The Greatest Of These Is...

Yesterday was one of the best days of my life, for many reasons which aren't important to anyone else but me. But here's the thing, I find that my joy and happiness are radiating outwards. It's the so called simple things in life that keep us going. The kind words from someone we look up to... a friend getting her very first brand new car... the fact that someone is still with us today... that our parents are still here...

I don't have much in the way of literature today, prehaps the reading of a religious book. For many Christians it's the Bible, for the Jewish people it's the Torah, for Islamic people the Qur'an. Whatever you may be, whoever you are... believing is simply enough for you.

I read a quote the other day that said "My religion is kindness." It happened to be by the Dalai Lama, a member of yet another religion in this world. Does it really matter who's "right" or who's "wrong"? Isn't it just enough to believe ... in peace?

My wish for you today is that you have a wonderful day, such as the day I had yesterday. My prayer for you today is that you find peace... within... May love find you today, in whatever form or shape that it takes today... look for it... and love...

For an article regarding the Dalai Lama and Tibet: http://www.rediff.com/news/2005/jul/06spec.htm

For More on the jewish religion: http://www.jewfaq.org/

For more on Islam: http://www.islam.com/

For a technical explanation on love please see Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Love
For a three dimensional view of love, get up out of your chair, go outside and talk to someone... live life! Make eye contact and say hello!!!

Peace be with you...

A Grain in the Sand of Time...

As I complete my portfolio for this latest degree I've started to realize a few things. One- I've learned a lot and two- that I know nothing. "I am but a grain in the sand of time..." and that would be my very own quote, smile. I've been afforded opportunities only dreamt about in my past. What the future holds I do not know but I do know this, that everything that has come before are but stepping stones....

As I write this portfolio I am structuring my writing and educational artifacts around quotes... in my mind my protfolio has taken on shape if not the first stirrings of life, but isn't that what writing is? Life taking form in the written word?

"I have a dream that my four little children
will one day live in a nation
where they will not be judged by the color of their skin,
but by the content of their character."

Martin Luther King Jr.

This quote by Martin Luther King Jr. says it all for me. I too have dreams, and children, and I also wish not to be judged my the color of my skin, or my gender... I hope you find meaning in a quote, prayer or symbol today too. Signs are all around us, we just need to look for them to point the way.

I have been mining all my college textbooks for the last few days, looling for quotes that I can use for this latest endeavor. What stands out to me is that I wrote the word literacy in many of my textbooks, and we're going back several years here, well before I knew literacy would be the subject of my master's degree. Funny how life works out isn't it?

My prayer for you today is that you find signs that point you along your journey, whether in the form of the written word or in a different way. Keep looking- they're out there.

Richard Peck

Richard Peck is one of my all time favorite writers and he changed my life forever when I read his book "Past Perfect, Present Tense". He has a quote at the very end of the book in his hints chapter that reads "There was never a writer who wasn't a reader first."

This is very important because I am above all else a reader. I have been since I was a child and I've never looked back and wished to be illiterate since. It is the readers of this world who go on to write... and to make a difference...

The point is this, without reading we can not and will not advance in area of our lives. I have friend who says that he's normal... the man holds four degrees and deserves to get his doctorate but here's the thing... he doens't consider himself exceptional, just fortunate... and normal.

I think we should all be so normal.

Multiple Intelligences

As I complete my master's degree I realize that I have learned many things and sometimes not much of anythng at all! For example I learned that just because you know what you want to write doesn't mean you'll know how to write it and get your point across!

As a teacher I was taught about the different styles and ways to learn as well as communicate and to write. My favorite book on the mulitple intelligences is by Thomas Armstrong, entitled "The Multiple Intelligences of Reading and Writing", published by the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development in Alexandria, Virginia.

Originally proposed by Howard Gardner and published in 1983 the multiple intelligences play a large part in today's educational world.

"Linguistic intelligence involves sensitivity to spoken and written language, the ability to learn languages, and the capacity to use language to accomplish certain goals. This intelligence includes the ability to effectively use language to express oneself rhetorically or poetically; and language as a means to remember information. Writers, poets, lawyers and speakers are among those that Howard Gardner sees as having high linguistic intelligence.

Logical-mathematical intelligence consists of the capacity to analyze problems logically, carry out mathematical operations, and investigate issues scientifically. In Howard Gardner's words, in entails the ability to detect patterns, reason deductively and think logically. This intelligence is most often associated with scientific and mathematical thinking.

Musical intelligence involves skill in the performance, composition, and appreciation of musical patterns. It encompasses the capacity to recognize and compose musical pitches, tones, and rhythms. According to Howard Gardner musical intelligence runs in an almost structural parallel to linguistic intelligence.

Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence entails the potential of using one's whole body or parts of the body to solve problems. It is the ability to use mental abilities to coordinate bodily movements. Howard Gardner sees mental and physical activity as related.

Spatial intelligence involves the potential to recognize and use the patterns of wide space and more confined areas.

Interpersonal intelligence is concerned with the capacity to understand the intentions, motivations and desires of other people. It allows people to work effectively with others. Educators, salespeople, religious and political leaders and counselors all need a well-developed interpersonal intelligence.

Intrapersonal intelligence entails the capacity to understand oneself, to appreciate one's feelings, fears and motivations. In Howard Gardner's view it involves having an effective working model of ourselves, and to be able to use such information to regulate our lives."

From Frames of Mind by Howard Gardner.

Read about the intelligences and make up your own mind about them. Decide for yourself how you learn, don't let anyone tell you. Reread the intelligences and see if you can figure out how your children learn as well. Life will take on a new meaning for you.

I like Thomas Armstrong's book for many reasons but foremost for his ability to relate these multiple intelligneces to my field which is literacy. Without the ability to read and write all other courses of study are next to impossible. For those who are dyslexic school, studying and learning through the printed and written word is next to impossible. This intrigues me greatly for many reasons not least of which is that this field is greatly unexplored.

To find Thomas Armstrong's book it is ISBN 0-87120-718-4
For more on Howard Gardner see the links below:

http://www.howardgardner.com/
http://www.infed.org/thinkers/gardner.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Gardner

Walking Toward the Light

There's a new light among us this morning... a brand new life born last week to our good friends down in Pennsylvania.

As the first baby in a long time among my group of friends she was highly awaited; and although our friends are no longer close to us geographically they are still ever so close to our hearts.

The e-mail simply read: She's Here!!!! in large pink letters followed by what must be the prettiest baby pictures taken since my children were born, smile.

There's something about the light of a new life that draws everyone near to it. Since we're so far away and can't see the new baby in person I feel rather like a fairy godmother while I'm writing this. I want to wish our friends the best for their daughter. I want to have a magic wand that will make this baby's life perfect and send her to the ball should she ever need a pumpkin carriage. Of course I can't do that but what I can do is this... I pray that this baby has a long life full of happiness and joy, a life full of trial and error that she not only learns from but triumphs over. I wish her the success that comes only after hard work and I wish her love. I'm glad you're here!

Now let's see if I can find a wand on sale should I ever need one- just in case!

Life Is A Choice

Life is a choice, so therefore CHOOSE LIFE!

Choose to live. Choose to fulfill your destiny~ and your dreams.

Choose to laugh, to love... to live. Take that new job, come out of your bat cave, walk out into the sun, turn your face to it and give thanks that you're still here.

I know many people have guilt. Some of us have survivor's guilt, some of us have guilt over how we were raised, or over how we are raising our children. I personally don't know anyone who doesn't carry some type of guilt. There's no reason to. Let it go, don't worry or as a friend of mine says "Don't be concerned". Easy to say isn't it? Even easier to do, I promise. Just let it go...

Survivor's guilt is the hardest one of all and I won't lie to you, it takes time to learn to live with it. For some it's worse than for others. You survived, they didn't. Whoever that they may be: your buddy, your cousin, your someone.


Sometimes it's guilt about someone we've walked away from or about someone who has walked away from us. It happens, at times people are only in your life for a reason or a season.

"People come into your life for a Reason, a Season, or a Lifetime.

When you know which one it is for a person, you will know what to do for that person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON,

it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.

They have come to assist you through a difficulty,

to provide you with guidance and support,

to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually.

They may seem like a Godsend, and they are!

They are there for the reason you need them to be.

Then, without any wrong doing on your part, or at an inconvenient time,

this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.

Sometimes they die.

Sometimes they walk away.

Some times they act up and force you to take a stand.

What we must realize is that our need has been met,

our desire fulfilled, their work is done.

The prayer you sent up has been answered, and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON,

because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn.

They bring you an experience of peace,

or make you laugh.

They may teach you something you have never done.

They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.

Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons:

things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.

Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person,

and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.

It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Thank you for being a part of my life!"

~Anonymous~

You're a survivor, you made it, you have a survivor's spirit and if you're reading this I'm willing to bet a warrior's sprirt as well. You're tough, you're strong and most importantly... you're still here.... so choose to live the life that you still have. Live life to it's fullest~ and don't let go of anything... but the guilt. From the ashes does rise the phoenix.

Habits- Under Construction

Forgive me for the technical difficulties I've been experiencing this week, I'm not sure what's been going on but then that's why I'm doing this blog- so I can learn! It's been an interesting experience to say the least, my favorite quote by Alexander Graham Bell says it all~

"When one door closes another door opens;

but we so often look so long

and so regretfully upon the closed door,

that we do not see the ones which open for us."

Lately for me it's been time to close some old doors and open some new ones. I hope and pray it's been the same for you.

It's almost as been as if I were constructing new habits and deconstructing the old ones. The etymology alone of constructive anger says it all. As a person, as a soul, we have to construct our worlds. In my mind constructive anger is a lot like giving birth. When a woman (note- never a man) gives birth she feels every emotion, sometimes all at once. Having been granted this privilege twice I feel that I am somewhat of an authority on this subject.

The point is this~ we can construct our world just as surely as we can deconstruct it. Having been divorced I can speak on deconstruction as well. Death is another form of deconstructing a life. When you die all your possessions must be disposed of, do it now, don't wait for someone else to find your skeletons. I can only imagine what my children would think if they unearthed my skeletons! Which brings me to another point (off topic of course) tell your children the truth, you'll be able to sleep better at night if nothing else.

So today do something different, my favorite advice is of course turn off the TV. For me it's get off the computer, I can't quite turn it off yet though, smile. Since so much of my life is work at this point I find myself in front of this screen more than I should. But then everything has it's own season doesn't it?

My advice for today? Close some old doors and open some new ones, don't wait for life to do it for you....

Live in the Moment

Live in the moment.

Don't let a moment go by without your enjoying it, don't think about tomorrow or even about the next minute, just be in the now, exist for the time that you're in.

Trust your moral compass, we all have one.

Really we all have one. You can choose to ignore it just like a man who refuses to look for directions... but the smart thing to do would be to listen to it and find your way home. Home is where the heart is you know.

Laugh as often as you can.

This is a big one, too many times adults (and even children, yes) will not take a chance and laugh. I don't mean at another's expense here either. I mean laugh at yourself, especially when you know what you've done is funny. For example this morning I went to close the curtain and the rod fell down, it was like something out of America's Funniest Home Videos. What did I do? I laughed... and I'll fix it later. Share the laughter.

Take chances.

No one ever got anywhere by being safe and staying in the house. Turn off the TV, here let me repeat that for you- TURN OFF THE TV. Go outside, life is for the living. We're producing a civilization of people who exist solely in their minds. GO OUTSIDE, live life, make friends, read a book with them, talk to someone. Connect.

Never say no to what may be the opportunity of a lifetime.

Again trust yourself, turn off that TV and meet people, you just never know do you? And ladies? Do your hair and make yourself pretty. Men like that. Actually they just like clean but we'll cover that another time. And men? We ladies like clean too!

Trust your intuition, angels, conscience, totem... whatever it may be for you.

They're real... they exist, live in the moment, see them for who and what they are.

Live in the moment and enjoy life, you only have this moment so why not live in it? Stop thinking about tomorrow or next year. Take a moment to sit still, to enjoy the quiet and to live...

Pirate for a Day!

My pirate name is:

Iron Mary Flint

A pirate's life isn't easy; it takes a tough person. That's okay with you, though, since you a tough person. Like the rock flint, you're hard and sharp. But, also like flint, you're easily chipped, and sparky. Arr!

Get your own pirate name from piratequiz.com.

part of the fidius.org network

Love~~

Love is patient, love is kind.

~~Love your friends, and try to be quiet around your enemies. Today is the day where you can make a difference in the life of someone else. Whether it be a kind word, a CD suggestion or a phone call-- do it. Don't let time pass you by, love is a verb, show those whom you love how love in action looks.

It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

~~For the friend that you haven't heard from say a prayer, think of them, and keep them in your thoughts. The universe is a vast place they will come back to you again.

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

~~Forget what Aunt Tilde said back in 1974, or what your mother-in-law said last year. Just don't give that person an opportunity to hurt you again. Life is about evolution, always moving forward, always changing. Move on...

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

~~Be glad for your friends when opportunities come their way, love them no matter what they choose do in their lives.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

~~Love is forever...

From 1st Corinthians 13
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=13&version=31

Happy Anniversary

Happy Anniversary!


To my very best friend on her second wedding anniversary...

~The Magic Of Love~

Love is like magic

And it always will be.

For love still remains

Life's sweet mystery!!

Love works in ways

That are wondrous and strange

And there's nothing in life

That love cannot change!!

Love can transform

The most commonplace

Into beauty and splendor

And sweetness and grace.

Love is unselfish,

Understanding and kind

For it sees with its heart

And not with its mind!

Love is the answer

That everyone seeks...

Love is the language,

That every heart speaks.

Love can't be bought,

It is priceless and free,

Love, like pure magic,

Is life's sweet mystery!!

- Helen Steiner Rice -

Friends

A friend is someone we turn towhen our spirits need a lift.

A friend is someone we treasurefor our friendship is a gift.

A friend is someone who fills our liveswith beauty, joy, and grace.

And makes the whole world we live in a better and happier place.

- Jean Kyler McManus -

If I could catch a rainbowI would do it just for you,

And share with you its beauty

On the days you're feeling blueIf I could build a mountain

You could call your very own,

A place to find serenity,

A place to be alone

If I could take your troublesI would toss them in the sea,

But all these things I'm finding

Are impossible for meI cannot build a mountain,

Or catch a rainbow fair,

But let me be what I know best,

A friend who's always there.

- Kahlil Gibran -

You're my best friend and I wish you all the happiness in the world. I meant that two years ago and I mean it again today. I can't imagine life without you, my best girlfriend! We've been through a lot together and there's more in store for us, I'm lucky to share the journey with you...

Happy Anniversary!

These poems and other poems like them can be found at the link below:

http://www.lovepoemsandquotes.com/

Third Eye Open

If you're anything like me you like new things; music, books, friends... well you get the idea. I've only listened to a couple of tracks of this CD but they were phenomenal. The tracks were sent to me by a friend of mine and my CD isn't in yet. The tracks were that good that I needed to own a copy of this CD myself and I can't wait until the CD I bought comes.

I'm sorry to say I didn't really know who Tool were, I do know now, but I found their lyrics and their music very though provoking when I first was exposed to them, I still do. I recommend this CD as well as others by them and I leave you to make up your own mind.


To buy this CD-
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005ORCW/103-6448061-8409416?ie=UTF8

For more about Tool- http://www.toolband.com/

Sacred Spirit

There are a series of Native American CD's entitled Sacred Sprirt. The first one is subtitled "Chants and Dances of the Native Americans", and the second one is "More Chants and Dances of the Native Americans". The link for purchasing these CD's can be found below. I believe there are nine CD's in the series altogether even though not all of them are readily available at Amazon.com.

The CD listed above is very moving spiritually and should not be missed. I have never heard any other music like it, something about it transcends the physical plane and moves you to a higher realm. Again this is a CD not to be missed.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_nr_seeall_2/103-6448061-8409416?ie=UTF8&keywords=sacred%20spirit%20native%20american&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Asacred%20spirit%20native%20american%2Ci%3Apopular

Women Who Run With the Wolves

By Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes. This is a book every woman (and possibly some men) should read. I'll warn you now, this book is several hundred pages long and not for the feint of heart; once you start reading it you won't want to put it down. I suggest reading the stories at different times and at your own pace, the book is structured in a way that makes it possible to read it in this manner.

From Publishers WeeklyFolklore- Fairy tales and dream symbols are called on to help restore women's neglected intuitive and instinctive abilities in this earthy first book by a Jungian analyst. According to Estes, wolves and women share a psychic bond in their fierceness, grace and devotion to mate and community. This comparison defines the archetype of the Wild Woman, a female in touch with her primitive side and able to rely on gut feelings to make choices. The tales here, from various cultures, are not necessarily about wolves; instead, they illuminate fresh perspectives on relationships, self-image, even addiction. An African tale of twins who baffle a man represents the dual nature of woman; from the Middle East, a story about a threadbare but secretly magic carpet shows society's failure to look beyond appearances. Three brief, ribald stories advocate a playful, open sexuality; other examples suggest ways to deal with anger and jealousy. At times, Estes's commentary--in which she urges readers to draw upon and enjoy their Wild Woman aspects--is hyperbolic, but overall her widely researched study offers usable advice for modern women. Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Amazon.com - http://www.amazon.com/Women-Wolves-Clarissa-Pinkola-Estes/dp/0345409876

Shahnameh

Shahnameh: The Persian Book of Kings (Hardcover) by Abolqasem Ferdowsi, Dick Davis (Translator)

From Publishers Weekly- Composed more than a thousand years ago, this national epic of Persia tells the story of Iran from the first "lord of the world," Kayumars, through the seventh-century Arab/Islamic conquest of the Sassanid dynasty. With a foreword by Azar Nafisi, author of Reading Lolita in Tehran, and illustrated with Persian lithographs, Davis's translation of this epic poem is an accessible combination of poetry and prose.Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

I highly recommend the book above, I have just received my copy and look forward to many nights of reading enjoyment.

All content can be found at amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Shahnameh-Persian-Kings-Abolqasem-Ferdowsi/dp/0670034851/sr=8-1/qid=1158074410/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-6448061-8409416?ie=UTF8&s=books

Shahnameh

Shahnameh: The Persian Book of Kings (Hardcover) by Abolqasem Ferdowsi, Dick Davis (Translator)

From Publishers Weekly- Composed more than a thousand years ago, this national epic of Persia tells the story of Iran from the first "lord of the world," Kayumars, through the seventh-century Arab/Islamic conquest of the Sassanid dynasty. With a foreword by Azar Nafisi, author of Reading Lolita in Tehran, and illustrated with Persian lithographs, Davis's translation of this epic poem is an accessible combination of poetry and prose.Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

I highly recommend the book above, I have just received my copy and look forward to many nights of reading enjoyment.

All content can be found at amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Shahnameh-Persian-Kings-Abolqasem-Ferdowsi/dp/0670034851/sr=8-1/qid=1158074410/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-6448061-8409416?ie=UTF8&s=books

Acceptance

Monday, September 11th.... 2006

The only difference between today and this date five years ago is that today is a Monday and five years ago today it was a Tuesday... and time. It was my first semester as a returning student (undergrad.) and they actually closed the college that day. We always did say it would take a major act of God to close Buffalo State College.

Except that wasn't an act of God.

Now, five years later, I'm in my last semester of my graduate degree and I've been given more time on earth than some of those who died that day. In remembrance... those who died have been my inspiration. Spetember 11th will forever serve as to the fragility of human life and our place in the never ending wheel of time. Life flows and ebbs... nothing is permanent. Not even us. We must make the most of what we have- today. Life is what we choose it to be.

Acceptance is a part of making the most of today. Acceptance of what we have today and of others... all others. Acceptance for that which we had and for that which we lost... acceptance for that which we cannot change and even if we could, knowing all that we know now, would we? What trade or sacrifice would you be willing to make to return to five years ago today?

But we cannot, so we must accept today and go on. Acceptance of that which we do not understand and of those whom we share this planet with. The United States is the one place on earth where everyone in the world can find safe haven, or at least should find safety.

The New Colossus
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

~~Emma Lazarus

I find this poem appropriate for today and I hope that you do too. Today marks the end of one era and the beginning of another, an era of acceptance. Below are links to help you on your journey of acceptance.

http://www.islam101.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shahnameh

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0670034851?v=glance

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_Iran

http://www.islamfortoday.com/

World Peace

I have a dear friend who is afraid to let her child play with another child who has immigrated from Africa. She's afraid of unknown, unseen diseases that could have come here from Africa -even though she knows full well that anyone immigrating is thoroughly screened for any type of health issues. We can only change the world one person at a time, not through division but through unity; the answer lies through education.

Monday is September 11th, five years to the day when all of our lives changed forever. Some of us have learned about ourselves from that day and have changed our lives for the better, some of us have not yet learned to move on, or to forgive.... even ourselves.... We must all remember that we all are on this planet together, for better or for worse. I choose better.... how about you?

As an undergraduate student I attended a college that stressed diversity in each and every class. At the time I wondered what could possibly be so interesting about so much diversity. I had an opportunity yesterday to see true diversity brought to life, people from all walks of life, ethnic groups and geographic locations come together to unite in a common goal.... our children... our future. As we approach this marker on Monday I'd like us all to remember that diversity comes in many shapes and sizes....

I have another friend that once told me the quickest way to achieve world peace would be for aliens to attack planet earth. He said that the KKK would recruit black people faster than you could say "world peace" and they would fight side by side with them to repel the new enemy. I think he has a valid hypothesis- but I also think that there's a flaw in his thinking. The underlying cause of racism and hate would be turned away from it's original target, not defeated. Which brings me full circle to Monday, September 11th.

We as a people, the human race, will live together on this planet- as we choose- until we get it right. In my mind the answer to world peace is education. I have a dear friend who once taught a lesson to a group of tired, burnt out graduate students. It was near the end of a very long semester when most of us were working and going to school- fulltime. For those of you who have done this, with children, you will understand our motivation level in listening to any sort of presentation by our fellow students was very low. Until my girlfriend taught her lesson on world peace. All the visuals, books and props she brought in that night don't matter now, what you need to know is this... world peace begins right here, right now. In your living room, in your classroom, in your neighborhood. If we all achieve world peace in our own way the ripple effect will be staggering. One child, one adult, one person at a time. It doesn't matter if that person is black, white or middle eastern. We are all people, a collective soul, a collective universe of our own making if you will. Through acceptance, friendship and remembrance...

We will never forget, but we can forgive.... and move on.... one soul at a time.

The essence....

Happy Birthday!

Today is my mother's birthday.... after years of late cards and forgetting to call her on time (meaning the day of) I decided this year to celebrate her in print. I hope this piece means more to her than the purse we bought her last year (or was it the year before?) You see where I'm going with this don't you? Finally a birthday gift that means something and lasts forever.

In my lifetime I've had several mothers... the one who gave birth to me, the one who adopted me and this one. This is the mother who has been there for almost thirty years. God sent her at a time when I was a miserable child, not much hope in sight. She's remained where others did and could not. She should win a prize for longevity, but not only that... she deserves one for standing tall in the face of adversity, namely me.

I was a horrid child and then later as an adolescent I should have won a prize for something... I'm not quite sure what although I'm sure if you asked her she'd tell you. She certainly tells my kids! That would be Grandma's way of finally getting even after all these years, smile. Let me tell you what goes around comes around- in spades- be careful how you treat your mother, but then that's a story for another time...

Since this is about her I'll only tell you one story to illustrate what she's put up with from me over the years. When I was in junior high, maybe 7th or 8th grade my mother sent my lunch with me to school and for reasons I can't recall now- I wouldn't eat it. So lovely child that I was I would bring my lunch home and hide it in the desk drawer. By the time the Army of Ants marched on through the house my lunch (es) had been there quite a while. All she said was- and this speaks volumes to her credit- "Why didn't you throw them out?"

While we all may have several mothers in our lifetimes and I pray you do not, I do pray that you get one like mine. But you can't have her, she's taken.... she's mine....

Happy Birthday Mom, I hope this makes up for at least something I've done in the past, my kids are really starting to get to me- can you take the curse off now?

I love you and Happy Birthday!

Diversity in Education

Last night my children and I rode our bicycles to the local park. We were able to cross the street by ourselves, ride up and down hills and then finally we ended up at the playground. Bear with me because this will be important later on. Not many people were out last night since many schools started today- but we were out riding our bikes and seizing the day... if you know what I mean. As my kids ran around the playground, and I went down the slide, I noticed the other people at the playground. There were several young adults and some handicapped children. I recognized one child as being autistic and one as what used to be called mentally retarded but is now usually termed mentally challenged or impaired.

As I went over to the swing and my kids still ran around I was able to observe the profound differences between my children and the children in the park. First of all I wondered where their parents were and why they were out at 7:30 p.m. with caretakers. I didn't ask so we'll never know. These poor people had all they could do to manage these children without me asking them questions. The kids were throwing themselves on the ground about every three feet and in some cases crying and trying to hurt themselves. They couldn't even walk without assistance let alone ride a bicycle....

As I watched the children being taken to their van, I again watched my children with different eyes. While as a single parent I might have more than my fair share of problems, nothing and I mean nothing that I have to deal with compares with what these children endure in their lives on a daily basis. So this week when my kids run around and drive me crazy I am going to remember those children in the park. And you should too. Thank God for the blessings that we take for granted each and every day such as good mental health.

There is a trend in education to seperate these children, again, and to put them into group homes. I don't agree with this. There is not one child in my children's school who is classified with visible needs. I know there are others who have classified needs such as dyslexia but not mental impairment. How will my children's generation ever understand the uniqueness of each and every individual if this form of diversity is hidden away?

Each and every individual is a gift from God and has a place in our lives. I suggest the book below to help you understand this type of educational diversity. For in life we all are one on the same journey.

Fleming, V. (1993). Be good to Eddie Lee. Philomel: New York.

Making A Difference

Making a difference, one child at a time.....

Pastor's message on Sunday was in regards to how we as people who live with so much can help those in the world who do not. His message was simply this- help one child at a time. Make a difference in the life of one person today. I'd like to add to that- make a difference in the life of one person every day. It could be you father, mother, son or daughter. It could be a child next door, or one in Africa. Make a new friend wherever you may go, to dinner, the grocery store or at church. Look someone in the eye and smile. Don't wait for someone to call you- call someone. Write an e-mail or better yet find something inspirational to forward and then send it to everyone in your address book.



Let's just suppose for a moment that Mary McLeod Bethune, one of the pioneers in American education, had decided that she had a headache or was too tired to make a difference one day. As it turns out she chose to make a difference in every way that she could possibly think of, each and every day. And that's all we're asked to do. Make a difference in the life of one person, each and every day.



Greenfield, E. (1977). Mary McLeod Bethune. HarperCollins Publishing: New York. This book is illustrated by one of my favorite authors and illustrators, Jerry Pinkney. If interested in purcasing a copy Amazon.com has over 300 in stock, I suggest you get one today.

Making A Difference

Gloria Jean Pinkney

I was going to write about something else today in regards to diversity, children's literature and education but I was moved by the spirit to share about Mrs. Pinkney instead. Yesterday I told you all how I was fortunate enough to meet the Pinkney's this summer at the Harlem Book Fair here in Buffalo. The Pinkneys were both gracious enough to sign my copies of their books and to take pictures with me. (Thank you Barb!) I was so excited! But what moved me the most was Mrs. Pinkney speaking about her book "In the Forest of Your Remembrance". She also shared many other wonderful things that day but I bought a copy of her book, took it home, read it and my life was forever changed. I strongly suggest that you pick up a copy of her book, read it yourself, with friends, your children or your parents. Aloud. That's right out loud. Nothing soothes the soul more than being read to!

Pinkney, G.J. (2001) In the forest of your remembrance. Phyllis Fogelman Books: New York. ISBN 0-8037-2643-0

Illustrations are by her husband, Jerry Pinkney and her sons, Brain Pinkney and Myles C. Pinkney. All are illustrators and authors in their own right as well.

No go and seize the day!