A sadish poem

This poem was taken with apologies from the new book "How We 'Do' School: Poems to Encourage Teacher Reflection" by Karen Morrow Durica (no relation)

I Used to Ask the Questions:
Kindergartner’s Lament

I used to ask the questions.
I used to play for hours
and learn so many things.
I used to watch how something happened
and then try it by myself
till my own effort found its wings.

I used to pick the books we’d read at naptime.
I used to know the stories
all by heart.
I used to listen to the sounds those friendly words made
and play with silly rhymes
and change the parts.

I used to write great stories for my teddy.
I used words that made
my daddy smile or sigh.
I used to make the letters in green crayon
And if I wanted—just for fun—
I’d decorate the i’s.

I used to feel my world was so exciting!
I used to wonder about things
from stars to sand.
I used to think my questions weren’t a bother
and my answers—right or wrong—
were always grand.

I remember that I used to ask the questions.
I remember
just how learning made me feel.
I remember how I loved to think
and puzzle
and how the word discovery was real.
Yes, I remember that I used to ask the questions...
and then...

I started school.

This poem flows incredibly well ... and the end surprised me ... I even smirked. But, on further reflection, I realized there is a sadness to this poem -- a sadness that is a reality for some students, who come to public school only to have their imagination and joy for learning squelched.

It is so important to cultivate the joy students bring -- to encourage them to ALWAYS ask questions, never shy from answers, and explore, explore, explore their curiosities.

Life with Benson

Where did June go?

As always my mind is swimming ... composing responses to various job application essays; planning Maddie's trip to Portland, coordinating my first book club meeting, thinking about all those other projects that I never seem to have time for -- cataloging my classroom library, finishing my treasure map, finishing the purse I am making, paint-by-number, updating my website ... and the list goes on and on.

Yet, these last few days have been filled with bonding with my new dog-friend Benson Tengs. Last week Eric and I adopted Benson "Benny" Tengs from Animal Control in McMinnville (after scoping him out on PetFinder.com) ... after just a few minutes we were sold on his dopey looks, affection and mellow demeanor. Oh, and the fact he is a boxer-rot-pit mix.

I didn't realize that life with a younger dog (he is 2ish) would be much different from life with my older dog-child Daisy (who passed away in early June). Benson is full of so much energy -- it is a great reason to get out doors and shed some of these pesky pounds. Today Benson and I drove over to Katie's house in order for her advice (we had a frustrating walk yesterday evening) -- and Katie did an excellent job of calming my stress over his "puppy" behavior -- which I am told is normal. Duke & Maddie did a wonderful job of modeling good walking behavior; and Duke helped Benson understand dog boundaries. Benson might have a little crush on Maddie, who played hard to get at first, but then laid on the dog kisses before we left.
Ah, young love.

The rest of today will be filled with reading, lounging, eating, planning for tutoring tomorrow, and perhaps some water aerobics ...

"There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face" -- Ben Williams

Stay Thirsty my Friends.
B