The orginal post was almost finished in January 2009. Here is the original, and how I would finish it now: It seems to me that a lot of the time people expect government to step in and do clean-up, not matter what the troubles, whether big or small. And it seems to me that, sometimes, […]
Category: Making a Difference
NaPoWriMo 2015.25
Earthquake in Nepal The end of the world for some; a reminder of priorities for others. Remember to spend time with the ones you love, before it’s too late. Donations to organizations that help in times of disasters are needed, now and every day. The International Red Cross is one that can help. You can […]
Standing up for Students
This is what I did Saturday morning, rallying for full funding for schools: smaller class sizes, basic cost of living increases to keep pace with inflation, more support overall for the teachers who care for our children. Set an example for your children and students. Take part in your democracy. Peaceably assemble and petition your […]
Grief and Loss Magnified (musings on disasters)
A landslide in Oso (this weekend, 8 confirmed dead, dozens more missing), an airliner missing and presumed down with all lives lost after two weeks, car- and suicide-bombers, slaughter of civilians and “enemy” prisoners… If I had all the money in the world, I could not fix the disasters that thousands of people are facing, […]
Difficult Times
I generally try to avoid politics here. I feel, however, it is important to express important things. And right now, I want to express my sorrow at the escalation of wars in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. I am distressed and concerned about the possibility for a very serious and wide-ranging involvement. What can […]
Today, not in the garden
It has been a while again since I posted, but last night I wanted to share something with friends on a social media site and browsed through the pictures I posted here last summer. How things have changed. Hope, sadness; light, shadows; growth, decline; laughter, sighs. I have been waking earlier than my normal the […]
Did I mention teaching full-time?
For the last two weeks, I have been the “in charge” teacher in a classroom, and for at least another week longer. Maybe more. Some days are much easier than others, and I have found it important to change the classroom culture dramatically. The students were accustomed to a fairly open environment, where they could […]
What really matters
I started this month with every intention of making my goal of 50,000 words for the NaNoWriMo challenge this year. But between working, the conference and this last week when I really couldn’t write, I know I won’t make that goal. And it’s okay. I made it almost to 18,000 words, which would be a […]
Dads and other real heros
I get tired of the hyperbole so common in the media today, particularly when it comes to their descriptions of sports stars, actors and others in popular news. I have heard too often a high-scoring player referred to as a “hero.” And then they need to up the ante when they are faced with someone […]
Arbor Day!
I will get outside and take some pictures of the trees later, but for now, here is a link to the Arbor Day Foundation, which supports planting trees (year ’round) and working to make our personal environment better.