I am one of those "busy" women you hear about. Between my family, friends, church and career, I don't have very many quiet moments, but I sure do love them and need them. As I move into the next chapter of my life, I want to create intentional quiet moments.
Reading ~ My sister bought me a Kindle as a retirement gift after 30 years of teaching. I never thought I would want an electronic gadget. How would I enjoy the crisp page turn, the familiar dog ear, the personalized bookmark in this modern marvel? Surprise! I love having a Kindle. The first book I downloaded was Heaven is For Real. Loved it and it made me think! Then, I downloaded The Help. I had planned on reading it in Book Club last fall but never got around to buying it. With the Kindle, it was a snap and I couldn't put it down. I am now planning a movie night with my friends who have read it, too. I have downloaded several more books and have rediscovered the quiet moment when the only sound you hear is the AC and you disappear into the story of the moment.
Music~ While my iPhone is a great tool for communicating, it also is my new link to music. I am able to download all my favorites: Michael Buble, Barbra Streisand, Billy Joel, and others. The familiar tunes create atmosphere. I can sing along as I do my nails, dust, apply make-up, or sometimes paint or draw. The music I listen to is pure individual choice. It is something that belongs to me and it soothes me after a busy day.
Spirit~ The quiet time I intend to pursue MOST intentionally is the one that will feed my soul. Reading and studying the Old and New Testataments, listening to hynms and praise songs, praying for my family, friends, and world. Too often, I have left this important piece of who I am on the back burner, and I know I react poorly to the challenges of life because of it. My priority will be to make it an important DAILY act. A habit. A renewal.
Quiet Moments ~ I think I will have one now.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Saturday, August 6, 2011
The Bride of the Moment!
Just a little over 28 years ago, she entered my life wailing and disrupting quiet evenings, but I never minded. There is just something about her. She sparkles and shines so brilliantly. And now, she is getting married.
Being the mom, I get to be more than an eyewitness. I get to be a participant; from choosing the wedding dress to looking at china, from finding a caterer to selecting centerpieces; I even watch her transform from giggly girl to a woman in love, ready to commit her life to another. Nothing is more precious.
Today we head over to Studio H for a practice run with her hair. It reaches past her waist and is currently a gorgeous shade of chocolate brown with beach blonde highlights. Stanley starts by curling her hair all over. With the giant bouncy curls, she is the epitome of "Texas" hair. We all laugh and remember that although she lives in Dallas, she is still a Houston girl at heart. With the deftness of a surgeon, Stanley is able to manipulate the curls into a twist, a style, and finally an amazing "do" that will be perfect for the ceremony. I, of course, happily snap away on camera and iPhone, spinning her chair like a carousel. I love this mother~daughter moment.
I once remember thinking, "Will I be a mom that can be there for both the trials and the triumphs?" I don't know how well I did, or how much credit I can take, but can I just say that she "made" it despite my own humanity.
She is the bride of the moment~ Missy~ I am so proud of the young woman you have become.
Being the mom, I get to be more than an eyewitness. I get to be a participant; from choosing the wedding dress to looking at china, from finding a caterer to selecting centerpieces; I even watch her transform from giggly girl to a woman in love, ready to commit her life to another. Nothing is more precious.
Today we head over to Studio H for a practice run with her hair. It reaches past her waist and is currently a gorgeous shade of chocolate brown with beach blonde highlights. Stanley starts by curling her hair all over. With the giant bouncy curls, she is the epitome of "Texas" hair. We all laugh and remember that although she lives in Dallas, she is still a Houston girl at heart. With the deftness of a surgeon, Stanley is able to manipulate the curls into a twist, a style, and finally an amazing "do" that will be perfect for the ceremony. I, of course, happily snap away on camera and iPhone, spinning her chair like a carousel. I love this mother~daughter moment.
I once remember thinking, "Will I be a mom that can be there for both the trials and the triumphs?" I don't know how well I did, or how much credit I can take, but can I just say that she "made" it despite my own humanity.
She is the bride of the moment~ Missy~ I am so proud of the young woman you have become.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Letting Go...
Okay, sometimes things don't go our way. We set out on our path and expect everyone else to understand our vision and our goal, but they are wearing different glasses or looking a different direction. I have to bite my tongue in these situations (although sometimes not quick enough) and not say too much! But when is it okay to expect something from others? And how do we determine that ability to communicate our need without offending the friend, family member, or co-worker?
I am still a work in progress, believe me, but I am starting to discover three very important truths: 1. Wait for emotions to settle before communicating your needs. 2. Actually explain to the other person what you need and why it is important. 3. Letting go once you have shared your need and moving on without recriminations, hurt feelings, or embarrassment.
Once I have moved on, I realize that my truths and perspectives are just that~ mine. I can only hold myself accountable for my words and actions. Luckily, my faith in God helps to temper me, because although I am not red-headed, my temper can be. He is always there to help me say and do the right things, or to at least make amends when I don't.
So, now, I am letting go of the prickles and the burrs, and exchanging them for a cup of tea and a good book. Letting go... ahh. It feels so devine.
I am still a work in progress, believe me, but I am starting to discover three very important truths: 1. Wait for emotions to settle before communicating your needs. 2. Actually explain to the other person what you need and why it is important. 3. Letting go once you have shared your need and moving on without recriminations, hurt feelings, or embarrassment.
Once I have moved on, I realize that my truths and perspectives are just that~ mine. I can only hold myself accountable for my words and actions. Luckily, my faith in God helps to temper me, because although I am not red-headed, my temper can be. He is always there to help me say and do the right things, or to at least make amends when I don't.
So, now, I am letting go of the prickles and the burrs, and exchanging them for a cup of tea and a good book. Letting go... ahh. It feels so devine.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
The Last School Bell...
August 4th, 2011
Summer is winding down and for the first time in 30 years, I am not putting up bulletin boards, writing lesson plans, or attending a week of inservices. I have created a treasure of more than a thousand student names in both my memory and my soul, but I will not be part of the new Texas "STAR" testing, looking for ways to integrate curriculum, or signing up for Sunshine Club, Social Studies Cadres, or professional teaching organizations...
So just what am I supposed to feel? So many of my friends have asked if I am sad, and surprisingly, I am not. How many opportunities does one have to celebrate thirty years of the perfect job! And yes, I mean the PERFECT job.
I received a text from a student's mom today that just said, "You are beautiful. You are loved. Thank you for being a blessing teaching my son." How can I receive a message like that and not feel that my journey was worth the hairpin curves, the U-turns, or the roadblocks of the last three decades?
To the teachers that remain in the classroom... stay true to your journey. You will discover such amazing truths along the way. You will cherish the lit up eyes of a student as he understands more than just a concept; he discovers a joy for learning. Write down the small successes and look back to them on the days that seem long. They are sweeter than chocolate and have tons fewer calories.
The last school bell has rung in the hallways for me, but oh, I will carry the laughter from the classrooms for the rest of my life.
Summer is winding down and for the first time in 30 years, I am not putting up bulletin boards, writing lesson plans, or attending a week of inservices. I have created a treasure of more than a thousand student names in both my memory and my soul, but I will not be part of the new Texas "STAR" testing, looking for ways to integrate curriculum, or signing up for Sunshine Club, Social Studies Cadres, or professional teaching organizations...
So just what am I supposed to feel? So many of my friends have asked if I am sad, and surprisingly, I am not. How many opportunities does one have to celebrate thirty years of the perfect job! And yes, I mean the PERFECT job.
I received a text from a student's mom today that just said, "You are beautiful. You are loved. Thank you for being a blessing teaching my son." How can I receive a message like that and not feel that my journey was worth the hairpin curves, the U-turns, or the roadblocks of the last three decades?
To the teachers that remain in the classroom... stay true to your journey. You will discover such amazing truths along the way. You will cherish the lit up eyes of a student as he understands more than just a concept; he discovers a joy for learning. Write down the small successes and look back to them on the days that seem long. They are sweeter than chocolate and have tons fewer calories.
The last school bell has rung in the hallways for me, but oh, I will carry the laughter from the classrooms for the rest of my life.
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