Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Update...


As you may have noticed, I haven't been posting daily, as I had previously been doing. This is because I'm winding down the school year with my third graders and packing up my class to move to Donaldsonville for next year. It's been very busy as you could probably imagine, so please don't think I have abandoned my blog. I promise to begin posting more regularly probably by Saturday, when I will officially be on summer vacation! Don't forget about me! I'm still here, loving my blog and my few, but faithful readers!
In the meantime, here are some pictures of what we've been up to in class. My kids sure do love me!




Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Donaldsonville

Last weekend, I went to Donaldsonville to check out the town I will be working in next school year. (Remember my promotion?)
These first two are of the ride over the Sunshine Bridge, which I will ride across every day next year. I know the plants are not typically something you like to see, but sometimes I think they are like Emerald City or something. My way of ignoring the problem, I suppose.


Once across the bridge, Maria needed to take care of some business at the bottom of the levy. Can you see her? She looks so tiny!

Here we are! The enterance to Donaldsonville! Did you know that for a year it was Lousisana's temporary capital? From 1930-1931.

I tried to go to the Houmus House, a lovely plantation, to see their beautiful gardens, but it cost $20 per person to go on a tour and I was broke, so I had to peak through the gate to steal a few pictures!


Monday, May 12, 2008

8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1...


I officially have 9 work days of school left before I'm out for summer! I am so ready because the weather has been wonderful outside! It's been sunny and warm and It makes me want to swim, soak up some rays, go outside and play, ride my bike, go out into nature, walk the dogs, work in the garden, paint, read, or just close my eyes and turn my face up towards the sky, just to feel the breeze and sunshine!

Oh, please let 8 days go by quickly and without too much trouble out of my anxious little angels!

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Maneki Neko

I taught the legend of Maneki Neko to my students and they created Maneki Neko collages, which I think came out really great! Here are some of my favorites:










For those of you who don't know the legend, here it is...
This is the legend of the Maneki Neko:
In the 17th century, there was a rundown and poverty-stricken temple in Tokyo. The temple's priest was very poor, but he shared what little food he had with his pet cat, Tama.
One day, a wealthy and important man was caught in a storm while hunting and he took refuge under a big tree near the temple. While he waited for the storm to pass, the man noticed a cat beckoning him to come inside the temple gate. This was so startling that he left the shelter of the tree to have a closer look at this unusual cat. At that moment, the tree was struck by lighting.
As a result, the wealthy man became friends with the poor priest, and the temple became prosperous. The priest and his cat never went hungry again.
When Tama died he was buried in the Goutokuji Temple's cat cemetery with respect and love, and the Maneki Neko was made in honor of him. A Maneki Neko in your place of business, your home or on your website is said to bring in good luck and visitors.
Maneki Neko is Japanese for "beckoning cat." The message he's holding says "Please come in. You are welcome!" and he is beckoning you with his paw . (In Japan, the gesture of beckoning is pretty much the reverse of the gesture used in the West.)

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Am I Blue?


This past weekend was one of many ups and downs. It's funny how no matter how hard to try to have a good time sometimes, the universe has other plans.
First, I went to the art car parade, which was really exciting. I have pictures on my camera at home and will post those soon. But, while there, I ran into my past, creating many feelings I didn't expect to feel on such a beautiful day. I managed to keep my chin up somehow. Sunday my boyfriend, and our dogs went on a picnic. That was great. I have pictures from that as well, but there was just a tugging at us from the previous day, that made tension follow us wherever we went. Try as we might, it finally caught up with us and the day ended in sad feelings. Today is better though, and hopefully it will remain that way for a little while. Ghosts are hard to confront sometimes, but I guess it's a necessary part of life.
On a happier note, here are some cute pics of the babies.