This Doesn’t Happen Every Day
As we walk to school, we find a cell phone and keys tucked away into the hollow of a tree. These treasures arrive some days
October 26, 2010
Live With Flair
(my daily blog)
3 Rules of Civility
As I teach about “civility”–showing politeness and regard for others–I realize how foreign of a concept kindness has become. I ask the class why it’s
October 25, 2010
A Glorious Death
Autumn Leaves I’m looking up into the autumn leaves, and I realize I’m watching a glorious death. These colors–this vibrant display of glory–come at the
October 24, 2010
Annoyed or Delighted?
Whenever it’s time to make up a bed with fresh, clean sheets, it’s as if the cats know. They run to the bedroom. Soon, I
October 23, 2010
Your 30 Minutes of Free Time
I ask my students what they would do if I gave them 30 minutes of free time. What if I let class out early? How
October 22, 2010
When “Plan A” Fails
Green Tomatoes Before the Frost We hear that a frost will come this week. It seems so tragic: dozens of beautiful tomatoes that never had
October 21, 2010
What You Bring to the Fight
A great big dog and his owner arrive at our front door yesterday. This neighbor has stopped by to visit on the front porch, but
October 20, 2010
A Little Secret
A student announces that she’s no longer drinking. At the beginning of the semester, she tells us she’s known for partying, but today, she wants
October 19, 2010
5 Blisters
I count 5 blisters on my hands. I touch each one. A blister is the fluid that collects to protect the skin underneath from damage.
October 18, 2010
The Not To-Do List
Instead of a to-do list, a friend of mine suggests a not to-do list. I’m at a conference all day teaching about writing personal mission
October 17, 2010