Did you know that the world's last 350 North Atlantic Right Whales live along the East Coast. Collisions with ships are a deadly hazard, but new listening buoys designed and monitored by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology are helping.
Here's how: www.listenforwhales.org
This is a fantastic resource for educators who want to show students conservation in action. Find out more about the lives of Atlantic Right Whales: where they live, what they eat, why they're endangered, and why there's still hope.
Friday, August 9, 2013
BANNED BOOKS WEEK: September 22−28, 2013
Banned Books Week (BBW) is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read and the importance of the First Amendment. Held during the last week of September, Banned Books Week highlights the benefits of free and open access to information while drawing attention to the harms of censorship by spotlighting actual or attempted banning of books across the United States. Find book lists and many related resources at the American Library Association site.
Information is also available at Banned Books Week.
Interested in Construction Equipment?
Calling all builders (and anyone else interested in big equipment)!!!
Kikki’s Workshop. This site has it all!
View interactives, videos, the "Great Picture Book of Construction Equipment," "Everything about Construction Equipment," Q and A, and printables.
Booger Soup!
About a month ago, my friend, Diane, told me that her children were not feeling well. She said that she had just put a big pot of "booger (sometimes spelled 'bugger') soup" on to cook. Sounds yummy, doesn't it. She had mentioned this soup to me often in the past, and I knew that it was basically a chicken soup, meant to ease the symptoms of a cold.
Because it seemed that everyone I had talked to that month seemed to have a cold or had children or a spouse with a cold or flu, I decided to do some online research to see how many types of "booger soup" I could find.
There were quite a few recipes listed under that name, and those recipes led me to more of the same type, but called by other names. I, also, learned that researchers at the University of Nebraska had created a chicken soup recipe that, according to their study, really did help relieve colds and flu.
We made Grandma’s Chicken Soup Recipe (above), with a few modifications, and my oldest daughter and I loved it. My younger daughter said it would have been better without all of the vegetables. We chopped the vegetables very fine when we made it, and we left bits of chicken in the soup. We, also, added cayenne pepper and garlic. Delicious! And a big help during cold and flu season!
Free biology learning tools
Many homeschool families with high school age students wonder how to find an affordable way to study biology. Some choose to enroll their child in a class at a college or learning center. Others may buy expensive lab specimens, from scientific supply catalogs, that their teens can dissect at home. In the past, millions of animals have been used for dissection in high school and college labs. Educators now believe that students can learn equally well or even better by using virtual animal specimens for dissection. Many students are ethically opposed to dissecting real animals, so using technology is far more acceptable to them. The website, Animalearn offers a library, called The Science Bank, of over 500 CD-ROMs, models, videos, and mannequins, all available for free.
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
The Complete Works of Shakespeare - Quick and hilarious!
If you're looking for a quick and hilarious overview of Shakespeare's writings, I would suggest that you check out the DVD, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), by The Reduced Shakespeare Company. Three men present all 37 plays, plus a very brief overview of the sonnets, in an acrobatic, slapstick comedic format. From a rap version of Othello, to Titus Andronicus presented as a cooking show, the unorthodox presentations are remarkably true to the stories. This show can even be enjoyed by persons who have never read or seen a Shakespearean play. Some parts may not be appropriate for young viewers. Parents should preview the DVD.
Give poetry a try!
I've often had people tell me that they don't like poetry. Baloney! They just haven't found a poem that they enjoy... yet.
There are so many types of poetry, from nursery rhymes to limericks, from haiku to sonnets. Poems can be funny, sad, inspiring, touching, wild, crazy or intellectual. Some poems rhyme, some don't.
Why not read a poem a day for a month? Or try your hand at writing one? It's not as difficult as you think. Choose a theme, like spring, and write random thoughts that the theme brings to mind. Or, try rewriting a familiar nursery rhyme. "Mary had a little lamb...." Now, make up something new and unusual that happened to Mary and her lamb. Or, write a word vertically, and create a poem using the letters. Here's an example, using the word "April."
A bright blue sky,
Pretty spring flowers,
Raising arms high,
In joyous delight,
Laughingly sigh.
That poem won't win any awards, but it was fun to write, and only took a minute or two.
Have each person choose a favorite poem to share with the family at mealtime, or before bedtime. There are so many books that contain wonderful poetry collections. Browse through the adult and the children's poetry sections at the library, and check out a few books that appeal to you.
For someone who enjoys nature, and the simple things in life, try some poetry by Robert Frost. If you think being silly is great, and you love to laugh, Shel Silverstein may be the poet you most enjoy. If you're a romantic at heart, Elizabeth Barrett Browning may touch the right chord.
To learn more about poets and poetry, visit the web site of The Academy of American Poets. and/or the web site of The Poetry Foundation.
Tour a unique factory (Ohio)
My dad was a coach, and during basketball season, he was seldom seen without his whistle hanging around neck. He could get everyone’s attention quickly with one quick blast. I always liked to march around blowing his whistle, when I was a little girl. Eventually, I was only allowed to use his whistle outdoors after one unfortunate incident when I blasted a loud “tweet” in the house, and nearly scared my mom to death. It seemed like a good idea at the time...
The American Whistle Corporation, located in Worthington, Ohio, (near Columbus) is the only manufacturer of metal whistles in the United States. Groups and families are welcome to tour their factory. On the tour, you will not only see the manufacturing machinery, but also, learn how a whistle works using aerodynamics and chemistry. Learn how a whistle can be an important safety tool for everyone. The American Whistle Corporation is located at 6540 Huntley Road in Worthington, about halfway between Route 161 and Schrock Road. Parking is available in the rear lot. Reservations are required. Call 800-876-2918 or visit the American Whistle Corporation "Tours" page.
American Whistle Corporation is located near Columbus. Visit the Experience Columbus website to find information about other fun things to do while you're there.
Olivia recommends this book... and so do I
My daughter, Kari, and I occasionally baby-sit, and recently we spent an evening with a very bright young girl named Olivia. Olivia is 5 years old, and she loves books. After she was ready for bed, she asked if we would please read her favorite book, "Song of the Water Boatman and Other Pond Poems." This book was written by Joyce Sidman, and illustrated by Beckie Prange. It is a Caldecott Honor Book, and also won the BCCB Blue Ribbon Nonfiction Book Award.
Olivia was so excited for us to read, and soon after we began, I could tell that this book was one she had asked her mother to read to her more than once. Each two page spread contains short paragraphs of scientific information about a type of plant, or an insect, or an animal. There is, also, a lovely woodcut illustration of that plant, or insect or animal, and a poem. The poems are so beautifully written, and the author manages to take the scientific information about the subject and transform it into vivid, captivating verse.
Olivia wanted to know all of the facts, and she wanted to hear the poems again and again. We looked at the pictures, and she told me how they had gone to a nearby pond in the National Park to watch the ducks eat duckweed. Then she explained all of the details of duckweed to me. She had such a look of excitement on her face and she was so thrilled to tell me about what she had learned.
I told her that I was going to share this book with all of you, because I could tell that she really enjoyed it. She nodded her head vigorously, and said, "and I learned so many things from it." What could be better than that?
You can find this book at most bookstores, and at your local library. It is appropriate for ages 5 through adult (Amazon says, Kindergarten through 5th grade.)
National Peach Month
I do not happen to like peach-flavored foods or beverages, but I think that fresh peaches are one of the most wonderful treats in the world. I have found information stating that July was National Peach Month, and other sources say that August is National Peach Month. Since July is past, we'll celebrate now. Enjoy some fresh, juicy peaches, then plant one or more of the pits. By the way, do you know what chemical is inside the pit? Do some research to find out. Ohio State University's Ohioline has a great fact sheet on peaches. You'll find facts and recipes. http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/5000/pdf/5525.pdf
American Artist Appreciation Month
August is American Artist Appreciation Month. Visit an art museum. Become an American artist, and create something beautiful. Check out some books on American artists at the library. Choose one that you especially like, and try to imitate that artist's style. A great online resource with a wealth of information about American artists is Artcyclopedia.com They have more than 2,000 American artists in their database. www.artcyclopedia.com/nationalities/American.html
Harvest lessons
Many of you are harvesting fresh fruits and vegetables now. And, the harvest will continue for the next several months. Preserving this harvest, so that your family can enjoy it all winter long, is a wonderful teaching/learning opportunity. You can learn about historical methods of food preservation, or concentrate on the latest technological advances. It can be a time for the family to work together. You can even combine forces with extended family members or friends or neighbors. The work goes more quickly, and it's more fun when there are many hands and lots of laughter and conversation.
If you're not sure where to begin, the Ohio State University Ohioline fact sheets can be very helpful. Here are a few that you might find helpful.
Canning basics http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/5000/pdf/5338.pdf
Canning tomatoes http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/5000/pdf/5336.pdf
Canning fruit http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/5000/pdf/5343.pdf
Freezing basics http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/5000/pdf/5341.pdf
Freezing vegetables http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/5000/pdf/5333.pdf
Jams, Jellies & Other Fruit Spreads http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/5000/pdf/5350.pdf
Did you know that each county has an extension office staffed by (usually) helpful people who can assist you in many areas of homemaking. Most offices employ a home economist whose job it is to teach and assist area residents in many facets of cooking, cleaning and other home-related tasks. If you're not sure of the proper temperature for safe canning, or if you would like someone to check your pressure canner to be sure that it is operating as it should, call your local extension office. To find contact information for the office near you, visit this site: http://extension.osu.edu/locate-an-office
If you would like to teach your own children, or an enrichment class on food preservation, the Utah Education Network has prepared an excellent lesson plan that you are free to use. http://www.uen.org/Lessonplan/preview.cgi?LPid=1169
The significance of a paper clip
A paper clip seems like just an insignificant office supply...handy to have, but not a life changing item...usually. I recently spotted a DVD at the library, titled, "Paper Clips," and I discovered that something seemingly simple and insignificant can make a huge impact on many lives.
"Paper Clips" is a documentary about what happened when the students at Tennessee's Whitwell Middle School began to study the Holocaust. One student told the teacher that it was very difficult for her to visualize 6,000,000 people, the number of Jewish people murdered during the Holocaust. The number was too big. Her mind couldn't comprehend what she was reading. Other students agreed, so the teacher told them to think of something small that they could collect, until they reached a total of 6,000,000. One student discovered the interesting fact, on the Internet, that during World War II, the Norwegian people wore paper clips on their lapels as a sign of solidarity. A type of paper clip had been invented by a Norwegian man, Johan Vaaler, and the people felt this was one way they could inconspicuously express their feelings of national solidarity. Upon hearing this, the students decided that they would collect 6,000,000 paper clips.
The students wrote to many people around the world: relatives, friends, celebrities. Paper clips began arriving, sometimes one or two at a time, and sometimes by the box or the case. They soon had over 400,000 clips, and students assumed that it would be only a few weeks until they reached their goal. However, the flow of paper clips declined to a trickle. Just as they were becoming discouraged, a serendipitous event occurred that changed the course of the project, and paper clips began pouring into the Whitwell, Tennessee post office.
I don't want to give away what happened from that point, because I am hoping that you will want to see this documentary for yourselves. It is suitable for all but young children, who may not be ready to hear stories of the Holocaust. The principal, the teachers and the students are very sincere and open in explaining their feelings during various stages of the project. Several Holocaust survivors share their stories in honest and sometimes emotional words. I highly recommend this film to you.
After watching the film, I thought about how important it is for children, teens and adult learners to be able to visualize what they are studying. If you want to truly understand, and remember what you study, it must be real. It must have meaning. Sometimes, when your children seem unmotivated by a subject, or totally disinterested, it may be because they don't understand what it is about, or how it applies to them, or when they will use it.
Telling your children that they will "need it someday" doesn't answer that need to understand. You need experiences to "make it real." How do you do that? For math, you can: build, sew, cook, shop, have a checking and/or savings account, plan a vacation, plan a party, calculate mileage... Reading good historical fiction can provide a better understanding of what people were experiencing, during a specific time period, than a textbook might provide. Field trips are incredibly helpful in bringing history to life, making scientific facts clear, providing greater geographical understanding, and much more.. There are hundreds of places you can visit in northeast Ohio, and many are free or very low cost. If there are several places in one specific area that you would like to visit, plan to camp nearby for a night or two. Camping can provide numerous learning experiences. Hands-on activities, experiments, games. They're all vitally important for real learning.
If that teacher in Tennessee had not suggested collecting the paper clips, I think the Holocaust project would have become just another forgotten history lesson. Seeing 6,000,000 paper clips, made it so real, that it is unforgettable.
May all your studies be meaningful.
***After seeing the film, you may want to visit the school's website: http://www.whitwellmiddleschool.org On the left side of the page, you will see a directory of the site. Look for the heading “Children’s Holocaust Memorial and Paper Clip Project.” Under that heading, are links to various pages relating to hte project. You can visit the site before you see the film, if you like, but I think it will be more meaningful if you watch the film first.
***You may, also, be interested in a book that was written about the project: "Six Million Paper Clips: The Making Of A Children's Holocaust Memorial" by Peter W. Schroeder, Dagmar Schroeder-Hildebrand
We all scream for ice cream!
I happen to think that every month should be National Ice Cream Month, but alas, it's only in July. At the following website, you can find ice cream history, folklore, the "scoop" on ice cream headaches, how to find science in ice cream, how to make homemade ice cream, and much more: https://www.uoguelph.ca/foodscience/ice-cream
Speaking of ice cream toppings, years ago, a friend of mind gave me a rather smelly (it improved with age), and icky looking concoction, and told me that it was Friendship Fruit Starter. She, also, gave me a set of instructions detailing what to do with this starter. It can be used as an unusual, but tasty ice cream topping, or added to cakes, muffins and other recipes. To learn the whole story about this interesting mix, visit: baking.about.com/library/weekly/aa011198.htm
The Ice Cream Recipes site offers recipes for all the traditional flavors of ice cream, and recipes for very unusual ice cream flavors, like avocado, bacon, Earl Grey, rhubarb... I'll stick with traditional. It's interesting reading though, and they have some good recipes for toppings.
Speaking of ice cream toppings, years ago, a friend of mind gave me a rather smelly (it improved with age), and icky looking concoction, and told me that it was Friendship Fruit Starter. She, also, gave me a set of instructions detailing what to do with this starter. It can be used as an unusual, but tasty ice cream topping, or added to cakes, muffins and other recipes. To learn the whole story about this interesting mix, visit: baking.about.com/library/weekly/aa011198.htm
Fun ideas for boring days
Some people, especially in that 8-13 age range, seem to spend a lot of time thinking they are bored. Just in case, there's a bored person living at your home, I thought I would write an A-Z list of fun activities. You can tell I'm not easily bored, because it took less than 5 minutes for me to come up with the following ideas....
A. With or without a telescope, look at the night sky, and brush up on your ASTRONOMY skills. How many constellations can you find?
B. Blow big BUBBLES. Let them pop on black construction paper, then measure their circumference to determine which one was biggest.
C CAMP in your backyard
D. DANCE a happy dance! Remember Snoopy's happy dance on top of his dog house....
E. EXERCISE
F. Look for FOSSILS
G. GROW some flowers
H. Have a HOPPING contest
I. Make homemade ICE CREAM in a coffee can. It's fun and delicious! You can find the recipe and the method at this site: homeparents.about.com/od/recipesandcrafts/r/icecream.htm
J. Create a sculpture from JUNK
K. Create an imaginary KINGDOM. What does it look like? Who lives there? What is the weather like? Are there any unusual plants or animals there? What do the inhabitants eat?...
L. LEARN Morse Code with a friend, and send each other secret messages.
M. MEASURE the length and width of your foot and your hand, the circumference of your head, your neck, your waist, your thigh. How do the measurements compare?
N. How many states can you NAME? How many U. S. Presidents? How many South American countries?
O. How many layers does an ONION have? Be sure to count the very thin layers.
P. Use a large rock or hammer to POUND on a small rock until it cracks. What does it look like inside? What does it smell like? Is it sparkly or dull? Was it hard or easy to break?
Q. Find a bird's feather, and make a QUILL for writing. Try using blueberry or raspberry juice for ink. What else might work for ink?
R. ROLL down the biggest hill you can find. Have a race with a friend or sibling.
S. Using only things you find in nature, make a SAILBOAT. How long does it float? How fast does it go if you blow on the sail?
T. Can you TOUCH the tip of your nose with your tongue? Can you touch your chin with your tongue? Can you touch your toes without bending your knees? Can you put your hands flat on the floor without bending your knees?
U. Create a comedy act called Crazy UMBRELLA Tricks. Make your umbrella roll over, stand on its "head," stand on it's "toes." Remember, this is a comedy act... Entertain your friends with as many "tricks" as you can.
V. Get a new point of VIEW. Draw a picture of what you wish you could see when you look out your window. Use a piece of paper the same size as the window. You may have to tape several pieces of paper together. When you finish your picture, tape it over your window, and enjoy the VIEW!
W. How many different kinds of WHALES are there on our planet? Which one is the largest? Which one is the smallest?
X. Draw a big picture of yourself The picture should show you standing alone. Now use another sheet of paper, the same size as the one with your picture. Trace the outline of your body on the clean piece of paper, so that the outline is exactly (or nearly) the same size as the first picture you drew. Now, draw an X-RAY of your body inside that outline. In other words, draw your skeleton. Be sure to show as many bones as possible, and they should "match" your first picture. In other words, if you were holding your arms up in the first picture, your X-RAY picture should show your arm bones 'up' also.
Y. Can you YODEL? It's a unique sound. The Swiss are quite famous for their YODELING. If you're not sure how to begin, check out this online course: www.yodelcourse.com
Z. Are there different types of ZEBRAS? Are all ZEBRAS black and white? How many stripes does a ZEBRA have? Are they all striped the same way?
Monday, January 30, 2012
Painless Journaling
I've always loved Twitter, because it is short and to-the-point. Posts on Twitter, known as "tweets," are required to be less than 140 characters. Perfect! I don't like wasting hours of time reading lengthy articles and posts, to find helpful information. In less than 5 minutes on Twitter, I can easily find 30-40 helpful tips, articles, learning resources, recipes, news updates and more.
I've, also, always loved journaling, but sometimes my days are so busy that I don't have time to write as much as I would like. For that reason, the micro journaling site, 280Daily.com, is just perfect for me, and maybe for you, too.
At 280Daily, entries are required to be less than 280 characters, but you can include links and photos. All your entries are private, unless you choose to share them. You can indicate entries which include something momentous, by ticking the box next to "day of note." You can even save all your entries, and have them printed in book form!
If you're looking for a quick and easy way to journal, or to get your child or teen to journal, in an almost painless way, check out 280Daily! It's quick, easy and fun!
I've, also, always loved journaling, but sometimes my days are so busy that I don't have time to write as much as I would like. For that reason, the micro journaling site, 280Daily.com, is just perfect for me, and maybe for you, too.
At 280Daily, entries are required to be less than 280 characters, but you can include links and photos. All your entries are private, unless you choose to share them. You can indicate entries which include something momentous, by ticking the box next to "day of note." You can even save all your entries, and have them printed in book form!
If you're looking for a quick and easy way to journal, or to get your child or teen to journal, in an almost painless way, check out 280Daily! It's quick, easy and fun!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Spring Is Coming!
Winter in northeast Ohio has never been my favorite season, but I tolerated it. Sometimes I even moderately enjoyed it. This year, I'm just not in the mood for it.
It just started, and it already seems like it's been here too long.
I enjoy being at home, but when I have some place to go, I want to be able to go. I don't like having to check the weather forecasts for my house, plus for wherever I'm headed. You can't just check the current forecast. You have to check the entire day and evening, if it's a long trip. It may be fine in the morning, and clear in the evening, but if the afternoon includes a foot of lake effect snow, it's a major problem...
This morning, however, I discovered two bits of news that are very encouraging.
It just started, and it already seems like it's been here too long.
I enjoy being at home, but when I have some place to go, I want to be able to go. I don't like having to check the weather forecasts for my house, plus for wherever I'm headed. You can't just check the current forecast. You have to check the entire day and evening, if it's a long trip. It may be fine in the morning, and clear in the evening, but if the afternoon includes a foot of lake effect snow, it's a major problem...
This morning, however, I discovered two bits of news that are very encouraging.
First, the Lake Erie Nature and Science Center sent me a copy of their SPRING 2012 Program Guide! Did you notice that lovely word... SPRING?! Oh joy, oh joy!
Second, on our trip to the post office this morning, I saw a sign in front of the local Dairy Queen... "Opening February 1st!" The opening of Dairy Queen each year is a sure harbinger of SPRING!
Yes, I know that Spring doesn't officially arrive until March 20th, but the feeling of Spring always arrives much earlier, and I'm ready!
Are ya feelin' it?
Working with Passion
My oldest daughter, Kylia, now 22, has been following her passion in work since she was 11 years of age. At that time, her passion was make-up. She decided she wanted to be an Avon Representative, because Avon offered everything she loved. As she was explaining to me why I should sign up as a representative so that she could sell the products, she stated with great enthusiasm, "Mom! It's make-up, clothing and jewelry! Everything I love!" Although she has taken a few breaks, she continues representing Avon, on a part-time basis, today, 11 years later.
When Kylia turned 13, she went to a local coffee shop with a few friends, and called me, while there, to say, "Mom, you've got to see this place. It's the coolest place ever!" The coffee shop was run by a man named Jimmy, who was not only the shop owner, but also, quite an artist. He was busy covering every square inch of the place with paint, mirrors, glitter and unique artifacts he seemed to discover everywhere. He invited the young people to paint with him, and Kylia's passion for Jimmy's Café was ignited. She convinced Jimmy that she could help out at the café, and she did just that with great enthusiasm for 4 years.
When Kylia was 19, she visited me at my weekend job at an art gallery in Peninsula, Ohio. While I worked, she sat outdoors, at the nearby train station, reading. As luck (fate?) would have it, she was offered a job working for the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. She started by selling tickets, which she thought was really cool, because she worked in an old caboose. It wasn't long before she was working on the train itself, running the café car with passion and enthusiasm. She loved the train!
She had to wake up at 5:00 am every morning to get to work by 6:30 am, but she always bounced out of bed, with a big smile on her face, and announced "I work on a train!!!!" Every day was fun and exciting, even when the work day lasted 12 - 14 hours. She would work until she was exhausted, and then wake up the next morning ready to go again.
One day, when I was working at the gallery, a pleasant couple stopped by to browse. They said they had been on the train, and met my daughter, and that they loved her enthusiasm and friendliness. I told them how she woke up filled with enthusiasm every single morning, and the husband looked at me, and said, "I know what that's like! I love what I do, too, and I just can't wait to get to work."
"Really?" I seldom heard anyone say they were as excited about their work as Kylia was. "What do you do?"
"Concrete! I love it! I hate taking time off when the weekend arrives. I just love what I do!"
"Concrete? Are you serious?" I asked with an amazed expression on my face.
"Oh yes!" the man answered. "Concrete has unlimited possibilities. I can make driveways, buildings, stadiums...so many things. And they last, and they're strong! It's great! And I feel like an artist when I'm working with concrete. I can create all kinds of great patterns and structures with it."
I agree with the concrete guy, and with my daughter: I love what I do! I love learning, and sharing my passion for learning with others! I love when parents tell me that their children and teens are excited about my classes! There's no feeling like it!
There are all kinds of passions, and following those passions can make a huge difference in your life. Think about it! It's never too late!
What's your passion?
When Kylia turned 13, she went to a local coffee shop with a few friends, and called me, while there, to say, "Mom, you've got to see this place. It's the coolest place ever!" The coffee shop was run by a man named Jimmy, who was not only the shop owner, but also, quite an artist. He was busy covering every square inch of the place with paint, mirrors, glitter and unique artifacts he seemed to discover everywhere. He invited the young people to paint with him, and Kylia's passion for Jimmy's Café was ignited. She convinced Jimmy that she could help out at the café, and she did just that with great enthusiasm for 4 years.
When Kylia was 19, she visited me at my weekend job at an art gallery in Peninsula, Ohio. While I worked, she sat outdoors, at the nearby train station, reading. As luck (fate?) would have it, she was offered a job working for the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. She started by selling tickets, which she thought was really cool, because she worked in an old caboose. It wasn't long before she was working on the train itself, running the café car with passion and enthusiasm. She loved the train!
She had to wake up at 5:00 am every morning to get to work by 6:30 am, but she always bounced out of bed, with a big smile on her face, and announced "I work on a train!!!!" Every day was fun and exciting, even when the work day lasted 12 - 14 hours. She would work until she was exhausted, and then wake up the next morning ready to go again.
One day, when I was working at the gallery, a pleasant couple stopped by to browse. They said they had been on the train, and met my daughter, and that they loved her enthusiasm and friendliness. I told them how she woke up filled with enthusiasm every single morning, and the husband looked at me, and said, "I know what that's like! I love what I do, too, and I just can't wait to get to work."
"Really?" I seldom heard anyone say they were as excited about their work as Kylia was. "What do you do?"
"Concrete! I love it! I hate taking time off when the weekend arrives. I just love what I do!"
"Concrete? Are you serious?" I asked with an amazed expression on my face.
"Oh yes!" the man answered. "Concrete has unlimited possibilities. I can make driveways, buildings, stadiums...so many things. And they last, and they're strong! It's great! And I feel like an artist when I'm working with concrete. I can create all kinds of great patterns and structures with it."
I agree with the concrete guy, and with my daughter: I love what I do! I love learning, and sharing my passion for learning with others! I love when parents tell me that their children and teens are excited about my classes! There's no feeling like it!
There are all kinds of passions, and following those passions can make a huge difference in your life. Think about it! It's never too late!
What's your passion?
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Clarity!
One of my greatest lessons, this past year, has been the importance of clarity. In thinking about what I want to accomplish, my natural tendency seems to be to jump from one thing to another. I start a task, and then see something else that needs to be done, and I stop what I'm doing and begin working on the other task.
I obtain far better results when I take a few moments to create a plan for my day. I list all the things that need to be done, and then organize them by priority. As I work through them, I check them off the list, and find I am seldom side-tracked. (Notice I said, "seldom" rather than "never.")
Use this same method for your short-range and long-range goals. Put them in writing! Read your lists every day! This will help you keep your focus on your goals. And that focus and clarity with bring results! Do it!
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