jane's apron

year one

The poster on my classroom wall was supposed to be for my students.  Turned out it was mostly for me.

I am no longer a "first year" teacher.  I now have experience...most of it from sources I never expected to face my first year.  There was the barfing incident 20 minutes into a 3 hour bus ride home from camp...and the shocking realization that I was the one that was going to have to take care of it.  There was also the realization that kids are not really all that quiet...or studious.  Who knew? There was the unbelievable heartbreak of suddenly losing my mentor teacher and going through the experience with the students.  

I will never forget this year but am looking forward to next year.  And I have learned to Keep Calm and Carry On.  

findings

I love finding stuff.  When I say finding, I mean just stopping by a thrift store or garage sale and finding something cool that you love...not anything you need or anything you are particularly looking for.  I've purchased vintage items on ebay and etsy but it's just not the same as finding something.  Anybody here know what I'm talking about?  

My Holiday Inn spoon is an example.  Stirring my coffee is so much more fun with this spoon and I'm so glad I found it without really looking for it.  

The problem is that my spoon is the only thing I've found at my thrift store in a very long time.  I haven't found any cotton sheets, sewing notions, aprons, linens, dishes...anything.  The only explanation I can come up with is that the store has a new manager.  And he's telling the workers to toss out anything produced or made before 1972.  

And yet I'm hopeful.  And keep checking in every once in a while.  But nothing.  Nothing yet.  

ribbon fairies

My Mother's Day gift...titled "Ribbon Fairies" and signed by Ellen.  That and a trunk full of flowers for the yard.  I hope they attract some ribbon fairies.  

Happy Mother's Day!