I have had many students ask if I plan to write about our shared experiences at Western New Mexico University, Teacher Education Center, formerly Elementary Laboratory School, and the present Child Development Center Just this past week, I wrote about the connection among the above entities. This was written to celebrate the retirement of Terry Salars Anderson, School Director. It was removed from the program by an administrator.
It is important to remember the history of institutions and what worked and what didn't, and creating ideal environments for learning was one that Western has always done well.
Students remember the good teachers and the nurturing learning environments. They also remember the bad ones. For those of you who are trusted with the education of others, take that responsibility very seriously, and know that what you say and do will be remembered for years to come. I will be writing more on the subject of teacher and student. I will share thoughts as a counselor and mediator.
Reach out to a child who needs an extra hug. Remember to look for the child within.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Friday, December 9, 2011
December 9, 2011
My end of year resolution is to be a better blogger. My last post was in June. I am going to do better. I have neglected my journal and my blog in my finishing my latest book, Too Personal for Words: The Invisible Path of Aging. The corrections phase took longer than what I wanted even though i felt it had been edited to death. I will have the first copies in my hands in two weeks, perhaps before Christmas, but not the Solstice. This book is more autobiographical than I wished it to be. Like most books, it takes its own path, and the writer may cringe, but knows that is where it must go. Sophia, my wise and beautiful sixteen year old granddaughter, said that it was an important book for me to leave to a younger generation Oh, Sophie, please do not make the mistakes I did. You will make your own, but you have made it to sixteen without having to become an adult over night. I am proud of you, and your critique gave me courage when I was thinking of removing a couple of the grittier poems.
My third book of poems is focused on the Southwest. It won the WILLA Finalist Literary Award for poetry in 2011. Needless to say this was a grand surprise. I didn't expect it. I was over seventy when I finally had time to make my poetry a top priority. This is written for each of you who has a creative dream that is not yet realized. It is never too late. Remember Grandma Moses and remember me.
I will close with a few recent thoughts.
1. Don't fear growing older. Make it an adventure, and remember to laugh at yourself. It keeps you humble.
2. Don't let the insanity of the period we are living through unhinge you. Remember the things that have happened this year such as The Arab Spring which is a tribute to young people seeking better lives.
3. Buy simple seasonal gifts for those you love. Never mind the simple $5000 diamond, or convertible. That isn't what I have in mind by simple. I recall reading that people who practice loving simplicity in gift giving, and put their money into travel or home improvements are glad for their decisions.
My end of year resolution is to be a better blogger. My last post was in June. I am going to do better. I have neglected my journal and my blog in my finishing my latest book, Too Personal for Words: The Invisible Path of Aging. The corrections phase took longer than what I wanted even though i felt it had been edited to death. I will have the first copies in my hands in two weeks, perhaps before Christmas, but not the Solstice. This book is more autobiographical than I wished it to be. Like most books, it takes its own path, and the writer may cringe, but knows that is where it must go. Sophia, my wise and beautiful sixteen year old granddaughter, said that it was an important book for me to leave to a younger generation Oh, Sophie, please do not make the mistakes I did. You will make your own, but you have made it to sixteen without having to become an adult over night. I am proud of you, and your critique gave me courage when I was thinking of removing a couple of the grittier poems.
My third book of poems is focused on the Southwest. It won the WILLA Finalist Literary Award for poetry in 2011. Needless to say this was a grand surprise. I didn't expect it. I was over seventy when I finally had time to make my poetry a top priority. This is written for each of you who has a creative dream that is not yet realized. It is never too late. Remember Grandma Moses and remember me.
I will close with a few recent thoughts.
1. Don't fear growing older. Make it an adventure, and remember to laugh at yourself. It keeps you humble.
2. Don't let the insanity of the period we are living through unhinge you. Remember the things that have happened this year such as The Arab Spring which is a tribute to young people seeking better lives.
3. Buy simple seasonal gifts for those you love. Never mind the simple $5000 diamond, or convertible. That isn't what I have in mind by simple. I recall reading that people who practice loving simplicity in gift giving, and put their money into travel or home improvements are glad for their decisions.
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