Recently read on a blog:

"I love God so much for creating academia.
How much infinitely more greater and desirable is the God
who fashioned all this brilliance
and endowed humans with the ability to endlessly think up ideas?
Academia
can sometimes be a disparagingly antagonistic
and snooty environment,
while other times
it can’t be more refreshing,
encouraging,
constructive,
and just purely fun."

I agree. It's refreshing to hear someone speak highly, and from a Godly viewpoint, about academia.

This blogger has an affection for bookstores too.

I don't know her, but I'd say we might be kindred spirits.

David McCullough

I would like to be like him when I grow up.

Unfortunately, that is impossible any way you figure.

Enjoy this series of four, "Painting with Words."
(Each video is almost ten minutes long; be sure to go to each subsequent part - there are four.)

A self-centered conundrum

Sometimes . . . like right now . . . I think I need to stop doing what I'm doing.

Yeah, I'm complaining of a sort. But, really, if I could pause everything -- stop everything right now and step out of it while, I think I would love it. I would like to be able to pause everything and catch up. I would like to be able to finish a task, and finish it well, before moving to another.

I love what I do, or at least I think I do. But I love to do what I do well, and I know that's not happening. I really dislike half-baked work that I am responsible for.

So, what do I do?

I cannot quit. I cannot let myself to that. Basically because if I quit, I would have no tasks to finish; they will all be given to others or left undone. All my tasks are work-related, and if I'm not employed, then I don't have these tasks.

I cannot give myself extra time; I have none. NONE.

I guess I could settle for less-than-well done. And this might have to happen.

I just know I need time and space.

If I had time and space, what would I do? Frankly, I'd try to finish my tasks before I enjoyed relaxation. And I don't think relaxation would ever come because I would never really "finish" a task. I would find just one more little thing to add or tweak to make that task "better."

There are no easy answers. And answers like "just say no" and "don't do it" are not acceptable nor realistic.

It's no answer but the realization is that I'm my own worst enemy.

And how does one overcome that?!

So what tasks are causing this conundrum?

scope-and-sequence work: directing, arranging, facilitating, writing

new history course work: outlining, making master (and student) note pages, developing tests for this year's two new courses

housework: trying to keep up with maintaining a clean and neat house without the aid of any help (because I've not been allowed to employ any)

meal preparation: keeping a menu, shopping for supplies, and cooking meals for two people, keeping the kitchen clean and neat

personal care: washing, folding, putting up clothes; personal hygiene care; exercise (which is not happening)

personal growth: reading, writing, thinking (the lack in these areas is, perhaps, felt the strongest)

How can I change any of this without stepping off the bandwagon? Is it possible?

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

From that wonderful movie Akeelah and the Bee:

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves,
who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small doesn't serve the world.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.

~ Marianne Williamson

I'm watching: Catherine Cookson movies

After I finish schoolwork, I read, I watch, and I listen. No, I should correct this. It is usually while I finish schoolwork, that I read, I watch, and I listen. Multi-tasking, even with what should be leisure activities, has consumed everything I do.

Unfortunately now, I seem to need as second, or concurrent, task going on. While I prepare the coffee for the next day, one hand is emptying the old grounds, rinsing the filter container, and adding a new filter while the other hand is holding the pot as water fills it. Or while riding an hour in the car, I find myself taking along a book that needs to be read for school to read a few pages as we drive. While driving to work, I often scribble notes on a legal pad I keep beside the seat--often something I think of I need to do that day or a thought for an article I would like to write.

So, I do like to watch something while I type a test, grade a stack of papers, or read the newspaper. The past few months we have found some enjoyable videos on Netflix based on some of English author Catherine Cookson's books. Most, if not all, of her storylines relate to class struggle in 19th century England. We've equated her writings to American's Horatio Alger. What is interesting are the twists and turns the plot takes. All of these are well done, a few are exceptional (+) and only a couple are ones we just did not care for (-). You may enjoy these too!

+++ Tilly Trotter
The Secret
+++ A Dinner of Herbs
The Cinder Path
The Fifteen Streets
- The Gambling Man
-The Man Who Cried
The Glass Virgin
The Girl
The Moth
The Rag Nymph
The Wingless Bird
+++ Colour Blind
+++ Dwelling Place

My landscape for the past few days

Earlier this week, I explained my necessary sabbatical. I have completely enjoyed my time by myself. I have been able to work uninterrupted and have things in order through Christmas.

What I have loved has been the landscape. Beyond my computer screen has been what you see below. Taking short three minute breaks every hour or so, I was able to walk out and enjoy it all. The weather was warm enough to enable me to leave the door partially open all the time to enjoy the breeze and the sound of the surf. I don't think I would ever tire of the sound or the sight.

The pictures, in order, show the various weather during the past few days. Today began with "smoke on the water" and as the day progressed, the stormy clouds moved off into a beautiful dimension, and finally blew away completely to crystal blue skies closing in a gorgeous sunset.

Enjoy!

Reformation Day, 2011

Resources abound today as we remember Reformation Day. Too many children are growing up without knowledge of the contributions of Martin Luther, to whom Reformation Day has become linked.

I find that when I mention Martin Luther in class, the new students assume I'm speaking of Martin Luther King; they've never heard of Martin Luther, the reformer. What a task we have to restore historic Christian culture!

Through Reformation Day (Monday), Ligonier offers a free download of R. C. Sproul's wonderful children's book, The Barber Who Wanted to Pray. R. C. reads this in his mellow and friendly voice. What a gift! Don't miss this generosity!

Also visit George Grant's Eleventary for his eleven quotes from Martin Luther.

Then top off the weekend with Luther, the movie.

For young children, a delightful picture book is Luther, A Man Who Changed the World (Maier).

And for older children (even up through high school), a wonderful little book, Luther, the Leader, summarizes Luther life. Even for adults, this is a good, brief account of Luther's life.

My October Sky

My backdrop for today's work day.

Martin Luther on music

"I always loved music; whoso has skill in this art, is of a good temperament, fitted for all things. We must teach music in schools; a schoolmaster ought to have skill in music, or I would not regard him; neither should we ordain young men as preachers, unless they have been well exercised in music."

"Singing has nothing to do with the affairs of this world, it is not for the law; singers are merry and free from sorrows and cares."

"Music is one of the best arts; the notes give life to the text; it expels melancholy, as we see in King Saul. Kings and princes ought to maintain music, for great potentates and rulers should protect good and liberal arts and laws; though private people have desire thereunto and love it, yet their ability is not adequate. We read in the Bible, that the good and godly kings maintained and paid singers. Music is the best solace for a sad and sorrowful mind; by it the heart is refreshed and settled again in peace."

...from Luther's Table Talk

Kunte Kinte memorial

"Knowledge of history can be the first step away from anger and bitterness. Truth leads to understanding. Understanding and forgiveness lead to reconciliation and healing."


"Things don't ever get better unless you make them better."



Words from the Memorial Story Wall Plaque at the Alex Haley Memorial, Annapolis, Maryland.

Why?

If you are a parent of a young child, isn't "Why?" a common question?

"Why?" is asked so often sometimes that you think the child is being intentionally irritating. And sometimes, he is. But more often than not, he is just asking something that comes naturally, especially with a particular age.

Children entering those middle school years tend to ask "Why?" about the simplest and the most complex. Children seek information. As teachers, we want them to seek information; we want them to ask those "Why?" questions. In turn, we need to return the favor and ask our own "Why?" questions.

Inquisitiveness is part of natural childhood development. And part of our responsibility as teachers and parents is to draw out those "Why?" questions. How do we do that? One way is to not directly answer the child's question. Instead, for example, respond to the question "Why is bird's beak is shaped like that?" with "Why do you think that bird's beak short and stubby?" Begin to lead the child's thinking with questions. "What does a bird do with his beak?" "What kinds of food could a bird eat with a beak like that?"

Leading a child's thinking is a responsible response for parents and teachers. After all, the word educate comes from the Latin "to draw out" which is exactly what Socratic teaching, or teaching with questions, is all about.

Socratic teaching, the most effective instructional method, helps the student learn by causing him to think. By responding to the student's question with the answer, the student is passive and has to do little thinking, but by responding to the student's question with another question that leads him toward the answer is effective teaching. This method helps the student figure out the answer and helps make that knowledge "sticky." Now sticky, that knowledge will begin to attract other similar bits of information which are assimilated by the student toward many "Ah-hah" moments.

All this gives credence to what E. D. Hirsch advocates: "The more you know, the more you can learn." One bit knowledge increases a child's literacy and leads to another bit which leads to another, increasing the wealth of his cultural literacy.

Teachers, as well as parents, should seek to fill those literacy larders so that students have the ability to become discerning thinkers, effective communicators, and lifelong learners.

A Short Seasonal Sabbatial

I've thought of all kinds of alliterative descriptions to use for the next few days.

short .......... seasonal .......... sanity .......... survival

This has been a rough year. And it will not ease until June. This rough result is not from a bad thing; it's from that ambitious plan that we in the Strategic Planning Committee mapped out and the course we have chosen to help the school financially. We all knew it would be rough. Teaching extra classes, double triple duty, certification pursuit, scope & sequence formulation, . . . .

But, as usual, one never knows just how difficult, how involved, and how demanding a task will be until he is in the thick of it.

Such am I. In fact, seven weeks ago I felt stuck in the miry clay, quickly being overcome by the sinking feeling that I was not able to do my duties (not just well, but at all) and seemingly unable to do anything about it. This really concerned me because I'm not one that gets down about much. I almost thrive on challenges and workaholism.

But, I realized I needed some sort of break. And there would be one at the end of October when the faculty was scheduled to go to the ACSI conference. The conference is not what I needed. I had already secured CEUs from some tremendous summertime conferences -- on my own time and at my own expense and worth twice the CEUs. I made a request: give me that time off to work on my own. I'll save the school money in not going to the conference, and I'll be able to redeem the time I need to get through Christmas.

The request was accepted. And my reservations were made the same day. I knew I needed time to work, but I also needed a change of scenery and no, not one demand, expectation --implied or otherwise -- placed upon me other than the time to plan through Christmas.

My backdrop for these few days is spectacular. The weather will change, though, in a couple of days. But that's okay. It's quiet except for the rolling surf and the birds. I've already mapped out a plan for one new class (planning is like preparing a meal that is consumed in a few bites) and have my self-imposed schedule to accomplish the rest of my to-do list.

For now, I am being revived with rest and quiet. And I'm being recused because that miry clay is becoming thin. My steps are getting easier, and survival seems hopeful.

Seasonal Changes

Again, it seems, we moved from one season into another without that cushioned temperature change. Today, as yesterday, it is blustery, windy, and cold compared to the sizzling summer we just came out of. So, a fire in the woodstove to cut the chill and a bowl of a new soup: Winter Soup.

The recipe came out in the newspaper and what appealed to me was the comment, ". . . a big taste of the root vegetables you have been craving."

I've not tried anything new in a long time because I've not cooked much over the course of the last few years. I guess I had some sort of earth-mama hankering, and planned accordingly. Yesterday, because I had made my lesson plans for next week on Thursday and finished all my grading before leaving school on Friday, I had several hours free for kitchen duty yesterday. So I tried several new recipes: a new blueberry cobbler, Lemon-Pesto Rotini, and Winter Soup.

The soup took awhile to prepare because these thick, hard-skinned root vegetables had to be peeled--not a quick job. The picture below is not mine, but the soup looks like it. And the smell cooking it was so good!

Winter Soup

1 cup each, peeled and coarsely chopped: onion, butternut squash, sweet potato, Granny Smith apple, rutabaga, and carrot.

1 stick butter

5 cups chicken stock

1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)

3 Tbsp maple syrup

cayenne pepper to taste

Melt a stick of butter and add all veggies, cooking until onion is translucent. Add stock and cook until veggies are tender.

Transfer to a food processor (I used my Ninja - greatest little device ever) and process until smooth. Transfer back to cooking pot and add cream, syrup, and pepper.

Heat until hot and serve.

Now, when I peeled that big ole ugly rutabaga, which I've never bought or grown before, I had much more than a cup, so I just doubled the recipe and froze half of it. What a great-and easy-meal this will be after a cold school day.

Next time, I am going to experiment by adding some split peas and topping it with some bacon. The addition of hot pepperoni rolls will be a perfect complement too.

. ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ .

This school year is proving to be more than busy. From the time my feet step into my room of the morning, I am hustling until at least 3:30 pm. I often find myself unable to prepare for the two new classes until the morning of, necessitating 3:30 - 4 am wake-ups and stress I'm unused to and don't need. But, things are settling into a pattern, and I anticipate a good year, albeit busy.

Last night, we watched a wonderful movie, The Last Brickmaker in America with Sidney Poitier. Much like his Noah Dearborn, this is one of those good-for-you-to-watch ones. Positive and encouraging. Makes you want to take the high road even though it's not the easy one.

. ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ .

My reading life is a mess. I started a book in September in preparation for our England-Ireland trip next July. Sarum is 900 pages and I'm not sure I'll get it finished, particularly when I have other reading that I have to do and cannot hold my eyes open long after crawling into bed. Rutherfurd's writing sticks with me; he's obviously a gifted one because a week between readings is not a gap in my remembrance.


Blogging has taken a back-burner because of time, but I often think about all kinds of things to blog. The stress of my teaching life could be eased a bit, I believe, with some scattered blogging time. But with so much to do, I feel I can't even take a few hours off. One day things will change. :)

I love to teach because I love to learn.

But I need to figure out if teaching is my self-imposed discipline to autodidactism.

Things have changed this school year. Too many additional expectations without the compensation. and too little time for classroom preparation.

Freelancing classroom materials is looking really attractive. And the beach is looking more and more like a place to run away to.

Do the next thing

When faced with confusions and uncertainties, Elizabeth Elliot says to "Do the next thing."

"Do it immediately, do it with prayer, do it reliantly, casting all care. Do it with reverence, tracing His hand who placed it before thee with earnest command. Stayed on omnipotence, safe 'neath His wing, leave all resultings, do the next thing."

With my huge list of "next things," I can spend an inordinate amount of time deciding, unfortunately. But I must press onward.

From an old English parsonage down by the sea,
There came in the twilight a message to me;
Its quaint Saxon legend, deeply engraven,
Hath, as it seems to me, teaching from Heaven.
And on through the hours the quiet words ring
Like a low inspiration-Do the next thing.

Many a questioning, many a fear,
Many a doubt, hath its quieting here.
Moment by moment, let down from Heaven,
Time, opportunity, guidance, are given.
Fear not tomorrows, child of the King,
Trust them with Jesus, Do the next thing.

Do it immediately; do it with prayer;
Do it reliantly, casting all care;
Do it with reverence, tracing His Hand,
Who placed it before thee with earnest command.
Stayed on Omnipotence, safe 'neath His wing,
Leave all resultings, Do the next thing.

Looking to Jesus, ever serener,
Working or suffering be thy demeanor,
In His dear presence, the rest of His calm,
The light of His countenance be thy psalm,
Strong in His faithfulness, praise and sing,
Then, as He beckons thee, Do the next thing.

-Author unknown

The Roots of Kunte Kinte

A number of years ago, we got the VHS Roots to watch. I remembered hearing about it when the book first came out back in 1976. I wasn't much of a reader then at all, but I remember "Roots" being a buzz word. When we first got the DVD, I kind of resigned myself to watch the first of six tapes. Probably twenty minutes into it hooked me for the next 573 minutes. I could hardly wait until the next evening to watch the next tape. Way before the end, Kunte Kinte had buried himself into my being. This whole story was not to be ignored.

Another few years went by and I found myself teaching middle school history where I still am today. Every time we get to the Triangular Trade chapter, images emerge from my mind of that captivating film. I've talked about it in class but have never taken the time to show clips of the film, though I plan to change that this year.

Fast forward several years, and I found, but have long-since forgotten how, that a website for the Kunte Kinte Memorial was in Annapolis, Maryland. I was fascinated by the simple, yet detailed and life-like, bronze statues. I wanted to see them in person but knew that was a slim chance. No one would trek five hours with me to Annapolis to see some bronze statues. The idea was rather silly. Until, that is, our daughter moved to Baltimore and worked in Annapolis.

We visited her over Memorial Day, and since our days were packed, little thought was given to visiting Annapolis. But, when I decided to go to the Society for Classical Learning conference a few weeks later in Baltimore, I wanted to make sure I visited the memorial. The area was super-crowded with people and maneuvering the car around was tedious, as was any leisure around the memorial. But I did get pictures that will stay with me.

The Kunte Kinte Memorial at the City Dock in Annapolis, MD was established here because this is where Kunte Kinte was brought on a slave ship to the City Dock at "Naplis," sold into slavery, and taken to a farm in (Spotsylvania County) Virginia. The life-size bronze statues of children from various minorities listen as the statue of Alex Haley tells his family's story.

Kunte Kinte is the main character in Alex Haley's book, Roots. Haley is the seventh generation of Kunte Kinte. The story begins in 1750 in Gambia, Africa and continues through seven generations until the 1970s. The film appears to portray an accurate picture of the plight of Africans captured to be transported and sold as slaves in the Triangular Trade.

[Because of the number of pictures, I chose to post them in a smaller size. Be sure to click on individual pictures to enlarge the view, especially the plaques. The inscriptions on these plaques are worth the time it takes to enlarge and read.]