did you ever consider that even a bug casts a shadow?]

Don't you just love Saturdays? I am still amazed [even at my age] how fun it is to wake up and remember that it is Saturday. Not a school day--not a "church" day [although I often go to church on Sat--it seems more like a choice when I go on Sat]--not a work day--but, SATURDAY!

Even if I have a lot to get done, it seems more "doable" on a Saturday. Most businesses are open--lots of other people are working (not me) and I can go out into the world and tackle problems a little easier on a Saturday. It is still a 24 hour period of time--I seem to get more done.

Enjoy your Saturday and be happy to get things done, do nothing, be busy, be lazy, whatever!

Take care,
Miss T

Thought for today #8:
Put make-up on (or shave—whatever you do to get ready to go out) and stay home.

October in August

A Summer Tree

I look at the calendar and it says August 21st. I know this to be true. I have more tomatoes in my garden than my family can eat and it is hard to find homes for them because most everyone else with one or more plants has more tomatoes than they can eat as well. This is a true sign that it is August. I see the large yellow school buses driving down the road and know I need to plan a couple of extra minutes to get where I am going because the bus will be stopping to pick up anxious young people headed for bright sunny classrooms with new bulletin board ready to make a good first impression. I know it is August because the plans I have been making all summer are finally coming true in my own classroom. Lessons are being planned, open house events are being held and attended; yes, it is definitely August!

Then why did I need a jacket when I went to sit on my back deck last night? That usually happens in October. Why did I see a fully mature pumpkin in the garden at my school? Why does the old cottonwood tree near my house have brown leaves? All these are signs of late September or October. This may be confusing--but I feel that it is not my place to wonder why--rather it is my place to sit back and enjoy.

I felt the cool breeze on my legs as I sat on my deck last night with a sundress and a coat. I took pictures of the cottonwood tree. I smiled when I saw the pumpkin and thought about how much the children will enjoy thinking about what kind of jack-o-lantern face they would draw on the long and skinny gourd. I don't mind taking the extra minutes to get to work or do an errand because it helps me remember the excited feelings I had as a child, standing at the end of my driveway waiting for "Bob", my bus driver to pick me up, take me into town, and start another exciting day of learning, talking with friends, playing sports, and learn to be an independent thinker.

Those days---my own exciting school days---those are the moments that I like to draw upon now that I am a teacher. I want my student to have those excited feelings about the world, their friends, and most of all about the classroom. I want them to love life and love learning. If I am a small part of that----WOW! That makes me feel GREAT!

Enjoy the weather where ever you are--rain, shine, cool, hot, cloudy, sunny, there is good to be found in all of these gifts of nature. Just appreciate what you have and have a wonderful day.

Take Care,

MissT

learn from the old and the young

First Day of A New School Year---POTENTIAL!!!!

We start out and slowly come to the end of our life with limitations. We have a lot of needs that cannot be met by ourselves. Babies have many needs--to be fed, changed, loved, and played with. A baby will not grow and thrive if all of these needs are not met. The same goes for the precious elderly members of our family, neighborhood, community. If you do not contribute to the care of one or more of these members, who will. Think about that. It is rare to see a family with more than 3 or 4 children.
I came form a time when 7, 8 or even 12 children in a family was considered normal. The care of the elderly (as well as the infants) in those families was spread out among the 9, 10 or even 14 members of the immediate family. How do we fill the gap left when children live in 2 or 3 different states and mom and dad live in a 4th. I suggest that we celebrate each generation and what that particular generation has to contribute right now, at this time. In doing that--getting members from all 3 (or 4 if you are lucky enough to have 'great-grandma' around) generations. Share a simple meal, but more importantly, share your stories. Both old and new stories have a great potential to raise the spirits of all those diverse attendees.
Earlier this summer, I had an inner-generational Brunch. We eat sweet breads made from old family recipes, I served a rich egg, cheese, and hash brown casserole, we partook in wonderful summer fruits. But the food, decorations, candles, and all those thing one does to make an event special were overshadowed (in a big way) by the conversations that took place.
The spontaneous conversations that accrued were wonderful in nature but I also invited each attendee to finish the following statement: "Because I am in my --20s-40s--or 50s to 60s--70s to 80s or over 80--I know this to be true:
Well, the responses were gathered up anonymously and then passed out again--the idea is that you do not read you own response and you do not know who wrote the statement.
I was so happy with the results of my little experiment. I intend on doing this event many time in the future--sometimes with the same collection of wonderful women that attended my first "inner-generational brunch" and some with different people from my life. The experience was far more inspirational and uplifting than I could have imagined.
I encourage anyone that reads this and thinks it sound like fun to not 'put it off'. Live is short and each thing that we 'put off', is one less experience we will get to have in this wonderful, high potential, world we live in.

Back to school

A spider spins her web over and over again. She does not ask, "Why should I have to do that again, I did it yesterday?" She sets to the task and works until it is just right and sits back to "reap" the rewards of her labor. We should all take a lesson from this woolly little creature that works so tirelessly.

The summer is passing by as quickly as sand through an hour glass it seems. The days are getting shorter by a few minutes each day. This has to mean that school will be starting and many of us will be back to a "regular" schedule. I am going to welcome that more this year than most. I actually look forward to making my lunch and putting it in a brown paper bag. There really is something reassuring about needing to be somewhere each morning and knowing you are contributing, even in a small way, to the world.

Teaching children has both long term effects and immediate rewards. I get to see that sparkle in the eye of the child that learns for the first time that yellow and yogurt start with the same sound. I also get to think about the fact that the child making a creative design with blocks or puzzle pieces may be an architect one day. And, they actually pay me to do this work. I truly hope that the people reading this blog enjoy your job as much as I do.

Good-night--try to appreciate the small and big things you do for the world everyday.

Take care,
MissT

Pancakes for Dinner

Today is a new day. I hope to get back to a regular schedule of posting new blogs each day. The past few days I feel I have not put much effort into these messages. Oh well, life is like that sometimes. I will post again later today.
Have a wonderful morning,


Thought for today #7:
Have pancakes for dinner—why not!

Take care,

MissT

Not much time...

This is all I have time for today--I am sure you have all had days like this!

Thought for today #6:
Life is too short to waste time being angry and upset—resolve conflict in the most efficient way possible—then get on with living!

My son's birthday

It is almost noon on a Sunday. I love Sunday; the world seems to move a bit slower. This is especially true if you are an early like me riser and get outside. We have unseasonably cool weather today—what a wonderful gift—August us usually so hot and humid this feels more like Colorado weather than the usual Nebraska fare.

Twenty-five years ago I was becoming a mother for the first time. My son is on his own (for the most part) and it seems so strange to have a 25 year old as a son. For some reason 25 years old sounds a lot older than 24 years old—it is probably just me. He is coming over and we are going to enjoy a good steak and a little red wine.

Thought for today #5:
Wearing a long flowing skirt makes me feel thin and elegant, no matter what my mirror says.

Take care,

MissT

Mid-August-Summer is Ending

August is half over. School children are buying paper, pencils and backpacks. Some students have already begun the new school year. My first official day back is this coming Thursday. I will be going in Monday and Tuesday to get a few things done. I like to do that, I feel less rushed to get the 'first of the year' chores done.

I look forward to another year in my classroom. We will have only 4 or 5 new three year old children this year. Most of our children from last year will be returning--a bit older--and a bit more capable of learning new material. This is an exciting time of the school year. A fresh start to set the pace for the whole year.

Although it is sad to see the summer with my own children end; they will be going back to college--I do not see them as often during the school year--it is also a happy time. I am proud that they are continuing with their education and just that much closer to completing another phase of their lives.

Thought for today #4:
Put on that necklace you save for special occasions, and go water your flowers—they deserve it!

Find beauty where you are. You may find it in the interesting pattern some stones make on or near the road when you take a walk, or in a flower, bug, or bird--just open your eyes a little wider today and expect to see something beautiful and extraordinary--you most likely will.

Have a GREAT day,

Take Care,

MissT

Thought for today #3:
Dead head your petunias with your thumb nail—I know they are sticky and smell a little funny—but I call it garden therapy—they will reward you with more blooms than you can shake a stick at in just a few days. And, you will literally have a GREEN thumb!

The air is cool right now so I better water the flowers before the heat of the day is with us. Flowers need things, just like children, pets, and spouses. When you see to their needs they grow and flourish; when storms come you may need to pick up the pieces and do a little clean up. But is is so very worth your efforts--really, I think this to be true of all living things. We as human beings need to nourish, care and cultivate each other so that we can all become the beautiful creation we are meant to be.

Take care of someone today--or, take care of yourself,

MissT

So Sorry

I just realized that I missed a day. I am so sorry--I guess life just got in the way. I intend to have a particularly good day today, to make up for the slight error. Here are some pictures that my make you smile.

Early riser,

Yes, I am one of THOSE people. I actually like getting up early. I know, I am a bit strange in that way. I have not used an alarm clock in years. In college I would be up until 3am (don't tell my children) and up at 8am. I could always get the best washers and dryers at that time; I had my laundry done and folded before the others woke up. Now I like to do this (my blog) and teacher type projects. This morning I have a project "in the bag" or whatever you say for the fact that it is complete. It feels GREAT!

Thought for today #2:
When your husband (spouse, partner) is out of town, make the most of it, pretend you are dating again. Send flowers, letters, cards and talk on the phone (about other things than the bills). When he (she) gets home have a mint on the pillows and a chilled beverage waiting.

Good, Good, morning,

I am up early and I got the chance to go outside and hear the wonderful sounds of nature before the sun rise. I wonder why they are so different from the sounds when I go to bed? The air is cool this morning--I am lucky to be alive and healthy. I hope everyone feels like this this aw inspiring morning.

Thought for today #1:
The next time you pull weeds in your flower bed think of it this way, hey, I am glad I got the chance to bend down and get close to these lovely flowers—thank you weed!

Have a good one,
MissT

bird baths on the cheap

Hello fellow 'bloggers',
Thank you so much to all of you out there that have made comments. Anytime I think about not posting for a day or so, I just read my comments and I am ready to get busy.

I have a thought, I want to share something I did in my own garden. I made bird baths out of things I found in my garage. I put an old empty flower pot upside down and placed a water catch tray on top. It holds enough water to provide clean and safe water for my many feathered friends. I have robins and barn swallows that were nice enough to build their nests in my front yard to provide me with nearly endless hours of entertainment and excellent fodder for a teacher's lesson plans in science. Both of which I have done! Yeah!!

I have a regular 'Jurassic Park' of Bugs, Birds, and Spiders in my own little corner of the world. Everyone out there should take a walk and look at the ground; you may be surprised what you see.

HAVE A NATURE FILLED DAY!

Take care,
MissT

A Walk on the Wild Side

Nature Walk

I just went on a wonderful walk with my camera. I had it turned on so that I could be ready to take pictures of flowers and insects. I got some amazing shots. The spider I photographed is twice the size of the one (same species) that is right outside my front door. He (or she) was a lot more skittish and active—maybe because he set up shop next to a road instead of having a nice protected area in a flower bed.

I hope you enjoy these pictures. I plan on creating some matching cards for my classroom. My thought is that I could have a close-up view of a plant or insect then have a shot of the entire plant or insect. The children could match the close up with the regular view. I know that this is not a new idea; I think it will be better since I actually took the pictures and I can tell the children that they came from my neighborhood. This could add interest for the older children that do not really like matching cards.

GO FOR A WALK IN THE COOL MORNING AIR!

Take care,
MissT

Beauty and a "Beast"

Wow August is flying by. Only twelve days of summer vacation left. I am feeling more and more ready for the school year to begin. I have a few projects to finish up (both work related and home related), then I will feel like I have accomplished something during the break.
I went to the movie Julie & Julia with a friend yesterday. We both enjoyed the movie. I would recommend it for the near fifty and up—take you mother if you get a chance. It would be a good mother daughter film. I remember watching the Julia Child cooking show with my mom back in the 60’s or 70’s. Merrill Streep nailed it! The young Julie and her husband were a cute couple, so I told my 20 something daughter to see the movie too.
On another level I enjoyed the movie because the character, Julie, was keeping a BLOG. This made me think of my efforts as a bit more “hip and with it” than I had before. I enjoy doing this so much (like the character in the movie) I sometimes don’t think about the people reading this blog.
I invite you to join as followers—so far there are 2—one is my daughter—I know more people are reading this, but they are not showing up for me to see.
After my work starts, August 20th, I may not be posting every day. I want to set up a 3 or 4 times a week schedule and see how that goes. I really want to make a commitment to do this (like Julie in the movie). I want to make a commitment to myself primarily and to you, as readers, as well. I truly hope you are enjoying this blog, I hope you can learn some things you did not already know. I hope you will comment so I can learn from you. Have a wonderful Saturday. Think outside the box today. Do something that makes you feel just a bit nervous—it can be fun!!
Take care,
Miss T

Hi there,
It is Friday; the last day of the work week, one day closer to the time teachers will be back in the classrooms and one day closer to when parents see their children off for the start of another school year. New pencils and back packs are being purchased. Children are trying on jeans and sneakers that they have not been wearing as of late. These mundane tasks have a purpose. They help the child and parent feel in control and ready for what will be happening in a few short weeks (or a few days in some cases). As a child I remember the anticipation and wonder I felt in the few weeks before an new school year began. I was anxious about my ability to do well, I worried that the teacher and other students would label me “slow”. I worried that the work I was given to do would be beyond my ability to learn. That never happened. But the fears never stopped either. I guess the fear kept me on my toes as a student. I worked hard and did very well in all levels of school. I think my fears served a purpose; they made me work hard and go after what I wanted even though it was not always easy.
I am looking forward to the start of school this year. I have a lot of Ideas that I want to put to the test. I look forward to seeing all the familiar faces back again and mostly I am excited to get to know the new student who will be starting school for the first time. Those fresh faces make my job so much fun to do and do well.

Have a great Friday,
MissT

New "Old" Book Store and more

Good Morning,

This is another beautiful morning. I took my trash out and it is actually cool. We have been very lucky with nice weather this summer. My vegetables and flowers love this weather.

I found a great store yesterday. My sister had some books she wanted to sell back to this second hand book store. It is near 123rd and Center Street. This is a great place to buy discounted books of course, but also, they have a nice selection of upscale cards, thank you notes, etc…I got some nice gift items as well as some blank notes I will be able to use. As a teacher I am always in need of stationary like this.

I have some projects to work on today so I plan on posting this message now and do another one this evening. Have a wonderful day!!!

Take care,
MissT

My Summer in Photos

I would like to share with all of you some of what I have been doing this summer. As a teacher that does not work during the summer months I try to take advantage of my "down time" to get things done that would be difficult to do during the school year.

One of my projects this summer was to record my second CD of children's song to be used in the classroom. My first CD, Songs about Famous Artists has been out for about 3 years and I thought it was time to try my hand at another one. This time I did not limit the subject matter to one area. This CD, which will be ready in late October or early November, has songs about Math, Science, and Artists. I am thinking about calling it, Arts and Smarts with MissT.

Photography has been another project that I have spent time with this summer. Digital photography makes us look much more talented than we really are. I have been taking pictures of the "wildlife" in my yard. I have birds, butterflies, grasshoppers, flies, etc... in my yard and on my deck. Who know they could be such good subjects for pictures. I will post some of my photos so you can see what I have been up to.

Have a great day and try to learn something new!
Take care,
MissT

Photography

Greetings,

I have been experimenting with the camera my husband gave me about a year ago. I think digital photography makes us look like better photographers than we really are. I have been taking pictures of insects, flowers and birds. I think I will be able to use these pictures for science lessons. Try it out--it is great fun!

Take care,
MissT

New Song-Robber Fly

Hello everyone,

I wrote a song this morning. It is called, "Robber Fly" I used the tune, "Pussy Cat, Pussy Cat". I got a lot of good info about the Robber Fly from an article I found on line from the Wisconsin Master Gardener website, posted 20 Feb 2009.

I took some of the facts and set the words to the music. It took me about one hour after I got all the information. The reason I picked the Robber Fly is that over the week end a large yellow and brown fly landed on my deck. I took pictures of it and started the process of identifying it, learning about it and eventually setting the facts to music. I look forward to creating a science lesson around this creature.

Have a great day,
MissT

MissT

Good Morning

I like to get up early and get a few thing done before most people are up and around. This morning I am working on a couple of my songs and I plan on doing some sewing later. I am making new aprons for the classroom. It is great to get some of the thing done in the summer (when I am not working in the classroom) so that the school year goes more smoothly.

I plan on using my e-mail list to get some "blog" watchers. I have several "teacher" friends that will gladly look at this blog and pass it on to people they know. I figure I will start small and see where this goes.

I want to post a thought for the day:
Remember--you only control your thoughts and the thoughts of others really is none of your business.

MissT

This is my first ever posting on this (or any) blog. I am doing this to help myself and others in a couple of different ways. I have been writing and recording songs to use in my own classroom for about 3 years. I want a way to reach more people with my ideas and songs. My very "cool" niece advised me to start a blog. So here I am. My hope is that this will be an avenue for sharing, learning, and developing my skills and those of whomever reads this blog.

I want to share what I have been doing this summer. While off for the summer I have been making materials, creating new songs, and journal about ideas for the upcoming school year.

Two songs I have written this summer are:
Butterflies are Pretty (life cycle of a butterfly) The tune is "Puff the Magic Dragon"
and
Red Breast Robin (life cycle of a robin--egg to bird) Tune: "Itsy Bittsy Spider"

I figure out what words fit my theme and set them to the tune. It is fun and not really very hard once you get started.

I would love to hear comments on what I am doing.

Take care,
MissT