Choosing the many gems of the week to celebrate is just fun. The week was good, the weather was back to t-shirt weather (although ending Sunday with snow), and Friday capped it off with decorating my tree with Ingrid. We had so much fun I forgot to take a picture!
I don't get to spend as much time with my youngest granddaughter, Imogene, because of being so busy (them and me) and our schedules don't always coincide. But she spent last Sunday afternoon with me, went to school to help me do some work, and we played outside for a while, with shadows, walking around the grounds looking at dried flowers and seed pods, and climbing some of the big rocks. She is a little elf, and such fun, a true 3 1/2 year old!
Ingrid's class sells cards that are created by women at a day shelter in Denver. For this primary class it is a treasure of learning; for the women artists, whom they meet and lunch with from time to time, it is a small income. The Gathering Place does so much for homeless women and their children, and we are proud to help them in small ways throughout the year. This week Ingrid's class made special visits to each 'other' class to invite them to a special Friday sale for holiday cards. Sadly, I missed Ingrid's visit to my class, and in true wonderful teaching fashion (from her teachers), she left me a note. I celebrate my long-time colleague, now my granddaughter's teacher, who dots every i and crosses every t.
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| "Grandma, I miss you. I hope to see you tomorrow. |
Last Saturday I had the great pleasure of attending a former neighbor's retirement ceremony from the National Guard. He was a chaplain and a colonel and according to over two hours of acclamations, commendations and words of gratitude and all that he has brought in his years in the service, I learned how much he did for those with whom and for whom he worked. I know him as a friend who stayed a friend in the hard times with my husband, helped my husband talk through tough times, too. He was one of those people you are happy to have in your life. It was a special event for him, and I was happy to be included.
A former student stopped by to pick up his younger sister, still at our school, and came to visit. He's a senior, thinks he's on his way to Chapman, still very interested in the arts. He was so self-assured, still a happy young man, filled with enthusiasm for just about everything really. It was much fun to visit.
Almost half my class spent the week's evenings in rehearsal for what is called our Cabaret performance, a group of students who choose to take this class in electives, about eighteen of them, all performing song after song for two and a half hours opening night on Thursday. They sing solos, duets, perform in small groups, all group. Amazing talent, some choreography and lots of poise. I'm amazed every time performances happen that these students not only memorize songs, words, and steps, but still carry on with all their other classes. I was happy for their commitment and the feeling of great things accomplished, and happy I got to see them in this new light.
I hope you all had a great week, and will enjoy next week.
“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” — Albert Einstein
I love those visits from former students. They always light up your week. How special, too, it is that you get to spend time with your grandchildren. That note from Ingrid is so cute. Have a fabulous week!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Andrea. We'll have more visitors this week and in January because the college crowd is back. Enjoy your week, too!
DeleteI think as parents, we don't stop and appreciate awesome Grandparents. Clearly you are a Grandmother who is going to have an impact on these Little Ladies' lives. That's just awesome. Thanks for sharing these moments with us! Have a wonderful week!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kendra. I had the good fortune of having wonderful role models when I was young! I hope you have a good week, too!
DeleteI love how your weeks are full circle moments. You're always weaving so many fun opportunities into it. The chance to support the shelter and listen about the life of someone who touched so many lives. It's a real gift when we allow ourselves time to celebrate others especially shadows with your granddaughter.
ReplyDeleteThanks Maria. Your comment made me look again-love the thoughts.
DeleteLove the long-legged shadow. What fun to spend some time with your little elf outside. Love your celebrations for this week, wonderful that the students meet the women who create the cards they sell. Glad that you had this dear friend to help you and your husband through a tough time, and that you could celebrate with him this week. Blessings for a wonderful week and then some time for R&R.
ReplyDeleteThank you dear friend, I appreciate all that I have in my life, but am also looking forward to a lo-ong break! Hope your week is good too.
DeleteThe shadow play looked fun! It must be totally rewarding to see a former student who's grown up and see how much they've changed and how much they're still the same kid you used to teach!
ReplyDeleteSome students come often, Earl. But others I might see only after 4 or 5 years. I'm on FB with a few grown up students, married, etc., & that's a joy to see them too. Yes, shadows are interesting to play around with, especially with a young child.
DeleteSo many gems! I love reading about your grandgirls. It is true though those schedules do get in the way. I'm so glad you guys aren't letting your schedules not include a bit of time for each other!
ReplyDeleteNo, I rarely say no, but there are even those times when the girls just need to be home, too. I am lucky to have had my older grandson during these years too, & to see him often, just not weekly. Thanks, Julieanne.
DeleteYou embrace every day as a miracle which helps me see the miracles in my own life.
ReplyDeleteThanks Margaret, the only way to 'be' I think. All of you touch me too.
DeleteI love that Einstein quote! Hasn't the weather been amazing? My son is in shorts and a t-shirt outside shooting hoops right now. I have to confess that I hope for snow next week--I dearly love a white Christmas! I think it's because I grew up in the South, but a white Christmas seems exotic and special. So glad you were able to spend quality time with your grandchildren. I always enjoy reading about your adventures with them.
ReplyDeleteThe weather today is hot too, but snow is supposed to be here when we wake up, & then forties during the week. Back to a few sweaters... Thanks Elisabeth, & yes, we'd love snow too, don't have to travel much this year.
DeleteNothing better than a 3 1/2 year old if you really want to celebrate! Love the card project.
ReplyDeleteThanks, agreed about the young one!
DeleteImogene is such a cutie! What a treasure to spend time with her doing outdoor things. Ingrid's note is precious.
ReplyDeleteThanks Holly, just think, your daughters were once that age, now so grown up & still precious.
DeleteI am in love with the note and in love with the shadows. Love your celebrations of family and connection!
ReplyDeleteThanks Carrie-it was a good week, & Ingrid & Imogene always highlight it for me.
DeleteWhat a precious note from Ingrid!!! That's one to keep, for sure! And I adore that picture of Imogene. Thank you for ending with that quote. LOVE it!! I'm doing a Christmas project and I need quotes. I'm adding that one to my list. Thanks Linda!!! Happy Celebrating!
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome, Michelle. Love the idea of doing quotes in a Christmas project. This particular quote is a favorite.
DeleteI loved hearing about your week of celebrations, Linda. I am surprised that you have shirt sleeve weather in Colorado. Snow I expected. Your little elf is adorable. Christmas with little ones is such a special time of the year. So here is to living life as a miracle, day by day!
ReplyDeleteWe are supposed to have some snow by the time we wake up in the morning. This warm weather is so unusual. We can have a day like it once in a while, but not consistently as it's been. Thanks Carol.
DeleteI love your grandchildren's names. Imogene is just fabulous. This is time that both of you will never forget. It sets that good feeling inside permanently. That ending quote kills me. It's just how I feel. I'm going to use it as an ending to my emails. Thank you for that.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kimberley, I do feel fortunate that the girls are so close. Happy you like the quote, a favorite of mine!
DeleteWhat a beautiful post, Linda. I loved seeing the photos of your granddaughter and the precious letter to Grandma. How wonderful that her class has a connection to The Gathering Place.
ReplyDeleteThanks Laura. This connection to The Gathering Place is quite wonderful for everyone, & the teacher takes such time for the students. They choose the cards, helped by parent drivers who take small groups to visit often to supplement the stock, they sell them, learning math concepts as they do so, and they form close ties to the artists. It is special.
DeleteSome weeks are just filled with magical moments to remember. Somehow, writing them down makes them even more special. It allows to relive the feelings with a smile more than once. Plus, posting them spreads the joy.
ReplyDeleteP.S I got my reports done. Yay!
I think you've summarized these Saturday posts beautifully, Terje, a blessing for us all every week! Congratulations for your successful finish of the reports. It is a challenge, but also I rather like the reflections of each child too.
DeleteI love the Einstein quote. How wonderful to have time with your youngest grand girl. I don't get to see my younger ones as they live fa away. So I get how special the time is.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it fun when former students visit?
Thanks Jone, love that you enjoyed the quote. And yes, much fun to see those 'growing up' former students.
DeleteSo many wonderful celebrations, this week, Linda. I love the shadow dancing and the beautiful emerging love letter from your granddaughter. Visit from a former student and the retirement party - all moments to celebrate. Thank you for "embracing the miracles" of your week and sharing them with us! Love the quote!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Adrienne, it was quite a lovely week, & now time for this coming one, readying for the break!
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