It's the end of week #2 of school! It's Friday! I have co-taught today with a lovely teacher. We have just completed six classes on research skills. Phew...we're exhausted. The kids are ready to move on to thoughts of football and a three-day weekend vacation! As we wrap these lessons up, I seek the big cozy chair at the front of the library. Waiting there is a former student with a bundle of joy, four weeks of age. As a single mom, she is happy but very busy. In walks another former student; she shares academic woes. College and life can be tough sometimes.
By now, the bell has ended the day! Rather than join the race to exit the parking lot, others drop by to say farewell, as the long three-day weekend approaches. One of these students shares her personal poetry that makes me shed a tear inside. I am touched by her writings and confidence. Another speaks his thoughts on teen issues! And yet another, seeks a parting hug of affirmation to last the weekend. Wow, there are so many stories happening here simultaneously in this small area of the library.
Each takes away a reassurance from these brief minutes together, maybe a lighter load after sharing with others, maybe just food for thought as they head to the weekend. And of course, my tired state of being has just been refreshed and re-energized. Why didn't I snap a photo of the old friends that dropped by? Next time.
These unscheduled moments are priceless, yet pass quickly. Classroom teaching is worthy and important. But it's these informal moments of sharing with students that are golden.
And thus, this is why being a teacher is wonderful!
Friday, August 29, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
A great team of State Fair workers
This was an impressive site. On the last day of the fair, it is my guess that these teens had their last supper together. These kids surely had a big part in making the Iowa State Fair 2008 a successful fair. The official website says, "Based on attendance estimates, the 2008 Iowa State Fair boasts the largest crowds in the Fair’s 154-year history. This year’s estimated attendance is 1,109,150, surpassing the previous record of 1,053,978 set in 2004. This is the seventh year in a row the Fair’s attendance has exceeded one million."
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Iowa's Shawn Johnson 'n Butter
Wishing you luck on these upcoming competitions! We'll be cheering for you all the way, back home, here in Iowa!
Sunday night, Aug. 17, 6-11 p.m.: Floor exercise finals. Shawn is the defending world champion.
Tuesday night, Aug. 19, 7-11 p.m.: Balance beam finals. Shawn is one of the favorites.
Sunday night, Aug. 17, 6-11 p.m.: Floor exercise finals. Shawn is the defending world champion.
Tuesday night, Aug. 19, 7-11 p.m.: Balance beam finals. Shawn is one of the favorites.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
The Butterfly House
These butterflies are primarily raised in Costa Rica, The Philippines and Africa by small family farms just for zoos, fairs, and butterfly houses. Using the rainforest in this fashion provides a sustainable living for the indigenous people of the area. The butterflies are imported as chrysalides and hatch within the Butterfly Birthing Center, as viewed in this picture.
Friday, August 15, 2008
At the end of the rainbow
Day Seven was beautiful as have been all the days, except a couple have had some rainy spells. This picture shows a treasure chest of pure happiness at the end of this rainbow.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Iowa Supports Their Own!
Look at this crowd. There is not an empty seat! See you on the grandstand soon, Jason Brown! It was a great concert. Your band is wonderful, too! You make Iowa very proud of you!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Onions of Perfection
I am absolutely impressed with the quality of agriculture in Iowa. There is ample opportunity for practically anyone, of all ages, to win an award, if they work with plants and animals and related areas.
Did you know...How many ribbons are handed out during the Fair?
Approximately 45,000 ribbons, rosettes and banners are awarded annually to winners.
The official fair website has more interesting trivia. See: http://www.iowastatefair.com/about/trivia.php
Did you know...How many ribbons are handed out during the Fair?
Approximately 45,000 ribbons, rosettes and banners are awarded annually to winners.
The official fair website has more interesting trivia. See: http://www.iowastatefair.com/about/trivia.php
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Altoona Offers Fun & Friendliness - Day One
It's great to see my friends volunteering to the make the Iowa State Fair the great event that it is! It makes me proud to be an Altoona resident!
That sure is some fine artwork, Polly!
That sure is some fine artwork, Polly!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
U gotta love it!
The Iowa State Fair has so much to offer in the way of opportunity, education, entertainment, celebration, and community spirit! It is a highlight of my year!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
A beauty
Wonder what year? Wonder the brand? Wonder the stories this tractor has to tell? I will just bet someone at the IA State Fair knows.
Monday, August 4, 2008
A celebration of counties
A lot of folks are getting ready to make the journey to Des Moines to come to the State Fair. The grounds are looking beautiful and these flags went up today.
Young and old alike will be making these counties very proud of their accomplishments at this year's fair!
Young and old alike will be making these counties very proud of their accomplishments at this year's fair!
Sunday, August 3, 2008
This RAM's watching ewe
It's funny how you never seem to notice things until you look through the camera lens. This guy's probably been overseeing the IA State Fair since 1015 when the Sheep Barn was constructed.
He is in the shade and that's a good thing because the temp today registered 95 degrees. The workers getting ready for fair time in four days had to think it was a lot hotter than that!
He is in the shade and that's a good thing because the temp today registered 95 degrees. The workers getting ready for fair time in four days had to think it was a lot hotter than that!
FFA rocks!
The Iowa State Fair is such a great event! I hope to blog and upload pictures about the Fair every day. The fair is four days away yet but already a flurry of activity.
The FFA organization has a beautiful little cottage on the grounds and some of the prettiest pictures around!
Hope you will follow along with me as I tour the 2008 IA State Fair.
The FFA organization has a beautiful little cottage on the grounds and some of the prettiest pictures around!
Hope you will follow along with me as I tour the 2008 IA State Fair.
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