Kids, Lakes, Loons and Pines

Friday Faves

heading off this post with a little gratitude snapshot - this guy showing off the bass he reeled in at a boat landing yesterday

Happy Friday Friends!

This summer, I am going to try to get back in the habit of posting a "Friday Fave: series, where I will be highlighting books, podcasts, products, experiences and/or ideas,) that I would recommend to others.   

Here we go!

This week I am...

Listening to...

How to Be Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi

 

 

 

With all that is going on as a result of George Floyd's death, I felt compelled to do something.

My heart is heavy.  There is continued injustice in our world in the form of systematic racism and police brutality. 

I have much respect for those who are called to service in law enforcement.  The actions of the officers that overstepped in such a tragic way have cased a negative shadow on the profession and have undermined the service of  so many that risk their lives to protect and serve us every day.

I do not condone violence, riots, or looting.  These are acts of domestic terrorism that cannot be tolerated.

We must do better.

What is certain is that we live in a world where individuals experience oppression, fear, and are approached and treated differently just because of the color of their skin.

Yesterday, I took action in one small way, by taking one of the book recommendations from Brene Brown.  I purchased and downloaded this book from Audible.   I started it, and plan to continue to listen to this audiobook to inspire self-reflection to promote peace and equity as an individual, parent, and teacher.   Our collective efforts for social justice through our daily actions and interactions have the greatest potential for positive change.

Reading...

The fiction title I am currently reading is A Spool of Blue Thread that has been on my booklist for a while.  I am a couple of chapters in and I am enjoying it so far.

Recommending...

In my bio, I mention I am fueled by strong cups of coffee.  Even before stay at home orders and the closure of restaurants I have been satifying my coffee habit at home with a daily homemade mocha using this stovetop espresso maker.   I purchase a good espresso coffee blend and make my own specialty coffee drinks at home at a fraction of the price.   

That's it for now - Happy Weekending!

I am part of Amazon’s affiliate program in order to offset some of the costs that are associated with running a blog. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of the affiliate links of my tried and true, honest recommendations, I get a very small commission at no extra cost to you. I appreciate your support in this area!

 

Around Here...

Inside:
I am wrapping up 3 more instructional days of kindergarten distance learning.  I am trying to facilitate some fun and closure to the school year the best I can, given the circumstances.   I am looking forward to the change of pace that the end of the school year will bring.  I know there will be work over the summer, unpacking, cleaning and reorganizing all of the stuff that will be dropped off at the school from my students later this week and doing some preparing for the year ahead (which involves so many unknowns).  Getting through this week, however, will mark a concrete milestone and will be a celebratory mark for the start of summer break.

Outside:

We are finding moments each day to get out, explore, and to enjoy our beautiful surroundings here in the Northwoods of Minnesota.  Extra time and flexibility have been a gift. We feel fortunate and blessed to live where we live, where we can escape for an hour or two and bring back a lake harvest for supper, jog out some stress on a secluded trail and cool off the crabbies with a quick dip in the water.  These have been our survival strategies in the thick of this all.  

.....taking things day by day.....

Stay well friends!

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This act of sharing photographs and ramblings of our daily life is a practice in gratitude that brings me joy.

I encourage you to reflect on the good in your life.

What are you grateful for today?

 

Minnesota Parent - May/June 2020

The May/June issue of Minnesota Parent Magazine is available throughout Minnesota and online now.

My ramblings in my School Days Column this month are all about me insights about reaching the big four-o.

With my accompanying School Days Stuff sidebar feature, I highlighted Nuun Immunity tablets.  Which I use and recommend.

--------------------

Pick up a print copy, or read the full issue by clicking -->HERE.

Find the online link to my School Days column---> HERE.

---------------------

If you like what you see, social media 'shares' are appreciated!

As, always - thanks for reading!

 

The May/June issue of Minnesota Parent Magazine is available throughout Minnesota and online now.

My ramblings in my School Days Column this month are all about me insights about reaching the big four-o.

With my accompanying School Days Stuff sidebar feature, I highlighted Nuun Immunity tablets.  Which I use and recommend.

--------------------

Pick up a print copy, or read the full issue by clicking -->HERE.

Find the online link to my School Days column---> HERE.

---------------------

If you like what you see, social media 'shares' are appreciated!

As, always - thanks for reading!

Pick up a print copy, or read the full issue by clicking -->HERE.

Find the online link to my School Days column---> HERE.

---------------------

If you like what you see, social media 'shares' are appreciated!

As, always - thanks for reading!

Around Here....

Around Here....

It is Spring!   The sun has been shining and we all have been getting outside.   Our crazy kids already jumped in the lake for a swim, and I got my garden in.   I have been busy with my distance learning teaching responsibilities and helping my own kids with their learning during the day, but since the track season got cancelled there is more afternoon time available for work around the home, which I would typically be reserved for the weekends.  

Around Here....

We are all persevering through our responsibilities with distance learning.  We're taking it day by day, finding spaces to do our work, juggling a full schedule of video conference meetings and, like everyone, doing our best given the circumstances. I miss the kids and I am doing my best to support them (and their parents) virtually, but it is not the same.

As I have been working through this experience, I have found that I have needed to shift my expectations from what was, to the reality of what is, and just take things day by day. It has become a daily practice to shift my attention and energy from accomplishing everything I WANT to do to doing my best given the situation and to being gentle on myself and all of the children in my life.   In our district we have seven more instructional days.  

Oh, and of course there is stovetop popcorn!  Everyday around 3:00.  This is our budget friendly, go-to mid-day snack that has become a staple in our household, filling the bellies of our active growing kids without breaking the bank.

Around Here....

We are still navigating the grief associated with my brother's passing.  Yes, those are tears.  True heart ache was expressed this weekend when we planted a tree at my parents' island home in honor of Ben.   It has not been easy and never will be to lose him.  As a small family we are learning into each other in the wake of his passing.   I found this poem that articulates the sentiment of the occasion of planting the tree for my brother, and also how I want to keep his memory alive in my heart:

A Fallen Limb

A limb has fallen from the family tree.
I keep hearing a voice that says,
“Grieve not for me.
Remember the best times,
the laughter, the song.
The good life I lived
while I was strong.
Continue my heritage,
I’m counting on you.
Keep smiling and surely
the sun will shine through.
My mind is at ease,
my soul is at rest.
Remembering all,
how I truly was blessed.
Continue traditions,
no matter how small.
Go on with your life,
don’t worry about falls.
I miss you all dearly,
so keep up your chin.
Until the day comes
we’re together again.”

– Author Unknown