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 ofContinue reading “The Pont du Gard Aqueduct”
Category Archives: beyond the chalkboard
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 taughtContinue reading “God Bless Mr. Gale Wendell Marshall”
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 whenContinue reading “a mom, a Facebook post, and God’s plan”
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 haveContinue reading “getting ready; another smash book”
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 continuesContinue reading “the struggle is real”
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 helpContinue reading “the few…the proud…the incredibly sore”
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 toContinue reading “Batter up!”
the wrong kind of goodbye
As a teacher I am used to saying goodbye. Students move in and out of the district, always coming and going. Farewells naturally occur at the end of every school year as I pass along my little cherubs to the next lucky soul that gets to touch their lives. Often times I ignore my feelings of loss and tryContinue reading “the wrong kind of goodbye”
Dear New Teachers:
Dear new teachers, We need you. This difficult job will reward you in many ways. Please stick with it, even when you want to quit – it does get easier. Well, not easier, but you figure out how to be better at it and find balance. Our nation faces a crisis in the classroom. WeContinue reading “Dear New Teachers:”
Dear Social Engineers:
Dear social engineers: Dear manipulative members of society and micromanaging social climbers: According to Merriam-Webster, social engineering is simply “the practice of making laws or using other methods to influence public opinion and solve social problems or improve social conditions. [Also,] management of human beings in accordance with their place and function in society: applied socialContinue reading “Dear Social Engineers:”
fields of poppies 