I’ve learned some things in this life-

Children speak the loudest truths-

whether you want to hear them or not.

Adults speak obscure truths-

more what they think you want to hear.

Life isn’t fair-

marvelous and messy, but definitely not fair.

Life isn’t always pretty-

sometimes downright ugly, but we have to keep moving.

Little things are the most important-

miniature miracles surround us – just look.

Life is short-

love hard, live joyfully, and enjoy the ride.

Friends are hard to find-

not acquaintances, but true friends.

We don’t deserve animals – especially dogs-

unconditional love with no hidden agendas.

Growing things restores our souls and brings us great joy and satisfaction.

Being content is one of the most important things- joy is fleeting.

Reading makes us see the world differently-

gives us adventure, assures us we’re not alone, and teaches us empathy.

Love unites us all-

friends, family, and foreigners. It does indeed make the world go round.

I am truly blessed.

I’m always seeking more – color, life, plants, humor, flowers, trees, beauty.

I’m always seeking more – filling my spirit to overflowing.

More kindness, love, and tenderness – all the things that

fill me up.

I guess I’ve always thought of fall and spring as opposites.

Spring brings new life and a fresh start. Fresh green leaves fed by chlorophyll, daylight, and warmth.

Spring births myriad greens, pinks, yellows, and a softly fragrant earth. Our senses are bombarded with

subtle scents and new beginnings. Unimagined beauty!

Fall comes, hours of daylight shorten, temperatures drop, and chlorophyll is no longer produced. Gradually, true colors are

unveiled. Riotous colors result in unimagined beauty once again. Sometime in late October or early November,

a storm rolls through with wind whipping and rain falling. Leaves are on the ground like a colorful blanket.

People often ask, “Were you raised in a home where your parents said I love you?”.

And, I have to say it depends on how you look at it. My mother loved me unconditionally.

She was honest with me at all times. She washed my clothes, cooked meals, and said

I love you with both. She wiped the table clean after each meal, and said I love you

with each swipe of the cloth. She kept our house clean, and she helped me become

a person who accepts everyone, and instilled in me a need to be honest with myself

and others. She shared with me her love of words and a wicked sense of humor. My father always

provided a place to live, and money for our needs. He helped me develop a love of outdoors and

gardening. He too, had a wicked sense of humor. Did my parents speak the words I love you often?

No, but they showed me in all the important ways just how much they did love me. And, that’s

more important. Love in action.

As I wander mornings of late summer

I sense change is coming

it’s in the air – a feeling, almost indescribable.

spiders have begun spinning webs

tree leaves have a subtly different hue

insects sounds have changed

and, the air has a particular feel.

the harvest season is near.

autumnal equinox is on her way

as Mother Nature once again reminds us

that she is in charge of all.

It’s said there are seasons of life.

By rights, I should be in the autumn of mine,

But, I’m forever ensnared by the magic of spring.

Spring has magical color, scents, and sights.

Magic that will forever hold me tight.

If I must be ensnared by anything – I’ll always choose spring.

How many students have I had in class tell me they “don’t read”?

Since I find this unacceptable, I figured I had to do something about it! I realized that the only way to get

kids to read who say they don’t is to be able to match them with a book they will enjoy! You have to start

somewhere. In order to make this happen I had to know the books available to them. So, I began my mission

of knowing YA literature. I read YA all the time, went to conferences about YA, and bought as many books as

my budget would allow! My goal was to have something for everyone, to meet students where they were, and

to have books immediately available. And, what do you know- it worked.

My books and I got so many kids reading, and I ended up with over 2,000 books in my classroom library.

My principal said I had pixie dust, and that I could get a stump to read! But, really it was just reading YA,

being aware of what books were out there, getting to know kids, and then matching them with a book

that they would enjoy. Work and investment for what I know is so important.

You can’t pull me apart and choose the parts of me that you want.

I’m a package deal. All or nothing. You can get mad at me, but you can’t just choose parts.

You take my crazy, my serious, my love, my despair, my shenanigans, my passions, and all the rest.

Sometimes I’m a hot mess, sometimes I’m a writer, sometimes I’m a gardener, but, I’m always a teacher, mom, wife, grandma, and a lover of nature.

People should be treated fairly and equitably. Everyone deserves health care. The 1% needs to pay their share. Police must not hurt people. These are some of the things that people won’t accept about me. But, there you are: I’m not a lending library- you can’t just check out the parts you want.

Feeling true to me on March 19, 2021

Spring enters my body and soul- gently at first

Then roars through my veins into every cell of my body.

Scents rise from the earth- woodsy and fresh as she awakens from slumber.

Frogs begin their inevitable chorus- each knowing its song.

Flowers bound from the soil ready for the celebration to come.

A subtle yet fierce force feels its way to the forefront as

the earth vibrates with joy!