What is your favorite number?

Count von Count from Sesame Street was asked, " What was your favorite number?"

His answer was:  34,969.

In the BBC News, the article mentioned that the Count gave a hint as to why this is his favorite number.  "It's a square-root thing."  Okay....34,969 is 187 squared.  But the question still lingered...why 187?  From my perspective, 34,969 is a huge number for a preschool crowd, not to mention that teaching the concept of square root is a challenge.  So...why 34,969?

I began to think numbers and what would be my favorite number.

Let's see...

I like the number 5.  Five members in my family.  Five fingers on one hand.  Easy to count by 5's (5, 10, 15, 20, etc..) A star has 5 points.

I like the number 100.  Nice and even.  Big.  Easy to say.  $100 is a good sum of money.  100 can be divided by 2, divided by 5, divided by 10.  It is an even number.

After considering several other numbers, I have decided that the number 3 is my favorite.

I have 3 sons.
I can usually remember three steps in any project, or three words to describe something.
Three is just the right number - not too few and not too many.
When you write it, it has a nice shape to it.  It is an easy to doodle number.

But most importantly, the number three represents God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.  I need all three in my life.

Back to the Count.  There wasn't an answer to why 34,969 was his favorite.  Perhaps there isn't a reason other than the number sounds big!

What is your favorite number?  Is there a reason that you selected that number?

Conversation includes not saying the wrong words

"The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing in the right place 

but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment."  

Lady Dorothy Nevill, British writer (1926 - 1913)

Conversations are a particular interest of mine.  I have been researching the topic it seems forever and occasionally, my interests take me to adding new ideas.  I came across this quote by Lady Dorothy Nevill.  She was an English writer, social hostess, horticulturist, and plant collector in the time of Queen Victoria.  

It struck me how a good conversation can quickly go the wrong direction by the wrong choice of words.  And there is nothing you can do to turn it around.  The damage has been done.

I am thinking about conversations that I have had recently.  Have I truly listened to the person?  Or have I been thinking of what I am going to say next and not listened?  Have I chosen my words carefully?  Or have I simply listened without saying a word?

I am learning that often the best conversation are when I just listen and not say a word.  The talker often knows what the response should be - and just doesn't need to be reminded of the answer or response.  We just want to be listened to - to be heard - and to be affirmed that there is someone listening.

So...I do hope that I will apply the lesson here simply listening without any words.  My nod and a smile indicate that yes, I am here my friend, listening to your words.

Neil Armstrong

Do you remember where you were in July 1969 when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon?

I do.  I was in going into 8th grade at Fesler Junior High School in Santa Maria, California.  I was a nerdy looking junior higher with four eyes, short hair, and pimples.  We were at my brother's house for a family BBQ.  Family BBQ meant Santa Maria style BBQ - tri tip cooked on seasoned oak wood, pinto beans, salad, salsa, french bread dripping with garlic butter and hand-cranked ice cream.

I was fascinated with the study of space.  Every time a missile was shot off at Vandenberg AFB, when the weather conditions were good, you could look up into the sky and see the bright speck of light go up and up and up.  We would stand and watch.  My inside voice saying "up, up, up". Then it would disappear.  It was our entertainment!

I was so excited to watch the moon landing and walk.  I eagerly followed and watched the space program for many years.  When I was teaching 5th grade, I prepared my class of 34 5th graders to watch the launch of the first teacher into space.  And then I faced helping all of us deal with our emotions as we watched Challenger explode.

I do believe that for my generation - this historic day when man walked on the moon will always be a day of special remembrance.  Thank you Mr. Armstrong!

“That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”  Neil Armstrong

the Fountain Head is gone...for just a little fix-it

Last week I was so shocked to not see the famous "Fountain Head" on Main Street in Walnut Creek.
It was gone.  There was no sculpture in the water.  It looked so empty.

Was it missing?  Did someone protest so loudly that they removed it?  Did someone vandalize it?  Those were some of my questions.

My husband solved the mystery for me.  He had been to the bank and someone had thoughtfully placed a note to state that the art piece was being resurfaced and would be replaced in about a week.

I'm sorry...but I don't understand about the color.  It looked fine to me.  Evidently it didn't meet the artist's qualifications.  So off it goes to be redone.

Amazing how in life we take things for granted in our life.  And then one day the thing isn't there anymore.  Did we truly appreciate it while it was here?  Or do we want it to return now that it is missing or gone?

I think about the changes in my life - especially in just the last year.  People who are no longer here. People that I no longer see every day due to my change in job.  People who have moved away because it is their next step.

I am missing my boys.  They are on their own life adventures.  I am happy for them.  I am just missing them.  Some day we will be together again.

In the meantime, I will appreciate my life in the here and now while waiting for the fountain head to return.

Hurricanes

Looks like I am about to adventure on a new learning curve - hurricanes.

Two of our sons are now living in the southeast part of the country:  Florida and Mississippi.  One emailed us earlier with a reminder of directions for possible evacuation.  The other just emailed that he was learning how to read weather maps focusing on the incoming storm.

This information has led our house to google hurricanes, National Weather Hurricane Center, and other possible informational sites.  I'm not sure if I know much yet.

The maps show the storm coming in from the Atlantic Ocean with a prediction of how it will move over Hatti, Cuba, and then to Florida.  From the map it looks like the storm is headed straight to Mississippi, missing the Florida far coast.  But then that is just a prediction.  Anything can happen.

There's not much I can do from here except to pray for safety.  I will watch the weather reports.  Wait for news from the boys.  And when the storm moves on, I will listen to their stories about what they did during their first major storm/hurricane.

And I realize that this will not be the first storm...but the first of many more to come.

A pile of books

My current "Books to Read" pile

I have a large pile of books next to my bed.  These are the books that I want to read..the ones that I found interesting...the ones that I have checked out from the library...the ones that I've started but haven't yet finished.

Did you notice the wide range of subjects?  I have books about social media and blogging.  A biography of Margaret Thatcher because reading about people's lives is always fascinating.  I have books about changing your life - What Color is Your Parachute, Visioning, This Year I Will.  And then I have a fun book about traveling in Europe.  Doesn't hurt to dream about traveling and exploring? 

When I was little girl, books were my favorite.  Every summer I would sign up for the Summer Reading Program.  And by the 4th or 5th week of summer, I had read the required number of books.  I read the Bobby Twins, Little House on the Prairie, Stuart Little, and others. 

Reading expanded my horizons, gave me dreams to dream, taught me how to think, and provided information.  

Books still provide me with escape from the present, information, food in the form of ideas for thought, answers to problems, and the courage to take the next step.  

I love books!

Happy Birthday Julia!

Happy Birthday, Julia Child!

This week Julia would have turned 100 years old.  Here we are celebrating the life of a woman who influenced our cooking and the way we celebrate.  I don't think that Julia knew what her impact would be when she was young.  She lived and explored life.  The fruits of her living have enriched my life.  I want to be more like Julia...especially in the cooking department of my life.

I studied French in school and we were encouraged to do extra projects to learn more about France.  I had a pen pal who lived in Quebec and I wrote in French and she wrote in English.  I used a dictionary quite a lot.  Writing was boring.  So I expanded my world to explore cooking.

I remember attempting to cook beef stew French style in junior high.  My mother looked over the recipe I had found and said "No, it has wine in it."  I approached my father and convinced him that purchasing a cheap bottle of red wine was not going to send me to hell.  The French stew recipe ended up being a favorite in the winter season.  I was not using the Julia Child boeuf bourguignon recipe.

I'm not really sure when I was officially introduced to Julia Child.  Now it really doesn't matter.  I remember watching her cooking shows on PBS.  I have her famous cookbook "Mastering the Art of French Cooking".  I am not  Julie cooking my way through the cookbook in a year.  At least, not yet.  My sons do know how to read and follow a recipe, and they have cooked several recipes including that famous boeuf bourguignon.

I have enjoyed reading books about Julia's life, one written by her.  Her life is fascinating, adventurous, and included some challenges.  Perhaps her positive outlook on life is what sustained her.  Thank you, Julia!  Bon appetit!

Taking a step

"You can't cross a sea by merely staring into the water."

Rabindranath Tagore

I've read this quote several times and have reflected upon its meaning to my own life.

One just can't stare/look/dream/think about what to do.  You must actually make a decision to do something.  The right decision would be to move forward.

In the case of this quote, one must get into a vessel - some type of a boat - and then launch out on the water.

But then you must decide what type of boat.  Is it a small like a row boat?  Is is big like a cruise ship or aircraft carrier?  Perhaps it is a luxury sailing ship?  Too many decisions to make.  If you don't make a decision, you are still stuck on shore.

I'm still getting ready to cross the sea as I transition in my life.  Right now, I'm stuck building or selecting my boat.  I'd like to think that I'm building my boat by reading, talking, walking, praying, writing, and reflecting.  Not sure what type of boat I'm building.  Not sure just when I will launch.  I know that it will be soon.

Music from Finland

We attended a free concert at a local church hosting "Dolce Handbell Choir" from Kuopio, Finland.  Wow!  What a wonderful evening filled with energetic music by twelve young adults under the direction of a humorous conductor.  I'm not sure what I was expecting...however the gift was amazing.

They ring 5 octaves, plus an additional 2-octave solo set and 6 octaves of chimes.  I read in the program that they borrowed bells from a local San Francisco bell group.  I was wondering how they could fly with bells that tend to weigh a lot!  Just a minor detail as to the logistics of traveling.

The program included full handbell choir selections using handbells, chimes, mallots on the bells, a piece performed by three musicians using many bells, and a vocal piece.  The musicians are between the ages of 15-22.  Their bios were full of amazing accomplishments including:  playing the piano, studying voice, practical nurse studies, chef studies, and speaking four languages.  Their smiles reflected their pure joy of sharing music.

Perhaps the most heart-touching piece was their national anthem, "Finlandia".  The tune is our familiar hymn of "Be Still My Soul".  One of the students conducted the piece as the director was behind the organ.  The song began in a slow somber mood and then becomes rousing and turbulent symbolizing the national struggle of the Finnish people from Russia.  The piece ends in a quiet calm melody.  The expressions on their faces certainly supported the reverence and patriotic feeling they have for their country.

I left the concert with joy in my heart thankful for receiving the gift of music.

Weather

I know that it is August.  August is hot.  We have had too many hot days in a row.  I am tired of the heat.  And....guess what?  School is ready to start soon.  School and hot weather do not go together.

Have you ever noticed that everyone always talks about the weather?  The weather is either too cold, too hot, too wet, no rain, too windy, no sun.  You get the point.  No matter what the weather is on this planet, there is some person complaining about the weather.  Are we never satisfied?

Growing up I have memories of my dad whenever he would talk to me on the phone would ask about the weather.  After saying "Hello", his next question would be "How's the weather?"  You would describe your weather and then listen to his answer.  My big brother does the same thing.  And I notice how often I ask my own children about the weather.

Why do we ask about the weather?

My theory is because it is easy to describe the weather....'it's been 102 for three days".  And it is easy to respond..."The snow won't last forever."

I am going to work on not asking about the weather.  And to celebrate that there is change in the weather either day to day, or season to season.

Let's face it...I am a California native and I am spoiled by the weather.

Oh...where is that fog that gently rolls over the Berkeley hills into the Diablo Valley and cools us off?

the Surprises of Networking

Today I made a new friend.  Janae is great and one of those positive, can do people you need in your life.

How did I meet her?  Well I was at a nearby cafe, Heavenly Cafe (Don't you love the name!) with two friends enjoying conversation and good coffee.  At the table near us there were about ten women gathered around.  Their conversation was loud, animated, and very energetic.  I was trying to eavesdrop to find out their purpose for meeting.  Well....I finally just had to ask.

"We are Professional Organizers.  This is our monthly meeting to exchange ideas, network, and help each other."

I pulled out a business card and asked if she had one.  We exchanged business cards.  By that afternoon, Janae had emailed me about getting together.  Mind you...she has no idea what I do.  And all I know about her is that she is an professional organizer.

We met at the same place - mostly because it is within walking distance for me.  (I actually enjoy having days when I never get into a car.)  I asked her to tell me her story.

As I was listening to her story, I was thankful that our paths had crossed.  She is passionate about cleaning and organizing which has led her to develop and build her own business.  Janae has clear goals, a vision statement, a mantra she recites, and lives life with positive intention.  I need her love of living life embracing my transitioning life.  Positive influences in our lives are very important.

So... meet Janae, my new friend.  Check out her web site and blog on organization philosophy!

www.organizedphilosophy.com

Sadness

Tonight was my last art class of the summer.  For the last seven Wednesday evenings, a group of women have assembled in a hot studio to draw and paint.  Tonight I am sad that this experience is ending...for now.

The class was designed to expose us to drawing and the various mediums.  Kind of a "try before you buy" class.  We have used charcoal, pastels, acrylics, oils, and watercolors.  Each member of the class has a favorite medium where they were more successful.  Each evening, we leave with a piece of art.

Since tonight was the last class, we could select whatever we wanted to do.  It was like an ice cream store as everyone had a different project and different materials.  Everyone uses a reference.

I had brought with me a photo of lupine in a green field.  Taylor who was in front of me admired the photo.  Since I had a copy, I offered her the photo.  We both painted in oils using the same reference and had very different results.  Neither one of us was wrong or right...just different.

My art class has provided experiences along my transition road.  I met some very wonderful women in my class.  We laughed at our attempts, complemented each other on the results, encouraged others to keep working.  No one was critical or judgmental.  They were my "safe art group".

My art class also provided me with opportunities to look at life in a different perspective.  I notice color more, along with the fine details, shadows have a purpose.  Interesting how an experience changes how you look at life.

Safaris

My husband is just wonderful.  He loves to go exploring or rather go on "Safari".  Mind you we don't actually travel to Africa for a real safari.  However our safaris provide a brief time away for excitement and refreshment.

This summer we decided to not take an extended vacation.  Both of us have some work and life projects that need attention.  So instead we have had day trips taking advantage of free days at museums or reduced admissions.  Here are some of our adventures.

Alameda County Fair - $2 day in early July.  I loved seeing all of the animals in the 4-H barns.  It took me back to my childhood days at the Santa Barbara County Fair in Santa Maria.  The smell from the barn is just so.....well...you know.   We took our time walking through the exhibits.  I still can't get over the various "junk" that is sold at the fair.  Stuff you never see anywhere else but at the fair.  Interesting but I didn't have a use for 99.9% of what I saw. Food at the fair is always an adventure - ice cream, fried pineapple, corn dog, corn on the cob.  We ended the evening with a concert - a blast from the past - hard rock.  I had more fun watching the audience than listening to the music.

Oakland Museum - Free day first Sunday of the month.  We took BART to the Lake Merritt station and walked the three blocks.  The art exhibit was varied and grouped by themes.  I enjoyed the black and white photography of migrant workers in California in the 1930s.  The history section was presented in chronological order.  I had fun with the individual display boxes done by real people from their experiences of the 1960s.  Wow!  We walked around Lake Merritt and then explored the new Catholic cathedral.  Beautiful and unique in its design.  Stopped for a late lunch along the lake.

Legion of Honor - Free day is the first Tuesday of the month (today).  First we had breakfast at the Cliff House - with their famous popovers.  Walking through the galleries, I was struck by the details in the backgrounds of paintings.  Perhaps I am just more aware of looking at the fine details due to my art class.  Some paintings just drew you into the scene with the bright colors, or by the eyes of the subject.  I gained a new sense of historical significant and perspective with walking through the galleries.  Next we drove down the coast enjoying a sunny day, clear skies, and a deep blue ocean.

Safaris are for exploring, relaxing, enjoying, and feeding the soul.

For my class the topic this week is on Digital Citizenship.

Digital Citizenship includes responsibilities and rights of using technology which includes etiquette, laws, rights and responsibilities, and security.  Key areas of concern include:  plagiarism, cyberbulling, and cyber safety.  Of course the hot topic is cyberbullying.

This past year I dealt with a cyberbullying incident between students.  Parent reported to me that her daughter had been the subject of a "I hate club".  I listened asking for the evidence.  As with most online harassment, we didn't know who had started it.  I was thankful that the parent contacted me after her daughter reported it to her mom.  That doesn't always happen.

I spent over ten hours in the next three days talking to different students, contacting parents, and looking on Facebook and reading cell phone messages.  What really surprised me was the number of Facebook accounts students had.  These are students who are underage for having a Facebook account.  Most had accounts with the full knowledge of the parents.  And most parents told me that "I know what my child does on Facebook", but in reality, they didn't know.

My other surprise was the lack of support or interest from our school Resource Officer.  His viewpoint was that no crime had been committed.  However he taught these students as part of DARE about cyberbullying.  And yet, just four weeks later, I was dealing with issues.  

I thought our campus had done a good job in the area of cyber safety.  We have students and parents sign the district Acceptable Use Policy.  Teachers are asked to sign one as well.  We had a evening parent presentation on cyberbullying.  We use a positive behavior program schoolwide focusing being kind, respectful, responsible, and safe.   Our social skills program, Second Step, includes lessons on bullying.  And 5th graders participate in DARE which now includes a cyberbullying lesson.  

A school campus can have all of the right materials, curriculum, policies, and guidelines in place and still not teach what is important.  We need to be intentional about teaching cyber safety - that means being very specific.  We need to be proactive through our communication to parents through school web, PTA news, educating parents on how they can be proactive - not reactive.  We need to help parents connect to the good resources available on line.

What is needed is for the school to be more proactive in teaching Digital Citizenship to its community.  Partnerships with parents, PTA, police, and other community organizations can help put the resources into the hands of our parents.  

Walking the Trail

The best part of living in Walnut Creek are the trails.  We live near the Iron Horse Trail which then connects to other trails.  I just walk directly out the front door and a short block away is a beautiful paved trail.

I can easily walk to BART and go to San Francisco.  I can walk to downtown.  Or take the route to Heather Farm and my favorite bench facing Mt. Diablo.  Or go towards Pleasant Hill on the canal trail and see the ducks.  The destination possibilities are endless.

There are always a variety of people on the trail.  The joggers with their earphones looking straight ahead very intently.  The mother with stroller and dog taking up most of the walkway.  Grandpas and Grandmas walking hand in hand.  Bicycle riders who vary from being polite "Passing on your left" to being impolite "(nothing)" and almost running over you.  The dog walkers or maybe it is the dog walking the person.  The dogs that seem to be friendlier than people.  And don't forget the ones walking briskly to BART for work.

One thing that I have really noticed is how many people rarely make eye contact or smile at you.  Do you think that it would hurt you to acknowledge that we just passed each other?   What?  Do you really think I'm out to get you?  What's wrong with smiling?

So this week as I have taking my early morning walk, I have tried to smile, nod and say "Good Morning" to the many fellow trail blazers.  I've received back a few nods and smiles.  Today I even had one lady say "Good Morning" before I did.

Do we really avoid making eye contact because we just don't want to acknowledge your presence?  If so, I am really sad.  But I will keep on smiling...because someone you will smile back.

It's all about the view point

Last night at my art class, we were learning ...or rather introduced...to oil painting.  Our art teacher, Patsy, makes it look so easy as she demonstrates what to do.  She gives the appropriate amount of background information, shows us the materials, and then demonstrates.  It looks so easy!

After preparing my canvas with a pink toned background, I dug through a pictures looking for my reference.  (Everyone uses a reference.)  I found a typical California landscape - spreading oak tree in a field of yellowing grass.

First I started to mix the paint to sketch.  You use a dark color and lightly sketch the scene.  Then you fill in using the dark colors.  I discovered that you use a lot of this background dark color before you even start to add color.  Patsy comes around and encourages us...sometimes taking our brush and making it look better.  She tells us "I have over 500 of these canvases that are just practicing."

Note to self:  Paint a lot to learn how to paint.   In other words, practice painting by painting.  Practice reading by reading.  Practice playing the piano by playing.  etc.

When I started to add color to the painting, it just didn't look right.  It looked like blotches of color - not a tree.  Then I moved into painting the grass.  Suddenly it started to look like grass.  My golden yellow was blending into the dark background.  Patsy came around and told me to step back and look at the painting.  I took a break and as I looked from a distance the picture looked more like the reference and no longer globs of paint.

Note to self:  Step away often from what you are working on, to observe what is needed in the next step.

My application:  Whether it is a painting, a project, a relationship, one must step away from it and observe.  You don't need to do something right away.  Sometimes you need to contemplate the next step.  Up close, the view point is often distorted.  From a far, the view point reveals the beginning of a beautiful tree.

Here's my tree.  Still needs some work.  That sky coming through the branches isn't quite right!

Are you listening?

One of the positives in my life is time available to be engaged with others.  On Friday mornings I have joined a group called "Masterminds".  We meet at Peet's Coffee and discuss ways to support each other in pursing our life's work.

Currently we are reading "How to Win Friends and Influence Others" by Dale Carneige.  It is an old book - first published in 1936.  This is my first time reading the book.  Are you surprised?

Each week we discuss a chapter.  The best part is that these chapters are small and are focused on only one technique or principle.  When you focus on only one small bite, it is easier transfer to application.  Also, I am more focused in observing the application in my life as well as others around me.

So far, I have made these observations:

• Listen, Listen, Listen - People love to talk about themselves.  When you are having a conversation, be sure that you do most of the listening.  Find out what they are interested in and engage in the conversation.
• Appreciation - It is best to leave sparkles of praise and appreciation along your path.  When I say "thank you" to the grocery clerk, her face lights up with a smile.
• Smile - A smile changes the mood in a room.  And remember when you talk on the phone, your smile can be felt across the phone line.
• Remember their name - All of us like to be called by our name.  I have several ways to help with remember names.  I use the name in the conversation several times.  I often ask how to spell their name.  Is that Kathy with a K or a C?  I also make a note about where I met the person, what we talked about, etc.  

Just one degree makes a difference

Today, July 31 is the 212th day of this year, 2012.

Why is this day special?

Several years ago, a friend shared a resource, Sam Parker of GiveMore.com.  Since then I've been subscribing to his email newsletter.  It provides a ideas, encouragement and reminder of how to be positive and how to reach out to others to encourage them.

Here's the story:

At 211 degrees, water is hot.
At 212 degrees, it boils.
And with boiling water comes STEAM.
And with steam you can power a train.
Just one extra degree makes all the difference.

I love the image that this story creates for me:  A steam engine sitting on the tracks.  You feel the hotness of the fire burning.  You hear the hissing sounds.  You smell the fire burning.  You see the steam rolling over the engine.  The train is ready to move down the track.



The extra degree may not be all that much.  It may be found in getting up every morning to walk.  Or taking the time to reach out to someone with a smile.

Just one more degree does make a difference!

Run a Marathon?

If you know me well, you know that I am goal oriented and I don't like to run.

If you know those two things, and you just happen to be my husband, what would possess you (husband) to suggest to me that we run the Walnut Creek 1/2 Marathon?  Are you crazy?

Well...he announced to the family that we were running a 1/2 marathon.  Please keep in mind that our sons ran cross country with two of them on teams that went to State.  I've watched lots of 3 mile races up and down hills.  Fun to watch.  I am a great spectator.  I am not a runner.

One of my goals for my life in transition has been to walk every day.  It also aligns with wanting to lose weight and eat healthier.  Starting in July, I made an effort and then about the second week of July, I made a commitment to walk or go to the gym every day.  So far I have been successful.  Yeah!

Running a 1/2 Marathon just seemed to be out of reach for me right now.  But walking in a 5K is a reasonable goal. So yesterday we registered for the Walnut Creek 5K in December.  Now I do have a clear goal - I am committed to participating in a 5K.

The interesting result of walking daily or going to the gym is that each day it is easier.  And...the scale does go down.  I am feeling more positive.  And perhaps, a 5K is not beyond my reach.  Yes, I can, Yes, I can.

I, Melissa Strongman, will complete a 5K in the Walnut Creek 5K on Saturday, December 8 with a time completion of less than 44 minutes based on my one and only 5K of 44 minutes in 2009 at the Pleasant Hill Firecracker Run.  

Setting SMART goals is easy...fulfilling them is a challenge.

Fridays....

Fridays are the end of the work week if you happen to have a regular schedule of Monday to Friday.  And somehow the weekend is to be different from the previous five days.  And then there are weeks when the days just seem to flow together and there is no break.  Not taking a break is hard.  Everyone needs to be refreshed in some small way.

I take a "technology break" on Sundays.  At least I noticed the difference when I didn't check email prior to work on Monday morning.  There really wasn't anything I could do except to worry.  And that just resulted in a restless night of non-sleeping!  I do believe that being "unplugged" for 24 hours is a positive for me.

My Friday routine for July - the beginning of vacation and transition - has been to meet with a support group in the morning at 6:30.  The conversation is varied - changes in our lives, challenges we are facing, sharing an idea, and checking in.  Currently we are reading a book and spend about ten minutes talking about application of the business concepts to our lives.  I find this support group to be helpful in following through with commitments for making changes.

Fridays also include doing some house chores so that the weekend is free to just be spontaneous.

And then there is time devoted to exercise.  I'm committed to walking every day.  I do prefer to walk first thing in the morning.  Friday is a bit of a challenge.  But Friday night date night at the gym is a great activity as well.

Garbage Night

I must confess that I dislike garbage night.  I don't know why.  I should be glad to fill up the container and get rid of garbage.  It is a part of cleaning.

Friday is garbage day which means that by Thursday night the cans must be on the curb.  For us that means three cans.  Brown for recycling, Green for lawn clippings, and Blue for garbage.  Usually all three cans are out each time.  They are not always full - but they are out on the curb.

When the boys were old enough, they were in charge of garbage.  However that meant reminding them of that chore.  And since the night to collect was Thursday, they were often occupied with other commitments - sports practice and/or homework.  Taking out the garbage was not on the top ten things to accomplish!

As the boys have left home - one by one or even for summer jobs, then taking out the garbage fell upon Mom and Dad.  I really had to work on my "garbage attitude".  And then I got into a routine.  Start at the back of the house.  Collect the garbage, replace the plastic liner, and collect room by room.  Then go back and collect the recycling room by room.  Wheel the big cans to the curb - one at a time - brown, blue, and green.

Garbage night does bring a sense of accomplishment.  All garbage and recycling cans in the house are empty.  The curb is decorated with three cans in a row - brown, blue, and green - waiting for the garbage truck.

Summer....

At one time in my life, summer included June, July, and August.  And then the school calendar started creeping up into August and down into June.  By the time I was serving as an administrator, summer was just 6 short weeks mostly in July.  Summer went too fast.

As a girl growing up in Santa Maria, my summer days were filled with going to the beach at Avila Beach, playing with friends in the vacant lot, reading books in the library's summer reading program.  I was free to explore and do.  Some of my activities included participation in musical productions and always, piano lessons.  My memory of summer was carefree, relaxing, being with friends, having fun, and exploring.

This summer is different for me.  I completed a phase of my life June 30 and as of today, I have no definite starting date for the next phase.  Because I am so goal oriented, in April in anticipation of summer freedom, I signed up for an art class, volunteered to organize a major event at church, and joined a volunteer project for the city.  Then I created my "bucket list" which included items like:  walking, reading books, work out at the gym, connecting with friends, work through boxes of family photos, and sew.  So far I haven't had time to deal with the boxes or pull out the quilting project.  Oh well....summer isn't over yet.

Summer has brought a change in routine, new friends, time to read and write, and time with family.  I really enjoyed being able to take a long walk with my husband in the morning.  I didn't need to go anywhere or be committed to something/someone.  Time on the trail...time to talk and listen...it is a gift of summer.

My memory of this summer...a gift of time.

Patty - the piano teacher

I just read the obituary of one of my many piano teachers - Miss Patty Boyd.  I don't think that I ever took the opportunity to thank her for the positive influence she had in my life.

How many times have we missed saying words of gratitude to others?

I took piano lessons from about second grade until my last year of college.  Miss Boyd entered my life in my first year of college after I had established my own rules for learning music.  I didn't want to take lessons from her because I had heard from others that she was very strict - especially about coming to your lesson prepared.  But now I look back on that as a good thing.

Patty was the master teacher for a piano class at the local community college.  I was intrigued with the opportunity to be involved with a group of musicians.   So I took the risk and signed up for the class.  There were about ten students with a wide range of abilities.  Patty was amazing as she took each of us right where we were and pushed us to the next level.

Throughout the year, Patty pushed me to play pieces written for four hands - one piano and pieces for two pianos.  That meant I had to meet my partner and actually practice!  I look back now and see her wisdom - collaborative learning.  This forced me to follow the rules, be accountable, and to have fun!

Another significant event was when she brought in all new music - new as in newly written.  She gave me three books and told me to learn them.  The music had titles like "Blue Sea", "Lavender Moments", and "Listening to Bach".  No one had heard these tunes before and there wasn't the internet to google the tunes.  Patty told me, "Play it and bring the notes to life!"  I did and I had fun.  Those pieces are some of my favorites.

Thank you Patty Boyd for believing in my abilities, providing collaborative learning, opportunities to perform in front of audiences big and small, and to enjoy the gift of music.

Mondays....

Mondays bring the beginning of a new week.   Or is it the beginning of the work week?  I don't think that it really matters.  All I know is that Mondays always seem to go very quickly and my to-do list has just a few things checked off on it.  What didn't get accomplished today moves to the next day.

Seems at this season of my life - July - when I am not engaged in going to a job - when summer relaxation is at the top of my life - I tend to be rather distracted and forgetful.

I had a conference call meeting today and I totally blew it.  Forgot that it was today.  I really do need to review my calendar commitments.  Sorry....

I am realizing  I have many projects going on that require my attention for completion.  Why is it that I have the best ideas towards the due date/time?  My brilliant creative ideas suddenly come after I have drafted and redrafted a project.  Is it my desire to be always trying something different?  or that I am determined to be unique?

Mondays bring the beginning of the work week even when you are not working.  Mondays bring the desire to structure the week with a routine - projects at the computer, reading, walking, working out,  time with friends, time with family, and chores.

Mondays provide the opportunity to set the pace, tone, and feeling for the week.  So far, today has been great - not too fast, positive energy, and success on a few project pieces.

Cultivating Creativity

Toucan pastel by Melissa Strongman, July 19, 2012

I signed up for an art class last March in the beginning of my transition journey.  I signed up because I wanted to explore the creative side of myself.  I know everyone has one....including me.  The art class is titled "Introduction to Drawing and Painting" through Walnut Creek Civic Arts Program.

I do consider myself to be creative.  However I did have one very bad experience in 8th grade in Art Class.  The assignment was to draw an alligator.  My art teacher had an idea in his mind what he wanted me to produce.  I didn't produce it.  And I received his harsh words which stopped me from trying to draw anything.  I wonder how many other students have been shut down due to wrong words from an instructor.

I took a risk this summer.  Signed up for an art class.  The description of the class was intriguing to me:  

Have you always wanted to draw or paint but felt that you don’t know enough to get started? Maybe you would like to try a new medium before purchasing products? This is the ‘try before you buy’ class! Core drawing and painting skills are taught while exposing you to a wide variety of techniques and mediums including charcoal, pastels, acrylics, oils, and watercolor. Lessons include learning to draw, mixing color, how to properly use the different painting mediums as well as providing opportunity to explore further in area of student’s interest. Instructor provides all supplies.

Here are my six observations on my art adventure: 


         #1 - I took a risk and am taking an art class.
         #2 - I turned off the negative voice telling me that I had no talent.
         #3 - This class is like walking into the ice cream store and trying out different types of mediums before you commit.
         #4 - Our teacher, Patsy, knows how to encourage and teach you exactly what you need when you need it.  
         #5 - The students are my "Wednesday Art Family" and we provide encouragement, complements, and suggestions.
         #6 - I am enjoying creating.

Flower, chalk pastels, Melissa Strongman, July 2012

Reflections

Today's post is a reflection about Blogging and it is a class assignment.  I do find the opportunity to reflect upon one's learning to be very beneficial.  I often do not stop to "smell the roses" along the road because I am in a hurry.

I started blogging last year in a private blog as a way for me to keep a journal.  I find writing longhand to be tedious and writing with a keyboard provides freedom.  I have thought about engaging in a public blog as part of my transition in my career.  So by having "create a blog" as an assignment, it made me do it earlier rather than later.  I do see myself at having other blogs in the future with different purposes.  

My intended audience for now is just me and anyone in my class who wants to read it.  The purpose of my blog is sharing my own personal thoughts and ideas as I figure out what my focus will be for my career and life.  I do see the purpose of the blog along with the target audience changing as I focus.  Right now, I am interested in educational change, the role of technology, personalized learning, designing learning, educational leadership, 21st century skills, introverts/extroverts, creativity (lack of in our schools), the arts (visual and performing)...and the list goes on.  I can't be an expert on all of those topics.  But for now, those topics are my mind's muddled-mess which I need to work through.

A blog if you truly commit to writing it can expand your world view, connect you to other ideas, challenge your thinking, and help to clarify your own thinking.  I had to give myself permission to not be "perfect" with each posting.  I knew that I just needed to start writing and sharing.  Someone shared with me that blogging is just a on-line journal and should be about exploring your writing style and ideas.  My ideas so far have come from reading, videos, conversations, or just a thought that pops into my head.  I have made a commitment to myself that I will also try to add a photo, visual, or quote to most postings. 

So far, I haven't had any barriers in update my blogs.  I'm learning some short cuts, ways to cultivate ideas and save them for the next post.  I've even checked out a few books from the library just to see what can I add to make blogging a continuing learning journey for me. 

Thank you for asking me about my blog, "Bubbling Bites of Information".

The journey from PARC to now...

"We need permission to take risks and fail. We need permission to fall on our faces with technology before we see the benefits. We need spaces of shared autonomy where we try things out and we need spaces of vulnerability where we are allowed to admit that it didn't work. " - John T. Spencer In July 2006, I experienced and participated in a significant milestone in my learning journey.  I spent a week with four other educators at PARC - the Palo Alto Research Center as part of Xerox/ACSA internship interacting with social scientists, engineers, gaming experts, and mathematicians. At the time, I didn't own a laptop computer.  I didn't know about Second Life, powerpoint or even google.  My technology circle included using the desktop computer for emails and writing with a few researches thrown in for good measure.  Well...that changed! As I look back, I say to myself..."you've come along way since then." My week at PARC broadened my view of the world.  After spending a week in a truly collaborative environment - white boards all over the walls, soft chairs in circles, open rooms where ideas where exchanged and challenged freely - talking about how education needed to be changed - I came back as a different person...ready to take a risk. Perhaps one of the ingredients in our life-long journey is "Risk Taking". What do we have to lose?

Bridging the Digital Gap....

Change is constant.  I have heard that phrase.  I have said that phrase.  And yes, I would agree that change is constant.

In today's world, the pace at which technology changes is difficult to keep up even for my "technology geeky" friends.  What if you were never connected to the technology world?  Using an ipad by a child seems to come natural to them.  But watch the grandmother...especially one that never quite gave up the phone where you actually dialed the number until she had to.  What a learning curve!

I love this video via the BBC about students who are learning best ways to teach senior citizens how to use technology so that they can communicate with grandchildren and the world.  These students first participate in various activities designed to help them understand the challenges faced by the seniors.  And then they open up the world wide web for these seniors so that they may be connected.

So...how are we helping to bridge the digital gap?


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-18733657

Too much information

My husband took me on an adventure to the Bass Pro Shop in Manteca on Sunday.  I have heard stories about this place - especially from one of my sons.  On his way to Boy Scout Camp, he would stop to pick up supplies for the shooting range.  However I was not prepared for the information overload at seeing a huge store full of fishing, boating, camping, food, and trinkets.  I just didn't know where to start.

Well...this assignment of doing RSS feeds felt just like that store.  Too many options, too many choices, and so much information.  How does one select which blog to follow?  What information do I really want to read?  The good side is that if I don't like it, there's a button to edit it out from the page.

I have used Google Reader on my iGoogle Page for many years.  I enjoy the streaming of news and information that I want to read from my favorite sources including BBC, Ted Talks, and my college.  In this last year, I have subscribed to feeds on Facebook.  Not sure if one is better than the other...just different.

And just like the shopper I will need to make a choice...just going to do some more investigation before I decide.  After all....iGoogle will be disappearing and I will need to make a change.

The Fountain Head Itself

Photo of "Fountain Head" by Seyed Alavi, located on Main Street in Walnut Creek, CA.  

Photographer:   Melissa Strongman

As I shared my inspiration for this blog is this fountain in Walnut Creek.  The artist, Seyed Alavi, has titled it "Fountain Head".  Please notice that it is an over sized golden head partly submerged in water...water that is up to the nose.  The head is golden in color.  And the eyes are closed.  Water flows out of the top of the head.


Interestingly, this fountain is in front of a bank. I have overheard several different titles shared about this piece.  "Drowning in debt"  "Help, save me from debt"  "Up to HERE in debt."


What title would you give to this interesting art?

City of Walnut Creek: Fountain Head installation

Why the title "Bubbling Bites of Information"?

The title of this blog, "Bubbling Bites of Information", is based on a new piece of art recently installed in my hometown of Walnut Creek.  The artist, Seyed Alavi, has titled it "Fountain Head".  I have walked past this new art work admiring it and pondering the meaning it has for me.  I am drawn to it as it helping me to make sense of my current life.


For now, "Bubbling Bites of Information" is where my thoughts and ideas are.  A constant stream of information in and information out that seems to just keep flowing.


You see... in June, I left the principal's office and do not know where I am going next in my life-long journey.  I made the decision earlier this spring because I wasn't satisfied with what I was doing.  I enjoy designing learning for others - children, youth, adults - and I found myself not having fun.  

And just when I thought I was leaving teaching and learning in the public setting, I was invited to join Leading Edge Certification for Administrators.  This must be a way to keep moving me forward.  However I left due to the mess of state standards, district program improvement, Common Core, 21st century skills, nine district initiatives, lack of budget, etc.  This new adventure is challenging me in many ways.  I have a new group of colleagues to interact with who are risk-takers and leaders in learning and teaching.  Perhaps this is a way to refresh my vision for education.


So....bubbling.. meaning there are lots of bites of information, ideas, creativity, facts, learning coming into and out of my head on the road of life-long learning.