Life Narratives

We are officially experiencing Autumn weather with frosts and freeze warnings.

The leaves are beautiful to view on my drives.

Unfortunately, all of us coming back to school are bringing on many colds.

Nights are toasty with extra blankets on our beds.

Football halftimes are spent warming up in our cars.

My dog is cuddling more on my lap.

Hot drinks are a comfort throughout the day.

Apple and pumpkin picking create memories with friends and family.

A once a year trip to the cider mill is always a sweet treat with cider, fudge, honey sticks, cider slushies and apple cider donuts.

Folks decorating for Autumn and Halloween in their offices and outside of their homes.

If only Autumn lasted longer.

Yesterday was a relaxing Sunday; I listened to music on WPBS after church.

The kitchen smelled good while venison stew cooked in the crockpot.

it was the first time getting the crockpot out this Autumn.

Thought of burning an Autumn scented candle, but the aroma of dinner won.

My son joined my Dad and I for dinner. It was good to gather together.

Today I did not have a substitute teaching assignment.

My friend told me not worry because work will pick up.

Made calls to the substitute system today. It was successful.

The rest of the week is booked.

I also focused on learning more about copy writing today.

Later while putting fresh sheets on my bed, I asked God to show me a sign that I am doing the right thing to get my writing published.

Within a few minutes I looked out my bedroom window and saw a gorgeous rainbow over the Catholic church.

I decided to drive to the store and get ink cartridges and writing supplies to build my writing journey.

While parking my car, there was a double rainbow.

Three rainbows spotted in less than an hour.

I took this as a definite sign from God that I am on the right path.

Blessings.

As a little girl, I always dreamed of becoming a writer.

My teachers encouraged me to keep writing.

When I was choosing between English Literature or Writing in college, I chose Literature. I wanted writing; however, a couple of my professors discouraged me and told me I was not a strong writer. They crushed my dream.

I then went into teaching English as a Second Language in Seoul, Korea.

I loved it and my students wanted to learn.

While returning to the United States, I majored in Secondary Education-English Grades7-12 for my masters.

I did some substitute teaching before and after earning my certification.

Then I taught 11th grade English for a few years.

Next moved onto a Family Literacy Program, which better suited me at the time.

Returned to substitute teaching and I enjoy the diversity of teaching and students.

Before the school year started, I started writing blogs and sharing them with others. I appreciate the support from friends and want to continue to write more.

Unfortunately, it is difficult finding sufficient substitute teaching positions this year.

This afternoon I took a leap and am going through American Writers and Artist Institute online to learn how to become a copywriter.

I am excited to learn new and different marketing ways to become one.

It is never too late to follow your dreams.

Have faith and believe in yourself.

Cooler temperatures and frost warning.

Brought house plants in from the porch and covered the mums.

Travelled to my Dad’s doctor’s appointment this week.

Good to have extra time to visit and go out for lunch afterwards.

My son turned in his baby picture, senior picture and quote for yearbook.

Ordered a senior year football banner for my son’s last home game.

Lots of excitement.

No tears, yet.

Leaves are changing, but the colors and leaves are not holding on well.

My Dad and I may still drive further north and do the northern loop in the Adirondacks.

Hopefully, in a week they will be better.

Enjoyed our first apple cider.

Harvesting the last remains of the garden.

Cooler nights make for restful sleeping.

Sweet dreams.

Worked some this week at school.

Good to get back into a routine after summer vacation.

Close football game Friday night. We won by one point.

Went to the pep rally. Lots of fun for the high schoolers.

Different grades competed against one another in tug of war, scooter races, hula hoop races and cheering.

Great school spirit.

Watched my son and his girlfriend get crowned as King and Queen of Homecoming.

Sweet to watch my son reach for her hand and walk together across the gym floor.

Memories made and cherished.

My Dad enjoyed watching football on the tv both Saturday and Sunday.

Naps and cuddling with my dog.

Walks in nature. Leaves slowly changing and the golden rod hanging on.

Warm days and cool nights. This was the last weekend of summer.

I love Autumn. Wish the season lasted longer.

My son had a good first week of his senior year.

Saturday we traveled during the day to his football game.

Our team won. Fun watching him score his first touchdown of the season.

I substitute taught a couple of days.

I enjoyed seeing co-workers and students again.

A couple of days off filled with errands, grocery shopping, fishing, walking, going to the gym, cleaning and cooking.

Less disciplined writing more often.

I love to write; however, when my schedule gets busier, I put writing at the end.

This is why I probably have never published.

Working on finding that balance in life.

My son, a senior in high school, rose before I did.

He was excited to start his day off with a senior breakfast at the maple museum.

Posted a kindergarten picture versus his senior picture.

I did not even shed a tear today.

The memories are strong.

My Dad and I enjoyed fishing on the river and eating a picnic lunch.

These times are also special.

Later, I enjoyed a hot shower because my body ached from my arthritis and changes in the weather.

Enjoying the quiet evening as I sip on my hot tea with turmeric, vanilla, and cinnamon.

I smile as I look at my dog sleeping on the floor. He is tired from our afternoon walk and dinner.

Tomorrow is my first day of returning to school.

I am excited.

End of summer vacation trips in Northern New York State.

Relaxing boat ride with my son in the 1,000 Islands.

Checked out the beautiful Boldt Castle.

Sat out on the deck and viewed the water and tourists as we ate our lunch.

This morning we had a sunny day to watch my son and his team scrimmage in football.

Got some nice color on my skin.

Enjoyed a good nap after lunch.

Took my Dad out for pizza and an antipasto salad for dinner.

It has been good finding a balance of getting out and staying home.

Looking forward to worship tomorrow morning.

May give myself a home pedicure tomorrow.

Read, write, clean, cook, walk, go to the gym the rest of the long weekend.

No set schedule until next week when school starts.

Much cooler today. Wearing pants and a light jacket.

Yesterday, we had our substitute teacher orientation.

I enjoyed my summer; however, I am ready to return to school.

Get back into a routine. Earlier bedtime. Wake up earlier.

Socialize more with co-workers and students.

I love the diversity of teaching all grades and classes.

Tonight is open house at school.

Open house for my son, a senior is much different than as a kindergartener.

The years have flown by. He has grown-up so quickly.

I am proud of the loving, hard-working, kind, intelligent and responsible son he has become.

Senior year here we come.

Enjoyed service this morning on a small horse farm.

The smell of tasty casseroles floated through the air as we worshipped.

Folks visited about their summer, as we ate together.

The horses waited to be harnessed up to the wagon for rides.

What a beautiful, sunny, summer day.

Drove home hoping the butterflies would not crash into my windshield like so many times they do.

Cuddled with my dog on my lap in our living room.

Next, prepared a favorite summer dish–squash and zucchini casserole.

While the oven was on, I also decided to make macaroni and cheese.

My Dad finished by making a chicken and rice casserole.

Plenty of meals ready for the upcoming week.

Grateful to have a day filled with new and old friends and family. Blessed with good food and a loving home.