Back to School

This is the first week of school for the children in our area. Gunner has his freshman year ahead of him, and Nicolas is now a fourth grader. Lucas starts up kindergarten this Wednesday and Friday. Of course, at this time of the year I think of my teaching days and recall students, experiences, and responsibilities. I'm very thankful for my 33 years as a teacher but certainly appreciate retirement. 

The utility room is where I keep some of my school mementos. The antique school bell was a gift one Christmas from T. K., and the stitched school scene was done by my mother.

The jar holds game pieces and magnetic letters from my classroom days.  The stack beside it shows a small collection of children's books. 

This set shows dearly beloved books. I read them many times to my different classes, especially Ellen Tebbits and Caddie Woodlawn.

When I first started collecting old things, this primitive basket was supposed to be for a child's lunch. Whether it truly was or not, I couldn't say, but I do know I have cherished it for a long time. The worn books beside it were offered to me by a former student. They are very old and coming apart.

I will always be a fan of Crayola products.There's nothing like the smell of a new box of crayons.

The poem below is one I would write on the blackboard and have my students copy in their best handwriting on the first day.

                         First Day of School

I wonder  

if my drawing 

will be as good as theirs.

I wonder 

if they'll like me 

or just be full 

of stares. 

I wonder 

if my teacher 

will look like Mom or Gram.

I wonder 

if my puppy

will wonder 

where I am. 

                        -Aileen Fisher 

From France With Love

Daughter Lauren recently spent a week in Paris, France. She was there on a business trip but stayed two extra days for pleasure. She loved the slower pace of the French people, the beauty of the architecture, the art museums, and more. She took lots of pictures and posted an album on Facebook. I have to pinch myself to believe that my grownup little girl traveled to France on her own and toured the city. She remembered to send her grandmother a postcard, and it is proudly displayed on her bedside table at the nursing home. Lauren brought me these espresso coffee cups that were packaged in a pretty tin. She hit upon two of my favorite things - tins and cups and saucers. Thank you, Lauren, for being such a wonderful daughter and thoughtful person. I could brag on you even more but will restrain myself.

Miscellaneous

Dividing My Time

daily visits to see my mother

booth visits once or twice a week

at home most of the time

It is amazing how fast each week slips by. Plans and projects are often put on the back burner because the daily routines of life dominate. I want to carve out more time for creating...whether it's putting items in a collage, making tags, or filling a canvas with paint. Wishing you time to do the things you want to do...thanks for visiting...Always, Sandy

Some Extra Little Details

The cranberry picker and the tin basket are

on the garage walls near our back door.

Little trees and ornament balls are lined along the computer room windowsill.

The Willow Tree nativity always graces our bedroom mantel.

A small sweet Christmas tin in the laundry room

garland of simple tags

Decorating is more or less finished. I think I have something Christmasy in every room of the house. Last night I hung one last garland in the kids' nook in the utility room. I had some gift tags from Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion magazines that I had never used. The tiny tags made the laundry room a bit cheerier. Yesterday and today I was at my old school attending morning Christmas programs for grandsons Gunner and Garrett. Oh my, the memories that came flooding back as each group stood, took their places, sang or performed. Ah, Christmas will always have special wonder and awe for the little ones, but we adults must hold onto them, too, for we should know the real reason for the season.

Christmas Is Coming!

My day doesn't seem complete unless I open up the blog and post something new. Thank you for taking the time from your busy schedule to visit. I think we all desire the same thing - people to care about us and to share the good times and bad. Christmastime reminds us how precious family and friends are, how much we need meaningful connections. So hug a dear friend. Smile at that person you pass. Tell a family member you love 'em. Thanks again for connecting with me here at B&P.