Anticipation

On my solitary walk, listening to songs that both challenge and refresh my soul, I'm thinking about how a single word can hold such different meanings.
I've walked this same path each week for a couple of months, allowing God to speak to me in my quietness, observing the changes in nature, experiencing the visual gift of sunlight dancing on the water, and soaking in the warmth and beauty...in anticipation.
Anticipation of the winter that is coming...when the sun will be hidden behind clouds full of snow, and deceptive when it does appear, as its distance will not bring warmth, but harsh cold that makes it difficult to breathe.
Anticipation of holidays that are approaching...filling me with dread. Grief has been overtaking me on regular days...

And then there is anticipation of a much different flavor...
an upcoming trip to my "happy place" where the real world recedes for a few days, and fun abounds.
Anticipation of seeing special friends...of allowing the joy and love to fill my heart and carry me through to the spring.

Auditing MLT

Really, was it nearly two years ago that I took MLT for the first time?
As with every audit to this point, I felt it was an amazing experience! Although the course assignments were only slightly changed, I took this opportunity to look back at my original work and celebrate the growth that is evident.
I loved doing the projects, reconnecting with Beth Strudgeon and making some new connections in the course. Perhaps most important, experiencing MLT with new eyes at this time is helping me to celebrate moments with my students and find some "color" in this pretty "grey" school year.

Podcast of my most meaningful educational experience

Brain Based Expert Visit

MLT Reflection Video

Autumn in Wisconsin

Autumn is my favorite season in Wisconsin...
The brilliant blue, cloudless sky, the dancing leaves, change is in the wind. Soaking in the warmth of the sunshine and storing it up for the endless winter days ahead. God speaks under the canopy of leaves that reflect the beauty of His creation. Walking and reflecting, missing, yet knowing He is in control. The seasons change, but beauty can be found, and His love is constant.

Loss

I have a band director's heart, and in that moment the sense of loss was so profound that I experienced real heart-ache.
The change in my teaching position was presented as a "done deal" last spring, so the loss was known before it happened. The loss was anticipated over the summer. The loss was keenly felt as school started, and I began my 22 class section elementary music schedule. The loss hits with sudden tears at unexpected times.
I knew that seeing the band in the parade would be hard... I just didn't anticipate the jolt of pain or the "out of step" feeling.