Category: Uncategorized
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Weekend Update
Friday night was our staff party at our principal‘s house not far from school. He lives on a game reserve and has beautiful views of it from his balconies and upstairs. It was a western theme, complete with a mechanical bull. It was such a fun night, getting to talk to colleagues and enjoying the…
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Exploring New Experiences
Sometime during my first two weeks, I met a friend of one of the teachers at school. He is a life coach and leadership coach and we had some great conversations. He invited me into his Exploring New Experiences WhatsApp group, where he posts different activities each week for the group. There’s dancing, meditation, hiking,…
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Tiny, Happy Stressful Rituals
I love the title I envisioned for this piece and kept singing it to myself a la “Shiny Happy People” by R.E.M. as I was walking at lunch today. I was reflecting on a conversation I’d had on Tuesday with our Learning Leader. She was saying how fun the holiday festivities are, but also how…
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Pilanesberg National Park Day 3
We slept in a little bit, packed up, and had our last meal at the lodge. After checking out, we drove Betty back down to the park entrance for our fourth and final game drive. We parked by a lake for a bit and watched the hippos. The water surrounded by the hills was beautiful…
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Pilanesberg National Park Day 2
We woke up at 5 am and made it to the drive vehicle by 5:15! There were probably 10 of us as we set out. I do not like waking up early, but I had absolutely no problem, bounding out of bed and getting on board for this! We started seeing animals right away, and…
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Pilanesberg National Park Day 1
Because I teach at an American school, we get American holidays off. I had a bit of an unconventional Thanksgiving by traveling less than two hours northwest to Pilanesberg National Park. I find the holiday a bit fraught anyway, so aside from missing my family and the food, this was a pretty splendid idea! I…
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Nov. 21-23 Weekend Update Part 2
From Gold Reef City, we switched buses to take the Soweto tour. I was so excited to see this section of Johannesburg having just finished Born a Crime, Trevor Noah’s memoir. He spent much of his childhood in Soweto and I was looking forward to seeing the townships firsthand, though it has been decade since…
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Nov. 21-23 Weekend Update, Part 1
It was a long week with not feeling well, so I capped Friday off with some spa care rather than happy hour. I chose a manicure and pedicure at a salon near me, though it was not quite the relaxing afternoon/evening I had hoped for! The nail technician used a nail file for everything she…
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Sick!
I was quite sick this week. It was actually building for a few weeks, but on Sunday, I really went downhill. I am never plagued by headaches or stomachaches, but recently I’d been having both. My gut was totally off and despite drinking water and eating constantly, I couldn’t keep anything down or in. I…
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Weekend Update
This felt like a very long week because the kids have been busy finalizing their arcade games and forces and motion writing pieces and also practicing a song in sign language and an antibullying presentation for the Community Celebration that they’re leading. I was ready for Happy Hour Friday evening! We went to Square Time…
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Delights
The week started with a double delight! My colleague’s eight-year-old daughter was badly hurt in a freak accident and she was home with her last week. I put together a gift basket of items to cheer her daughter up. She is doing much better! Knowing I loved the Protea flower, my colleague brought me this…
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November 9 and 10
I got up and out relatively early to do my grocery shopping and was thrilled to find two loungers and a table on promotion at Makro (Costco-like). I was wheeling them through the crowded store quite gently. Three parking lot attendees helped me load them into my tiny Toyota Starlet and I was able to…
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Johannesburg
Today I had a training session in Johannesburg at our campus there. I got up and drove down, enjoying the change of scenery and seeing both city and country. The training was on Inquiry and it was outstanding! The speaker was excellent and we moved in and out of groups and partners all morning as…
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Favorite Sayings So Far!
Here is a list of my favorite sayings here in South Africa as I pass the 6 week mark. Now, Just now, Now now: This can mean in a few minutes, within a few weeks or never. Example: I’ll be with you just now. Hectic: Fun way to describe something out of the ordinary, unusual,…
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A Little Update
Last week, the Spanish teacher threw a breakfast for the new hires. She emailed us in advance and asked us to send a picture of ourselves and a little write up. I was so touched that a fellow teacher would think to do this. It was so welcoming. Unfortunately, I couldn’t go because my Learning…
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Some Stories
A man came to lay fibre at my house last week. He was a white South African, not an Afrikaner. He had me in stitches with his stories. He used to live near Cape Town and said CTers are so chill and laid back. No rush at all. He said Pretoria is next in line…
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Conferences and Such
This week I had parent teacher conferences, some with the students included, and they were amazing! I have always loved these meetings because it’s an opportunity to better understand the environment the child is coming from and learn things that often give you the perspective you didn’t have to make better instructional or interpersonal choices…
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Apartheid
I am reading It’s Trevor Noah: Born a Crime, Stories from a South African Childhood. Early on in the book, he gives what I think is a simple and brief history of how it came to be. I get a lot of questions about Afrikaners, so I thought this was a good excerpt to share…
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Mongoose Monday
Walking onto campus at 6:45 this morning, who should come running down the corridor toward me but a yellow mongoose! He stopped and sat up on his hind legs and we had a kind of greeting before he dashed for the open fields of the playground to have some fun before the kids came! My…
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Weekend Update
Saturday began with tea while grocery shopping, though my favorite barista wasn’t there and this one made my dirty chai very dirty!! Back home, I watered plants and tried to set up Alexa while my landlord, Slie, and the handyman, Sergio came. Sergio took the whole oven out and replaced the part he’d been waiting…
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Friday
Some musings today… I have a five minute commute to work. Today I counted exactly how many speed bumps and roundabouts are between my house and my school. The answer? 14 and 4!! I had to laugh that that’s what makes my commute a whole five minutes! An example of a speed bump into a…
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Closets, Closets, Closets
MOFY fans will enjoy that title! So, what to say today? I thought I’d mention some interesting house observations. Mine and the few others I’ve seen the interior of. First, closets are not rooms you walk into if you’re lucky enough, or set back into the wall. Instead, they’re freestanding cabinetry. Although it takes up…
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Cold and Wet
Apparently, it was quite hot in Pretoria last week. Over the weekend we got some much needed rain and it felt like maybe the rainy season was beginning. Last night there were thunderstorms all night and then today it rained all day, sometimes quite hard. It was the first day of inside recess for the…
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Connection
I woke early this morning and joined Yuri for a hike. The weather was supposed to be rainy, but the day dawned gorgeous! He met me at Moreleta Park, which is only a 10 minute drive from my house. It felt so good to walk through natural areas like I love to do back home.…
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A Neighbor and a Friend
I dragged myself out of bed this morning, having gone to sleep at 2 am after my travels back home. I went grocery shopping to fill my fridge after the week away and then got my hair and nails done for the first time in country. I was very happy with both services and they…
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Last Day in Cape Town
Yesterday was my last day in Cape Town. I slept in a bit, then stayed in bed a bit longer to enjoy the beautiful view out the wall of windows. I am going to miss this place, the apartment and the town. Staying right until 10 am checkout, I then headed to Lily’s a block…
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More Hopping On and Off
More facts I learned from the blue route bus tour today. Cape Town has 3 universities and 2 technical colleges. More and more businesses are moving their headquarters, or body corporate, here. The Cape gets 20 million visitors a year. A cannon is fired every day at noon in Cape Town from the Lion Battery…
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Hopping On and Off in Cape Town
If there’s one thing I love to do when I travel, it’s to take a trolley or bus tour on the first day and get the lay of the land. I did just that today, with the Red Line of the City Bus Tour, leaving from V & A Waterfront Park. People often assume the…
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Some Finer Details
The weather in Cape Town is quite unpredictable. It can go from sunny to cloudy to drizzly to stormy and back again in a matter of hours. It is also quite windy here, except in the bays protected by the mountains, like Camps and Clifton and Bantry. On Beach Road where I am, the palm…
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Cape Town
I chose “Holiday” by Madonna for my Instagram post today because I am truly enjoying being on holiday this week in Cape Town. There is so much to do. I’m technically in a different time zone, but Cape Town stays with the rest of South Africa. First and foremost, I didn’t sleep well this past…
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Holiday!
I headed out to do some errands this morning, including visiting my sweet neighbor, Sue, who is already planning where she’ll take me for tea next weekend! This evening, I landed in the “most beautiful city in the world,” Cape Town. It was a 40 minute drive to the Tanbo airport, then a two hour…
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Just a Little Sunday Walk Here in South Africa
Well, today was one of those days where you can’t even believe you’re living the life you are! I am so filled with gratitude, wonder, awe and excitement! I drove down to Johannesburg to visit Walter. It’s about an hour drive and he guided me around the city instead of through it. Walter’s place looks…
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This and That
Some random observations from this Saturday… As I set off to do some errands today, my GPS wasn’t working, but I was pleased to see I knew my way around to several places. Things are starting to look familiar! Krispy Kremes are everywhere around here! One same as home observation and one different from home…
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International Day
Today was International Day at the Johannesburg campus. Our third grade classes wore clothes that represented their countries. Most of our students have parents with two different nationalities, so it was fun for them to choose! The “buses” that bring the kids to school are white vans. Families pay for this transportation. Today, the buses…
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House Issues
It’s been quite a week here. This has been one of the busiest weeks at work, with an early morning meeting with our Head of Schools, a late afternoon meeting with our principal, a meeting to prepare for International Day tomorrow, an upper elementary meeting, a faculty social and just the usual amount of prep…
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Homes
Houses here are made of brick and/or concrete and poorly insulated. I haven’t seen vinyl siding on any structure so far. I’ve also not seen stucco finish. The homes are in gated communities with security, behind walls that have barbed wire on top. Most fences are electric, too.
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Doctor’s Visit
It’s Spirit Week this week and most teachers and students forgot today was Crazy Hair Day. With my hair on just a regular day, I couldn’t help but wonder if people thought I was participating. We’re studying forces and motion for our Unit of Inquiry. Today our two classes had a tug of war to…
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A Quick Note About Lightning
Lightning here is not to be taken lightly (pun intended). It is severe and strong and I have heard more than a few personal stories of people being struck. Because our classrooms are not contained in a building, but rather are in a long row with front and back doors opening to the outside, our…
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A Quick Note About TVs
When I purchased a tv yesterday, I had to purchase a tv license. Or licence, as it is spelled here. Anyway, it’s R265, which is $15.44 for the year. You must have a licence before you can buy a tv. And you must renew it every year. When I leave and don’t need it anymore,…
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Not Quite Costco
Okay, Sunday news. I have been using the weekends (well, all two of them) to catch up on some sleep and have leisurely starts since my weekday mornings start so early (for me!). As I was putting my garage door down (still not fixed), I met the neighbor across the street and his two adorable…
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Rugby
Despite having so many pairs of sneakers back home, I brought a scant few and regret it. Teighler told me to go to the Adidas outlet and get Ultra Boost trainers. I didn’t end up finding anything there, but I ran into her out shopping with her husband and little boy. Lyle was wearing a…
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Friday’s Fun
Yesterday was a fun finale to the work week. The kids got to go to the library yesterday to exchange books and the librarian, Promise, gave me some wonderful travel tips. She recommended Zanzibar as a nice getaway, as well as a safari in Nairobi where you can see the Big 5 with the city…
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Perspective
A little perspective…last night I was talking to my friend, Tom, and I said I’m not great with night driving here because the oncoming lights shine directly at me because we’re both toward the center of the road. He pointed out that it’s the same way back home and I had to process that for…
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Thursday’s Thoughts
Yesterday was a long and busy one. The kids have an early release day, leaving at 1:30, but we stay until 4 in various meetings. Because the school day was condensed and the time after was not ours, I needed to stay later to get my work done in the classroom. That put me leaving…
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Tuesday’s Tales
Again, some random pieces of information from today… If I die in South Africa, it won’t be from any of the horrible safety report reasons I read about before coming. It will be trying to escape my house if there’s a fire because I can’t get my dang skeleton keys to work! I’m hankering something…
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Monday’s Musings
Some musings on today… I had my first African thunderstorm last night into this morning. The thunder was loud, the wind kicked up and the lightning lit the sky beautifully. It poured just before the kids came in this morning, but by 9:45, it was clear and they went to their outdoor snack area. Everyone…
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Sunday in Pretoria
A quick one tonight because I’m no longer a pensioner and have been prepping for work tomorrow! Our day starts at 7:10, so I’m trying to get to bed earlier. Today was National Botanical Garden Day in Pretoria with Walter. If you missed yesterday, Walter lives in Joburg and is a high school friend of…
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Saturday in Pretoria
My first weekend in Pretoria and time to explore a bit while doing some errands. Today I took to the highways and felt totally comfortable. I only hit my wipers instead of my blinkers twice today, instead of every single time like most days! (They’re reversed.) Traffic lights are called robots and at the red…
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Animals and More
Today’s post is mostly about animals. I have some answers thanks to my local colleagues. The other day I mentioned my bird app and also that I may or may not have a pteradactyl fly over my house on the regular. I heard that same bird call while the three of us were meeting the…
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First Day of School!
Today was the first day of school for me! Meanwhile, the kids have been in school for about 5 weeks! I am the one needing to get up to speed! The school is a 5 minute drive from my house and I left around 6:50, as we have to be on campus by 7:10 and…
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First Impressions
In my quest to arrive in South Africa healthy, I wore a mask from the time I boarded my plane at Dulles until the time I disembarked in Johannesburg, with the exception of eating and drinking. It has been years since I’ve worn a mask, let alone for that long. It was convenient when I…
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The Last Night
When scheduling my flight to Johannesburg became challenging for the HR department at my new school, I offered up Washington as a possible place of departure. And it turned out to be the best place to spend my last night. Not home alone, but rather surrounded by my family. My sister and brother in law…
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Lasts
The lasts are bittersweet, melancholy, nostalgic,inducing memories, feelings, stories,involving people and places and food,tugging at my heartstrings, flooding my senses, bringing tears to my eyes. They are about connection, community, collaboration,holding me up and reducing me to tears,leaving me with a powerful ache in my heart. But it is an ache for which I am…
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Writefully Hers
Not long after my mom passed away, I felt an urge to commit myself to writing and began an almost daily ritual of doing so. I also knew I wanted to share this passion with other women, so one day over lunch at my house, I told my friend Katie about my plan to start…
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Sanctuary
My last few days are intentionalin thought, activity and location.Packing and repacking are certainly on the list,and so are final precious moments spent with special people,but also time in this house that gave me a new life, a rebirth.I wake and sip tea on the back porch in my jammies and robe,enjoying the backyard I…
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Sara
My dear friend and co mother in law came to visit from Colorado, and I was anxious to show her all my favorite places. I’m not sure that even Sara’s advanced level of fitness prepared her for the whirlwind I exposed Her to. For it was a bit of a goodbye tour for me as…
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How Do I Say Goodbye?
Having my siblings in for the weekend was so significant. After my mom (who gathered us for events big and small) passed, we knew we would have to make the effort to keep getting together and celebrating. None of us worried, but life has a way of getting busy and complicated and demanding and so…
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My Mentor
Three hours?!?!It feels like 20 minutes!Have we really been sitting here that long,Lingering lavishly over tea and treats, Swapping stories of our families, Exchanging experiences on vacation, Mentioning our memories,Laughing, smiling, hugging?A date with my mentor always makes my day!Photo: Flemington, NJ. 9.3.25 by LA
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Grandpa
Grandpa’s home!Grandpa’s home!He’s here on R&R!The kids run fast,And have a blast,Their relationship’s back on par!I’m so grateful my brother had some time back home to visit with his children and grandchildren, who miss him so much while he is living overseas. The joy emanating from the pictures in our family chat was so heartwarming.Photo:…
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End of an Era
This school year marks the end of an era for me. I retired in July and am not starting this September like I have started every September from 1991 to 2002 and from 2009 to 2024, preparing my classroom and welcoming new students. I went to bed Monday night knowing that the teachers were heading…
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Live On
Given to my mom in June 2002,by my sister’s mother-in-law,when my dad died,thrived in my mom’s house until…February 2020, when we moved my momto an assisted living home nearby,and the plant was just too big,so it came to live with me…where it continued to thrive,and live amongst other plant friends,and made my home cozy,and kept…
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Family
One thing I love about my family is that almost everyone loves to travel and we are spread out in so many places. It was so wonderful that my niece was already living in San Diego when my daughter moved out there. While I was visiting, she moved in with her boyfriend in a place…
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Happy 3rd Birthday, Spencer!
Such a big boy now,Though you still act like a pup,You live with such joy! Photos: over the years by LA
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Making Every Moment Count
Summer is always my time to see friends, take day trips, vacation and make the moments count. But no summer has been more significant than this one, knowing that there will be long periods of time between visits and Stateside experiences. And so, very intentionally, I started taking advantage of every opportunity and savoring the…
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Hiking Group
Nancy and I met in a body pump exercise class. We would say hi and bye coming and going, and eventually during class we would make faces at each other in the front mirror when things got tough. She began to goad me to lift more weight and I would send it right back at…
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JT in NJ
Saturday night’s concert was a dream come true. I have always adored James Taylor’s soulful voice and beautiful lyrics, and getting to see him in person was pure magic! His stories in between songs were so charming and his band and back up singers were incredibly strong. When he sang a duet with his son,…
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US Open 2025
What a beautiful day to enjoy one of my favorite events in person! My daughter, her fiance and I made our way to Flushing Meadows, NY for a full day of play via car and trains. Tennis is the main event for sure, but there are the other small delights. The signature drink with collector…
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Visa Day
From July 10th, when I received my contract with AISJ until today, when I reported to the South African Consulate in New York City, I was busy! I needed to research retirement and actually retire, resign from my district, research South Africa and its history, climate, languages and regions, talk to friends of friends who…
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Beach Boys
Moving to another country for two years is exciting, but it is also hard. It means saying goodbye to good friends and family. It means long distance and long gaps in get togethers. It means time differences and phone logistics. It means being a mom from afar, which I’ve done before, but not because I…
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Portland and Vancouver, Day 17
My last full day in the Pacific Northwest. I’m ready for more adventure, but want to pump the brakes! I’m not ready to leave the kids, the beauty, the travel and return to reality. But this is the longest trip I’ve ever taken and I’m so grateful! Tonight was organizing my things and packing for…
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Manzanita, Day 16
We set aside this day to hop on the 101 South to Manzanita. The views were stunning and we pulled off at countless little beaches to hike a trail or walk by the sea. We’re both a bit bushed tonight!! Photos: 9.21.25 by LA
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Wandering Oregon, Day 15
It was a beautiful day of wandering and wondering in the wild. I found myself so grateful to mother earth for the trees, sun, sea, animals, and all that she shared with us today. Yesterday I had seen a museum of whimsy and I immediately challenged some of my friends to list five things they…
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Astoria, Day 14
Flexibility was the name of the game today! Going to sleep, the plan was that I would ride into work with G, walk the riverwalk and go to Blue Scorcher coffee shop for the hour she’d be there. We were going to come back for lunch and then head out on a couple different walking…
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Astoria, Day 13
Today began at my youngest daughter’s house, enjoying the property and beautiful flowers. She and her roommates have made it such an inviting home. It was a beautiful day with my beloved girl, and I was a grateful mom with a happy heart! Photos: 8.18.25 by LA
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Crescent City to Astoria, Day 12
My last day of road tripping. Condensing a 7 day journey into 4, the drives were beginning to make me a bit weary. But I had been anticipating my first stop just over the Oregon border in Brookings. Having missed out on Homboldt State Park the day before, this was to be my consolation prize.…
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Santa Cruz to Crescent City, Day 11
Today’s theme was Twists and Turns…the road, my schedule, the rental car. It was to be my longest day of driving and on this day, I overslept. Not sleep through the alarm oversleeping, but the alarm didn’t go off because it was set for a weekday, and this was Saturday. To be perfectly honest, I…
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Santa Barbara to Santa Cruz, Day 10
This morning began with a grocery run at the local Target. From there, a stop at a beautiful stretch of Santa Barbara waterfront. I have a huge blister from all the hiking, so it was a flip flop day and ended up being more of a day of rest and driving than exploring on foot.…
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San Diego to Santa Barbara, Day 9
I’m exhausted lying in bed trying to recap this day. It began with a bittersweet goodbye to my daughter as she dropped me at the rental car station. Driving multi state made for a very expensive rental experience, so I chose the cheapest four-door sedan. My receipt said a Nissan Maxima or similar. When I…
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San Diego Day 8
It was my last day in San Diego today, which was bittersweet. I know the kids need to get back to their routine and I have more excitement ahead of me, but I will miss being a part of their daily lives. I slept in a bit because I was wiped out after my last…
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Small Moments of Joy
Here are a few things that brought me joy today, simple pleasures that have no accompanying pictures because I just soaked in and savored the moments. A little dog striding briskly on top of the rock wall high above the bay. He was sure footed and never looked down, like he owned that pier. A…
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San Diego Day 7
I enjoyed a quiet, early ride to work with my middle daughter again. My first stop was a walk to get tea in the big bubble again because it was quite chilly. I warmed up by taking a 2 mile walk along the pier and further to scope some lunch options. Satisfied that I would…
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San Diego Day 6
Early start again today, riding into work with my daughter. From there, walked a mile to the pier while catching up with a friend by phone. Got a cup of tea and sat overlooking the marina. Boat life is so intriguing to me, though I would never want the responsibility! I had bought a Hop…
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San Diego Day 5
I’m up early out here because my daughter and her husband are pre-dawn risers. One was out for a walk with the pups, the other for a run, so I made my way down the Mission Beach Peninsula (7 miles round trip) while talking to my fellow mother-in-law, one of my very closest friends! We…
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San Diego Day 4
After an early morning walk where I met a fun group of rollerbladers dressed in yellow and dancing to their boombox as they glided down the boardwalk, Saturday brought a return of my youngest to her boat to set sail. From our sector vantage point, we were able to use the gym until her boat…
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San Diego Day 3
With one daughter out for a run and one sound asleep on the couch with the pups, I set out for an early morning 6 mile walk along the beach and through town while chatting on the phone with some friends back home I felt alive and connected. From there, it was off to Coronado…
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San Diego Day 2
The day began with my youngest pulling into port in San Diego! It was exhilarating to see her boat and crew at work! My heart was full seeing her on the bow in uniform, and I felt so proud. A walk along the pier, then back home for a stroll to my middle’s favorite bakery…
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San Diego Day 1
Morning walk on the beach,Late morning explore of town,Lunch on the back patio,Dinner prepared by the kids,Evening together on the cliffs for stunning sunset. Photos: Pacific Beach, Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. 8.6.25 by LA
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Old Friends
I met an old friendat a favorite little cafe of minein Lambertville,halfway between our two homes.We hadn’t seen each othersince last fall,but we jumped right in,catching up on work, kids,family, and the stuff of life.I am so gratefulfor this friendship,founded in 1991,teaching at the same school.We’ve each given birth to 3 kids,who had regular playdates…
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DC Open
Our yearly tradition, my oldest and I, at scenic Rock Creek Park in Washington, DC,the DC Open,a combined ATP and WTA 500 tournament,founded the year I was born, 1969.It’s one of our favorites on the tour,as it is small and intimate,and you can get up close to the players,snap amazing pictures,and even have the chance…
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Dog’s Best Friend
Proof that friends come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and forms.They are a source of comfort and companionship,a soft place to lay our heads,travel with us wherever we go, if only in our hearts,and are our greatest treasures.Photo: Henry. 7.28.25 by LA
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Reservoir
There’s a reservoir across from my gym, a place I’ve camped, raced, kayaked and swam at for years. To get to the entrance, you go farther north, turn left at the light and drive down a ways. Because I get out of class at 7:15 or 7:30, I’ve never thought to drive up there, knowing…
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Hometown Reunion
I grew up in a small town in New Jersey, where neighbors were friendly and everyone’s parents kept an eye on everyone’s kids. If you were doing the wrong thing somewhere in town, your mother knew about it before you got home! I am still friends with a handful of people I’ve known since Kindergarten,…
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Prayers
Prayers for those impacted by the massive earthquake on Russia’s eastern coast. Prayers for those impacted by the tsunami or high waves and flooding that resulted. Prayers for my newly commissioned ensign daughter, who is at sea in the Pacific, and whom I have not heard from yet.
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The Squad
Back in April 2020, it became apparent that we weren’t heading back to work and school, and that staying home and quarantining was here to stay for awhile. I was looking for a way to stay connected to friends and keep my mind stimulated, and so I dreamt up a take on the traditional book…
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You’re In My Heart
Day two of my friends visiting found us having breakfast out on the front porch with toasts to order, as well as chocolate sourdough with cherry jam brought by my friend from Virginia. We spent the morning sitting and chatting, and the dogs were in their glory! The weather had broken and it was breezy…
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Kick Off
The weekend we’d been looking forward to was finally here! Four of my favorite people staying at my house for four days! The term 5eva was used more often than a bunch of 50 and 60 something year olds probably should have! One friend drove up from Virginia and another came down from Massachusetts, both…
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Class Dismissed
If there’s one thing I’ve gotten better with as I’ve grown older, it’s sitting with my feelings without trying to rush or fix them. And shockingly, I’ve found that when I allow myself to catch and release them, they move through quickly. July 24th was one of those days. I drove up to school to…
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Never the Same Walk Twice
I walk the same basic routes,on a daily basis,but yet it’s rarely if ever the same walk twice.Sure, there’s the weather,the time of day,the day of the week,and those all make a difference.But it seems to me,that I always see somethingI’ve never spotted before,though surely it was there.Or maybe it wasn’t,and just by being observant,and…
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Give Me a Sign?
This sign made me laugh when I saw it on my walk. It’s true that my street has been torn up over the past few years due to various road projects. But it just struck me as funny to imagine signs like that popping up to alert you of upcoming issues. I sent it to…
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Homemade Pizza
Heading down to Alexandria for my great niece’s 1st birthday, my friend asked me to make time to come for dinner. Pizza and champagne, he pointed out,would be the perfect end to the week. It may not be a champagne kind of night, I warned, and said we could pivot if needed. His governmental office…
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Butterfly
Graceful, colorful,Perched on the bush named for you,Exquisite insect.Photo: Flemington, NJ. 7.11.25 by LA
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Walk and Talk
It’s our fav’rite way,To spend a beautiful day,And stay connected.Photos: East County Park, 7.6.25 by LA and JW
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Golden Chicken
Shiny gold feathers,Outlined in contrasting black,Nature’s chicken bling.Photos: Flemington, NJ. 7.10.25 by LA
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50 and Fabulous
She was dreading her birthday this year,not for the number it was,but for the pressure she felt around it,and the sadness she thought she’d feel.But it didn’t come,not any of it.She told her kids what she’d like,she planned her morning,and left the rest to her new love.The day began with hiking,alone, the way she likes…
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Cherry Season
Taut outer skin pops,Giving way to sweet, tart flesh,Summer juiciness. Photo: Costco cherries, 7.5.25 by LA
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Moody Sky
The cemetery is one of my favorite destinations,walking in the quiet, noticing the variety of headstones,finding the oldest date, reading the occasional story.There is a place at the top of the hill where I like to pause,and look down over the town,and out over the hills and beyond.On this particular evening, it was overcast,and getting…
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Pillow Puppy
It started after a haircut, a silly one off, I thought, that Spencer began this pillow game. A friend was staying over, and as we said goodnight and I walked into my bedroom, Spencer didn’t follow me. I walked across the hall to see if he had come into her room, but she hadn’t seen…
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Global Friendships
Two days after my school year let out,I traveled to Georgetown to attend a conference.The participants were 150 educators from all over the globe,and inspiring, talented, insightful speakers,who set the tone, built the groundwork,and raised the bar on educational standards.It was a week full of learning, reflecting,role playing, notetaking, talking, sharing,discussing, debating, and camaraderie.It was…
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Macy Gray
What do you listen to while you work? My workday starts the same way every morning, listening to Macy Gray while I prepare for my students. Hearing the same songs and singing along ensures that I have a familiar, predictable, and regulated start to every day, which is usually the last time that happens in…
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New Home
My baby girl is all grown up,drove across the entire US,from New Jersey to Oregon,stopped to take in some sights,spent time with her dad,got settled into her new home.Three young women,Coast Guard ensigns,beginning their careers,in a blue house,on a peaceful street,across from an elderly couple,who sits on their front porch all day,watching over them.Her own…
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Freeze
A foot massage, my friend suggested,from a place in Chinatown,something he does with his daughter from time to time.Relaxing, I thought,a perfect break from walking,and a great pre-dinner activity.Only it wasn’t.Not at all.But instead traumatic.I removed my loafers and socks,sat back in my chair,and closed my eyes.At first, the rubbing was hard,which I don’t typically…
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They Died Today
They died today.I read the news in line at the post office,and tears quickly filled my eyes.I felt like I needed to sit down,to curl up and hold myself.They died today.I wasn’t ready for the news,but I should have been.I knew it was coming,but I hadn’t practiced being ready.They died today.At 4:16 am, surrounded by…
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Sweet Baby Girl
Sweet baby girl,youngest of the great nieces and nephews,turned one last week,and we gathered to celebrate at my niece’s house,with food, decorations, baby pool, friends and family this weekend.Sweet baby girl,beloved by us all, was the star of the show,watching her brother and cousin run and play,getting handed from one set of open arms to…
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Manifestation
In analyzing the draft to this point, the latest chapter of my narrative was foreshadowed earlier on, and One had only to pick out the moments and start to connect the dots to predict this coming story arc. A cursory skim and scam might indicate that this seed was planted just over 5 years ago,…
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The Universe
If I didn’t believe before,I certainly do now,that the Universe responds and provides,is always working within and around us.The last month has been an absolute whirlwind,chance meetings, exciting opportunities,blossoming friendships, life-changing decisions.I am on a path I’ve dreamt about for years,taking it step by step, day by day,but daring to dream of this next chapter,and…
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Riverside Walk
I took a long walk along the Delaware River this morning,with an old and trusted friend.The water was dirty with the churning from recent heavy rains,the path was muddy in places,with puddles stretched out across the span,and the heavily laden bamboo stalks formed curtains before us.At times, she and I experienced childlike joy,holding hands and…
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Ice Cream Truck
Out on a walk the other night,an ice cream truck passed me several times,its upbeat, repetitive music signaling cool refreshmentto the neighborhood kids and kids at heart.I found myself giddy with excitement each round,hoping that children were hearing the sound in their homes,begging their parents for money,and running out to the truck for their favorite…
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Managing Empathy
I’ve always felt, thought and loved deeply,and have always been able to put myselfin others’ shoes to understand their perspective.At different times in my life,I’ve viewed this as gift or curse,depending on the impact.It’s beautiful to be so empathetic,but it can come at a cost.I watch and read about world disasters,nature and human made,needing to…
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Writer’s Block
Writing has always been there for me~a source of joy, comfort, strength, creativity, thinking, processing,growing, witnessing, validating,sharing, expressing, marinating,and ultimately metabolizing.But sometimes, words fail me.I have nothing to add to the conversation.Or I have too much. 2025 has been like that for me.Most recently, the events in LA upset me terribly,and then ICE came and…
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Historic House Tours
This is one of my favorite times of year, when my town offers historic home and building tours. It’s our third annual and hundreds of people come out, regardless of the weather. Some on foot and many taking advantage of our sweet trolleys, sidewalks are bustling with tourists curious to learn some history and see…
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That’s a Wrap
That’s a wrap on a school yearthat held so much…change-a new position for mechallenge-learning interventions and matching them to striving readersreinvigoration-for my teachingcrisis-financial struggles for our district…again relationships-with my K-4th gradersspeeches-pleading to the Board to save reading & math supportletters-full of data and resultsfun-parent drop off & pick up with my teamcamaraderie-with my work bestiesdevastation-65…
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Come See Me in the Good Light
Oh, I did. In TribecaWith a friend new to one of my favorite poets. I whispered,“See you in two hours!”as the lights went down. I was ready to be all in. Andrea Gibson’s poetrymoves me,inspires me,motivates me,empowers me,speaks to me. Their words,as well as their partner’s,Megan Falley,have changed my life. So this film about Andrea…
The Journey Inward 