fields of poppies

Smash book!! Gearing up for my my next adventure in Italy!

I am about two months from leading my fifth student tour abroad. This time…10 days in Italy! For each trip I like to make my own smash book to record all of the wonderful moments of our journey. For those of you that don’t know about the smash book – read this.

Winning the gift of gab – and all it takes is a kiss!

Kissing the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle in Cork, Ireland June 20, 2015 – Day 5 of the Britannia with Education First Tours. Blarney Castle: The grounds were gorgeous and green and views from the top, well, gorgeous. We climbed to the top of the castle and had to lie down and hang out backwards…

The Pont du Gard Aqueduct

During our 2016 Tour we traveled more than 20,000 miles, starting in the US and traveling to Germany, France, Spain and Portugal. An amazing 16 day trip. June 24,2016 After the long day of the June heat of Avignon, France we journeyed to the ancient Roman Aqueduct – The Pont du Gard. A large portion of…

God Bless Mr. Gale Wendell Marshall

Last Sunday I read the obituary of a man that changed my life – dead at 68 years old after over 40 years of teaching. His words and kindness supported me through my toughest times as I always remembered the way he made me feel as though I mattered, as though I had value. He taught…

a mom, a Facebook post, and God’s plan

Dear Mom, Your granddaughter posted a photo on social media today. It was a picture from last year of her towering over me as I stood in my cap and gown, freshly graduated with a masters degree. You wouldn’t believe how tall that little baby we brought home grew to be. She was only one when…

getting ready; another smash book

As I prepare for for my trip this summer with students I am continuing my tradition of keeping a smash book throughout the journey. I can’t wait to fill it!! We are traveling with Education First Tours (EF Tours) and will be visiting Germany, France, Spain, and Portugal on a 16 day trip. I have…

the struggle is real

Injuries can be very frustrating. Whenever I feel the first bit of pain, I tell myself I need to just run through it…it will pass. When it does not pass, I tell myself…you just need to stretch better. Next, I tell myself…you just need more ice and some ibuprofen. This cycle of pain and mental struggle continues…

the few…the proud…the incredibly sore

Educator’s Workshop at Paris Island March 1-4, 2016 for the Recruiting Station of Columbia, South Carolina…holy cow…what an amazing experience. The sign that speaks the mission of the base really says it all. “We Make Marines” My participation in this workshop tops the list of professional development experiences and learning about what I can do to help…

“You and Me Against the World”

Released in 1971 – The song was written by Kenny Ascher and Paul Williams – two men. I never would have guessed it. Fast forward 17-18 years or so, after my parents split for the second time and my brothers were doing their own thing, it was just me and my mom mourning the loss of our…

“Take Me Home, Country Roads”

Released in 1971 – John Denver first released this song written by Bill Danoff, Taffy Nivert, and John Denver What the song is about: No hidden meaning here…it’s about the country roads of West Virginia and the joy of traveling home. My favorite lines: “Country roads, take me home To the place I belong West Virginia, mountain…

Getting back in the game.

So, after a lifetime of an on again, off again relationship with running – I finally ran my first marathon 2 months ago at 46. It was my third attempt at training and my first time at the starting line. Read about it here. I did all the research about recovery – what I should…

Batter up!

I just sat through the first scrimmage of our girls softball team for this season and boy was it cold! So, after coaching track and going on a run with my husband, the weather seemed tolerable enough – oh no — no, no. The lack of clothing on my body and the failure to…