falling into fall

It has been a wonderfully long autumn with sweaters here and there and lot of chilly mornings with warm afternoons. The days are getting shorter too, so I think I am going to pull out all the winter clothes and pack away summer's. I look forward to this annual chore because it means it is time for soup and quiet nights at home and my favorite holidays of Christmas and Valentine's Day are on their way. The beauty of a still morning alone with my thoughts gives me new life as I try to keep my head up. I have no way to describe the satisfaction I have with crunchy leaves that are never-ending and golden afternoons that beg you to think it might still be summer. 

a slice of math

I haven't participated in the SOLSC for a very long time. I never could understand why or how anyone would stop once they got started, and then I stopped. Without getting into the why, I want to explore the fact that I want to try again. I want to reconnect with my slicer community and read and be inspired by your words and work. 

Today was a full day. All of my days as of late have been very full with my new course load for the school year. On top of my normal courses, I am once again being the Swiss Army Knife (as my admin has nicknamed me) in a new way: a math teacher. It's only one period, and the math is foundational, so I have perfect mastery of it, but I want to do well in all I do as a professional educator, so I have been rummaging around for great videos and activities and reaching out to my on campus mentor a couple times a week. Professional development just got even more crucial and complex, but I am excited for the opportunity to rise and develop my abilities. 

If any of you have tried and true suggestions for mathy websites and activities for grades 3-6 maths, send them my way! 

her name

My name was once something I didn't know, 

But since then, I discovered something, 

Something important, 

Something essential—

Myself. 

Knowing myself and loving her

Showed me that my name 

Has always been 

Love. 

writer life

nearly out of words

distilled inconsistency 

discovering depth

a slice of myself

I am dedicated and authentic. 

I wonder if I make a difference. 

I hear hope alighting on the dark night. 

I see joy amidst the deep. 

I want peace. 

I am dedicated and authentic. 

I pretend to be more than I am with hope of becoming that. 

I feel that I must question what I'm told. 

I touch happiness with kid gloves. 

I worry I won't reach my goals. 

I cry for my expectations. 

I am dedicated and authentic. 

I understand God's love for me—His pure charity. 

I say mistakes can be steps toward perfection when we rise from them. 

I dream of the day I am happy inside and out. 

I try to be my best self. 

I hope for good for all. 

I am dedicated and authentic.