Heheheheh . . .

I had no idea Hunt's was dipping its toe into electronics . . .

This was a nice spot in a somewhat stressful day the other day.  I don't know how the Hunt's ketchup ended up as #1 in my search results for an external DVD burner (quick tip: Apple's SuperDrives are VERY poorly named), but it sure is great.

Small Pig is back!

Finally, Arnold Lobel's Classics (he's one of my favorite children's book illustrators/authors) are back in print!  (And you can often get used library binding editions for about the same price as a new paperback.)

I'm so glad my old copy of Small Pig is now replaceable.  My children love that story.  Now, if they would just reprint Prince Bertram the Bad . . .

Every Teacher An Artist

In the heart of an artist lies passion.  Passion achieve, passion to excel.  Whether artistry lies in visual medium, written word, audible expressions, in the act of teaching, or in some other arena, every teacher must be an artist, else education dies in utero as students are taught boredom instead of curiosity, plodding instead of enthusiasm, apathy instead of passion. through the indomitable lesson of example.

     "Passion occurs when we engage with energy in accomplishing great things, though they may seem small or simple at the time.  While most people seek peace, comfort and security, those with a Leadership Education understand that the place of leaders is in the middle of change and even crisis.  Living and working with passion means that you thrive in times of challenge as well as peace.  An education that creates life-long passion is worth every bit of effort and study; anything less falls short."

 -- Leadership Education: The Phases of Learning, by Oliver & Rachel DeMille, p 229.

No Predeterministic Parenting

One if the most important missions I have as a parent is to learn what it is my children love and dream and want, and to help them achieve it.  Whether it's discovering what they would really like for Christmas, or helping them to explore something which has piqued their curiosity.  I need to be in tune with them, with their questions and desires, and let them know that those questions and needs are valid and important . . . not superimpose my own wishes from childhood on them.

Flabby

My brain needs exercise.  (So does my body, but I've still got two weeks of post-partum recovery before I can do much of that.)

I was reading Seth Godin's blog tonight, and then it hit me, as I read this post: I want to blog like Seth does.  He's mindful, and thoughtful, and shares (in succinct and clear ways) his thoughts.  Most of his posts are short (really short).  Some are longer, and deserve to be.  Many of them pose questions of some kind.  But they're all really, really good.  (Granted, he has written a dozen books (maybe more--I'm not counting), and has blogged for years, so he's got something on me there . . . )

But I can think, too.

I can read more of his blog. (Good writing rubs off.)

And I can be more mindful--and blog it.

So, here an experiment: Blog like Seth.  I wonder if I can turn it into a movement? ;o)