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When Things End
Another semester is in the books, as our university will host graduation ceremonies this Thursday. My grades are just about closed out, and the sun is shining outside, marking the beginning of summer for those of us professors in higher education. I love teaching and being in the classroom—for me, it’s all about that. Waking up in the morning knowing I will see the faces of my students is all I need to get me going in the morning. I’m passionate about my job and about working with students. However, I do look forward to summer, and I’m passionate about writing as well. When people ask me when I have…
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FROCKTOBER – WEEK 4 And Some Words of Wisdom to Be Kind to Yourself
As FROCKTOBER comes to a close this week, I’m hoping 3 things come from it: 1-That I helped raise some money and awareness for ovarian cancer research; 2-That my Instagram photos–as stressful as they were for me to pick outfits and to take sometimes–didn’t bore you too much, and, 3-That you take away that you can feel beautiful no matter your shape or size. Over the last several months, I have been battling hip and back pain, which has prevented me from exercising like I used to. It’s frustrating & maddening and I am carrying around some extra weight that I desperately want to get rid of. I’ve started doing…
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The Birthday Post: 52 Life Lessons
Yup. It’s that time, I’m afraid. It’s time for the annual birthday post. It’s the one day of the year that I allow myself to feel blessed and old at the same time. It doesn’t make it easier when your own brother sends you these GOOD MORNING images with “Happy birthday” written across the top of the text. So, with those lovely images in mind, and with life lessons I’ve learned over the course of all my (yes, 52 years), I thought I’d share them with you today. Please know that these life lessons are in no particular order and were written with full honesty. 52 Life Lessons Thus Far…
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7 Meaningful Takeaways from 2016
Hello Friends, Readers, and Fellow Bloggers, It’s hard to believe it’s that time of the year again—a time to reflect on the past year and see if there were any takeaways and lessons learned from the last 365 days. In my college classes, I always have students write a final reflection that permits them the opportunity to critically analyze what they have learned over the course of the semester. I figured I’d do the same about what I’ve learned in 2016. #1: Your Health Is Everything This past summer, I made a commitment to becoming healthier all around. This included diet, exercise, and my own personal health. Setting these goals…
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Okay. Okay. I’ll Come.
* * * I know what Maya Angelou meant here. There are times when you sit down to write and nothing comes. Then, there are times when your fingers can’t type as quickly as your brain is working, and the fingers have trouble keeping up with the thoughts that barrel through you. We lost a great sage, writing influence, and someone with limitless amounts of creativity. Her influence will be missed. * * * * * * In Memory of Maya Angelou, A Poem The ideas don’t flow the way they should; Noise litters your head— An angry word, a moment of doubt— Insecurities pounding, wanting to come in. Yet…
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2013 Taught Me Much
Dear Readers, What is the best part of life? The ability to learn, day by day, about people, places and things. Our minds are incredible, and allow us to be lifelong learners. That is what we strive to teach our students at Stevenson University — that the element of curiosity should always stay with you, and that you should remain intrigued and interested in the world around you. We all learn things every day, from the smallest of things to grand-scheme lessons on life. As such, here are five things I took away from 2013. Some are good, some not so good, but in each case, they helped me grow…
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Mitch Albom, A Time Keeper, and Popularity
After I had my teeth scraped, cleaned, flossed and gagged on my fluoride treatment this morning, I headed off to one of my favorite places on the planet: Barnes & Noble. My Mitch Albom book had arrived and was waiting for me at the front desk. When she handed me my copy of it, I stared at it. “The Time Keeper. A Novel.” I love the cover. The cover of this book is very simple, yet very cool. Most of Albom’s previous books have lacked images or drawings, but not this one. This one looks and feels nostalgic. I read the first sentence of the prologue: “A man sits alone…
