These days, I’m finding the best place to focus is on tiny little miracles that unfold in life every minute of every day. They bloom like the fields in this picture. Subtle little bits of happiness sprinkle over life like confetti. We just need to stop long enough to recognize them for what they are. Miracles.
These days, I’m grateful that in my golden years, I’m able to rise at an early hour, take a nice hot shower, dress in pretty new clothing, get in Barbie’s Jeep, and drive to work. A revised schedule was what I needed. Perhaps a little more difficult adjustment at my advanced age, but certainly what was needed to take a look at myself through a new lens. Living along, one can become complacent and stale. Never a good thing when creating the best life possible.
Today is professional dress day. I plan to look my best and slay the day. It’s so easy to look outward and find fault in every direction. The only controllable thing in my life is my thoughts and actions. There’s the award winning master teacher deep inside. I need to be her for just a few more months. That spiffed up Teacher-Gal is ready for a great week.
Somedays, I think I am really afflicted with some kind of hyper-active disorder of the brain. As the weeks go by, the traits of a master teacher are awakening. There is only one focus from 8:40 – 3:05. Well, actually, 20 focuses. My Littles. Mrs. Hurt is out of retirement until June 2. God brought me these Littles for specific reasons yet to unfold. I need to be at my best for them.
Oliver is not having our new schedule. Only seeing his new girlfriend on the weekends, he’s boycotting food and moping around the house like the lovelorn pup that he has become. Meeting this girlfriend has been the best thing for him although, together, the two are quite a handful. Color coordinated friends, they’re like children that push the limits of their play until one gets a little too rough. It’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt. It’s fun to see him as the dog he is instead of my shadow.
This week, preparations are in full swing for Parent-Teacher Conferences which are right around the corner. I love this time of year. I’m looking forward to sitting down with parents to share the progress we’re making. My kiddos are an amazing group of children that are learning, growing, and changing every day. No one will value this information more than their parents. I have one chance to get each meeting right. 40 parents are depending on me to do just that.
With Halloween looming, we finished our first craft project on Friday. We made “Leaf Men”. The kids loved working with glue sticks, leaves, googly eyes, and construction paper. It made me realize I need to spend a little more time on Pinterest to find some more craft projects for Halloween. (Google — The Leaf Man — Cute story my Littles loved).
The Mysterious Marine and I had a wonderful weekend dining, shopping, and working on household projects. The Biggest Little City just west of here provided the perfect assortment of stores unavailable in our town. It’s nice to go to a big city once in awhile, but it’s even nicer to return home to our dusty little wide spot in the road. Mustangs have long since moved out of the Biggest Little City. I understand why, being a true country girl myself.
Whatever you do today, look for those miracles that shine around you. Something as simple as the perfect breeze on a sunny day should remind us all that life is so precious and beautiful. Whether it’s a child’s smile or a conversation with a dear friend, find the positives on which to focus. Believe there is good in the world. Be the good.
More tomorrow.