My word for 2011

Can you believe it is already 2011?? The time is passing so quickly and I feel as though I am barely keeping up.....just treading water...trying to stay afloat. I want to absorb every moment.... really let it sink in and "feel" it...... but even with the best intentions I am simply just trying to keep my head above water....trying to take snapshots of life's moments in my head so I can remember all that is happening around me.

I was reflecting on 2010 the other day and spent some time thinking about the word I had chosen to represent the year. I had to smile big because looking back I can't think of a better word to describe last year then the word create. The year was full of surprises and of course some challenges as well. I landed my dream job and simply couldn't be happier about the direction my professional life is going. I'm also just as proud of the amazing community of friends and support I have "created" here in Seattle. This did not come easily as there were many bumps in the road..and some self reflection involved. I learned that making friends as an adult is hard work and requires you to be open and vulnerable. I spent some time taking pictures..... went on a few trips ....... had the amazing opportunity to spend some time with friends from High school and College... the kind of friends that "know" you. There is something so incredibly special about spending time with people who know your story. The whole story. You don't have to explain yourself...they just "get" you. Yep....they are those friends. My 2010 was a great year.....and I feel very grateful.

I'm looking forward to 2011.....I heart new beginnings....it feels like a sea of possibility...just waiting to be discovered. I found my word and I can't be more excited about it.

Embrace

I just love this word and all of it's potential. What is your word going to be??

Picture Fall

It has been awhile since I have visited this space. I have wanted to.....I have so much to share....but I just haven't felt very inspired. Today I realized why this is.......because I haven't been out taking pictures! I always want to post a picture with what I write...and I don't have any pictures that I really want to share!

Well that is about to change! I am currently taking an e-course class with the wonderfully talented Tracey Clark called "Picture Fall". For the month of October we will be be given a daily prompt to inspire us to get out with our cameras and take pictures. I'm beyond excited! Fall is my all time most favorite season and there is so much to shoot. I love the people in my class and am inspired by their pictures and the many discussion topics that have been posted to the message board. I'm already learning sooo much!

Above is my first picture for the class. I am loving the green against the brown of the leaf. Old against new. Here in the Northwest the grass comes in during the Fall/Winter season..as that is when the rain (usually) starts. So I love the added color....makes the Fall stand out even more.

It is my goal to share a good majority of the my class photos with you. I am already excited to post the picture I captured today. Now keep in mind....I am NO professional photographer......just an everyday girl exploring the art of photography!

A New Story.....

School has finally ended! It's been just over a week and I am finally coming down from the "End of the School Year Adrenaline Rush". People in this field know exactly what I am talking about. These last few weeks always have you on overdrive....the meetings...the never ending to do list..report cards....the goodbye's...end of year events that keep you at school way past your contract hours. The feeling that it ALL must get done and by a certain date. Although I just finished my 9th year of teaching...I am still surprised by how much has to get done. Like most teachers I know....I spent my last several weeks on auto pilot...going through the motions. So now that a week has gone by I am coming down from this adrenaline rush...and man it can be a hard fall. I have spent the week..exhausted..sick and in tears as I am finally just now processing all the emotion that comes with a school year ending.

Last week I had dinner with my good friend J .. while we were sitting at dinner I was going on and on about all my disappointment in the school district and my principal. You see I put in a leave of absence....so my ending of the year was it for me..especially in terms of teaching students with autism. I was telling her all about the lack of goodbye's....the not even one Thank you for all you have done..... the district not able to get someone to fill my position so we could have a great transition..... when all of a sudden she looked at me and said ...."I can't wait for you to have a new story". She stopped for a brief second and said don't take this personally but you have had the same story since you went into teaching and I am just so excited for you to find a new story this next year...a different one. WOW! That stopped me in my tracks and you know what..she is SO right.

I get to leave teaching and embark on one of my Mondo Beyondo dreams next year....and although I can't share what it is just yet....please know I will soon. I am excited for this new opportunity and can't wait to explore all the possibilities that will come with it. At times I still can't believe it is real. However I would be lying if I didn't say that with closing one door and opening another comes some anxiety....apprehension and of course our favorite friend Fear! I have had many visits this week from those negative voices.....asking...are you sure you can do this...and what if you don't have what it takes?? I listen to them for a short time and know that they are all part of the process. You see...I have been a teacher for 9 years.....that is who I am and that is what I have done. I know how to be a teacher. I know what being a teacher looks like....what that means.....what my role is. This new role...well it is just that new. I don't know what it looks like.....I am not entirely sure what it means....but I am looking forward to learning all about it. I am looking forward to writing and telling a new story. I am filled with anticipation of what this new story will bring.

Four years ago next month I moved up to Seattle. I attended a training that first week I was here and at the time as I was sitting there I remember thinking.....I want to do this someday. Well that someday has come and I would be lying if I didn't say that I am very proud of myself for taking a chance and embarking on some risks. I love how when you ask the Universe...she delivers. I think what I am most excited about is that when we dream....even when we try our best we still can never quite imagine how big that dream can get. So although I have reached what I "dreamed" four years ago......I just know that this is all the beginning of something much bigger than I could have ever imagined for myself. Isn't that just exciting??

The picture is from the last day of school. It is all of my students and para's. I love my students and I am going to miss being a classroom teacher. I will miss knowing that I had a direct impact on their learning and growth. I will miss the community I created with the students and parents year after year. I will most certainly miss all of the stories....the laughter those kids provide me day after day. But like I said.....it is time for some new stories.......

All I know is.......

.....you can get there from here.
you can.
you can walk through the fear.
travel past what is gone before.
wake up!
wake up and get on the other side.
dare to become that of your dreams.
dare!
dare to believe in your own possibility.

~ mary anne radmacher ~

Reconnecting*

I'm sitting here relaxing next to the fireplace, drinking coffee and listening to the collection of sounds from the Ocean. I'm wondering ...What is it about hearing the sound of the waves crashing on the shore that is so therapeutic? Does anyone else feel this way? I love it....and I'm seriously wondering why I don't live on the coast. Maybe someday I will make my way there. (I think I need to add this to my Mondo Beyondo list)

This trip has been relaxing in ways I didn't know I needed. To be able to slow down, take it easy, enjoy the simple things. To take time for myself....to catch up on activities that I love...such as reading blogs....making yummy meals....going for long walks...taking nice long bubble baths....drinking some hot chocolate and Baileys! It's funny to read and write "take time for myself" because of course being single I get all kinds of time to myself...but the kind of time I am describing is different. It is the kind of time that lifts your Soul. The kind of time that reminds you that there is much more to life. We as human beings as "soul beings" are made up of much more than the title of our job...or the never ending list of chores that needs to get done..the laundry that never goes away...or the many hats we wear throughout the day. Sometimes it is nice to take some time to reconnect with yourself. Rediscover what you love...what makes you feel alive...passionate...what makes you feel at peace and rested.

When I return to work next week I will be entering the last 10 weeks of school. The hard and most demanding weeks of the school year. I feel grateful that I have been given this time and presented this vacation to reconnect and refuel myself!

Time for a little R&R

Spring Break has arrived...well on the school calendar anyways....the weather here says otherwise. Highs in the upper 40's mid 50's and don't get me started on the rain and wind. I'm assuming this is winter's fun little trick...she skipped us during the "obvious" months and is coming for a visit when your mind has told itself she is long gone. I won't lie...it is draining on your mental state of being. There is something so innate about your body wanting some sun...warmth. I didn't realize you could actually "crave" wanting to wear to a tank top or flip flops....but you can! I do at least. Thank goodness I was just in AZ.


So yes..it is Spring Break....and yes...I am off to leave town for a couple of days. I have grown accustomed to life in the Northwest. I have learned how to shift my "idea" of what Spring Break should be...and learn to embrace all that is around me. My friend Sarah and I are off to Cannon Beach, Oregon for the next four days. We have rented a cute condo on the beach. Here are some things I am looking forward to on our trip.....

* Hot tub over looking the beach/Ocean..and drinking wine while soaking
* taking long walks on the beach
* sleeping in
* Making meals..enjoying some good food and drinks
* discovering the little beach town of Cannon and all of it's fun shops!
* Reading my book while sitting on the balcony over looking the water
* Reading and catching up on my blogs..I can't wait
* Posting some great pics on my blog
* curling up on the couch and watching movies
* Hiking
* dining out at some yummy small town restaurants
* taking some fabulous pictures!


So..it's not Mexico...and there will be NO sunshine...just lots of rain and clouds. But there is something about getting away...giving yourself permission to rest and relax that is so appealing...so good for your heart and soul! I will be updating my blog while I am gone....to show you all the beauty that is Cannon Beach!

World Autism Awareness Day

Today is Worldwide Autism Awareness Day!

Always
Unique
Totally
Intelligent
Sometimes
Mysterious

Did you know……
• 1% of children in the United States ages 3-17 have an autism spectrum disorder
• 1 to 1.5 million Americans live with an autism spectrum disorder
• Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability
• The cost of autism over the lifespan is 3.2 million dollars per person

May we be inspired to have a little more patience and understanding!!