Imagine the Possibilities

I am participating in the March Slice of Life Story Challenge. Thanks to the co-authors of              Two Writing Teachers for creating this  supportive community.

It stands like a sentinel at the bottom of the stairs, keeping watch, keeping time, keeping our lives on track. We have come to set the rhythms of our lives by the chiming of the bells. Fifteen minute intervals that mimic the Westminster Quarters from Big Ben. Dependable. Steadfast. Comforting.

The other night my sleep was interrupted. Was it the change caused by the switch to Daylight Saving Time? I watched as the clock jumped from 1:59 to 3:00. I imagined an hour of time lost in space, swirling through the stars looking for a home, a purpose. But there was something else that wasn’t right.

I checked for Allan…quietly snoring beside me.

I checked for Cyrus…stretched by the side of the bed.

Years ago I would have checked on the kids…tonight I could only hold them in my thoughts.

Then it came to me…the clock wasn’t chiming. Had time stopped? Had I entered into a time warp? Was I time traveling?

Before long I was able to quiet my thoughts and return to sleep…sort of.

Ahhh…I just heard the Second Quarter Chimes. Time has returned.

I am participating in the March Slice of Life Story Challenge. Thanks to the co-authors of              Two Writing Teachers for creating this  supportive community.

We interrupt this gray and white winter to bring you a splash of color and warmth!

Longwood Gardens holds an Orchid Extravaganza every year from January to March. There are three OrKid Days as part of the celebration where families can enjoy art activities, storytelling, investigate the patterns and colors of orchids, and delight in wonder and fun. Yesterday, at the last OrKid Day for this season, I was delighted to conduct my favorite activity – storytelling.

The book was Fantastic Flowers. In it, author and illustrator Susan Stockdale takes a look at some unusual looking flowers. She imagines them as a ballerina, a baboon, an ice cream cone, and many more. The kids enjoyed looking at the book, but the real attraction were the puppets that one of our volunteers made to accompany the story. Puppets never fail to draw in even the most reluctant listener. Yesterday, one little girl entered the space with her head down, clutching her mom’s hand, content to partially hide herself behind mom. They sat down and I invited her to come closer so she could see. Immediately she gave me that “I’m-fine-here-on-mom’s-lap” look. Fair enough. As some of the other children started finding the puppets that went with the different spreads in the book, I saw her inching closer. It wasn’t long before she was right in the mix, delighting in matching puppets to picture and laughing at the unusual flower names.

Here is a picture from yesterday and a few others of the orchids at Longwood. I wish I could take credit for those, but they were snapped by Longwood’s volunteer photographers.

I am participating in the March Slice of Life Story Challenge. Thanks to the co-authors of              Two Writing Teachers for creating this  supportive community.

I shop at several different grocery stores depending on what I need, where I am, and sometimes the time of day. Each has its pros and cons. The one closest to me is not my favorite, but it’s fine, especially if I want to get in and out in a hurry. That is, of course, if I can find a place to park. This particular grocery store is in a very busy shopping center where there are many eateries and small businesses whose customers all vie for the best parking spaces. So you can understand my frustration yesterday when I was continually blocked from parking by a reserved sign! This particular store seems to boast quite a few that you don’t even notice until you have already pulled in!

I totally understand parking spaces that are reserved for people with physical disabilities. When I had knee surgery last year I had a temporary permit which helped tremendously. I’ve come to accept spaces reserved for “Expectant Mothers” and “Customers with Small Children.”  They weren’t around when I was eligible to use them, but I know I certainly would have appreciated them. But it’s the other reserved spaces that I just don’t always get. Associate of the Month? Employee of the Year? I’m sure these people would gladly give up their spot to make a customer happy. After all, good customer service is probably how they earned the title in the first place.

How about reserved spaces for:

Grandmothers

Parents With Teenagers (they have enough stress)

Preschool Teachers (or teachers in general)

Surgeons (surely they need to get in and out quickly)

Cars with Dogs

People Who Love Books

Customers Buying 10 Items or Less

We are all special in some way and we all deserve a good place to park.

I am participating in the March Slice of Life Story Challenge. Thanks to the co-authors of              Two Writing Teachers for creating this  supportive community.

Answer: This ritual happens in many homes across the country every evening.

Question: What is watching Jeopardy!?

Answer: I receive this several nights a week right after the Final Jeopardy question                            appears.

Question: What is a text from my daughter?

Answer: This professional development superstar, author of The Book  Whisperer and Reading in the Wild, was once an answer on Jeopardy!

Question: Who is Donalyn Miller?

I was saddened this week to learn that the host of Jeopardy!, Alex Trebek, is battling cancer. Only a few days ago (while watching Jeopardy!, of course), I had remarked to Allan that I didn’t think Alex would ever retire. Jeopardy! is one of those universal events that so many people can relate to. I am never surprised when I hear someone talking about watching Jeopardy! every night. I’ve heard it from friends, co-workers, even celebrities. I know many people who know someone who has appeared as a contestant on the show. Last month we watched to see the son of a college friend of ours compete. We all can hum the Final Jeopardy tune, and there have been any number of references to the show on other TV shows.

Both of my kids are Jeopardy! fans. As I mentioned before, Ann will quite often text me the Final Jeopardy answer before it is revealed. Brian records the shows so he can watch them at his convenience as well as fast-forward through the commercials. It’s just one of those things that stuck from their childhood. Both of them, as well as Allan, are quick with their answers, and I am always amazed at their accuracy. I often need a little more time to think.

I know so many of us wish Alex well, and will keep him in our thoughts and prayers.

I am participating in the March Slice of Life Story Challenge. Thanks to the co-authors of              Two Writing Teachers for creating this  supportive community.

The Philadelphia Flower Show is the nation’s largest and longest-running event of its kind. It began in 1829 by the Philadelphia Horticultural Society. Every year there are a variety of garden displays, demonstrations, competitions, and vendors.

I hadn’t been to the show in several years, but yesterday I had the opportunity to attend. The theme this year is “Flower Power.” The displays explore the range of emotions and messages that flowers can convey. I wasn’t really expecting to see so many references to the “flower power” of the 60’s, but peace signs, old VW buses, flower headbands and jewelry, and tie-dye themes were on full display- perfect for a 60’s girl like me. My friend and I spent several hours delighting our senses as we explored the convention hall to music like “Let the Sunshine In.”

All of the displays, of course, were beautiful, but I was particularly drawn to those with a recycling theme. I so admire people who can make something from nothing. Yesterday I saw gardens growing in old cut up tires and blooms peeking out of the tops of cement blocks. Old film canisters and reels were spray painted and used to create wind chimes and other garden décor.

Now I can’t wait to get out in my garden!