Last SOL for March - #31 Easter

Today is the last Slice of Life for March! This wonderful challenge was created by Stacey and Ruth of "Two Writing Teachers". It gave us all an opportunity to write daily and share these slices for our lives for one full month. I,  for one, am sorry to see it finish. Yest there will be slices on Tuesday so we will be able to keep in touch. I am so hoping that this discipline of writing daily will continue.

Many slicers have written about really paying attention, really noticing those moments in our days which can spark our writing.
I liken this to the weekly  photography challenge I do called  "Shadow Shot Sunday" - because I am always on the lookout for shadows no matter where I am.
Now, I will be actively searching for those small moments that can lead me to write daily.

This may be the end of SOL March but it is really a beginning - of a habit of writing, of paying closer attention, of new friendships.

Thank you to all who visited, who commented with such encouraging, supportive words. It has been a grand month!

                  Happy Easter - one and all!

SOL #30 - March 30th

Today is day 30 of the Slice of Life March, the writing challenge sponsored and run by Stacey and Ruth of "Two Writing Teachers".
After today, there is only one more slice for March. I have made it to the end (well almost -  1 to go) and am proud of that. I will continue with the Tuesday Slice.

This year Easter and the whole lead up to it has not been what I have been used to. We have not attended church in the past couple of months. I miss the music, the prayers, communion. I miss the community of worshippers. Every day, I read  from "Our Daily Bread", I try to enter prayers and gratitudes. but it is not the same.

A few times I was able to take part in the Walk with the cross - not this year.
In my old church, there was a sunrise Easter service - there are none here. There is something about seeing the sun rise and singing ":Hallelujah ".

Easter is a joyous time and I plan to go to church. I have missed it. A new beginning. A time to rejoice

When I was young, I can always remember going to church with a new bonnet and dress. Now I seldom wear a hat.
One of the most joyous services was Palm Sunday in Montreal, when we visited my in-laws. Children and older people came in waving palms branches and we all sang. Very uplifting.

I realize this is a hodgepodge of memories and thoughts. But, I wrote as I thought  and remembered
- rather than edit and change.

SOL #29 - March 29th

Today is day 29 of the Slice of Life March, the writing challenge sponsored and run by Stacey and Ruth of "Two Writing Teachers".
There are only two more days left - hard to believe. This month of writing has been a challenge at times but a blessing as well. It has reinforced in me the need to write. It has also opened me  up to so many wonderful people. There has been so much  honesty and such heartfelt posts.  I feel much closer to several wonderful women.

 We looked after my husband's son's 3 - almost 4 - year old.  I had forgotten just how exhausting that can be. He arrived at 9 and his dad picked him up at 5. In between, we:
- played cars
-taught him how to do dominoes
-read several books
-made paper bunnies
-dyed eggs
-drew pictures
-watched TV
--made paper Easter eggs
-answered at least a hundred "whys"
-fed him lunch and several snacks
-wiped his nose many times
-gave him one 2 minute timeout
-watched "Toy Story 3" (my first time)
-and listened to many stories

We collapsed on the couch after he left and could have napped!

SOL #28 - march 28th

Today is day 28 of the Slice of Life March, the writing challenge sponsored and run by Stacey and Ruth of "Two Writing Teachers".
There are only 3 days left. This month of writing is almost over - and I am actually ad to see it finish. There are some amazing people taking part. I will be going back to catch up on days I just could not read many posts.

Today I received the painting I won in the  "Paint Party Friday Auction to Benefit Sandy Hook Elementary School".
Not only is it an amazing painting by Kristin Dudish, but it was a very worthwhile auction. I know everyone was deeply effected by the deaths at Sandy Hook. As a teacher it still haunts me.
I joined the 26 RAK for Sandy Hook in February and still look for ways to support the community.
So, when I saw the auction advertised, I visited all the artists involved.

It was Kristin's painting "26 Hearts` that really moved me. On her website, she described the creation of her painting. in great detail. I loved that her 6 year old son Tyler even helped in its creation.

Over 4 days I kept checking and bidding up when I needed to. Then on the final night, I stayed up late to ensure I would win it. It was so nerve-racking as sometimes in an auction you miss by seconds. But I was the highest bidder and today I actually have it hanging on my wall. Kristin sent a few other special things as well. Thank you Kristin and Tyler!
I feel very blessed.

SOL # 26 - March 26th

Today is day 26 of the Slice of Life March, the writing challenge sponsored and run by Stacey and Ruth of "Two Writing Teachers".
There are only a few days left - hard to believe. This month of writing has pased quickly and has almost become a habit.

Each morning I get 2 newspapers and skim through them as I have my breakfast. I tear out stories that I need to read in depth for after supper.

This morning i was looking for an article about the 1,600 km walk by young native people, from a reserve in northern Quebec to the nation's capitol in Ottawa. I had seen the news report last night that they had arrived in Ottawa after walking through the winter months. The walk started with one youth and gradually added over 300 native people as he walked through communities. They were trying to bring the plight of native people in Canada to the government's attention.

There was very little support from the government to celebrate their trek when they arrived..
In the Toronto paper there was 1 picture on page 6 with 2 lines. In our local paper there was a longer article but on page 12 of the classifieds.

Our illustrious prime minister chose to be in Toronto to greet the most important pandas from China who will be in Canada for 10 years. It says a lot about this Harper government where their priorities are.

SOL #25 - March 25th

It is day 25 of the Slice of Life March, a wonderful challenge being held by Stacey and Ruth at "Two Writing Teachers". Less than a week to go - this month has gone by quickly.


We were shopping Sunday afternoon at Costco and it was packed. Shopping there is not one of my favourite things to do - except for visiting the book section. And again, I did not leave without a book ( and a magazine)
"Stretching for 50+/ Core Strength for 50+ by Dr. Karl Knopf looks to be the perfect book for what I need now. My flexibility, especially in my knee is poor. I start a  new round of physio today.

My husband bought me a spring bouquet of flowers.This is his favourite place to buy flowers - usually roses.

 He has done this  almost every 2 weeks (unless we have a plant) since we started dating 13 years ago. That is a lot of flowers,.We both love flowers on our dining room table. They are lovely to look at and smell. They do give joy

.One of my joy cards (which I have been making regularly  this year - it is my word of the year) fits this well.

I had been talking about this with the secretary at my school.at Valentine's. My husband had sent me roses at school and she had brought them to me. I told her that he does this every 2 weeks or so. She said her husband had better not waste their money on flowers - they just die. She would rather have a sweater!

Yes, the flowers will die eventually, but they do give so much joy while they are here.

What's your opinion?

SOL #24 -March 24th

Today is day 24 of the Slice of Life March, the writing challenge sponsored and run by Stacey and Ruth of "Two Writing Teachers".
There is only a week left - hard to believe. It has definitely become a necessity to write each day. I only hope I can continue on my own. Having the accountability and the camaraderie of the SOL has been a great help.

Saturday morning my husband attended a retirement workshop put on by OTIP. There were some gloomy statistics and information. Besides information about pensions and insurance there was some advice about retiring:

We have to reinvent ourselves - we are no longer defined by our past lives.

Lifelong learning will keep our minds active.

Ask yourself:    Where am I today?
                         Where do I want to be?
                          How am I going to get there?


Everyone has a money story. What is mine?

Retirement is more than just money - it's about finding the right emotional and financial balance.

Retire to something, not from something.



It was a valuable workshop. I have some more tools to assess whether this is the year to retire. It also really started the dialogue with my husband about when I need/want/should retire.

SOL#23 - March 23rd

Today is day 23 of the Slice of Life March, the writing challenge sponsored and run by Stacey and Ruth of "Two Writing Teachers".

The weekend has arrived! But it will be busy, just as this week has.
Friday was my student teacher's last day with us. She has been practice teaching here for 4 weeks. I am really sorry to see her go, as were the children.
She will be an asset to the profession - she had such a wonderful rapport with the children and developed several excellent units. It was Lisa who suggested robots to end the 3D geometry unit.
She is hoping to teach in Italy and then England for a year.

Today was also our marble party - a party the children earn by filling a jar with marbles by performing cohesively as a group. It was great that it worked out for Lisa's last day!
The children planned their party and wanted food (of course), pjs and stuffies and electronics.
A fun time was had by all.

I even learned a new game - if I had a smartphone I might become addicted: 4Pics and a word. I love word games - this would be on a lot!

My husband and I then had supper out at Swiss Chalet (a chicken place we love), as a gift from Lisa. What a lovely start to the weekend.

SOL#22 - March 22

Today is day 22 of the Slice of Life March, the writing challenge sponsored and run by Stacey and Ruth of "Two Writing Teachers".
It is hard to believe we are heading into the last week of March and the last few days of Slice of Life for March. I wasn't too sure at the start that I would be able to complete a daily slice. But creating the slice before bedtime and scheduling to go online for 2:30 a.m.,  has worked very well. I am even up past midnight many nights and can post sooner and post to the "Two Writing Teachers"

Thursday my husband and I attended  a Bowfire concert in Brantford.
We had first seen this group 7 years ago and actually appeared on their DVD. (2 seconds worth - don't blink or you'll miss us!)

Tonight there were 7 fiddlers extraordinaire. Both fiddle and violin music was played; there was stepdancing and several vocals. It  was an amazing show.
Of course we bought their new cd - most of the music that was played  is on the cd.
We came out of the theatre to find our car had almost been towed! We had parked in the tour bus's spot - someone had moved the pylons. Luckily for us someone came to our rescue and we arrived just as the bus was ready to move back!

All in all a wonderful night.

Here is a link to Bowfire -

SOL #21 - March 21

Today is day 21 of the Slice of Life March, the writing challenge sponsored and run by Stacey and Ruth of "Two Writing Teachers".

I read an excellent article Wednesday morning entitled
"Nourish, don't discourage, children's creativity" by Don Morgenson, a professor of psychology at Wilfrid Laurier University.

He states:
"...while our children's intelligence scores were rising, creativity scores have dropped."
While this drop in creativity may be attributed to too much TV and video games and passive play, Mr. Morgenson states that many people "focus their concerns on our public schools which,... are simply not fostering creativity in our children."

I can believe this. Schools are now focused on achieving higher levels on provincial/state tests. Many teachers teach to the test and so much time is spent on language and math that the arts are sacrificed.

Children need art and music and drama.They need to engage in creative thinking activities regularly.

How sad that the very things that give joy, are denied children in school.
I must be a very old-fashioned teacher, as I make sure we do art every week. If I can teach a concept in math or science or social studies and I can bring in art, music or drama, I will.

Case in point was our robots -  this was how we celebrated the unit on 3D geometry and introduced the unit on measurement. Monday, they wrote about their robots in a cooperative group story and then presented their robots, complete with names and story.
We spent 2 afternoons on this, but achieved so much. The children will not remember that we did worksheets on 3D or measurement - they will remember the joy of creating and cooperating.

SOL #20 - March 20th and WOYWW

Today is day 20 of the Slice of Life March, the writing challenge sponsored and run by Stacey and Ruth of "Two Writing Teachers".
After talking about fear and driving yesterday, I thought I'd just say that the drives to school and back were a little bit of a challenge. I got home safe and knew I needed to do something to really relax before bed.
I got my school work done first and then set up my long table in the family room so that I could create papers.
Just playing with paint and the gelli plate is a de-stressor for me. I could feel the tension leave my shoulders.
I only need 30-40 minutes of art time to relax fully.

One of the memes (special art  challenges each week) that I occasionally take part in is WOYWW
(What's on Your Workdesk? Wednesday). It is fun to check what other artists have happening on their workdesks.
This was mine Tuesday night!

.
(The gelli plate, roller and paints)

(Stencils I used and some of the prints I created)

(Some of the delicious papers created when rolling off extra paint from the roller or stencils - great for backgrounds)

What do you do for relaxation?

SOL#19 - march 19th

Today is day 19 of the Slice of Life March, the writing challenge sponsored and run by Stacey and Ruth of "Two Writing Teachers". Some topics are much easier to find than other. Today's is a result of the weather.

We are getting freezing rain reports and have been all night (I am writing this at 10 pm Monday).  I don't know what the morning will bring but I am already worried.

Freezing rain had been threatened most of the day and I had been watching the weather throughout the school day. At 3 pm, the snowflakes started. I was on prep so I got my things ready to go home. I get anxious with reports of snow and freezing rain. I have never had a full-blown  anxiety attack, but I have come close.

Twenty-eight years ago I fell asleep behind the wheel of a car, rolled to the side of the road and then, when I was jarred awake, I pulled the car back onto the road, causing it to roll across the highway. My daughter still has the scars across her forehead and I still suffer from the whiplash I received. But we were very lucky. We had been moving from Alberta back to Ontario and had been driving for 24 hours straight. My husband
( now my ex thank God), refused to stop in Winnipeg where I had family.

It took me a year before I drove again. But the fear was there and still exerts its ugly hold on me. I cannot drive on major highways (like the 401). I find it difficult to drive to new places. It takes many repetitions before I am comfortable with the new route. I know my children always were upset because I couldn't drive some places. I tried to find alternatives for them,
Even today, my husband does all the driving when we go anywhere, especially on a long trip. It is hard on him I know, but the fear is so deep, I cannot drive. He is very understanding - he has never forced me to do what I feel I cannot do.

So back to the freezing rain. When the weather turns bad, I can feel the fear rising. I have driven at times with other teachers to work and I have called in sick - as I usually have a migraine by this time.
I know I am a good driver, I know my 1/2 hour route to school, but the fear is always there when the weather is iffy.
I say a prayer every time I get in the car - to be surrounded by angels, to be protected.
I wish I could be different and just get in the car and drive. I have thought of taking another driving course but I have not been able to force myself to.

Hopefully, the morning will not be as bad as I am imagining now.

SOL # 18 - March 18th

Today is day 18 of the Slice of Life March, the writing challenge sponsored and run by Stacey and Ruth of "Two Writing Teachers".

Today is March 18th  and my Dad's birthday. If  he had still been alive he would have been 90 today!  Yet he has been gone for 41 years.

My Dad was born in Scotland but grew up in Winnipeg. He ended up joining the navy at 17 because he wanted to see the world. He got as far as Halifax and was on several destroyers there. The only story I heard him talk about was the time a German sub surrendered. He had a large photo of the surrender document as well as photos of his ships.

He married during the war - to my older brother's mother. She would die of Hodgekin's  disease when my brother was 2.

 My dad obtained his degree in business with honours through the veterans department and then went on to a long career with the bank.

When my brother was 5, he married my Mom and I was born a year later. Two more sons and another daughter were born in the years to follow.

We moved from Winnipeg, to Montreal and then to Toronto.
 My Dad moved up the ladder in the bank , became a manger and then head of a division. He was well respected even though he could not tolerate fools. He was never a yes-man.

At the age of 49 he died, from an accident. At his funeral, I remember the custodian at his branch saying that he would greatly miss Dad - that he always inquired after his family members by name.

It was from my Dad that I got my love of books and my math ability. I also got his build and hair!
He was an extrovert,  a man who could talk with anyone about anything.

My Dad never got to see me graduate from university, marry or see my children.  It was my Mom who walked me down the aisle for my first wedding and my sons when I married the second time.

I think about him a lot, especially on these special days.

 Happy birthday Dad!

SOL #17- March 17th

Today is day 17 of the Slice of Life March, the writing challenge sponsored and run by Stacey and Ruth of "Two Writing Teachers". We are now more than halfway through the challenge. I wouldn't say it is becoming easier, but it is becoming more of a habit and I actively seek out ideas now. It has lead to more writing in other areas as well.

Happy St. Patrick's Day! A day to celebrate the Irish and all things Irish. Leprechauns, rainbows, green beer.

Ireland is a beautiful country, one I would love to visit one day.

It is too bad that each of us does not have a special day to celebrate the countries of our ancestors. Most of us originated from other lands. In my case, my father was born in  Scotland as were all his family. My mother's family was from Norway - my mom was the only one born in Canada.

I have been to Scotland and loved the rolling hills, the castles, the history of the place.I love the bagpipes, the   kilts, the heather.

I have never been to Norway though and neither had my Mom. I know about the fjords, the rosemaling (beautiful folk art) and the food ( we had many a feast when we visited the tantas when I was growing up!).
Someday I would like to visit and learn more.

(top of a stool painted by my aunt)


I have traced our family tree, from both sides and it is fascinating to see old documents and pictures. Someday i would like to trace where the families lived and died and maybe even find more relatives.

SOL #16 - March 16th

Today is day 16 of the Slice of Life March, the writing challenge sponsored and run by Stacey and Ruth of "Two Writing Teachers". Writing a new slice each day has been a bit of a challenge - sometimes the ideas come quickly and other times it is a bit of a struggle.

Pamela Hodges' post yesterday really struck me as a very useful guide to getting projects completed. I am a great starter - always on the lookout for new ideas. But, at times, I struggle to finish some of these projects.

Pamela's steps just make sense:

1. Have an end goal in mind.

2. Set a date to ship.

3. Break down the process into steps.

4. Be disciplined and follow your plan.

I decided that I needed to try it - maybe it would help me to finish a number of projects I have waiting to be finished.

My first step was to choose 5 distinct projects.

1.  Get healthy/ lose weight/ exercise  - this is ongoing and I start and stop. I even started a blog to keep track.

2. Edit a children's story I wrote and had assessed. I would like to edit it and submit it.

3. Finish writing a children's story I started to  write.

4. Finish setting up my" art studio".

5. Finish an afghan that I started many years ago - just needs the squares joined.

Over the weekend, I plan to go through each of these goals and set up a plan as prescribed by Pamela to complete them.

Wish me luck! (Thanks Pamela for great advice!)

SOL#15 - March 15th

Today is day 15 of the Slice of Life March, the writing challenge sponsored and run by Stacey and Ruth of "Two Writing Teachers". Writing a new slice each day has been a bit of a challenge - sometimes the ideas come quickly and other times the inspiration is lacking.

Today marked the end of tests that i had lined up this week.

After waiting almost a year, I got in yesterday to see the orthopedic surgeon about my right knee and left hip. Well, actually, I saw an orthopedic physiotherapist who gave me an assessment after looking at my xrays.
She was very thorough. She even showed me what was wrong with my knee and offered advice about treatment. I am not needing surgery for a while, but I do need physio. She gave me  a script detailing what is needed. Apparently, my knee is throwing my left hip out and I now have bursitis in it.
I had been having physio for my knee from July to Dec. She did not seem too impressed with the lack of exercises from them.  I need to build up the muscles around my knee.

I wish I had gotten in last year - it might have saved me a lot of pain and money.  Oh well, better late than never. Now I need to track done a good physio.

Today,  I had the ultrasound that may finally  find out what is causing the pain in my upper abdomen. I am thinking gallbladder, but will have to wait til next week for the results.

So, it was good that we did not plan to go away this March Break. We got some rest, I got tests done and was able to do some art. My husband as well is looking more rested and we have had lots of time together. All in all, a relaxing March Break.

SOL#14 - March 14th

Today is day 14 of the Slice of Life March, the writing challenge sponsored and run by Stacey and Ruth of "Two Writing Teachers". Inspiration for each day comes in different ways - sometimes more difficult than others.

Yesterday was a history-making day in the Catholic church. A New World Pope was chosen - as the headlines in our local paper put it. I had watched the news over the last few days, especially as a cardinal from Canada seemed to be in the running.

I am not Catholic, although mu husband is. One of my dearest friends from childhood  is as well and I spent much time in her home growing up. I had many faith discussions with her parents and uncle, who was a priest.

So, i along with millions of people, followed the news. I will be very interesting to see what this new pope, Francis I will do for the church. There are many areas that need to be addresses. As many have said, Francis is a holy man, a humble man. Maybe this will be a breath of fresh spirituality in the church.

SOL #13 - March 13th

Here we are on day 13 of the Slice of Life March - a writing challenge hosted by Stacey and Ruth at "Two Writing Teachers". It has been a bit of a challenge, but well worth the effort - especially the chance to meet the other slicers.

I was trying to plan what I would create for the collage for "Collage Obsession's" art challenge this week. The theme was "fairy tales" and instead of art, my first thought was a modern fairy tale. I hope to adapt it to a collage later.

A Modern Fairy Tale

Once upon a time in a land not too far away, a young girl dreamed of being a writer and an artist. She wrote stories and drew pictures.
But she grew up and put away her dreams. She became a teacher, married, had children, divorced, remarried. Then her children moved out and began their own lives.

Slowly, those old dreams began to resurface. She painted and collaged, took some courses and made art.
One day, she picked up a pen and wrote a story and then another.

Those childhood dreams had blossomed. She dared to call herself an artist and a writer.

Dreams, not matter how old (50 years!!), can become real.

SOL #12 - March 12th Books

Today is Day 12 of the Slice of Life March - a daily writing challenge held at "Two Writing Teachers" and run by Stacey and Ruth. It is challenging - not so much the writing as finding the topic each day to focus on.

I loved Andrea's post "Books, Books and More Books" on the 9th. It was well written and had me chuckling and nodding in agreement.I too collect books - I have 8 bookcases and still more books in boxes.

Not even a day later though, I was out buying more books at Chapters - books I really don't need - I really need to cull or read what I do have.

But spend I did and got quite a variety of books (most from the bargain section):

A bio written by Michael Moore for my husband

"The Happy Book" for my student teacher
(at least not all the books are for me!)

"The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green - a YA novel I have been wanting to read since last year

Another book by Elizabeth Berg "The Last Time I Saw You" - an author I  do enjoy

2 art books: "Paper Made" by Kayte Terry (101 Paper projects)
                    "The Art of Drawing and Painting Horses - something I would like to master

As well, I got several other books from the bargain bin, as well as 3 magazines (one the Somerset Studio art magazine - love the art in it).

Magazines are another weakness. I inherited the magazine gene from my mother and have passed it onto my daughter and even my husband. At least I recycle them - they either go to school for different projects or are given to friends.

I have several books on the go -   what I read will depend on my mood :

"The Hobbit" - have to finish it soon if we want to see the movie on the big screen!
"Into the Abyss" by Carol Shaben - a true story I clearly remember about a plane crash in Alberta
"In the Garden of the Beasts" byn Erik Larsen - another WWII book, a true story

I will probably put these on hold though while I read John Green's story!

What is your favourite read of the year so far? I just finished " The House I Loved" by Tatiana de Rosnay, author of Sarah's Key - I enjoyed it.

SOL #11 - March 11th Jack Layton

This is Day 11 of the Slice of Life March, a wonderful challenge organized by Stacey and Ruth of "Two Writing Teachers", as a way to encourage us to write daily.

Sunday night I watched the bio movie of Jack Layton. For those who don't know him, he was the leader of the federal New Democratic Party in Canada, and came very close to uspetting the Conservatives in the 2011 election.

   
Tragically, he died Aug. 22, 2011 after another bout of cancer at the age of 61.

Watching it made me more aware of his earlier life, but it also reinforced the great loss of this man to Canada. What he stood for, and what he represented, would have transformed Canadian politics.
Now we have a government that represents big business and has little concern for the average Canadian, let alone the environment.

On his deathbed  Jack wrote a letter to Canadians that should be posted in every household and read each day. We need to change the greed /profit is everything/ that pervades our society.

Here is part of it:

Oh, if we only would!