Sam as Mona Lisa

We took time to just walk around today on our way back to Lakeside.  {I realize I am very poor at just showing up and being present in these types of situations.  I'm thinking, "Hurry, hurry, hurry!"  Does this awareness at least count as mindfulness???}  Thinking I NEED to do this more, even if it's just to capture moments like this:

Plein Air Painting

I'm recovering from an amazing weekend!  I got to spend time by the lake with my dad and brother.
And I got to spend a couple days painting by the lake.

I'm proud of myself for the courage it took to put myself and art out there!

Here's a glimpse into my weekend:

I hope your weekend had glimpses of beauty, too!

Seeing Children

This week I witnessed my son's interaction with another adult, and I was profoundly reminded of the importance of seeing children.  Really seeing them.  Not looking over and around them in the business of life or school or whatever.

Here at Lakeside, Sam goes to God Squad every single time it happens.  {God Squad is a bit like Vacation Bible School, and it meets for kid's church and then Tuesday - Thursday each week.}  There are little lessons and fantastic music by the guy who has been leading this thing for 18 years, Chip Richter.  {God Squad holds a special place in my heart, because the first summer I worked at Lakeside, one of my jobs was helping with God Squad.  I think Chip's son was Sam's age that summer, and he is all grown up now!}

Anyway, everyday there is a little craft at the end, and a couple days ago they made buttons to wear on their shirts.  Sam designed his, but I did most of the drawing.  He was proud of how his looked.  He went looking for Chip to show him the badge.

And here is the moment:  Chip looks at Sam, calls him by name, and tells him how cool his button looks.  It was just a moment, and Chip could have been doing a bazillion other things, but he acknowledged Sam and his work.

Hours later Sam says:  My button is cool, and Chip thinks so, too.

Chip does concerts for kids and families all over.  He performs at libraries, schools, churches, etc.  Check him out HERE.

How often I want my work to be acknowledged by somebody else.  Or I need to be really seen and acknowledged or called by name.  Kids need that, too.

Sam's whole day was changed because of a moment an adult gave him.  This was not lost on me!  I want that to be one of my highest goals this upcoming school year--I want to acknowledge children every single day.  Regardless of how I feel or how much there is to do--I want to let as many kids as possible know that they are seen and valued.

One way I do this is my standing outside my classroom door, and saying good morning to as many kids as possible.  I also try to say good morning to every single one of my students as they enter the room.  Those who sneak in I try to say later on, "I didn't even get to say good morning to you, yet."

My mom heart reminded my teacher heart of one of those super important bits.

What is your teacher heart guiding you to do in the upcoming year?

New Brave Art Blog

I'm so pleased to present my new art spot in the blogosphere:  Brave Art By Mim Daniel.  You can see the work I've done this spring and summer.  It also tells you when you can find me painting and where you can purchase these original pieces.

I hope you'll check it out.  I would also be so grateful if you would spread the love and tell everyone who might be interested.  Enjoy!

Common Core Questions

I have some questions for all you 4th grade teaching peeps out there today:

{I know that both of these curriculum people have documents that they say align to Common Core.  I have poured over those documents, and I would be hard pressed to say that many concepts are taught to a level of assessable mastery.  Please don't refer me to those documents.  If you've looked at them, you know what I mean.}

How do you work Everyday Math and Common Core Standards together?  There is no way that the program takes kids to mastery in the fractions department, especially.  How and when do you supplement?  Do you have any other tips?


Do any of you Reading Street users have a great writing/grammar program that aligns to Common Core?

I don't want to reinvent the wheel, but I know that this year I'm going to be begging, borrowing, and the good kind of stealing!  I'll also share anything I come up with that seems to work!

I do have loads of other questions/concerns with the Common Core, but I hope this will give me some place to start.  Thank you, in advance!

Inspiration From The Lake

Sam and I are spending the summer by the lake--Lake Erie, in Lakeside, Ohio.  I don't get much alone time, but I got to take a solo walk by the lake last evening.  It was so restorative to my spirit.  Here are some images:

I sure hope you have some way to restore your mind, body, and spirit this summer!

Today's Paintings

Today I worked at Miss Mercedes in Marblehead, Ohio.  I met some amazing people.  I also got to paint!  That makes me happy deep in my heart.

Here's what I did today:

Impatient Impatiens 

Dancing Flowers of the Field

I sing because. . .

I hope that whatever you did or didn't do today left you happy deep in your soul!

4th of July in Review

There are a couple things I need for the 4th of July to feel like the 4th of July.  They are:  a parade {the more Americana the better!} and fireworks.

Since we are at Lakeside, Sam got to be in the bike parade.  It was hysterical and wonderful!

Then it rained off and on all day, but in the end we got to see amazing fireworks--Lakeside and Put in Bay!  And Sam got to enjoy his first sparklers!

I hope you had a good weekend!  And summer marches on--I wish I could just freeze it sometimes!

Painting This Week

So I'm on this brave painting mission.  I'm selling my art.  Originals are available at Miss Mercedes, both the Lakeside and Marblehead locations.

Here I am with "Restore" in Miss Mercedes Lakeside shop

Here's a peak at what I've been working on:

I hope you're getting to do something creative and fun on this holiday week!

Happy 4th of July!

Are you sustainable?

Teachers are burning out left and right.  Do you know what it will take for you to be sustainable?

Over at my website, Brave Teachers, I've started to write about the elements that I think are needed to be sustainable in the teaching profession.

Last week I wrote about To thine own self be true.  And there are more thoughts here.

This week I've written about Knowing your limits.

There will be more to come, so stay tuned!

What sustains you?
What do you think it means to be a sustainable teacher?

Painting Up A Storm

Last Tuesday, I was able to spend time while I worked at Miss Mercedes at the Marblehead location {413 Main Street, Marblehead, Ohio}.  It was so fun to sit out on the deck and just imagine what should happen next on a few canvases!  I met some delightful customers and visitors.

Eventually a little rain storm arrived, chasing me back inside!

I'm sending you a special invitation to join me, this Tuesday, July 2, at the same location for a day of shopping and enjoying life near the lake.  I will be painting off and on between 11 am and 5 pm.  I can recommend some yummy places for lunch or ice cream and other local sites.  To my friends back home, this would be a great one tank trip!