“You will find a new normal.” I have heard the phrase many times, and in fact, I have said it to others in trying circumstances. The new normal seems like a goal, a hidden place where all things line up once again. However, what no one talks about is the strong longing for the old … Continue reading The New Normal
In the Dirt
When I was a little girl, my dad used to take me on walks in the woods. We would traipse around our property, sometimes not even on trails, just walking and seeing. It wasn’t far, but to my little legs it seemed like miles and miles. I learned a lot on these walks, not because … Continue reading In the Dirt
Explanation
I probably never should have pushed the publish button at 3:00 a.m. I do not usually share these kinds of deep places…until after the fact. My usual pattern is to pull away and sit in silence, waiting for the sun to come up and the lesson to make itself known. But this time, I know … Continue reading Explanation
I Wish
I wish I could tell you I am always strong, but that would be a lie. I wish I could say that I never have doubts, or tears, or fear, but that would be untrue. I wish I could say my heart is whole and healthy, but it’s not. It has been pummeled more … Continue reading I Wish
The Land of Opportunity
This is a repost of a blog I wrote four years ago...right after I returned from Thailand to visit Hannah while she was on her mission trip around the world. It is still accurate. I have spent the last year learning about the world. Through the eyes of my daughter, I have seen amazing and … Continue reading The Land of Opportunity
Happy Aaron Day!
I miss birthday parties. Now that my children are grown, there are no more themed celebrations with cake, ice cream, and favors. No more little voices screaming, laughing, and playing. I remember the exhaustion at the end of the day after planning and pulling off a party. I remember doing four of them a year. … Continue reading Happy Aaron Day!
Rainy Sunday Morning
The rain is falling, gentle but steady. Slow enough the birds are still singing and the herbs in my garden still have their faces raised. There is a squirrel on a branch just a few feet from where I sit on my porch. He has found a clump of leaves just over his head and … Continue reading Rainy Sunday Morning
Survival
How to survive the last two weeks of school: Smile and nod. Take deep breaths. Restock your chocolate supply. Wear jeans every day. Drink coffee every morning. Drink wine every night. Take more deep breaths. Make it through field day without killing anybody. Smile and nod some more. Do creative projects. Include glitter and glue … Continue reading Survival
Blackberry Winter
I stepped out into the cool morning. “Brrrrr. It’s chilly this morning.” I said under my breath. “Blackberry Winter,” came a friend’s reply as she crossed the parking lot. Two words which, anywhere else but rural Georgia, would need an explanation. Here, no other words needed to be spoken. A simple nod of acknowledgement and … Continue reading Blackberry Winter
6 Ideas for Teacher Appreciation Week
Teachers do not do what they do for the glory…or the money…or the respect…or the appreciation. They do it because they want to make a difference in the lives of kids. That said, a little appreciation goes a long way to making teachers feel valued. Who doesn’t like to feel valued? Teacher appreciation week typically … Continue reading 6 Ideas for Teacher Appreciation Week
Michelle's Mosaic 