Celebrate World Book Day

Alexa, good morning!

Good morning, it is World Book Day! It is an annual event organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization to promote  reading, publishing, and copyright."

Sierra, did you hear that? Alexa said it is World Book Day. Would you like to read a book?

"Yeah," my 22-month-old grandbaby said as she immediately took out four of her books and sat down on the floor to read them to her babies. I watched with wonder.

Stephen King says, "Books are a uniquely portable magic." They can transport a reader to a new place, engage them in a fantasy, or provide information. At a young age, my grandbaby has learned that books are friends she can take anywhere with her. 

As a reading specialist for years, I know that books are a source of entertainment and enjoyment for most children. For those who have not experienced the joy and magic of reading, we need to share our passion for reading and help each child discover the power of books.

On World Book Day, in particular, let's remember to enrich children's lives at an early age with daily reading. so they can grow to be lifelong readers. 

I am joining Two Writing Teachers tonight for Slice of Life Tuesday.

March Musings '19: Grandma Wishes

I linger in love

as a grandma today

thinking of Sierra 

in a special way.

Sierra loves playgrounds. She is a bundle of energy. The Prisma app, introduced to me by fellow slicer, Jennifer Sniadecki, was used to capture Sierra's constant motion.

It's hard to leave my grandbaby because she brings such joy to our lives. My husband and son feel the same way. I wrote about this in yesterday's slice. Today, I started my morning off watching a short video of one of Sierra's favorite books, Grandma Wishes by Julia Lobo. You can listen to the story in song form below. 

My thoughts return to each of the three nights that I put Sierra to bed. The first night, I dipped my hand into Sierra's nighttime book basket and pulled out Grandma Wishes. We sat in the white rocking chair, got cuddly, and began to read in the quiet of a darkened room. My iPhone's flashlight app lit the pages of the book while we read. After reading, we cuddled and snuggled some more, sang a little bedtime tune, and gave thanks for a lovely day before carrying Sierra to her crib where she sleeps on top of and with her babies. Before sitting back down on the rocker, I rubbed her back, and let her settle in. I was immersed in peace. I am happy that I was able to share bedtime rituals with Sierra.

(This weekend, Sierra surprised me by saying, "Hi, Gramma".  My son-in-law heard it also. We were so surprised and I was so touched.)

Day 27 of 31 days of writing

March Slice of Life Story Challenge
Two Writing Teachers

March Musings '19: Grandbaby’s Spring Surprise

Today, I realized it is getting much harder to leave my family in Virginia after one of our visits. My 21-month-old grandbaby is absolutely delightful to be around so we want to enjoy every minute of our time together. Yesterday, she surprised us when my husband, son, and I went on a nature walk outing. She started conversing in her usual baby babbling way but this time we understood what she was saying. What a treat!

"Animals"

"Yes, Sierra, we do hear the birds and the doggies. Grandpa heard a woodpecker."

"Birdies, tweet-tweet. Doggies, woof-woof."

Then, she stopped and pointed to the sky,  excited to exclaim, "Planes".

We were really surprised by her new set of words: animals and planes.

Sierra continued amazing us while we walked the path. She was intrigued by everything she saw. "Wa-wa", she excitedly shouted as she jiggled across the bridge. She wondered where the fish and beaver were after we told her they live there. Further down the path, she walked through muddy areas, touched some strewn pieces of twigs, and showed me her new pink gloves that got dirty. I marveled at her awareness of nature.

We returned back to the quiet house, reflecting on what we noticed, wondered, and found. A beautiful arrangement of forsythia and daffodils growing wildly in the woods were our dinner table gift. 

**************

On the ride home today, I started recalling our walk, the following thoughts emerged and fashioned themselves into a #haikuforhope sequence.

noticing nature

reflecting on springtime sounds-

babbling brook and child

life strikes a balance

we walk in nature's shadow-

lingering in love

excitement mounts

spring shares its earthy colors-
nature's artwork shines

daffodils + forsythia = early spring slice of nature (equation poem)

Day 26 of 31 days of writing

March Slice of Life Story Challenge

Two Writing Teachers

March Musings '19: There's Never Enough Time

No matter how many hours there are in a day, I just can't get everything I want to be accomplished done. While at my grandbaby's house this weekend, I spent as much time as I could being the doting grandma, which means there was little time to write but I do have stories of these few days worth telling. Isn't that the purpose of enjoying life living moments? 

Tonight I store my memories of my grandbaby in my heart to reflect upon when I return home to Long Island and start to miss her.

For the next few slices, you may be hearing some grandbaby stories that are memorable to me. For now, as I nod off, I will remember the place of gratitude in my life.

Day 25 of 31 days of writing

March Slice of Life Story Challenge

Two Writing Teachers

March Musings '19: Grateful for...

Friday, I woke to another one of those gray days but that was fine. Even when the rains came while traveling to my literacy conference, it was fine. The rains continued as I walked from the car to the conference but that didn't matter. I felt gratitude for this day the committee had prepared. It was finally here. I would soon engage with colleagues for a day of learning and that is something to be grateful for.

According to an article from Psychology Today, "Gratitude is an emotion expressing appreciation for what one has--as opposed to, for instance, a consumer-driven emphasis on what one wants or thinks they need." 

So what else am I grateful for this weekend?

• A full reading and writing life
• A family visit to see my grandbaby in Virginia (I will be there in 15 minutes and Sierra is waiting for us! Now that is something to be truly grateful for.)
• Beautiful sunsets as we drive through Maryland

It doesn't matter what color you choose, ranging from gray to brilliant orange, 

embrace the hue and let it make your heart sing.

Listen to a lively, feel-good song, Grateful, 
and let the upbeat message stir you.

Day 23 of 31 days of writing

March Slice of Life Story Challenge

Two Writing Teachers

March Musings '19: A Wee Bit of Luck

With the sound of Celtic music in the background and the aroma of a pot of corned beef simmering on the stove, St. Patrick's Day seems lively. While it's a family day of cooking, laundry, and having conversations with family and friends far away, I am thinking back on past St. Patrick's Day events.

I grew up in a neighborhood of families that were mostly Irish and Italian. The Catholic school I attended was filled with nuns who always celebrated St. Patrick's Day. Weeks before the event, my classmates and I were lined up learning Irish songs and dances. It was a lively and enjoyable ritual.

That was back then during my elementary school years. Now, I am surrounded once again by many Irish families in my community on Long Island. One of our parish priests commented about this at last night's Mass. 

"Did you know (laughingly) that many of our parishioners are Irish? I hate to inform many of you whom are Irish but St. Patrick was not Irish by birth. He was brought to Ireland from England by raiders and sold into slavery. But St. Patrick returned to Ireland to convert the people."

Many of us at Mass did not know these facts but nonetheless respect the fact that St. Patrick is revered as the patron saint of Ireland. Our town is well known for its cathedral, the St. Patrick's Day parade, and many restaurants near the Long Island Railroad stop. While I am not Irish, I enjoy celebrating this day with my town, family, and friends. 

A wee bit of luck happened today. My husband decided to make the corned beef and cabbage and my daughter dialed us up on Google Hangout so we could talk with our grandbaby who is half-Irish. Dressed in my shamrock necklace that lights up, I enjoyed every minute of the conversation that included watching Sierra eat and play. I did get a wave by and a kiss. 

Now I am off to check up on the corned beef and listen to When Irish Eyes Are Smiling. The following wonderful lines from the song remind me of Sierra's sweet smile. 

When your sweet lilting laughter's 
Like some fairy song.
And your eyes twinkle bright as can be
You should laugh all the while
And all other times smile,
And now, smile a smile for me. 

☘☘☘

-a Then and Now slice-
Day 17of 31 days of writing

March Slice of Life Story Challenge

Two Writing Teachers

A Slice of Winter Past - March Musings '2019/#Sol19/Day 13

Years ago when I was first teaching, I started skiing. It was a novel, exhilarating experience for me, especially since I am a person who is not athletically-inclined. I recall the warmth of the sun beating down, the freshness of winter air, and the sounds of swishing. There were also nighttime skiing memories: cool, crisp air, sweeping runs on beautiful white slopes, indigo skies lit by white lights on a mountain, and the taste of steamy hot chocolate before a drive home. I eagerly moved from bunny slopes to beginner-intermediate runs and started feeling proud of my accomplishments until one winter night that turned my life around. The words hit-and-run ski accident are still seared in my mind.

What ensued on that unimaginable night was a series of events that led me down a dreadful dark hole. A swish, a thud, cries of anguish, a sled ride down a mountain, and a horrifying ride to the nearest hospital in the back seat of a car still flood my mind. Within a split second after the fall, I learned that life is fragile and uncertain. In the aftermath of this horrible accident, I was delirious, experienced excruciating pain, and faced surgery alone in a town far away from family and friends. 

My story unfolded like a thriller movie in slow mode. My lawyer friend found out months later that my nightmarish incident was caused by a careless 17-year-old ski patrolman who recklessly took a jump without a spotter at the other end. Surgery, months of recuperation and physical therapy, multiple doctors, all led to a change of heart and mood. I became more reflective and not interested in being in public nor dating until one day six months later when I decided to venture beyond these feelings. Knowing that I was leaving my teaching position in Albany for a teaching job in my hometown of Syracuse, I decided to meet my friend at one of our favorite restaurants. Limping in with one crutch, I joined my friend and her two friends from Long Island. My husband says seeing me carefully walking toward him changed his life. Later that weekend, he announced, ""You can get rid of the crutch, you have me to lean on." From my challenging situation as a skier, a new life direction took place. Within two years, I experienced a long-distance romance, engagement, marriage, and a permanent move to Long Island. 

Why did this memory return today? Perhaps, it is the bright sunshine of a cold winter day pouring in and the photos of my 21 month-old grandbaby coming in from Wyoming where she is skiing with her parents. One day she shall hear my story and her Grandpa's account of the night he fell in love. When that happens she will be an experienced skier without fear. 

-a slice of winter past-

Day 13 of 31 days of writing

March Slice of Life Story Challenge

at Two Writing Teachers

Rainy Day Magic

I learned these past few days that rainy days though dreary, in reality, can be magical when you are with your grandbaby. 

Grandmother love is unique.

It wipes away raindrops;

Warms a chilly day.

Leads me to bookstops

And filters sky's gray.
©CV, 2019

Listen to a piece of rainy day music here.

On this rainy winter day, I am at peace as my grandbaby lays asleep in the next room. Tomorrow I travel back to Long Island but tonight, I am joining Two Writing Teachers for the Slice of Life. 

Holiday Memories

photo memories

collaged for posterity-

welcome the new year
©CV, 2019, Virginia

holiday smiles

brighten drab winter days-

memories archived

©CV, 2019, Virginia

When my children were toddlers, great care was taken to add memorable photos to an album. Decades later, the albums are tattered and boxes of loose photos are layered in a closet waiting for sorting. I wonder what will become of them. Will my children's photos become artifacts, age-worn with torn edges, like the black and white photos of my toddler days? More importantly, will my grandbaby ever want to sift through unorganized photos to find the ones that recall Christmas past with her family? 

This topic came up recently as my friends and I talked about moving. What happens to the boxes of photos during a move. Is there time to sift through them to recall events? As I clean the closets, I will have to make decisions of which ones to keep. It is so much easier with digital photos. One look and if it does not meet standards, a click of the keyboard deletes an unwanted memory or another click enhances once. Technology has changed the way I think about one of my favorite holiday pastimes: family photo taking.

I'm joining poet Kat Apel at Instagram for #MoPoetry2019 today. While Kat is having fun taking photos of summer in Australia, I am here doing the same for chilly winter days on Long Island. 

It's Slice of Life Tuesday at Two Writing Teachers and I feel nostalgic about the holidays. 

How about you?

"Octopus Month" Poetic Fun

When poet Irene Latham wrote a post, Desperately Seeking Octopus Poems and Art #Octo Nation, I knew I had to find out what that was all about. I searched Twitter but did not see a #hashtag for #octopusmonth. As I scanned Irene's blog, I realized that Irene was celebrating her newest release from Millbrook Press/Lerner, Love, Agnes - Postcards from an Octopus. To honor Agnes, she christened October as "Octopus Month" and then, requested some octopus poems and art to post on her blog. That is how Ona Octopus came to be a digital creation.

 

Ona Octopus
came to school.
I tried to hide her
in layers of tulle.
My friends came close
to see the surprise.
Ona changed color
right before their eyes.
The class jumped back
at Ona's plight.
It's not Halloween,
so what's the fright?
Teacher said, "Lesson learned."
Ona is scared and concerned.
Octopus use camouflage.
Science class is now adjourned."

©CVarsalona, 2018

Thanks Irene, for creating such a fun challenge from the delightful Agnes. 

My Back Story: 

Many people know that I have a grandbaby that I am over the moon about. I decided to write a children's poem to be read to my dear little toddler, Sierra, who is a wonderer at such a young age. Information came from Wonderopolis' Wonder of the Day #1404, How Do You Hide an Octopus?  I turned the details into a wonder poem, a poem that emerges from a Wonder of the Day. Because it is nearing Halloween, I decided to add that tiny detail and create my own octopus, Ona, with the Buncee platform. Ona excitedly sent Agnes and all of you a postcard from the deep. My next step will be to record the poem so Sierra can hear her family reading it to her even though we are hours away from her. 

Today's Poetry Friday Roundup is hosted by a very busy writer, Brenda Harsham, who celebrates autumn with a gorgeous nature photo and a haiku. Stroll over to her blog to take a peek. 

Making Memories at the Shore

Memories-

snapshots in time

glistening like brilliant jewels

tucked away in hearts 

waiting to be polished

For years, I tucked away my memories in albums, then indexed them in boxes, and finally resorted to unsorted piles. This was not an efficient way to recall lifetime events. The iPhone, has made it much easier for me to capture and store memories. 

Remembering helping my 14-month-old grandbaby set up for this photo taken by my daughter

Years ago when my family went to Disney World, I heard a catchy song, Makin' Memories. As the song says, "Taking pictures is making memories, catching little pieces of time, making them yours, and making them mine...Celebrations we can forget in a year. When we're making memories happiness can reappear." 

Photos do make happiness reappear so last night after returning from my family and extended family trip to Cape May, I diligently edited my photos. Each time I added a new photo, another memory from the trip was recalled. I lingered in those memories that included many shots of my precious little grandbaby at the Jersey shore. 

What memories have you captured with your camera this summer? 

Does each one add to your concept of summering?

Here is my morning Instagram post with one of my memories that was digitized.

It's Slice of Life Tuesday at Two Writing Teachers.

Join me to read what others are slicing about.