Sunday, November 25, 2018

Never Alone


I believe encouragement to explore
stories leads to a lifetime
 of wonder & learning. 




Saturday, October 20, 2018

Monday, August 6, 2018

#MondayMotivation


"Let each man hear his own music and
live by it.  The drums roll one way for
one man, and another way for
another.  
You have to listen
for your own."
                                                              ~Audie Murphy 

Listen to learn, understand, and honor efforts.  With learners this is especially important, no matter if what occurs in their conversations or writing is
 what you expect to see in order to
 giv
e a "stamp of approval."


Do people still give "stamps of approval?" 

Any effort by youngsters
is just
 a "starting point."  The

clues, ideas or impressions they share
are your opportunity to build upon
their skill set and instill confidence.


Teaching is a public service and
children deserve nurturing that
upholds them and sustains
their potential.

My new school year is beginning, hooray!   
#39CarryOn





Monday, July 23, 2018

#MondayMotivation

Photograph compliments of Erika Reidy
"Never ever underestimate
 the importance of having fun."
                                          ~Randy Pausch

This month I was a volunteer for Lawrence
County's annual Kids Theater Week; lucky me!
Who's my example of how to have fun, learn new things,
and wonder after five busy days of being with the youngsters-
"Hey.....where did the time go?"

That's the beauty of learning that
the selfless contributions to the lives of
others is the deepest joy we'll ever know.
Thank you Mr. Watson!



Saturday, July 21, 2018

Contributing

Going to focus on "Contributing"
with my customers, this school year.


Friday, July 20, 2018

#FollowFriday


Examples are all around.
"Borrowing" ideas that capture
that aha moment and give you a  
reason to create more suitable solutions?
Go ahead; action upon your impulse,
before that inspiration dims and slips away.



Wednesday, June 20, 2018

Wednesday Wisdom


Summer's nearly here, that gift for all.

Would it be a dip in the pool, ice cream,
or outings at the park, it's all good.

Some new opportunities lie ahead
during summer.  Be grateful,
be kind, be introspective.
Be a part of love and learning all summer!  



Tuesday, June 5, 2018

This is Your Chance!

Staff from The University of Illinois
Cooperative Extension are offering 
cooking lessons this summer in July,
at Lawrenceville High School.
These free classes are for Parkside youth
who'll 
be 2nd or 3rd graders, in August 2018.
Why not join the fun?
Sign youth up by Tuesday June 12th.
Complete details & registration:
https://web.extension.illinois.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=18661

#HopeToSeeYouThere



Monday, June 4, 2018

He Warned Me


A shout-out" to my colleague
Mr. Griffin Groves for
introducing this title to me.  

#BookTalkAtParkside
He warned me that I would cry; I did.
Barbara Park gave us all a treasure with
this story.  You owe it to yourself and to your
customers to read it and talk about it in class.
#SummerReading


Saturday, May 12, 2018

Thank You

"Shout-Out!"


I feel blessed to be among staff members
and friends who value one another
 while serving the needs of our kids.  

#TeacherLife
They are heroes in every way!


Wednesday, May 9, 2018

#WednesdayWisdom

"Choose actions and deeds
that inspire others rather than 
 spending your energy on impressing 
the people around you.  Barbara is correct!"
  #QuietButEffective


Sunday, May 6, 2018

They Matter...."Quietly"

We all know a child who's quiet. 

They're undoubtedly listening &
 focusing upon the conversation or people around them.  

Ask a question and most likely, their hand is not "waving wildly" in the air to prove 
that they have the answer.  

That's alright by me.




Saturday, January 13, 2018

Dear Mary K.


Mother emphasized the importance of writing thank you
notes to everyone who offered help, advice, or
just listened.  In the spirit of her gentle reminder
it's your turn to hear some words of gratitude.  


Thank you for loving your family. 
That simple example matters today, tomorrow,
 and certainly is at the forefront of good fortune.  You know
 that nurturing the  human spirit is a "must," it's essential.
  I'm sure that folks sharing your life and witnessing
 it unfold do recount moments of wonder, spunky
adventure, displays of courage, and many joys.  

What about your kitchen duty and breaking bread?
During daily meals or special gatherings
imagine  an appreciation of food shared with
 others wove 
its way  into your menus prepared
for The Judge, 
children, grandkids, and friends. 


"Thankful 
for nourishment before us,
  family beside us, 
and love between us."


 Truly, times like this make for the finest dining!


Thank you for caring about the community and those 
who crossed your path.  The people who live in our
midst often reward us with their time,
their encouragement, or special gifts.  In doing
 so they impart an important message:
"you matter."  Affirmation like that is
empowering and necessary.  


I know both logic and passion lead us to
 folks who desire to understand and 
address
solutions for critical issues.  We can learn 
alongside
one another and in turn, r
ecognize needs that
deserve attention.   A single person 
benefiting
from 
such a rendezvous can make a difference.
You know that so well; you set the example. 


 In the spirit of recognizing others who
live life with purpose, joy, and a willingness to learn,
I'm going to share some stories.  I call them "love letters."
Why not?  Perhaps shedding a light upon the best efforts
 of those in our midst will elicit some thankfulness.
After all we all "climb steep mountains," and
those that do it with a smile set grand examples.

Here's to some shout-outs for 2018!

I'm so grateful.