OLW: March Gratitude

Compliments to Google images however I can't wait to take my own photos.

The month of March flew by I blinked at it's over almost over. I am going to be taking a week break from blogging, tweeting and disconnect from technology.  Our Spring break is this upcoming week, and I am super excited and thankful (OLW) for the opportunity to be going to the Grand Canyon. It's been on my bucket list forever, and our children didn't seem to be very interested in seeing it.  My husband and I enjoy Las Vegas (I personally LOVE Las Vegas) so we're tag teaming the two together for a fun week of vacation. 

Probably one of the highlights of March for me was Cynthia Lord visiting our school.  I am so impressed with the authors that I have the chance to meet. Always I learn something new about my writing. My students always walk away with this "awe" look in their eyes especially when my student, Ashley, had a chance to talk to Cynthia.  I am totally plagiarizing this next OLW from Bill's blog at Literate Lives.  He caught the moment with a flash of the camera.  Thanks Bill!!  By the way, I got very teary eyed.

Finally my OLW has to do with the small conversations in life. Those with friends and family that totally understand me. You know when you're just shaking your head and wondering why and then someone asks if you're ok? And better yet takes time to listen as you talk to them.  Truly listen.  Or when you're questioning the system and you read a Slice of Life that totally makes sense and you could have written it.  There have been a few big bumps in March, but I paused when I totally wanted to panic/cry and realized how blessed I am to be at this particular point in my life especially as I have a week off to relax, read and explore the Grand Canyon.  See you in April.

 

 

I WONDER What is in the Box & OLW

During our WONDER weekend in Louisville, one of our stops was at Flame Run Glass Studio and Gallery.  I was thrilled to be going to Flame Run because I had an instant connection because when I was little I collected on vacations glass animals. I guess my love of the country started at a very young age.  I am not sure why I ever started the collection, but I always remember visiting my grandparents in Twin Lakes, NY and my favorite store the was the glass blowing.  As we learned, on our tour blowing glass takes lots of time, patience and talent.  It was fun to watch Brook, who is the owner share his craft.  I listened in awe as he discussed his knowledge of his craft.  We could all see how passionate he is about his craft.

So after our presentation, Brook said there is one more surprise each of the WONDER leads is going to be able to make an ornament.  My heart dropped because if truth be known I don't enjoy getting out of my comfort zone very much.  We were able to offer the opportunity to our family members, but my family wanted me to make one. Their encouragement really helped me as I stood and waited my turn.  I watched as the other 5 leads made their one of a kind unique ornament and then it was my turn.  I chose my colors of red, white and pink and requested a twist.  Brook looked at me and responded,  "I have never tried this before." This comment made me feel more comfortable. I proceeded to watch Brook create my ornament and then my turn came to blow in a tube to expand the bulb-my heart was pounding out of my chest.  I did it, and I have to admit I was very proud of myself.

As I REFLECT (OLW) on this experience, I thought about my words in the classroom.  What are the words we can use to encourage our students who are scared, but don't want to tell anyone? At what point during the day, are my students afraid to speak up and say I am not sure how to do this?  Visiting, Flame Run reminded me it is alright to explore out of my box.  So with that said here is my ornament.