Monday, August 31, 2009

The Joy of Color

My kitchen has recently been introduced into the 21st century. Prior to my renovations, it had been stuck in retro 80's decor. Earthy tan countertop tile and dark, seen better days, cabinets. The oven was the original cooking contraption installed in 1981, before I was the owner, and the frig was the white frig Anthony and I bought in 1988 for $500. I knew the frig was still working on good spirit, and it's days were drawing close to an end. The only thing that saved the oven was the fact that I cooked so infrequently!

So, this year, starting in January, I updated the kitchen. Not one of those $50,000 jobs you see on HGTV. I had a budget, but even better than that... I have Myles, who is extremely talented and eager to make something less costly, scream out it's best features. I know that stainless is the current trend for appliances, but in my budget research, purchasing all black appliances would save me about $500. Black it is. I bought all Kitchenaid appliances, receiving a $200 rebate for buying 3 appliances. I bought generic cabinets from Lowes, in which Myles painted within an inch of their lives, he installed nice hardware, increasing their look of value. I applied for a Lowe's credit card, put the cabinets, hardware, and paint on the card, promised to pay it off in a year at no interest, and got an additional 20%. Oh, and I selected and ordered a quartz countertop before the end of January, which came with a promotion of a free stainless steel sink. As you see, I did my financial homework.

Patience and waiting is a very good thing, especially if you have the option of waiting to make certain decisions. Everything in the kitchen has been completed, except the backsplash. Originally, I wanted glass mosaic tile. Black. Then, I entertained the thought of tin ceiling tiles, for the "POW" factor. Hmm, maybe. Then, I turned to 4x4 tiles, not sure what color. Finally, we decided on simply painting. That doesn't rule out other materials for the future, but for right now, to complete the project, painting is the way we decided to go. Plus, after living with the kitchen for a couple of months, I knew I needed some color in there. The cabinets are a vanilla cream color, the countertops a speckled cream, root beer, and black, and the fore-mentioned black appliances. Beautiful materials and products, but already boring in color.

So, yesterday, we painted. We took the color from the kitchen into one wall of the attached living room, because there was no comfortable transition line. I love the color of my living room, a warm, very comforting grey poupon gold. I selected a cajun red for the kitchen, and one wall in the living room. Yum....... it turned out gloriously warm and rich, the colors together creating an Italian warmth that is envelopes you, like the deep breast of a loving Italian mama.

I have some Italian plates, that, when placed against the walls, look absolutely gorgeous. Even though there is a lot of Italian influence in the colors and decor (thanks Nanu and Nana), the depth of the Cajun Red, reminds me of a rich, Indian spice. I now will be in search of curtains or fabric, with an Indian print. Maybe a batik look, a light fabric.

I'm patient. I'll live without until I find just what I want, and within my price.

Now... to learn to cook in this updated kitchen! I really need a decent camera, so I can post pics!

Friday, August 28, 2009

Special Surprise


Disclaimer: This is a photo I took with my cell phone. It does NOT give proper credit to the magical beauty of these cards.
I felt so honored to receive a special gift from Lindsay in the mail yesterday! I'm a hog about opening a gift. I saw the package in my mailbox, and was instantly thrilled that someone sent me something "special"... other than a camouflaged sample of fabric softener, or tickets for a free dinner along with a presentation on how to manage your money!! I looked at the return address (in typical, me! me! me! fashion) and read with all the skill as one of my third graders. I read Pasco, but my brain registered Paso... so, I wondered what my niece, Paula was sending!!
Now, Paula is a dear, and VERY generous and thoughtful, but when I saw the hints of homemade and high creativity, I started to get confused. If Paula had sent a care package of baked goods, that were homemade and made with some exotic Peruvian flour, then, yes... THAT would make sense. But, crafts and creativity? My brain was finding difficulty in making sense of this special package.
Then I got it! Bingo!! It was one of Lindsay's set of flashcards!! She'd sent a set to me?!?!?! I can't begin to express how my heart filled!!! And, I'd just come home long enough to fix a cup of coffee, relax for a bit, and get a snack, only to return out to school for our Back To School Night. Perfect!! I took the flashcards with me, and draped them over the Math Center in my classroom. I was so proud to have such a "flashy" center!
Thank you, thank you, thank you, sweet Lindsay. Today, I'm sharing the attached sentiment about learning, with all the teachers. They'll love it. You are a precious soul.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Dream Parties

Apparently, I was humming tunes in my sleep last night. Myles reported this morning that a couple of times during the night, I started to hum, then I would giggle. I'm glad I was having seemingly happy dreams, because I was actually in pain all night, due to pulling or straining a muscle in my butt (or, something with a nerve). I came home from work yesterday, barely able to walk. So, in spite of being painfully restless during sleep, I was enjoying some fine times in my dreams.

I don't remember last night's dream, but I do know that I dream funny. I've awakened myself more than once, from laughing in my sleep. Deep, belly laughs! My favorite dream, that I still remember from many years ago, was one which I was walking down a beach with Huey Lewis (you know... Huey Lewis and the News). We stopped to look at this glob on the sand. He said to me, "I wonder what THAT could be?!" And I answered, "It must be the Heart of Rock and Roll." In my dream, I cracked myself up, then I woke up, still laughing at my own wittiness!!

I kill myself!! LOL I've also dreamed about meeting the King of Cartoons (from the old PeeWee Herman Playhouse Show).

I wonder if I was dreaming about a karaoke bar last night?

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Weird dream

Earlier this week I had a strange dream. In my dream I received a message that simply named two crystals... labradorite and lepidolite. Weird. I could hardly pronounce these names, yet in my dream, the names were very clear. I have a growing collection of crystals, and many books and websites explaining their energies, so I researched these two stones. I believe the labradorite was intended for me. Each night I ask God to make my purpose clear to me, to guide me to the next phase of my life, which I very much hope has to do with healing, helping, guiding others in some way. I feel like I have a gift, a talent, but I'm just not sure how to use it. Here is some of the information I found about labradorite:



It helps children to express their imaginations creatively.

Inspires people who feel out of touch with their gifts.

Brings creative dreams.

It eases change at work.

It shows us our real goals and intentions, so they suddenly take shape for us.



Okay, wow. Yes, I think this was a message intended for me. I then read about lepidolite, but I didn't really feel connected to it's qualities and healing attributes. It addresses help with calming and aides in sleep and restlessness. I feel pretty calm and sleeping is no issue (try spending each day with a group of 3rd graders.... sleeping is NOT an issue)



The day after this dream, my niece, Tillie, sent me an urgent text that she really needed to talk to me. Tillie is in the middle of trying to unwrap herself from a toxic relationship, and she's struggling. I tried an energy cleansing on her once, and she said it calmed her, energized her, and overall, made her feel better, and she needed me to do it again. I suggested we spend the day in Visalia, and visit the Crystal Barn, and I'd help her select some crystals to boost her energy needs. A few hours after our phone call, I returned to the information about the lepidolite, and realized, that was the stone that Tillie needed!



I researched online, trying to compose a "shopping list" for her, and I found a crystal I'd never heard of before.... Vesuvianite. The first thing I read about it was, "Very helpful in aligning the will with the heart." Bingo!! She and I needed to go on an expedition for that stone.



We really had a great day. Hallee and Brendon went with us. Brendon was really patient with this "out of the norm" excursion. Hallee was totally into it... the little Portuguese spirit she is! The Crystal Barn did not have the Vesuvianite, but they were kind enough to direct us to another place, "Gary's Jewelry and Lapidary Supplies." Very cool hole-in-the-wall place! Kind of hippy-ish, with a great selection of stones in the rough. If I ever decide to take up jewelry making, this will definitely be my spot.

My purchases:

Labradorite (rough)
2 azurite stones (rough)
1 peacock ore (rough)
1 bloodstone (polished)
1 carnelian (rough)
1 hematite ring
1 CD "Music for Reiki Attunement"

And, the best sandwich I've ever eaten (well... since the last best sandwich!) Portabello Mushroom, sauteed onions, tomato, lettuce, balsamic vinegar, and feta, on foccacia bread. SOOOO yum!!!

It was a good day.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

First Week of School

Well, we made it. By Friday, all of us were finding our comfort zones and true selves started to emerge. Every night, I went to bed thanking God for my life and gifts, then humbly asking to stay close and keep me patient and understanding. That can be very hard to do at times.
I asked for my angels to stay at my side all day long, and conference with my students' angels, so we can work as a team. I've also returned to this school year determined to rise above the negativities of some of the staff members. There is more to teaching than what occurs in Room 11, and when administrative demands don't mesh well with the truth of instructing a child, then stressed out teachers are created. I am taking a positive attitude with me each day, and coaching myself to "let it go" when glitches arise.

In the big picture? Kids are cute!!! Second day of school, while we were walking to class, one of my students said to me, "Mrs. Wiens, I heard you're good at teaching."

Hmmmm, so THAT'S the word on the playground, huh?? I wonder if he's holding out to form his own opinion? He should.

In fact, let me introduce you to this little guy. Of course, I will never disclose names in this forum. I've watched him since kindergarten. He's ADHD, and quite honestly, I'm not sure if he's on meds or not. Hispanic families are much more accepting of children's behavior than the general population, and they aren't eager to medicate their children. He's always wiggling, but in a dancing way. AND, he's always wiggling his tongue! It's almost like his tongue grew to adult size first, and he doesn't have appropriate housing for it! So, he's aware of it, and wiggles it. He actually is quite acrobatic with that tongue. It amuses me. I remember seeing him in line, when he was in 1st and 2nd..... always jumping, dancing, clapping, wiggling. Quite irritating at times, I'm sure, but I was drawn to his enthusiasm. He was bouncing around as if in pure joy for simply being at school! So, when we met with the 2nd grade teachers to make class lists, he was on the list of "challenges". I said, "I'll take him."

We'll do just fine.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

My Playlist

I don't think I can be cornered into a type of music. I rely on all styles to lift me, express my feelings, and soothe my spirit. It definitely depends on the occasion and for what reason I'm turning to the music. I can do rock, country, bluegrass, reggae, and if the truth be known... when I'm alone in the car, I sometimes listen to the Mexican radio station. I love Tejano and Latino music, except, I can't sing along. Not that I don't try.



I must say, I really love my playlist for this blog. When I was directed to Playlist.com, I found a treasure.... just about any music from my lifetime, all available for my own personalized playlist. The site allows you to build many lists, and each list can hold a ton of music (180ish songs, I think). My playlist for this blog speaks to my peaceful spirit. The music breathes calmness into me, and I love all of artists. At different times, I want to sing like each of them.



Willie Nelson... I've loved him, and I mean LOVED him, since 1976. We go way back together. He got my attention at a time when my friends and I were heavily into listening to Grand Funk Railroad, Bob Seger (ooo, I'll have to look him up on playlist), Edgar Winter, Steve Miller..... then I secretly drifted off to Willie, at a time when liking anyone remotely connected with country, would have caused me to be shunned. I take pride in believing that I've been very influencial in a number of people learning to love Willie's music through me. Someday, I'll do an entire Willie Nelson blog. He deserves it.



k.d. lang - her voice is "yum" to me. I think I have a crush.

Bonnie Raitt - She is what I would love to sound like as a blues/rocker. I love the raspy, raw edge in her voice. She really can tell the story.

Emmylou Harris - in the early 80's, I had most of her records. I listened to her a lot while I was commuting to my outdoor ed job in Springville. She has that mountain sound to her voice. Plus, she's a beauty.

CSNY - "Teach Your Children". Got this album when I was in the 8th grade, and listened to TYC plenty of times, as well as "Our House". I wondered why I couldn't harmonize with myself.... though, Cathy and I gave it a go on many of our own recorded songs. The song, Southern Cross, was one of Anthony's favorites. He introduced me to that song, and it can't listen to it without thinking of him. I love that song.

Jane Siberry - I heard this song, "Calling All Angels" on an episode of Six Feet Under. It was hauntingly beautiful. When my precious sister, Fran, died... I wanted this song played at the funeral. When I found it and really listened to the words, I was knocked over at how deeply the lyrics spoke to me and to our family at that time. We'd lost Ted, Scott, Anthony, and now Fran... all in a 2 year time. Never a more necessary time to have our angels surround us in their celestial knowledge and comfort, while we were trying to sort out emotions that were too intense and confusing for this earth.

Gillian Welch and Allison Krauss - "I'll Fly Away" If there's ever a funeral or memorial for me after I pass this world, I want this song, okay? How did I find this version?.... It's on the soundtrack from Oh Brother Where Art Thou. One of my favorite movies.

Merlin's Magic - this is my meditation music. When I sit in my invisible chair, this takes me where I want to go.

This playlist starts my day and brings me to a peaceful quiet at the end of the day. I love this music.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

First Day

I never sleep restfully the night before the first day of school. That's okay, because by the end of the week, I'll be exhausted and coma/sleep. It's almost a relief when my alarm finally chimes that it's time to get this day started.

Ahhhh, I instantly feel that familiar school energy as I get out of my car in the parking lot. I can hear the children. Ours is a K-8 school, so there are 5 year olds up to 14 year olds. Laughing, running, reconnecting with friends. Hmmmm, don't hear any hysterical crying from the kindergarten playground. Good sign. Girls complimenting each other's new school clothes choices. Boys looking at "summer changed" girls, awkward, wanting attention, getting it in the dumbest of ways. Little ones running in circles, like dust devils. And... when they spot their previous year's teacher!! Hugs, "I miss you!" "I want to stay with you" "Look at my new shoes!" "My cousins are going to school here! They live with us!"

Everyone is charged up. The staff lounge is not much different than the playground. The adults are wearing first day of school clothes. We eye the front desk, looking for new students. Stash lunch into the refrigerator, and make way for the classroom.

When I walk up to my classroom, I see my fresh faces waiting for me. They look so timid, but at the same time, they are waiting to enter the room to stake their claim for the year. This room is now theirs. Some of these children have never been in my room. Some only visited when they were assigned to detention. Others, came for a Friday movie day. But, starting today, this is THEIR room. Home.

They look at me with big eyes. I know what they're thinking.... "is she mean?" "Am I going to be able to handle this?" "I like her shoes." (really cute first day of school shoes. I'll have to make an attempt to post a pic.) I smile, welcome them, wave them in and direct them to "Find your desk!" They look around, happy to discover they're sitting near a friend. Pencils and binders are unpacked, as they start their settlement.

Everyone is seated, and I have 14 faces staring at me. It's quite unsettling! I know this won't last. This is the honeymoon between us. As the week progresses, we'll ease up, they will get more comfortable, and the days of walking in quietly, getting seated, and looking toward me angelically with a face waiting to learn..... well, it just won't be that easy.

How cute they are. We are going to spent 180 days together. They are going to grow, physically and academically. We are going to know each other well. I am a link in their chain. I'm not the entire chain. I need to be sure that my link is strong. Solid. No cracks.

And, they are link number 29 in my chain. I trust them to be strong.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Preparing

I've been working in my classroom for the past two weeks, but I'm still going out there today, just to be sure that all is in place for Monday morning. Other teachers are much more efficient with their time than me, but I piddle. I like being in my room, alone. I turn on music, and flitter around the room. Very ADHD, but it works for me. I get many projects started at one time, and rotate from one to another, until one by one, they are completed. I know that bothers some personalities (I happen to live with one of those personalities!), people who like to complete a task before moving on to something else. But for me, I feel I'm keeping myself fresh for all of them at once. As I feel myself getting bored or frustrated, or the task is starting to feel tedious, then I move on to something else. I know I'll get back to the current task, when I'm re-energized for it.
I'm really liking how my room is looking. I've rearranged furniture a bit, to create more movement for the students. I've designed some really eye attractive learning centers, and I'm actually very excited to incorporate them in my instruction this year!
I want my students to walk in to THEIR classroom, and feel energy. The time I take to create an environment lets them know that I take this education stuff seriously and, even more importantly, I respect them and their needs. I need to balance having just enough visual stimulation for those who require that around them... with not over-doing it, for those who might feel visually overloaded. Personally, I prefer lots of visual stimulation. It charges me.
So, I will go out to my classroom today, and make sure all of my visual T's are crossed and I's are dotted. In 2 days, I will start a new school year adventure with a new group of students. I wonder what they are thinking this weekend?

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

School Shopping

Yesterday I went to GW School Supply, which is a shopping mecca for teachers. After all these years teaching, you wouldn't think I'd need another teaching aid, language arts book, poster, calendar, or bulletin board. I probably don't. But, that's the greatest part of teaching. Each year is different. Each class has different needs and a different personality. There is always a better approach, a more appropriate approach for an individual student (hey, I just noticed the word "dual" is in individual.... isn't that an oxymoron??).

I'm getting anxious about this coming school year. The word is, I have some "challenges" awaiting me. That is normal, but somehow, teachers are always wanting a class that is "smooth"... and that is much less normal than "challenging."

This is what I love about teaching. Each year, in August, there is promise. This could be the year that a child clicks. This could be the year that a student really starts to get it. I could be super teacher this year!!!! Or, maybe not.

But, one thing for sure. Awaiting me is a group of individuals. A class that will take on its own personality, built from the individual personalities. They will each bring a bundle of life with them.... "Here's my box of life, Mrs. Wiens. I'm yours until June. Do something educational with me." And, in each box can be a mishmash of experiences.....
"I'm well loved"
"I'm over protected"
"I'm over indulged"
"My parents think I'm perfect."
"My parents expect more from me than I can deliver right now"
"I'm shy, and would rather not talk to you."
"I can't make friends very easily"
"I need a LOT of attention, and I'm willing to do ANYTHING to get it!"
"My parents are always yelling and fighting, and I can't concentrate"
"Someone has hurt me, but I can't talk about it."
"I'm hungry"
"I love learning"
"I don't want to be here"
"I can't read, and I'm embarrassed"
"I want to be number one!"

No matter what is in each box, I'm responsible for teaching each of them. I'm responsible for getting results, regardless of what each one brings in their box.

I hope I can make it a happy year. I wonder if I'll go shopping again?

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Droopy



I've been feeling droopy all day. I'm pretty sure I'm feeling the end of my summer vacation. June is always full of hope..... plans, lunch dates with friends I don't see often enough, projects that can be completed without the interuption of going to work, time is my own. During summer vacation, I own my time.

I want to sit by this Japanese garden. I want to read books about crystals and Journey of Souls. I want to listen to meditation music that takes me away from thought, and lets my brain travel to larger places. I want to look up from my book, come back from my mental travel, and see this place in front of me. I want to breath the air, smell the water, hear the breeze flicking the leaves. I want to feel myself being there, surrounded.

I'm not quite ready to turn myself over to the school. I need to catch my breath, before 18 third graders take ownership of me. I have 2 weeks left, but the image of summer vacation is fading before my eyes.

I'm going to sit in my invisible chair, turn on some chakra meditation music, and go on a mental drift. Maybe I'll find myself by a Japanese garden.