A small, still thing...

Sometimes things happen that remind you of the things that you do that make a difference to someone's life, somewhere. And it humbles you.

This is a video made by one of my students. I taught him from when he was 12 until he was 16. He is now in his early twenties. He was my biggest challenge, the student who broke my heart and hurt my feelings and crawled under my skin until I could not let him go. He is the student to whom I meant something, though I had to prove that I wasn't going to give up on him, and who meant a whole lot to me as well.

I can't really tell him that I am so proud of him that I could burst with it. But I am. And he continues to twist my heart, just as he always has. This is Andrew, amazing musician, amazing person. And he changed me. He is one of the reasons that I am the kind of teacher that I am. Thank you, Andrew. And I love you.

A Tristan Report!

This is a video of Tristan's Dr. Seuss Program at school last week. His favourite song was 'The Things You Can Think'. I think he is so big, and so gorgeous. I am so proud.

Here is what Tristan says about it. "A lot of people got hurt and cried. They did a song for Mrs. Hardy because she is leaving. I did not cry about Mrs. Hardy. She is our music teacher that read the story in the video. I was scared because there was kindergardners and other kids and Mom's and Dad's. I was scared because there were so many people. We had to do it two times, and the first time Sherrie and Mama Kim went and the second time Sherrie had to go on a field trip so Chris my brother came and watched me."

Be warned that this video is set to be viewed only 25 times, so if you try to watch and it won't, that's why.


He also went to a live performance of 'The Vagina Monologues'. While there, he had a snack. Says he," I had a chocolate vagina. It hurt my mouth."

Dear me, I about to died laughing.
The plan is for a catch-up post tomorrow. So talk to you then!

When Mom says it's been a long time - then it's been a long time!

This is a very quick post to give a preliminary report on our trip to Wales a few weeks ago. We'll have photos to attach soon, but for the time being just a few links to give a bit of background.


View Larger Map

Above is a map showing the approximate route we took from Canterbury to Rhos on Sea - the place in Wales where we were staying.

We saw a lot of scenery and such, but the thing we did most was visit castles. The four castles we visited were Conwy, Caernarfon, Beaumaris, and Denbigh. The links point to Wikipedia (and open in a new window) and give some info and history on each castle. These castles were built by Edward I (King of England upon whose tombstone the motto reads ‘Hammer of the Scots’) to subjugate neighbouring Wales to English rule in the 13th century.

I think this is important enough to share.

A video that I think we should all watch and think on. Things like this affect more people than you might imagine. My son, for example. And my daughter, when she is old enough to choose the person that she wants to spend her life with.


"Fidelity": Don't Divorce... from Courage Campaign on Vimeo.

There is a petition, until February 14th. The link is HERE. Do something about this, please go and sign the petition, then call your governors office. The US is so far behind the UK in terms of equal rights for LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, and Questioning) persons. The US is even further behind the vast majority of Europe. Every family deserves an opportunity to have the same rights, and when enough people stand up and defend the equality of ALL people, then change will come.