Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Brick Walls


Brick Walls
Originally uploaded by vanhookc
This is an incredible story. Randy Pausch had such an incredible view on life. His words of wisdom will live forever!

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Sailing on to New Adventures

This puzzle marks the last one done that will be completed in the old SE Polk High School Library. During my six years as Teacher Librarian in this old high school, I have enjoyed watching students and staff share a passion for doing puzzles.

Rarely has a piece been lost (ironically, someone tampered with this one but the true puzzle lovers just rebuilt its scramble. Sorry to say the corner-right piece disappeared). Again I say that has been a rare thing! Maybe someone was frustrated with trying to match the cloud pieces!

These puzzles have brought users to the library to sit and visit while finding pieces. Often when the puzzle was next to impossible, discovering a fit would bring great pride and a feeling of accomplishment. It has been a good feeling to be called a puzzle expert at SE Polk!

I hope as we sail on down the stream to the new high school that I can find just that right spot for a puzzle table. I have packed the new puzzles away - somewhere! I look forward to new beginnings and new friends being brought into the library and to the puzzle corner!

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Makes a Mom and Dad Proud

Congratulations to the two of you. How ironic that our youngest are both stepping out into new adventures on the exact same day!

Sarah, you are to be commended as you achieve a Masters of Social Work tomorrow from Iowa. You have blossomed during this Master's Program. We see an earth shaking gal here that brings so much sunshine to others just through a smile and the sweetness of voice. God has a special plan for you, Sarah, as you step across that stage achieving this honor!

And Michael, on the same day you fly off to the other side of the world. Look out Singapore, here comes a fine group of students from Lee University. Amazingly your childhood buddy, Ben, is going, too! What a fun time for the two of you! Michael, you have shown such leadership and are such a trailblazer. God be with you as you broaden your horizons. You, too, are stepping forth into leadership opportunities.

Both of you make a Mom and Dad so proud! Have a fun time!

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Be an Individual


Together these make a beautiful bed of tulips, but do you see the individuality of each?

So is life. We each have an important role to play in the big scheme of things on earth!

And so...I wondered what the Internet has to say about being an individual. Believe or not, there is a wiki how-to-do manual with an article on How to Be an Individual. Anyone can join and edit this article, as most wikis allow! You might want to read this article or even add your two cents worth: http://www.wikihow.com/Be-an-Individual

In the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, “Remember always that you not only have the right to be an individual, you have an obligation to be one.”

A book worth the read on this topic is The Element : How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything by Dr. Ken Robinson. Our school library book review share that this is a breakthrough book about talent, passion, and achievement The element is the point at which natural talent meets personal passion. Check your local public or school library for this insightful read!

If you work with students, how do you help them realize their individuality? Feel free to leave a comment on this blog to share with others. Or how have others helped you accentuate your potential?