Inspired by Indiana's Riley

The "Little Free Library" in my

neighborhood had this book inside!

I'm not sure if my students have
visited a Little Free Library yet or not,
 but hopefully we can get one started in the community of Lawrenceville!
https://littlefreelibrary.org/

The copyright of this book is 1937, having been originally published in 1883. 
In the Preface, Donald Peattie describes Riley 
as a "nature poet," who he saw as unequalled in
his era for creating descriptions of wildlife.
He also lauded Riley's use of dialect, to keep the
essense of his verse alive and meaningful.
One of my favorites in it, I read just today:

A Dream of Autumn
Mellow hazes, lowly  trailing
Over wood and meadow, veiling
Somber skies, with wild fowl sailing
And the north wind overleaping
Summer's brink, and flood-like sweeping
Wrecks of roses where the weeping-
Willows wring their helpless hands.

Children need to have beautiful
poetry read to them, many times over.
Determined to write more
and hone my craft, when reading 
beautiful, thought provoking prose
 from this Indiana author.

Stories to Tell

Gray, voluminous clouds

 spiral and whirl above us

upon this December day. 

Yet these pearls of heaven

are beautifully cut by the

coffee-black branches 

of an aged Indiana Red Oak.
Oh mighty timber we'd revel 
in a glimpse of the humanity
you've sheltered, stories to tell.

                                           ~Rose West

Am I Helping or Hindering Students?

                 We read to understand the world.
                     Global Read Aloud @ Parkside!
                                             #GRA19

                     I've decided to keep track of my 
       reading habits, on behalf of my students. 
  
I ask kids to read books & explore.            Books readily available?
Is there"reading time?"
Promoting only my kind of literature?
Do pupils make personal choices?                  
Am I a "book snob?"
Am I reading various genres?
Is my instruction engaging & fun?
Is "reading" seen as valuable?

                            This book helped me modify,
                    change, and improve my eating habits.

                      This book helped me gather ideas to
               improve my interaction with student readers.
Thank you Donalyn Miller and Coby Sharp for the kickstart! 

              This book helped "feed" my curiosity about
                            Queen Elizabeth the Second.

Sharing short stories from this book with my students has been

great.  I bought it this fall @ the gift shop located in our
  George Rogers Clark Memorial National Park in Vincennes, Indiana where I live.

                      Christmas gift from "The husband,"
                 who realizes I like....no, I love biographies.

                            When biographies and history
                    are intertwined, I'm beyond excited!
                   "The husband" chooses excellent books for gifts.

Excellent stories included here that I can share with my students, or anyone.  I'm fascinated with Abraham Lincoln.

An interesting and provocative look at Mr. Donald

Trump, prior to his election as the 45th president

of The United States of America.

Just finished Cornelius Minor's book, after purchasing it

@ the 2019 IRC Fall Conference.  Met him and his infectious

personality and message was delightful.  #MakesMeThink

His contribution to my learning will make me a better human.

Going to develop my skill in communicating with ASL
 and teach basic skills to students.  My beloved

husband Jerry is going deaf, so we're both learning 

American Sign Language.  #OngoingReadingAndStudy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owXsDIKq4lk

During the winter break I've been reading the

poetry of Indiana native James Whitcomb Riley.

It was in the "Little Free Library" a block from our home.

I am memorized by the beauty of his works.

Let Love Stay

When dressed in your finest 
they say it's quite true
whether choosing denim or fur

in olive green, gold or blue....

you feel "alive."

Many homes at years end are similar, with welcoming lights

or vibrant hues that frame
and safeguard the young. 

So when your finery 

comes off, to be put away
along with the baubles 

that go back in their boxes....

let love "stay."

                                           ~Rose West

Special Days

Red is the perfect

punctuation that "invites"

us to special days.

                                          ~Rose West

俳句

Haiku is a very short form of Japanese poetry in three sentences

 going in the order 5 syllables, 7 syllables, and then 5 again. 

Running Wild

"Essential" magic for  

children I know,

is witnessing beauty each day.

As December ebbs past us, 

may

we rely on memories?

A ruby poinsettia for mother

and baking fruitcakes with dad,

unboxing tissue wrapped 

ornaments

oh, sweet times to be had.

Classes at school were over, 

till January winds did blow

but our old toboggan stood 

ready

to tackle the ice and snow.

Honor an essence of goodness

to benefit every child

by sharing pathways to joy,

moments

of sweet love running wild. 

                                                         ~Rose West

                                                                    

Together

On such a balmy sunny day,

dogs raced across the field and back

excited leaps, come what may

the afternoon of Christmas.

Leashes unlatched, they were free

barking and racing while 

the humans like me

marveled at their loveliness.

True beauty lies around us

not in holiday madness

or making a harried fuss,

lest we miss our time with loved ones.

                                                                                                ~Rose West