NaBloPoMo | BulgingButtons

November 15, 2015
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The Right Tools for the Job

I just came from a cooking home-party, where several women got together and made a delicious meal with a dessert. The whole point of the event was to sell the various cooking tools and utensils, and for me, at least, it was a success. I know that I can get by without using the exact tool, but in many cases having the right tool for the job makes the process not only smoother, but more successful.

This lesson can be applied across the board, not just in cooking. Of course there are extreme examples, such as the carpenter who tried to hammer nails with his screwdriver, but in real-life the examples are usually more subtle.

I think about my students who often don’t have the right tools to approach a particular problem. It’s my job as their teacher to equip them, but only after their parents have done the lion’s share of the job. They need to have a certain level of curiosity as well as a healthy dose of perseverance in order to be successful. They have to be open to making mistakes and be able to collaborate with others. A dose of self-control and a willingness to listen to others are necessary tools for learning. I can help develop those tools, but some children are clearly better equipped than others.

Then I think about my personal goal of improving my health through better eating and more movement. What tools do I need there? First, I need the knowledge of how to feed myself properly. I have plenty of resources in that department, so I think I’m set there. Then I need support and motivation. I find these waxing and waning, and I need to develop ways to keep them both high. I also need tools to get me moving. Again, motivation is a big one. Maybe a nice new pair of sneakers will help? Perhaps a Fitbit? I’ve been toying with the idea of both, but realistically I know that it has to come from within.

And what about writing? Do I have the tools there? Well, yes and no. I have the tools to be a decent blogger. I have ideas, I have this blog, and I know how to put out posts that people occasionally respond to. I can string words together into sentences, and sentences together into thoughts. I have some knowledge, a few ideas, a laptop, and a platform, so yes, I have the tools.

But what about other writing challenges? Do I have what it takes for those? I’m not sure. Again, I think the biggest obstacle is motivation. I’ve got a fear of failure, or maybe a fear of success, I haven’t decided which yet. I have great support and terrific resources to develop as a writer, now I just need more time and better focus. Wouldn’t it be nice if those were available through a home-party? I’d be the first one to sign up.

November 14, 2015
by BulgingButtons 3 Comments

The Christmas Card Challenge

I know it’s not even Thanksgiving yet, but this has been on my mind, so I need to get it out. I have this thing about Christmas cards. I really love them. I have since I was a child, even though I was raised in a Jewish household. Our family always received dozens of them, and they were proudly displayed on the fireplace mantle and, once that was full, around the living room.

I used to do something like this back when I had stairs.

When I had my own home, I continued to send and display Christmas cards. I still do, however each year there seem to be fewer and fewer as we rely more on electronic communication. This makes me terribly sad. I can’t display emails on my fireplace mantles. Facebook messages don’t add to my festive holiday decor. And tweets? Well, those are gone in an instant.

I propose that we bring back the Christmas card, in all its glory. Ones with a cute or lovely or funky image on the front and a greeting inside and an actual handwritten signature. Bonus points for a real handwritten message, and double bonus points if you include an adorable photo of your child, grandchild, or pet. Decorated envelopes get bonus points too. And handmade cards? Those are worth triple bonus points.

Oh! Now my little wheels are turning! I know that all you crafters out there have cards you’ve made that you didn’t know what to do with. I know that MANY of you have the leftover cards from years past and didn’t know where to send them. How about sending one to ME! We’ll make a game of it.

For each card I receive before December 15, I will send you back a real, actual Christmas card, and it may even include one or more of the following:

a handwritten signature
a handwritten greeting
a decorated envelope
a photo of my adorable dog

I will photograph your card and envelope (if decorated) and post it to the blog for all the world to see, unless you include a note asking me not to (don’t worry, I won’t show your address). Let’s spread some holiday cheer!

I would also love to share the results with my fourth grade students, so they can have an example of how social media can connect people in positive ways.

Another fun display idea.

Please send your card to:

3116 S Mill Ave.

Box 434

Tempe, AZ 85281

Be sure that your return address is legible so that I may send you a card in return. Side note to potential stalkers, this is a mailbox, don’t bother stopping by unless you have some mailing that you need to take care of.

It would be so much fun to connect with you on a more personal level than our quick comments. I can already imagine a blog post including cards from all over the world! Yes, I’ll mail internationally, I hope you will as well. In fact, bonus points will be awarded for all cards received from outside the U.S. Oh, and double bonus points for being the first to send your card!

November 13, 2015
by BulgingButtons 5 Comments

Five Favorite Books From My Childhood

I was lucky, my parents read to me. It was mostly my mother, but my father did too, occasionally.

I grew up in a house full of books, and trips to the library were a regular part of my childhood. The Scholastic book order was another cherished source of books, and my mom was generous with my orders.

My love of books hasn’t diminished. My home library is bursting, and my classroom library is full of terrific titles. I still get excited about the Scholastic book order, only now I’m the teacher.

Here are a few titles from my childhood that stand out, in no particular order.