June 30,2013 Strawberries#Freezer Jam

Strawberry Fields of a Different Sort, New York City

The bed in the garden bordered by a rectangle of 2 by 4s holds a treasure of freckled red jewels both large and small. The strawberry season is upon us, and this year's crop is bountiful. What a treat to venture out in the early morning tiptoeing through the grass covered with a silvery dew and select a few of those delectable berries to place atop a bowl of cereal. Alas, the berries will not last long; they will soon rot or be eaten by the birds. We filled many containers with this fruit yesterday, and then I made eleven pints of jam. One jar went to the neighbors next door, and a bowl of the fresh berries was given to family members. It is gratifying to grow one's own food, and especially fulfilling to be able to share it.

June 29, 2013 RAK at the Grocery Store

Assorted Modes of Transportation, New Orleans

I am the shortest among my four siblings, but by most standards I am considered tall which often comes in handy at the grocery store. I had passed a elderly woman in several aisles this morning, and when I reached the baking section, I could see her studying the shelves carefully. She was searching for a cheesecake mix which I spotted on the top shelf. I offered to get it for her, and she smiled adding that she had shrunk several inches this past year. We had  quite a lengthy discussion about cheesecake as I continued to grab several boxes for her to examine until she finally selected one. Later,while loading my purchases into my car, I noticed another woman who was walking with her bags of groceries, so I asked her if she wanted a ride. She accepted gladly. It would have been a long walk on this showery day. I find it rewarding to spread random acts of kindness at the local store.

June 28, 2013 Making Curtains

It is such a pleasure to have a skill that benefits others. I watched my mother sew my dresses when I was young and all girls wore dresses to school. I continued the tradition through high school making nearly all of my clothes. Nowadays most of my projects are given away. The majority of young people don't learn how to sew, but they appreciate the unique design of a homemade item. Today, I made curtains for a family member. They are fully lined with a whimsical print that made me smile while working with it. The project took several hours; however, it was well worth the effort because they will always remind the recipient that they were crafted with care.

June 27, 2013 Potatoes#Community Garden

Community Garden

Our community garden has been popular with the residents since its inception three years ago. It is located next to the river and plots are available to whomever wants to participate. This year much of the garden is lies empty; the few planted plots look lonely. It has the appearance of a checker board of tilled brown soil opposite verdant squares of low growing weeds. Perhaps the rain has scared people away and no one wants to play in the damp dirt. My vegetables went in several weeks ago, but today we decided to plant potatoes - white and blue ones. The crop should be abundant given the number we placed carefully in the ground. Our plan is to keep some and donate the rest to the local food pantry. I'll keep you posted on our success.

June 26, 2013 Puppets#Alf

ALF Being Protected by Cabbage Patch Dolls

Anyone who watched TV in the late 1980s probably saw the sitcom featuring a friendly extraterrestrial named ALF (Alien Life Form) and his adventures with the Tanner family. I mentioned in a previous blog post that I had several ALF puppets, and a friend expressed interest in them. Today I stopped by her workplace to give her one, and although she hadn't arrived yet, her partner was mighty pleased to see this puppet. With a twinkle in his eye, he placed it on his hand and said he would surprise her with ALF as soon as she arrived! I laughed asking if he was really the one who adored ALF. He denied that, but I think he was going to practice his puppeteer skills until she came to work. It is hard not to like that shaggy brown creature with the wrinkly snout.

June 24-25, 2013 RAK at Campground

“Keep close to Nature's heart...and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.”

John Muir Buck Pond, NY The past two days were spent camping in the quiet woods next to a beautiful lake with the loons crying their haunting call. The peacefulness, the tranquility, the solitude make it easy to relax and unwind from the daily grind. Possibilities for random acts of kindness are abundant. There were scraps of litter to collect, returnable bottles to deposit in a wooden box for a scholarship fund, and extra firewood to leave for the next camper at our site. I also paid it forward at the antiques/wood/ice/ beverage store on the corner beside the tiny cluster of homes near the campground. I asked the clerk to tell the next firewood customer that their wood had been purchased. She enjoyed assisting with this plan. Go explore nature; you will return feeling refreshed.

June 22-23, 2013 Celebrating Education#Lifelong Learning

A Few Of My Retired Friends

June weekends are filled with opportunities to celebrate milestones in education. Yesterday offered a chance to thank my colleagues from years ago at a gathering to acknowledge me joining their ranks as retired. They had plenty of words of wisdom for the newcomer! As I reflect on a rewarding career, I remember how much they helped me when I joined this school district, and I understand that I will need to continue to support education efforts in this country. So, with that in mind I made a donation to www.donorschoose.org which is a site where educators can explain a special project they want to do with their students, and the public can help fund it. Today I will attend some graduation parties and congratulate these students who are moving on the next phase of the education process known as college. Everyone in the United States has a vested interest in education, and I firmly believe we need to support each other in the lifelong path of learning.

June 21, 2013 New Adventures#Farewell

Farewell

Change can be exciting or frightening depending on circumstances and personality. I had been apprehensive about my final day at work for some time. I knew it would be emotional to leave a classroom I'd worked in for twenty-nine years and say goodbye to people I knew so well. I thought about slipping out the back door without a word after secretly leaving my keys in the office, but I needed closure on this chapter of my life. During this mental struggle, one of my seniors stopped by to extend well wishes. I know him well and could see he was also emotional about his upcoming changes. So, I suggested that we visit every employee we could find to wish them farewell with a final hug. Together, we made the rounds sharing tears, smiles, laughter, and bidding adieu. Au revoir, mes amis; until we see each other again.

June 20, 2013 Teachers Changing Rooms

Dismantling the Classroom

Among the demands of end of the year responsibilities such as grading tests and essays, calculating averages, assembling binders of evidence proving that one was, in fact, actively teaching this year, and proctoring Regents exams, several teachers, also, must relocate their materials to another classroom. This is not a room that is located next door or even in the same hallway. These moves entail a half mile of corridors, ramps, and sharp corners to the opposite end of the building. A colleague and I helped a couple of our co-workers pack their supplies in boxes which we then loaded on a long cart, maneuvered through the halls, and unloaded in the newly assigned classroom. Our driving skills were less than stellar, but we managed to make two trips without crashing, and we had a good laugh.

June 19,2013 Work Boots

Assorted Boots

Perhaps one has to live in a rural area to understand the value of a good pair of work boots. For those who work in the fields or in the barn, boots are essential to protect your feet from machinery or animals. Even those people who work on cars, tractors, or other vehicles possess solid steel toed boots and wear them year round. Most boys in this school own a pair of work boots because they need them and because they like them; call it a kind of rural fashion statement, if you wish. I was informed that one student's boots were ruined recently at school by a cruel stupid action, and he desperately requires them for work. My contribution plus other money gathered will allow this footwear to be replaced. I was happy to be able to help, and I am sure the gesture will be appreciated.

June 18, 2013 Summer Camps for Children

Summer Camp, Oregon

My parents made the decision to send me to summer camp when I was ten years old. I was fine with the idea until I had to board that bus leaving my mother, my father, my siblings and all the familiar things at home. Amid tears and sobs, I climbed those steps and never looked back; it was the best decision possible for a shy little girl who didn't venture far. I was a camper and then a counselor at that camp for the next ten years learning outdoor skills and developing confidence in myself. I have traveled wide and far since those days long ago, always appreciating "home", but knowing that I  gain knowledge and understanding of the world around me through these adventures. Today I was able to make a donation to assist a child in paying for his camp expenses. I understand the impact this experience will have on this youngster because I have witnessed it first hand.

June 17, 2013 Gifts from the Classroom

Memories from the Classroom

I have collected an amazing assortment of stuff from these years of teaching: Alf puppets, hats, a purple sweatshirt dress, a bocci ball, zoo animals and the list goes on and on. As I am cleaning and sorting, a variety of people stop to chat, so they become the recipients of some of these items. One student received a messenger bag which she proudly put to use immediately. A couple of boys were given hats and shaving cream . Books abound, of course, and I am playing Santa with them; one stack of leadership books went to an administrator who will love them, and two other communication books went to a teacher who can use them with her drama students. Handing possessions to others is making it easier to leave; the idea that they will still be useful to someone makes me happy.

June 16, 2013 Father's Day

Winter Hike with Dad, Adirondacks

Happy Father's Day! I send this greeting to everyone for Father's Day is a day we celebrate fatherhood and the importance being a dad has on the family. Every child needs a male role model in his/her life, and even if this person is not the biological father, he is someone who can have a profound impact of the development of the youngster. I anonymously bought several coffees in advance for the fathers who came to the local coffee shop today. I hope that brightened their day. Take a minute to tell those men that you know just how important they are in the lives of the children they are raising. Your words will  be appreciated.

June 15, 2013 End of Career Celebration#Retirement

The Best Colleagues

Today I welcomed my family, friends, colleagues, and students to an End of Career Celebration. Some people might call this a retirement party, but I look at it differently. I owe the success of my profession to all those I worked with because they are the ones who supported and encouraged me to be the best I could be. I wanted this gathering to be about them and not about me. My job at this workplace is ending; however, the ties that have been made,are strong and long lasting. We will find new ways to keep in touch with a slate of adventures ahead of us. I thank everyone who has accompanied me on this educational path. May our trails continue to cross.

June 14, 2013 Relay for Life

We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.
~Mother Teresa

So often people believe that they can't make a difference in their community, their nation, or the world, but there is power in the individual; when one joins another and they grow in number, big changes can happen. Tonight I participated in the Relay for Life gathering when hundreds assemble to raise money and their voices to celebrate those who have beaten cancer and remember those who have lost their battle to this disease. My donation was small; however, when it is added to all the others, a large sum is collected to fund research. It is important to come together and support one another in a concern which affects so many of us.

June 13, 2013 Finding Ride Home

Students on School Bus

One of my students missed many days of school this year due to an extended illness. He is a bright young man, but being home sick means much time lost from lessons and practice. Today he came in to make up several tests, and by the time he had finished, the early bus had departed. I called his mother to explain that the next bus was leaving in three hours; however, I was happy to give him a ride home which she agreed to immediately. It was a small gesture, but one that pleased both the student and the parent.

June 12, 2013 Morning Rendez-Vous #RAK

Children Cooling Off,  New York City

I was meant to meet the woman behind me in the line at the grocery store. She was deep in thought when I joined the line, and as she pushed her cart next to me, I asked her if she wanted to go ahead . I was in no hurry to arrive at work an hour early. She explained with a smile that she was reviewing her purchases because they were part of gift baskets that she was making for a raffle to benefit some children whose mother had recently been killed in an accident. We briefly discussed this tragedy, and as I was leaving, I  handed her a bill to defray some of the costs of her purchases. We met again in the parking lot where we discovered that I had taught several of her nieces and nephews. It was a chance meeting early this morning, but this act of kindness seemed pre-planned as it all came together so easily.

June 11, 2013 Students Making a Difference

Students setting up run course to benefit Heifer International

Many of my students are interested in organizing their own service projects to benefit others, and they often come to me searching for ideas or requesting assistance to put their plans into action.  I enjoy helping them define their goals and establish a process
to reach them. One student has been collecting bottles of toiletries to donate to a group who could distribute them. She and I discussed at length who would benefit from these supplies. After some research on the Internet, I told her I would make a phone call to see if our local aid group was interested. This afternoon I dropped off a large basket filled with shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes, and soap at our Village Office where they will be given to those who need these items. I applaud the efforts of this teenager to help her fellow citizens. Her commitment to her community is commendable.

June 10, 2013 Pizza for My Seniors

My Seniors

This morning I bid farewell to my seniors, a unique collection of intelligent, creative, and entertaining students. They were finishing presenting their final projects, and it was a perfect opportunity to provide them with a lunch of pizza, wings, and soda. I have worked with most of this group for four years. We have shared much - lessons galore, trips abroad and to Quebec, serious class discussions, and laughter so hard you start to cry! There have been days when I thought I would never reach them and others when I was ready to adopt them. For better and for worse, I understand them, and they understand me as a teacher as well as someone who has always cared about their education, their well-being, and their dreams. Now their next adventure begins. I have helped to give them wings; now their flight begins.

June 9, 2013 Friends of Point au Roche

Mary, Greeter at Park Today

Point au Roche State Park is a gem. Covering more than 840 acres, it has a fascinating history beginning with a home for Native Americans prior to the Europeans arriving in the 1600s and then passing from a ROTC type experience to camps for boys and girls focusing on learning about nature. Nowadays it offers hiking, swimming, boating, bird watching, and nature programs.They are always looking for volunteers and financial support, so today we made a donation and joined the Friends of Point  au Roche. I look forward to helping out with the upkeep of this peaceful park along the shores of Lake Champlain. It is important to not take these local escapes into tranquility for granted. They are beneficial for all of us.
,

June 8, 2013 Iris Bouquet

My Irises

It seems that nature plays a mean trick on the iris. They are given such  beautiful bountiful blooms on  slender weak stalks that they fall to the ground with the weight of the flowers. I looked out my kitchen window this morning, and half of my irises were nestled in the grass. After days of drenching rain, their yellow bearded heads were lush and heavy. They begged to be cut and removed from their bed in the lawn, so they could be admired standing tall in a vase. I left one bouquet at the home of a friend without telling her from whom they had come. It will be a pleasant surprise on a dreary, drizzly day.

June 7, 2013 Doughnuts for the Juniors

 One of the pleasures of my job as a teacher is that I am often able to work with the same students for several years. This allows me to watch them develop from immature ninth graders into confident, caring, and bright upper class men. Today I said goodbye to my juniors. We have shared much over the past three years, and they know our bond is strong. They were delighted to see the doughnuts on the edge of my desk today, and these treats vanished quickly. These students have left their mark on me and I hope I have made a difference in their lives, as well.

June 6, 2013 Paying Compliments

My year long project is about random acts of kindness that I perform to brighten the lives of others. But today, during a school assembly, the tables were turned when I was presented with a beautiful scrapbook filled with messages from students (current and former) and my colleagues. I was overcome with emotion which  rendered me nearly speechless and on the verge of tears of joy. I am approaching retirement with much a mix of feelings that this public display of appreciation was overwhelming and deeply cherished.  Words of thanks do not do justice to express how much I value these personal notes. Please understand that I have been touched profoundly by this gift.

My Students,  Pisa, Italy

My own RAK today was sincere and basic. I took the time to tell a server in a Starbucks how beautiful her dress was. She beamed as she retold her co-worker my comment. Later, I complimented a salesclerk on her cute, chic haircut. She also, seemed genuinely touched by my words. Paying compliments is so easy,
and the rewards are recognized immediately.

June 5, 2013 Youth Hockey

 Rural settings often are perceived as void of beneficial activities for young people. However, we are  fortunate to have volunteers who are willing to organize and coach youth sports in our area. Children have a plethora of options from which to choose. One organization in particular is the local youth hockey group which was created more than forty years ago to offer a fun program for boys and girls to teach them the basics of the sport. This association was part of our lives for twenty years as our boys spent thousands of hours on the ice.These people became our friends and our family; hockey parents are always there for each other. I heard today that the program is in need of equipment for the little skaters, so I made a donation. It is so important to give back to those groups who have left a deep impression on its members and the community.

June 4, 2013 Roadside Clean-up

 One of our active high school organizations, Key Club, was performing their annual clean up of the major state highway in our area. I heard the announcement asking members to gather in the lobby to make their plans. I was sorry that I hadn't known about the activity earlier because I would have enjoyed assisting with the effort. As it turned out, I was able to offer a little aid to two of the participants. While driving down the road, I saw these students walking toward the highway they were to clean, so I offered them a ride. At least, they didn't have to walk the last half mile, and they had more time to gather the litter.

June 3, 2013 Haitian Heroes

 “Heroes are made by the path they choose, not the powers they are graced with.”
      from Haitian Heroes website

Gallery, New York City

I came upon a  large scale photo exhibition in New York City on Central Park West yesterday. I was drawn to the pictures of children with colorful clothing, smiling brightly while the background is filled with drab and dusty images. Each photo is accompanied by a personal story of difficulty, but continued hope for a better future. This is part of the Haitian Heroes project which is an organization whose goal is to reconstruct schools in this country because, as we know, education is the key to unlock the potential these youngsters possess. I made a small donation to this group and encourage you to check out their website at www.haitianheroes.org.

June 1-2,2013. New York City

Spending time in New York City offers many opportunities for acts of kindness. There is always the occasion to hold the door for people, let someone pass in front of you getting on the subway, or making room for those pulling rolling suitcases on the crowded sidewalks. I couldn't resist giving a little money to the old man shuffling in his slippers between the cars in the traffic jam. One of my favorite actions is to offer to take photos of groups with their camera. They are always so happy to have everyone in the party included. Yesterday  one couple thanked me in Chinese (I think), and this morning  I got a reply of gracias from a mother and her daughter! Little deeds which bring big smiles.