Slice of Life - Libraries & Books

Libraries are generally places of wonder, exploration, and all kinds of loveliness. Today, I started off my day meeting someone at the local university library for a guided tour. I had been there a few times before, but hadn't been back in a few years. Now I know where the children's, YA, and graphic novels are and have found some places to read. I renewed my library card and was set to go on my next adventure. 

Next on my list of things to do was visiting an exhibit that is only open when I am usually working and ends after this week. I went to the design building to look at the travel journals that students made while on tour in Europe. What kind of amazing class is this? They were to look for designs as they traveled and record them in these amazing art journals. So fun. I have only kept a travel journal a few times that included art and it was very fun so now I want to go on a trip and try this again with their inspiration. 

Next, I went to a middle school in the next school district over to visit their Native resource room and it was really nice. They have a great collection of books and realia. 

My final library/display type place for the day was a small library on the outskirts of our county. It has a beautiful mural outside and it is a cozy little space. 

To top off this day of libraries and books, I went to the local ice cream shop and got a cone to eat while I read a digital book. I did get a little reading done, but multiple students from one of my schools were there and wanted to chat so I did that too. The topic of books and libraries did come up. :)

  

{#sol15} Music Programs 31/31

The March Slice of Life Story Challenge 

hosted by Two Writing Teachers

Elementary students can be so enthusiastic when they are performing in their music productions. This evening was a treat as I watched two different programs. The first and second graders sang about not being sleepy and their bedtime routine. My favorite song was unsurprisingly, "In the Pages of a Book." The kids held up some awesome books during this one. There are great lyrics, "I can be myself or someone else in the pages of a book....I can lose myself or find myself in the pages of a book."

The third and fourth graders were having a beach bash and wishing for summertime. I couldn't help but wish for it right along with them. This has been a long school year with our construction work going on since October. Many students were full of joy and energy dancing up on the stage. They brought huge smiles to my face.

Thinking about the past month of slicing also brings a smile. This has been a learning experience and sharing with so many people is the best. Thanks for being a part of my writing journey this month.

{#sol15} A Touch of Spring 30/31

The March Slice of Life Story Challenge 

hosted by Two Writing Teachers

It's difficult to believe that this is the second to the last post of March already. The month flew by and most days, the words came easily.

It's also difficult to believe that the snow is finally gone. Today my dog and I had a fabulous walk in the sunshine with no jacket required. No bath was required either. That's a first. Ever since November, we have had snow, sand, salt, and/or mud to deal with so a walk always led to bathing the dog. Not surprisingly this meant that my dog had way fewer walks during winter. He is a tiny thing and also has difficulty with the cold so most days we would instead play fetch up and down our long hallway instead.

Being able to walk all the way to the park and back without having to carry a shivering wet mess of a dog was a wonderful treat. His tail was wagging and I'm sure if I had one it would have been wagging too.

We may still get one or two cold blasts, but today we had spring in our steps. We'll take as many of these days as we can get.

{#sol15} Doodling 29/31

The March Slice of Life Story Challenge 

hosted by Two Writing Teachers

This picture is my attempt to hurry along our spring. We don't have green grass, blooming flowers, or blue skies yet, but they are coming. The book Picture This by Lynda Barry encouraged people to doodle. She writes, "A spiral is portable, reliable and takes up unbearable time and space and thoughts that torment. It gives us an active place to rest and be." 

I've found this to be true. My doodles often have spirals. They are comfortable and require little thought. They give my mind a rest. I'm listening to the second Octavian Nothing book trying to get through all of the Printz awards and honors. It's a challenge to me as I find it quite dry, but the addition of some doodling should make it more palatable. The doodling won't distract me from the story, but will give my body something to do in the meantime.

It's been a relaxing morning that included a little baking. I made strawberry scones, boiled some eggs, and made homemade chai (using the recipe from Lucy Knisley's fabulous graphic novel Relish). My family woke up in stages and everyone had a bite. I love the yummy smells that are still lingering on in the house. Now I'm off to listen and doodle and sip some more sweet chai.

{#sol15} Celebrate! 28/31

The March Slice of Life Story Challenge 

hosted by Two Writing Teachers

Ruth Ayres has a link-up on Saturdays where people link to posts that are celebrations about their week. I love this reminder to celebrate every week.

Many of my celebrations this week made it into my Slice of Life posts. Slice of Life is one of my celebrations. It hasn't been nearly as difficult as I thought to post each day this month and truly, the best part may be reading and commenting on other people's posts. The posts have been thought-provoking, beautiful, emotional, and sometimes hilarious. It's a treat to visit the many blogs and enjoy the writing and life journeys of others.

Another treat was seeing the trailer of Meg Medina's new picture book, Mango, Abuela and Me, coming at the end of the summer. It looks so fun.

Tuesday was a day of thinking. It was the conclusion of some professional development that a team of teachers from my building attended throughout this year. We learned about Culturally Responsive Classroom Practices. We're hoping to implement some of the classroom practices that we learned in the coming year and are already trying to use some of them in our own spaces. It will be interesting to see how this plays out as we get the information to other staff members. I'm excited to see what we can do.

On Wednesday evening, creativity was the theme. I was able to go to a craft night and have a beading lesson. Ever since attending the American Indian Summer Institute in 2013, beading has been something on my bucket list. A young Mohican woman there was working on beadwork for a Powwow and it was beautiful. The artistry was stunning. Being able to learn how to string beads together was nice, but spending time with women and girls while we worked on different projects and talked was also very relaxing. I hope to be able to participate often.

Thursday was a busy day as I taught and then went to a presentation about Ethiopia. Having read Black Dove, White Raven within the past month had me wanting to learn more about this fascinating country. We learned a lot about the country and its people. Following the presentation, I made my way to our elementary school dance. Joining in the fun was a spirit lifter. Several teachers were out on the dance floor and we had a blast acting silly and dancing around with our students. This all made for a long day, but one filled with goodness.

Related to culturally responsive practices, a new resource appeared on my radar that will help me gather resources related to Native Nations of Wisconsin. It also helps others. Someone was just asking me yesterday how to get information to local elementary librarians about what resources to purchase and I was able to direct them to this resource. Win!

The week was filled with excitement and fun as our school celebrated our Spirit Week and that is a celebration in itself. Seeing everyone dressed in crazy ways and being silly together made for a lot of laughter and many smiles. Coming up, we have a short week and then my son comes home for a few days. Life is good.

{#sol15} American Indian Nations in WI 27/31

The March Slice of Life Story Challenge 

hosted by Two Writing Teachers

I love social media. A post yesterday alerted me to the creation of a new Facebook group providing  some fantastic resources. The group is called Wisconsin Librarians and Teachers Supporting Act 31. They posted a great list of books and online resources that help with teaching about the American Indian Nations in Wisconsin. For librarians or teachers wanting to add to their library collection, this is an excellent place to start.

We already own most of the titles listed for elementary, but it was nice to see a few titles that were new to me. They also had some great titles for teachers - like this one I picked up from our public library:

Debbie Reese had mentioned Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask on Twitter a while back, but I hadn't gotten to it yet. It's in my house now so maybe soon.... 

{#sol15} Ethiopia 26/31

The March Slice of Life Story Challenge 

hosted by Two Writing Teachers

This afternoon, UW La Crosse hosted an event focusing children's literature, culture and life in Ethiopia. A panel presented about their experiences in Ethiopia. Some had gone on a medical mission there, some were members of the press that had worked on a documentary during that trip and two had lived in Ethiopia when they were growing up. 

After reading Black Dove, White Raven by Elizabeth Wein, I was especially eager to hear more about Ethiopia and the people who live there. We saw pictures of the work being done through Project Mercy and heard about those experiences. We also saw some of the documentary. 

One of the women who had grown up in Ethiopia was Jane Kurtz. We heard her talk about her books, literacy and Ethiopia Reads . From the website, "Ethiopia Reads collaborates with Ethiopian communities to build schools, plant libraries, teach teachers, boost literacy and provide youth and families with the tools to improve their lives." I read her book Trouble this afternoon and now will be on the lookout for more of her works. We have several in our school library that I will be reading soon.

Ethiopia looks like a beautiful place that I need to add to my travel list.

{#sol15} Beading 25/31

The March Slice of Life Story Challenge 

hosted by Two Writing Teachers

Beads, beads, and more beads. Tonight I spent several hours making a bracelet at a craft night. It took me near forever to measure and count and figure out my design, but eventually I was finally working on the loom. There were snacks, a movie was playing and we were chatting sometimes too. It was a relaxing evening and people moved at a nice calm speed. Not everyone was there with a daughter, but a few were. It got me thinking about how we learn so many of our arts and crafts from family members. 

My mother showed me how to do needlepoint and helped me use a sewing machine - though that thing always scared the daylights out of me. No matter how gently I pressed, I always felt like the machine was a runaway train. Mom also taught me how to make stamps with potatoes when I was really young and later how to paint with brushes. I remember getting an art set for Christmas one year and clutching it like it was a treasure box. 

I'm thankful that family members and even near strangers (as was the case tonight) pass on their knowledge and love for crafts.

{#sol15} A rather serious post 23/31

The March Slice of Life Story Challenge 

hosted by Two Writing Teachers

I'm re-reading Louise Erdrich's book The Plague of Doves and I hope it's not giving too much away to say that it involves racism and there is a lynching. Earlier this year, I read The novel X by Ilyasah Shabazz and Kekla Magoon. It had a reference to lynching and contained a scene with Billie Holliday singing "Strange Fruit." It's a song I had never heard before. This is the magic of YouTube because I was able to listen to the song immediately after reading the passage. If you're familiar with it, you know the song is unsettling, and it is powerful.

Lynching isn't just hanging, but hanging someone outside of the legal system often to punish, but also to terrify people. While re-reading The Plague of Doves, I can't get a phrase out of my head, "Man's inhumanity to man." Our country has way too much history that involves hatred and oppression of a whole group of people. Doves shares a Native American perspective and X an African American perspective, but many groups of people have been seen as less than human and then treated that way.

Our society has not yet managed to heal the many wounds made over the years. We're still stuck in patterns that are damaging and sometimes even deadly. I want to be someone who interrupts these patterns. I'm becoming bolder, but it's slow growth. I keep hoping that the more I verbalize this, the more I'll speak up.

{#sol15} Positives and Negatives 22/31

The March Slice of Life Story Challenge 

hosted by Two Writing Teachers

Back on the 16th, I wrote about wanting to take a look back at where I've been. I've been doing that, but I haven't been sharing much of that exploration here. I wasn't sure if I was comfortable sharing the details online. Domestic violence is part of what shaped me. It wasn't everyday, but there was a constant feeling of walking on eggshells in our home. That kept me quiet, fearful and unlikely to bring friends home. 

I'm thankful for the many friends who invited me to their homes. Reading books and visiting others showed me that not all families lived like we did. Seeing other ways of living in the pages of books and in my friend's houses gave me hope for the future. During middle school, I finally started to realize that homes could be places that felt safe.

Over the years, I've tried to look for the silver lining in my childhood. Here are a few of the positives:

* In trying to get a new start and try to make a better life, we moved many times. This brought a wonderful diversity to our experience. We went from very white small-town Ohio to Dallas, Texas. What a change. Then we lived in various areas of southern California before returning to Ohio and  finally moving to San Antonio, Texas. Along the way, we met some amazing friends.

* While living in Southern California, during the calm times we took long drives, explored beaches, visited mountains and had fun together. It wasn't always doom and gloom.

* We became resilient.

There are other positives, but for a long time in my life, it was hard to see past the negatives. I'm thankful that I'm able to see positives in my past while acknowledging that some of it really sucked.

{#sol15} Creating and Celebrating 21/31

The March Slice of Life Story Challenge 

hosted by Two Writing Teachers

Ruth Ayres has a link-up on Saturdays where people link to posts that are celebrations about their week. I love this reminder to celebrate every week.

One nice celebration is rediscovering coloring. Here's that Slice. Thursday evening I was coloring at family night and when I went home I dug out a coloring book and continued. Friday evening, I finished a picture in the coloring book then also created a picture of my own based on an activity found in Picture This by Lynda Barry. This was a book I saw when I visited The Bubbler makerspace in Madison a few weeks ago. It has great suggestions for creative activities. After I finished coloring, I started working on collage. Barry encourages us to create a page of blue. Oprah magazines have the best colors and textures. Whenever they're on sale at the library, I grab them for collage. While looking for blue to put on my page, there were circles that were calling to me, so I cut them out too. I listened to a book on tape while cutting. In Picture This, readers are encouraged to draw and create  while watching t.v., but a book sounded better.

This morning was for moving things around and gluing them. It's funny that one family event with coloring got me going on this. The book is helping too of course. Creating makes me happy.

Another celebration is getting fun makerspace things for my library. Our Sphero (robotic ball) arrived this week along with squishy circuits and a Raspberry Pi. These are going to be cause for some exciting learning happening in our library.

I was able to tour our construction area again and see the changes. It's fantastic to see how our new learning space is taking shape.

Finally, the Slice of Life March event has been a great time of contemplation and writing. I'm so glad to be a part of it.

Today is International Day of Happiness. I hope your is a day filled with smiles and joy.

{#sol15} Still Coloring 20/31

The March Slice of Life Story Challenge 

hosted by Two Writing Teachers

I'm still thinking about coloring and making art today. Last night I found coloring so relaxing (I wrote about it here). Today, I picked up Picture This by Linda Barry. She seems to see art as therapeutic too. The book asks questions about drawing and making art. This little section was interesting in light of the fact that last night I used a coloring book and I am well over the age of ten. 

Is this true? Could it be? "If you use coloring books past the age of ten, you will wreck your imagination forever." I say if that is the risk I am taking, so be it. However, letting your mind wander as you fill in little sections of line drawings, seems like a pretty healthy activity for a troubled, stressed, or tired mind. My evening plans include a coloring book and a box of crayons.

{#sol15} My Crayon Box 19/31

The March Slice of Life Story Challenge 

hosted by Two Writing Teachers

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, Family Night at The Three Rivers House had an Irish influence. Corned beef and cabbage, shepherd's pie and boiled dinner were available. There were also veggies, but the fruit was a surprise. The fruit was displayed in the shape of a rainbow and there were marshmallow clouds.

The Ho-Chunk language lesson revolved around the colors of the rainbow. We had pictures to color according to the labels. 

Pulling crayons out of the box and coloring the rainbow, my breathing deepened and my shoulders dropped. Coloring is something that we think of as an activity for children, but maybe adults could use a little more coloring time in our lives. With each moment my crayon was moving, my body relaxed more and more. Buzzfeed just posted an article about a woman who is making coloring books for adults. I might get one of those.

There was a quote at the end of the article, "Coloring seems to help people think about a time when life was simpler and carefree." I'm not sure that I totally agree with that statement. I find the act of coloring enjoyable and yes, it reminds me of being young, but childhood wasn't simpler or carefree. Childhood was full of concerns and fears and I was so uncomfortably timid. I wouldn't want to go back, but it was nice to revisit the crayon box.

{#sol15} Change in Plans 18/31

The March Slice of Life Story Challenge 

hosted by Two Writing Teachers

My head really hurts right now so my evening plans have changed. Writing isn't so easy when light from the screen makes me squint. I had plans for my writing today, but they will keep. I think eggs and toast for dinner will work for me. Then I'll likely crawl into bed early.

It's cold outside and a bit gloomy, but when I went out to get the mail earlier, something green caught my eye. Down among the rocks, a small day lily shoot was peeking out near our mailbox. Even with a headache, that little spot of spring made me smile and gave me a jolt of joy. Tomorrow will be a better day. 

{#sol15} A Look Back 17/31

The March Slice of Life Story Challenge 

hosted by Two Writing Teachers

A Look Back

School

They made me walk with him for the Easter Parade.

I wanted someone else to be my escort, 

He was the only white boy in my class.

We lived in Dallas in the 70s.

I couldn't walk with anyone else.

This made no sense to my kindergarten self.

Home

In our home dishes could crash against walls.

There were raised voices, tears, fear

And hiding places in the dark.

Not a place to bring friends.

Not a place to feel safe.

School

We were Bluebirds and knew we were special.

Calling out words around the small circle.

Masters of the universe.

Reading took me to other lands

When the one I was in got too frightening.

Home

Packing up again. Making a fresh start.

Moving, searching for the greener grass.

Learning that we make the same mistakes.

Wherever we go, we bring ourselves too.

{#sol15} Where Have I Come From and Where am I Going? 16/31

The March Slice of Life Story Challenge 

hosted by Two Writing Teachers

Jen Vincent over at TeachMentorTexts has taken this Slice of Life Story Challenge to a whole new level. She's been examining the people, situations, and other things that have shaped her life. She has been transparent and courageous examining her life journey. It makes me want to do the same though it's scary to dig deep inside to see what we are made of and who we really are at the core.

During the second half of this month, I'm hoping to do some digging into my own past. I want to see where I've been and also look ahead to where I'm going. There may be a few tender spots, but it's a journey I'd like to start.

{#sol15} Strawberry Moments 15/31

The March Slice of Life Story Challenge 

hosted by Two Writing Teachers

My mind is a jumble of memories today. My aunt sent me a packet of things she had found that belonged to my father: his birth certificate, some pictures, a college graduation announcement. He went to college when I was in elementary school. I remember his graduation being such a milestone. Now his things are spread out on the kitchen table - reminders that he isn't here. He's been gone for almost eighteen years now. 

We lived in Texas then and it was strawberry season. We had eaten strawberries together not long before he died. I don't remember our conversation that night, but I can almost smell the strawberries. It's an odd little memory, but it's one that persists. I'm thankful for happy thoughts among the sad.

{#sol15} Celebrations for the Week 14/31

The March Slice of Life Story Challenge 

hosted by Two Writing Teachers

Ruth Ayres has a link-up on Saturdays where people link to posts that are celebrations about their week. I love this reminder to celebrate every week.

I think Slice of Life and Celebrate work well together. Here are some of my reasons to celebrate:

This first celebration is a tough one, but it really is a celebration. Yesterday, the body of Joshua Xiong was found in the Mississippi River. He had been missing since November 9, 2014 when he had gone fishing and never returned. He leaves behind a girlfriend, two young children and a family who has been waiting and waiting for him. I know the family, and though this is a painful time, it is truly a blessing that he has finally been found.

Yesterday was a difficult day, but I have some co-workers who provided smiles, hugs, and patient listening. Slicers also offered encouragement and positive words. Having a community on and offline that listen and give support is something to celebrate.

The snow has melted and I was actually hot when I got into my car after work yesterday. Spring is truly in the air and that is such a lift to my spirits. I've been able to get out and walk several times this week and my dog didn't need a full bath afterward. The puddles are mostly gone and the mud is drying out too. We may still get some cold weather or even snow yet, but we are on the road to warmer days and that is such a relief.

Lee & Low Books tweeted out about their book Sweet Potato Pie in honor of today begin Pi Day so guess what is in my oven? The recipe was easy to follow and I had everything in my cupboard except the evaporated milk. So when I ran to the library for the books I had on hold, I stopped by the store for a can of milk and started working on the pie. It's making the house smell delicious.

Slice of Life is another part of my week that I celebrate. Posting each day is not as difficult as I thought it would be - though I am not getting all of my usual posts accomplished. It is also more rewarding that I anticipated. Both from a writing standpoint, but also from the posts that I am reading and interacting with daily. There are some wonderful slicers out there that I really appreciate. Jen Vincent has been posting some very thought-provoking pieces on her blog and there are others too who have been inspiring.

I hope your week is full of lovely celebrations!

{#sol15} Quite Contrary 13/31

The March Slice of Life Story Challenge 

hosted by Two Writing Teachers

Mary, Mary quite contrary

How does your garden grow?

With silver bells and cockleshells

And pretty maids all in a row.

                 - Mother Goose

There was a little girl,

   Who had a little curl,

Right in the middle of her forehead.

   When she was good, 

   She was very good indeed

But when she was bad she was horrid.

                  - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

These are two poems that are crashing around in my head today given my cranky state. Perhaps I woke up already in a negative frame of mind, but whatever the beginning, my feelings took a dive during the day. Several interactions with people were not very pleasant and I forgot to use my One Little Word - Breathe - at least until around lunchtime. That's when I decided to take a walk. 

That did help a bit. Walking out the front door of the school and down the street under the warm sunshine, I took the opportunity to breathe deeply. All day though, I was struggling not to dwell on the negatives. When I was busy teaching, things were okay, but whenever I had a quiet moment, my thoughts strayed back to the hurtful words thrown my way and the stresses of the day.

I'm about to dive back into a lovely book and hope that my spirits lift. Often books have been a comfort and distraction. I wouldn't be very good company for anyone right now, but that is another reason why I love books. They don't mind if I'm grumpy.

{#sol15} Biases? Who Me? 12/31

The March Slice of Life Story Challenge 

hosted by Two Writing Teachers

I'm reading a book, Blind Spot: Hidden Biases of Good People. If you're thinking this could be a book to make you look hard at your own ways of thinking and interpreting the world, you would be correct. This was one of the books recommended in the training that I am going to hosted by the Wisconsin RtI Center - Culturally Responsive Classroom Practices Within a Multilevel System of Support. Whew! That's a long title.

The book calls into question the idea that we know what we believe. Essentially, they say we have biases that we are not typically aware are there. They play out in behaviors that we may not even connect to our beliefs about others. 

It's certainly giving me much to think about and I like books that do that even when it isn't comfortable. In fact, I think that being a little uncomfortable is a good thing. It means I'm actually looking at things I have avoided in the past.