Inspired by March Snow

It snowed last Friday--it was that wet, heavy, white stuff, and hello, it was March 11. We've had plenty of snow this winter. But here's the crazy thing--it was GORGEOUS! It looked like a postcard with snow clinging to everything.

I remember a photo my dad took sometime in the 60's. Every time I saw that slide I thought the snow was gorgeous. It was that kind of snow. I wondered if I would ever look down the street and see nonstop snow on every branch. It was that sort of day.

After school, we ate an early dinner, and the boys headed outside. If you don't find joy in the snowman turned snow bunny, then maybe you should take your pulse. It's even better because this is the first time the little boy was actually adding to rather than removing snow.

It was all quite pure--unblemished, uncomplicated, unsophisticated and simple. While I wasn't thinking that snow would inspire me in March, that beauty did just sneak up on me as a snow bunny and fill my heart with joy.

What's your unexpected inspiration today?

Brave Gifts of Heartbreak and Disappointment

I was reading Jen Lemen's blog. She is so eloquent and real. It's beautiful to witness and so comforting to sink into. She was writing about the gifts of heartbreak and disappointment, and then she asked us to respond.

Here's what I said:

Here’s what I think the gifts of heartbreak and dissappointment are: They are the kick in the pants that propel me forward into the the vast unknown–where I’ve feared to travel when life is comfortable–beyond the safety and the boundaries. They allow me to embrace dreams and hopes and pursue realities that I’m not even sure are possible. They clarify priorities and choices.

This is by far my most difficult teaching year ever–on many different fronts. At the same time I’m taking concrete steps to pursue dreams that I had put on the back burner when the sailing was smoother and teaching easier.

Again, I'm struck by the paradox of pain as purpose in life.

What are the gifts of heartbreak and disappointment for you?

Secret Mission Revealed

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

So I told you I was going on a secret mission. My secret mission was a card drop. I left little turquoise cards anywhere and everywhere I went. They had little inspiring quotes and affirmations on them.

While this was a great experience that was full of simple surprises and unexpected turns, the most surprising part was what it did for me. I was so ENERGIZED--especially on a creative level. I had good strong clear ideas spilling out of me and into my spiral notebook all day long. It will take me several weeks to just enact the ideas I had.

I continue to be amazed and surprised by how giving to others affects me. I wrote about it here a few months ago. My secret mission once again reinforced this crazy concept that when we giving we receive so much in return. I'm already thinking about my next secret mission!

How does giving affect you?

Organizational Ideas on the Web

So organization is something I'm always trying to do more efficiently and effectively. I want more ready access to materials and resources. So I love what I found over at Growing Kinders--many teachers sharing organizational tips.

Here you can find some tips I've shared before. Also, some of the best and most inspiring stuff I've found is over at Cornerstone for Teachers, a website by Angela Powell Watson. I wrote about her book here.

I hope you find something useful, or even add your ideas to the list. What helps you be better organized?

Joy

What is bringing you joy today?

Secret Mission

I'm going on a brave secret mission tomorrow! I am excited beyond belief and filled with hope. I'm also a little fearful. I've never done anything like this before. I'd be lying to say I have no expectations, but they are limited. I can't wait to share my experiences here.

Just the thought of this mission brings a subtle internal shift with me.

Have I generated some interest and curiosity in you? More will be revealed soon.

What are you doing that excites you about your brave life?

Power-FULL Kids

I've been meaning to blog about this for a while. Now is the time. I am sooo amazed by what kids can/will do when given the opportunity. The donation box above was created by 2 students in my class. In addition to a donation box they wrote school wide announcements, made posters, and set up a table outside the kitchen for donations.

Why? There are 2 students in our school this year with leukemia. You know how powerless you feel when you hear a child has cancer? Kids feel the same way. They also have that deep fear that something could happen to them, too. While we grown-ups have had that feeling so many times, we're often numb to it, kids aren't.

Kids are full of power and hope and a desire to make the world a better place. I love to see them run with these ideas. I wish to be an agent of empowerment for the kids who are full of this good stuff.

How do you empower those around you?