What I missed most (not who, but what) while we were in Hawaii was reading and writing. I took along a little journal, but it wasn't my regular jazzed up journal. I couldn't fit my fancy colored pencils in my bag, so I substituted some twisty neon crayons (just okay) and I took my Kindle because I couldn't very well load a whole pile of books through security. I hate carrying heavy stuff, too. My back hurt for two days after hiking around the airports with a crammed backpack and a too-heavy flowery bag. So, as we cruised along the strip, walking to dining establishments, I was bored. I delight in the smell of bookstores. I crave stickers, pencils, juicy markers, and sharp
felty pens. So, now I'm home to my basket of "fun creative marking materials" and I'm happy. I am reading
The Help. VERY fascinating read, I must say. We're starting short stories when school resumes and I want to throw some challenging tales their way. The advanced kids can work through advanced placement strategies and the grade-level kids can use their reading skills to decode some Pom Pom chosen yarns. I want the kids to view stories as life defining. I'm trying to think of a thought provoking unit question - something that will spur them on toward story loving. Any ideas? In the meantime, I can't quit reading
The Help. WHAT a good book! I like to read many books at once, so I shall treat myself to book smells and book love for the rest of the weekend.
Okay, I have a question for you. While we were in Hawaii, I saw a lot of people. I studied all shapes and sizes, many hair styles (mine is DREADFUL right now) and funny
beachy clothes. I have not figured out completely what it means to grow old gracefully. I mean, I don't care about fashion -it's not that- but I do look for inspiration in an artsy sort of way. I love the way my mom dresses. She's kind of preppy. I like the way my mentor teacher
Cyncie dresses - artsy and
hippy-
ish, but she's tall and I'm short. And now that I think about this, it isn't really clothes I'm thinking of, it's more of a presence and now I'm realizing how silly I am and seeing the light a bit (thank you!) and what I really mean is that I think I'm shooting for a little more gentle, a little less noisy, descending instead of ascending . . . who are your favorite mentors? Tell me about them, okay?
