In the past year of the pandemic, I have been lagging behind in the technology needed for teaching. I have tutored via Zoom, so I have learned basics about teaching virtually using Google Docs and such, but my in-person teaching is still better. In person, I keep an assortment of printed materials on hand, so … Continue reading Teaching Virtually
97 Degrees
Today the weather is searing hot – 97 degrees with 71% humidity and a “real feel” temperature of 111. I am outside, sitting on a bench in the shade of a huge maple tree, with my laptop open…and I am content. I love the peacefulness of this day. Usually, our neighborhood has a fleet of … Continue reading 97 Degrees
The Evolution of My Hometown
My hometown is an old farming town in theory, but it has become a modern suburban town in the past thirty years. For public relations, the few remaining historic buildings from the 18th century have been depicted on pamphlets, but it is a façade. We are dominated by one modern development after another; men have … Continue reading The Evolution of My Hometown
Sunday Dinner
Riding in the narrow backseat of the green VW Beetle, I, aged 7, am wedged between my older sister and brother, ages 9 and 10. My feet rest atop a hump in the center of the floor, and I am not squished, but I am certainly enclosed. My father smokes his pipe, and I do … Continue reading Sunday Dinner
I’m Going to Hit You!
One afternoon, my older sister and I were fighting in our shared bedroom. I had taunted my sister – maybe taking one of her toys, calling her a name, or poking her in the side -- as I often did, and she began shouting out, “I’m going to hit you! I’m going to hit you!” … Continue reading I’m Going to Hit You!
Enjoying a Race As a Coach
This past Sunday morning, my fifty students in the spring Girls on the Run program ran a 5K race. The race we attended was an especially family-oriented event, with a kind crowd, full of parents, siblings, friends, and townspeople. As the girls ran through neighborhoods, spectators cheered, posted encouraging signs, and turned on their sprinklers … Continue reading Enjoying a Race As a Coach
Tips on Enjoying Exercise
Some people loathe exercise; I crave it. As a long-time athlete, coach, and personal trainer, I’d like to offer some tips on how you too could enjoy working out. First of all, start with an exercise that is easy and comfortable for you. Walking is a great way to begin. If you can, make it … Continue reading Tips on Enjoying Exercise
Growing a Gardener
“The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature.” Alfred Austin Ever since I was a child, I have found plants to be beautiful and wonderous. When I was a little girl, I picked wildflowers – buttercups, dandelions and Queen Anne’s lace-- and made gifts of these weeds to … Continue reading Growing a Gardener
Accepting the Present Moment
Posted on my refrigerator is a favorite quote, and whenever I read it, I gain a sense of power and ease. I inadvertently stand a little taller with my back straight, shoulders opened, and head up. The quote is by Eckhart Tolle, and he says, “Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you … Continue reading Accepting the Present Moment
This I Believe…
There is a podcast called “This I Believe” and on it, people share essays describing “the core values that guide their daily lives.” (ThisIBelieve.org) I thought this would be an interesting exercise, so… This I Believe… I believe in the power of caring about people. By offering compassion, people can help each other … Continue reading This I Believe…
The Writer's Workshop 