Taking a few days

Back soon. . .

Future. . .steps

Incredibly adaptable, very hardy, and able to handle extremes, beautiful to see in both the summer and winter months. . .hmmmmmmm;)

We may just have a winner with this one. . .

More Journey

2008 Fall Door County

Cocoa 2008

Pensive Precious Door County 2007

Me in Ireland 2005

Belfast Mural- 2005

More Precious Steps

Fall Musings

So, one of my students observed that Thanksgiving is about 3 weeks, less than 3 weeks away. . .already. . .and it got me thinking, what are we truly thankful for and what do we truly values in our lives?

Over these last 3 years, I have had a lot of opportunity, some would argue too many opportunities, to ponder my place, if there is one, in this world, is it a duty to leave a mark, some positive stamp on the world you inhabit for a lifetime, or are we to shuffle off quietly, without making too much of a fuss?

For a very long time now, I have been thinking that my role, my duty and obligation was to make something of myself- that if I did not have what I started out to get, that it would mean that I had somehow failed in life, no matter what I actually did achieve. Over the past few months, I have come to realize that who I am may just be good enough. . .but that I will feel so totally COMPLETE with my doctorate, and that has made all the difference. My education has always been fun, but now, it is so much more so, because it will add to who I already am, not validate me as a human being. . .does that make sense?

Also, by focusing on the goal, I realized I was missing the journey, and THAT was just not acceptable. The journey has been INCREDIBLE and it is STILL incredible, and new and wonderful things are still possible. . .and in honor of that realization. . .some of the journey so far. See above for precious steps on this journey.

Hmmmmm

Soooooo

SOME people noticed my rather cryptic closing to my last blog post. . .sometimes I honestly forget that I am not NEARLY as clever as I hope to be. . .alas. . .;)


Yes, things are going well here, better, and there are just so many things that are going right, that it is a real shame that the whole health thing had to get in the way. . .

Yes, there is a wonderful new reason to be happy, hopeful and all around giddy. . .and if you really want to know you are going to have to e mail me, at my school address. . .and even then, I can't promise you a whole lot. . .BUT know that for the first time in a really REALLY long time. . .I am at peace and hopeful.

Thanks to you all for sticking with me in this- I could not have done a lot of this without you:)

Looking up and better

Soooooo, amazingly enough, health concerns have eased, and treatments are now over. . .for now:) Here under the umbrella, we have a great deal of news to report

Cocoa- ROCKING 2nd grade! Student of the month for kindness

Precious- MAINSTREAMED totally in 4th grade. . .that's right. . .I won, well, he won, but that whole smackdown between me and the district? p'wnd them!

Butter- 6th grade is doing wonders for my baby. . .strings concert last week did well!

Muffin- Sophomore year is looking better. . .legal troubles done, and all is well. . .

KIA- B.R.A.T.

Pumpkin- VERY ok. . .going back to school. . .soooooo happy:)

and me? Welllllll, let's just say that there is a new and very VERY wonderful reason to smile more lately. . . .