tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2460925147764778302024-03-04T22:49:26.145-08:00Word By WordElizabeth G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01947997210196544386noreply@blogger.comBlogger195125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-246092514776477830.post-38861803707063741422016-03-08T20:32:00.002-08:002016-03-08T20:34:38.691-08:00Japanese Tea Ceremony 8/31<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While exploring and taking in the last signs of Fall at the Sankei-en Gardens in Yokohama, we were greeted by a tour guide.One of the many things I love about Japan is how friendly and welcoming the Japanese nationals are. The guide kindly asked where my friend and I were from and briefly shared a bit about himself. He offered his services to help share the history of this Japanese style garden. My friend has spend 7 years in Japan and was giving me a personal tour. The guide smiled and offered to get us into a traditional Japanese tea ceremony (Chanoyu) that was about to begin. My friend and I exchanged a look and quickly thanked the guide for his offer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He led us to an unassuming building to the right of a sprawling lake. When we entered, I got the feeling at that this was a meeting room area where large groups of people would meet for conferences or large gatherings. As I walked further in, I began to smell the familiar aroma of Matcha, powdered green tea. The guide led us around a corner and quickly exchanged words with a beautiful Japanese lady who ushered us to our seats.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The area was beautiful and yet simple at the same time. The furniture was a simpe black stained wood with a red tablecloth like fabric laid across the padded bench. We had a stunning view of the perfectly pruned garden out the window. A calm, serene environment to take in this event. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I later read that the atmosphere of a tea ceremony is supposed to be simple with a focus on nature. The tea garden should be an extension of the ceremony. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At the front of the room stood an older woman who was carefully tending to the tea. She carefully stirred and monitored the temperature and almost danced from one step to the next. A calmness settled over me just by watching her. She artfully mixed the tea until it was just perfect before skillfully pouring it into th</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">e cups, chawan. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I watched the hostess,Teishu, serve the people that were waiting in front of us. She did not just place the items down but was intentional about how the items were presented to her guests. The napkin was placed first, followed by the sweet treats. Each treat was put on the napkin so that the design on top would be observed before eaten. Last came the tea. The chawan was gently placed on the table and then turned so the carefully selected design could be appreciated by the guest. This is an art form and one that is taken very seriously.I have learned that the Japanese pay close attention to detail in all that they do...from putting items into your purchased bag, to handing you change after paying, all the way to serving their guests. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When our tea arrived, I couldn't help but take a moment to fully take in the careful presentation. Not only did the color of the sweet treats match the cup, but the pagoda temple that resides at this garden was represented on each. Both were prominently turned an</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">d displayed so we would take notice and appreciate this detail. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Matcha tea is not the lightly flavored green tea that I am used to drinking. It has a thicker, grainier texture that is concentrated with almost a bitterness to it. I am beginning to like it more and more the more I drink it but it is definitely something different. I have read that the sweet treats are given with the tea to help balance that bitterness with the sweet. This particular sweet treat had a brown sugar like interior with an almost powdered sugar like coating. After getting my taste in, my daughter took care of the rest. The outside of the treat almost melted on my tongue while the inner most portion had an almost chewy like texture.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After savoring each mouthful and carefully taking in the calm atmosphere, we stood from our seats and thanked our host for the beautiful ceremony. I have heard that ceremonies vary from temples and shrines from season to season. I am hoping to experience many more so I can see the differences for myself. I'm looking forward to sharing this experience with my tea loving mom when she comes to visit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Elizabeth G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01947997210196544386noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-246092514776477830.post-646835342209109592016-03-07T21:03:00.000-08:002016-03-07T21:03:09.539-08:00Ramen 7/31<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I learned that we were moving to Japan, I was so excited to explore and truly immerse myself in the culture. I was so worried about the cultural differences and offending someone due to my ignorance. Before coming, I learned about taking off your shoes and how to place your shoes after they are removed. I read about rules for the train and to always have something small in your bag to gift if someone helps you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also learned about eating food and to how use utensils properly. So I was ecstatic when I got to put all of these lessons to work. My husband and I had to go to a week long training class when we first arrived. Part of the class was a field trip into Kamakura, which is place I frequent often and love. For this trip, we were asked what kind of food we wanted to eat and the guide would take us to her local recommendation. I like my food to be cooked fully so sushi was not something I was daring enough to try, which left the safe option of ramen. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our guide informed us that this was a traditional ramen restaurant and that there was no English on the menu. My heart began to pound as my fears of looking like a stupid American quickly surfaced. She must have seen my panic because we ushered our group to the front of the restaurant where there was a window filled with plastic food. This is very common in Japanese restaurants (and you can even purchase your own plastic food in Tokyo). The food that is served is displayed for their customers to see prior to entering the restaurant. Our guide told us that if you can't read the menu, then you can walk with your waitress to the window and show them what you would like. Ah, I breathed a sigh of relief and quickly studied the window while our guide pointed to the dishes and told us what they were. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I ordered the spicy ramen and enjoyed chatting with my husband sans kids while we waited for our food to arrive. My husband and I rarely get time alone so I dressed up a bit for our field trip. I wore a cute little creme colored cami with a colorful cardigan (yes, this will be important soon). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My ramen arrived and my mouth immediately began to water. I quickly smelled the spice from the seasonings and the rich broth. Before beginning to eat, I ran through the list of things I needed to remember while eating in Japan. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">* Never leave your chopsticks sticking up in your food. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">* Slurp your noodles, it's a compliment to the chef. This is probably the hardest thing for me to do. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">* If you want more water, make sure you don't serve yourself. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">* Make sure you eat all of your food or you may offend the chef. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was ready to begin. I carefully lifted up a small portion of noodles to my lips with the chopsticks provided. As I moved my face closer to the bowl to narrow the gap, I felt the steam from the broth blow across me like a humid beckoning call. I gave my noodles a quick blow to cool them down and savored the first bite. While I chewed, I couldn't help but scan the restaurant. The American guests were carefully eating as I was but the Japanese customers quickly slurped their noodles and broth. How in the world were they eating this so quickly...I think I may have burnt my lips from that first mouthful. It was extremely hot with a good amount of spice. Maybe my mouth needed to build up a tolerance to heat. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I dug back into my noodles, I consciously made an effort to try and slurp some of my noodles to show my approval of the meal. I can still remember the taste of this particular bowl of ramen 5 months later. The flavor has not been repeated elsewhere. It was a spicy batch though and as I went for a napkin, I realized there wasn't one. This is not uncommon either. Most restaurants do not have napkins but occasionally they will have a box of tissues for you to use. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I politely excused myself to use the restroom so I could clean up. When I got to the mirror, I instantly saw that my face was as red as the broth from the bowl. No, not from splattering but because of the spice. I quickly wet my hands and tried to cool my face down. After the flush began to subside, I noticed that the red was not just on my face. The top of my white shirt was covered in red flecks. Literally red flags that I was a beginner in the world of ramen eating. I buttoned up my cardigan and headed back into the restaurant and balmy, warm summer weather. My husband questioned my buttoned up attire and giggled as I unbuttoned a few buttons and pointed out my novice slurping skills. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Needless to say, we giggled about this the whole day as I wiped sweat from my forehead and refused to take off my sweater. I learned my lesson though and practiced eating ramen at home before trying out my next restaurant.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have learned that each ramen restaurant has their own spin on how they serve their ramen. Most will use a pork base while a few will use beef or chicken. Some like putting in the skinny mushrooms, seaweed, green onions, and pork with back fat. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While others get you started with their basic seaweed, pork, sprouts, and flat mushrooms. And then give you the option to add fixings like green onions, corn, ginger, or freshly crushed garlic. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whichever you prefer,there is always one to suite your fancy. I have tried several out and each one is unique and tasty in its own way. I am also learning that the broth itself is different. My family tends to go towards the miso route but there is also a salty broth and soy sauce style broth. I am excited to venture out and try new broths. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are also different kinds of noodles. The above pictured noodles are called udon noodles and they have a thicker, chewier consistency. They had a different feel but are just as tasty. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So many foods to try and I am welcoming the challenge. </span></div>
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Elizabeth G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01947997210196544386noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-246092514776477830.post-23309410121632773772016-03-06T15:57:00.000-08:002016-03-06T15:57:38.071-08:00Complicated Kimonos 6/31<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHxx6J6sZj6RVJEn6gNuKmTaZcm6zNm3zIchzvkVZ1zap-VpZ4cf4QNQC-xqoHZIjEtrezT_DAG4rsftLQpuQO8hGhn3nxjs6Mggw69eBUIukWjIWGBsIOIxtp14CKweDv9ZuCP1_OEc/s1600/Hokokuji+Temple+and+kimono+pictures+January+2016+131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHxx6J6sZj6RVJEn6gNuKmTaZcm6zNm3zIchzvkVZ1zap-VpZ4cf4QNQC-xqoHZIjEtrezT_DAG4rsftLQpuQO8hGhn3nxjs6Mggw69eBUIukWjIWGBsIOIxtp14CKweDv9ZuCP1_OEc/s320/Hokokuji+Temple+and+kimono+pictures+January+2016+131.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was so excited to have the opportunity to participate in a Japanese celebration where we could learn Japanese children games, dress up like Samurai warriors, learn how to fold origami animals and boxes, and dress up in kimonos. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The most exciting part was learning how to put on a kimono. They had several people there to help dress all of the guests who came to the event. J and A were so excited when it was their turn. Unfortunately J was in a different room so I was unable to watch the process of layering each of the important pieces in a boys kimono. I was lucky enough to watch A's process though. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I had no idea that there were so many steps to putting on a kimono. It is truly a special experience. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The first step to wearing a kimono is putting on the Nagajuban, or under layer. This is used to help reduce the amount of times you have to wash the kimono. It's basically the equivalent of an undershirt. I would have been happy if this was the only layer she wore. It was so pretty and had a gorgeous geometric pattern. This layer is only shown at the collar once the kimono is put on. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As I watched the lady tie on the Datejime (Koshimhimo for boys), my eyes began to get a little wet. I was watching my two year turn into a little lady before my eyes. As the lady wrapped the sash around her Nagajuban, I had visions of someone helping her with her wedding dress. Yes, this will be WAY down the road but it quickly flashed before my eyes. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_CsUqfNJpNYXpftBn4XE0m-QuvpjK4bynkc6hYZvjpWLaLA8fOAwB4kkGRCukx8WlN065rNuqwWP1bxCk8qxK7EKxklWtehOh4R7mhvDkwmvjF0GAAtr5D5GUVCWKqHu2RpYkrDQ944/s1600/Hokokuji+Temple+and+kimono+pictures+January+2016+112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_CsUqfNJpNYXpftBn4XE0m-QuvpjK4bynkc6hYZvjpWLaLA8fOAwB4kkGRCukx8WlN065rNuqwWP1bxCk8qxK7EKxklWtehOh4R7mhvDkwmvjF0GAAtr5D5GUVCWKqHu2RpYkrDQ944/s320/Hokokuji+Temple+and+kimono+pictures+January+2016+112.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The next step was putting on the kimono. A's kimono was very similar to her Nagajuban but it was made of silk and had a sturdier texture to it. Our Japanese lady took such care in making sure that each layer overlapped in the correct area. A watched her with pure contentment and the feeling was reciprocated. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoS5LuDTW2d2eu7KKMNoOQED8TLrEdf97BSHixg9sbuvKJIkJ4hxoWkGTVQBH7f-sYc32paRgEwAKPjaZ7_SeFTFQj34dS8W4hJjxvX0dcH5nSXD1N0cFqgb08RjKOs2o20_OLb-bQaqk/s1600/Hokokuji+Temple+and+kimono+pictures+January+2016+114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoS5LuDTW2d2eu7KKMNoOQED8TLrEdf97BSHixg9sbuvKJIkJ4hxoWkGTVQBH7f-sYc32paRgEwAKPjaZ7_SeFTFQj34dS8W4hJjxvX0dcH5nSXD1N0cFqgb08RjKOs2o20_OLb-bQaqk/s320/Hokokuji+Temple+and+kimono+pictures+January+2016+114.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There is an order that must be followed when putting on a kimono correctly. Care and precision are used each step along the way. As the kimono was wrapped around A, I glanced around the room at all of the women and children that were being draped in these beautiful silk kimonos. It was like looking at a bright Asian inspired rainbow. The colors varied from reds and oranges to blues and greens. Each pattern was unique and completed each woman/girl perfectly. Tables were filled with different selections, waiting for their special match to walk through the door. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8EfW5jQu86mXs5teY8NmuBPHZsq4JDdyu_JIpwlxIQdYE3ydaS25H8oXckJx2h41S_8GKEUuA5cG0A7K7ysNZCbJWQibssEiWg04h4kHizPk5kPuR6cvn9pVoSkqMkpGOYfK4PQD8is/s1600/Hokokuji+Temple+and+kimono+pictures+January+2016+116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8EfW5jQu86mXs5teY8NmuBPHZsq4JDdyu_JIpwlxIQdYE3ydaS25H8oXckJx2h41S_8GKEUuA5cG0A7K7ysNZCbJWQibssEiWg04h4kHizPk5kPuR6cvn9pVoSkqMkpGOYfK4PQD8is/s320/Hokokuji+Temple+and+kimono+pictures+January+2016+116.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The next step was to put on the obi, or outside wrap. A's obi was simple and more flexible than the woman's obi. This is a wide silk outer sash that helps hold the kimono together. It is also a decorative piece that is tied in a complicated knot/bow on the back of adult kimonos. This accessory pulls the piece together and truly makes it complete. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With flowing sleeves and plenty of layers to keep her warm, A was ready to head over to the hair department. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Not so fast.....almost done but not yet. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ACOMWLl0jBM7Slvmnfiffsag2H7ymRTs27XdT1G0QvQopS6enpLvt5Y4DAWK5Mh7YfxUMzBChl0xLsMdl_r8EddIiRsmtX8t58ayhGDItUR9XHwA5d1GDZJKttXEZIx0ztgSA45TMTw/s1600/Hokokuji+Temple+and+kimono+pictures+January+2016+121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ACOMWLl0jBM7Slvmnfiffsag2H7ymRTs27XdT1G0QvQopS6enpLvt5Y4DAWK5Mh7YfxUMzBChl0xLsMdl_r8EddIiRsmtX8t58ayhGDItUR9XHwA5d1GDZJKttXEZIx0ztgSA45TMTw/s320/Hokokuji+Temple+and+kimono+pictures+January+2016+121.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The last step was reserved for her feet. First, A had to put on "funny socks" called Tabi. These socks were in the shape of a foot with a big toe hole and another wide hole for the rest of her toes. A was not sure what to think of these funny feeling socks. There is no elastic and the standard color is white. A quickly got used to the sock but struggled with the formal sandal, Zori, used with kimonos. She had a difficult time scooting along when walking and I ended up holding them for her most of the time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">J wore the exact same layers but designed for boys. His shoes were called hakimono and looked very similar. His shoes had more of a bamboo feeling to them. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvreYCeaKjfDfSan2AMje5Diu3nJ2oJgqmXFUUhCHQueeSYjDaoE4kZS0rqTn4jmdASA-GhSVlIK4Ru6ND6rEe66AZ0DTm55Qi1tomemjTjmTMuimvY3VD3b7jQFYFvH5qw8JwuO7vIkg/s1600/Hokokuji+Temple+and+kimono+pictures+January+2016+134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvreYCeaKjfDfSan2AMje5Diu3nJ2oJgqmXFUUhCHQueeSYjDaoE4kZS0rqTn4jmdASA-GhSVlIK4Ru6ND6rEe66AZ0DTm55Qi1tomemjTjmTMuimvY3VD3b7jQFYFvH5qw8JwuO7vIkg/s320/Hokokuji+Temple+and+kimono+pictures+January+2016+134.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On top of these 4 layers of clothes, J also had a hakama, skirt like layer, that helped polish off his look. My little guy looked so grown up. My eyes began to water again (don't judge, I'm a sappy mom). Inside his hakama was a fan that he couldn't help but show off whenever possible. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Buddy, you look so grown up. Did you have fun? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mom, this thing is super hot and heavy....but it's kinda cool too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I can only imagine how warm they must have been. 4-5 layers of clothes and unique footwear....I'd be warm too. I later learned that there can be up to 20 layers in a kimono. The wedding ones are very detailed and have many layers of meaning. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The very last step for A was getting her hair done. A is very good about sitting so I can braid her hair like Anna from Frozen but always complains when I brush. Not today...today, she sat like Mulan in that chair. She carefully watched as her beautician wrapped her hair around a wire mesh and put different colored and shaped accessories in her hair. Several flowers and chimes were put in and out of her hair until the perfect balance was met. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> My sweet little maiko was ready to go strut through the hallways and get her picture taken. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This was an amazing experience and one that I look forward to doing again as a complete family of five. We all learned so much about the pride, effort, and detail that goes into putting a traditional kimono on. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To top off this unique experience, my children also got to get a picture with a Samurai. They were in true disbelief as he snuck up behind them...stealthy as a ninja. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was truly a day to remember and one for the books. Another memory logged into our Japan journals. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Elizabeth G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01947997210196544386noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-246092514776477830.post-35387448952841725022016-03-05T21:02:00.003-08:002016-03-05T21:48:08.074-08:00First Position 5/31<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKX0sVXo8tAQRoCDjGsPE_Pm9Ys2NN4ivzw825mpZGQf3uJ3sUkhc7ADvG-Qil32i0TW-mvEJ_7jCJK1FYUqb-e5b5gWP28gs7ti4CBXDj3tlIA2dZ-aBhsmEqSbbsxTbDqtlTztUp9s/s1600/IMG_1093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKX0sVXo8tAQRoCDjGsPE_Pm9Ys2NN4ivzw825mpZGQf3uJ3sUkhc7ADvG-Qil32i0TW-mvEJ_7jCJK1FYUqb-e5b5gWP28gs7ti4CBXDj3tlIA2dZ-aBhsmEqSbbsxTbDqtlTztUp9s/s320/IMG_1093.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have never been a girlie girl. I was blessed with two amazing boys before my little girl arrived and it happened that way for a reason. I needed to get the dirt and rough and tumble play out of the way before I was blessed with a girl. That being said, my daughter is the best of both worlds. She is quick to wrestle with the boys but also loves her princess dresses. So when she was old enough to start ballet, we jumped in with two feet. When the package arrived with her ballet attire, I couldn't open it up fast enough. Her first lesson was a week later and we couldn't wait. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitud_32O_86g-N2SaAisGAE5H-Rta7zU7K2W2QD5vjuqDKr1M-fiUbZada8ifETKG-WnrFxJZAP6850kD9f1FxfF1VH3Wj04hepApl9LUCDHOsW0kl2VSfVAeU7t61sslVHQKGmiyNLCE/s1600/Anna%2527s+First+ballet+lesson+1-25-16+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitud_32O_86g-N2SaAisGAE5H-Rta7zU7K2W2QD5vjuqDKr1M-fiUbZada8ifETKG-WnrFxJZAP6850kD9f1FxfF1VH3Wj04hepApl9LUCDHOsW0kl2VSfVAeU7t61sslVHQKGmiyNLCE/s320/Anna%2527s+First+ballet+lesson+1-25-16+003.JPG" width="177" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A's was so eager to begin when we reached the building and quickly yanked off her sweater. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here mama, I don't need this anymore. I have my ballerina stuff on. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Her chunky toddler legs skipped to join her teacher. Arms flapping to the sides like a butterfly just emerging from it's chrysalis. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She watched as her teacher stretched and prepared the music to begin the lesson. It was only 30 minutes long which seemed like such a short amount of time. I had forgotten how short attention spans are for 2-3 year old girls. I was about to have a quick lesson in how attentive my daughter would be. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrduQH7nPGanfHyKccLmNqZoYlinhEQt7qP0eE5Bai6-tjEjcQ6bp10yzbV0es56T8QDoAnlTYgBjIHqokyEDVjmJF36Ynqz4fdQwI1MlKsB5CTNJys21YVO-7T8YkSLmeP9crsP62Q4/s1600/Anna%2527s+First+ballet+lesson+1-25-16+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrduQH7nPGanfHyKccLmNqZoYlinhEQt7qP0eE5Bai6-tjEjcQ6bp10yzbV0es56T8QDoAnlTYgBjIHqokyEDVjmJF36Ynqz4fdQwI1MlKsB5CTNJys21YVO-7T8YkSLmeP9crsP62Q4/s320/Anna%2527s+First+ballet+lesson+1-25-16+010.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The music came on as the little girls began to skip around the floor. My heart jumped a little and a perminent smile spread across my face. I'm sure that I could have been mistake for the Cheshire cat if someone had looked through the window. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My little lady quickly worked to please her teacher and I couldn't help at marvel at how quickly the concentration on her face turned to adoration towards her teacher.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The upbeat classical music played while the girls listened to their teacher's instruction and looked to see what needed to happen next. A was having so much fun dancing and skipping around the room. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0fNze3k1_XkV7jDYV2Kh1OsxyvJKRaM1d-wGKyO8e04q5c9_wM88agYkSbYYNpeeHbyTVGtIqhjtblIOXykYyLg-NB-JbYfnOBwFdPT3Wrq_qt4VsmbGWJEgKfhIuO5QViKl1kQkaCc/s1600/Anna%2527s+First+ballet+lesson+1-25-16+080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0fNze3k1_XkV7jDYV2Kh1OsxyvJKRaM1d-wGKyO8e04q5c9_wM88agYkSbYYNpeeHbyTVGtIqhjtblIOXykYyLg-NB-JbYfnOBwFdPT3Wrq_qt4VsmbGWJEgKfhIuO5QViKl1kQkaCc/s320/Anna%2527s+First+ballet+lesson+1-25-16+080.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then the atmosphere changed....the sweet, skipping music lost it's carefree nature and became slower. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The real work and learning were about to begin. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The teacher's broken English counted out stretches while she moved from one little girl to the next, teaching them how to stretch their little bodies in ways they weren't normally used. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I giggled as I watched A scrunch up her face while she pulled her chin to her knees and forehead to her toes. She was determined to copy her teacher exactly. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmk9wQILaPG0Q9o67Sk2LToeQtpGUE_NfnyfL1kD6F2ikWtfIv70yZPswlbVBjaTLUcH8Mgp0IRI8eBHHuLK2UBrj9zUxKG3GHMI7gQkRRDq81N4DgMMHlYZ3rAE0u6NuyTnbr15tHBs/s1600/Anna%2527s+First+ballet+lesson+1-25-16+102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmk9wQILaPG0Q9o67Sk2LToeQtpGUE_NfnyfL1kD6F2ikWtfIv70yZPswlbVBjaTLUcH8Mgp0IRI8eBHHuLK2UBrj9zUxKG3GHMI7gQkRRDq81N4DgMMHlYZ3rAE0u6NuyTnbr15tHBs/s320/Anna%2527s+First+ballet+lesson+1-25-16+102.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After stretches were done, the bar was moved out to the middle of the room. A bounced on her toes in anticipation. She had watched enough cartoons to realize that this is when the fun stuff began. She bounded towards the bar with reckless abandonment. Her face a mixture curiosity and eagerness. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Up...Up! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Down...Down! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A bounced up and down on her toes to the rhythm while the teacher gave directions. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdzJH2GEGf1-FSgK1auZY9lDXEEluUHIsuLKWES2U_E02h3CW9b1fKE1i3JNQ-ATs1AxQST1WHw5v3Zwtf8gmCO-7doO5u8riY-jebUqyTXdMxiYNBK35r20iPb_o6YCwABi16Hc8lUOA/s1600/Anna%2527s+First+ballet+lesson+1-25-16+104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdzJH2GEGf1-FSgK1auZY9lDXEEluUHIsuLKWES2U_E02h3CW9b1fKE1i3JNQ-ATs1AxQST1WHw5v3Zwtf8gmCO-7doO5u8riY-jebUqyTXdMxiYNBK35r20iPb_o6YCwABi16Hc8lUOA/s320/Anna%2527s+First+ballet+lesson+1-25-16+104.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First Position! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A watched as the teacher turned her toes outward. A moved one foot at a time, doing her best to copy the movements that were modeled. The teacher moved each girls toes with ease and a gentle touch. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Second Position!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A moved her legs apart one at a time....being careful to make sure that her feet stayed in the same position that the teacher first put them in. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I watched as the concentration and enjoyment turned to frustration. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What are you doing? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A released the bar and ran towards me with full force. Quickly informing me that this was too hard for her and that she was ready to go home and have lunch. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4G6z3GV72f8Gw7vviTbVB7MX3-O9BIePafkOkGZO9X-N1r-MmrTQ4nsYxmGRdiLpuSLvcciSopeExt9mLlOOkEZpUUED_nRUMCopV0ElGNuxS-bpCP-_agYFQ45S3N4_Y36Q8gOuOnI/s1600/Anna%2527s+First+ballet+lesson+1-25-16+113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4G6z3GV72f8Gw7vviTbVB7MX3-O9BIePafkOkGZO9X-N1r-MmrTQ4nsYxmGRdiLpuSLvcciSopeExt9mLlOOkEZpUUED_nRUMCopV0ElGNuxS-bpCP-_agYFQ45S3N4_Y36Q8gOuOnI/s320/Anna%2527s+First+ballet+lesson+1-25-16+113.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh sweetheart, you can't give up now. The really fun part is about to begin </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I glanced at my phone and saw that only 20 minutes had past. We still had another 10 minutes of dance left. How in the world was I going to keep my strong headed little lady focused. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The music picked up again and the little girls skipped to the wall. A quickly swiveled her head to see what she was missing. She gave me a second glance and then skipped to join the group. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Phew! Crisis averted. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-6a0aUoJtOMDwYnxKzGBNtkVb5NPjdQygH-4_z7qUCF7RiFnfM1Xqf2N1CAw-VK22I_9CXGNv4fACdKxgRrbDQiIgS6oz05KKy3Ozbsv6BooHAp9YCTHVvJzo9IeLXp7eRJxHEVTbfQ/s1600/Anna%2527s+First+ballet+lesson+1-25-16+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-6a0aUoJtOMDwYnxKzGBNtkVb5NPjdQygH-4_z7qUCF7RiFnfM1Xqf2N1CAw-VK22I_9CXGNv4fACdKxgRrbDQiIgS6oz05KKy3Ozbsv6BooHAp9YCTHVvJzo9IeLXp7eRJxHEVTbfQ/s320/Anna%2527s+First+ballet+lesson+1-25-16+017.JPG" width="185" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everyone began to dance and skip around the room. The angry scowl that had covered my little girls face a moment ago was a long gone shadow. The twinkle in her eye returned and the focus and determination were back where they belonged. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I let several giggles slip from my lips as I watched this little being of mine hop from one spot to the next. She had just been grabbing bugs off the sidewalk and was now a vision of the little lady she was to become. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I marvel at her daily as I watch her balance the joys of being a girlie girl and the stubbornness of wanting to be tough like her brothers. She is perfection in my eyes and I am so happy to watch her blossom in both areas. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdE4Ct645c9lsnHZljjDJzGD-yUyE6vxojTibSFbxg_8frgCkjHuu-pnbWMH0bEFcm9Y1zrudBkqI_AB5Uf1v4X-1AlsdVlVfFzkk2Qt05h0Zaa53aXX4dDSUS4Lwkn3uJsHpl5nr-mko/s1600/IMG_1099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdE4Ct645c9lsnHZljjDJzGD-yUyE6vxojTibSFbxg_8frgCkjHuu-pnbWMH0bEFcm9Y1zrudBkqI_AB5Uf1v4X-1AlsdVlVfFzkk2Qt05h0Zaa53aXX4dDSUS4Lwkn3uJsHpl5nr-mko/s320/IMG_1099.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a grueling 30 minutes of dancing, concentrating, skipping and contorting her little body, we were finally home. She collapsed to the couch and closed her eyes for a moment. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Did you have fun honey? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes...but mama my body doesn't want to move like that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You will learn with time and practice. Do you want to practice right now with mama? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nope...I'm good!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until another day...I'll keep these memories treasured as I'm sure we'll go through several different styles of dance throughout the years to come. But for now, it all began with </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First Position!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbftR351mDljye6ES096T0_RkrM_XfCDcWHilU4KZb4GaEn4-5_qDSG39xXhTJwrrVnUkDSZKtMMhA0nGgjCqb4VDKM-btJQUMrW6YT0p8GR7XlluqZjPCYv8sb5QNJyAhKbxR9tODNGg/s1600/Slice+of+Life+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbftR351mDljye6ES096T0_RkrM_XfCDcWHilU4KZb4GaEn4-5_qDSG39xXhTJwrrVnUkDSZKtMMhA0nGgjCqb4VDKM-btJQUMrW6YT0p8GR7XlluqZjPCYv8sb5QNJyAhKbxR9tODNGg/s1600/Slice+of+Life+2016.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Elizabeth G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01947997210196544386noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-246092514776477830.post-40935589389146302432016-03-04T19:56:00.003-08:002016-03-04T20:00:48.562-08:00Ofuna Kannon 4/31<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After missing my intended train station, I got off at Ofuna and went to change trains. I looked out towards the city to see if I wanted to stop back here another time and saw a white statue at the top of a hill. My curiosity got the best of me and I had to come back and check it out. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Visions of Indiana Jones filled my head as I loaded up my daughter in the backpack to begin our search for the white statue. One of the many things I love about Japan is how easily accessible things are from the train stations. We have a train station a quick 10 minute walk away that we use almost daily. We have a card loaded with yen and off we go. The trains are clean and are so timely that you could set your watch by them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After getting off the train, we walked across a bridge towards the statue. A Japanese gentleman looked at my face full of concentration and helped direct me in the right direction. We followed a Japanese family up this steep walkway toward the temple. I am in awe of how well the elderly maneuver these steep and often narrow pathways. I am not in peak shape but I can hold my own on a good hike, but I must admit that I was a little winded by the time I reached the top. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When we reached the peak, the grounded leveled off so we could pay for entrance into the temple (300 yen). The kind woman at the counter gave me an information sheet written in English to tell me about this important temple. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Kannon is the Buddhist goddess of mercy. She stands 25 meters tall and was built as a prayer for world peace. Her construction began in 1929 but was put on hold due to war. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After finally reaching the top of the staircase, we were rewarded for our efforts by seeing Kannon herself. It was a beautiful day and she seemed to glow against the blue landscape. Flowers rested on the bench in front of her and a signed stated that the bench next to it was for offerings to this god. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My back felt like I was carrying an extra 40 pounds which was my cue that someone was resting after our walk. I gently nudged my daughter who was snuggled into the carrier. I didn't want her to miss this. As one eye slowly opened, I watched her expression change from sleep to fascination. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"WOW! Beautiful!", came the groggy voice from my back. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Yes sweetheart, I feel the same way. She's pretty huh?" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The wonderment was clearly evident as my daughter said, "Mama, she's gorgeous!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I couldn't agree more. With all that I've seen in our short 5 months here, Ofuna Kannon is easily my favorite. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After we circled the statue, A and I sat down to learn a little more about this beautiful structure. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We learned that: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">* It took 31 years from start to finish to complete Kannon. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">* People seek out Kannon as a source of comfort during periods of solitude and homesickness. Which is actually kind of handy since a military housing facility is close by. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">* Every Autumn, there is a Yum-Kannon festival where people gather to sing, dance, and experience traditional stalls and vendors. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I spent more time lingering at this temple then I normally do. With each angle, I noticed something different about this stunning structure. We also learned that stones were carried here from ground zero of Hiroshima and Nagasaki to remind people about the war and how important peace is. These stones are found in the garden below the structure. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We also learned that there is a flame inside of this statue that forever burns. The flames were taken from the fire that ensued after the 1945 attack on Hiroshima. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I tend to be a perfectionist and I hate when things go wrong in my plans. However, getting on the wrong train was a real blessing and I'm so thankful that I stumbled upon this breath taking temple and statue. I'm looking forward to making more mistakes that lead to surprises like this. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Ofuna Kannon in Kamakura, Japan</b></span></div>
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Elizabeth G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01947997210196544386noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-246092514776477830.post-81977418537942832002016-03-04T00:24:00.000-08:002016-03-04T20:04:38.518-08:00Sakura 3/31<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMyYksKbgq6Qmp0YUXS2d-5rtFwsrO5FfQYDQ5WVRxr20gnEFXK3MUx-S62KhON3sJZqOzeV5AFbatZHb1nd6pDJzm5ekt-qkBM12ubFLLEKODO7NEhe-Q3O5kIKtvwZjhyuzTX1yf60c/s1600/10274011_10205624616112438_1208812890413774591_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMyYksKbgq6Qmp0YUXS2d-5rtFwsrO5FfQYDQ5WVRxr20gnEFXK3MUx-S62KhON3sJZqOzeV5AFbatZHb1nd6pDJzm5ekt-qkBM12ubFLLEKODO7NEhe-Q3O5kIKtvwZjhyuzTX1yf60c/s320/10274011_10205624616112438_1208812890413774591_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is Sakura season here in Japan. Pink petals pop against the blue skies and crowds of people flock to look at streets lined with trees. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The yellow flower is called a rapeseed. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My children and I took advantage of a day off of school and hopped on the train towards Miurakaigan Station to see the first blooms of the season close to us. Sakura season is a big deal in Japan and they celebrate it with gusto. Even the trains are decorated with sakura blossoms. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have read that there are over 600 different species of cherry trees that bloom in Japan. On this particular trip, we were heading to look at a unique species called </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Kawazu-zakura. It is one of the earliest blooming trees in the Tokyo area. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When we exited the train station, we were met with several venders selling sweet treats with sakura blossoms in them. Trees were reaching out of the concrete and stretching towards the sky like an offering to be shared with everyone. Several cameras were perched in people hands eager to peck the best picture of the day. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxgAPjqDG5JbTbZyTAJhyphenhyphen7cyQCQOJKm6Jkn1wZAtMS8ArDt2-bdxeRSVmPKulFtA4uJ5m4iPCuH6WTsuzvzcJs4cqNphfi05i__MENiPslcW0ziXvnL7_pq9zByEE2TQkTMFudE_I3SI0/s1600/Miurakaigan+cherry+blossons+and+Kanazawa+Hakei+temple+Feb+2016+054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxgAPjqDG5JbTbZyTAJhyphenhyphen7cyQCQOJKm6Jkn1wZAtMS8ArDt2-bdxeRSVmPKulFtA4uJ5m4iPCuH6WTsuzvzcJs4cqNphfi05i__MENiPslcW0ziXvnL7_pq9zByEE2TQkTMFudE_I3SI0/s320/Miurakaigan+cherry+blossons+and+Kanazawa+Hakei+temple+Feb+2016+054.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We meandered down streets and river banks, stopping to take in the beautiful sites and treasure this moment since it may be gone within a week. The Sakura flowers do not last long which is part of the appeal. Depending on the weather and wind, these flowers could only last a few days or a week. So it is important to get out and see them as soon as they buds begin to appear. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZY1lnLT-TAUljGlveTEnUZuqTFb78pZKACsrLGKc6XiQ9GtvAek8nJGZhbwzWHYA6BNMpbc3n3n5GsoS5N6S2wncIsPe1gLLLE_Y3Z_3ODODL9j2f5li9nkiUhVXdGYUFDv-7dT427g/s1600/12729017_10205624615832431_8135141742066139918_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZY1lnLT-TAUljGlveTEnUZuqTFb78pZKACsrLGKc6XiQ9GtvAek8nJGZhbwzWHYA6BNMpbc3n3n5GsoS5N6S2wncIsPe1gLLLE_Y3Z_3ODODL9j2f5li9nkiUhVXdGYUFDv-7dT427g/s320/12729017_10205624615832431_8135141742066139918_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #141823;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 19.32px;">As a newbie to Japan, I was curious to know what separated cherry blossom trees from plum trees. They both seem to bloom around the same time.I quickly noticed that the cherry blossoms don't normally have a strong scent and their petals are different. The cherry blossom petal has a little notch carved out of the petal and the blossoms tend to be a shade of pink (but they can be a white color as well). </span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDVsKNveI2G93SdU41q3ZR-JSRZyVyy1pDlPKbYJB3xeBBosG_CetR9wzkiCEVOR6J9mp29RCePmrdf3Jk-_wPZQYJZcdaRaPopho-_1XKYPrHKxFhNuTZV_GoMEDd83Xu6nYMmVyHb8E/s1600/Miurakaigan+cherry+blossons+and+Kanazawa+Hakei+temple+Feb+2016+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDVsKNveI2G93SdU41q3ZR-JSRZyVyy1pDlPKbYJB3xeBBosG_CetR9wzkiCEVOR6J9mp29RCePmrdf3Jk-_wPZQYJZcdaRaPopho-_1XKYPrHKxFhNuTZV_GoMEDd83Xu6nYMmVyHb8E/s320/Miurakaigan+cherry+blossons+and+Kanazawa+Hakei+temple+Feb+2016+025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #141823;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #141823;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 19.32px;">Plum trees on the other hand are very fragrant. I know the moment we are getting close to a plum tree because the scent travels along on the breeze like someone beckoning me to stop everything and follow the trail. The petals of a plum tree tend to be more rounded with no notches and look like cloud tufts to me. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAfYYHVG4EiBCtweth5lmb3uTnB1tObqROUzcJwH9orWtoF3-NE_922RB-rHK7r954Nw7GgYBLks0NR1o-DerRW0Z_FLPj9VTtdQeeymCK06x_mLcz2ZUq8uudTOr_ULL9UrBNXXjb4A/s1600/Meiji+Kurihama+108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAfYYHVG4EiBCtweth5lmb3uTnB1tObqROUzcJwH9orWtoF3-NE_922RB-rHK7r954Nw7GgYBLks0NR1o-DerRW0Z_FLPj9VTtdQeeymCK06x_mLcz2ZUq8uudTOr_ULL9UrBNXXjb4A/s320/Meiji+Kurihama+108.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #141823;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #141823;"><span style="line-height: 19.32px;">Pink petals are now beginning to pop up all over the place. My kids grumble now when they see these pin</span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.32px;">k masterpieces because they know mom is going to stop for just one more pictures. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs2zoXsxkHyIGB4ZUmyMHpj6W8fxnKpcXOQdBpborQjPce4RYflENtKy_kPMz_63Z2xdXBXa92P0jo39cX9vNuzG0sRTDxvBcSzTp03tm7SOgquBf_6GAJYtcJElSEtI5X4ja3AL25kck/s1600/Kunozan+Toshogu+and+Kakegawa+Castle+28Feb2016+069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs2zoXsxkHyIGB4ZUmyMHpj6W8fxnKpcXOQdBpborQjPce4RYflENtKy_kPMz_63Z2xdXBXa92P0jo39cX9vNuzG0sRTDxvBcSzTp03tm7SOgquBf_6GAJYtcJElSEtI5X4ja3AL25kck/s320/Kunozan+Toshogu+and+Kakegawa+Castle+28Feb2016+069.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #141823;"><span style="line-height: 19.32px;">Just one more guys...I'm almost finished...promise!</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1qI_QXYjDuUb92HDYyIKR6hHRn_Mhc_nsZBQ_HjZ7fj-m5BO8zv8o2bb91Zd9zzYjyowJyRb70ktYIs-RoxIz6Z93TqOju8eJTqWdVTSTQSp8V8ACpMq5kESieeyrwVr4ZeG69WAmYs/s1600/Kunozan+Toshogu+and+Kakegawa+Castle+28Feb2016+075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1qI_QXYjDuUb92HDYyIKR6hHRn_Mhc_nsZBQ_HjZ7fj-m5BO8zv8o2bb91Zd9zzYjyowJyRb70ktYIs-RoxIz6Z93TqOju8eJTqWdVTSTQSp8V8ACpMq5kESieeyrwVr4ZeG69WAmYs/s320/Kunozan+Toshogu+and+Kakegawa+Castle+28Feb2016+075.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #141823;"><span style="line-height: 19.32px;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #141823;"><span style="line-height: 19.32px;">They patiently pause while my finger bounces off the button. But the trees are not the only time we see Sakura. The Japanese love their cherry blossoms and once the Sakura trees appear, you also see them on advertisements for food. McDonald's has Sakura soda with ice cream and Starbucks has Sakura flavored drinks and special mugs and cups that are limited addition and sell out in hours. There are candies and burgers, teas and body washes...all stamped with the sakura petal. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dXJuMO4n0wHF7AmOTHyjD1ZtJE4eBJIgGaiut6-AEZqv5fa8Ir6VTBG-7_HtNp9zIpLWx3l92Hd0zN5OujJ3inZw9QQOXVs9OxNlK9T7W1OOoMEsnctNHk4PT0j777ITv3pQJHxRuJg/s1600/12715571_10205598371256333_8804025717779011524_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dXJuMO4n0wHF7AmOTHyjD1ZtJE4eBJIgGaiut6-AEZqv5fa8Ir6VTBG-7_HtNp9zIpLWx3l92Hd0zN5OujJ3inZw9QQOXVs9OxNlK9T7W1OOoMEsnctNHk4PT0j777ITv3pQJHxRuJg/s320/12715571_10205598371256333_8804025717779011524_n.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #141823;"><span style="line-height: 19.32px;">We are enjoying our Sakura right now and are excited to try all of the yummy goodies while they are available. I am excited to see how many different species of Sakura trees we can find. So far I've only discovered 3 but the season is just beginning in my area. Let the search begin!</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Slice of Life Challenge</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbftR351mDljye6ES096T0_RkrM_XfCDcWHilU4KZb4GaEn4-5_qDSG39xXhTJwrrVnUkDSZKtMMhA0nGgjCqb4VDKM-btJQUMrW6YT0p8GR7XlluqZjPCYv8sb5QNJyAhKbxR9tODNGg/s1600/Slice+of+Life+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbftR351mDljye6ES096T0_RkrM_XfCDcWHilU4KZb4GaEn4-5_qDSG39xXhTJwrrVnUkDSZKtMMhA0nGgjCqb4VDKM-btJQUMrW6YT0p8GR7XlluqZjPCYv8sb5QNJyAhKbxR9tODNGg/s1600/Slice+of+Life+2016.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #141823;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><br /></span></span></span></span>Elizabeth G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01947997210196544386noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-246092514776477830.post-51999959570418279782016-03-02T21:05:00.000-08:002016-03-04T20:02:07.056-08:00Matsumoto Castle 2/31<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbftR351mDljye6ES096T0_RkrM_XfCDcWHilU4KZb4GaEn4-5_qDSG39xXhTJwrrVnUkDSZKtMMhA0nGgjCqb4VDKM-btJQUMrW6YT0p8GR7XlluqZjPCYv8sb5QNJyAhKbxR9tODNGg/s1600/Slice+of+Life+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbftR351mDljye6ES096T0_RkrM_XfCDcWHilU4KZb4GaEn4-5_qDSG39xXhTJwrrVnUkDSZKtMMhA0nGgjCqb4VDKM-btJQUMrW6YT0p8GR7XlluqZjPCYv8sb5QNJyAhKbxR9tODNGg/s1600/Slice+of+Life+2016.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have always dreamed of walking into a real live castle, one that has been used by actually people and not one you find at Disney. So when the opportunity came for me to not only see a Japanese castle, but to actually go inside, I couldn't wait. Of course I had my own vision of what I would find inside the castle....cold floors, sectioned off rooms, thrones, armor, and maps on tables. This was not the case and it was a wonderful surprise. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJC2ctM3GkHCGnVceCIO0W3bInJLflCRL3X_Fktk3WIm7Bqx4EVo11DW0cikOLfzOSM3hqBm06l4UnZ5x6_P9ECgy9pahKaoorwAKKQOoAnZIJP5qr00RigiN2VsvQMN04vCLz9qcF4mg/s1600/castle+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJC2ctM3GkHCGnVceCIO0W3bInJLflCRL3X_Fktk3WIm7Bqx4EVo11DW0cikOLfzOSM3hqBm06l4UnZ5x6_P9ECgy9pahKaoorwAKKQOoAnZIJP5qr00RigiN2VsvQMN04vCLz9qcF4mg/s320/castle+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The first castle we got to visit was Matsumoto Castle. This is Japan's oldest castle and is known as "Crow Castle" because of its dark black coloring and white trim. I had always seen pictures of white castles in Japan so this was a treat. This castle was built in 1504 and has gone through several authentic renovations to keep it standing. Matsumoto Castle is one of the few flatland castles that is not located on top of a hill but rather on the flat plains of the town that surrounds it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was nervous about getting good pictures when we arrived because the fog was still resting on the water and there was a haze covering the castle. The path to the castle ran around a large moat that contained a few koi fish. By the time we reached the gate to enter the castle grounds, the fog was beginning to stir and leave it's cozy resting place. I couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-6gU_rOXI4tv8dYObU4YzrLOCTvDjk8DlnObZzfKRJZhcJAonaN2_z0QfaM5moDdGm7kKV_7-fBfIxt77XigR-e9s3Bilp2pOOsgeEyuXW_FJXZMTZOj5WnA7H6pyQC7UTZXRV7Ng1I/s1600/Matsumoto+Castle+and+Snow+Monkeys+21Feb2016+051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-6gU_rOXI4tv8dYObU4YzrLOCTvDjk8DlnObZzfKRJZhcJAonaN2_z0QfaM5moDdGm7kKV_7-fBfIxt77XigR-e9s3Bilp2pOOsgeEyuXW_FJXZMTZOj5WnA7H6pyQC7UTZXRV7Ng1I/s320/Matsumoto+Castle+and+Snow+Monkeys+21Feb2016+051.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After entering the large wooden gate with steel fixtures, we walked through a garden with perfectly pruned bushes and flowers protected from the harsh winter weather. If you look at the picture on the right, you'll see some Christmas tree like shapes. These are not light up Christmas trees for the night, but protective coverings for the bushes and trees in that area. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After we rounded the corner, we were met with this amazing 4 story castle. One of the many things I love about Japanese structures is their attention to detail and their fine woodworking craftsmanship. Each wood pillar is perfectly spaced for efficiency and to appeal to the eye. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Before walking into the castle, we were asked to take off our shoes and store them in a baggie while we walked around inside. We were also offered inside slippers to enjoy while we toured the inner grounds. We all quickly slipped on our slippers and ventured inside. There were steep wooden stairs to climb so we ended up holding our slippers in hand most of the time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One we entered the castle, I quickly learned that this was not going to be one of the medieval style castle you see in movies. There were no cold stone floors, sectioned off rooms, or thrones for the king/emperor to sit on. The castle was floor to ceiling wood. The whole castle, inside and out, consists of hemlock, spruce, and fir trees. It is beautiful to look at and has a fresh clean smell. The floors were completely open and empty. It is currently laid out to be a bit of a museum but there are no room dividers on each floor which I found interesting. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I do not read Japanese yet but I was able to appreciate the items on display. There were several areas where you could see the evolution of the tools they used to defend their castle and town. My boys were fascinated with the armor and primitive guns they used. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After touring the inside of the castle, it was time to hit the gift store and the yummy treats (I'll save that for another post). Then my amazingly understanding husband took the three kiddos around the grounds while I got a few more pictures to add to our collection and hopefully our walls. The beauty of Japan is everywhere but I am truly enjoying every moment of it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I especially love the red/orange color they use for their T</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ori gates and bridges. It just pops on the grey and black building materials they use. Stunning!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Matsumoto Castle in Nagano Prefecture</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>One of Japan's many National Treasures. </b></span></div>
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Elizabeth G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01947997210196544386noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-246092514776477830.post-6273031526557680462016-03-01T22:48:00.002-08:002016-03-04T20:02:16.997-08:00Snow Monkeys in Nagano (1/31)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It has been a long time since I've sat down at my computer and purely written for enjoyment since moving to Japan. I am so busy exploring and embracing the new adventure that is my life. I feel like it is a permanent vacation and I just can't get enough of it. I'm hoping to document some of the amazing places I've visited in the 5 months since I arrived here. So here is one of my favorite trips. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6r-3ZJfOmVv6PUSwFnkwhgLpDjZBn4k3G6o2MOJBANgUtLHUb_8XSHFqMeP5WQn29JLn-0f33_8tUl581odncd1YqBeROMr6b0mUzaljSRY4twbpcBFnpJunk1dhhEC3f2thn1CaGZg/s1600/Matsumoto+Castle+and+Snow+Monkeys+21Feb2016+132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6r-3ZJfOmVv6PUSwFnkwhgLpDjZBn4k3G6o2MOJBANgUtLHUb_8XSHFqMeP5WQn29JLn-0f33_8tUl581odncd1YqBeROMr6b0mUzaljSRY4twbpcBFnpJunk1dhhEC3f2thn1CaGZg/s320/Matsumoto+Castle+and+Snow+Monkeys+21Feb2016+132.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was lucky enough to travel with my whole family to the northern part of Japan to see the snow monkeys at the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. The Nagano Prefecture tends to be filled with snow in the winter.These beautiful animals come down from the hills to warm themselves in the natural hot springs (onsen) that surround the area. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDo51WTLZ13I5CuoRjNa60Cxn-ZqTI2xir4ToHENsC7WMSF42Ka-OinhqXv-zJ9X_6-Tc1rQCYo1qxfiFmI7Ys8CCPvnRxStOmWNwqn1vAkhzur0TEikiysHnSFW5txDZLu0q7Gf1s7GQ/s1600/Matsumoto+Castle+and+Snow+Monkeys+21Feb2016+107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDo51WTLZ13I5CuoRjNa60Cxn-ZqTI2xir4ToHENsC7WMSF42Ka-OinhqXv-zJ9X_6-Tc1rQCYo1qxfiFmI7Ys8CCPvnRxStOmWNwqn1vAkhzur0TEikiysHnSFW5txDZLu0q7Gf1s7GQ/s320/Matsumoto+Castle+and+Snow+Monkeys+21Feb2016+107.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The females come down with the babies to warm themselves in this cold area. The area is known as "Hell Valley" due to the cold temperatures and the steep hills. This particular area is buried under snow 1/3 of the year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span id="goog_244110407"></span><span id="goog_244110408"></span>The group of Wild Japanese Macaque have been coming down to this particular are for years. The park was opened in 1964 for ecological observation of researchers and photographers. Every day people come daily to visit the monkeys and marvel at how they live in this harsh environment. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP7RfuNy-at-bVoi4TL93oaUJCEva0hK9B58UdD8ShlhfrNMhOnKrFixk4E8BtKx6LKhPcevtteBAMQY6NizU3OewJILn0CjlCpMReu-t2gL-ooMcX0YXZX3EigWpFC_9zgHX1VrYcXLA/s1600/Matsumoto+Castle+and+Snow+Monkeys+21Feb2016+118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP7RfuNy-at-bVoi4TL93oaUJCEva0hK9B58UdD8ShlhfrNMhOnKrFixk4E8BtKx6LKhPcevtteBAMQY6NizU3OewJILn0CjlCpMReu-t2gL-ooMcX0YXZX3EigWpFC_9zgHX1VrYcXLA/s320/Matsumoto+Castle+and+Snow+Monkeys+21Feb2016+118.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We had to hike up a very small path up a winding hill to get to the area where the monkeys gather. My husband and I corralled our children to the right to avoid the deathly cliff to our left. Thankfully snow hadn't fallen in awhile so our path wasn't very slick. When we reached our destination, my daughter (2 years old) began to squeal and point towards a building. I swung my head around to see multiple monkeys climbing all over the building with grace and ease. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My heart began to flutter with excitement and I couldn't walk/climb fast enough. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We climbed a steep staircase and were met with a huge group of people. Cameras, video cameras, and recording devices littered the walkway. To my left was a steep, rocky hill filled with snow and monkeys burrowing into the ground looking for a small meal. My eyes quickly wandered to the pool of water to my right. I dug my camera out of my bag and made sure that my big lens was on and ready. I knew that I was going to be able to get some amazing pictures. A few Japanese men moved to give me access to the edge of this pool. 3 monkeys of differing ages were warming themselves in his steaming pool of water. You could see the fog from the heat resting on top of the water. The monkeys were hidden in the haze for short moments and then the wind would blow and leave stunning views of these amazing animals. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was surprised that they were unfazed by the human eyes that were transfixed on them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I took several pictures in this area and couldn't stop smiling with excitement as I took in their every movement. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I heard rumblings coming around the corner. My curiosity was peaked and I couldn't help but be nosy and venture towards this noise within the quiet. When I rounded the corner, I found a couple people huddled around a trickling steam. This little guy to the right was sprawled out trying to soak up the warmth from a thin stream of water. I got close enough to reach out and touch him. It was amazing! You could tell that he was trying to find a place away from the pack but this was not cutting it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In the corner of my eye, I saw some rustling in the trees. Walking down the steep, rocky cliff was a mama with her baby. Baby clung to her back and would shimmy himself up after she took a few steps. Mama's head shot back and forth as she took in her surroundings. She was not as laid back as the monkeys we had currently seen. You could tell that her protective instincts where in full force. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsAM30D6ALbIeC8J2tgEbiJm8TvMOUCQjFAydedSAeJ6_trF2cx9sAsGTvGhlrjlpN_7sfv6PnrGepL8mvvZ-Z12d07ewsT3iHrNuPcT-MoNuxoKIlEFdfFc3xEyr6-TjBoVA4qnotQSk/s1600/Matsumoto+Castle+and+Snow+Monkeys+21Feb2016+157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsAM30D6ALbIeC8J2tgEbiJm8TvMOUCQjFAydedSAeJ6_trF2cx9sAsGTvGhlrjlpN_7sfv6PnrGepL8mvvZ-Z12d07ewsT3iHrNuPcT-MoNuxoKIlEFdfFc3xEyr6-TjBoVA4qnotQSk/s320/Matsumoto+Castle+and+Snow+Monkeys+21Feb2016+157.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In a few minutes, she settled in with another female monkey and began grooming the baby. They gently poked and shifted the fur from one area to the next. Occasionally, they would stop and swiftly move their fingers to their mouths before their fingers began dancing in the fur again. I watched in amazement by how quickly their nimble fingers moved. It was almost like a dance. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We spent a good hour here before venturing back down the hill towards the bus. I prayed that I had gotten enough pictures to keep my memories vivid and captured forever. Well....if there was any doubt, we had several more chances to capture some more. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SPxg3Ju6-MgFTtkq5n9-jRZQD8lITQTuW5GQC0s4RjvF_QOUTTAC7ld3_pKXXYj6UEdL0RDSUQIiEMiKszxsHu_EnYCimX1V1BGPouCXU0df_fKvbtCpNFPtPbsJ45itAeVTh-aFKs8/s1600/Matsumoto+Castle+and+Snow+Monkeys+21Feb2016+169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SPxg3Ju6-MgFTtkq5n9-jRZQD8lITQTuW5GQC0s4RjvF_QOUTTAC7ld3_pKXXYj6UEdL0RDSUQIiEMiKszxsHu_EnYCimX1V1BGPouCXU0df_fKvbtCpNFPtPbsJ45itAeVTh-aFKs8/s320/Matsumoto+Castle+and+Snow+Monkeys+21Feb2016+169.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Around the bend stood this grouchy guy who was guarding the rim of the area. It was quickly apparent to me that this must be a male. He was highly aware of our activities and tried to stare us all down. We were warned ahead of time to not stare at the monkeys as this made them agitated and they were known to take it as a challenge. I quickly averted my eyes and told my children to do the same. You could tell that he was not one to test these rules with. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguyOGtI3J1wyXDNbnJOnBw6cnSeS7_qC-bXKxvHgriyPqx904UxrdoO8McgHBBtxCu1b8v-7me_EQGEz7NreUNy9qFwXzaHDsykt2G2PVR-pfQ8xPxyoVC4m609aRVj_j4wRQn5UlELyA/s1600/Matsumoto+Castle+and+Snow+Monkeys+21Feb2016+176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguyOGtI3J1wyXDNbnJOnBw6cnSeS7_qC-bXKxvHgriyPqx904UxrdoO8McgHBBtxCu1b8v-7me_EQGEz7NreUNy9qFwXzaHDsykt2G2PVR-pfQ8xPxyoVC4m609aRVj_j4wRQn5UlELyA/s320/Matsumoto+Castle+and+Snow+Monkeys+21Feb2016+176.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With our fingers numb and noses non-existent in feeling, we walked briskly in hopes of getting to the warmth of the cafe and hot chocolate. The monkeys seemed to be following us. On the path up the hill, we didn't see any until we got to the "head quarters" area. On the way down, they were all over the woods. They would walk all the way down to the path and almost seemed like they were going to help guide us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was an amazing experience and one that I will never forget. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKQt3XTAdjGPRnXfRyNXH6B89riHBwR4hCZmAXFDnSZwrWb7NqWUXg21hPiH4amaTHMrVu73zZKj-1BW-5zAYhhL-qgQJ7UTwJdRV12ebIs7YIF_zw1_46JXKhiGB8gbuJJDOpXZd2Ag/s1600/Slice+of+Life+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKQt3XTAdjGPRnXfRyNXH6B89riHBwR4hCZmAXFDnSZwrWb7NqWUXg21hPiH4amaTHMrVu73zZKj-1BW-5zAYhhL-qgQJ7UTwJdRV12ebIs7YIF_zw1_46JXKhiGB8gbuJJDOpXZd2Ag/s1600/Slice+of+Life+2016.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slice of Life 2016<br />
Glad to be back after a hiatus. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Elizabeth G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01947997210196544386noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-246092514776477830.post-74726351434566667462014-03-31T20:24:00.003-07:002014-03-31T20:24:54.925-07:00SOL Reflection (31/31)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgrsr43owK1kkx6sTleKZu-okQSvzBSY-egn5lw5_tVFTEk4Z5Hq6l46IJWR3-tPFQDd3Lr7y0mk4pB54znLqB15FL3TzJPmKohD3aJHAzxPeXzxYS0o4vSgb4UbWe-3s4bp5Bay98aY/s1600/2014+Slice+of+Life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgrsr43owK1kkx6sTleKZu-okQSvzBSY-egn5lw5_tVFTEk4Z5Hq6l46IJWR3-tPFQDd3Lr7y0mk4pB54znLqB15FL3TzJPmKohD3aJHAzxPeXzxYS0o4vSgb4UbWe-3s4bp5Bay98aY/s1600/2014+Slice+of+Life.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had a lot of time to think and reflect today. Today was the first day of my Spring Break and the second day of my baby girl being sick. I forgot how miserable and heartbreaking it can be to watch your 1 year old be sick. You are limited on what you can give them and how you can help. My little lady is not much of a cuddler and wanted nothing to do with slowing down today. She stumbled over her toys and was exhausted all day. Poor baby!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While I tried to comfort my sweet girl, I took time to reflect on this years Slice of Life challenge. This year was a struggle for me to put quality writing down. Why? My life is just as hectic as it normally is. Why was this year so much harder? I pondered this question all day and wasn't satisfied with any answer I could give. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm finding that free time is becoming less and less as my boys get older. Sports take up more time, homework needs to be reviewed and talked about, those quick picture books at bedtime are now replaced with longer chapters, and nighttime routines just take longer. Having a little one in the house requires me to be on my toes and to be cleaning up small toys often. I love how busy my life has become but my writing time has suffered. My days of jotting down a post and saving it to review later are long gone. I used to go back to my writing and add descriptive details before hitting that orange publish button. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What I've learned? There are small pockets during my day that could be used better. I need to take these moments to foster my writing. It helps me reflect on my many blessings and it also helps me be a better teacher. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this challenge. I look forward to having richer writing next year. </span>Elizabeth G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01947997210196544386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-246092514776477830.post-65344197973883045002014-03-30T20:10:00.001-07:002014-03-30T20:12:57.027-07:00Harry Potter (30/31)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDwYiAxPfeHK7YwP-_ShyphenhyphenLj00yM7p4AFPQxhwbfQwD70bW3rfvIXjO9JCSiAtL2KTTnPA4lbuwIoJ4h5HoxspJg_HjnGXHLyBZQNpCI653wMZ972seW2_zgQd8gLlRyaIPZLpFA1evyaA/s1600/potter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDwYiAxPfeHK7YwP-_ShyphenhyphenLj00yM7p4AFPQxhwbfQwD70bW3rfvIXjO9JCSiAtL2KTTnPA4lbuwIoJ4h5HoxspJg_HjnGXHLyBZQNpCI653wMZ972seW2_zgQd8gLlRyaIPZLpFA1evyaA/s1600/potter.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span id="photoSpan" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #aaaaaa; display: block; float: left; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">photo </span><span id="copyrightSpan" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #aaaaaa; display: block; float: left; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">©</span><span id="yearSpan" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #aaaaaa; display: block; float: left; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">2010 </span><span id="authorSpan" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #aaaaaa; display: block; float: left; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">Halle Stoutzenberger</span><span id="sourceSpan" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #aaaaaa; display: block; float: left; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">, Flickr</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has been a Harry Potter movie marathon weekend. My husband and I can't help but keep it on constant rotation all day long. These movies remind us of a special time together before our lives got busy with children. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My husband and I had just started to date after the second book in the series came out. I was so excited to share this new, amazing series with him. You know how the early dating stage works, you're willing to try anything to get to know the person you love. Well, my non-reading husband was willing to give it a try. We would read them together at night, one chapter at a time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This ritual followed through the whole series. We pre-ordered books and read them together at night. It was the perfect way to finish the day and a great way to bond together. The last book came out when he was out to sea. I read it as quickly as I could and then sent it to him. We emailed and wrote letters back and forth about the twists and unexpected turns. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can't help but be flooded with these memories as I watch these movies. I watch the wonderment and excitement in my boys eyes as well. Maybe it's time to break out those well-loved hardbacks and start the tradition over again with the newer loves of my life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These books have easily withstood the test of time. I know that my boys will cherish them as much as my husband and I do. I'm sure that my little girl will have a wonderment and love for them when she is older too. I look forward to the next series that grabs generations of readers.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgrsr43owK1kkx6sTleKZu-okQSvzBSY-egn5lw5_tVFTEk4Z5Hq6l46IJWR3-tPFQDd3Lr7y0mk4pB54znLqB15FL3TzJPmKohD3aJHAzxPeXzxYS0o4vSgb4UbWe-3s4bp5Bay98aY/s1600/2014+Slice+of+Life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgrsr43owK1kkx6sTleKZu-okQSvzBSY-egn5lw5_tVFTEk4Z5Hq6l46IJWR3-tPFQDd3Lr7y0mk4pB54znLqB15FL3TzJPmKohD3aJHAzxPeXzxYS0o4vSgb4UbWe-3s4bp5Bay98aY/s1600/2014+Slice+of+Life.jpg" /></a></div>
Elizabeth G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01947997210196544386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-246092514776477830.post-78473573799967916872014-03-29T16:35:00.003-07:002014-03-29T16:35:58.994-07:00Showers with a Pop (29/31)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgrsr43owK1kkx6sTleKZu-okQSvzBSY-egn5lw5_tVFTEk4Z5Hq6l46IJWR3-tPFQDd3Lr7y0mk4pB54znLqB15FL3TzJPmKohD3aJHAzxPeXzxYS0o4vSgb4UbWe-3s4bp5Bay98aY/s1600/2014+Slice+of+Life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgrsr43owK1kkx6sTleKZu-okQSvzBSY-egn5lw5_tVFTEk4Z5Hq6l46IJWR3-tPFQDd3Lr7y0mk4pB54znLqB15FL3TzJPmKohD3aJHAzxPeXzxYS0o4vSgb4UbWe-3s4bp5Bay98aY/s1600/2014+Slice+of+Life.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rain can be an interesting thing when it comes to color. It can make bright colors pop and light colors seem dull. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is a wet day here in the Pacific NW but it is stunning at the same time. When I look out my window, I can see the vibrant green of freshly cut grass. It has been dormant for the winter and is finally able to stretch its arms out of the soil and show off its skin. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The newly bloomed cherry trees show deep cherry hued leaves with soft delicate tufts of bubble gum pink blooms. These two color pop out at you with a dusty blue background. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The sky has touches of blue but is almost white with a hazy filter across it. The deep greens from the evergreen belt breaks apart the colors and adds a bit of contrast. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am tempted to go out and capture them with the camera but the warmth of home and the constant drizzle keeps me inside for now. I'll just admire from the cozy blanket covering my lap. . </span>Elizabeth G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01947997210196544386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-246092514776477830.post-8663193955038151242014-03-28T20:21:00.001-07:002014-03-28T20:21:26.818-07:00Decisions (28/31)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgrsr43owK1kkx6sTleKZu-okQSvzBSY-egn5lw5_tVFTEk4Z5Hq6l46IJWR3-tPFQDd3Lr7y0mk4pB54znLqB15FL3TzJPmKohD3aJHAzxPeXzxYS0o4vSgb4UbWe-3s4bp5Bay98aY/s1600/2014+Slice+of+Life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgrsr43owK1kkx6sTleKZu-okQSvzBSY-egn5lw5_tVFTEk4Z5Hq6l46IJWR3-tPFQDd3Lr7y0mk4pB54znLqB15FL3TzJPmKohD3aJHAzxPeXzxYS0o4vSgb4UbWe-3s4bp5Bay98aY/s1600/2014+Slice+of+Life.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They beckon to me from all sides of the room.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Choose me! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Choose me!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I lift each one up. A gentle whisper of a touch. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I carefully turn each page as I browse through the colorfully thought out pages. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I must choose wisely or I may get an earful for a large purchase. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An award has been earned for a long week of conferences and trying to teach eager children while Spring taunts us from the window. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My arms get heavy with a top contestants. I must narrow it down to at least. 3. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One more read through and the competition is narrowed down. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Could I use any of these for multiple lessons? Why of course...but which ones will stand the test of time and attract children of all learning styles? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Four books remain in my arms. I feel good about them as I approach the book fair check out line. I smile as children look to see what I have hidden in my arms. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is time to read them to my children first. But which one? The decisions never stop. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Books purchased: <u>Creepy Carrots</u>, <u>Ladybug Girl</u>, <u>That is NOT A Good Idea</u>, and a great nonfiction book called <u>Curious Critters</u> by David FitzSimmons. </span>Elizabeth G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01947997210196544386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-246092514776477830.post-36856467224468558222014-03-27T20:08:00.004-07:002014-03-27T20:09:55.856-07:00Time with my Littles (27/31)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgrsr43owK1kkx6sTleKZu-okQSvzBSY-egn5lw5_tVFTEk4Z5Hq6l46IJWR3-tPFQDd3Lr7y0mk4pB54znLqB15FL3TzJPmKohD3aJHAzxPeXzxYS0o4vSgb4UbWe-3s4bp5Bay98aY/s1600/2014+Slice+of+Life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgrsr43owK1kkx6sTleKZu-okQSvzBSY-egn5lw5_tVFTEk4Z5Hq6l46IJWR3-tPFQDd3Lr7y0mk4pB54znLqB15FL3TzJPmKohD3aJHAzxPeXzxYS0o4vSgb4UbWe-3s4bp5Bay98aY/s1600/2014+Slice+of+Life.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am blessed to be able to job share this year. I teach in the afternoon all week with a focus on reading and writing. My teammate and I work closely to make sure that we are supporting each other with topics that we are both teaching. It has worked out wonderfully and gives me the opportunity to spend some one-on-one time with my daughter. During conference weeks, we alternate days (early release) and then share the conferences together. Today, I did not have to teach and we are finished with conference. This gave me the whole day with my youngest munchkins (Kindergartners don't go to school during conference week) and my daughter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was so nice to have this time with them. We headed to the grocery store after dropping off my oldest son. J and I got something tasty at the Starbucks and began our trip. With each stop in the aisle, came a huge bear hug. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"I'm so glad that we get a special day together mama!" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My heart just about melted. My son is such a loving, sweet little man. I am so lucky to have him as my son. When he was younger, we used to take trips to Barnes and Noble to have breakfast and look at books. I miss that time as was reminded of how special it was when we were together today. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We got home and snuggled on the couch and talked about plans for Spring Break. He is such a smart and thoughtful young man. He put a lot of thought into the events he'd like to attend. I am so excited to have calm, not rushed, fun time together. One more day, and then let the vacation time begin!</span>Elizabeth G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01947997210196544386noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-246092514776477830.post-82542422117369256312014-03-26T18:50:00.001-07:002014-03-26T18:50:38.404-07:00Pretty Pipes (26/31)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgrsr43owK1kkx6sTleKZu-okQSvzBSY-egn5lw5_tVFTEk4Z5Hq6l46IJWR3-tPFQDd3Lr7y0mk4pB54znLqB15FL3TzJPmKohD3aJHAzxPeXzxYS0o4vSgb4UbWe-3s4bp5Bay98aY/s1600/2014+Slice+of+Life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgrsr43owK1kkx6sTleKZu-okQSvzBSY-egn5lw5_tVFTEk4Z5Hq6l46IJWR3-tPFQDd3Lr7y0mk4pB54znLqB15FL3TzJPmKohD3aJHAzxPeXzxYS0o4vSgb4UbWe-3s4bp5Bay98aY/s1600/2014+Slice+of+Life.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bath time is one of my favorite times of day with my little ones. I would spend so much time talking with my boys and watching them play in the tub when they were younger. Now it's my daughters turn and things are so different. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUJiz_u6bEqBeGm6zSCnq75WNcvmu7TdorQxolwZU_NwvErT5WD2xOdEYX4jQbCAOlYPl8IwGe3wmfsq8zltVlmajXpOZ-bcC2OKepwfbHgKeI0rs2e_GWdoUyB04x_ZOb1LFVUC3x4U/s1600/Anna+Bath+March+2014+002+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUJiz_u6bEqBeGm6zSCnq75WNcvmu7TdorQxolwZU_NwvErT5WD2xOdEYX4jQbCAOlYPl8IwGe3wmfsq8zltVlmajXpOZ-bcC2OKepwfbHgKeI0rs2e_GWdoUyB04x_ZOb1LFVUC3x4U/s1600/Anna+Bath+March+2014+002+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The boys crashed boats, threw superheros, and splashed until tsunami sized waves splashed out the sides of the tub. My little lady has no interest in her toys unless she is sucking the water out of them. Normally she is trying to stand up, pour water into her mouth, or splash while sitting down. Today she discovered something new. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPsLz7W9VlVY7C3gIOSAnleVGVzDJAYctRC3UCnNVDPvenNQfhvUAENyzBGo9t3ssFTv6bnGiV_Y9nxxD5vjAxr86Zw7gV4xoEWyTsSlooMoQ14Al1DhW0jZ0lZip8i3ueLaG2ClftM0o/s1600/Anna+Bath+March+2014+005+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPsLz7W9VlVY7C3gIOSAnleVGVzDJAYctRC3UCnNVDPvenNQfhvUAENyzBGo9t3ssFTv6bnGiV_Y9nxxD5vjAxr86Zw7gV4xoEWyTsSlooMoQ14Al1DhW0jZ0lZip8i3ueLaG2ClftM0o/s1600/Anna+Bath+March+2014+005+%25281024x683%2529.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After washing her hair and getting water in her eyes, she decided that she needed to share a piece of her mind.</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With a loud squawk and a furrow of her brow, she sent that message loud and clear. She was expecting the furrowed brow that was returned to her but her ears did not anticipate the return of noise. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With a smirk on her face, she let out another sound...this time a roar. ROAR!!! Her echo returned and another smirk revealed her new eye teeth. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">UP, UP, UP!!! I went to reach down to lift her out of the tub and she grunted. Oh, obviously I had misunderstand. She was just testing out her new pipes. They sure do sound pretty in her fancy new recording studio. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Elizabeth G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01947997210196544386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-246092514776477830.post-14769660770279988662014-03-25T20:33:00.000-07:002014-03-25T20:33:01.766-07:0020 Conferences (25/31)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgrsr43owK1kkx6sTleKZu-okQSvzBSY-egn5lw5_tVFTEk4Z5Hq6l46IJWR3-tPFQDd3Lr7y0mk4pB54znLqB15FL3TzJPmKohD3aJHAzxPeXzxYS0o4vSgb4UbWe-3s4bp5Bay98aY/s1600/2014+Slice+of+Life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgrsr43owK1kkx6sTleKZu-okQSvzBSY-egn5lw5_tVFTEk4Z5Hq6l46IJWR3-tPFQDd3Lr7y0mk4pB54znLqB15FL3TzJPmKohD3aJHAzxPeXzxYS0o4vSgb4UbWe-3s4bp5Bay98aY/s1600/2014+Slice+of+Life.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are on day 2 of conference week and my co-teacher and I have met with 20 families. We will finish up tomorrow. My brain is exhausted and I think that I may be sound asleep on the couch as soon as my body is hugged by the soft cushions. Here is a spewing of what is on my mind. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">20 second grade families</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Giggles over silly mistakes and fun stories</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Growth and strengths shared</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Serious behavior conversations have been had</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reassurances that grade level targets will be met</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tools shared on how to help children be successful</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Celebrations over growth and past goals being met</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Smiling families leaving</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Exhausted teachers dragging bags home</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The life of a teacher can be challenging at times but rewarding in so many ways. I love and dread conferences. I love sharing successes and fun stories. I love letting families know that I've taken time to truly know and appreciate their child. I hate being the barer of bad news and having to point out areas of concern. It breaks my heart for children to see a grade they don't want....but we get to set goals to change those areas. 1/3 of the year is left and I plan on sharing more successes before summer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Elizabeth G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01947997210196544386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-246092514776477830.post-85501031727738871302014-03-24T19:59:00.000-07:002014-03-24T19:59:04.179-07:00Spring Has Arrived (24/31)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgrsr43owK1kkx6sTleKZu-okQSvzBSY-egn5lw5_tVFTEk4Z5Hq6l46IJWR3-tPFQDd3Lr7y0mk4pB54znLqB15FL3TzJPmKohD3aJHAzxPeXzxYS0o4vSgb4UbWe-3s4bp5Bay98aY/s1600/2014+Slice+of+Life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgrsr43owK1kkx6sTleKZu-okQSvzBSY-egn5lw5_tVFTEk4Z5Hq6l46IJWR3-tPFQDd3Lr7y0mk4pB54znLqB15FL3TzJPmKohD3aJHAzxPeXzxYS0o4vSgb4UbWe-3s4bp5Bay98aY/s1600/2014+Slice+of+Life.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Conference week started today. The blue skies taunted me from my window. The warm heat from the sun warmed my shoulders as it snuck through my blinds. After my last conference, I ran into the sunlight to quickly pick up my children. The cardigan that was keeping me warm inside was quickly peeled off and found a spot on the passenger seat next to me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we got home, we all headed outside. The warm weather will quickly be disappearing and will be replaced by rain. This may be my last shot for the week to capture our beautiful NW Spring days. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I gathered up some props to bring outside in hopes that I might be able to capture the perfect picture of my little lady. My feet hadn't touched the warm deck before I turned right around. The leftover piles of grass from my husband's mowing job warned me to not approach the lawn without something on my feet. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was the first time A had been on the grass with barefeet since she was just a newborn. She is now walking and giggled as the cool grass tickled her toes. She carefully maneuvered around the lawn and the rugged terrain. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihjXDM8QvN_lGKigqDaz_s1ffI7X4_0UugNYxq5WaXV8hBOzhqDo9o-0DhH3kRZdCICOQ0LM7xf49DLG4TKJamyUUcjsvFUGvJM4NrVVvO8eJXxioeGC_kQuLST_370mZA8syMJMiSdYQ/s1600/Late+March+2014+022+(683x1024).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihjXDM8QvN_lGKigqDaz_s1ffI7X4_0UugNYxq5WaXV8hBOzhqDo9o-0DhH3kRZdCICOQ0LM7xf49DLG4TKJamyUUcjsvFUGvJM4NrVVvO8eJXxioeGC_kQuLST_370mZA8syMJMiSdYQ/s1600/Late+March+2014+022+(683x1024).jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With one plop, her hands hit the remnants from our lawn's haircut. The wonderment in her eyes was a sight to behold. She rubbed the little blades between her fingers. I crouched down to get the perfect picture. Click!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOwQSjrExO8FTHtLrUoHWiXUpfjp8-DhKMvLfpmrVzbtYkYpTqeWIAKQJgMIohq3AIzG0M7mEgn6LTQOqdFVo_qhCygXrexpL9zNLinEooAOeFukJPADL1dWz4KvaOlSNEAKZYDKSPnfA/s1600/Late+March+2014+014+(683x1024).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOwQSjrExO8FTHtLrUoHWiXUpfjp8-DhKMvLfpmrVzbtYkYpTqeWIAKQJgMIohq3AIzG0M7mEgn6LTQOqdFVo_qhCygXrexpL9zNLinEooAOeFukJPADL1dWz4KvaOlSNEAKZYDKSPnfA/s1600/Late+March+2014+014+(683x1024).jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She was back on her feet and maneuvering the lawn like a pro. Taking pictures has become interesting since she's become mobile. I'm a little slow on the trigger finger. Click! Snap! Click! Snap!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rub! Rub! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqbQE50sQs7UjIcBbd8J2ef2D8qv4qHOwnthNJRT5cnokF6paaQ5oSN2oAYNIvylJUsC4WVWMQCtqoviF03M0ZJJs5uvmFnI-MTp03hVnO9J36pA7cHsGnyXULe0b8TqPPIwId58qWpPc/s1600/Late+March+2014+015+(683x1024).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqbQE50sQs7UjIcBbd8J2ef2D8qv4qHOwnthNJRT5cnokF6paaQ5oSN2oAYNIvylJUsC4WVWMQCtqoviF03M0ZJJs5uvmFnI-MTp03hVnO9J36pA7cHsGnyXULe0b8TqPPIwId58qWpPc/s1600/Late+March+2014+015+(683x1024).jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Her confidence grew as we spend more time outside. The unsure feet that collapsed on the lawn moments ago were now toddling from one corner to the next. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Itch! Itch!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9URrkTeDyX1uxi56kN7SGCBTyVWPdofH6aaSvK88UHRsmNmaqF-gFjUT8L-VWjnRuP6ifGL4VJfvOU4Pkvg9wHm9435uWXx7OPFn9Ptl0UtbhCz4nIgchNG-ZQvt15kFLOGG0H9qFyRI/s1600/Late+March+2014+017+(683x1024).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9URrkTeDyX1uxi56kN7SGCBTyVWPdofH6aaSvK88UHRsmNmaqF-gFjUT8L-VWjnRuP6ifGL4VJfvOU4Pkvg9wHm9435uWXx7OPFn9Ptl0UtbhCz4nIgchNG-ZQvt15kFLOGG0H9qFyRI/s1600/Late+March+2014+017+(683x1024).jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My little lady beckoned me to follow her. Little by little, her shape began to blurr in front of my eyes. Spring is surely here and my allergies are in full affect. Time to head in for the day and come out again after Mommy has taken some Sudafed or Benedryll. </span>Elizabeth G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01947997210196544386noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-246092514776477830.post-48817056383167315962014-03-23T20:27:00.000-07:002014-03-23T20:27:00.603-07:00The Night Before Conferences (23/31)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgrsr43owK1kkx6sTleKZu-okQSvzBSY-egn5lw5_tVFTEk4Z5Hq6l46IJWR3-tPFQDd3Lr7y0mk4pB54znLqB15FL3TzJPmKohD3aJHAzxPeXzxYS0o4vSgb4UbWe-3s4bp5Bay98aY/s1600/2014+Slice+of+Life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgrsr43owK1kkx6sTleKZu-okQSvzBSY-egn5lw5_tVFTEk4Z5Hq6l46IJWR3-tPFQDd3Lr7y0mk4pB54znLqB15FL3TzJPmKohD3aJHAzxPeXzxYS0o4vSgb4UbWe-3s4bp5Bay98aY/s1600/2014+Slice+of+Life.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The Night Before Conferences</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I go through a mental checklist multiple times throughout the day</span></div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Folders made and filled</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reading levels, growth, goals</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Writing samples, growth, goals</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Report card</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reading Plans for those that continue to struggle</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Upcoming Personal Passion for Learning Packets</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Table Cloth for the conference table</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #e69138;">The Night Before Conferences</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clothes have been laid out, put away, and laid out again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #e69138;">The Night Before Conferences</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Arrangements have been made for a longer day at daycare. My heart aches just thinking about being away from my little ones longer than necessary. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #e69138;">The Night Before Conferences</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My heart pounds with excitement, nervousness, anticipation, and trepidation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><b>The Night Before Conferences</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will crawl into bed a little earlier than normal, knowing that it will take my brain a little longer to shut down. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #e69138;">The Night Before Conferences</span></b></span></div>
Elizabeth G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01947997210196544386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-246092514776477830.post-84052091685820389212014-03-22T19:16:00.003-07:002014-03-22T19:16:37.979-07:00Opening Ceremony (22/31)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMyZt1dkQKriKeNka2YsdE9BtDqlAKxqOm5bmDn2qCQ9gK6WaJo1xK1Wp0dkr125k7604Gx7Qf6rUYG_YY8EjYwLueKL2aFo_kxcsw5rx87Y0KlPndCJmdvyH7LlIkGIzpNf1azdh6Wg/s1600/baseball+fence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMyZt1dkQKriKeNka2YsdE9BtDqlAKxqOm5bmDn2qCQ9gK6WaJo1xK1Wp0dkr125k7604Gx7Qf6rUYG_YY8EjYwLueKL2aFo_kxcsw5rx87Y0KlPndCJmdvyH7LlIkGIzpNf1azdh6Wg/s1600/baseball+fence.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span id="photoSpan" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #aaaaaa; display: block; float: left; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">photo </span><span id="copyrightSpan" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #aaaaaa; display: block; float: left; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">©</span><span id="yearSpan" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #aaaaaa; display: block; float: left; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">2008 </span><span id="authorSpan" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #aaaaaa; display: block; float: left; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">Stefano Chiarelli</span><span id="sourceSpan" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #aaaaaa; display: block; float: left; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">, Flickr</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The crystal blue sky was a perfect sign that today was going to be a special day. The boys watched the clock as it slowly rounded the bases towards 10. Thigh high socks, long sleeved solid colored shirts, and baseball pants adorned my two boys as they gripped their water bottles. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Mom, is it time yet?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I checked the diaper bag and wrestled shoes on to my little chunky footed girl before grabbing light coats and heading out the door. We all piled into the car and away we zipped. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The field was painted like an artists palette. Groups of color combinations gathered together in perfect little circular clumps. Giggles and playful shoves were seen and heard from every corner. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The announcer began to start the show. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"We are happy to welcome you here for the 75th Anniversary..."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wow! 75 years is a long time. What a special tradition to be a part of. As my ears began to tune in again, I watched as lines of colored groups began to line the fence. One by one, they were ushered on to the field by their coaches. I am lucky enough to have two groups to cheer for. My little munchkin cheers in my arms as her brothers run on to the field. It is the beginning of baseball season and I couldn't be more delighted. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After everyone is on the field, I am blessed with a special gift. On to the pitcher's mound walks a familiar face. It is the younger sister to a past student, a family that I adore, and a sweet young lady. She has been honored to share with us the National Anthem. I always get a little nervous when I see a young child (4th grade for this one) sing the National Anthem. It is a difficult song to sing and one that is easy to ruin. She opened her mouth and out came the voice of a confident angel. It was just stunning. When she finished, a roar of applause exploded from the stands and chatter began about who this beautiful singer was. I beamed with pride as I watched her walk off the field to join the rows of family that attended to cheer her on. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After the official "PLAY BALL" was yelled, I bee-lined it over to congratulate my future music mogul. I was greeted with a smile and a round of hugs from past students. Her brother had invited most of his baseball team to come see his sister sing. Several were past students who I was delighted to see since they left the school to join the Junior High last year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I shuffled off to cheer on my boys, a huge smile appeared on my face. I am so lucky to have the opportunity to watch my students shine in the spotlight and to watch my children play a game they love.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let the games begin!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgrsr43owK1kkx6sTleKZu-okQSvzBSY-egn5lw5_tVFTEk4Z5Hq6l46IJWR3-tPFQDd3Lr7y0mk4pB54znLqB15FL3TzJPmKohD3aJHAzxPeXzxYS0o4vSgb4UbWe-3s4bp5Bay98aY/s1600/2014+Slice+of+Life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgrsr43owK1kkx6sTleKZu-okQSvzBSY-egn5lw5_tVFTEk4Z5Hq6l46IJWR3-tPFQDd3Lr7y0mk4pB54znLqB15FL3TzJPmKohD3aJHAzxPeXzxYS0o4vSgb4UbWe-3s4bp5Bay98aY/s1600/2014+Slice+of+Life.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Elizabeth G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01947997210196544386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-246092514776477830.post-10666736584823584362014-03-21T20:32:00.000-07:002014-03-21T20:32:01.800-07:00Bath Time (21/31)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQ-8HFnxST3BvujyMpA3bTnDP-k7SJn_u6luEmbtwwaleWrFm8kydIhHrg6aXxdAFvyGh8vvflcQc6BQhdd2fWHik8u4w2y0vXB-nakGTp4Lshxy49OE2VDwdeebup5GYyA2bChL8AjA/s1600/bubble+bath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQ-8HFnxST3BvujyMpA3bTnDP-k7SJn_u6luEmbtwwaleWrFm8kydIhHrg6aXxdAFvyGh8vvflcQc6BQhdd2fWHik8u4w2y0vXB-nakGTp4Lshxy49OE2VDwdeebup5GYyA2bChL8AjA/s1600/bubble+bath.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span id="photoSpan" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #aaaaaa; display: block; float: left; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">photo </span><span id="copyrightSpan" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #aaaaaa; display: block; float: left; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">©</span><span id="yearSpan" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #aaaaaa; display: block; float: left; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">2007 </span><span id="authorSpan" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #aaaaaa; display: block; float: left; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">Kitty Schweizer</span><span id="sourceSpan" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #aaaaaa; display: block; float: left; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">, Flickr</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh My Goodness, my boys are so entertaining. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When my oldest son was little, he would throw a fit in the bath tub whenever any kind of water got near his eyes. Washing hair was a delicate process. With surgeon-like touch, I would carefully wet his hair and keep a dry wash cloth close by. The second any water would escape near his eyebrows, I would have to dry it off or there would be a complete meltdown. I became an expert as washing hair without letting any runaway droplets escape. Now he takes a shower but still wipes the water out of his eyes immediately. It is progress. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I shouldn't have been surprised when my youngest son picked up on these same habits. He is now 5 and still cringes when it's time to wash his hair. He arches is back in a reverse cat position so he gets the top part of his head wet without getting the hairline wet. I am then expected to soap up his hair without any shampoo touching his skin. It is a delicate process. I may need to try the game Operation again. I am pretty good at staying without a set parameter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tonight, he barely filled the tub up to touch his ears when he laid back in the tub. He began to arch his back and I started to giggle. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Why are you laughing at me? You know I hate to get water in my face.", said my indignant son. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Yes sweetheart, but you barely have any water in the tub. Why don't you try to lay down and see where the water hits."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With some hesitation, he laid back in the tub and saw that it wasn't deep. He allowed me to get his hair wet and then carefully sat up. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I masterfully soaped up his little locks and asked him to lay down again. Again, the arched back appeared. I shook my head and made a board shape with my hand. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Be brave J, be brave!" He began to repeat over and over again. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I held my breathe, quickly rinsed his hair and made a bee line for the other room. A belly laugh escaped my lips the moment the door touched the frame.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am constantly entertained and surprised by my children. I couldn't have imagined my life any other way. This memory will linger until the next bath time where another story is bound to emerge. </span>Elizabeth G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01947997210196544386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-246092514776477830.post-29164291514854210832014-03-20T20:22:00.002-07:002014-03-20T20:22:09.270-07:00Cuddles and Gliders (20/31)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgrsr43owK1kkx6sTleKZu-okQSvzBSY-egn5lw5_tVFTEk4Z5Hq6l46IJWR3-tPFQDd3Lr7y0mk4pB54znLqB15FL3TzJPmKohD3aJHAzxPeXzxYS0o4vSgb4UbWe-3s4bp5Bay98aY/s1600/2014+Slice+of+Life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgrsr43owK1kkx6sTleKZu-okQSvzBSY-egn5lw5_tVFTEk4Z5Hq6l46IJWR3-tPFQDd3Lr7y0mk4pB54znLqB15FL3TzJPmKohD3aJHAzxPeXzxYS0o4vSgb4UbWe-3s4bp5Bay98aY/s1600/2014+Slice+of+Life.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My sweet little girl is cutting her eye teeth right now and nothing seems to help with the pain. I took some time to rock her to sleep tonight which is not a normal occurrence. We have our routine down and it works fabulously...but sometimes you need to break the rules to comfort those you love. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I lifted my screaming child out of her crib and nestled her carefully in the crook of my arm. Her tear stained face is clammy and warm as she rests it on my shoulder, just grazing my cheek. I can't help but notice the wet strands of hair that are clinging to her cheek like a sticky hand that's been slammed against the window. I carefully slide the strands behind her ears and run my fingers carefully over her forehead. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I stare at her little face and remember how much smaller it was. It feels like just yesterday when I was bringing her home and carefully resting her whole body in a single arm. She now stretches her legs past my lap. The once fragile body now numbs my arm. I can't think of a better feeling. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I take deep breathes in hopes the my slow heart beat will help calm hers. Her little sausage fingers grip my pointer finger and begin to rub to the beat of our rocks. I mimic her movements and gently rub her little thumb. I watch as the eyelids fall and flicker, fall and flicker, until they do not open. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I continue to rock...backwards, forwards, backwards, forwards. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Her body has become heavy but my hungry arms have not had enough. I can't help but hold her a little longer. Chores and papers can wait a bit longer. As I stare at the long eyelashed, curly haired girl in my arms, I am reminded of how blessed I am and how precious time is. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Grandfather clock chimes that my cuddle time is over. I begrudgingly lift the little angel in my arms and rest her in her crib. Midnight feedings will be soon and my arms will hunger for the cuddles and rhythm of the chair. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Backwards, forwards, backwards, forwards. </span>Elizabeth G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01947997210196544386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-246092514776477830.post-31172569814807790392014-03-19T20:18:00.001-07:002014-03-19T20:18:07.866-07:00Buds of Spring (19/31)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHIg0XuBONqMYB_OuVcsa4ahRvyG_8BbF2M2J7Fa0tcw0KSgT3des4Os5bL8u5gMVmimy8BhrqTYoU4nIrzr6OHrr2yEykPPUNMChC2EooOembLp_ASn5Wpdo61MVkMULy-12s7iwqqS8/s1600/cherry+blossom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHIg0XuBONqMYB_OuVcsa4ahRvyG_8BbF2M2J7Fa0tcw0KSgT3des4Os5bL8u5gMVmimy8BhrqTYoU4nIrzr6OHrr2yEykPPUNMChC2EooOembLp_ASn5Wpdo61MVkMULy-12s7iwqqS8/s1600/cherry+blossom.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span id="photoSpan" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #aaaaaa; display: block; float: left; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">photo </span><span id="copyrightSpan" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #aaaaaa; display: block; float: left; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">©</span><span id="yearSpan" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #aaaaaa; display: block; float: left; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">2010 </span><span id="authorSpan" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #aaaaaa; display: block; float: left; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">Christoph Rupprecht</span><span id="sourceSpan" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #aaaaaa; display: block; float: left; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">, Flickr</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Splatters of pink decorate the once bare branches. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They sway from side to side in a dance of thankfulness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Visions of the fence are now blurred in shades of magenta and salmon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spring has arrived.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Small burgundy spheres of sweet nectar will soon weigh the branches down.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My eyes will watch in anticipation as the colors change to maroon. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The signal to venture outdoors and gather Spring's treat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cherry Plums</span></div>
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Elizabeth G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01947997210196544386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-246092514776477830.post-80394719929723393772014-03-18T19:55:00.001-07:002014-03-18T19:55:26.701-07:00Dancing Machine (18/31)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwTBnW1dmlsjDRBPs9QcqqIgcxoVDYzUKpJu8ReiPD9xIEsGCrF-_XqrW4lQTE_0wnAf79X9gKPJcs0VeeEKhZm92hRg6zp3Cnfroy__X_KRSlbkz159T1KoPssnhuVwtY_VIcy1BtTmU/s1600/Jan-Feb+2014+017+(533x800).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwTBnW1dmlsjDRBPs9QcqqIgcxoVDYzUKpJu8ReiPD9xIEsGCrF-_XqrW4lQTE_0wnAf79X9gKPJcs0VeeEKhZm92hRg6zp3Cnfroy__X_KRSlbkz159T1KoPssnhuVwtY_VIcy1BtTmU/s1600/Jan-Feb+2014+017+(533x800).jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It doesn't take much to make my little girl shimmy and shake. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It starts from the hairs on the tippy top of her head and travels all the way to the tips of her toes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First, the head begins to shake from side to side. I have flashbacks to "A Night and the Roxbury." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The bobble head motion quickly jumps down to her hips where she channels her inner Shakira. The tempo gets faster and faster. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This quick motion usually requires her to hold on to something sturdy and strong. Keeping your balance is hard when you're shaking everything up like a blender. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next is my favorite part....the legs and feet. First she lifts up her knees and slams her feet into the ground. One foot after the next. She is commanding everyones attention. After a few stomps, she rises up onto her little toes. The makings of a little ballerina can be seen. The process is repeated several times in the same order. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After giggling for a bit, I realize that she has stopped dancing. Then I realize that there is no longer any music.....the commercial has ended. Back to playing with the toys until the next advertisement with music. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgrsr43owK1kkx6sTleKZu-okQSvzBSY-egn5lw5_tVFTEk4Z5Hq6l46IJWR3-tPFQDd3Lr7y0mk4pB54znLqB15FL3TzJPmKohD3aJHAzxPeXzxYS0o4vSgb4UbWe-3s4bp5Bay98aY/s1600/2014+Slice+of+Life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgrsr43owK1kkx6sTleKZu-okQSvzBSY-egn5lw5_tVFTEk4Z5Hq6l46IJWR3-tPFQDd3Lr7y0mk4pB54znLqB15FL3TzJPmKohD3aJHAzxPeXzxYS0o4vSgb4UbWe-3s4bp5Bay98aY/s1600/2014+Slice+of+Life.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Elizabeth G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01947997210196544386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-246092514776477830.post-13456744403982087522014-03-17T20:17:00.000-07:002014-03-17T20:17:19.904-07:00Tick! Tick! (17/31)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgrsr43owK1kkx6sTleKZu-okQSvzBSY-egn5lw5_tVFTEk4Z5Hq6l46IJWR3-tPFQDd3Lr7y0mk4pB54znLqB15FL3TzJPmKohD3aJHAzxPeXzxYS0o4vSgb4UbWe-3s4bp5Bay98aY/s1600/2014+Slice+of+Life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgrsr43owK1kkx6sTleKZu-okQSvzBSY-egn5lw5_tVFTEk4Z5Hq6l46IJWR3-tPFQDd3Lr7y0mk4pB54znLqB15FL3TzJPmKohD3aJHAzxPeXzxYS0o4vSgb4UbWe-3s4bp5Bay98aY/s1600/2014+Slice+of+Life.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is that time of year. The time where the weather warms you and urges you to come outside and neglect your work. The bare branches now taunt you with splashes of color while you look out the window.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I sit by the computer....multiple screens opened. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Word documents with shapes cluttered from the top to the bottom. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spreadsheets filled with important data. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Facebook screens with friendly faces, important perspectives, and messages to urge me to continue. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mama! Mama!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I drag myself away from the computer, only to return hours later to the same mess of busy screens. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nudge, nudge....nibble, nibble...meow, meow. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A scratch here and a rub there...but I must tend to the screens. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Comments and symbols back up in my brain like a damn holding back the tides. I must find a way to let them flow through my fingers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Report card comments await and time continues to tick by. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tick!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Tick!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Tick!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Time for me to return to the beckoning screens. </span>Elizabeth G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01947997210196544386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-246092514776477830.post-30678520916733398022014-03-16T20:23:00.002-07:002014-03-16T20:36:57.208-07:00Lion King (16/31)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJIIjH_gsQjPmzx2Basrhh-C9aiA971e9dSctgp7ZzfB6N8TV5P3Fz_MnFQ-Pvg18khPz-IuDgBn05iStuT3iYDTAbo8P_obBvQfj71KTDA88D9CWAKq65mNOC87_JtX7FUkU4NRlc0Co/s1600/lion+king.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJIIjH_gsQjPmzx2Basrhh-C9aiA971e9dSctgp7ZzfB6N8TV5P3Fz_MnFQ-Pvg18khPz-IuDgBn05iStuT3iYDTAbo8P_obBvQfj71KTDA88D9CWAKq65mNOC87_JtX7FUkU4NRlc0Co/s1600/lion+king.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poster from Broadway Production</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today my mom and I took the boys to see The Lion King Musical. We have both seen it before but today was a first for my two boys (5 and 8 years old). Our seats were split up so I got to sit with my youngest little man. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you haven't seen this before, I strongly recommend you see it...if not for the story, then for the amazing costumes and unique way they interpret the story on the stage. I was excited to see the show again but I think that I was more excited to see the look on my little guys face. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The show started almost 10 minutes late and little man kept counting backwards from 20 in hopes that he'd trigger the start of the show. The lights slowly began to dim until the theater was pitch black. J let out a little groan and gripped my fingers tightly. Then the curtain lifted and the sun began to rise on stage. His eyes lit up and his mouth opened just a bit. (You can see some pictures of the show on this <a href="http://q8travelbud.wordpress.com/2010/07/27/lets-talk-about-art-the-lion-king/">website</a>.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The animals began to join together on stage around the rock. I don't remember the exact order but I do remember watching the amazement on J's face. He studied the characters carefully, trying to figure out why people where riding bikes with antelopes attached to them. There was a cheetah that mimicked the actors movements, a HUGE elephant that was probably moved by at least 4 people, and several giraffes on stilts. It is a sight to behold. I watched the wonderment in my son's eyes turned to complete amusement. The characters had pulled him in and he was living in the moment. I couldn't imagine giving him a better gift. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The smile, twinkle in his eyes, and his inability to look away from the stage will stay with me forever. It was a very special moment and a fabulous day. </span><br />
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<br />Elizabeth G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01947997210196544386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-246092514776477830.post-33823588346362337482014-03-15T19:24:00.001-07:002014-03-15T19:24:31.495-07:00Distractions of the Welcomed Kind (15/31)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgrsr43owK1kkx6sTleKZu-okQSvzBSY-egn5lw5_tVFTEk4Z5Hq6l46IJWR3-tPFQDd3Lr7y0mk4pB54znLqB15FL3TzJPmKohD3aJHAzxPeXzxYS0o4vSgb4UbWe-3s4bp5Bay98aY/s1600/2014+Slice+of+Life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgrsr43owK1kkx6sTleKZu-okQSvzBSY-egn5lw5_tVFTEk4Z5Hq6l46IJWR3-tPFQDd3Lr7y0mk4pB54znLqB15FL3TzJPmKohD3aJHAzxPeXzxYS0o4vSgb4UbWe-3s4bp5Bay98aY/s1600/2014+Slice+of+Life.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is that dreaded time of year again....report cards (dum, dum, dum).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is something that is predictable three times a year and yet I dread it each and every time. It's not that I mind sharing information with parents. I actually love bragging about how well their children are doing and letting them know what still needs to be worked on. It's the fact that our report card does not match our standards. It is veg and requires you to think in the grey area instead of black and white. I don't do grey well when it comes to grades and data. It also requires me to write long comments so that parents have an understand of what the child does and does not know. It's not a quick process by any means. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After putting little lady down for her nap, I got started plugging in grades. It went fairly smoothly due to discussions with my teammates about the data that we'd collected. Until I hit the grey areas. I hopped on Facebook and began messaging my teammate to see how she would approach these fuzzy areas. After a round of back and forth opinions, we decided that we should just meet at school with our writing pieces. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I slipped out of the house and headed to work. When I arrived home, little lady was still asleep. I figured that I'd lock myself in the computer room and get to work. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Mom, can I have some snuggle time?", came a sweet voice. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do I stop and snuggle or do I state that mommy has a lot of work to do? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Sure sweetie, just a little bit and then Mama has to get back to work."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few minutes turned into 30 before we heard peeps from upstairs. I lifted my 5 year old heat warmer off my lap and promised to be back in a flash. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I got to my little girls doorway, she was pants less and singing at the top of her lungs. I couldn't help but let out a giggle. She joined in and we laughed together for a few moments before I lifted her out of the crib and searched for her pants. She snuggled her head into the crook of my neck and my heart melted. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Report cards will have to wait until after bedtime. I have some love bugs to snuggle. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Elizabeth G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01947997210196544386noreply@blogger.com1