Archives for January 19, 2012

Happy Thursday, everyone!

Thursday is the best, isn’t it? Ohhh, I love.

I just made up the line “Thursday Thoughts.” (At least I think I made it up.) And I thought I was so clever I gave myself a pat on the back. The creativity is just running wild over here.

So this post is a bit of a random mish-mash of things.

Just some recent thoughts of mine for you to mingle over as you ease into Friday (let’s throw our hands up in the hair and praise the LORD!).

Here we go…

1. This is my new jam.

It makes for such good driving music. And blogging music. And keep-me-feeling-happy music.

The whole album is currently on repeat in my car.

It’s good, guys. Real good.

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2. Did I tell you my parents came to Boston last weekend? Our time was swell.

We did some eating, some book shopping, and mostly a lot of just being together. Which is the best kind of visit.

My dad is watching the Syracuse game in that last picture. In the restaurant. On an iPhone.

What can I say? The guy’s addicted. Can’t help but love him.

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3. This week was a 3-day week at school for the kids. Why do those weeks always seem to drag on the longest? Right? I can see you shaking your head yes. What is it about them?

Tuesday we had a professional development day at school. We had a keynote speaker in the morning that was absolutely fantastic. He talked all about how we as teachers can help set the tone for our classroom in terms of motivation and resilience.

It’s about creating a positive classroom environment.

A safe place where children can grow and learn and take risks and make mistakes.

All without ever having to worry that they won’t be accepted. Or told they’re wrong.

It was very powerful for me and helped me think about how I can make sure my classroom is a welcoming, nourishing, safe place. For all of my kids, but especially the ones that don’t have a lot. The ones that struggle at home or have a low self esteem. It’s these kids I need to reach the most.

Because it only takes one person to believe in a child to change their life. To give them strength. To give them courage. And if I can be that person, that teacher, that is when I will have done my job.

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4. I know I’m not alone out there with my love for Downton Abbey.

Really, how terrific is that show?

When I am watching this show I am reminded of my love for Titanic (oh, Leo), but I am also brought back to my childhood and Anne of Green Gables and Avonlea. Oh, how I wish I could be part of those times! Dresses and horses and petticoats and tea and biscuits.

The characters on Downton Abbey just came into my life by storm and now have a most special place in my heart.

Lady Mary!

BATES! ANNA!

My friend Clair had a fun post earlier this week all about Downton Abbey recipes. It made me smile and made me hungry too. I’ll take some of those crepes suzette, please. I was drooling in that episode.

Do you watch it too?

(Also, sidenote to my HWS friends: Who thinks Lady Mary is Marissa Greechan’s other twin (besides Dana)?????????? Can I get a heck YES. I can’t get over it. Every single episode I just can’t get over it.)

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5. Blog Friends DINNER!

We did it!

Clair and Mackenzie and I finally got together!

We stayed at Veggie Galaxy for 2 hours and talked all sorts of wonderful things. We talked blogs. And twitter. And blogging and more blogging. And stolen bikes and our love for long rides on the T. And children’s books. We all have a special place in our heart for children’s books. This is ultimately how we found each other’s blogs and how we can now call each other soul sisters.

This is my favorite part about blogging.

FAVORITE.

Making connections. Making friends.

It just makes me happy.

SO very happy.

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One thing that stuck with me from last night is how Mackenzie so perfectly described blogging as reading/writing a letter to a friend. It’s so true. And then this morning I was thinking, of course. That’s how my blog name came to be in the first place, after all. How could I forget?

And so, friend. I wish you a happy one. A very happy Thursday, indeed. ♥