Two years ago today, I edited the last sentence of the first book I wrote, 1000 Paper Cranes. As I shut the cover of my manuscript, a tear rolled down my cheek. It was like saying goodbye to an old friend, shutting that cover for the last time. I had spent two years writing about … Continue reading Memory – 1000 Paper Cranes
How to Write a Memoir
In my classes right now, we are studying memoirs and William Zinsser's commentary on writing memoirs. In his essay, "How to Write a Memoir," Zinsser offers some advice. The four big tenets that we've focused on in my class are: 1. Be Yourself 2. Speak Freely 3. Tell Your Truth 4. Think Small He also … Continue reading How to Write a Memoir
Review – How to Experience Death for Beginners by Jessica Branton
So many updates in the Pluckyverse, I don't even know where to begin. The semester started off crazy with me taking on way more responsibilities than I could manage and somehow getting them done. What that meant, though, was my reading life suffered and my blogging life became nearly nonexistent. But I am back and … Continue reading Review – How to Experience Death for Beginners by Jessica Branton
A Full-time Job
There is so much about being a teacher that I never realized before I became one myself. I never realized that being a teacher meant weekend emails and texts, PTA meetings, painting classrooms. I didn't understand what it meant to design the perfect zone for students to feel like they belonged; I didn't realize that it meant more than placing your tables in exactly the right place.
A Look Back and a Look Ahead
Happy 2019, readers! We may be war torn, scarred, battered, and bruised, but we somehow made it through 2018 mostly intact. It was a rough year, y'all. I don't know about you, but my 2018 was filled with only highs and lows. It didn't feel like I had that many average days. As I type … Continue reading A Look Back and a Look Ahead
Learning to Forgive Yourself
When you look back at the road map of your life, does it look like you expected it to? Did you expect the twists and turns? Did you expect the detours you were forced to take? Do you regret them? I don't regret the path my life has taken, not by any means. I don't … Continue reading Learning to Forgive Yourself
Review – Becoming Starlight by Sharon Prentice, PhD
A few months ago, I was contacted and asked to review a book about a Shared Death Experience (SDE). Honestly, I was a little leery. I had to do some research on the author and on the concept of SDE before I would commit to a book about it. But I do enjoy learning and … Continue reading Review – Becoming Starlight by Sharon Prentice, PhD
Giving Hands
This weekend, I went with some of my students to ring the bells for the Salvation Army. I love taking time to give back to my community, and I love it even more when I can share that experience with my students. I am aware that my life is a life of privilege and any … Continue reading Giving Hands
The Restorative Properties of Hallmark Movies
Today, I curled up in bed, exhausted from Thanksgiving and Black Friday and ready to dive into a good book. My 50-pound mutt climbed up in the bed with me and snuggled up (don't tell my wife. We don't allow dogs in the bed.) I didn't like the silence, so I turned on the Hallmark Channel … Continue reading The Restorative Properties of Hallmark Movies
Review – The Golden Sequence by Jonni Pollard
The Golden Sequence by Jonni Pollard I recently had the opportunity to read The Golden Sequence by Jonni Pollard. This book came as a surprise to me, just bundled in with another book I had been asked to review. Let me tell you, surprise books are the best kind of surprise. The Golden Sequence is … Continue reading Review – The Golden Sequence by Jonni Pollard
