A New Calendar Year 2012

Time-out is the best even when you are ill and quarantined from the family room and kitchen.  Jessica and Ian spent a glorious two weeks with Roger and I over the holiday break.  Jessica blew out the number 29 and life is grand.  Ian picked at the guitar and cooked some great meals. Roger and Jess have the Christmas turkey meal nailed.  I recreated the famous Frances Caldwell “Chicken and Noodles” recipe with amazing success and cheers from the fans.  We all traveled to Victor and Cripple Creek where vintage shopping was the order of the day at the Victor Trading Company.  Ian and Jess taught us the ins and outs of Roulette.  Much fun and laughter that day.  The gift was our time together.  The hugs, the conversations and slow pace of the days.  Time to be forever cherished.   Twanda

Each morning I rise.  I awaken with hope.  Smile on my sleepy face anticipating the day while followed by four little clicking paws and a pair of loving brown eyes.   Hot coffee awaits as my Superman readies the brew each evening.  I feel like a princess.  Eight more paws request exit into the early dark.  Computer lights the room as I sip.  Five pounds of Izzy warms my lap until two slippers make way to the light and she flies to engage in the am greeting.  A bark is sounded and the eight paws bounce through the door to join in the ritual.  So the day begins. In spite of being thankful on a moment to moment basis, November solicits the discourse of loved ones, friends, colleagues, and strangers alike.  There is no way to list or express all I am thankful for.  Hence a random trek up and down the hierarchy suggested by Mr. Maslow.  I am thankful for the love, patience, and kindness of my soul mate; to survive over two weeks without doing laundry; for watching the sunset behind Pikes Peak from my kitchen window; for the internet; for a career surrounded by young energy; for food and shelter; for sunshine and wind; for lifelong friends; for music in my heart; for the opportunity to make a difference; for digital cameras; for dirt roads and tumbleweed; for Skype; for family in so many ways;  for my health; for my sight; for not making the bed if I choose; for baby birds and butterflies; for birthday cards; for a full tank of gas; for smiles, hugs, and laughter. Well, then there is Jessica.  My heart bursts.  My tears of happiness well.  Roger and I have no regrets with our parenting “mission accomplished.”  I am thankful. View high resolution

Each morning I rise.  I awaken with hope.  Smile on my sleepy face anticipating the day while followed by four little clicking paws and a pair of loving brown eyes.   Hot coffee awaits as my Superman readies the brew each evening.  I feel like a princess.  Eight more paws request exit into the early dark.  Computer lights the room as I sip.  Five pounds of Izzy warms my lap until two slippers make way to the light and she flies to engage in the am greeting.  A bark is sounded and the eight paws bounce through the door to join in the ritual.  So the day begins.

In spite of being thankful on a moment to moment basis, November solicits the discourse of loved ones, friends, colleagues, and strangers alike.  There is no way to list or express all I am thankful for.  Hence a random trek up and down the hierarchy suggested by Mr. Maslow. 

I am thankful for the love, patience, and kindness of my soul mate; to survive over two weeks without doing laundry; for watching the sunset behind Pikes Peak from my kitchen window; for the internet; for a career surrounded by young energy; for food and shelter; for sunshine and wind; for lifelong friends; for music in my heart; for the opportunity to make a difference; for digital cameras; for dirt roads and tumbleweed; for Skype; for family in so many ways;  for my health; for my sight; for not making the bed if I choose; for baby birds and butterflies; for birthday cards; for a full tank of gas; for smiles, hugs, and laughter.

Well, then there is Jessica.  My heart bursts.  My tears of happiness well.  Roger and I have no regrets with our parenting “mission accomplished.”  I am thankful.

Leaves Falling

I’m a middle school teacher on vacation!  The crazier the universe gets the calmer I feel.  My students remind me of how fun life can be in the face of unreasonable demands.  They want to chat and laugh and be loved.  So be it.  The math will only enhance who they are as remarkable human beings.  Let us splash our way through life.  Love Twanda View high resolution

I’m a middle school teacher on vacation!  The crazier the universe gets the calmer I feel.  My students remind me of how fun life can be in the face of unreasonable demands.  They want to chat and laugh and be loved.  So be it.  The math will only enhance who they are as remarkable human beings.  Let us splash our way through life.  Love Twanda

Fall Tomatoes equal measures of central tendency.  I see math everywhere I look.  View high resolution

Fall Tomatoes equal measures of central tendency.  I see math everywhere I look. 

Enjoying the Ride! View high resolution

Enjoying the Ride!

Saturday Smile View high resolution

Saturday Smile

The Old Man is Snoring as it is Pouring

Yes, it is raining on the prairie.  A gift to be sure.  Not for all, but it is welcome on the plains of Colorado.  Roger’s sunflowers continue to bring joy to our homestead and have been framed for viewing year round. 

The older Twanda gets, the wilder her outfits for school.  No real fashion sense.  They are more mood inspired.  Fun to say the least.  Lots of scarves, dresses, and boots mixed together for only the highest of esteem to wear.  This seasons scarf frenzy began this June in Portland and is now in full swing thanks to a little company called ZAZOU from Berkeley, CA.  I attended a special dinner for my friend, Mindy, this evening soliciting hats and scarves as she rolls into the heavy chemotherapy on Thursday.  ZAZOU will treat her well. 

So, I need not moan or groan about anything as I would not trade places with my dear friend today.  Her attitude is one of a hero with no seam or crack in her armor.   The tears will come to my eyes, but not today.  I am posting these sunflowers for you, Mind, and for Steve and little Brighton.

I love you.  Twanda

Wednesdays are Fun!

Wow, the challenges of teaching middle school students in the present state of the universe continue to loom large.  Hence my ever present moment to moment hysterical patience.

Twanda