Almost nine years ago (I cannot believe that much time has passed), I started a parent group for those families with children that had been identified as talented and gifted (TAG) in our school district. I did it out of great respect for our TAG teacher, who I asked if I could be of help…
My parents have been on my mind lately. They live about 900 miles away on the Western side of New York State. I haven’t lived near them in over 20 years. But, they are aging and so am I. As the saying goes, time doesn’t wait for anyone. Lately, there have been several things that…
Yesterday was my last day of work at a job I’ve only had a little more than 8 months. It was a job I wanted, a job I was given the opportunity to have, and a job in what I was educated to do – be an environmental educator. But, alas, the job was not…
This morning I had coffee with a friend, a former teacher, and mentor to all three of my boys in the subject of mathematics. He appreciates the difference in all three of my sons, the way their abilities manifested, and their chosen paths. During our coffee clutches we attempt to solve the problems of the…
Sometimes you get to explore the road not taken. Initially, you are excited you decided to travel a more unusual path and the opportunity is embraced. But, as you travel you find that the path you were on previously might have been the right road all along. There were fewer potholes and cracks to pull you…
Teachers who post to the Slice of Life blog forum offered by TwoWritingTeachers.org pick their one little word (OLW) in January to guide them forward in the coming year. I have not done that with any success, yet. But, tonight I offer three key phases that I realize affect my life and how I live…
It took me until I was in my 40’s to discover (or rediscover) my creative side. In school, I was a serious student, striving for straight A’s (usually getting them), and leaving little to chance through unpreparedness or lack of completing the assigned work. From high school, I carried this work ethic through college and…
A couple of weeks ago I was enjoying the last of my free 3 months of Sirius satellite radio by listening to 70’s on 7. I enjoy this music as it takes me back to the days of being a young, carefree child. Sometimes this station plays the same songs over and over but today’s…
I am a lover of solitude. Right now, I am sitting quietly in my house. My family is out and about while I sit and have my afternoon tea. I love my family, but I also love quite time. I’ve never been one to be in the center of activity – rather, I’d prefer to…
After spending a week hiking in the Canadian Rockies, I feel primed to keep at it. So, last night I went hiking with my oldest son who is extending his break between his Master’s and PhD programs. He studied up until mid-July, took his test, and now is on hiatus for an additional week beyond…