october 30th 2011

so many mundane things to do today---pay bills, put away laundry, groceries,etc. Yet my mind is rebelling and focuses on other things. For example facebook reactions to the BHS band's placing at Warrensburg. They came in second and were only 2.9 off the mark. Most posts are positive and filled with pride. One was a sour grape whine---about who sponsered the contest etc.Perspective is all but whining solves nothing. Some people select to be negative and my mind asks why.

Cool again today and I am enjoying it. Cold snaps my body and mind into action. It must be my season. I can always dress warmer.( note to students still wearing short shorts to school and then saying it is cold!) Comfort food and wooly slippers with a good book or knitting needles on a cool evening is perfect for me to be content with life. Only having some family there would make it better.

But now to do the mundane then writing or knitting.
HMMMMMMM! Might have to flip a coin and of course time for Sundays crosswords.

thursday 10/27

A brief post just to keep it going. cooler today and western part of state had some snow. So the icy breathof winter will walk the Kansas prairie soon. Last night I was stymied as a teacher as i have ever been. For three weeks my college comp class has been doing a paper step by step in class and one student as fought it all the way. She actually cried in class, but honestly feel she needs to quit focusing on herself and start doing what is asked as it is asked and she would be done. I have gone over stuff with her, emailed her , and repeated material after class. I actually brought her the BHS freshman mla guide last night which is broken down to simple simple terms. I honestly do not know what more i can do. No one had better say to me teaching is easy. The French classes at the high school are doing great. this is the best year yet in my mind. Those youngsters help me keep and active positive outlook on life. Sure they are naive but they are willing and for the most part respectful and honest. Love every minute in the classroom at BHS. Hope to post a longer blog tomorrow.

So it is Tuesday and I am watching French skits for oral language. One actually had three scenes a plot. Nice to see the creativity and the use of language. Tonight is Spanish for the college. I am driving to McPherson instead of Newton and may stay there for several weeks as the bigger class is there. Same thing for my 3 site creative writing but actually enjoy the visiting the class there more. As to next semester.-- Not sure I will be teaching. Some heavy thinking going on there. Money is not the question. I love the student teacher interaction but do not love the winter snow and ice on late night drives home. Book club last night was interesting. CALEB'S CROSSING was preempted by another book as the Brooks' book did not appeal to many of the members. Next meeting we will select books for the future. I would like to see some lighter reads with less morals and more personality. SARAH' S KEY was last night's book and though touted by many our group felt it was somewhat not finished or wrapped up too quickly to be good. None of us felt real rapport with the central figure and all agreed that when that happens the book while readable fails. Only real discussion was the ending which we questioned as to whether or not a relationship happened. The book does not define an answer but as one member said who really cares. the fact that we didn't care proves the character had not become real as we read and therefore the book is not successful for the readers.

early Sunday

Not much going on at 6:20 when I got up; and not much now at 7:10. dogs walked and I should be getting ready for Mass at 8 but here sit. Think I will be attending via the tele. Not much get up and go at the moment.
So it was really dewy out when the dogs and I went out the door but not particularly cold. Can not credit 70's are still around this late in October. But the non-icy roads etc can stick around for a month and I get
done with night classes.
Actually those late night drive homes have become times of deep thoughts and meditation. I find myself doing a lot of why do I think this way reflection and have solidified some things and amstill porcessing others. I listen to Bible studies and enjoy the insights but wonder at the remarks that judge others by thier codes, find them lacking and say so sometimes with vitriol. Did not Christ say judge not lest you be judged. I have come to the conclusion that when they do so they lose their credibility with me.
EnoughI am looking forward to book club and discussing Sarah's Key. I t is an interesting read but our last books have all lacked a sense of hope. Jeanne and I have discussed thisand wonder if thisis a new movement of literature. Sort of a softer naturalism?
Well the crosswords callme from this.

lazy day

On Saturdays I usually sleep in but today the phone awoke me at my usual time. thought I would go back to sleep or nap but neither has happened.Guess my body goes on automatic once I am up. However it seems to make a seasonal adjustment in the fall because as it darkens earlier so does my need to retire. Others have mentioned this fact also so maybe it is a genetic thing that goes back to cave days when night was fearful not that it isn't a bit so in some areas yet today.

Listening to James McArthur's discussion of the Lord's Prayer on the radio made me think about that prayer, He holds that while it can be used as a prayer, it is a model of how to pray. It is
interesting to consider it as such. It adds to the importance of the prayer rather than detracts as one thinks it would.Nice to have been challenged to ponder it and it has helped me focus on my faith

Fall brings new beginnings. I have planted mums and plan on a few more soon along the fence. bulbs to plant lie dormant waiting to be buried so they can give color to my life in the spring.Faith once again that they will be reborn and bloom and that I will be here to see them.Faith in HIS love for the world and all of us once again comes into play.

Fence needs to be reworked and looks like it will be done this fall. I am in hopes that it will be done before cold weather comes.