I have so many nephews and nieces that it’s difficult to choose a favourite. So, when one of them asks me who my favourite child is, I whisper to his or her ear, “You are. Keep it a secret. Your cousins will be jealous.”
London
Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself. They come through you but not from you, And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love but not your thoughts, For they have their own thoughts. You may house their bodies but not their souls, For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams. You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you
At the school setting, ask the students to express their nightmares. The EYE seems to be common in their artwork.
night·mare
the difference between you and i is when you have a nightmare you wake up and it ends
i wake up to get to school to relive my nightmare
the nightmare of seeing him
of feeling his presence
the honest to God fear he has me under is driving into insanity
i could use millions of words and not one could describe my hatred and fear
who i am?
where did this feeling come from
did it arrive after i understood the effect this will have
not understand leaves me wondering
clueless to the way this will follow me to my death bed
as i lay my head down to die
the flashes of images and emotions will fill my soul once more
nightmare
nightmares are real
just different from what i thought about as a kid
i used to think monsters lived under my bed
now i know they live within people
they bring you into washes
they rob you
they lie
they ****
they hurt
i am done letting him control me
i say that often
i say those words every time i see him
or when i need strength
i just need to repeat it enough times so i will start believing it
lord help me
live a life full of dreams not nightmares
i want more
i desire
desire is a fire that depends on power
power at which i don’t contain
powerthirst on control from others because of a lack oneself
the emotional security one can not give feeds into anger
mistakes are failed risks that seem to have this hold on our souls as if that has the power we have been searching for
so mistakes are our minds negative power
then successes are our positive power
nothing makes sense
we are flawed humans stitched up with cravings
these cravings can be used for glory or for the evil that we conform to
we should use the craving to move us out of the darkness instead of pain
we should push to the happiness that is reachable
we refuse to do what we were called to do
nightmare
the nightmare i can not wake up from
a life i did not choose but can not awake from
Layla, my three year old grand niece, talks to herself all the time. Her imaginary friend, Snowflake, is there for her. She gathers her little dolls, steals her brother’s red convertible car, and she makes sure Mother Mary and Infant Jesus are included to go for a wild ride. For the grownups, we encourage her in this chimerical stage.
Today, I decided to get up when the alarm went off set for 8:30 am. Normally, I snoozed the alarm and return to sleep. That’s a good thing because my sister emailed me that she’s coming over after nine. The door is always open in my sanctuary.
There’s so much ideas to exchange with my brainiac sister to save the world. We ended discussing about her 71 year old friend who started talking to herself. It’s a bit worrisome when adults behave this way.
However, I want to stay with the first thought when I read the word fanciful:
If you’re feeling fancy free
Come wander through the world with me
And any place we chance to be
Will be a rendezvous
Miracle. All of it! That’s the sum total of my year.
Pineapple Sage
There are miracles and miracles. It is regarded as a miracle if God does someone’s will. The best miracle is if someone does the will of God.
For two years, I nurtured the pineapple sage from sampling to maturity. It grew into a huge bush, mostly leaves. Pleading to the plant to please, please, please, flower for me; even just one flower. It did not. Maybe I placed it on the wrong side of the garden where it only receives 6 hours of full sun. I thought, next year, I have to give this plant a rest. On the first day of winter, I saw the most beautiful shade of red. It’s flowering despite low temperature and snow.
I knitted you in your mother’s womb.
Oh, baby, baby. Our newest addition to our family, Sawyer, finally moved closer to home, from the east coast to the west coast at the beginning of this year. Needless to say, we are all ecstatic. I am proud to say I knitted this blanket that he is finally growing into. The pattern is called minted square. One square is completely different from the rest — an error – I found out when it’s all finished. That’s okay. Sawyer wouldn’t notice the difference.
All good things are wild, and free.
The annual camping tradition was not canceled. Thank goodness our provincial park did not close our playground due to the virus. We were good abiding citizens and practiced social distancing during camping. The kids booked their own campsite side by side and we have one big site for communal all day cooking and eating. The pleasure of being simple in the woods, keeping voices low, not breaking the sound of silence, and kumbaya is the balm to these city slickers’ souls.
You Rock Garden Helpers
Just go with the flow, said the stone to the river and I’ll wait right here.
Apart from growing plants, painted rocks are additional ornaments to brighten the garden. Inspirational and spreading kind words written on the rocks such as joy, love, peace, live life pass it on, you rock, gratitude, etc. is becoming the norm. I must say I enjoy reading them.
Humans, eat your heart out, says a senior cat.
During the pandemic, people are keener on having pets to keep them company. This senior cat got it made having a human servant to push her carriage around. I am happy for the cat yet feeling a tinge of jealousy at the same time. Jealous because I was thinking of those seniors in retirement, care, or nursing houses where their children cannot even visit them due to the restrictions.
The Peace of Wild Things
Pay attention to what gives you joy. These gifts of joy are meant to help us during times of desolation.
On my birthday, as the celebrant, I pick where I want to go with my golden ladies. We are golden in terms of age. There are three of us. Trust me, I always take them where the wild things are. This time destination Garry Point. It’s a 75-acre waterfront part with an open and rolling landscape that provides spectacular vistas across the Salish Sea and beyond Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Snow geese are ubiquitous in this area. Needless to say, it was another day to remember with the golden girls as we make memories and not count years.
Blowing kisses to Uncle Josh
While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.
Two days after my birthday is another day to celebrate Dia de Los Muertos, The Day of the Dead. No better way to spend it in the boneyard on a beautiful autumn day to rattle and wake the skeletons, bring food on the sacred ground to feed the hungry ghost, and blow kisses to the faithfully departed.
It’s all about Grace.
If you think long enough about what you see in a cat, you begin to suppose you will understand everything, but its eyes tell you there is nothing to understand; there is only life.
Back at the beginning of the year, I adopted a cat named Grace. I remember when she was a kitten. When I used to stay overnight at her home, I wake up with Grace beside me. She is so adorable, charming, and loving. Lucy loves her. How did she come into my life? Well, because my younger cousin died. She left behind three cats. I don’t know who took the others. With my cousin’s demise, Grace will always remind me of her.
What did I truly find out this year? I found out that 2020 made me live with little of what I have. I laugh at myself a lot. There’s not a hell lot I can do.
Ending 2020 with a high note, I watched the Death of 2020. This is the best monologue that I replayed over and over again.
With no cure for Covid in sight, life for millions has been reduced to a creepy and a seemingly an endless lockdowns.
I live on my own and after a while got so lonely. I developed multiple personalities on purpose, so I can keep myself company. But, then, of course, I had to try and keep two meters away from myself at all times. Don’t know if you’ve ever tried doing that, but it’s a bloody nightmare. So I started doing video calls to keep sociable. I did so many, I sometimes glitch in real life now. Like, I just freeze now and then.
Wicked as what the brits would say. I went to bed in stitches with a smile on my face.
When a child starts to discover little things, they are full of wonders. One game I love playing with a child is:“Where’s your belly button?”“Show me your belly button.”Since the child does not understand words, the game turns into a “show and tell”.Exposing my belly and say: “See, belly button”.Doing it for at least three or five times, the child mimics and starts looking for his own belly button.And the game begins….https://ragtagcommunity.wordpress.com/2020/03/21/rdp-saturday-loking-within/
”No one is ever born into life alone. Everyone has shared the bond of family, at least at birth, and for many people, it is a bond that will follow them throughout life. For many people, it is the most essential bond of all.”
I was lucky enough to have in my life a family filled with love, compassion, acceptance, and tolerance. I am what I am as a direct result of a family life where belonging is imperative. It is gratifying to my health and one of the reasons why I am still alive. Without my family’s caring nature, I cannot conceive living alone.
Reflection 25 years ago
When I was younger, I tagged along with my sister, her husband, and two boys. Have a van, and we travelled anywhere. I was more than welcome to join since I can chop woods and carry water on top of being a babysitter. Stopping on a pristine crystal clear rocky river bed to cool off on the way to the campground is always part of the fun.
Reflection of my 17-year-old nephew
I used to drive the children around and take them on a field trip. Sometimes, I am the one that takes them out for the weekend of cub scouts or brings the boys along on a camping trip without the parents. Yes, they trusted me with their children. Trust is essential.
Years flew by, and I am the one being driven around by their fifth child. Making a short conversation so that I don’t distract him while driving, I asked: “Aren’t you much too young to drive as a sixteen-year-old?” He quickly exclaimed: “I’m seventeen years old!” “Oh, pardon me, young man,” I responded. His father beside him was chuckling while he teaches his son to drive. No, I wasn’t scared of a young person driving me home. I trust him.
Reflection of a one and half-year-old child
Life is all about the play when I am with my sister’s grandson. At his age, everything is magical, even playing hide and seek behind a jug of water. ROAR, he screamed as he was trying to scare me with his dinosaur sound.
Through thick and thin, our family will pass the bonding to the younger generation. I am hopeful that we have shown them the importance of forming an intimate family unit as a cornerstone of our existence.
Radka sent a photo of her children to Remy’s FB of her children talking to her daughter. She spoke her first full sentence in English, her third language, “You are so cute.” For all we know, Remy is linguistic since … Continue reading →
When I am feeling blue All I have to do Is take a look at you Then I’m not so blue As an adult, I have to take a balancing act by looking at the innocence of the children to … Continue reading →
I love this shot of the children squatting in the garden. It reminds me of gardening. Different seeds sprouted and they grew into a beautiful living being with its own personality. These are the little buddhas I took care of … Continue reading →
Thing 1 is showing me “Look Miss Pretty, I’m a big boy now.” Jimmy is so proud that he wears real clothes, no more of those one-size-fits-all mummy looking designer stuff that he was bundled up. He outgrew them all. … Continue reading →
Such a lovely room of the baby. A serene place just to look at all the decoration and will pacify the mind of a crying baby wanting to suckle the breast for milk and feel the bosom of the mother. … Continue reading →
Children are eager to learn and they are fast understudy. They can’t wait to go to preschool because it’s all about drawing, singing and playing; not necessary in this order. Soon after that, kindergarten. A higher form of playing and … Continue reading →
Tell me a story is what I say instead of “Hi, how are you?” My friend finally understood what I mean and how important story telling is when he attended the Toastmaster International 2017 held in Vancouver last week. Toastmaster is … Continue reading →
A little girl asked her mother, ‘How did the human race appear?’ The mother answered, ‘God made Adam and Eve and they had children and then all mankind was made.’ Two days later the girl asked her father the same … Continue reading →
Joshua came into her dream. In a grocery store, I was trying to reach a 2 litter Dr. Pepper from the top shelf. A hand came from behind me and said “I gotcha mum”. It was Josh. He told me … Continue reading →
Do you smile to tempt a lover, Mona Lisa? Or is this your way to hide a broken heart? Many dreams have been brought to your doorstep They just lie there and they die there
Last night, my family and I were looking at Josh’s photo and I said, he has that certain smile. A Mona Lisa’s smile.
Is his smile happy or sad? I would like to think that his smile is unequivocally happy. It’s not rocket science. Being surrounded by his family loving him to bits and unconditionally, of course, he is happy.
Even his eyes, the eyes will follow us no matter where we are in the room. A gaze that will make you wonder, what is he thinking? Again, happy or crappy thoughts? His thought is brilliant, a gifted mind.
We wish he is here with us to ask him: Hey Josh, what do you think of your photo? What is the meaning of your smile?
The answer will remain a mystery, more mysterious than Mona Lisa.
Josh Siglos died at a young age of 31 on April 28, 2017.
It’s Holy Saturday and I am meditating on The Way of the Cross as I see it focus on education in picture form. Suffer the little children, the parents, special needs, new immigrants, teachers, front line works, aboriginals, and much … Continue reading →
They look so handsome wearing suit and tie to serve their mom, Lorena. Lorena’s three sons wore a rose boutonniere and white gloves as pallbearers to bring her casket to the church, then back to the funeral parlor for the … Continue reading →
Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone, Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone, Silence the pianos and with muffled drum Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come. ~ W H Auden Did your mom give … Continue reading →
Losing a mother is a pain that cannot be described in words. It is impossible to move on from the memory of losing the woman who sacrificed happiness in her own life so that you could have a better one. … Continue reading →
We have just finished our third night of prayer for our dearly beloved, Lorena when her sister’s mother-in-law followed Lorena’s footsteps. Now, we have to remember the mother-in-law in our prayers as well. Tonight will be the sixth evening that is extra … Continue reading →
I suppose for a child, adult seems to be larger than life and that’s how my nephew, Carlos, drew his mom. Tall, colorful clothing with beautiful red smiling lips. As for the arms, I don’t know why they turned … Continue reading →
As a first-year teacher, I worried about how much I didn’t know about my students. I explained to them that I wanted to get to know them better. I wrote, “I wish my teacher knew . . .” on the board and asked them to complete the sentence.
Each student’s response was unique. They responded with honesty, humor, and vulnerability. Sometimes their notes talked about their favorite sport. Sometimes students complained about conflict with siblings or friends. They wrote about their home life and the people who meant most to them. Sometimes they articulated their hopes for the future and sometimes they explained obstacles they were facing. After completing this lesson, I was amazed at how well it helped me connect with my students. Their notes became a tangible reminder for me to truly listen to the voices of students in my classroom.
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Imagine a world in which every child’s potential is valued; where every child receives the excellent education they deserve. What would our government look like? What would our neighborhoods look like? What would our schools look like? What would our classrooms look like? What would school be like if we asked students to tell us what we adults don’t know?
There was a time whatever Stella wants, Stella gets. But one cannot remain a baby and she grows up. The dreaded day came and Stella goes to school. Day 1 Aunty took Stella to school and she refused to go into class. … Continue reading →
Children nowadays play with technology. It’s quiet this way. Only the adults are noisy from telling stories, asking too many questions, laughing and plenty of dark jokes targeted at you. One has to have broad shoulders to deflect shady puns … Continue reading →
We are just a tad excited when it comes to having a Christmas tree at work and it arrived on November 15. Normally, the children in French immersion school located close to the board, in walking distance, come and decorate … Continue reading →
Home of the locals in Havana, Cuba, is rife with history. It’s written on the walls, it’s written on their faces, it’s written on the wind. Fieles a nuestra HISTORIA: Faithful to our history. Let it be written, let it … Continue reading →
Children have never been good at listening to their parents, but they have never failed to imitate them. – John Medina Brain Rules for Baby: How to Raise a Smart and Happy Child from Zero to Five Be careful.
Another morning and I wake with thirst for the goodness I do not have. I walk out to the pond and all the way God has given us such beautiful lessons. Oh Lord, I was never a quick scholar but … Continue reading →
How nice the view from up there must have been. It’s difficult to imagine when you’re always looking down. Don’t regret it when you finally see the upside of REALITY because there’s this crazy notion that regrets pile up to … Continue reading →
My niece is a professional baker. She found a prodigy, little Jimmie, to take over her profession. Got to start them young, you know. Cupcake is Jimmie’s all time favorite with icing and M&M’s on top. Jimmie’s main instruction was … Continue reading →
The word for the day is ideate in Miriam-Webster dictionary. Looking at the word, breaking it down to syllables and think about it to form what it means in my head first is the game I play without jumping into the meaning. I … Continue reading →
Participation is admirable. They came prepared. Armed with nachos, cheeses, chips and juices to fuel their hunger for a long night of participation of asking questions, voice their concerns and listen to other speak about the future of their education. … Continue reading →
Talking is part of communication. I must have talked so much for the month of April that it made my teeth hurt. April 1 is a fool’s paradise. April 1 is the time when we play practical jokes. April 1 … Continue reading →
Well, one of the children’s Mother is wondering what happened to her son’s drawing in this post. It was one of those drawings that I kept on my wall of fame or shame. It was one of that artwork that makes … Continue reading →
Trust the children to draw what they see and use me as the object of their art. Provide them with pen, paper and Miss Pretty (mwah) using Picasso’s way of abstract art, the result is: So, which one would you choose? “There … Continue reading →
When it comes to color, I prefer not to see it. So I say to others, I am color blind. This works for me, especially when at work. We have color coded paper and employees used to tell me they … Continue reading →
“Children are the seeds of our future. Plant love in their hearts and water them with wisdom and life’s lessons. When they are grown, give them space to grow ” The Way of Meditation
Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman: these are just a few superheroes the children want to be when they grow up. As adults, we show them they are the symbol of victory, the one who will save us, to serve and protect … Continue reading →
There are so many places I’ve been to. . . Captured some photos for show and tell. One doesn’t have to go to the mountains to gaze at the stars. A soft spot where one can sleep peacefully in the … Continue reading →
Nothing can dampen our enthusiasm even an overcast day as we waited in anticipation what the sky has to offer us. Would it be rain or Air show? It was the best time to be had with the children. On … Continue reading →
Remember the first green apple story I told you? The tree has more apples that one can possible eat. Only little Jimmy can pick the fruits that are hanging low, line them all up, offer it to you and we … Continue reading →
Ask kids how old they are and they will tell you the truth. They are honest about their age. Using their tiny fingers; they will show you the exact number. When kids learn philosophy, age is about “almost” three or … Continue reading →
When it comes to father’s day, this is a paradox to me. Firstly, I grew up hardly knowing who my father was. I barely know him. He shaped my childhood from the stories I heard from others. Secondly, we never … Continue reading →
It’s great to be ordinary. With all the blogs I posted, ordinary is on the top of the list. Therefore, I will bring them back to life. to make the most of time, to “just be,” and that I am … Continue reading →
When I was One I had just begun When I was Two I was nearly new When I was Three I was hardly me When I was Four I was not much more When I was Five I was just … Continue reading →
I lost my nephew’s teddy bear and he was inconsolable. Until now he remembers the episode and still makes me feel guilty about it. There is no such thing as forgiveness when I scared him for life. This is just … Continue reading →
A simple invitation I sent out to different organizations offering my services as a volunteer. To my surprise, Aids Baby Centre (ABC) accepted my invitation. On May 8, I arrived at Chiangmai from Vancouver, BC, Canada. I received a warm … Continue reading →
This may appear to be a dirty pool of water but for the feathered friends, it means bath time. “You’ll come to learn a great deal if you study the Insignificant in-depth” Odysseus Elytis When it rains, it pours. When it … Continue reading →
When it comes to children, I try to keep the quiet promises I made to myself and not let them know. I promised that I will post this video and today is the day. A Charlie Brown Christmas music played … Continue reading →
Every night, I watch the evening news at 6 pm. News are not necessarily entertaining, however, last night was an exception.
The news anchor of Global News BC, Chris Gailus shared Kristi Gordon, Head Meteorologists, video of her son singing “Oh Christmas Tree.”
Watch how Jordan Klawer won the hearts of the viewers and “stole” the show. Listen to every words and notice the hand gestures; this young man is just fabulous. It wasn’t that long ago when he was just a baby.
It would be interesting to see how many views this video will get. In an hour, at 8 pm, there’s already 2,000 hits.
All I really need to know, I learned in Kindergarten and one of those things is to clean up your own mess. But first you need to know that it is okay to make that mess, something that my … Continue reading →
Taking a little princess to a shoe store was a good idea at the time until she found a pair of hot pink stiletto heels. “Put them back, Stella.” “No.” she says. “They are too big for you, Princess.” “NO!” … Continue reading →
Think like a child. Chasing bubbles is more fun that having all the toys in the world.
Think like a dog. A red ball is his priceless possession. Don’t even take that ball away from him if you know what’s good for you. Hands off!
Share your love of reading with your neighbourhood. Have an outdoor library. Recycle your books.This will give you more space at home. You’ll get to know the people in your area. It’s more enjoyable to know them and chin wag not just about books. You’ll never know this might be the beginning of a lasting friendship.
These are some basics steps of being a minimalist.
We all have needs and children require more needs than adults. Children are all special.
Looking at this photo not knowing who drew it, I would say it’s very well done, much better drawn in comparison to me. Having very little creative brain, I can learn from the artist, drawn by a child, a special need child I heard. Who would know?
As far I am concern, this is a child with special talent. Definitely a child’s drawing with special needs; education.
After Labour Day is first day back to school, unfortunately it’s not going to happen due to ongoing dispute between BCTF and government. I can only hope that the children will receive all the need they can while school is out of session.
Totem Pole Mother is the Beaver because she is hardworking, looking after the children, cooking, cleaning and everything else. Little sister is the loon because she goes up to her room and reads all by herself. Sometimes she goes … Continue reading →
Such a pretty face, such a pretty smile, the apple of my eyes: Michael. He had me wrap around his little fingers; fingers as we played the song “inky winky spider went up the water-spout” When I baby sat him … Continue reading →
Markus: “It says no guns, Mama!”
Me: “It’s ok, I’m not allowed to smoke in there either.
Let’s go somewhere else. Taken at City of Pendleton.
Photo credit to my niece and her son.
“Calvin: Dad where do babies come from?
Dad: Well Calvin, you simply go to Sears, buy the kit and follow the assembly instructions.
Calvin: I came from Sears?
Dad: No you were a blue-light special at K-Mart – almost as good and a lot cheaper!”
― Bill Watterson
For Sunday music, this is a video of Spirit Alive concert that I mentioned here.
A Saint Patrick Regional Secondary Concert Choir and Chamber Choir at the Chan Center for the Performance Arts held on May 9, 2014. They did perform as well at the Carnegie Hall in New York City. That is a remarkable achievement for the high school students to be invited at the Hall. A very impressive group.
The performance became possible by the commitment, support and love of the community for the students. Without the community, the students would have not attained this outstanding performance.
JOY IS LIKE THE RAIN
I saw raindrops on my window, Joy is like the rain.
Laughter runs across my pain, slips away and comes again.
Joy is like the rain.
Read these words aloud as a prayer for this stage of your life—the fullness and generativity of your being.
Rest: A Poem
I believe in all that has never yet been spoken.
I want to free what waits within me
so that what no one has dared to wish for
may for once spring clear
without my contriving.
If this is arrogant, God, forgive me,
but this is what I need to say.
May what I do flow from me like a river,
no forcing and no holding back,
the way it is with children.
Then in these swelling and ebbing currents,
these deepening tides moving out, returning,
I will sing you as no one ever has,
streaming through widening channels
into the open sea.
— Rainer Maria Rilke, Rilke’s Book of Hours: Love Poems to God
(Translated by Anita Barrows and Joanna Macy)
Mother freaked out (again) because Son forgot (again) to turn in his homework on time and even missed some items. His homework grade score suffered as a result. So Father and Son had to talk. Immediately after the rather serious talk, … Continue reading →
As a child becomes aware, he notices that the
world around him is filled with other living things.
There are animals, bugs, birds and creepy
crawlers going about their own lives
that fascinate him.
A caterpillar inches along.
A chickadee sings high in up on a tree.
A bee buzzes from flower to flower.
Suddenly he is filled with wonders.
And a million questions begin.
I wonder why kangaroos have pouches.
I wonder why caterpillars eat so much.
I wonder why camels have humps.
I wonder why horses wear shoes.
I wonder why spiders spin webs.
I wonder why the sun rises.
I wonder why whales sing.
Why do birds sing?
Why can’t penguins fly?
Why do plants have flowers?
Why do leopards have spots?
Why does it get dark at night?
Why are bees busy in summer?
Why do kangaroos have pouches?
Too many questions.
I wonder myself, too.
I cannot seem to remember for
my thoughts have been placed
by useless mundane stuff of
everyday busyness of life.
When April comes, rest assure that it will be a bumpy ride. Budget season falls in April and all school districts have to balance their books. It’s never been easy to balance the books when the funds are coming from the Provincial Government. When there is no funds; programs are cut, head rolls and the students suffer.
A particular program was under threat, Strings program, an instrumental music program that is an international language for all students. One doesn’t have to speak their native tongue in order to be part of this and children have an ingrained talent to play a music instrument.
Needless to say, there were so many heartbroken teachers, parents and students. The sound of violin “death“ score is playing in the air.
Some psychology and gifted-education program were also in the chopping board. This is another very important program for students that are “challenged”.
The public has spoken to express their concerns about the effect of these cuts to their children.
Music aids the cognitive development of a child. According to scientific study that exposure to music makes kids of all ages smarter in math especially classical music. The practice lessons are helpful for the students to have structured time rather than face time. Further musical training enhances the brain structure of the child in language and reasoning.
As for therapy sessions, parents need help how to educate a child with behavior, speech, attention deficit or high functioning. Without these vital resources, it’s impossible for the child to learn and fit into the norm of school structure.
The month of April is over and these services are spared for now. Problem solved? Not really.
May is a power struggle between the Teachers and BC Public School Employers. The teachers are on a rotating strike this week and will continue until next week should there be no resolution in terms of bargaining on class sizes and remuneration.
Field trips, camping trips, sports practice and others are cancelled. Graduation is coming and will the teachers be there for the graduating class?
Dear Parents,
As you are aware, the BCTF is now in phase 2 of job action, as well as an imposed partial lock-out by BCPSEA. This directly impacts the level in which teachers are able to be involved in field trips, including our regional track meet.
And while we exercised every reasonable option to carry on with this event, unfortunately, we have had to make the decision to cancel our District Zone Track and Field meet that was scheduled for May 30th. We realize this is very disappointing for the students who have been working very hard in their gym classes to qualify for the events at the Track meet as well as parents who enjoy being a part of the day.
We encourage the children to continue with their personal fitness training to support their future endeavors in track and field events.
This is a challenging time for all those involved in BC schools. Thank you for your understanding and support in this matter. Please contact the school if you have any questions.
Yours truly,
The Administrators
On a personal level, Lucy my niece is in three of these events and she is really looking forward to it. It’s a very sad time for Lucy and my family.
My feelings are split between the teachers, education, children, parents, the whole British Columbia, my colleagues, and me. Of course, the bottom line for most is no ticky, no laundry. Meaning, no pay.
The children, have mercy on these children. They are the one’s suffering.
Nelson Mandela said that education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. Weapon? Heaven forbid, not at the cost of the children.
Power Nap and Pwer Struggle: A Child uses a strike sign for shade while her mom walks a picket line outside school in Vancouver. Photo credit Darryl Dyck / The Canadian Press via Vancouver Metro
“There’s no place for the state in the bedrooms of the nation.” Those unforgettable words made famous by Pierre Trudeau in 1967 caused a tidal wave of controversy that rippled across the entire nation. Trudeau’s Omnibus Bill brought issues like abortion, homosexuality and divorce law to the forefront for the first time, changing the political and social landscape in Canada forever.”
Public school system in British Columbia is gradually adopting a strict policy on anti-homophobia in order to create a safe structured learning environment for the children and it’s employees.
These posters are educational materials used in an ongoing staff development that I attended.
Do you know that homophobia is one of the major causes of drugs, alcoholism and suicide on children? So think twice or more before acting negatively, it can have a devastating effect.
“Music is a world within itself, with a language we all understand. You can feel it, they can feel it, you can feel it all over people” ~ Stevie Wonder Hurry up, and wait. It never fails. My family and … Continue reading →
When a little girl plays dress up, she means business. She can’t wait to grow up and will adorn herself using her Mother’s accessories including the Boa feather and hat. Doesn’t she look adorable? There is no way she will change her outfit with all the cajoling and threats from her Mother. Besides, she is smarter than her.
“God is not satisfied with appearance. God wants the garment of justice. God wants his Christians dressed in love.”-Oscar Romero (via Claudia)
I felt you. You were a pea. Then a lemon. Then an eggplant. I followed advice. I read twelve books. I quit coffee.
Could you tell I was scared?
I talked to you, sang to you… I wasn’t ready.
But then you were here. Ten toes. Eight pounds. Love. Big fat love.
I held you. I fed you. I realized that I would spend my life doing things to make you happy — and that that would make me happy.
And then there are the times I want to give up. You’ve made me rethink my sanity. You’ve made me want to fall on my mother’s feet and tell her that I get it.
But then you smile and you say my name — and you grab my hand with those little fingers.
We’re growing together. We are seeing the world like it’s new. I will open my heart and love will rain down all over you. You’ll giggle, and I’ll do it all over again. And we will walk hand in hand. Until you let go.
It must be the season of the year that Easter feels way better than Christmas.
After being all coop up inside the house from rainy fall to cold winter, spring fever infected our family. Of course, the adults instigated all these fun and games.
Looking out
Outside
First we imprisoned the young ones and just let them have a look what the outside world looks like. Ha, the bunnies are hopping all over the place.
With the youngest as high as our knees, we make sure that it’s feasible for this young tyke to find all the goodies at his eye level. Basically we just threw the goodies all over the ground. For the older children, they might just have to climb the tree to pluck the egg.
The baby had a good five minutes head start before the older children. We did help baby to find some eggs hidden under the leaves and on the cars but he is more interested on picking the ornaments planted on the ground.
Oh what a crazy family I belong. Crazy that we are, there is so much love, support and faith in this clan.
We were all in the background, cheering and egging one another. Cars have slowed down to watch what’s the commotion was all about. Neighbors were too curious and inquisitive what’s going on. My sister was kind enough to bring them food since they are too shy to join the festivity.
Actually, anyone can join. Easter Egg hunting has nothing to do with race or creed.
stash
food glorious food
cakes laden with liquor
After the ruckus and after 40 days of NPO (nothing per orem), what it means basically is fasting, we have to feast. Food, drinks and fattening stuff to replenish all that fat we shed.
Easter is definitely way better than Christmas. No obligatory presents, no dress up, no sweat. It’s all for the glory of celebrating that rites of a living God.
Play is part of praying. And we know how to have fun regardless of the weather. It will be a wet soggy field for the Easter Egg hunt for the children. For sure, it will be a muddy hunt. But who cares. Oh, the Easter Bunny did come knocking on my door yesterday bearing some more chocolates. I still have yet to eat the Santa Clause chocolate from Christmas. Should I get inspired, I will just make chocolate cookies instead.
”No one is ever born into Life alone. Everyone has shared the bond of family, at least at birth, and for many people, it is a bond that will follow them throughout life. For many people, it is the most important bond of all.”
I was lucky enough to have in my life a family filled with love, compassion, acceptance, and tolerance. I am what I am as a direct result of a family life where belonging is imperative. It is gratifying to my health and one of the reasons why I am still alive. Without my family’s caring nature, I cannot conceive living alone.
Reflection 25 years ago
When I was younger, I tagged along with my sister, her husband, and two boys. Have a van, and we traveled anywhere. I was more than welcome to join since I can chop woods and carry water on top of being a babysitter. Stopping on a pristine crystal clear rocky river bed to cool off on the way to the campground is always part of the fun.
Reflection of my 17-year-old nephew
I used to drive the children around and take them on a field trip. Sometimes, I am the one that takes them for the weekend of cub scouts or brings the boys along on a camping trip without the parents. Yes, they trusted me with their children. Trust is essential.
Years flew by, and I am the one being driven around by their fifth child. Making a short conversation so that I don’t distract him while driving, I asked: “Aren’t you much too young to drive as a sixteen-year-old?” He quickly exclaimed: “I’m seventeen years old!” “Oh, pardon me, young man,” I responded. His father beside him was chuckling while he teaches his son to drive. No, I wasn’t scared of a young person driving me home. I trust him.
Reflection of a one and half-year-old child
Life is all about playing when I am with my sister’s grandson. At his age, everything is magical even playing hide and seek behind a jug of water. ROAR he screamed as he was trying to scare me with his dinosaur sound.
Through thick and thin our family will pass the bonding to the younger generation. I am hopeful that we have shown them the importance of forming an intimate family unit as a cornerstone of our existence.
I must have listened to this video a hundred times. Watching the video distracts me from listening so I converted it to voice only. When I listen, I also like to jot down the words and I ended up transcribing the spoken words. The key words compassion, acceptance and tolerance are words that I will keep in my heart and put into practice.
Listen and prepare ourselves in educating our mind and hearts.
(click to listen)
When a child is born,
we do everything we can
to protect them, nurture them, love them.
A child’s heart and mind are fragile.
As they grow, we want to teach them everything we know.
We send them to school
to fill their minds with wonderful knowledge
to give them the tools they need for life.
At school they get a taste what things are like in a world outside. There’s friendship, romance, disappointment,
embarrassment, discrimination and bullying.
They are the tools we give them enough to prepare them for this world.
We have an enormous responsible and an amazing opportunity.
If we truly want to prepare them for the world outside,
we must also educate the heart.
Because to navigate the world outside
with compassion, acceptance and tolerance
we need to teach them
compassion, acceptance and tolerance.
This can begin in our schools and it can start today.
It can happen at hockey practice, dance class
and day camps and music lessons
and it’s already happening around the world
with astonishing results.
If we want our children to grow
into socially and emotionally capable young people,
we must ask for a balanced education
and put importance on educating both the mind and the heart.
I mean, you’re a teacher, Taylor.
Be honest. What do you make?
And I wish he hadn’t done that— asked me to be honest—
because, you see, I have this policy about honesty and ass-‐kicking:
if you ask for it, then I have to let you have it.
You want to know what I make?
I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.
I can make a C+ feel like a Congressional Medal of Honor
and an A-‐ feel like a slap in the face. How dare you waste my time
with anything less than your very best.
I make kids sit through 40 minutes of study hall
in absolute silence. No, you may not work in groups.
No, you may not ask a question.
Why won’t I let you go to the bathroom?
Because you’re bored.
And you don’t really have to go to the bathroom, do you?
I make parents tremble in fear when I call home:
Hi. This is Mr. Mali. I hope I haven’t called at a bad time, I just wanted to talk to you about something your son said today.
To the biggest bully in the grade, he said,
“Leave the kid alone. I still cry sometimes, don’t you?
It’s no big deal.”
And that was noblest act of courage I have ever seen.
I make parents see their children for who they are
and what they can be.
You want to know what I make?
I make kids wonder,
I make them question.
I make them criticize.
I make them apologize and mean it.
I make them write.
I make them read, read, read.
I make them spell definitely beautiful, definitely beautiful, definitely beautiful
over and over and over again until they will never misspell
either one of those words again.
I make them show all their work in math
and hide it on their final drafts in English.
I make them understand that if you’ve got this,
then you follow this,
and if someone ever tries to judge you
by what you make, you give them this.
Here, let me break it down for you, so you know what I say is true:
Teachers make a goddamn difference! Now what about you?
Look into my eyes. You are falling deeply in love with me. Look into my eyes. I am perfect to fall in love with. We are meant for each other, forever! You are mine! You cannot resist me for you are just totally in love with my soft fuzzy adorable body. Feel me, touch me and love me. You will do as I say.
The Grade 1 and 2 students at VSB made their own “Splat” with black paint and chalk pastels. Using toothpicks they gently dragged the wet paint away from Splat’s body to create his fuzzy fur. Heart shaped doilies were added for a finish touch with “artist’s” name written on it.
With lots and lots of love and fur balls, Happy Valentines, Love from a colony of Splats. Working for the school board, the children are the treasure in my line of work. One cannot help but fall in love with them especially when they come to show and tell what they learnt at school to our offices. They are priceless.
Do not ask your children to strive for extraordinary lives. Such striving may seem admirable, but it is a way of foolishness. Help them instead to find the wonder and the marvel of an ordinary life. Show them the joy of tasting tomatoes, apples, and pears. Show them how to cry when pets and people die. Show them the infinite pleasure in the touch of a hand. And make the ordinary come alive for them. The extraordinary will take care of itself.
Once upon a time, my dream house will have a library. The library will be filled with wall to wall and top to bottom room full of books that I collected over the years. And then I discovered the joy of going to the library. I ended giving away most of my books to goodwill and kept the children’s books.
I never outgrew The Little Prince, All things bright and beautiful, I like you because and The man who planted trees. These books have taught me more than any self-help books that I’ve read. Besides, I love the pictures. It is true that pictures say a thousand words and I can create a different story just by looking at them.
On a beautiful autumn day, one cannot help but feel good and pretty inside. Taking photos of the most colourful neighbourhood, a few people had the same idea as me. It was amusing to watch some of them taking a … Continue reading →
I learned that vulnerability is okay, to unmask myself, I am not the only one who faces obstacles in life, to make the most of time, to “just be,” and that I am more than ordinary.
God has numerous wonderful plans in store for me. His love is the most selfless and everlasting love.
I cannot put into words how thankful I am to be surrounded with people who love me and go that extra mile to make me happy.
Sometimes the adults wonder what the children are thinking. Most importantly, sometimes we wonder whether we have raised the children well. We can only hope that they are safe and sound when we are not around to protect them.
This is an instagram from “becca”, my youngest brother’s daughter who is more than happy to share it with me.
These are her words, the breaks and italics are mine.
Have you ever written a letter to yourself only to be opened in the future? I did.
In one of the retreats I attended, I wrote a letter to myself, sealed it in an envelope, addressed to me, left it at the retreat office and mailed it to me a year later. I completely forgot about the letter until I received it. Excitedly opened it, read it, put it back in the envelope, stored it away and cannot recall the content of the letter. Currently, I don’t know where I have hidden it. Maybe one day, I’ll find it before I die or maybe my family will.
What brought me to write this is due to Taylor.
Taylor was a vibrant 12-year old girl. She died young due to pneumonia-related complications. When her parents were going through her things, they discovered a sealed envelope addressed to her future self: “To be opened by Taylor Smith on April 13, 2023, only unless said otherwise,”
The letter reads:
Dear Taylor,
How’s life? Life is pretty simple right now (10 years in your past). I know I’m late for you, but as I’m writing, this is early, so; congratulations on graduating high school! If you didn’t go back and keep trying. Get that degree! Are you (we) in college? If not, I understand. We do have pretty good reasoning, after all. Don’t forget, it’s Allana’s 11th birthday today! Sheesh, 11 already? In my time, she just turned 1! I didn’t get to go to that party though, because I was in Cranks, Kentucky for my first mission trip. I’ve only been back for 6 days!
Speaking of, how’s your relationship with GOD? Have you prayed, worshipped, read the bible, or gone to serve the lord recently? If not, get up and do so NOW! I don’t care what point in our life we’re in right now, do it! He was mocked, beaten, tortured, and crucified for you! A sinless man, who never did you or any other person any wrong!
Who else would teach me about computer but the younger generations? Not just computers, I learn so much about life from them. It gives me so much pleasure listening to their constant chattering as if there is no tomorrow. They don’t seem to run out of topic to discuss. I’ve missed out on the gathering on Christmas, and since I cannot be with them, I have privy to their Facebook.
One thing I’ve noticed that the children’s mind is starting to develop and hardly post any selfies. There are more writings than their faces. These are some of my favorites.
LIFE ADVICE: One must always order a bowl of steamed rice to soak up the sauce.
I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH! There was a time in my life when I wanted as many people as possible to like me and be my friend… but now I am proud to say that the QUALITY of my friendships outweighs the QUANTITY of friendships. I AM SO THANKFUL TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU FOR YOUR FRIENDSHIP. YOU DON’T EVEN UNDERSTAND. (God Bless!)
DID YOU KNOW… that the word MERCY in the Bible the root word is CHESED in Hebrew? It means steadfast love, covenant, loyal, faithful, love. So when we say “Have mercy on me” we aren’t only asking for forgiveness, but we are asking that they will continually love us past the hurt, pain or suffering that we may have caused. (That’s beautiful.)
ithinkimfinallyunderstandingHASHTAGS# (Almost. The # goes in front. )
Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I’m changing myself. #changing #yesterday #today
#tomorrow?
I don’t understand the tags. Is that where you are getting your quotes?
#today is better than #tomorrow. I just checked it out.
Secret as to where I get them. Haha. I read sometimes?
The longest walk we will have in our lives is the journey between connecting the heart and the mind #persevere (deep, very deep…)
Every day is a small death to who you were yesterday. #dailyDeath (I hope this means you are reborn today?!)
Good afternoon, how may I help you?
Hi, Tita Lady.
Hi, Bud. How ya doing?
My tooth came off.
Oh yah, which one?
The front tooth.
It’s a good time to be good today, Bud.
Why?
Because Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy are coming.
Why?
Because if you are good Santa might leave a gift for you.
What about the Tooth Fairy?
The Tooth Fairy might leave a dollar or two under your pillow.
What happens when they run to each other?
I don’t know. It happened before.
Really?
Really. I have to go back to work now, Bud.
Okay, love you.
Love you, too, Bud.
It’s was a busy Christmas night for Santa and the Tooth Fairy.
“
There is no way she will change her outfit with all the cajoling and threats from her Mother. Besides, she is smarter than her.
Oh, the Easter Bunny did come knocking on my door yesterday bearing some more chocolates. I still have yet to eat the Santa Clause chocolate from Christmas. Should I get inspired, I will just make chocolate cookies instead.
Reflections 