60 Degrees in January

This winter has been unseasonably warm and I'm not so sure I should be grateful for that. However, we did get a fine blast of winter last weekend in the form of a blizzard that dumped a bunch of snow on nearly the entire eastern coast. So, today's blast of warm air did a lot to melt that snow and the sunshine was delicious.

A Dog's Trust

Sometimes, it's the little things that fill the heart. I had the dogs out earlier and was taking in the indigo sky and trying to find all the planets that are supposedly visible in the early morning sky. I treasure my early mornings. It's a positive way to start each day. Today, Friday suddenly came up lame and limped straight to his bed. When I reached for his paw, he gave me a look of such trust coupled with sadness, it nearly broke my heart. It didn't take long to find the culprit, a beechnut was lodged deep between the paw pads and slid out easily. The effect was instantaneous. Friday leaped in a circle and covered me in kisses, snorting with happiness. I laughed out loud. My dog thinks I'm a genius. I treasure the trust he puts in me and am reminded that I need to earn it.

My Colleagues

I am blessed with able, learned and generous colleagues who support me even when my anxiety creates a kind of tunnel vision.

My Community of Readers

I am lucky in that I receive a fair number of advance reader copies from publishers. Too many to read in a timely fashion, so I often share them with my students who, in turn share their opinions with me. When a student tells me that I HAVE to read a book, I always do. I am grateful for this give-and-take.

Sunny Days

Today dawned clear and cold. I saw Venus rising in the east, but none of the other planets I saw earlier this week. The snow was pristine and crunchy. The dogs loved it. As the day wore on, there was plenty of sunshine and brilliant blue skies. A truly lovely day to finish the snow cleanup. 

Snow Storm!

I used to love to shovel snow. I would plug a book in my ears and get some exercise. But ever since I developed lymphedema, shoveling snow is dicey. I lose strength rather quickly, my left arm throbs and the swelling increases. Around the time I developed the condition, I acquired a snow blower (long story). It was a life saver! I am grateful every time I need to use it.

Feeling Appreciated

I received an email from my principal complimenting me on the Reader's Advisory conversation I had with a sixth grade student at the book fair. She wanted help with choosing a book. Her mom insisted that she choose a classic or something challenging. We spent quite a bit of time considering a number of titles. I was vaguely aware that my principal was in the room.

I am not only grateful he noticed, but thought to write and tell me. 

Book Fairs!

I adore book fair time. This year, it falls the day after I returned from the ALA Midwinter Convention with 10 bags of new books. No matter, I managed to make a stack of books that I will pay for tomorrow (probably after adding more). 

I am grateful for books.

Home!

I am grateful to be home again. I've been away since Friday attending an amazing conference, where I recharged. But I missed my home, my dogs and my students. So I'm grateful to be home. I can't wait to share the books I got with my students tomorrow.

Oops!

There goes my intention to be grateful each day. Strike that, to write about being grateful each day. I have felt gratitude since Friday, mostly for what has kept me busy from early morning to late at night. I am attending the Midwinter meeting of the American Library Association. I'm grateful my school gave me Monday to attend the Youth Media Awards. It's so exciting to be in the room when all the awards are announced!

I'm grateful that my husband came with me although he hasn't seen too much of me.

I'm grateful that we were able to take our youngest son, who lives in the area and his girlfriend out for dinner. 

I'm grateful for the publishers' generosity with librarians - arcs and meal invitations.

I'm grateful for my conference buddies, especially Barb.

The Honesty of Children

This year, I have been meeting with a small group of special needs students almost daily. We worked our way through Odd Weird and Little by Patrick Jennings, then did a bunch of picture books. One of those picture books was Toys Meet Snow by Emily Jenkins. They really enjoyed it so I thought that our next chapter book might be Toys Go Out. They hung in for the first chapter and seemed to enjoy it; but yesterday, I had to stop midway through chapter 2. I finished chapter 2 today but the students seemed disconnected. I don't think they got it. So I asked them if they thought we should continue. One boy, who usually gets the read aloud and can answer questions appropriately said, "I'm just not getting it."

Not the right book at this time. I thanked the students for their honesty and promised that we would find a "just right" book for our next read aloud.

Being an Early Riser

I am a morning dove. Yes, I know the bird is actually called a mourning dove. I am an unapologetic early riser. I love the quiet of the transition between night and day. This morning was uncommonly clear - crisp and cold with a crescent moon rising just ahead of the sun.

I Did it!

I recommitted to my yoga practice two years ago this month after completing chemotherapy and as I was about to start radiation therapy. I started going to a wonderful studio that was recommended by my patient navigator at the hospital where I was treated. The classes were perfect for me, gentle yoga for stress relief, mindful yoga and other gentle yoga classes. Within six months, I was practicing daily and adding some more rigorous classes, including a bone strengthening class. 

I am so grateful to my practice and my teachers at the two studios I use now as well as all the teachers I have had in the past when I practiced occasionally.

I have seen a marked improvement in my flexibility, some improvement in my balance and core strength. I have internalized the mantra, "It's your yoga. No judgment." Whatever I can do on a particular day is fine.

Last night, a favorite new-to-me teacher walked the class through the steps to do a half-headstand and I surprised myself by getting up onto my forearms and balancing with my toes touching! Woot! A first!

I remembered it as soon as I woke up this morning and thought about it several times today with a smile. 

Back to School!

I am lucky in that I love my job. I really love what I do. That said, it was nice to have a leisurely and long break for the winter holidays. I returned today refreshed and ready to greet my students. 

Memories

My youngest son was primarily responsible for decorating our Christmas Tree this year. He did a lovely job.

Of course, he said that I must take a photo of the tree at night to feel the full impact of his lighting design. 

Of course.

I took the tree down today and each ornament he chose to put up had a memory attached.

Thank you K.

Sleep is Good

I woke up rested this morning. I fell asleep with relative ease. I waked every two hours with hot flashes but did not stay awake. 

Happy New Year!

It's a new year, a clean page, a new beginning. But each day is, really. So is each second. I am grateful for the continuous opportunities to start over or hit reset.