Homework for Life

This is a post I was working on before my world turned upside down.

One of my main projects this summer was to purge a lot of stuff out of my studio, with the goal it would be ready when Braydon arrives for a visit in August -- a room of his own, even though it is just a sleeping bag on the floor.

While unearthing things, I found several journals. One was from my first two years teaching, and also included my "Golden Apple" journeys. I read through every word, revisiting how I worked through my first year of teaching -- and sometimes thought, hmmmm, some things never change...--and how I grew the second year. The Golden Apple stuff...ugh.  

 

I easily tossed that journal. It didn't have much to offer.

 

Then I found my Homework for Life notebook. I first wrote about this concept on my blog in a post titled "Clippings of Love" in July of 2018. After reading through this notebook, I was compelled to share this idea again.

 

The Homework for Life notebook had entries from July 2018 until May 2020. The concept is simple: at the end of each day, write down something that is story worthy--something that you want to remember and could share with others.

 

Reading through the notebook gave me so much joy, I can hardly explain. The fact that it steps us into the pandemic is an additional gift. It reminded me of stories I have long remembered, and it prompted me to remember things I had forgotten all about. An example: there are several entries that mention a student named Dobbin who I taught two different years. Truth be told, I've forgotten all about Dobbin. But there were so many sweet moments with him I recorded, it made me wonder how I could have forgotten him.

Thus the power of Homework for Life.

I cannot part with this particular notebook because I think there are still stories to tell from it. And I immediately revisited Matthew Dicks' video that explains the power of this small technique. I purchased a new notebook and have started again.

If you are reading this, I implore you to watch Matthew's video and start your own Homework for Life notebook. It contains a power that no other writing has. Do it for yourself. You won't regret it.

P.S. Matthew has a blog where he shares a story daily. I am finding it something I look forward to every day.  He always frames things in ways that matter.  Subscribe at Matthew Dicks Blog

 

Found. (7 Lines/7 Days #108)

 #108Weeks

June 5-11, 2022

[This 2 year projects draws to a close]

I gave and gave, and now I’m recovering 

Traveling to my old stomping grounds: same and different

Met a young man full of possibilities in his life, excited about the connections he’s making and the things he’s learning

Met a boy who could turn a brownie into a pancake, a ball, a mud pit

Met a 65-year-old woman who said ENOUGH and walked off her job, risks be damned

Saw the bats flying out of the chimney, Lake Erie in the distance, on a perfect June evening

Found the most important question for now: What do I want to let go of, and what do I want to give myself to? (Thank you, Parker Palmer)

To end this project, a shout out to my friend Kate who told me about Folk Alley music streaming, and I heard this song while putting together this piece— Molly Tuttle with “Good Enough”

Struggles & Successes (7 Lines/7 Days #106)

 #108Weeks

May 22-28, 2022

 

Cannot believe we are winding down.

My learners have given me some good directions to consider for next year.

I noticed that when my kids were struggling with an activity, they were sticking to it, not giving up. This is HUGE.

There was a lot of devastating news this week, both nationally and personally.

I am pulling together a ton of ideas I think can work next year.

The kids had a blast with the Annual Snowball Battle. 11th period dumped the bag of balls on me, kind of like Gatorade on the coach!

The last full week is complete. 3 more days with kids.

(Shared this video this week. At first it was like, "oh, this is old school." But then they hung on every word!)

 

How I Spent My Spring Break (7 Lines/ 7 Days #97)

 #108Weeks

March 20-26, 2022

Brunching with friends

Catching up on writing projects

Uncovering my natural gifts and creative approaches

Exploring art and books and Asian food in St. Pete

Planning my trip to Ohio in June

Making decisions about my teaching life—all good

Some Bright Spots in My Week (7 Lines/7 Days #94)

 #108Weeks

February 27-March 5, 2022

Painting by Banksy

Fell in love with Aretha Franklin’s album Young, Gifted, and Black.

Watched the movie Waitress again. So delightful. And completely void of the F word which was refreshing.

The present changes the way we see the past.

Rebecca Makkai is an excellent short story writer.

I remembered this week to ask the Holy Spirit for help which was a promise I made to myself in my beach walk.

I hate that there is war, but love seeing sunflowers and peace symbols everywhere.

Feeling happy and proud of what I am accomplishing in the classroom. It’s all good.

Building the Future (7 Lines/7 Days #93)

#108Weeks

February 20-26, 2022

I wrote something on the 20th that permeated most of my week, so I thought that instead of parsing out 7 lines, I would include the entire thought here. Once again I recenter myself into what is important, and it is driving us forward.

 

 

I am a teacher.

I do what is best for my learners as we build the future.

I show up every day and work smart to help them grow.

I do not have a narrow vision of what I do or who I am.

I have power and I have a place to stand strong.

I have freedom and I won't forget that again.

I have made the right choices and will continue to do so, for the learner in front of me.

I pour myself into what I do, heart and soul.

I am not complaining and I am not quitting.

I am a teacher.

A professional.

I decide what's best.

Lovely Days (7 Lines/7 Days #89)

 #108Weeks

January 23-29, 2022

 

 

A visit to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary got the week off to a good start.

I'm beginning to understand that the underlying feeling in everything these days is grief.

Daily WORDLE is so much fun!

I wrote a referral on a disrupting student, only later to find out his family is currently living in their car. :-(

I've suddenly become a big Bill Withers fan.

Pulling out a lot of favorite activities in class I haven't used in ages. This is the best I've felt in 2 years.

It was a good week. :-)

Godspeed, Doug (7 Lines, 7 Days #87)

#108 Weeks

 January 9-15, 2022

Enjoyed reading Wayfaring Stranger by Emma Johns, as it took me to a part of the country I know and love so well.

My walk at the Slough was awesome. It felt good to be there. And I got a good piece of writing out of it. 

Received news that Doug is in hospice.

School resumed on Wednesday with many new students. Starting over.

Doug transitioned about 3:30 am Thursday morning.

Had success in the classroom with some new things I tried.

I got a kick out of photos Doug’s middle school girlfriend posted from their 8th grade year. So 70s! So fun! Godspeed, Doug.  Love you. 

Quotes That Keep Me Going (7 Lines/7 Days #86)

#108Weeks

January 3-8, 2022

From Kara Vereen

Will you lose your balance?

Will you stumble and fall?

Don't give up

You have a reason to carry on

Lucinda Williams

 

 

Literacy is power.

Kylene Beers

 

 

One energy connects us all,

linking us soul to soul and heart to heart

Julia Cameron

 

 

All I've got to do is to love you

All I have to be is be happy

All it's got to take is some warmth to make it

Blow away, blow away, blow away

George Harrison 

 

 

I am alert to the good in every moment.

Julia Cameron

 

 

You can't just love your country when you win.

Joe Biden 

Beneath the turbulence of daily living, there is a longer, slower pulse of perfect timing

It is to that rhythm I give my soul.

Julia Cameron

 

2021 Wrap-Up (7 Lines/7 Days #85)

 

#108Weeks

 

December 26, 2021 - January 1, 2022
 

As I did last year, I'm including my musings on some favorites of the year, and my focus for the coming year.

I’ve had a wonderful final week of the year, full of time with friends and setting the best direction for myself. This time has been healing.

 

I’ve heard this quote a million times, but this week it hit me deep inside as a message I need to embrace: “You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” (Eleanor Roosevelt)

 

My favorite books published in 2021: The Lost Apothecary and Ground Zero

 

My favorite albums released in 2021: Blessings and Miracles by Santana; Wary + Strange by Amythyst Kiah; and Renewal by Billy Strings.

 

My word for 2022 is FAITH.  My guiding concept is WILD JOY. My question is WHO BENEFITS?

 

My motivational song for the new year is "Blow Away" by George Harrison

 

My Native American Medicine for 2022 is Dog which stands for Loyalty, Service, and Remaining True to My Personal Truth.

Perfect! 😊

 

 

 

Love & Faith & Joy (7 Lines/7 Days #84)

 #108Weeks

December 19-25, 2021

I've been revising my reading goals for 2022, and liking the direction.

I came face-to-face with the fact that I need a major mental adjustment.

Atomic Habits by James Clear is helping me make small changes to get my physical strength back in a manageable way.

On Solstice Day I wrote this: I commit more fully to the life I know I can live. I commit more fully to vulnerability, innovation, creation, and joy.  I commit more fully to cultivating my heart, leading with my heart, shining light from my heart. And I seriously commit to not blaming others or myself for what is. I welcome it all -- every ugly and beautiful moment, encounter, and feeling -- as TEACHER.

I must continue to look at each moment with love and faith and joy. I'm calling it WILD JOY.

Progress, not perfection.

Have faith and be the change!

Shifting (7 Lines/7 Days #83)

 #108Weeks

December 12-18, 2021

Crystal Bowl Meditation removed all the knots in my neck and shoulders. 

On Monday, I had a hard time feeling any love or joy at work because I had gotten all wrapped up in the numbers. 

I’ve decided I can’t be a Read 180 fascist. 

Found a way to lift a student’s spirits and belief in herself, and that felt good. 

Something shifted and I’m back in teacher mode. Wasn’t sure when or if that would ever happen.

On Friday I discovered how vulnerable I am, and it sent me reeling for hours. Fortunately it took place in a safe space, and I’m so grateful for wonderful friends.

If nothing else, I needed this week for everything to settle in, and to see once again how resilient I am.

21. Pregnant

 #66Challenge

 

I had a dream I was walking along, then I sat down. A doctor (female, Indian) approached me and told me I was pregnant.

I knew it was the truth.

And I was happy. Ageless.

Nothing else involved, and no one else.

All I can think now is that I'm pregnant with the possibility of birthing something new in my classroom, somehow pulling together to grow and learn and thrive.

I'm pregnant with ideas on how to let the kids do the productive struggle instead of me constantly struggling against them. Breathing into, rather than holding my breath.

It will be much like those midnight feedings and even colicky babies you have to drive around in the car to soothe and get quiet calm. In other words, it will be rocky for a while, I am sure.

I am slowly giving birth to what I already know...and what I don't.

This is a sacred time for me, and I need to keep my mind on

love

wisdom

caring

listening

lifting

and recognizing the 

moments of 

brilliance.

 

Productive Brilliance (7 Lines/7 Days #81)

 #108Weeks

November 28-December 4, 2021

Orchid Bee photo by Kara Vereen. 2021

I dreamt of crystals again -- this time they were buried in sand

This week was a new beginning

I'm doing well keeping loving attention

I started privately giving "orchid bee" recognition to learners showing "productive brilliance"

My bottom line: I am a reading teacher who will stick with what she believes no matter the horrible curriculum sent her way

I realized (from journal entries) that the day I saw the two eagles on the roof was the beginning of this part of my journey -- it was October 5th, the day of my first meltdown

Friday tried my patience, but my goals for the week were met, so I am happy

School of Love (7 Lines/7 Days #79)

 #108Weeks

November 14-20, 2021

 

 

A three hour lunch with a friend brought energy and renewed determination.

 

The world is nothing but a school of love.

 

My angel spirit has been direct--listen for guidance. Following those instructions diligently.

 

Remembering to roll with the waves of the ocean.

 

Begged my AP again for help with 9th period, and I finally got it. 

The paraprofessional arrived and received the full-blown experience since all students were present, 

complete with a spilled bottle of glitter. 

(I hate pep rally days.)

 

5th period surprised me when they chose Bill Withers' song "Just the Two of Us" as their team song.

 

Strong Back

Soft Front

Wild Heart

(Thank you Brene Brown)

Be the Joy (7 Lines/ 7 Days #78)

 #108Weeks

November 7-13, 2021

 

 

There is a way, and it's called Surrender to God.

I spent most of the week with little energy.

This quote from a young adult novel* I was reading stopped me in my tracks: What if the whole world is actually powered by secret rage?

My spiritual landscape has been made anew.

I have faith I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be.

I read an essay** by an elementary educator in Alaska and she came to the same conclusion I have come to: We must be the joy we want to see in the world. No one is coming to save us.

Saturday I woke with a return of my energy. I am grateful.

 

 

* Of a Feather by Dayna Lorentz 

**Anyone who knows or cares about teachers should read this blog post: https://jenabenton.com/2021/10/21/its-time-to-talk-about-whats-going-on-in-school/

Casting My Faith (7 Lines/7 Days #77)

 #108Weeks

 October 31-November 6, 2021

 

 The only thing I know is that I don't know

Obstacles will come like waves -- keep coming and coming -- you must learn to surf with unshakeable peace

The most beautiful form of courage is to be happy (Jeanne Lohmann)

Don't quit before the miracle

Beauty is the target -- spread joy or be destroyed

All my young readers are created in God's image, too. Little Godlings

I cast my faith forward as a light on my path

Symbols, Sayings, and Dreams (7 Lines/7 Days #75)

 #108Weeks

October 17-23, 2021

Be present. Notice. Celebrate.

There was a dead dragonfly outside my classroom door .

I dreamt of snow, and the interpretation means going through challenges successfully.

There was a rainbow in the clouds as I drove to work.

In the night I woke up laughing -- a spillover from laughing in my dream.

I am willing to be unfinished, unpolished, and in a state of change.

Today I keep hearing a hawk calling.

Blessings & Miracles (7 Lines, 7 Days #74)

 #108Weeks

October 10-16, 2021

Every choice is a chance

Started the week physically worn out from an active weekend

The intensive reading classes are averaging 60% on the interim

By Wednesday I was feeling better—wore a bright dress and a smile

Books save lives!

Finally got my classroom library arranged so we can find what we’re looking for!

The new Santana album Blessings and Miracles is both. Love it!

When the Dam Breaks (7 Lines, 7 Days #73)

 #108Weeks

October 3-9, 2021

I’ve been in survival mode more than I realized

I keep reminding myself about self-care, but it never feels like enough  

The week started stressful with fire and lockdown drills in my most challenging class

By Tuesday lunch I had a complete meltdown—worst day in over 5 years

Had to work hard to overcome the trauma and forgive forgive forgive

Soon I was back to laughing, having fun, recognizing the good, and coming home with energy 

The support I had at work and home was phenomenal  I am blessed