3: Everyone Has a Story

One part of my life that had helped me become who I am would be my hobbies.

1. Sewing:  Write a one sentence summary about how this topic has affected my life.
2. Quilting
3. Reading
4. Writing
5. Crafting
6. Painting
7. Gardening
8. Creating Websites
9. Book Clubbing
10. Organizing and Planning Events

#2: The Condition of Humanity

People who live with dogs, cats, and other beloved companions know their pets can learn, communicate, and have emotions. Although humanity has these same abilities and needs, we are able to go far beyond our pets' abilities to affect ourselves, one another, and the physical world we live in. The most distinguishing feature of humankind is our inner being that can understand what ishe good and transcendant, but nevertheless at times chooses evil.

One positive about humankind is we always have hopes; other ways to phrase this would be we have visions, desires, aspirations, ambitions, and drives. People naturally reach beyond what they currently have. For example, scientific and medical progress, such as vaccines, results from the vision of people who want to solve human problems. Another illustration of this human quality the pursuit of continual improvements in communication, from the printing press's invention less than 600 years old ago to theChromebooks of today. 

The way people work together to accomplish common goals is another feature of the human condition. Human societies are always trying new ways of...

2: The Condition of Humanity

Assignment:

• Introduction:  Include your definition of human/humanity.
• Body 1:  Positive/Negative
• Body 2:  Positive/Negative
• Conclusion

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Some say that the thumb determines what defines a human.  Hummm...I prefer to think that distinguishes humans from other living beings is the existence of the inner being.  Because of that, humans, in all their unique features, often display quite unique outward characteristics, as well. (2 CX, 1 S)

One concern I have about humanity within this current time frame shouts out in voices of those who will not lose.

A definite positive of this era of humanity would be

In essence,

1: Reflection on Qtr 1

Those sophomores!  High energy, expressive talkers, brownie-eating inhalers, everyday this is who they are.  Yay!  This I like.  What I have not enjoyed so much was the choice of content for this first quarter.  Therefore, this quarter consists of perks and changes.

How do I know who is in my classroom?  The noise level.  'Tis true.  The younger the students...the louder the group is.  True story.  The older the students...the quieter the classroom when I stand at the door awaiting the bell to ring.  Why is this?  Hummm...maturity?  Social ambitions?  Do not work after-school jobs as much?  Maybe all true?  Or do they just enjoy...in their own ways...arriving in the living room of Cafe 16?  Yes!

Within our curriculum, I foresee a major change!  As in, huge!  Never again, do I plan to teach/lead The Tragedy of Julius Caesar in the first quarter.  First, too much set-up occurs and digs into the time needed to read/discuss/write about this drama.  Two, this one is not my favorite.  (Sorry, Shakespeare!) I would love for our department to consider a comedy for the fourth quarter...along with our humorous genres.  Fun!

All in all, this has been the quickest and most enlightening quarter...maybe in all of my 28 Quarter 1's?  (How can that be!?  Twenty-eight quarters...and some keep telling me I am just 29! On this, I need to ponder!)  On that note, though, I am looking forward much to the next quarter...fall, thankful moments, and the Christmas season.  Yes...much on which to think, chat, write, and reflect.  Bring "it" on!

Book Review: Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind

Ann B. Ross's Miss Julia series is a hoot!  The first novel Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind introduces the reader to a 60+ recent widow, a woman who soon learns of her deceased husband's secret past, which includes a very young son, all of which changes Miss Julia's life...for the better.

Written in first person point of view, Ross takes the readers inside the mind of this Southern, genteel lady who lives up to the title of the novel.  Faced with one adversity after another, Miss Julia is presented with ample opportunity to speak:  from a money-hungry, not-so-supportive pastor to the significant other of who Miss Julia comes to the aid when Hazel knocks on her door needing her assistance to survive.

Characterization is this author's strength, painting pictures with words of every individual:  the housekeeper who is also Miss Julia's truest friend, the lawyers who assist Miss Julie, always supporting her.  We ride theroller coaster of emotions with Miss Julia as she confronts her emotions surrounding a cheating husband who then, in death, still continues to hurt her, threatening to leave her destitute.  The reader witnesses a reformation within this once docile woman who experiences an evolution to a steel-backed leader.

Many lessons may be taken from this novel:  women are stronger than they appear, peace of mind is to be valued above all else, remaining true to one's self should be every woman's goal.  All are themes easily supported, all lessons that females could attach.  Definitely a novel that favors the female role, this read reminds us, teaches us lessons that strengthen a woman, encouraging her to be just a bit more than she thought she could be.

As I read, I continually thought of Julia Sugarbaker from Designing Women, of the ladies from the book series The Women of Ladybug Farm, of women in the movie Steel Magnolias; all of which depict women who may appear soft of the exterior but, when challenged, grow backbones of steel, defending their own to the point of risking themselves.  I suppose what was most appealing, most constant, was the vein of humor that ran throughout the novel...as it did in all the above connections.  Humor:  healing, relieving, sustaining...just downright funny..flowing to all parts of the body of this novel.

If you enjoy series, especially one that focuses on females in the more dominant gender role, then please consider reading this novel...and the thirteen others that follow.

Book Review: A Break with Charity

Hook:  Choose one of the five types.  AND....
Thesis:  Zusak’s The Book Thief mesmerized me with its haunting tale and unique style.

Body Paragraph 1

Body Paragraph 2

Body Paragraph 3

Conclusion = Recommendation

6: Leadership...Mrs. Gillmore's Perspective

"A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way," says John C. Maxwell.  Some might call this servant leadership since this type of leadership is not just about barking out the orders and overseeing but digging in and working with those in the trenches.  Therefore, the best leaders lead by example.

The leaders I respect the most display the following:  honesty, humility, and genuineness, why at the same time being innovative (ever-learning) and loyal.  In my 28 years in education, I have worked for all kinds of leaders; some I respected; some I did not. 

My first superintendent was this very type of leader.  He set the bar high.

In Julius Caesar, the Soothsayer, while many may not construe him as a mighty leader not, does demonstrate the characteristics listed above.  This character...

Thus,