Jan. 31, 2013

Hunger makes a thief of any man.
Pearl Buck


The current Oscar nominated film, Les Miserables is based on the novel of the same name written by Victor Hugo. The protagonist is Jean Valjean, who becomes a thief  when he steals bread to feed his hungry family. He is thrown into prison for this act, and so begins a powerful story of right and wrong. Hunger is an enormous problem throughout the world; however, it is also a major concern in the United States. More than 16 million children in America live in households that struggle to put food on the table according to www.nokidhungry.org. Many of us participate in food drives around the holidays, but forget that hunger is a year round problem. Food shelves are in need of donations every month of the year. My local grocery store has a large box near the exit for customers to place donations. It is a simple action to purchase one or two extra items when shopping and then put them in the box upon leaving the store. As I dropped off my canned goods, I wondered why I hadn't done this before. It is so easy and so important to those who are having difficulty offering balanced meals to their families

Jan. 30, 2013

Friendship is a single soul dwelling in two bodies.
Aristotle

Friends enjoying lunch

This year has been difficult in the field of education. Faculty, staff, administrators, and students are all feeling pressured and overwhelmed. More than ever, we need to lean on each other for support and understanding. Unfortunately, in a profession which is centered on caring and nurturing, we often neglect to take the time to connect with one another. I have seen very little of one of my closest colleagues this year. We haven't found the time to visit due to several reasons, but I miss her company. Today I sent her a little note expressing my appreciation and admiration for her in all the roles she plays - mother, teacher, friend. Take a minute to let your co-workers know you recognize their strengths and enjoy their company.

Jan. 29, 2013

Lake Champlain

My local pharmacy is a little gem.It is clean, bright, and spacious with a wide variety of merchandise from dog food to diapers to dusting cloths. The actual pharmacy, located in the back - one has plenty of opportunities to pick up this or that while meandering to the counter - is staffed by friendly, knowledgeable women. I surprised them today with a request that my small cash donation be applied to the next customer's medication expense.I know paying for pills is a drain on the budget for many people. The pharmacist was happy to assist in my plan, and undoubtedly the surprise was appreciated.

Jan. 28, 2013

The cold of winter

Arriving under a cloak of fatigue, there is an unwelcome visitor attempting to enter. You feel its presence, but struggle to keep it out. Thinly disguised as a slight sore throat, drippy nose, and a scratchy voice, if you ignore this intruder, will it depart? Probably not.A cold virus is not easily deterred. A close colleague is gallantly fighting a cold. She is holding up well, but doesn't possess her usual energy and spunk. She certainly needed a treat today of a mug with lots of tea, clementines, and, of course, cookies. Chocolate does wonder for the spirit, especially when you are a little under the weather!

Jan. 27, 2013

The statistics surrounding animal shelters are astounding. Nationally, there are about 5,000 shelters into which 5 million animals enter annually. Approximately 60% of the dogs and 70% of the cats are euthanized. The organizations and individuals who run these kennels desperately need our support. Today I donated a bag of puppy chow to one of these groups. This strikes me as a very small  gesture in light of the enormity of the challenges that these shelters face. I urge you to take a moment to call your local SPCA or Humane Society to see how you can help.

Jan. 26, 2013

                                  The community which has neither poverty nor riches
                                  will always have the noblest principles.
                                  Plato

village park

At the heart of a community are the people with their needs and dreams. My village is quiet and calm. Some would call it boring, but I see a a collection of caring citizens who watch out for one another. After much contemplation, I have decided to run for a position on the village board. I believe that life in our village is what we make it, and I want to be someone who committed to creating a community which is safe, welcoming, and affordable for its residents. Today I spent three hours visiting homes to learn more about the issues. It was time well spent as I connected with these families. I look forward to more conversations as I begin this process.

Jan. 25, 2013

the joy of seeing starfish

"Hey, you never know." This catchy jingle encourages many of us to purchase lottery tickets in hopes of winning a few extra bucks.Those clever games on the brightly colored cards are hard to resist.The anticipation of seeing a prize appear as you slowly scratch off the waxy surface is considerable.I bought several today and asked a local business to pass them out. Maybe one of those individuals won. I hope they did! Hey, you never know.

Jan. 24, 2013

"I've got to feel the pencil and see the words at the end of the pencil.”

William Faulkner quotes    I distributed pencils today. What a boring object you might remark. Au contraire! I find there is something appealing about a brand new pencil. The sunny yellow color, the smell of the wood, the unused eraser, and the sharpened point make this tool extraordinary. I marvel that from a block of cedar, one can produce  these practical writing implements to be used by millions to inform, entertain, and instruct.. A  pencil may be considered old fashioned, but using one to express ourselves through  words and drawings will never go out of style.

Jan. 23, 2013

To describe today as cold is an understatement. At a morning temperature of -15, it was frigid, bone-chilling, raw, and dangerous. The air was not crisp; it was brittle. I gathered all the hot chocolate packets I could find in the kitchen and started heating water as soon as I arrived at work. Then when the first students entered my classroom with numb fingers and toes, I offered them steaming cups of cocoa.

Once again I witnessed the power of a sincere compliment. You never know how strongly your positive words may affect someone. Take the time to tell others that their good work and actions are appreciated.

Marcy Dam

In the depth of winter I finally learned that

 there was in me an invincible summer.

Albert Camus

Jan. 22,2013 Dogs

Those who own dogs know what a powerful presence they maintain in a family. Their desire to be loved, to please, and to offer comfort is often unparalleled when compared to human interactions with each other. It is difficult to remain angry with a dog for long. This morning I knew my younger dog had committed a crime simply by observing her guilty demeanor.When I saw the plastic wrap on the floor, the plate teetering on the edge of the counter, and not a biscuit in sight, it was evident that she had consumed a midnight snack.But, this afternoon upon my return from work, she was wiggling wildly with a toy in her mouth and a pleading look in her eyes, hoping to play for a minute.. Then her companion, a twelve year old golden retriever, brushed gently against me and I understood our interdependent roles.

The loss of a pet is devastating; the sorrow runs deep. Some friends are coping with the recent death of their dog. Time will ease the sadness. I gave them a photo frame today in hopes that they can display a picture of their pet. May this always remind them of their beloved dog.

Americans love to shop here and abroad.

Americans are consumers. Our passion for shopping is stimulated by the glossy billboards, clever commercials on TV, and the overwhelming need to possess the latest style or invention. We are bombarded about information concerning the economy- consumer confidence, housing sales, jobless rates, market basket prices, and the the never ending game on Wall Street. Is it not our duty to spend, spend, spend ? At some point this accumulation of material begins to smother us. Take a look around you to see if you could do with less. Donate something. Recycle something. Place an ad in the paper for a free item. I took several bags of clothes to our Mission Center today where they will be sent to people who need them. It felt good to know they will be appreciated.

Jan. 20, 2013

Apartments in Italy

For over a century, Monday was wash day. Doing the laundry demanded strength and endurance to carry the heavy buckets of water, hand wring the clothes, and tote them out to the clothesline, so women tackled this chore after the day of rest, Sunday.Nowadays the majority of us give little consideration to which day of the week we throw a load of clothes into the washing machine.However, about one third of the population still must plan their laundry tasks because they use the laundromat.I have been part of that group, and I value the convenience of washing clothes whenever I want.Today I stopped by the local laundromat. The odors of the detergent and the dryer sheets combined to transport me to long ago days of dormitory rooms and rented apartments. As I heard the swish of the agitators and the rumbling of the drums, I recalled hours of waiting for loads to finish. There were few people tarrying there today.I quietly walked to two machines and placed the quarters in the neat coin slots. I hope this made the next customer's wash day more pleasant, especially since it was actually their day of rest.

Jan. 19,2013

Flowers please the senses.Their vivid colors capture your attention; their odor beseeches you to breathe deeply to enjoy the perfume. Even the softness and delicacy of the petals makes you want to gently touch the blossoms.But unfortunately, flowers are often associated only with special occasions- some joyous and others sorrowful. The stress of choosing the appropriate bouquet for a wedding or the sadness of deciding on an arrangement for a funeral, make us forget that flowers can be a cherished gift on any day of the year.

The brightly colored daisies at the supermarket caught my eye on this wintry morning. What a perfect surprise for a close friend, who, as I later discovered, needed a little pick-me-up. And so, under a steel gray sky and blustery wind, I drove to her house and presented this array of vibrant colors. You don't need a reason to offer someone flowers. They will always be appreciated.

Jan. 18, 2013

I must give Brandon the credit for today's action. He gave me the idea to place an envelope with one dollar inside and tape it on the vending machine. I wrote on the outside "Open this envelope. This drink is on me. Please pay it forward." I am certain if I had thrown a dollar on the floor, it would have been quickly shoved in a pocket. The envelope remained there for several hours; although, many students read it. Perhaps they thought it was a trick that would be captured by the security cameras. Finally someone opened it and bought a drink. I had no idea that it would be that difficult to give a dollar away!

Jan. 17, 2013

New Hampshire

Some of the most rewarding acts of kindness are those in which the giver can remain anonymous. Knowing that you've surprised someone without them being able to acknowledge you, is sweet. There are no underlying feelings of ulterior motives or needs for repayment. It is a pure and simple gift. Today I paid for the meals of the people behind me at the drive-though window. I smiled to myself as I drove away, imagining their reaction.

Jan. 16, 2013

The family reading

I don't remember learning to read. Words and pictures have always fascinated me. Those little squiggles with spaces on the page can bring one to tears, provoke laughter, and open doors to unlimited knowledge and faraway lands. A book is always a new adventure into which I step impatiently wanting to become acquainted with its characters, drama, and setting. I soon become one with the story, a speck of dust in the corner keenly observing the lives unfolding.Reading opens the mind, challenges it, and pushes one to step outside of the comfort zone. Today I gathered some of my books, and left them for my co-workers to take. I believe a book should be shared. Perhaps you have some that are waiting to be passed on.

Jan. 15, 2013

Aging is an odd process. First we can't wait to get older, and then as the years fly by, we want time to slow down. There are many pre-conceived notions about the lives of teenagers, young adults, middle-agers, and senior citizens. Although most of these stereotypes are untrue, it is hard for many to accept others for who they are rather than how old they are. As the senior teacher in my school, all my colleagues are younger than I am. Most often the cool teachers are the young ones, and it is interesting to see how one is viewed as one ages in this profession. I work with  wonderful educators  who treat me as one of the group. In particular, there is one young woman who is wise for her years. She has a job which offers few feel good moments, but she continues to be a positive presence in the building. I gave her a small gift with a message of belief that she will continue to remove the thistles and plant the flowers.


All my life I have tried to pluck a thistle and plant a flower
wherever the flower would grow in thought and mind.
Abraham Lincoln

Jan. 14, 2013

World Trade Center Memorial at Breezy Point ,NY

Sometimes it seems that certain people are dealt  a myriad of challenges which would defeat a weaker person. Illness, accidents, financial concerns, unemployment, etc. all cause humans to wonder just how much they can bear. I know one woman who has remained strong despite a situation that would bring anguish and anxiety to many of us.  I asked her recently how she copes. Her response was a reflection of her faith. I found this quote today and gave her a copy on a small card which she can place on her desk. She appreciated my gesture, but more importantly, she showed me how she retains her resolve.

"Every tomorrow has two handles.
We can take hold of it
with the handle of anxiety or
the handle of faith."
Henry Ward Beecher

Jan. 13,2013

Supporting small local businesses is a good idea for many reasons. These owners recycle much of their profits back into the local economy, and they add a distinct flavor to the community with unique stores and products. We have a local coffee shop in a neighboring village which offers  inspiration to a drab and dreary street lined with old brick buildings which were grand decades ago, but now shuttered with only dusty memories of lively days.We call this shop, THE coffee shop, somewhat possessively , because it has given us a glimmer of hope that business can thrive in our quiet area, and we are proud of its success. I went there with my family today. It was filled with locals - some gathering after church and others preparing to attend the hockey game down the street.  Conversations were animated;the smell of coffee filled the air. When we paid our bill, I asked the cashier to include the next two coffees ordered in our total. A simple action can result in a brighter day for someone. Remember to support your local businesses.

Jan. 12, 2013

I had to go grocery shopping today; although I didn't want venture out. But, I had written it on my to-do list, and if it goes on the list, it must be done. There is great satisfaction in crossing off the items listed, so I knew that it would nag me until I completed the task. Once I arrived at the store, I was perfectly content to be there. When you live in a small town, you should plan on about an hour at the supermarket regardless of the amount of groceries that you need. Stocking the larder may be the assumed purpose of your trip; however, the real event is the conversations you will have with all those present. We chat as if we are friends. Some of them I know, and others I have never seen before, but that isn't important as we stroll up and down the aisles sharing comments and smiles. When I reached the checkout line, the conversation continued with the clerks. They were intrigued when I told them keep the large store shopping bags that I had just purchased apart from the groceries. Then, as I was ready to leave, I handed one bag to the couple behind me, and the other bag was given to a woman in the next line. Their looks of surprise and thanks were all I needed to make my shopping experience complete!

Jan. 11,2013

It is winter, and the flu season is upon us. The Kleenex and hand sanitizer on my desk are disappearing like ice on a hot day in July. One student in particular came to me this week lamenting that she always gets sick. This lead to a discussion about her diet and the importance of good nutrition. She stated that there are rarely fruits or vegetables in her house, and although she would like to eat them, they simply are not available. The cost of these foods can be a factor when one is grocery shopping. Many people have to pass up fresh produce because it is expensive. On my way to work this morning I stopped by the grocery store to buy some fruit for this girl. The beautiful wooden box filled with cute clementines caught my eye. What a perfect surprise for my first period class! I set a few aside for the intended recipient and handed the rest out to everyone.  A lovely citrus odor filled the room as all savoured those little oranges. There is nothing like a small gift of food to brighten the day.

Two actions happened yesterday that are worth noting as I continue this journey to spread actions of kindness. First, a young man out on a walk stopped to help an elderly woman who was struggling to shovel ice from her driveway. She gratefully accepted his offer of assistance. Second, a teenager asked me to help her find a place to volunteer to help victims of storm Sandy during the school vacation. Her parents told her to choose a location for a senior year getaway, such as Myrtle Beach, and she has decided assisting those in need is how she wants to spend her days off from school.

Jan. 10,2013

Today when I stopped for gas before leaving the village to drive three hours for a doctor's appointment, I met a woman I hadn't seen in several years. She was seated alone in the restaurant section of the gas station. At first I simply waved to acknowledge her, but something compelled me to approach her. She needed to talk, and I listened carefully as she described some very serious medical problems she is facing. I could sense the fear and distress in her voice. I wanted desperately to do something to help her, but all I could offer was an attentive ear. This chance encounter sent me a powerful message: there is always someone worse off than you, and they need someone to confide in. I was the person she sought today, and in turn, this woman showed me that it is important to keep our own problems in perspective.

Jan. 9, 2013

Colleagues, couples, families, and friends owe it to each other to treat one another with respect and civility. Arrogance and belittling are never appropriate and have no positive impact on any relationship - working or personal.Today I gave a simple card with the quote below as a message of support to a co-worker. A single gesture can make someone happy. Let those you work or live with know you care ,especially when they are feeling down due to the hurtful words from another.

"Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none."
William Shakespeare

Jan. 8,2013

The sharing of tasks certainly makes for a lighter work load. This is particularly true when one worker has a skill which assists another. My colleague, Debbie, is an excellent typist. Her fingers fly across the keyboard; mine trip going from the space key to the caps key. She looks at the screen while I stare down searching for the correct letter. Fortunately, she types my numerous college letters of recommendation. I doubt that she realizes how I admire her skill and value her help. She saves me both time and frustration. A simple thank you doesn't cover my gratitude. Today, I shared my own skill with Debbie. I sew bags to be used for grocery shopping. Each bag is unique, washable, and large enough to hold many items. They are useful and unusual.I hope she likes the one I chose for her. I value the idea of using one's personal abilities to make an other's life easier.

A friend shared the following quote with me today:
"The good you do today,people will often forget tomorrow;do good anyway."
Mother Teresa

Jan. 7,2013

Is there any job more difficult than parenting? There are no real instructions to study or directions to follow. This child arrives, and we face continuous on the job training for the next two decades. All of one's family and friends have advice to offer, but each child is unique, and there is never a one-fits -all solution. Parenting, also, does not come with frequent rewards. The personal joy in seeing those first steps is soon forgotten as the toddler dashes out in the road to chase the cute kitten. There are moments of pride when certain milestones are reached, but often we are simply pleased with the lack of negative reports. No news is good news to many of us.

I work with over one hundred students each year. It is rare that I have a child that I can't connect with on some level. I may not agree with all of their decisions or understand their reasoning, but almost always, I find something that I treasure in them. I believe that parents need to know this, so today I wrote several messages to those parents. These may not be the shining stars academically or athletically, but they are good children who deserved to recognized. It is important to let their parents know that their hard work  is paying off .

Jan.6,2013

"Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every New Year find you a better person."
Benjamin Franklin

A new family moved into my neighborhood a few weeks ago. I didn't even notice their arrival. How can such an important event in the lives of a family go unseen by those living around them? It is far too easy to go about our daily routines remaining unaware of changes occurring right down the street.  Neighbors make up a community, and a community should be looking out for each other. I dropped by the newcomers house this afternoon with a little package and a big welcome. They seemed happy to see me, and I enjoyed the interaction with them. Stop by for a chat with your neighbors. You won't regret it!

Jan. 5, 2013

There are some people who, by their very nature, are excellent at putting others at ease. These are the individuals who enjoy conversing with everyone, even if it means spending an hour at the grocery store getting a gallon of milk because there were so many people to talk with.  These people  always remember whose grandfather built that house and whose grandmother made those special tortiere pies! They make everyone feel important, and yet expect nothing in return. It is often difficult to give these individuals thanks or gifts for their support because they refuse to accept it. I have some very close friends who fall into this category. They are well known and respected in the community for their selfless actions. Today I was able to leave an item in their house without their knowledge. It is a simple gift, but one which I think will be appreciated. Expressing gratitude to those who are always reaching out  to others is significant.

Jan. 4,2013

It is easy to overlook the problem of hunger in the United States. There seem to be plenty of shoppers in the supermarkets and diners in the food courts.  We hear of food shelves and soup kitchens serving the needy, but one can avoid seeing first hand this clientele taking advantage of the service by not frequenting locations that host these programs. Today I couldn’t and wouldn’t ignore the hungry child in front of me. She hadn’t brought a lunch and had no money. I insisted that she take a few dollars to buy a meal. Although at first she refused, she soon relented by saying that she would repay me next week. She smiled when I ask her to pay it forward to someone else who would need lunch money in the future.

Jan. 3, 2013 From Nicaragua to Champlain to Holy Cross to Kenya

Don’t let anyone tell you that teenagers are self centered and narrow minded. I have worked with this age group for nearly forty years, and for the most part, they are generous individuals with good intentions. Often, they come to me with ideas to assist those in need and are seeking the encouragement to put these plans in to practice. One example took place this past fall. Rachel approached me with a desire to sell  bracelets which are handmade by young people in Nicaragua called the Pulsera Project.Once we took care of some organizational details, Rachel was able to sell a great many of these beautiful bracelets. I bought several and decided to give them as gifts. Today I mailed them to a student who attends the College of the Holy Cross and ask her to deliver them to young girls that she will meet on a trip to Kenya that she is taking next week.  The voyage that these bracelets will take from continent to continent is remarkable as they are handed from one person to another. It is easy to find inspiration from today’s youth.

Jan. 2, 2013

Jan. 2, 2013

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. ”
Nelson Mandela
I work with a wonderful group of teachers and administrators who are caring, intelligent, dedicated, and determined to reach every student. Unfortunately, we rarely tell each other how much we admire their commitment to the profession. Today I selected one colleague to whom I gave a card with a message expressing my appreciation for her abilty to work diligently despite somewhat difficult conditions this year. From time to time everyone in the work place needs to hear that they are valued. It’s a simple gesture that can mean a great deal.

Jan. 1, 2013

 

Jan. 1, 2013

But friendship is precious, not only in the shade, but in the sunshine of life, and thanks to a benevolent arrangement the greater part of life is sunshine.  Thomas Jefferson

 

There are many people that come and go throughout life. It can be such a challenge to stay in touch especially when they move away. Today, I am focusing on friendship. We may take it for granted at times, but when it is fades, we realize how important it is to reach out and maintain the contact. I called a friend today who  left the area several months ago. I have been thinking of her often because she is the kind of friend who is always easy to talk to, mainly because she listens so well. We had shared many years together as our children grew up and still today care about each others’ families and futures. As soon as she answered the phone, I could sense the connections that friends have. It was as if we were seated in my kitchen together, the distance melting away. The minutes flew by as we talked, and when I hung up, I was happy. Friendship is an important part of life.

Dec. 31. 2012

 

 

Although it is not yet 2013, I decided to begin my project early with a donation to UNICEF. This small amount added to  others’ contributions will help a child receive some of the basic needs to survive.
“Every year, 19,000 children die from preventable causes. We believe that number should be ZERO.
Children in more than 190 countries and territories receive medicine, clean water, nutrition, education, and protection through UNICEF’s programs every day.” UNICEF website

Dec.30,2012

Hello world!

 

“Tell me what it is you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” Mary Oliver
As we reflect on the past year,we acknowledge the ups and downs we have experienced.With a new year approaching,we begin to think of resolutions that might be made.This year I have one and it will be a challenge! At the end of each day,I will write of one action which had an impact on another.Perhaps I will fail in this attempt,but try I must.So I am asking for suggestions and encouragement as I begin this journey to make a small difference.