Berlin, Germany
I am grateful for all that I have and for all that this life has to offer me in 2022; I am grateful for this WWII History tour and all that I have learned and experienced so far – so sad, yet so proud to be American; I am grateful that my student found her passport back at the restaurant 3 hours after she unknowingly dropped her wallet under the table. #choosejoy #3things #gratitude
July 1, 2022
The weather has been so mild for us on this trip, and the people of Paris have been very kind. I am grateful for cabs when I am tired of walking – 7 miles today on a broken right foot and and left busted knee – I am so grateful I did not fall again; I am grateful for the river cruise tonight and for having been given the opportunity to see Notre Dame before it burned down. I hope to come again once it is rebuilt; I am grateful to be traveling with such kind and wonderful people. Tomorrow we head to Belgium – birthplace of my grandmother. #gratitude #3 things #choosejoy
February 28, 2022 – I am grateful that today I felt energized after work for, probably, the first time in 2022. I have been sick or just run down all of 2022 so far. So, today was a good day – serene – and the weather was nice enough, too for a long silent walk. Ahhhh; I am grateful today for God knowing who to put in my path and exactly when to do it. Blessed are the angels; I am grateful for the excitement on the faces of former students when they see me unexpectedly out in the world. It’s fun. Thank you for this day.
#choosejoy #3things #gratitude
February 16, 2022
I am grateful for a good night’s sleep and fresh day to start again; I am grateful coffee is so easy to make and I do not have to milk a cow this morning for my creamer – where would I even find a vanilla cow? I am grateful to have the opportunity to connect with students today and maybe make a difference. #choosejoy #3things #gratitude #onedayata time
“February has an r after the b!?” Man I love teaching Juniors. They never cease to amaze me. For this I am grateful; I had a meeting of the minds tonight with some amazing folks – so grateful for the experience, strength, and hope of others; I am eternally grateful that my mother taught me that no matter how terrible another human being may seem to be to just kill’em with kindness. I remembered this today. And I did just that – a great big smile, and a great big wave out the open car window. I mean it was a beautiful day. The whole thing was quite perfect, almost like a movie. He waved back and then realized it was me…then pretended he wasn’t waving but fixing his visor. Oh the drama.
It really made me happy, made me feel strong and healthy and good. Thanks Big A.
#choosejoy #3things #gratitude
Wow – What. A. Day. I can say I felt the spectrum of all of the feels today. From the early morning email informing me of the tragic loss of another student, a senior – to the rage filled trauma trigger…I am at peace only when I focus on the joy of the day. And oh what joy. 1) today I met Charlotte. She is 5 days old and my 2nd granddaughter. It’s just magical – life is such a mystery. 2) I crawled around on the floor with grand number 1 and we giggled until we were both absolutely exhausted. 3) I shared meaningful conversation and a good laugh with all 3 of my grown children today and they are in 3 different cities at the moment, so that’s quite a win. 4) yea – 4) I went to dinner with my daughter and granddaughters. Not only was it yummy, but relaxing and giggly, too. 5) what? Stop the insanity, yes, I said 5) I am grateful that I arrived safely to my holiday destination and look forward to my flock coming together for Christmas. So, the loss, the anger, the hurt, the frustration, the crowds, the traffic, the cold rain…just, no. Focus on the good stuff. #choosejoy #3things #gratitude #grannyB
Well – I did say a few days ago I was grateful for time to myself and I am glad to have taken more. I am grateful for the respite from teaching; I am grateful to have dinner with baby bird; I am grateful for heat and blankets and a warm home. #3things #gratitude #choosejoy
Whew – made it to Friday – that’s one. Tomorrow is Saturday, that’s two. And then we have Sunday…thats 3. One more week until our Christmas break and it seems to be a much needed break for all this school year. #choosejoy #3things #gratitude
I am grateful for honesty above all else; I am grateful for all that I am learning about myself and the world through this journey of healing; I am grateful that I will be traveling abroad again this summer with students- WWII AND THE WESTERN FRONT. #gratitude #3things #choosejoy
Have I mentioned the red? Jk – I k ow I have, but it just brings me such great joy, especially this old red truck hand painted by my girl Jenna years ago. I so love it; I am grateful for mini Reece Cups straight from the freezer – yum; I am grateful for my cozy, warm socks that I got in California with Baby Bird. They just make me smile. #choosejoy #gratitude #3things
fields of poppies 