And I Really Wanted To End It With a Bang...

Confession time: I have been sitting at this computer for nearly an hour with no post to show for it. I began writing three different posts and each time I decide that they are not what I want for tonight. Or that they will take too much time to finish. I dunno what's wrong with me. I think I just wanted to end NaBloPoMo with a bang. It feels more like a fizzle to me. I guess there are just days when I don't have much to say. Whodathunkit?

Never fear. Thanks to the wonders of the Internet, I'll always have something to share. I hope you enjoy.

* I like simple things that make people smile *
* I like people with a definite sense of style *
* I like great ideas for capturing memories *
* I like to take care of the Earth, too *
* I like writing that challenges me *
* I like people with real genius *
* I like bloggy collaborations *
* I like improv. A lot! *
* I really like you! *
* I like this *

What new wonders have you discovered?


The graphic above came from the Baylor College of Medicine website. I swiped it. I admit it.

The World Is Full of Wonders

“There are two ways to live:
you can live as if nothing is a miracle;
you can live as if everything is a miracle.”

~ Albert Einstein

Look at that bug. I mean, really look at it. Who could deny that the world is full of miracles? Have you ever given birth? Been in love? Been loved in return? Have you ever held the hand of a child? Have you ever seen a double rainbow?

Oh, yes. The world is full of wonders. And I think everything is a miracle. Especially love.

Confluence

Don't you love it when so many things come together and seem to point you in a particular direction? It feels like a great big signal, like a nod of approval from a Father who loves me. This post is about one of those confluences. Let me explain.

Over a year ago I read this list and thought that I should do something similar. Later I read this one and got really excited. You know me and lists, after all.

Last July I was talking to Robin about my struggle with the birthday that was fast creeping up on me. I told her that it wasn't the age so much as the lack of goals for the future. That I was wondering, wondering, wondering what it was I wanted next. Till now my growth had always been job oriented. But, I don't want a new job. I am supposed to be a teacher. I love being a teacher. The problem is that no matter how hard I work or how much I grow, in 15 years, I'll still be a teacher. Personally, I need a clear milestone marker. I want to grow, to try new things, to become... more. And to have a clear indication that I've accomplished something. Hmmmm...


A few days ago, I wrote this. It was one of those completely unplanned posts that just sort of popped out of me. I was stunned at how many of you were so sure that my list was doable. It got me thinking. The truth is that the one I most want to do is least likely. A good camera is just too, too expensive right now. But, you're right. The list is pretty doable. Maybe not the achieving part, but the doing part. And we already know it's the doing that matters.

Recently, I made a new blog friend who inspires me with every blog post. I've been going back and reading her older posts. When I read this, I knew what I had to do.

See? A confluence of events. Wish me luck. Better yet, hold me accountable.

39 Things To Do Before I Turn 40 (gulp!)

1. write that article and try to get it published
   
2. get back to doing this brilliant idea
3. bake some bread from scratch
   
4. start saving for a Big Girl Camera
5. join GKGirl in doing this
6. read at least three professional books from cover to cover instead of just dipping in and stealing ideas
7. make my Blog Camp St. Louis idea really happen
8. read a book in a genre I never read ie. a biography instead of a memoir
   
9. buy and play with a fun camera; Polaroid, Holga, or Fish Eye
10. interview my father-in-law and capture the real version of the story I want to write
11. have a real life pen pal
12. take a class and learn a new skill
13. finally let go of some of those magazines I still have horded
    
14. get settled in and feel at home in our new church
15. eat Indian food again
    
16. make walking a regular habit
17. meet in person at least four new blogging friends
18. attend this
    
19. find the perfect apple crisp recipe and bake often for Jeffrey
20. spend an entire afternoon in the hammock
21. buy a vintage record player
    
22. go see Wicked (or another Broadway show)
    
23. take a weekend trip with Mom and Dad to an unexplored Missouri destination
24. have my own Moo cards made
25. find a way to turn my blog into book form
    
26. go visit Grammy
    
27. take an online course
28. participate in some street art of my own
    
29. start up date nights again
30. begin art journaling
31. host a swap on my blog
32. make a gift for someone
33. read all the forgotten books that are living on my shelves
34. buy Photoshop Elements
    
35. learn Photoshop Elements
36. read all of Jane Austen's novels
    
37. wreck a journal
38. transfer all my home videos to DVD
39. try something I absolutely think I can not do

All images are by Elle Moss and are used with permission. Click on each picture to be taken to the original source. Until Saturday only, all of Elle's work will be on sale. What are you doing still here? Go, go. Buy some lovely for your walls.

Conversations About Love

Here's a conversation I had about a year and a half ago with Sloane and her friend Lauren. They were both six at the time. I just reread it tonight and it tickled me. I thought you might get a kick out of it, too.

What is love?

"Love is God. God loves you." ~ Lauren
"Love is something that comes out of your heart that means you like someone. Like I love my cat." ~ Sloane

How do you know when someone loves you?

"When they smile and they kiss you. And sometimes they ask you to marry them." ~ Sloane
" They tell you that they love you." ~ Lauren

How do you show somebody you love them?

"We say that we love them and they feel good." ~ Lauren
"And we smile." ~ Sloane

What about you? How do you show somebody you love them?

Gratitude,Today and Every Day

Happy, happy Thanksgiving my friends. We've had a wonderful day. You knew, didn't you, that I couldn't let the day go by without a list. From all of us celebrating here at the Lawson house today - a list of what we are thankful for.

Thanksgiving with Team Lawson, 2009

* peppermints * horses * snuggles * candy * my Dad's signet ring, which I wear every day * Daddy * Mommy * magazines * friends * blogging * M&Ms * Zoobooks * friends to celebrate with * walk-off home runs * smiles from strangers * music on a Saturday morning * coffee * come-from-behind victories * flowers * Sloane shooting a deer rifle * Degas at the Nelson-Atkins * Relyn's blog * blue pens * my house * Build-a-Bear * pink highlighters * people who make you laugh until you cry and your stomach hurts * the color blue as the sky * snow and snow days * friends over for dinner * feeling better after being sick * cooking my favorite dinner for my sweetie * my beautiful wife * four day weekends * lipstick * animals * food * trees * nuts * laughing * LOVE * lipgloss * the freckles dusting Sloane's nose and cheeks * warm blankets * a trip to Fan Dance * Thanksgiving Day naps * making new friends * husbands who do the cooking * winning Farkle * good knives * tabouli * chocolate and milk * Ugly Dessert * Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade * office supplies * polka dots * money enough to buy books * fur-lined clogs * cuff bracelets * To Kill A Mockingbird * art cases * snuggling with little girls * digital cameras * sleeping late * books and magazines * cashews * husbands who walk in the cold to go get the car while you wait in the warm * chili on a cold day * leftovers * stew * good boots * mashed potatoes * long walks * swimming in cold water creeks in the hot summer * baseball * long, dangly earrings * sunglasses * glass apothecary jars * cats on your lap * mascara * beagles * front porches * getting to stay up past your bedtime * Hershey's Kisses * my husband, whom I love more every day * the chance to be a mother * the written word * teaching * love of learning * blogging * audiences * encouragement * letters * my trip to San Francisco * prayer * deep faith * the ability to be moved * marching bands * the winter Olympics * comfort * warm socks * living an abundant life *

I am blessed in that I always count my blessings. Every day. I hope you do, too.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Ahhhhhh...

My heart is light. My feet are happy. My soul is glad. I am home.

Home. Such a sweet word.

Sweeter still because I know I have to leave it only if I choose for four whole days. Four days!!

Jeffrey is at the grocery store. I told you he was the perfect man. Sloane is playing in the other room with her best friend. My house is spotlessly clean and smells delicious. My piles from last night have been dealt with. Tomorrow two of our favorite people arrive to spend Thanksgiving with us. He comes bearing a turkey. She comes with art supplies. We provide the house, the killer dessert, and a few games.

I can't wait!!!

Happy Thanksgiving Eve, my friends.

... and miles to go before I sleep

I am tired. So tired. My body aches with it kind of tired.

I still have a table full of things to put away/find a home for/straighten. Because I'm a ding-dong. Because I always start one small organizing/cleaning/straightening project and let it snowball into a huge project. Always.

I have about four loads of laundry to do. At least one of them must happen tonight. Sloane must have underwear for tomorrow, you know.

I am tired. The kind of tired that has me writing 50+ words and still not tell you the point of this post. Tell you this one simple fact: I had a terrific day! It was delicious and exciting and encouraging. The kind of day that lets me know I can never stop being an elementary school teacher. Oh, it was a good day.

But, it left me exhausted. So, for now, I'll let the picture speak for me.

It was a good day! I hope yours was, too.

The Things We Do For Love

Meet Captain Anne Cutlass and her trusty swain Long Knife Tom. These two are the absolute loves of my life. This is my favorite picture. Ever. I took it last night at the end of a wonderful day. Sloane's birthday party had been postponed another week because she'd been so sick. Finally, party day arrived, 13 days after her birthday. This year was a pirate party, chosen mostly because Daddy said he would dress up if it was a pirate party. Jeffrey is one daddy who never disappoints. Ever.

Not only did he make the costumes.


He made the treasure chest.


I made the ugly cake.


Oh well. There's no such thing as Super Mom. I do think, though, there just might possibly be such a thing as Super Dad. If there is, my husband is it.

You see, Jeffrey is not a party guy. Each year he asks me in utter sincerity if we can please not have birthday party for him this year. He doesn't like parties. He doesn't like dancing. He doesn't like silly. And, most of all, he doesn't like costumes. He really, really doesn't like dancing or costumes. Jeffrey's fine with all of these things for anyone who enjoys them, just not for himself.

But, you see. Jeffrey is a Daddy. The daddy of a much loved, very silly little girl. And Daddy Jeffrey does not disappoint. So there he was, in frayed and ragged, homemade capri-length sailor pants. Nobody but me knew that his jeans were in the cupboard in case he needed to make a quick trip to the grocery store. Silly only goes so far, even for Sloane. There he was on the floor reading to a gaggle of second graders.


There he was, attaching pirate tattoos. There he was, coloring beside the shy ones. There he was, hiding the treasure chest and making his treasure map look old.

There he was. Making his daughter - and his wife - very, very happy.

Sunday Morning Poetry

There is this cave
in the air behind my body
that nobody is going to touch:
a cloister, a silence
closing around a blossom of fire.
When I stand upright in the wind
my bones turn to dark emeralds.

~ from The Jewel by James Wright

Happy Sunday, my friends.


Claustro del Monasteriro de Sant Cugat by Renante El Pintor de Fuego.

Accidental Collections

Isn't it funny how we're all drawn to particular things? The way we accrue an odd collection without ever realizing we've begun one? Some women I know have 17 different red lipsticks. Others have 52 pairs of shoes, half of them black. For me it's tote bags.

And calendars.

I have no idea why I love them so much. Something to do with marking - and savoring - the passage of time, I guess. It used to be that most Januarys would find me at the mall or Borders trying to decide between five or six wall calendars. I'd usually end up taking home two or three. Plus a desk calendar or two. Why not? I had waited until they were 50% off after all. Then last year I discovered Etsy calendars.

See what I mean? This year I'm not waiting for sales. I'm getting this one.

And this one.

And probably this one, too.

Click on the images above to purchase the featured calendars by Irene Suchoki, Gabrielle Kai, and Sara Tam. All images are used with permission.

What's on Your Fridge?

I find refrigerator doors to be fascinating. It's the first place I look when I'm in someone else's kitchen. It's fun to see what people put there; what and who they think is important. Like a socially acceptable version of medicine cabinet peeking. The insides of their fridges tell a lot, too. But, that's the subject for another post.

The picture above is the closest thing Team Lawson has to a typical refrigerator door. It isn't actually our fridge. We keep that clear and clean. Our kitchen is way, way too tiny to add any visual clutter. But. We have a constantly rotating art gallery on the door heading out to the garage. It's our refrigerator door, you might say. So come on. I showed you mine. Will you show me yours? What's on your fridge?

Along the Same Lines...

Yesterday I wrote about the six word stories which reminded me of the six word memoir. I wrote mine back when I first began blogging. Here it is:

Life is Good ~ Sing it Loud!

Have you seen the meme asking for a six word autobiography yet? What a cool idea. What a difficult task. How to sum up a life in a few words and not sound like a bumper sticker? My first thought when I saw the meme was relief that I was unlikely to ever be given such a task. It's funny that I remain untagged, but have written my perfect six word autobiography. I came up with it in less than a minute when I gave a title to this picture. At the time, I didn't have a clear idea for this post. I just knew I had to write about the picture that moved me so much. I thought titling it was a good place to start, even though I can't claim the honor of photographing it. This picture is so me that when I described it, I realized I had described myself pretty well - autobiography well. Life is Good - Sing it Loud!

• I'm a top-of-my-lungs-out-the-car-window kind of singer.
• I'm a cry-at-Hallmark-commercials passionate woman.
• I'm a want-to-hug-you-when-I-see-you-when-I-leave-you-and-any-time-you-make-me laugh kind of person.
• I laugh often and loud.
• I'm a roll-down-the-hill-in-my-Sunday-clothes kind of girl.
• I say "Yes!" and "Why not?" more often than "No" or "We'll see."
• I still ride on the merry-go-round every chance I get, and I race my daughter for the highest swing at the playground.

Life is Good - Sing it Loud! That's me.

And you? What's your six word memoir?

Six Word Stories

I've told you before that one of the things I love about Jeffrey is the way he seeks out little things to delight me. His latest "gift" has gotten me hooked on six word stories. Yes, an entire story in just six words. Man, my journalism teacher would have loved them. Here's one by Ernest Hemingway. It is rumored that he claimed it to be his best work.

For Sale: baby shoes, never worn.

Gasp. Gulp. Yes, I know. How about these two?

We kissed. She melted. Mop please!

~ James Patrick Kelly

It's behind you! Hurry before it

~ Rockne S. O'Bannon

Or these...

Baby's blood type? Human mostly.

~ Orson Scott Card

Fish's last thought: "That wasn't a fly!"

~ Ken Krimstein

Peter Piper's proposed 'pepper pick' postponed.

~ Joe Ghattas

Aren't they wonderful? Click here and here for more. What about you? Can you do it?


Baby shoes painting spotted here.

Good Question

What would you attempt if you knew you could not fail?

~ Robert Schuller

This Bird Has Flown by Irene Suchoki

Oh, what a question! What would I do?

I like to think that I am brave and bold; a dreamer and a doer. The truth is, I'm a dreamer who is trying to be a doer. I am a person who does well with deadlines at work, but not with self-imposed ones. I always get the job done, but rarely till the last minute. I am passionate about beauty and the arts, but have no art form of my own. I am an expert on the use of goal setting in the classroom, but I've been struggling to set new goals of my own.

The trouble is, I know the value of goal setting as a habit. Consequently, my head won't leave me alone. How can you expect your students to set goals for this quarter when you don't have any short term goals of your own? Forget short term goals. What are your long term goals, anyway? My head irritates me sometimes, but I've learned to listen.

And so, I ask myself. Self, what would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail? Really. What is it that your heart of hearts longs for?

And I answer.

• I would have my essays published in a national magazine; a byline of my own.
• I would buy a real camera and stop messing around with my dinky point and shoot.
• I would take pictures every single day and teach myself to see.
• I would write the children's picture book that's spent three years in my head.
• I would collaborate with Jeffrey and Sloane on a children's chapter book mystery series.
• I would finally begin to take that daily walk.
• I would really quit drinking Cokes once and for all.
• I would apply to teach Master's level classes at the university where I earned my own Masters in education.
• I would make the time to host those Family Nights I've been dreaming of.
• I would help my class come up with a concept and write a book that would win the annual Scholastic competition.
• I would play with my child every single day.
• I would make more time for the people I care about. Things like having a weekly date night with my love and girlfriend dates twice a month.
• I would find or create a new circle of friends to replace the small group we loved and lost.
• I would definitely take that family trip to Amsterdam and Africa.

And you? What would you do if you knew you could not fail?



This Bird Has Flown by Irene Suchocki is used with permission. For this week only you can buy one photograph and get one free. Good news, yes?

It's the Simple Things...

that make life sweet. We're having a simple party all across blog land today. Won't you join us?

tulle
daisies
pedicures
fleece blankets
well-loved stuffies
newly pierced ears
discovering a new blog
gleam of light on crystal
jaded innocence of teenagers
a new journal quietly waiting
the smell of a ripe banana
making a new friend
feel of a heavy book
mugs full of pens
red satin slippers
picture books
candlelight
brown eggs
laughter
poems

Image and idea from Christina of Soul Aperture.

Sunday Morning Poetry

Companions

She lived with words in a tall white house.

Hundreds of books line her shelves.

They smelled like time, they smelled like rain.

Fanning the pages, she smiled.

I was ten when I found this friend.

Cherry pie steaming on top of the stove.

We sat till it was cool.

She lit up like a lantern when I rang.

Tell me about your teachers, your work.

Who's the bad boy again?

Have you seen that dog that bit you under the eye?

The plates were stacked beside the pie.

Her husband had died before we were born.

But she didn't live alone.

She lived with words.

~Naomi Shihab Nye

Happy Sunday, my friends.


Incredible image by Lady Scarlett.

Play, Baby Play... Dance, Baby Dance

I just love civic art. The kind of beauty people create just for the general public's pleasure. The gorgeous murals, highway overpasses designed with patterned blocks, trashcans that look beautiful instead of utilitarian, a light pole with an extra twist... Beauty created for its own sake, and to improve the life of those who see it.

I spotted this beauty in St. Louis when we went for YoYo Ma. The picture is grainy, I know. I took it at nearly midnight from across the street. But, oh, doesn't she make you want to dance? And, can you hear the music?

Feelin' Lucky

I have to say it, I never win. I just don't. Example: I played Bunco with school friends for 4 years. That's 48 games and three chances to win per game. I had 144 opportunities to win a prize. I did once. It was an extra joke prize. I just don't win.

Till tonight.

Tonight my school hosted a Fall Festival. We always have a basket raffle and silent auction. I put my tickets in a science basket and quickly told myself, "Silly! Uncross your fingers, that doesn't work anyway." Guess what?

It does. It must. How else to explain that I won a basket full o f science toys for Sloane. One hundred and fifteen dollars worth of science gear for five bucks in a raffle. Pretty cool! Plus, I won a bunch of goodies in the silent auction. Of course, I had to pay for them, but they were great deals and all the money went to my school. How great is that?

I told you. I'm feelin' lucky.

Anybody got a giveaway I can enter?

Whaddya Think?

I'm stumped. I'm looking for a few great movies to watch. My Netflix queue has 87 movies on it and nothing is getting me excited. In fact, half of them are movies I've already seen. Plus, you know that I am terrific at picking duds lately. So, I thought I'd ask you to pick for me. How 'bout it? Will you give me a recommendation or two? I'd love to know your favorite movies. Please tell me three, if you will. I want to know your all-time favorite movie, a golden oldie, and a new one you enjoyed. Will you? Pleeeeeeeease???

Since I'm asking, I thought I'd give you mine. But, you know me and favorites. I am constitutionally unable to choose just one favorite of anything, much less an all time favorite. I do love this one. That's the one I put in when I need to cheer up. Or when I am feeling good. Or when I want to sing along. Or when I want to feel like a teenager again. I just love it. My golden oldie pick is not really old, just a classic to me. I completely adore it. As to a new one I've enjoyed. Hmmmm... Well, this one was fun. Not great. Maybe not even all that good. But fun.

OK, your turn. Pretty please? With cherries on top?


Witty image above was created by Udronotto.

I've Been Thinking About Art Today...

photo and art credit: Chrysti Hydeck, copyrighted, all rights reserved

Care to join me?

1. watch this
2. answer - Do you dare?
3. look at these and these
   
4. ask yourself - Can I do something like that?
5. read this
6. grab a pen - Write your own list.
7. come back to your computer - Leave a comment and tell me about your art.

Thanks, GKGirl, for the nudge. Art close-up by Chrysti.

at this moment...

Time.

Time is a fleet-footed young girl. She scampers away on tip-toe; tiny nails painted shell pink. She's so quick all you see is a flash of her scarlet skirt. Sparkle. There she goes again. Drifting away. Leaving behind only fading memories. Memories that feel more like dreams. Memories of magic. Of smiles. Of breathless laughter. Of butterfly kisses and, "Do it again, Daddy. Do it again."

I keep turning corners just two steps behind her. Trying desperately to catch a hold of her skirt. To stall her just for a moment. To keep just a little of this fleeting beauty. Be still, I whisper. Be still.

But she doesn't. She won't. She can't.




But, oh.
How I wish that she would.




Image by Jamie M.