The most precious gift...

we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.

Thich Nhat Hanh

Just wondering how...

he sees the world.

Last Day of School...

for my soon to be English faculty peers. Twelve exhausted and excited high school teachers gathered at our department chair's house to celebrate the end of another long and challenging year - and to allow me to get to know each of them individually. Our ages range from early twenties to sixty-plus - some have been teaching only two years while others more than thirty - but all were eager to share their stories from this past year with humor and, for sure, a healthy dose of relief. What a blessing for me to have been afforded this opportunity to begin a new career surrounded by such a diverse and intense set of professionals - and though I fully appreciate that Summer's respite is necessary to recharge, I'm so ready for August!
Giving time its due, we ended the day fishin' -
- and he says looking skyward "Hmm, yep, that would be the bobber" as she smiles...

Straightened Out...

and flyin' right...
I'm just getting started and already I'm hearing refrains
of neglect...Being wanted - feeling needed - life is ducky.

Brand new...

blogger, English teacher, and baby chicks at our house. Here's to praying that at least the teaching gets going in the right direction...