Showing posts with label SEX. Show all posts
Sunday, March 6, 2016
Being Strong
As I close my eyes for the night, I've got this weekend's renewal retreat on my mind. To be perfectly honest, I didn't want to go. I told myself it wouldn't be the same without my cousin Amy, who went with me last year. I told myself that I didn't have the energy to go. I told myself I wasn't feeling strong enough right now, to be social, to connect, and to share. The truth is that I needed to go, Amy or no Amy, to find that energy, to regain that strength. It wasn't by accident that I wore my Ellie's Explorers shirt to climb the Challenge Tower yesterday.
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| Click the t-shirt to support Ellie's Stroll Against Epilepsy. |
Ellie is one of my heroes;
She was on my heart as I ascended that fifty-foot tower.
I decided to take the climb slow and steady,
to stay in the moment.
I noted the breeze as I rested on the ledge
and was keenly aware of the warm sun on my skin.
Sometimes those blocks seemed just out of reach
and at one point, I almost said enough.
That's when the coach on the belay pointed out that
I was only a body's length from reaching my goal.
So despite shaky legs and weakened hands, I kept going.
You'll have to take my word about the breathtaking view at the top.
Life's a climb like that.
Sometimes things get challenging and it seems like our goals are
just out of reach.
But we forge on,
cheered on by those who love us,
stopping to rest when we need to,
and making sure
to be in the moment,
to breathe in the journey,
to enjoy the view along the way.
Thank you, Ellie, for showing me what
being strong
looks like, sounds like & feels like.
Saturday, March 5, 2016
E ai, como est�o?
Ahhhh, como o tempo voa... Quem diria que j� faz pelo menos 3 anos que eu abandonei de vez o Warcraft 3 e entrei no mundo sem volta de LoL...
Eu n�o tenho muito o que falar aqui, s� que tenho um grande afeto pelo blog e pelas in�meras horas que passei no LAN do War 3 jogando com amigos pelo Skype contra grupos de randoms que viviam spammando "SEM SHIKI LEE CP9 POT"... E que chamavam a ultimate (verdadeira) do Alucard de Pot (saudades 300 almas + fatal error), e subestimavam personagens com clone ou "attack speed bankai". Bons tempos.
O por qu� desse post aleat�rio? Sei l�, bateu a nostalgia... Mentira, queria ver como anda o alcance desse blog que, segundo o Google, ainda conta com 100+ acessos di�rios mesmo sem postagens h� meses.
De qualquer forma, h� uma esperan�a, meus amigos... Com o filme do Warcraft a caminho, e com o fim do enredo de Starcraft, a Blizzard tem toda a equipe de RTS livre para trabalhar em algo novo. Rumores por todos os lados incitam a empresa, juntamente com o melhor momento para algo que f�s clamam.
E se o n�mero 4 vier, ah, meus caros, FOCS vai voltar nem que seja pelas minhas pr�prias m�os.
Desejo-lhes boa sorte em qualquer coisa que estejam fazendo,
Do criador do FOCbr, Arkane (a.k.a. ArkaneSeeker, a.k.a. ArkaneSeek, a.k.a. Arkkane; odeio esses fdps que roubam meu nick)
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Upcoming Bridging Writers Event
Bridging Writers Series
Presents
Deborah Gorlin: Life of the Garment: Poems
and
Jeanne Braham: Available Light: Phillip Booth and the Gift of Place
Monday, March 7, 2016
6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Thayer Memorial Library, Dexter Thayer Room
Deborah Gorlin, author of Life of the Garment: Poems, is the winner of the May Sarton New Hampshire Poetry Prize and the poetry editor of the Massachusetts Review.
Jeanne Braham, author of Available Light: Philip Booth and the Gift of Place (October), is the founding editor of Heatherstone Press and the poetry editor of New England Watershed magazine. Available Light combines Booth�s poems and personal photos into a portrait of an overlooked poet.
Please join us for this free event.
For more information on this program, or on SBWC, please contact us at 7bridgewriterscollaborative@gmail.com
Mindset Matters
Happy March.
Today I'm excited because my guest post on resilience is now live; click the graphic below to go to Free Spirit Press and read all about it.
I'm also delighted that I've been invited to present a parenting workshop on Mindset tonight in a neighboring district.
Click {here} to view and/or download the handout.
I use this tangible to show what our brains look like
when they're in fixed mindset mode and growth!
Here's a guest blog post at Free Spirit if you want more info.
And a bulletin board we used to unlock fixed beliefs:
Here's one of the slides I love to share:
I use this tangible to show what our brains look like
when they're in fixed mindset mode and growth!
Here's a guest blog post at Free Spirit if you want more info.
And a bulletin board we used to unlock fixed beliefs:
Here's one of the slides I love to share:
Want more Mindset info? Check out my
Growth Mindset Pinterest page {here}.
One final note to my faithful readers: Today marks post number 1300 at The Corner On Character. That being the case, it's nearly impossible to make sure that links that are live when I post will continue to work in the days, months, and years ahead. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause as you connect to learn and grow with us.
Saturday, February 27, 2016
#dublit16
Amy Ludwig VanDerwater
Bob Probst
Dublin_Literacy Conference
Kristin Ziemke
Kylene Beers
SEX
The Power of Three Little Words #dublit16
As a classroom teacher, I always tried to watch my words. I always tried to measure their frequency with student frequency. I'm not saying I was always good about it; I'm saying I tried. There was the continual sound of Charlie Brown's teacher droning on in animated films, "Wah, wah, wah," playing in the back of my mind. I didn't want to sound like that to my students. There are lessons I remember teaching in which I know I spent too much time talking. Talk helps students to learn, and I always felt their talk really made the difference.
As an intervention teacher, I find myself challenged continually by this thinking. I don't have the same time to move from explicit to implicit in my short lessons with students. I don't have the same time to wander through conversations. If I'm not careful, it is easy to fall into patterns where I am doing most of the talking. When this happens, I know that I am doing more telling and owning more of their learning.
Words can be powerful. The language we use can support learners and help them to develop agency. However, some words are stronger than others in supporting our learners. I was reminded of this recently as I joined educators for a Saturday of learning at the Dublin Literacy Conference as I listened to speakers across the day. Here are short phrases I took away that could open up dialogue for students:
Kylene Beers and Bob Probst: "What Surprised You?"
Kylene Beers and Bob Probst, spoke about Responsive and Responsible Reading of Nonfiction. In their session they reminded us of the importance of dialogic talk that opens conversations for students instead of monologic talk that checks for understanding. In their conversation they shared three simple words to start conversations about reading, "What surprised you?". These three words carry much power in turning conversations about reading over to students. Kylene reminded us that rigor didn't reside in the text itself but, instead, in the the interaction between the reader and the text.
Kylene Beers and Bob Probst, spoke about Responsive and Responsible Reading of Nonfiction. In their session they reminded us of the importance of dialogic talk that opens conversations for students instead of monologic talk that checks for understanding. In their conversation they shared three simple words to start conversations about reading, "What surprised you?". These three words carry much power in turning conversations about reading over to students. Kylene reminded us that rigor didn't reside in the text itself but, instead, in the the interaction between the reader and the text.
Amy Ludwig VanDerWater: "Let Poetry Speak"
One of the highlights of my day was spending time with poet, Amy Ludwig VanDerWater. In her session, Our Wisest Writing Teacher, she reminded us of the power of poetry in teaching writing. I'm going to say that I struggled a bit more bringing Amy's words down to three I took away. She had so many smart things to say about poetry --- andstudents children humans souls. Amy reminded us that poetry speaks to children and helps them to see they are not the only one. I had so many phrases I pulled from her session (some three words, some not): poetry as gift, poetry as a diving board into writing, poems teach us about writing, poems teach us about language. Of course my favorite lines were her closing lines, "Poetry is enough by itself. Poetry places unforgettable images in the hearts of our children."
Kristin Ziemke: "Tell Me More."
Later in the day, I attended Kristin Ziemke's session, Read the World: Literacies for a Digital Culture, where three words caught my attention again. Kristin shared that we are moving away from fact recall curriculums, toward search curriculums; I might even venture to say we are moving toward curriculums that position students to create. The room was packed with teachers as Kristin demonstrated ways to build intention as we talk with students about reading images for understanding. Kristin put a video of Michigan's governor, talking about the Flint water crisis, on the screen. After viewing we talked about what we noticed. One teacher shared her response. Kristin listened to the response, paused thoughtfully, and inquired, "Tell me more." Her words really asked the speaker to dig a little deeper into their thinking, and to share that with the learning community. I was once again struck by the powerful simplicity of three little words.
One of the highlights of my day was spending time with poet, Amy Ludwig VanDerWater. In her session, Our Wisest Writing Teacher, she reminded us of the power of poetry in teaching writing. I'm going to say that I struggled a bit more bringing Amy's words down to three I took away. She had so many smart things to say about poetry --- and
Kristin Ziemke: "Tell Me More."
Later in the day, I attended Kristin Ziemke's session, Read the World: Literacies for a Digital Culture, where three words caught my attention again. Kristin shared that we are moving away from fact recall curriculums, toward search curriculums; I might even venture to say we are moving toward curriculums that position students to create. The room was packed with teachers as Kristin demonstrated ways to build intention as we talk with students about reading images for understanding. Kristin put a video of Michigan's governor, talking about the Flint water crisis, on the screen. After viewing we talked about what we noticed. One teacher shared her response. Kristin listened to the response, paused thoughtfully, and inquired, "Tell me more." Her words really asked the speaker to dig a little deeper into their thinking, and to share that with the learning community. I was once again struck by the powerful simplicity of three little words.
Magic comes in threes. Perhaps thinking of three words to elevate student learning across our day is worth consideration. Of course, the magic of the Dublin Literacy Conference wasn't just words; it was learning, laughter, friendship, conversations, community, and guests from afar.
Kristin and I had a little fun as she signed my digital copy of her book at the conference. This picture was taken by Marisa Saelzler and posted by Kristin on her Instagram account:
Thinking More About Words? You might like:
- Karen Syzmusiak returns to her blog with, Powerful is Not Perfect. In her post, she shares powerful words from Kristin Ziemke: word to set us free.
- Nicole Kessler, also returning to her blog, just wrote about Classroom Language as she reflected on the power of open ended questions.
- Changing My Frame, a post written to consider the work of Peter Johnston in my classroom.
- Speaking of Peter Johnston. These books changed the language I use with students (and - ouch - it shifted my talk at home).
- Don't let the cover of this one fool you. We're reading Using Discourse Analysis to Improve Classroom Interaction in a course I am taking with Dr. Melissa Wilson at Ohio State. I appreciate the way the authors have us thinking through our language and the contexts of interactions to improve our language.
Friday, February 26, 2016
Tell it slant
Tell all the Truth but tell it slant �
Success in Circuit lies
Too bright for our infirm Delight
The Truth�s superb surprise
As Lightning to the Children eased
With Explanation kind
The Truth must dazzle gradually
Or every man be blind �
Emily Dickinson
Writers descend from the line of the bards. Those poets of old who recited, sang, danced the stories of their times. Like the bards, writers capture the �truths� of the world around them through the telling of stories. Whether journalism, fiction, nonfiction, poetry � they don�t invent the truths; they expose them. But writers do so with finesse, through the cultivation of the written language, choosing words, characters, plots, newsflashes which will best reveal the truths they want considered.
Emily Dickinson wrote, �Tell all the Truth but tell it slant�.� The work of writers is to create the slant that allows truth to �dazzle gradually.� Producing a slant first requires writers to slog through the truths to know why and how we want to write. We ask the question, �What truth is resonating for me as a writer right now? The resilience of life? A prejudice, bias, or hurt which exists in the world? The joy which stems from companionship?
How we decide to reveal, convict or encourage becomes our stories. We consider whether the truth should be told subtly or obviously. We debate the merits of fictional characters through whom the readers can resonate versus straight-forward expression of the truth. We ask if brevity (maybe flash fiction) will win the day or if drawing out the truth over time (a novel) will have more impact. We ponder which will make our readers more thoughtful: our characters or story repelling or attracting the readers?
As we rewrite and edit, we remember Emily Dickinson�s truth: Success in Circuit lies. We ask, �How can we rewrite this section of dialogue so that it hints at the truth but does not reveal fully � at least not yet?� We consider whether this is the point in the story where character development is key to draw the reader more completely into the know or whether it should come later. We debate the merits of the ending as it is written versus a twist.
Every decision crafts the slant through which we disclose a truth about the world, resulting in that poem, that novel, that essay, that news story. And every choice yields the satisfaction of knowing that like the bard, we have given our audience something more, something which not only entertains but is another reason for reflection, something which reveals yet another truth.
Paula Castner is a wife, mother of three, and a co-founder of Seven Bridge Writers' Collaborative as well as a freelance writer, playwright, writing and baking workshop facilitator, and drama director. She receives emails at pajamalivingwriting@gmail.com.
Registration Now Open For
Spring Writing Groups
Next session begins the week of March 21, 2016. Writing groups require preregistration and are filled on a first come, first served basis.
Commitment to regular attendance is requested.
Information on the Tuesday AM, Thursday AM or Thursday PM writing groups, can be found at http://sevenbridgewriters.
To register: Email Paula at 7bridgewriterscollaborative
Monday, February 22, 2016
The Kindness Crusader
From time to time, a counseling colleague will reach out in collaboration, sometimes with an inquiry or a request for help, other times with a "Hey, I adapted your idea and this is what happened." Today's post is the result of a combination of the two. After I spoke at TCA in Dallas, Kelly Locke from Wilkinson Elementary in Conroe sent this note:
I didn't have exactly what she was looking for, but we tossed ideas back and forth; once her script was complete, she kindly agreed to share what she wrote.
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| Aren't these two AdOrAbLe? |
The Kindness Crusader by Kelly Locke
Good morning! Today is the last day of National Random Acts of Kindness week, and the day that you will finally find out why I needed so many toilet paper rolls! Today�s theme is �Let Kindness Be Your Super Power� so in class you will be making kindness superhero cuffs. Create your own kindness superhero design. Plus, as a treat I have asked the Kindness Crusader (a local superhero) to answer some important questions for us.
Kelly � Kindness Crusader, thank you so much for being here today. Our students would really like to know what super powers you have and why they are so special.
K.C. � I have magnetic powers. When I want something, it is automatically drawn to me.
Kelly � Wow; that is awesome. So, that power is sort of like kindness, right?
K.C. � I�m not following you.
Kelly � Well, when you are kind to others, more people want to be around you. It is as if they are drawn to you.
K.C. � I�ve never thought of it that way, but yeah I guess it is.
Kelly � What is another super power you have?
K.C. � I have the courage to stand up for others when someone is being unkind to them, but I�m not sure that is a super power because anyone can do that.
Kelly � Really? It is that easy? How could our students stand up for others and help them when they are in trouble?
K.C. � Oh yeah, it is super easy. All your students have to do is stand up for what is right. If you see someone being rude to another student you can say �At Wilkinson we are always nice to each other.� Or �Wilkinson Lions care about each other and don�t say mean things to one another." Then offer to walk with the student who had the mean things said about them.
Kelly � I noticed that you didn�t say anything mean back to the person who was rude first. Don�t you want to get them back for what they said?
K.C. � Getting someone back can be tempting at times, but that is spreading unkind words, not being a kindness superhero.
Kelly � Oh ok. Kindness superheroes do the right thing even when it is tough. Ok, so I think we have time for one more super power.
K.C. � I have special vision that helps me see people from a really far distance that might need my help. I�m always on the lookout for the opportunity to swoop in and help others.
Kelly � I don�t know if any of our students have special vision, but are there ways they can look for others to help?
K.C. � Oh sure!! It is really very easy. All your students have to do is open their eyes to the world around them and see how they can help. For example � if someone is walking down the hall with a huge load of books they can hold a door for them or help them carry them. If they notice someone sitting alone or not having a friend to play with at recess they can go over and be their friend. There are lots of ways to be kind to others. You just have to open your eyes and see what is happening around you.
Kelly � Kindness Crusader, thank you so much for joining us today. I know that we have a lot of great students who could be kindness superheroes just like you.
K.C. � It was my pleasure to be here. And remember students � being kind sometimes takes courage, but the more you practice it the easier it becomes. Sometimes you just have to wake up, look in the mirror, and say��I�m going to be a kindness superhero today!� Have a great day!
I'll bet those kindness cuffs turned out cute. Thank you, Kelly, for sharing your engaging work with us. Your students are undoubtedly blessed by your creativity, passion, enthusiasm and love. Cape up and crusade on!
Saturday, February 20, 2016
Ronald McDonald House Fundraiser
Today my R2-D2 and I joined Paul Thompson and his R2-D1, and several members of the 501st and Rebel Legions to help raise funds for Ronald McDonald House charities. The event was held in Manhattan Beach, CA, at the Marriott hotel.
We did photo ops, and each photo raised $5.00 for the charity.
They provided a break room for us upstairs. This was the room next to our break room. Although the sign says No Smoking, I have a feeling there was smoking going on in there.
After the photo-op session, there was a charity auction of donated items and memorabilia. About 100 people were in attendance.
One of the items up for auction: An autographed picture of Michael McMaster, along with a PEZ R2-D2!
This ended up going for... $130.00! (Paul dropped out of the bidding at $125. :) )
The event ended up raising thousands of dollars for this worthy charity, and everyone had a good time.
We did photo ops, and each photo raised $5.00 for the charity.
They provided a break room for us upstairs. This was the room next to our break room. Although the sign says No Smoking, I have a feeling there was smoking going on in there.
After the photo-op session, there was a charity auction of donated items and memorabilia. About 100 people were in attendance.
One of the items up for auction: An autographed picture of Michael McMaster, along with a PEZ R2-D2!
This ended up going for... $130.00! (Paul dropped out of the bidding at $125. :) )
The event ended up raising thousands of dollars for this worthy charity, and everyone had a good time.
Super-Rare & Special
Today, some reflections, sparked by this tiny treasure.
I have been a slacker about haven't been very faithful to started power walking again this morning, partly because I haven't been sleeping very well and I'm thinking that exercise will help me, but mostly because I hoped I'd see my first-grade friend, Jax, outside. You see, he's moving away this week so I was pretty sure there'd be a moving van in his drive. And, sure enough, there it was.
And there he was.
Outside.
Playing with the neighbors.
Happy as a kid can be.
When he saw me, he called out my name and came running into my arms.
He wanted me to see the rare dinosaur on the U-haul,
and we read the description together, something about the dinosaur's footprints.
So I asked him what footprints he was leaving in Friendswood, to which he answered "character tracks!" without hesitation.
That's when he reached into his pocket to pull out the treasure that I'm holding in my hand at the top of this post.
Jax: Here, Mrs. Gruener, I have something special for you.
Me: Wow, thanks. I'll add it to my lego collection.
Jax: It's super-rare.
Me: Are you sure you want me to have it?
Jax: It's okay. I have thousands of them.
Super-rare.
And special.
Just like Jax.
And then, just like that, he was off to play with his friends again and I was back in power-walking mode. As I was giggling at the irony of my super-rare lego that Jax has thousands of, I felt tears welling up in my eyes. And, before I was even to the corner, I began to cry sob.
Big dinosaur tears.
Real raw emotions to wrestle with and regulate.
Sad, because this is so-long for now to a super-rare superhero who has this unique ability to make an ordinary day extraordinary.
And hopeful, because the world is bound to be a better place
with special young people like Jax leading the way.
His teacher and my friend, Amy Boyer, brought Jax and his class to see me this past week, to say good-bye. Since Jax loves Henrietta {Westwood's hen puppet} the most, she made a super-rare appearance and they made a pinky promise to stay in touch.
Can't you just feel the love?
Because when someone super-rare and special comes along ...
I'll miss you, Jax. Thank you for making
footprints worth following wherever you go.
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