I've been neglecting my crystals. I should know better, because they've proven many times, to heal me, boost me, and spiritually re-energize me when I need help. Last night, as I got ready to retreat to my bed, I looked at my variety of crystals to select which I needed to be in the bed with me. Yes, I sleep with my rocks. I hold them in prayerful meditation as I fall asleep. I decided to take my snowflake obsidian with me last night. I'd forgotten it's energy qualities, so after my decision, I went to my Crystal Bible (yes I have a crystal bible... don't judge me) to remind myself of how it could help.
*******************
Snowflake obsidian can provide balance during times of change. It aids in seeing patterns in life and recreating them in a more beneficial way. It is a stone of serenity and purity, and can shield against negativity. It is associated with the root chakra and is beneficial for the veins, skeleton, and smooth skin. Snowflake obsidian gives protection from physical and emotional harm.
*********************
Good choice.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Help Me Make It Through The Night
Rita is such a beauty. And Kris is so, ahhhhhh. I came across this accidentally, and it hypnotized me. Love Kristofferson songs. I'm off in search of others.
Monday, August 23, 2010
You're Never Too Old.....
...
to get so frustrated, you cry.... in the principal's office.
to want your mom
and your dad.
to stomp away saying, "I don't want to play anymore"
to dream of what you'll be when you grow up.
to wonder IF you'll grow up.
to start crying all over again.
to get so frustrated, you cry.... in the principal's office.
to want your mom
and your dad.
to stomp away saying, "I don't want to play anymore"
to dream of what you'll be when you grow up.
to wonder IF you'll grow up.
to start crying all over again.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Back To School
This year, I'm teaching 3rd and 4th graders. Even though it is a BIG challenge, I am SO excited to have 7 returning students with me. When I volunteered to take the combination class (this year ONLY), one of my requests was that I be allowed to select who stays with me for another year.
Some people who teach combo classes think they should have the high level students, the students who are able to learn quickly and work independently. That would certainly make life easier on the teacher faced with the responsibility of two curriculums.
I don't feel that way. I'd rather keep the students who were just on the brink of really coming on, but struggled throughout most of the school year. Give them a little more time, teach to their pace. Allow them to be the "experts" of the class, since they already have a year under their belts with me.
I have 7 students from last year's 3rd grade class. They are now my 4th graders. We had a reunion today. I told them that they are my chosen 7. We know what to expect from each other. I know their issues, and they know mine. They know what buttons to stay away from - or - to push, if they're really out to get me.
I did not select the easiest to teach. But, just between you and me? They are the ones who are the most fun to teach! I'm quite crazy about these kids.
Some people who teach combo classes think they should have the high level students, the students who are able to learn quickly and work independently. That would certainly make life easier on the teacher faced with the responsibility of two curriculums.
I don't feel that way. I'd rather keep the students who were just on the brink of really coming on, but struggled throughout most of the school year. Give them a little more time, teach to their pace. Allow them to be the "experts" of the class, since they already have a year under their belts with me.
I have 7 students from last year's 3rd grade class. They are now my 4th graders. We had a reunion today. I told them that they are my chosen 7. We know what to expect from each other. I know their issues, and they know mine. They know what buttons to stay away from - or - to push, if they're really out to get me.
I did not select the easiest to teach. But, just between you and me? They are the ones who are the most fun to teach! I'm quite crazy about these kids.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
The Midwife Series
And this completes my behind the scenes report, "The Secret Life of Midwives". If you are just tuning in, below are four posts describing, from my perspective, what happens during a homebirth. I attended two homebirths with Cathy, and remained behind with her family while she attended two other births. From this experience, I became an instant expert. You can believe me.
I would feel better knowing that you scrolled down and started reading "The Secret Life of Midwives" and proceeded up to this post. I do possess some linear attributes. In that order, you will be reading in proper sequence.
I would feel better knowing that you scrolled down and started reading "The Secret Life of Midwives" and proceeded up to this post. I do possess some linear attributes. In that order, you will be reading in proper sequence.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
The Secret Life of Midwives - Their Family
A phone call brings news that a baby is ready to make his/her appearance. Cathy listens, asks questions, and makes a quick assessment to determine how soon she needs to get to the birth home. Sometimes the call comes during the middle of the night, during the quiet hours of deep sleep for the regular population. Cathy may try to get some more sleep, so she's well rested for the birth, but once the call comes, her mind begins to race. Sometimes the call comes mid-morning, possibly during a time when Cathy is getting ready to share time with someone in her own family. The call could find her in the middle of a family party, a quiet moment with one of her own grandchildren, or a rare moment of peaceful alone time being shared between her forever husband and herself.
It doesn't matter what is happening in Cathy's personal family life. When the call comes and it's time for her services, she throws on her Midwife Super Hero cape, calls "Li'l Red" into action (hopefully, already full of gas), packs her miracle equipment, and darts off into the horizon, leaving behind her loves, who watch her sail away to unknown places, with no return time determined.
While she is away, her loved ones adjust, but sometimes big sighs slip from their hearts. They understand and they have great pride in what their mother, wife, sister, and/or daughter does for other families. But, sometimes the disappointment about plans that need rearranging, overcomes them. Plans can continue, but there is a missing element, a sense of imbalance, because Cathy is missing.
I mentioned in an earlier post, that birthing time does not elapse parallel to regular time. Back at home, Cathy's family is feeling each minute, each hour. Dinner is eaten. Conversations exchanged. Dishes done, TV time or some Wii games enjoyed, but as her family starts to slow down and tire out, one by one, everyone goes to sleep with a wonder of when she'll be home. I experienced this on one of the nights she was at a birth. I woke during the night, realizing I hadn't heard her return. I was equally concerned for the mother she was tending to AND Cathy. I got up from my bed and peaked down the hall at Cathy's bedroom. Oh good. Her bedroom door was closed, that meant she'd come in during the night and she was getting some well earned sleep. I was able to return to bed, and a sigh slipped from my heart.
I am the chameleon reporter. I know what it is like for Cathy when she is at a birth, and I know what it is like to be waiting. At the first birth, I took my inexperienced time expectations with me. My cup was not empty. I watched the clock and estimated what time we should be getting home. Cathy serves at a birth with her clock cup empty. She is there until all matters are complete. Her time is on it's own speed. Sometimes she checks in with her own people and gives a report. Even though they know the routine, they know Cathy can't rush anything, a piece of them looks at their own clock and creates a private estimation of her return. I will admit my guilt to doing this.
Cathy loves her job. She loves families, babies, and birth. It pumps her. She loves her family. She loves the gathering of her tribe around her table, in her kitchen, exchanges, laughs, little ones, music, food. When called to leave one to attend another, she may feel a twinge of sadness.... but it is fleeting. She's off to join in another growing tribe. And her own tribe loves her. Understands. Waits. Patience is tested. Pride. Her family shares her with other families. Finally, the garage door is heard opening. Majestic takes her position as first greeter. A happy, sometimes weary Cathy walks through the door, and she's home. There are two separate families who have needed her and shared her that day. And Cathy's life is full in the giving of herself to both.
------------------------------------------------------------------
I think Donovan should have written a song about midwives. Cathy, this is for you, sing it to the tune of "Isle of Islay"
Off drives the midwife
In her car.
Away to a family
far, oh, far.
When will she come back
to us?
When will we see her
again?
There is a mother
needs her skill.
A baby arriving
at his will.
Holding the space
is her call.
Time standing still
through it all.
It doesn't matter what is happening in Cathy's personal family life. When the call comes and it's time for her services, she throws on her Midwife Super Hero cape, calls "Li'l Red" into action (hopefully, already full of gas), packs her miracle equipment, and darts off into the horizon, leaving behind her loves, who watch her sail away to unknown places, with no return time determined.
While she is away, her loved ones adjust, but sometimes big sighs slip from their hearts. They understand and they have great pride in what their mother, wife, sister, and/or daughter does for other families. But, sometimes the disappointment about plans that need rearranging, overcomes them. Plans can continue, but there is a missing element, a sense of imbalance, because Cathy is missing.
I mentioned in an earlier post, that birthing time does not elapse parallel to regular time. Back at home, Cathy's family is feeling each minute, each hour. Dinner is eaten. Conversations exchanged. Dishes done, TV time or some Wii games enjoyed, but as her family starts to slow down and tire out, one by one, everyone goes to sleep with a wonder of when she'll be home. I experienced this on one of the nights she was at a birth. I woke during the night, realizing I hadn't heard her return. I was equally concerned for the mother she was tending to AND Cathy. I got up from my bed and peaked down the hall at Cathy's bedroom. Oh good. Her bedroom door was closed, that meant she'd come in during the night and she was getting some well earned sleep. I was able to return to bed, and a sigh slipped from my heart.
I am the chameleon reporter. I know what it is like for Cathy when she is at a birth, and I know what it is like to be waiting. At the first birth, I took my inexperienced time expectations with me. My cup was not empty. I watched the clock and estimated what time we should be getting home. Cathy serves at a birth with her clock cup empty. She is there until all matters are complete. Her time is on it's own speed. Sometimes she checks in with her own people and gives a report. Even though they know the routine, they know Cathy can't rush anything, a piece of them looks at their own clock and creates a private estimation of her return. I will admit my guilt to doing this.
Cathy loves her job. She loves families, babies, and birth. It pumps her. She loves her family. She loves the gathering of her tribe around her table, in her kitchen, exchanges, laughs, little ones, music, food. When called to leave one to attend another, she may feel a twinge of sadness.... but it is fleeting. She's off to join in another growing tribe. And her own tribe loves her. Understands. Waits. Patience is tested. Pride. Her family shares her with other families. Finally, the garage door is heard opening. Majestic takes her position as first greeter. A happy, sometimes weary Cathy walks through the door, and she's home. There are two separate families who have needed her and shared her that day. And Cathy's life is full in the giving of herself to both.
------------------------------------------------------------------
I think Donovan should have written a song about midwives. Cathy, this is for you, sing it to the tune of "Isle of Islay"
Off drives the midwife
In her car.
Away to a family
far, oh, far.
When will she come back
to us?
When will we see her
again?
There is a mother
needs her skill.
A baby arriving
at his will.
Holding the space
is her call.
Time standing still
through it all.
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