The Turquoise Attic

There is a view from the window in the turquoise attic.  It is filled with the beach, lapping ocean waves, softness and a dog on a roof.

A span of highway leads from one place to another while a concrete wall holds back the ocean.

Today there is a gathering of people in old-fashioned bathing suits shivering in an icy wind.

I always feel it is my own private view.  It always gives me peace to be beside my window.  Even though, sometimes I dream of a scrubby cedar glade.

The ocean mist and fog roll in some mornings before the hot sun burns it away.

In the distance is an outline of the island...Martha's Vineyard swarming with the wealthy.

And closer, below is Cliff Walk, covered in beautiful pink roses... a meandering seaside path leading to opulence.

A Teacher's Heart

I remember wondering how to reach him.
I remember wondering "why doesn't  he like me?"
I remember adjusting my teaching for 1 student.
I remember sitting at his table trying to pull something, anything, out.

I don't remember anything specific that helped.
I don't remember his final grade.
I don't remember his class rank at graduation.

I remember the tears and happiness I felt when he came back.
I remember feeling shocked and amazed that he was thanking me.
I don't remember the exact moment he changed from a boy to a man.

Spring!

Woohoo! Its spring at Fort Cedar!  For some reason I feel so relieved that it is finally April.  Only 2 months of school left and we have some big plans for Fort Cedar this year.  I am not taking students on a trip abroad this year.  I miss it when I don't travel but I am going to focus on home this year.  Here is what we are planning for summer 2011:

• screen in front porch
• garden
• CHICKENS!

I am so excited about my chickens, I think about them everyday:)  We have had chickens before and I love them.  My mom and I went to a "chicken class" a month ago and it was a fun day and now I am armed with all sorts of fabulous information about feeding, care and breeds of chicken.  But alas, I must wait until school is out so that I can be a good momma to those baby chicks. 
Baseball is in full swing now.  Little C jammed his finger last week and I was sure it was broken but it is much better and no longer purple. (never a good look for a jr high boy's finger:))  Big C is finishing up his first year of college and looking for summer employment ( at a golf course of course).
I am finishing up projects and team responsibilities and looking to the end of year frenzy that begins this time of year.  I have two conferences to attend this summer, one in Nashville! I can't wait. 
I plan to post a current picture of Fort Cedar soon but until then I wanted to get rid of the snow picture and think WARM!  Have a wonderful week and thanks for visiting.
Living blessed and with a joyful heart,
Gigi

Resolutions 2011

Okay okay I have read all the stuff out there about not making resolutions for the new year, "its ok to delete things from your life..."dont want to burden myself with unrealistic or negative ideas". Blah blah blah...I LOVE to think about and set New Year's resolutions. Yes, many times I can't even remember what they were by March, but who cares? I enjoy striving for improvement and at this time of year I get to hear other peoples ideas too! I always want to lose weight and don't even really make that my resolution anymore because I obviously have more important things to accomplish than buying tiny jeans! In an earlier post I tossed out a few ideas and I am still thinking about all of those, but, since I have to go back to work tomorrow, I decided to put a couple down and work on the rest over the next month. Maybe this is why I like resolutions, I dont play by the rules:)

I am committing these to writing in a public space so maybe if you ask me I will remember these by spring break!

1. Time with God every morning.

This is critical for me at this point. I have a lot of roles to fill, responsibilities to meet, people who are counting on me....God has blessed me with much and I must stay connected to carry out His plan. I plan to read my Bible each morning using various reading plans, journal my prayers and memorize scripture. I will be asking God to create the fruit of the spirit in me. I need to replace hurry, worry,and bad language with love, gentleness and self control...wait no, I need to seek God's will for those things to be created in my life that will glorify Him.

2. Water and fresh food

I am not very good at restricting food cravings(see self control above). I resolve to drink more water and eat fresh fruit and vegetables. So my resolution is about adding healthy habits instead of taking things away. Along with this, dinner at the table more...every night is probably not realistic but certainly most nights can be accomplished.

Ok, so there you have it. I feel like these are the two most important changes I can make in 2011. I have many other hopes, dreams and goals and Big C and Little C still need me so I must be strong this year! Oh and my choice of picture above? Quiet time, God's beautiful creation, and water!
I hope everyone who reads this, all 6 of you :), are excited and ready for a year of new adventure filled with everyday blessings and little luxuries. If you made resolutions and feel like sharing I would love to hear them!

Living blessed and joyful at Fort Cedar,

Gigi