Or at least a semi-Chanukah themed post. Okay, so it’s really about Christmas and cookies, but it has Chanukah cookies. Really ugly but delicious Chanukah cookies.
Still Loving Leggings
I’ve been a big fan of leggings for a long time. Leggings for everyone, I say! But I do have some do’s and don’ts. Not that I’m the fashion queen, or anything, but I find when I follow those rules I feel more comfortable, and I don’t think I creep anyone out.
I’ve been wearing leggings for years, but always with a long shirt, or possibly even with a skirt or dress (sometimes I get a little crazy, I know). Most of the civilized world seems to agree that covering the girlie bits is a good idea when wearing these out as fashion (as opposed to gym attire, where apparently anything goes… I wouldn’t know, I haven’t set foot in a gym in decades, aside from an elementary school gym and that’s totally different).
Back to the point… leggings.
So, uh, yeah… I just bought myself my first pair of the seemingly ever-present Lularoe variety. I don’t know about your neck of the woods, but around here they’re crazy popular. I tried on a pair a while back, and nope, they didn’t fit. But then, the other day, a whole Lularoe store appeared in the teacher’s lounge, and what did they have? Extended sizes! Not only that, but there were several pairs from which to choose, and they were all really fun patterns. Oh. My. Gawd.
So yes, I did it. I took the plunge and bought myself a pair of rockin’ reindeer leggings, complete with festive pine trees. They’re so soft! So comfy! So cute! And I even wore them to school with a long black sweater and black boots. I got so many compliments that day, and I felt like I was in my pajamas!
Anyway, don’t be afraid of those leggings. Wear what you like. But please, do take a look in the mirror before you walk out the door. Be sure you like how you look, because if you don’t, you’ll feel self-conscious all day, and there’s nothing comfortable about that.
My Awesome Life: In Honor of the Writing Project
I have the privilege of attending both the National Writing Project annual meeting and the National Council of Teachers of English convention this week in St. Louis. I arrived this afternoon, and overall my impressions of the people here are overwhelmingly positive. The people at the airport, the shuttle driver, the hotel workers, all have been exceptional. And the conference attendees? Wonderful.
You see, things like this are a little overwhelming for this introvert. I was really shy as a kid, and to this day my social skills aren’t the best. I try, I really do, but I’m just sort of awkward. The good news it that other people are far better at this stuff than I am, and they’re frequently kind enough to include me in their conversations and plans. The mixer this evening started off really uncomfortable for me, but ended up very pleasant.
I circled the ballroom (and it’s a beautiful ballroom) several times, not seeing anyone I knew. I eventually struck up a conversation with a woman who looked about as lost as I felt. Turns out she’s from my state and we hit it off. A few minutes later a woman I met in New Orleans (who’s from Missouri) turned up, and joined the conversation along with her colleague. Not long after that another New Orleans connection turned up (from Louisiana), and so on. I never did see any of the folks from my own group, but that’s okay, I’m sure they’re around somewhere.
Tomorrow the serious stuff begins. I’ll be leading a round table discussion in the afternoon, and attending other sessions led by other educators. I’m excited to share information with them. In honor of this conference and the experience, I’d like to share some writing I’ve done with Writing Project kids over the past few summers. It’s a rough piece, done in my composition notebook while the young writers worked on their own pieces.
The prompt was “My Awesome Life.” What does your awesome life look like? Here’s a snapshot of mine:
I wake up when I want, fully rested and unhurried. I prepare to face the day and I feel good about the work I’m about to do. Midday I head off to a school or library or community center or bookstore, knowing that readers and writers will be there waiting for me. I bring along a box of my latest title — a give-away to thank them for being such loyal fans and readers.
When I get there I do a presentation that enthralls and inspires the audience. I answer their questions, take a few pictures, and sign my books. Then, a smaller group meets me to do a workshop. I’m so impressed by their dedication to making their work the best it can be. I love days like this.
Later on, at home in my studio, Lila lays at my feet as I write. She is a soft, quiet companion who grounds me and reminds me that I must occasionally take breaks.
BulgingButtons 