Saturday, July 28, 2007
Sunset Paradise
Hey guys! I'm just returning from our annual two week trip to Sunset Beach, NC-the most amazing place on Earth. Jim, I know you think Kansas wins, but... Anyway, we had a wonderful vacation. The first part was a little rocky for me personally because I was waiting to hear from my mom about some test results. Everything came back fine for her-yeah:). But more importantly, thanks to the love and support that I know I always have from you guys (and my akido breathing-not really) I was able to handle the waiting much better. I miss you guys so much. I want to talk to each of you, and maybe now that I'm home for a while, maybe I'll be able to send out individual emails. Until then, know that each of you are in my heart. I'm printing the group picture too. love to you all!
Thursday, July 19, 2007
deja vu all over again
Greetings,
Had the opportunity to run an errand for a fellow Westtownian to The Belfry last week.
How often we rertun to the site of something speical only to feel strange and out of place. It was quite the contrary when I got back on campus, I felt quite at home and was almost expecting to see one of you pop around the corner.
I just wish I could have stopped in to have lunch with Ernie or at the least, find an ice cream sandwich.....
Hope you are all well and enjoying the summer. I plan to print the group picture and have it framed next to my computer at school. Look to "y'all" for inspiration every time my guardian angels come calling.
Kent
Had the opportunity to run an errand for a fellow Westtownian to The Belfry last week.
How often we rertun to the site of something speical only to feel strange and out of place. It was quite the contrary when I got back on campus, I felt quite at home and was almost expecting to see one of you pop around the corner.
I just wish I could have stopped in to have lunch with Ernie or at the least, find an ice cream sandwich.....
Hope you are all well and enjoying the summer. I plan to print the group picture and have it framed next to my computer at school. Look to "y'all" for inspiration every time my guardian angels come calling.
Kent
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Greetings from Racoonland
Hi all,
Great to hear from so many of you. I am just back from (now don't get jealous) a great trip with the family to Kansas and Iowa (and Illinois and Indiana but we go there frequently). Had a great time and my three girls were incredible travelers. Here's proof: Mira, my 7 year old, asks yesterday morning, "Dad, how long to Philadelphia?" I tell her 5 hours. She turns to her sisters and says, "Grace, Ruby, it's only 5 hours today!"
I had one night at home after our lovely time together before a 7 AM cab picked me up to catch a flight to the airport. Obviously, living in Philly meant I had perhaps the shortest ride home and, indeed, that was uneventful. I made up for it by coming home, going out with a friend for dinner and a movie, coming back to my house, going up to my bedroom, turning on the light and seeing a racoon climbing up our clothes hamper. It stopped, I stopped, I mumbled several expletives and promptly lost any breathing techniques or akido knowledge I had gleaned, backed out and got some have-a-heart traps from the roof. Set them up in my bedroom and went to another room to try to sleep. 4 AM, snap, I go down and there's the little bugger in the trap, scared and quiet. I actually felt some pity, started to speak softly and gently to it now that I was in a superior position, breathed well, did some akido transferrence of racoon energy, and then saw a movement out of the corner of my eye. There was another little bugger looking at me, slowly climbing up the molding around my window. Bye, bye, breathing and akido.
Anyway, they were both caught and there appear to be no more. I'm sure that's more than most of you wanted to know. . . .
I grabbed my most recent New Yorker before I left for Kansas (I love saying that as it makes me sound so cultured. . . the New Yorker part, not necessarily the Kansas part). It has a great one-pager piece by Jack Handey called "My Nature Documentary" in which he describes a nature documentary he is planning that involves a monkey and a giraffe. It's funny, but had me laughing out loud on my porch swing at 5 AM after I encountered the racoons because it reminded me so much of Whiplash, the Rodeo Monkey. If any of you would like a copy, let me know. I plan to sent one to Scott, for sure, who shared the story of Whiplash and had our dinner table feeling some pity for poor Whiplash while we laughed our heads off.
Wonderful to have this blog and thanks to Oman for setting it up. I look forward to keeping in touch.
Jim
Great to hear from so many of you. I am just back from (now don't get jealous) a great trip with the family to Kansas and Iowa (and Illinois and Indiana but we go there frequently). Had a great time and my three girls were incredible travelers. Here's proof: Mira, my 7 year old, asks yesterday morning, "Dad, how long to Philadelphia?" I tell her 5 hours. She turns to her sisters and says, "Grace, Ruby, it's only 5 hours today!"
I had one night at home after our lovely time together before a 7 AM cab picked me up to catch a flight to the airport. Obviously, living in Philly meant I had perhaps the shortest ride home and, indeed, that was uneventful. I made up for it by coming home, going out with a friend for dinner and a movie, coming back to my house, going up to my bedroom, turning on the light and seeing a racoon climbing up our clothes hamper. It stopped, I stopped, I mumbled several expletives and promptly lost any breathing techniques or akido knowledge I had gleaned, backed out and got some have-a-heart traps from the roof. Set them up in my bedroom and went to another room to try to sleep. 4 AM, snap, I go down and there's the little bugger in the trap, scared and quiet. I actually felt some pity, started to speak softly and gently to it now that I was in a superior position, breathed well, did some akido transferrence of racoon energy, and then saw a movement out of the corner of my eye. There was another little bugger looking at me, slowly climbing up the molding around my window. Bye, bye, breathing and akido.
Anyway, they were both caught and there appear to be no more. I'm sure that's more than most of you wanted to know. . . .
I grabbed my most recent New Yorker before I left for Kansas (I love saying that as it makes me sound so cultured. . . the New Yorker part, not necessarily the Kansas part). It has a great one-pager piece by Jack Handey called "My Nature Documentary" in which he describes a nature documentary he is planning that involves a monkey and a giraffe. It's funny, but had me laughing out loud on my porch swing at 5 AM after I encountered the racoons because it reminded me so much of Whiplash, the Rodeo Monkey. If any of you would like a copy, let me know. I plan to sent one to Scott, for sure, who shared the story of Whiplash and had our dinner table feeling some pity for poor Whiplash while we laughed our heads off.
Wonderful to have this blog and thanks to Oman for setting it up. I look forward to keeping in touch.
Jim
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Summer afternoon - Summer afternoon...the two most beautiful words in the English language.
It seems that Henry James knew that almost 100 years ago! I am very much enjoying my summer. Yesterday was spent sitting by the pool with a good book and lots of liquids (it's been in the 90's with a zillion percent humidity). I was in the Adirondacks for about 10 days - it's my favorite place on the planet that I've visited so far. Time with friends and family, good food, not wearing a watch, and generally doing the best relaxing I could do.
On my trip back to Fla, I opened my wallet to pay for yet another book and saw the gold balloons that Matt so lovingly made for us. My giggles were received by odd looks from other travelers. :)
I'm so glad to hear that everyone is reentering the real world well - it makes me smile to know that each of you are loving life a bit more now that you're Malleried, I sure am.
It seems that Henry James knew that almost 100 years ago! I am very much enjoying my summer. Yesterday was spent sitting by the pool with a good book and lots of liquids (it's been in the 90's with a zillion percent humidity). I was in the Adirondacks for about 10 days - it's my favorite place on the planet that I've visited so far. Time with friends and family, good food, not wearing a watch, and generally doing the best relaxing I could do.
On my trip back to Fla, I opened my wallet to pay for yet another book and saw the gold balloons that Matt so lovingly made for us. My giggles were received by odd looks from other travelers. :)
I'm so glad to hear that everyone is reentering the real world well - it makes me smile to know that each of you are loving life a bit more now that you're Malleried, I sure am.
Always, Meg :)
life is best lived on the sunny side of the street.
i hope that you are all having a good day! I ate an ice cream sandy yesterday and was flooded with good memories and began talking to complete strangers about the wonderful times and people i now know because of the conference.
when your having a rainy day, step on over to the sunny side of the street!
love you all!!!!!
PEACE!
O.
by the way, i apologize for my dyslexia. i misspelled balloon. for the blog its ballon. hee hee sorry.
Monday, July 9, 2007
Dwyer on board!
Hey folks! Great to hear from so many of you. Life goes on and it is nice to know that we all feel better equipped to take on the world and make it a better place.
While at camp in the mountains I returned to the Billy Collins poem Bobby shared - the girls were so thoroughly devoted to their lanyards... great memories.
I found Matt Baird on myspace - is he on our email list?
My phone numbers got switched at school - so my cell is --- deleted --- use the number on the list - it is my office number.
Miss you all, I can't thank you enough.
Sending hugs and peace in all directions,
HD
While at camp in the mountains I returned to the Billy Collins poem Bobby shared - the girls were so thoroughly devoted to their lanyards... great memories.
I found Matt Baird on myspace - is he on our email list?
My phone numbers got switched at school - so my cell is --- deleted --- use the number on the list - it is my office number.
Miss you all, I can't thank you enough.
Sending hugs and peace in all directions,
HD
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Dearest friends,
I have been avoiding the blog because of my intermittent technological dysfunction and fear, but I can stay away no longer. We all had our Odysseys and David was our Athena--spiritually appearing to us and giving us strength in our endeavors. Odysseus did not stay home when he returned but had to travel inland to teach others about the sea...thus we must continue on and teach others what we know!
My headmaster flagged me down in a parking lot the Friday we got back and asked how it was. I said FABULOUS and he said, "I know what you mean." It was good to know someone understood. My scientific husband has tried to understand--alas, I cannot explain it to him. David's letter was touching and John seemed to get a handle on the intangible nature of the experience after he read it.
Megan, thanks for the pictures. Could everyone delete the ones of me while I was possessed by the lotus eaters? John just shook his head and wiped his face when he saw them. It did not surprise him at all but he worries that I will never be "invited back"! HA!!
My children are both gone and I am alone in my house for the first time in 6 years. I am still savoring the core calmness that I acquired in Malleryland and enjoying my quiet days and visits with my mom.
Life is good--I miss the dinner conversations, the laughter, the music, and the quiet moments with my dear friends but am so grateful for the tools everyone gave to me as I go on with life.
Tania, I am so sorry about your loss--I can only tell you that time does heal and that we share your loss and send our love.
Thanks and love to everyone--now that I know how to do this blog, you won't be able to shut me up!
Love,
M
I have been avoiding the blog because of my intermittent technological dysfunction and fear, but I can stay away no longer. We all had our Odysseys and David was our Athena--spiritually appearing to us and giving us strength in our endeavors. Odysseus did not stay home when he returned but had to travel inland to teach others about the sea...thus we must continue on and teach others what we know!
My headmaster flagged me down in a parking lot the Friday we got back and asked how it was. I said FABULOUS and he said, "I know what you mean." It was good to know someone understood. My scientific husband has tried to understand--alas, I cannot explain it to him. David's letter was touching and John seemed to get a handle on the intangible nature of the experience after he read it.
Megan, thanks for the pictures. Could everyone delete the ones of me while I was possessed by the lotus eaters? John just shook his head and wiped his face when he saw them. It did not surprise him at all but he worries that I will never be "invited back"! HA!!
My children are both gone and I am alone in my house for the first time in 6 years. I am still savoring the core calmness that I acquired in Malleryland and enjoying my quiet days and visits with my mom.
Life is good--I miss the dinner conversations, the laughter, the music, and the quiet moments with my dear friends but am so grateful for the tools everyone gave to me as I go on with life.
Tania, I am so sorry about your loss--I can only tell you that time does heal and that we share your loss and send our love.
Thanks and love to everyone--now that I know how to do this blog, you won't be able to shut me up!
Love,
M
Friday, July 6, 2007
Reunion
Hello everyone! Elise and I wanted to let you know that we have had the first WT44 reunion. We got together today to watch West Side Story. While we thought the movie was good, we both agreed that our lyrics and voices were far superior. Thinking of all of you with love!
:)carrie
:)carrie
Monday, July 2, 2007
Trust me...
Trust me, if my only "adversity" this year is dealing with whiteboards I will consider myself blessed! Maybe Neil can give me some pointers.
Heard from my mentor (now retired) who recommended me for Malleryization. He wants to get together to talk about the experience. Finally! Someone who will understand.
Thanks again Oman, for this place where we can stay in touch
Kent
Heard from my mentor (now retired) who recommended me for Malleryization. He wants to get together to talk about the experience. Finally! Someone who will understand.
Thanks again Oman, for this place where we can stay in touch
Kent
Hello yall,
i hope that your still lingering around mallary land. I just got out of an impromptu meeting/debriefing with my head, and it brought back the flood of memories and excellent times.
i am trying to figure out how to put the pictures in the blog, and as soon as i do, i will. much love to you all.
peace!
Oman
Gratitude
So, I thought I posted a comment last night, but apparently I was missing something. Anyway, I wanted to say hello. My overwhelming sense of gratitude that I left Westtown with has continued. I am so glad to have this place to stay with all of you in spirit. While I'm glad to be home, I miss the constant feeling of being uplifted that we all shared last week. By the way, the Buffett concert was great, but I will be very happy to stay out of a car for any long distances for the near future. love to you all! carrie
hello everybody!
I couldn't wait to be able to come to the nearest cyber cafe (since my computer is not working) and read what I was sure to find.. news about my fellow Westtowners. But of course, I left in a rush and left the camera so I will try to send you my pics later on this week.
David's gifts come to us in many different ways.. while some of us will use Aikido to face the new challenges (ie. whiteboards), I have been practicing breath awareness to deal with personal difficults. The fact that I can sit here and write about it is the best proof that it works. I came home and the next day I had to endure one of the hardest losses of my life. I am quickly recovering though. I have had a great support system and I truly believe that this all happened at a time in my life when I felt the love and protection of all of you, and for that, I'm thankful.
Now I am off to one restful weekend to mentally prepare for an AP workshop, a 2 week trip back to the motherland, new and unexpected technology in the classroom and what I can already forsee as a wonderful school year.
I hope everybody is doing well and I promise to send those pictures soon. Take care and remember to breathe.
Besitos,
Tania
David's gifts come to us in many different ways.. while some of us will use Aikido to face the new challenges (ie. whiteboards), I have been practicing breath awareness to deal with personal difficults. The fact that I can sit here and write about it is the best proof that it works. I came home and the next day I had to endure one of the hardest losses of my life. I am quickly recovering though. I have had a great support system and I truly believe that this all happened at a time in my life when I felt the love and protection of all of you, and for that, I'm thankful.
Now I am off to one restful weekend to mentally prepare for an AP workshop, a 2 week trip back to the motherland, new and unexpected technology in the classroom and what I can already forsee as a wonderful school year.
I hope everybody is doing well and I promise to send those pictures soon. Take care and remember to breathe.
Besitos,
Tania
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Where's Ernie?
Hello friends,
First, thanks and more thanks to Oman for getting this blog operational so quickly. Like elise, this is my first time at a blog, so I hope this posting actually makes it to the site.
I received several postcards at my school address and was unable to open them; we do have a pretty strong firewall. I have also heard that there is a virus attached to a postcard message, so now I am not sure if I should pursue trying to open them. I guess my home address might be better for attachments: mssanfordms@yahoo.com
Than, your email about your trip home made me laugh outloud. I am so sorry it was so long and such a pain, but bravo for using your newly honed Mallery skills to stay centered and in the moment. It is nice to know that we will have this resource to draw upon in such situations, but sad that you were put to test so quickly. You have inspired us all!
Unlike some who want to play finding Bobby Fisher (a great game, for sure), I have been searching for Ernie and Christine and their delicious home cooked meals. It has been tough reacquainting myself with the kitchen.
Kent, you can get a large box of fabulous colored markers for the white boards. Do not settle for the standard four color pack. You will love the white board...an invention long overdue.
I have been to Stone Harbor, enjoyed the shore and now must prepare for my summer school class. Be well, and keep in touch. I wish I were in the cabin with you right now.
Christine
First, thanks and more thanks to Oman for getting this blog operational so quickly. Like elise, this is my first time at a blog, so I hope this posting actually makes it to the site.
I received several postcards at my school address and was unable to open them; we do have a pretty strong firewall. I have also heard that there is a virus attached to a postcard message, so now I am not sure if I should pursue trying to open them. I guess my home address might be better for attachments: mssanfordms@yahoo.com
Than, your email about your trip home made me laugh outloud. I am so sorry it was so long and such a pain, but bravo for using your newly honed Mallery skills to stay centered and in the moment. It is nice to know that we will have this resource to draw upon in such situations, but sad that you were put to test so quickly. You have inspired us all!
Unlike some who want to play finding Bobby Fisher (a great game, for sure), I have been searching for Ernie and Christine and their delicious home cooked meals. It has been tough reacquainting myself with the kitchen.
Kent, you can get a large box of fabulous colored markers for the white boards. Do not settle for the standard four color pack. You will love the white board...an invention long overdue.
I have been to Stone Harbor, enjoyed the shore and now must prepare for my summer school class. Be well, and keep in touch. I wish I were in the cabin with you right now.
Christine
this new techonology world is intimidating to me...
hello my friends...
I'm quite intimidated by the whole concept of blogging.
I miss you all very much and think of you as I look for the appropriate words to explain our Westtown experience to friends and family. It sounds like many of you had quite the journey homeward. My drive (in comparison) was not terribly difficult... my only complaint was that what was "supposed" to be a 7.5 hour drive turned into 11.5 due to DC 4th of July traffic. But... it gave me more time to adjust into leaving the Westtown world.
I loved your list Than.
I'm trying to get my friends here to play Searching for Bobby Fischer with me but they refuse to admit that it might just be the most fun game ever.
Megan, thanks for the photos.
Kent... buy packs and packs of colored markers (they even make pastels) and you will learn to love the white board. At least for me, the transition meant no more chalk handprints on the butt of my pants.
My love to you all. I look forward to seeing this board thing in action.
~elise
I'm quite intimidated by the whole concept of blogging.
I miss you all very much and think of you as I look for the appropriate words to explain our Westtown experience to friends and family. It sounds like many of you had quite the journey homeward. My drive (in comparison) was not terribly difficult... my only complaint was that what was "supposed" to be a 7.5 hour drive turned into 11.5 due to DC 4th of July traffic. But... it gave me more time to adjust into leaving the Westtown world.
I loved your list Than.
I'm trying to get my friends here to play Searching for Bobby Fischer with me but they refuse to admit that it might just be the most fun game ever.
Megan, thanks for the photos.
Kent... buy packs and packs of colored markers (they even make pastels) and you will learn to love the white board. At least for me, the transition meant no more chalk handprints on the butt of my pants.
My love to you all. I look forward to seeing this board thing in action.
~elise
I would love a balloon...and an ice cream sandwich
Oman,
Thanks for the new "home" for us of the 44th. I like the sayings at the end of your email and thought I would share one that recently helped me and a student of mine get through the death of his beloved grandfather...
"Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass.
It is about learning to dance in the rain."
Let us all dance together....
Thanks for the new "home" for us of the 44th. I like the sayings at the end of your email and thought I would share one that recently helped me and a student of mine get through the death of his beloved grandfather...
"Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass.
It is about learning to dance in the rain."
Let us all dance together....
wow.
it seems like yesterday that we were in Mallaryland. a joyous place to be. well here is the blog, the home base , the place to check in and refresh our spirit and find our center. please feel free to post your thoughts, Mallaryisms, words of wisdom, poems, ideas, and of course funny stories. much love to you all,
i wish i was in the cabin now.
peace and blessings
Oman
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