Sunday, December 27, 2009

Meet Butch...



Rockingham County Humane Society
Featured Pet
Butch

Butch is a 1 year old Boston Terrier. He is neutered and current on his rabies shot. Butch is a good boy and loves attention. He is very playful and would be a great addition to a family with children. Butch will make you smile with his acrobatic abilities! He loves to see a familiar face and can jump three feet high when excited or ready to play. He is just the right size for a house dog and is energetic enough to keep up with the kids. He is waiting for a special family to adopt him in time to spend Christmas by the fire. If you are interested in adopting Butch or seeing any other animals available for adoption, please visit the Rockingham County Humane Society at 205 Boone Road in Eden, NC. Our adoption fee is $100 for puppies and dogs and $60 for kittens and cats. The adoption fee includes spaying and neutering, shots, and de-worming for all animals. The Rockingham County Humane Society is open to the public Wednesday through Saturday from 11-4.


Butch is a good boy. My daughter loved playing with him. It's not too late to give Butch his forever home. Could you provide this dog the care and companionship he needs? Go see him today...you won't regret it!

Thursday, December 24, 2009

The Rorrer Family Christmas Letter 2009

Every year I write a Christmas letter to include in our cards. I like to take the time to reflect on the year and let everyone know a little about each person in our family. I can't possibly fit everything on one page, but I try to highlight the big stuff. I thought I would post our 2009 letter for all of you to read.

Dear Family and Friends,

We hope this letter finds you all happy and healthy. We can hardly believe that 2009 is coming to a close. The Lord has blessed our family in many special ways this year and we look forward to the blessings ahead in 2010.

Lydia is still growing and as sweet as ever. She had her first dance recital this year and she was the cutest bumblebee to grace the stage. She is now in her 2nd year of dance, preschool, and Awanas. She has worked hard on her part for the Christmas play this year as well. She’ll be singing her very own solo and we are very proud.

Robert is still shift manager at Unifi and we are thankful that he has a good job in these uncertain times. He is a wonderful father and husband. Robert is very supportive of everything we do; Lydia and I are proud to be “his girls.”

I just finished up my internship at Dudley High School and the last semester of school work before student teaching. I have enjoyed the transition from student to teacher. In January, I will be student teaching at Morehead High School. Our family is looking forward to graduation in May of 2010 and we are praying that I will find a job within the county.

This year has been a great one, filled with lots of fun and excitement. We keep a busy schedule and always seem to find ourselves involved in something. In the coming year, be sure to pick up a copy of Eden’s Own Journal and read my column that appears every two weeks. And for those of you who live out of town, but are computer savvy, visit my blog and read about all the things going on in our family. The web address is www.runningwrite.blogspot.com.

We hope each of you enjoy the special time of Christmas. We are learning more every day that family and friends are our greatest blessings, so we want to tell each of you, those near and far, that you are loved and dear to our hearts. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

Love,
The Rorrers
Robert, Amanda, Lydia
Lil Bit and Sophie, too

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Patience...Can I have some of that?


Children seldom misquote. In fact, they usually repeat word for word what you shouldn't have said. ~Author Unknown

My daughter loves her Barbies. She can get lost in her world of pink doll houses and purple convertibles for hours. She talks out loud, making her dolls carry on full conversations with one another. I love to listen to her and I sometimes giggle at what I hear. But I stopped in my tracks when I heard, “Ken will be here in a minute! He called and said ‘BE PATIENT!’”

There was no need to wonder where she heard those words because she only hears them ten times a day from my own mouth. “We’ll be there in a minute. Be Patient!” “Supper will be ready soon. Be Patient!” and on and on it goes. I know I’m not the only parent who says these words on a daily basis, yet how often do we as adults fail to be patient ourselves? I’m just as guilty as the next person. I can’t wait to “hurry up and graduate,” can’t wait for the weekends, and even in the middle of a good run, I can’t wait for an ice cold tea and a hot shower so I can get on with the things I have to do that day. But if we aren’t patient with the little things in life, how will we ever conquer and overcome the big things?

We live in a world that expects everything yesterday. Most of the time, we fail to focus on today for worrying about tomorrow. We all have places to be, deadlines, responsibilities, and goals to achieve. Can we really expect our children to learn patience when we constantly rush them along? “Hurry up and brush your teeth,” “Hurry up and get dressed,” “Hurry up and get in the car,” and on and on this goes, too.

Psalm 46:10 tells us, “Be still and know that I am God.”In that stillness, those moments when we really stop and listen to God, we are most likely to hear what He may be telling us, which sometimes may be: “Be patient!” We often communicate our wants and desires to God, but rarely stop to hear what He has to say. Yet, having patience doesn’t mean sitting idly by, waiting for an answer to fall from the sky. It’s not waiting for something to be handed to you or waiting for the right thing to “just happen.” Instead, having patience means taking action, doing our part, our job, our task, our responsibility. It’s doing all we are capable of, even under pressure or when the odds are against us, and trusting in God to handle the rest.

Back in the year 1377, author William Langland was the first to say that “patience is a virtue,” but I say that it’s still one hard concept even for adults to grasp. I don’t claim to be an expert on patience (nor the Bible for that matter) but I know that every day I am learning more about the value of both. So the next time I plead for patience from my child, I’ll try to remember she really is listening. And I’ll remind myself to pause and do the same.


But sometimes, at the end of the day, I just feel like the chicken here!!!

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Pain or Suffering?


"Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional."
~From What I Talk About When I Talk About Running
By: Haruki Murakami

November 18, 2009...


I just finished reading the book What I Talk About When I Talk About Running, a memoir by award-winning novelist and runner, Haruki Murakami. I found the above quote about suffering and pain in the early pages of his book and I’ve been pondering over the quote ever since. Even as a runner, when I read this, I thought, “Geez! Who wants to suffer?” If I actually thought of running as pain and suffering, I would have quit yesterday, or the day before.

Of course I see running as a physical challenge and of course I have experienced some pain along the way. A sprained ankle, sore muscles, joint aches…nothing I can’t handle and nothing I haven’t taken steps to educate myself on how I can prevent them. I’ve even learned the hard way NOT to eat a sausage biscuit the morning of a long run and how to hold my breath when passing road kill in July and August. And since I have asthma, sometimes I have difficulty breathing when running. But overall, my breathing has improved since I became a runner, and I’m sure my blood pressure and resting heart rate have too. So, it might be better if I stick with my old saying, which doesn’t involve pain or suffering. It’s this: “There may be a day when I can’t do this anymore. Today is not that day.” I found that saying in Runner’s World several years ago, and it has been a favorite mantra ever since.

Yet, I can see why some runners might value this quote about inevitable pain and optional suffering, especially distance runners. After all, nothing in life comes free—or totally devoid of pain and suffering at some point—anything worth having, be it a job, a house, an education, a good marriage, requires hard work. And I’ve never trained for and finished a race without hard work.

As I set out on a run I asked myself which part of the run was the “suffering” part. And then I began to understand. I’d have to say it was the ½ mile hill at the 60% incline near my house. Even after 3 years of climbing this hill, it takes mental and physical endurance to reach the top. Slowly and steadily I climb, thinking about each step, placing one foot in front of the other and telling myself to keep breathing. Each time I climb this hill, a fleeting thought of walking enters my mind. And then as I continue coming closer to the top, the thought dissipates and I’m glad I kept on running. The hill is hardest near the top- when I’m worn out from the climb and I can almost see the top, but I still have a choice to continue or stop.

December 12, 2009

And now, three weeks later, I’m still thinking about that quote, even though I haven’t gone for a run in two weeks. I have an inflamed tendon in my foot and the doctor’s orders were to slow down and let it heal. When I asked how “slow” I needed to go, his reply was, “If it hurts, don’t do it. Cut back on your distance and don’t run on consecutive days.” So now I really get it…the pain in my foot has made it all too real. This aggravated tendon is the result of extremely flat feet and it has made walking and running two painful tasks. My thinking about the situation has been as follows: I have to walk, but I love to run. Right now I can’t do either without pain. So in order to do what I have to do (walk) and eventually be able to do what I love (run), then I must do something I really don’t like (slow down…rest…take days, maybe weeks off from running). Well, not running equals suffering to me…

December 15, 2009

Today I couldn’t stand it anymore, so I set out for a short run. I decided I wouldn’t push myself too hard and I allowed myself to walk when necessary. I just couldn’t take it anymore; I needed to feel sunshine and wind on my face and sweat on my brow. I tried to run at least 4 minutes at a time and walk for 2 minutes or less. It took me and Sophie, my dog, 40 minutes to finish 3.3 miles, but today’s pain will make tomorrow’s run somewhat easier…at least I hope so. Or maybe that's when the real suffering will begin.

It’s amazing how much your muscles can forget and the strength and endurance they can lose in two to three weeks. My mileage per week has decreased significantly since I ran the ½ marathon in October, but here lately, that mileage has come to a screeching halt. In his book, Murakami says our muscles are like animals, that they would rather not work hard, and that they forget the memory of the hard work of training when we fail to push them (p. 71). I think he’s right. But it doesn’t matter what I think on this one; science has proven that when we don’t use it, we lose it.

So the pain felt today was an all-over-the-body pain, and I know I’ll feel it tomorrow. My chest hurt as I struggled to breath. My body hasn’t gotten adjusted to the change in the weather and this time of year someone is always burning leaves in my neighborhood. (The remnants of a really bad sinus infection and chest congestion didn’t help my breathing either.) My foot actually felt okay…thanks to time off and new $300 orthotics for my shoes. But my legs screamed at me in anger because they were not only out of practice, but they were carrying about 10 extra pounds I’ve gained in the last 2 months. I’m the kind of person who can eat whatever I want as long as I exercise. But when I put the brakes on physical activity and forgo the brake on eating, I swell up quicker than Violet from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

All that aside—I would rather suffer like this during a run than not run at all. I needed to feel the sunshine today and so did my dog Sophie. I looked down at her while we were running and I could see that she was happy to be restored to her faithful duty of keeping me company on the road. I’m sure you’ve heard it said that running helps to clear a person’s mind. Well, I can tell you it really does. Why would I want all that junk in my head that could cleared and sorted through during a run? To me, that’s optional suffering, and I opt not to do it. Whew. Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to get back out there today. I’ve really missed it.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Lydia Loves Animals


Last week, Lydia and I visited the Humane Society. I love taking her there because she loves to visit the animals and it is good for the dogs to come in contact with children. When we visit, I know that she is learning valuable lessons. She has many questions and I can't provide her an answer to some of her questions like, "Why don't these dogs have a home?" and "Why don't some people take care of their animals?" I tell her that these animals are the lucky ones; these are the animals that have a chance and will eventually have a home. Until the volunteers who dedicate their time and energy can find them a home, we can visit and play and LOVE the animals. There are many things that I want my daughter to learn in life, but one of the things I think is most important is to treat all animals with kindness and love.

“We find a delight in the beauty and happiness of children, that makes the heart too big for the body”
~Ralh Waldo Emerson

Friday, December 4, 2009

Beyond the Sales of the Season

"He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree."
~Roy L. Smith



I’ve heard it said that the holiday season can be equal to madness. From shopping to spending to eating, this is the “biggest” time of the year. The advertising that surrounds us tells us bigger is more and louder is better for practically everything on the consumer market. Our society emphasizes excess-to the extreme-and it’s easy to get caught up in all of it. Overspending temptations bombard me at every corner. Television, radio, mail advertisements, sale papers, magazines…Each screaming “Sale! 50% Off! Save Today!” As a self-confessed shopaholic, I admit I fight the urge to whip out the plastic to pay for Christmas gifts. I could attempt to justify my weakness by rationalizing how I got a really great deal since the item was, after all, “On Sale”. While sales are great, I have to be realistic and stay within my budget. I would love to shower my family and friends with expensive and unique gifts, but they understand I can’t. After all, that’s not the real meaning of Christmas anyway.

Whatever you do this season, whatever your traditions are, I hope that each and every one will remember what Christmas is truly about. Christmas is more than a sale, a dinner, a party, or a present wrapped in frilly bows. It’s about the birth of Jesus. And while retail and some politicians try to shut Christ out of Christmas, they will only be successful if we allow them to be.



So what can I do to let loved ones know they are loved without expensive gifts and without breaking the bank? Of course I’ll still buy some presents this Christmas, but here are a few ideas I have that we can all do to remember the true meaning of Christmas.

1. Pray. Thank God for sending His Son who died for us. That’s a good starting point. After that, thank Him for our blessings. When we think about it, that’s a really long list.
2. Share the story of Christmas with a friend. Invite them to attend your church for the Christmas play or cantata. You never know when God will use you to plant a seed in someone else’s life. After Christmas, invite that friend to church again.
3. Call a loved one. Do more than send a card this year. Even if you haven’t talked to someone in your family in a while, reach out and tell them how much they are loved. We never know when they’ll be gone for good.
4. Read the Christmas story as a family. Gather the kids, make hot chocolate, sit by the fire, and open the Bible. Enjoy the time together and thank God as a family.
5. Volunteer. Pick a charity and get involved. Ring a bell, cook a meal, or visit a shut-in. Christmas is the perfect time to spread cheer, but we can only do that by being around people. Remember that money wastes away but the time we spend helping someone can have a lasting impact on that life.



As the Christmas season approaches, I hope we can all avoid the “madness” of the season and use every opportunity we can to spread some “gladness.” Merry Christmas everyone!

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Meet Zack...

"The average dog has one request to all humankind. Love me."
~Helen Exley


Rockingham County Humane Society
Featured Pet
Zack

Zack is a full blooded Rat Terrier. He is one year old and has beautiful tri-colored markings. He is neutered and current on his rabies shot. Zack is relatively new to our facility, but he has proven himself to be a good natured and fun loving boy. He doesn’t mind being held and loves to be scratched behind the ears. He enjoys being walked on a leash and is good with children. He is sure to make a great companion and will make an excellent house dog. If you are interested in providing a forever home to Zack, please visit the Rockingham County Humane Society at 205 Boone Road in Eden, NC. Our adoption fee is $100 for puppies and dogs and $60 for kittens and cats. The adoption fee includes spaying and neutering, shots, and de-worming for all animals. The Rockingham County Humane Society is open to the public Wednesday through Saturday from 11 to 4.

"For me a house or an apartment becomes a home when you add one set of four legs, a happy tail, and that indescribable measure of love that we call a dog."
Roger Caras, president emeritus, ASPCA

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Grandma's Table

“Other things may change us, but we start and end with family.”
~Anthony Brandt

In my family, birthdays are as special as holidays. A time to celebrate the individual, the uniqueness found in each person that makes our family special. We often gather at Grandma’s house, where her best dumplings are served and love is spelled with a slice of warm, buttery cornbread. Kids scream for the corner piece of cake loaded with icing and then flash their blue-tooth icing grin from ear to ear. These are happy times that make wonderful memories.

Growing up, I was the oldest grandchild. I used to run and chase my cousins, teasing them the way my youngest uncles teased me. Now, I’m almost 30, and most of those little boys have all grown up, making me the “little” cousin. I now have the joy of watching my daughter burst through the door to Grandma’s house with the same eagerness I had as a child. She explores the many rooms and has her own secret hideout just as I used to.

But there’s nothing like meal time, when we all sit down together. We pass the mashed potatoes and get an extra helping of macaroni and cheese. Everyone is smiling and laughing as we all stuff our bellies. I’ve always known there was something special about Grandma’s table, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. Last week while celebrating my younger cousin’s birthday, I realized what it is. It’s Family. It’s those people who love you no matter how near or far you choose to go…and it’s the love of a woman who holds them all together. It’s knowing that no matter how grown up you get (or think you are) there will always be a place for you here. It’s the one constant in an ever-changing world and that place you know you belong.

I’m finally old enough to recognize it, yet still young enough to enjoy it. And thankfully, I’m at just the right age to appreciate its true value.

For me, coming to Grandma’s table - whether it is for a birthday, holiday, or just stopping by for lunch - is sort of like a homecoming for me. It’s a part of my roots—a piece that has made me who I am today. This Thanksgiving I will be thanking God with a new level of gratitude. I’m looking beyond the turkey, the stuffing, and the pumpkin pie to where the heart of my family resides…And that is Grandma’s table.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Danville 8K

On November 14, I ran in the Danville 8K and Half Marathon. The sun peeked through the clouds and we were able to see blue skies for the first time in a week. It was a promising outlook for a great day of racing, but when I arrived at the start, the only thing I found was a man with directions to the “new” starting line of the race. I learned that part of the course had been flooded from the recent rain and runners were relocated to a new start and finish for the race. When I finally arrived at the right location, slightly frazzled but ready to run, I saw lots of familiar faces. The Osborne Baptist Church group was there, all dressed in matching t-shirts. How awesome it was to see ladies from a local church that train together, laugh together, and worship together.

A change in location of the race also meant a change in the course. It proved to be a challenging one, with the start consisting of an uphill assent for what seemed like at least a half a mile. The course was modified into a strange combination of an out and back loop, which 8K participants ran once and the half-marathoners ran a total of three times. The change in course (although more hilly than the original) actually provided runners and their families with an opportunity often missed at other events. So many times my family has come out to support me only to be able to actually see me at the very beginning-when I am jammed in the middle of a crowd of runners-- and then once more as I cross the finish. But today’s event was different. Not only could onlookers see runners at the beginning and finish, but several other times as well. The unique layout of the course also meant that runners passed each other multiple times on the course. This gave those of us who knew each other a chance to cheer each other on, motivate one another, and flash a big thumbs-up when we were too out of breath to do anything else.

My goal for this race was to take it easy and enjoy the race atmosphere. I’ve been nursing a sore tendon in my foot, took two weeks off, and I didn’t want to aggravate it further. After the time off, I knew I couldn’t just go out there and run full blast. Sometimes reality causes us to change our expectations; I tried to match my expectations for myself with reality. As I said the course was hilly and I was expecting a nice, flat run. Somewhere along mile three there was a BIG hill and a voice in my head that said, “Oh go ahead and walk for a second.” Just as I started to slow down my pace, another runner touched my back and said, “Come on. Don’t stop here. You can do it.” I picked up my pace again and I climbed the hill side by side with a total stranger. Yet for a moment, I felt as if I knew her.
You must understand that runners are strange and fragile creatures when it comes to rules of race etiquette. Some think it’s ok to cheer one another on while others think it’s rude to risk breaking a runner’s concentration. As for me, I’m all for cheering-- when I have the breath-- and I know without a doubt that I owe my award from this race to her. She reminded me that I was there to run, even if the running was slow and the hills were a struggle. I won third place in my age group. Thank you “lady-in-the-pink-shirt”.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Meet Duncan...

Rockingham County Humane Society
Featured Pet
Duncan


I miss the summer days when I have more time to visit and volunteer with the animals of the Rockingham County Humane Society. Once school starts, my time is limited because of other obligations, but I still enjoy doing more behind the scenes work like our "Featured Pet" articles. This week I stopped by to drop off the newspapers I gather from friends and family (these are used to line the cages for the animals)and to take a few pictures for Eden's Own Journal. My daughter accompanied me on the trip and we took some time to visit the kittens--her favorite--and see the new faces that are there. In doing so, we see some familiar faces as well...we pet their heads, scratch their ears, and reassure them that they will soon find a home.


Today, our focus was on Duncan, who was found abandoned as a puppy in a local park. I remember when he came to us--he was very timid and shy. Although he is still somewhat shy until you get to know him, I can see that he will be very good in a family with children. He needs love and a child he can run and play with.

Duncan is a 10 month old terrier mix. He is neutered and current on his rabies shot. Duncan needs lots of love and attention. He has a shy nature and needs a family who will spend lots of time with him. His small build and short hair are just two of the features that make him a great house dog. Duncan loves to have his ears scratched and he is sure to put a smile on your face. He was found as an abandoned puppy and has been with us ever since. If you are interested in adopting Duncan or seeing any other animals available for adoption, please visit the Rockingham County Humane Society at 205 Boone Road in Eden, NC. Our adoption fee is $100 for puppies and dogs and $60 for kittens and cats. The adoption fee includes spaying and neutering, shots, and de-worming for all animals. The Rockingham County Humane Society is open to the public Wednesday through Saturday from 11-4.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Halloween Fun in Eden


Looking for something fun and exciting to do this weekend? Can't wait till dark to show off your costume? Come on out to Freedom Park this Saturday, October 31, and enjoy the festivities of the 5th Annual Fall Festival. The event is sponsored by the City of Eden and Pine State Group, Inc. The event is open to all ages and there is sure to be something for everyone!




The fun begins at 10:00 am with Eden Parks and Recreation's Annual Pet Show. Dress your dog or cat up in the cutest (or scariest) costume you can find! Prizes will be awarded for several categories including "Best in Show". I'll be there as a judge for this event, so I hope to see you there! After the pet show, enjoy browsing the arts and crafts or let the kids have fun on the free rides that will be available. Be sure to enter the Costume Contest, which begins at 6:00 pm and start Halloween night out right with the Haunted Trail.

For a list of more events in our area, visit www.exploreedennc.com

Hope to see you there for a frightening good time!


These were this year's winners of the Pet Costume Contest! Congratulations to everyone and their furry friends!

Friday, October 23, 2009

Meet Jack...

"With the qualities of cleanliness, affection, patience, dignity, and courage that cats have, how many of us, I ask you, would be capable of becoming cats?" - Fernand Mery

It’s time to introduce you to a new adoptable pet from Rockingham County Humane Society. Jack is a beautiful cat that has been with us for a little over one year and he’s waiting on his furrrrrr-ever home! When I went to visit Jack, I was quickly reminded that cats are a little harder to photograph than other subjects I’ve had in the past. He was a little scared of the flash, but I told him I was going to “make him famous” if he would let me get a great picture of him. I rubbed his head, scratched his ears, and talked to him…He seemed to understand that I was trying to find him a great home. I played with Jack for awhile and he just purred and purred. He really is a sweet boy who will make a wonderful pet. Of course, a picture can’t do him justice-- you have to look into those bright orange eyes for yourself to see what I mean.



JACK
Rockingham County Humane Society’s
Featured Pet

Jack is a one-year-old orange and white short-haired cat. He is neutered and current on his rabies shot. Jack is a good boy and loves to purr. Jack has beautiful, bright orange eyes that are filled with love. He enjoys playing with string and chasing balls. He never meets a stranger and would be a great addition for a family with children. Jack is waiting for that special family or individual to adopt him. He would love to crawl in your lap and keep you company. If you are interested in adopting Jack or seeing any other animals available for adoption, please visit the Rockingham County Humane Society at 205 Boone Road in Eden, NC. Our adoption fee is $100 for puppies and dogs and $60 for kittens and cats. The adoption fee includes spaying and neutering, shots, and de-worming for all animals. The Rockingham County Humane Society is open to the public Wednesday through Saturday from 11-4.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Strength for Running & Life

“If you can’t fly then run. If you can’t run then walk. If you can’t walk then crawl. But whatever you do keep moving.” ~Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.


While running today, I began to reflect on Friday’s lesson with my students at Dudley High School. My students and I wrote our thoughts about the old saying “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Students were encouraged to share their thoughts about what makes a person strong, what pushes a person to do good, or often times, heroic deeds. And on the other hand, what makes others go so wrong? (All of this will soon tie in with a unit I am planning on Homer’s The Odyssey where we will study strength and personal journeys. We’ll use our experiences in connection with the text to think about where we’ve been, where we are, where we want to be, and how to get there.)

As I rounded the corner at the 1.5 mile mark in my run, I glanced at my watch. 15:07. Not an Olympic qualifying time, but understand that two years ago, running this same stretch of road often took me 20 to 25 minutes. I can see that I’ve gained strength. My form has improved and I no longer need to puff my inhaler before I reach the top of that hill I just climbed.

God has granted me the ability to run and running has helped me to find strength in everyday situations. Running has helped me push myself to succeed, and that push for success has spilled over into other areas of my life. I use that time to reflect, ask questions, make plans… and then pray about those same questions and plans. Without a doubt, my faith makes me strong and it is an important part of my personal journey.

Along the next stretch of road I began thinking about the words my students shared with me in their writing on Friday. One student pointed out that the tough times in our lives are often what make us stronger. I couldn’t agree more as I remembered the time I was in a wheelchair for four months following a car accident in 2001. If someone had told me then that I would be where I am today, doing the things I do, I would have assured them they had my future confused with someone else’s.

My mind drifted further as I thought about the ½ marathon I ran in a few weeks ago. I spent the summer training for it and I finished the race; but, not without mistakes and upsets which included a fall that messed up my shoulder and ankle. Finishing that race was tough, especially after my fall. I was mad, aggravated, and I wanted to cry. In fact, I did cry for a moment. And then I remembered why I was there. I was there to RUN, not walk, not cry, and certainly not to pout. I remember touching my necklace and reciting the verse inscribed on the back: Philippians 4:13. “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” And so, with God’s grace, I continued running and finished the race strong.

I was reminded of some things during that race that will help me be stronger in life. I am reminded that no matter how hard we train or prepare for life, there is no teacher as great as the real thing we call experience. Nothing could have prepared me for the hills of Antietam Battlefield that I encountered in that course other than the real thing. Along the way of life, there will be bumps and bruises… or twisted ankles and sore shoulders. The trick is not simply getting up after the fall, it’s the attitude we have once we are back on our feet. We have to keep putting one foot in front of the other and eventually we cross the finish line. We should never plow over someone else in an effort to get there, yet I have found that finish line to be much sweeter when I smile along the way. The lessons learned during the tough times in life do make us stronger. Personally, I find great comfort in knowing that even in the tough times, I am not alone. I have a God who has blessed me with His comfort and surrounded me with a wonderful family and support system of friends.

And now, as I finish my run and my meandering contemplations about the struggles of life and what makes us strong, I know that I am not here to walk, nor pout, nor cry. I am here to RUN. I am here to do all I can in the time I have, however long (or short) it may be. In today’s fast-paced world, we’re all running the race of life. So, double-knot your sneakers and enjoy the run.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

"I picked this to tell you I love you..."


My daughter and I were working in the yard today when she came running up to me with a dandelion in her hand. “Here Mama,” she said. “I picked this to tell you I love you.” My heart melted as I gave her a hug and a kiss. We went inside to find a vase for the little dandelion and I decided to take a few pictures of her with the special flower.


This little act of love shown by my daughter got me to thinking about a poem that my daddy shared with me years ago. When I was 17 or 18 years old, my daddy gave me a book of poems called “For You, My Daughter.” The book is a collection of poems edited by Susan Polis Schultz. I keep the book in the top drawer of my dresser, and now that I am a mother, I often pull it out and read a few lines. I am coming to the stage in my life where I can appreciate and understand the things he was telling me years ago.

Here’s one poem from the book that I will pass on to my daughter. This poem was written by Jan Michelsen.

Think freely. Practice patience.
Smile often. Savor special moments.
Live God’s message. Make new
friends. Rediscover old ones. Tell
those you love that you do. Feel
deeply. Forget trouble. Forgive an
enemy. Hope. Grow. Be crazy. Count
your blessings. Observe miracles.
Make them happen. Discard worry.
Give. Give in. Trust enough to take.
Pick some flowers. Share them. Keep
a promise. Look for rainbows. Gaze
at stars. See beauty everywhere.
Work hard. Be wise. Try to
understand. Take time for people.
Make time for yourself. Laugh
heartily. Spread joy. Take a chance.
Reach out. Let someone in. Try
something new. Slow down. Be soft
sometimes. Believe in yourself. Trust
others. See a sunrise. Listen to rain.
Reminisce. Cry when you need to.
Trust life. Have faith. Enjoy wonder.
Comfort a friend. Have good ideas.
Make some mistakes. Learn from
them. Celebrate life.
~Jan Michelsen, 1979

Thanks for sharing, Daddy. Before you know it, the day will be here when I will share this with Lydia. Thanks for teaching me to appreciate the delicate balance that life is.

A nice little poem...


"Autumn...A second Spring, when every leaf is a flower." ~Albert Camus, French author and philospher (1913-1960)

I found this poem yesterday, but I have been unable to identify an author. I think it goes nicely with the theme of my blog and the season. It makes me want to go outside and breath the fall air on this chilly morning; or maybe go for a run and then enjoy a nice cup of coffe on the front porch! Hope you enjoy!

When autumn wind goes running
It does some magic things
It gives the shadows dancing shoes
It gives the bright leaves wings
When autumn wind goes running

It curls the bonfire's tail of smoke
And shares a little whispered joke
With cornstalks who delight to prattle
It turns a seed pod into a rattle
When autumn wind goes running

Monday, October 12, 2009

Visit to the Pumpkin Patch

"A fallen leaf is nothing more than a summer’s wave good bye." ~Unknown



Every year, my husband and I take Lydia to the pumpkin patch to pick out our pumpkin to carve for Halloween. Each year the trip is more fun because Lydia looks forward to picking out her very own pumpkin. This morning, when we set out to select our pumpkin, there was a chill in the air and I was reminded that Fall is really here. So, I’ve selected some poems to get everyone in the mood for Fall. I hope you enjoy the pictures we took today as well.

Lydia always likes to pose and have her picture taken among the colorful mums. As I took this picture, I was reminded of the following poem by Robert Frost. Until today, I had always thought of this poem as a Spring poem, but I now realize it applies to the gold colors found in nature during any season.




Nothing Gold Can Stay
by Robert Frost

Nature's first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold,
Her early leaf's a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.

Here's another fall poem by Emily Dickinson. Emily has been my favorite poet since I was a teenager. I love the way she uses personification in her poem to describe the changes in nature taking place as Autumn approaches. Her poem reminds me that I am not the only one who feels the need to grab a jacket sometimes...

The morns are meeker than they were,
The nuts are getting brown;
The berry’s cheek is plumper,
The rose is out of town.

The maple wears a gayer scarf,
The field a scarlet gown.
Lest I should be old-fashioned,
I’ll put a trinket on.
~Emily Dickinson

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Theatre Guild of Rockingham County...Showcasing Local Talent


My daughter and I spent this afternoon enjoying the final show of Disney’s Mulan, Jr. The production was performed by talented young people in our area who volunteer their time to the Theatre Guild of Rockingham County. As an old Theatre Guild gal myself, I can appreciate the work that goes into a show like this. It takes time and dedication from many talented people, including those who are behind the scenes.


Lydia and I loved the set, which was wonderfully painted and made us feel like we had taken a step back in time to ancient China. There were great costumes and visuals throughout the show and the singing was phenomenal! It was wonderful to see the budding talent we have right here in Rockingham County.


Pictured above is Jessica Wray (L) who played Mulan, and Peggy Wasmund (R) was Mushu. The photo is from www.tgrc-nc.com.

While this was the last performance of Mulan ,Jr., you can still see other great shows in the 2009-2010 season. Visit the Theatre Guild's website at www.tgrc-nc.com to see the dates for exciting upcoming productions including The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Robin Hood, and The King and I. Try your hand at auditioning and you could be the next person under the bright lights! If acting is not for you, there are still plenty of other ways to participate in productions. The Tech Crew of the Theatre Guild builds the sets, hangs the lights, plays the music and sound effects, provides the costumes and props, and sets the stage. They are the people behind the curtain, and the show cannot go on without them!

Thursday, October 8, 2009

The Lesson in Irony...

“You live you learn
You love you learn
You cry you learn
You lose you learn
You bleed you learn
You scream you learn.”
~Alanis Morrissette
You Learn
jagged little pill



How many of you remember Alanis Morissette and her CD Jagged Little Pill? Think back to 1995 when the CD was released…for me (and many of you dedicated followers of my blog) it was our freshman year of high school. I remember all too well how I played the CD over and over; Alanis and her harmonica were definitely one of my favorites. Well, I never would have thought that the lyrics to one of her songs could be used to teach students about irony. But today, I saw it in action, and it worked!

To understand how the lesson worked in a ninth grade English classroom, you need to know exactly what irony is. The following is exactly what students learned today:

Irony is an implied discrepancy between what is said and what is meant.

Irony is the use of words to convey the opposite of their literal meaning; a statement or situation where the meaning is contradicted by the appearance or presentation of the idea. Three kinds of irony are commonly recognized:

1. Verbal irony is a figure of speech in which the intended meaning of a statement differs from the meaning that the words appear to express. (When the author says one thing and means something else.)
2. Situational irony involves an incongruity between what is expected or intended and what actually occurs. (A discrepancy between the expected result and actual results.)
3. Dramatic irony is an effect produced by a narrative in which the audience knows more about present or future circumstances than a character in the story. (When an audience perceives something that a character in the literature does not know.)

Now, how boring is that? To a group of sleepy eyed freshmen in first block, the answer is VERY BORING!!! But then, we passed out the lyrics to Alanis Morissette’s “Ironic” and you could hear the buzz begin in the classroom as they read over the words. “Who is Alanis Morissette?” one student asked. At that moment, I felt my age creeping up on me, but I couldn’t help but smile as I walked around the room overhearing conversations that were taking place. Students were given highlighters and asked to mark the different examples of irony found in the lyrics. Taking the task one step further, they were asked to converse with each other and identify the type of ironies they found. They were extremely receptive to this, and I watched as the student’s papers became a colorful collage of IRONY! They were laughing as they read the lyrics and discussed the assignment. And then the real kicker…the students watched the music video. I couldn’t help but laugh with them as we watched Alanis throw herself around in the car and talk to, well, multiple versions of herself. I thought back to when I was in the ninth grade, how awkward of a time that was, with my baggy pants and my Woodstock shirt that I am sure is now somewhere tucked away in the attic.

So, check out the lyrics and see if you can see the irony here...

Ironic By Alanis Morissette
An old man, turned 98
He won the lottery, and died the next day
It's a black fly in your chardonnay
It's a death row pardon, two minutes too late
And isn't it ironic?
Don't you think?

It's like rain, on your wedding day
It's a free ride, when you've already paid
It's the good advice, that you just didn't take
And who would've thought? It figures

Mr. Play-It-Safe, was afraid to fly
He packed his suitcase, and kissed his kids goodbye
He waited his whole damn life, to take that flight
And as the plane crashed down he thought, "Well isn't this nice?"
And isn't it ironic?
Don't you think?

It's like rain, on your wedding day
It's a free ride, when you've already paid
It's the good advice, that you just didn't take
And who would've thought? It figures

Well life has a funny way of sneaking up on you
When you think everything's okay and everything's going right
And life has a funny way of helping you out
When you think everything's gone wrong and everything blows up in your face

A traffic jam, when you're already late
A "No smoking" sign, on your cigarette break
It's like ten thousand spoons, when all you need is a knife
It's meeting the man of my dreams, and then meeting his beautiful wife
And isn't it ironic?
Don't you think?
A little too ironic?
Yeah I really do think

It's like rain, on your wedding day
It's a free ride, when you've already paid
It's the good advice, that you just didn't take
And who would've thought?
It figures

Life has a funny way of sneaking up on you
And life has a funny, funny way, of helping you out
Helping you out

So, do I think students now understand the three types of irony? You bet they do!!! And later today, I even heard one student still singing the song in the hall. Maybe I thought this was a cool assignment because we used some old lyrics to a song I’ve heard a thousand times. Maybe the students thought it was cool because they got to use highlighters. But the fact is, the lesson was cool because it worked. They were given words from a “text” that they could relate to and make “real-world sense” out of…the video and highlighters were just a plus.
And today, on my commute home, I couldn’t help but dig out my Alanis Morissette CD and throw it into my CD player. I turned it up and jammed to the lyrics. It’s amazing that it has lasted this long without a scratch. What was even more amazing is that I still remember the words to the songs. I guess I really am a product of the nineties, because I still love that whining harmonica and the grunge-pop sound of the guitar. Who knew that I was studying irony all those years ago without even being aware of it? I can’t wait to use this with my students in the classroom!

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Biscuit

"The difference between friends and pets is that friends we allow into our company, pets we allow into our solitude." ~Robert Brault

Meet Biscuit....


I stopped by the Rockingham County Humane Society today to take a picture for this week's "Featured Pet", a short article and photo of a pet in need of a home that appears in the biweekly issues of Eden's Own Journal. Today I was greeted by Biscuit with a lick and what I could have sworn was an actual smile on that dog's face! It had been a while since I last saw Biscuit, but a friendly wag of the tail reassured me he had not forgotten me.

Rockingham County Humane Society
Featured Pet
Biscuit




Biscuit is an 11 month old Border Collie mix. He is neutered and current on his rabies shot. Biscuit is a good boy and loves attention. He loves to be walked on a leash and gets along with other dogs. He is very playful and would be a great addition to a family with children. Biscuit loves to have his ears scratched and he is sure to put a smile on your face. If you are interested in adopting Biscuit or seeing any other animals available for adoption, please visit the Rockingham County Humane Society at 205 Boone Road in Eden, NC. Our adoption fee is $100 for puppies and dogs and $60 for kittens and cats. The adoption fee includes spaying and neutering, shots, and de-worming for all animals. The Rockingham County Humane Society is open to the public Wednesday through Saturday from 11-4.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Freedom's Run


"Running isn't about winning or losing, but the experience of it. That's one reason I like it." --Anthony Edwards

There I stood with my hair disheveled, wrapped in my house coat and sporting my big fuzzy slippers as I stared at my calendar that hung on my kitchen wall. The big red circle and smiley face drawn around the date for my half marathon glared at me in a mocking sort of way. It was only 6 days away, and there I was with a box of Kleenex in one hand and emergency room discharge papers in the other; papers that plainly stated in all capital letters: NO SCHOOL OR MARATHONS FOR 5 DAYS. I was bummed…totally disappointed that I had come down with the flu. What was I going to do? Would the grueling months I had spent training in the summer heat be wasted? Or could I possibly bounce back, ignore the doctor’s advice and run the half anyway? Well, three days and several cans of chicken soup later, I felt much better. I started to get the idea in the back of my mind that maybe, just maybe, I could still run after all.

The plans for the first weekend in October had been in the making since July, when my aunt called and asked me to join her in this undertaking of completing a half marathon. She wanted to walk a half marathon and had found the perfect race in her home state of West Virginia. I would run, she would walk, and her sister would drive down from New Jersey to walk as well. Three different women with three different goals…each woman and goal unique in its own way. I was sold from the get-go. I love a good challenge and wanted a chance to beat my 1st half-marathon time of 2:27. The rest is "history" so to speak. We talked our husbands into the trip and began training.

On the morning of the race, we caught the shuttle from our hotel to the starting line. I had never participated in a race of this magnitude and I was amazed at the number of people present. Runners and walkers were everywhere. Some were stretching, pinning their race numbers on their shirts, laughing, and talking as excitement filled the air. Almost 600 people took their places at the starting line to run the half marathon, and when the gun went off, the mass of people jolted into motion. I have never seen anything like it; everything around me seemed to bounce as the dense crowd filed into the street and took off over the scenic Rumsey Bridge, crossing the Potomac River. The sight was beautiful, and although I was just one in the crowd, I couldn’t help but notice the sun glistening over the water. It was a beautiful day for a run with perfect weather and hardly a cloud in the West Virginia sky.

I knew this race was going to be hilly, and I had tried to seek out hills while training for this race, but nothing could have prepared me for the first hill we came upon. I climbed it slowly and steadily, all the while reminding myself that there would be no shame in having to walk a little. (After all, I had just had the flu…) When I reached the top, I did stop, and I turned around and looked back at the monster of a hill I had just climbed. I stood there as people passed, trying to get a glimpse of my aunt and her sister, who I knew were somewhere behind me. Finally, I turned back around and started to run again. Turns out, that first hill was just one of many that I would climb that day.


I tried to take in as much of the scenery as possible. There were beautiful historic houses and the people were sitting on their porches to cheer for the runners as we came through the Civil War town of Sharpsburg, Maryland. My favorite part of the run was Antietam Battlefield. It was here 23,000 Americans either lost their lives or were wounded in the bloodiest day of our history. As I looked out at the rolling fields and I felt the warm sun and gentle breeze on my face, I took several moments to remember the men who fought for our county then and those who continue to do so today.

After running through Antietam Battlefield, I focused less on the scenery and more on my running. I found a good pace and stuck with it for the next few miles. The route along the C&O canal was in the woods, but it was flat. Leaves covered the dirt trail and I could see the beautiful Potomac River right beside of me. I cranked up the music on my iPod, thought about my husband and daughter who were waiting at the finish, smiled, and kept on running. I have to say, the hills of Antietam were difficult, but the run along the C&O canal was refreshing and invigorating. Finally, I saw the 11 mile marker and I picked the pace up even more. I was excited at this point, especially when I looked at my watch and saw that, despite the hills, I might actually make the 2 and a half hour mark. I crossed back over the Rumsey Bridge into Shepardstown and kept going to the finish line. And of course, my family was waiting for me there. 2:32 was my official time. Not the time I had hoped for, but I finished strong nonetheless.

We waited for my aunt and her sister. Both ladies finished strong and we all accomplished something that day. The theme of Freedom’s Run was “Health and Heritage”…something I think we all connected with in our own unique way. This course was challenging and I even stumbled and fell between miles four and five. I scraped my knee, my shoulder, and tore my favorite running pants. But I got back up and I kept running; after all, that's what I was there to do. I learned alot from the experience of this race. Everytime I run a race I learn more and more about the physical limits of my body and how far to safely push those limits.

I’ll post some pictures of the run at a later date. I used a disposable camera and have not had the pictures developed yet. In the meantime, if you want to learn more about the rich history of our nation and the inspiration behind the historic places on the route, visit the website for Freedom’s Run. www.freedomsrun.org

And to my husband Robert, thank you for understanding my need to run. Thank you for driving me to West Virginia and for keeping our daughter occupied for hours while you waited for me at the finish line. Thanks for the celebratory dinner and cheesecake at Ruby Tuesday. Thank you for spending our fifth wedding anniversary as a “weekend centered around me”. Thank you for your support in every way. I love you and I couldn’t do it without you.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Teaching Philosophy

On the days which seem too tough to make it through, I will remember that God never gives us a problem we can’t overcome, and I will read this to remind me why I am a teacher in the first place…

Before you read another word, I think it is necessary to preface this post by saying it is a rough draft, so to speak, about what type of teacher I want to be. I’ve been asked to put it into writing… my teaching philosophy… an examination of my strategies and beliefs as an educator. It would be a lie for me to say that everything written here is the final product, the revised and edited version, the end of my thinking about the type of teacher I want to be. In fact, I think of my teaching philosophy as a bucket that never fills; a bank to which I can constantly add information, and use for reflection. I have learned from experiences in classrooms, both good and bad, and feel there is much more to learn. I believe that teaching will take great courage, that teaching will be a learning process for me and my students, and that I am about to encounter some of the biggest challenges I have ever faced in my lifetime.

My beliefs as an educator have been forming and developing over the last two years. I once had a professor tell me, “Be the student you want to teach.” I took it to heart and have tried to be the best student I could be, all the time realizing that my own success behind the desk will not be the only thing that is important when I step in front of the rows of desks to teach. Yet, the past two years as a student have been the time for me to grow, and push myself to the limits in an atmosphere that fostered critical thinking and engagement with the world around me. During this time, I have reexamined old beliefs with a new set of eyes, made adjustments in my thinking when necessary, and come through with a firmer set of beliefs and standards not just for the classroom, but for everyday living. As I have recently entered the high school English classroom, I have been asked to apply theory to practice, develop strategies for student success, and tackle the difficulties of classroom management.

I hope to empower my students to make real-life connections to the curriculum. I want them to see that writing is a way to develop a powerful voice that is often heard for generations to come. Literature is the eye for studying the human spirit and examining people from far off places. But sometimes, literature is the most effective when it becomes the eye which helps us see the person who is right next door. I believe that only through such connections will the content of the English classroom become applicable to the lives of students and form its own meaning within the individual.

So how do I help students make these connections? I believe the meaning to be gained from the content is unique for each student, but I can model my own reading, writing, and thinking strategies for students. I do not believe it is my job to tell students what to think, but I can model for them how to think. What I mean by this is that I can model problem-solving skills, present collaborative projects, and mediate peer-to-peer debate and discussions in the classroom. I can help them make these connections by constantly asking myself: What is it that my students need the most? How can I make the content interesting to them? What is it I want my students to learn? How will I assess their knowledge? Do my students really understand what is being asked of them? I believe that constant reflection of my own teaching strategies is necessary to ensure that I am meeting the needs of my diverse students. Reflection is essential for me to be able to figure out what works and what doesn’t, and how I can change to make it work.

I want my students to understand that the skills being taught in my classroom are beyond the word “English”. It is my job to teach students the four Language Arts: Reading, Writing, Thinking, and Speaking. I believe that these four skills are powerful tools that aid the individual in a lifelong process of learning and self discovery. No matter what path a person chooses for his life, these skills are necessary to navigate in the world, build relationships with others, and succeed on any scale or area in life.

I want to be a teacher because it is the greatest opportunity to impact the lives of many people in a positive way. This impact will not be by force or conformity, not by pushing my values and beliefs on others, but by using literature, language, and the written word as tools to empower students to become all they dream they can be. On the days which seem too tough to make it through, I will remember that God never gives us a problem we can’t overcome, and I will read this to remind me why I am a teacher in the first place…

Monday, September 21, 2009

Riverfest Reflections

Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Riverfest is over, and as I reflect on the hustle and bustle of the weekend, I am reminded of how much I am truly blessed. From start to finish, my experience at the festival was a positive one, filled with community spirit, friendly faces, and a sense of goodwill from everyone I met. Here’s a run-through of this weekend’s events…

Despite the rainclouds and frequent showers that loomed overhead, I set the booth up for the Humane Society on Friday night. When I arrived at my space, I was greeted by shop owners and other vendors in the area who were eager to see if I needed a hand unloading the truck. A special thank-you goes out to Jessi and Janice Hagood for helping me get our t-shirts and other items out of the boxes and ready for display. Thank goodness Eddie Price had a roll of tape I could use, because of all things I could have forgotten, tape was what I was missing! T-shirts were selling like hotcakes before I could get them out of the box, and once the street filled with people, raffle tickets were selling too! Much to my surprise, my husband and my daughter dropped by the tent to see me and all the activity taking place. (I didn’t expect them to come out until Saturday.) I was also glad to see my friend Jean Ann who came to help work the booth and keep me company for several hours. We raised just under $200 dollars Friday night for the animals, and although I was tired and hungry, I went home counting Friday night a success.

Saturday morning began early. I arrived at 7:30, quickly set up the booth, and left it in the hands of another faithful volunteer from the Humane Society. Then, my mom and I headed a few blocks down the road so I could pick up my race packet. I was surprised when I got there to see my dad with a race bib already pinned to the front of his shirt! Also there was my husband and daughter, ready to cheer me on. Volunteers for the Literacy Project were busy taking entry forms and runners were stretching and getting ready for the race. This was an awesome race for me for several reasons. Yes, we were racing for the Literacy Project, a great non-profit that has a huge impact on our community, but I was also running with my dad, and my mom was there to see me run for the first time as well.

I took off from the start line faster than I had planned, I guess because of nerves and excitement. My breathing was heavy and my legs were tight as I hit the first hill. But in my mind, I was prepared for this. At the beginning of a race, adrenaline is always pumping, and I knew there would be some tough hills in this race. So, in preparation for this race and the ½ marathon in West Virginia that I will be running in two weeks, I have incorporated more hills into my training over the summer. All those hill repeats and extra strength training paid off as I topped the first hill, caught my breath, and rounded the corner to the only flat stretch in the route. From there I continued at what I thought was a pretty good pace for the rest of the race. I pushed myself hard, but my breathing was good and my legs felt strong. My goal was to finish the race in 27 minutes, so I was surprised when I rounded the last corner and glanced at my watch to find it said 23 minutes! The last ½ mile was a slow incline and I used every bit of energy I had left to climb it as fast as I could. I finished the race in 25:05, making it my fastest 5K ever! Since this was such a hilly course, I truly shocked myself. I was the 5th woman and 16th person overall out of 48 to finish. Almost $1,000 was raised for the Literacy Project and I beat my own PR! In my mind, this race was a success and I walked away feeling like a winner!


After the race, I resumed my duties at the Humane Society’s booth. The streets quickly filled with people and smiling faces as the place came alive with activity. My mom was there to help me and I was proud of the way she enthusiastically took part in selling raffle tickets and helping educate the public about our organization and our mission. Soon my dad and step-mom arrived too, and I put them to work as well. Before the day was over, even my grandmother had sold some raffle tickets and t-shirts! My dad dressed up in a dog suit and danced in the streets, attracting quite a crowd of both kids and adults. My friend Jean Ann returned too because she loves animals as much as I do and knows the importance of what the Humane Society does in our community. Star News even stopped by the tent and interviewed us for a bit! I’ve never been camera shy, so I had no problem talking a minute when the reporter asked me to tell him about the Humane Society!


My husband and my daughter came out to see me and brought Sophie, our German Shepherd that we adopted. Sophie is just one of the 387 animals that found a loving home in 2007 because the volunteers at the Humane Society were able to help her. And, I have to say that I would not be able to be one of those volunteers if it were not for the love and support of my husband, who unselfishly sacrifices his own time, puts up with the phone ringing non-stop for me on some days, and watches our daughter so that I am able to work with the animals and appear at events like Riverfest. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you Robert!


At 7:30, me, my mom, my step-mom, and my dad, who was still dressed in the dog suit, went onstage with Mike Moore from WLOE radio to draw the tickets from the raffle. Thank you Mike, for giving us the opportunity to have a moment in the spotlight and let people know about the Humane Society. Congratualtions to all of our winners and thank you for your support. You DO make a difference!

After a long weekend, I retreated to the comfort and quiet of my living room, with my husband by my side, and my dogs curled up at my feet, rejoicing over our success. $1,518 was raised for the Rockingham County Humane Society which will be used for the care of neglected and homeless animals in our community. Thanks to the ladies of Two-Rivers Quilt Guild, Arthur’s Jewelry in Reidsville, Sears of Reidsville, Angie Jones (for the t-shirts), and all of our volunteers who made the raffle and Riverfest a success. Most of all, thanks to my parents and my family who support me in everything I do. I praise God for placing each of you in my life!

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Inspiring Teachers


“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.”
~William Arthur Ward


We all have people in our lives that have inspired us to become who we are today. I believe that true inspiration continues throughout our lives, giving us something to reflect on; keeping us in check to make sure we continue on the path for where we want to be tomorrow.

Lately I’ve been thinking of those teachers who have inspired me, what was different about them, and what type of teacher I want to be. Here is a list of teachers whose words and actions have traveled with me beyond the beyond the classroom.

• Mrs. Pamela Drews
Kindergarten teacher
Lakeside Elementary
She created an atmosphere of learning and creativity in her classroom that was fun and memorable.

• Mrs. Candy Smith
6th grade Language Arts
Holmes Middle School
We created a time capsule which consisted of anything we could stuff in a manila envelope. From 6th grade until graduation, Mrs. Smith kept the time capsules in her attic. When we graduated we opened them to find all of our “treasures” and a letter from our teacher. Her letter was filled with words of wisdom that I still have and still pull out and read to this day. That letter has helped me find my direction when my way was lost more than once.

• Mrs. Angie Smart
Morehead High School
I wasn’t actually in a “class” with Mrs. Smart, but this lady took the time to notice a scared and confused teenager who roamed the halls. She took the time to sit and listen to the things I had to say without ridicule or criticism. When I was about to give up and drop out of high school, she stepped in and gave me encouragement. I am convinced that her reassuring words and confidence in me are one of the reasons I did walk across the stage and receive my diploma.

• Mr. Phil Conte
English I and American Literature
Rockingham Community College
Mr. Conte gave me my first and only “C” on a paper my freshman year of college. I learned a lot from that paper. I thought I could write before, because I always did well in writing. But, Mr. Conte showed me that writing is not easy or trivial. One must work hard at writing and he made me realize the hard work was worth the end result.

• Mrs. Donna Shumate
American Literature
Rockingham Community College
It was in her class, while giving a presentation on Huckleberry Finn, that I realized I wanted to teach literature! She inspired me to think of literature as “the study of the human condition” and I finally began to make real-life connections to the material I was reading.

• Dr. Jeanie Reynolds
The Teaching of Writing
UNCG
Dr. Reynolds pushed me to think of myself as a writer. She also inspired me to do something about it. She redefined the journal for me and introduced me to what is my greatest tool as a writer: the Daybook. I now realize that in order to teach writing effectively, I must constantly reflect on my own writing process.

• Dr. Jewel Cooper
Diverse Learners
UNCG
Dr. Cooper challenged me to examine my views on difficult and often uncomfortable subjects, all so that I could grow as a person and a future educator. She also told me, “No more tears until graduation day.” I admire her grace, her poise, and the attention her presence commands in the classroom.

• Dr. Amy Vetter
Methods and Instruction
UNCG
Dr. Vetter’s love for teaching is apparent in each lesson. The activities and methods of instruction she models always leave me with a sense that “I can do this too.”

I hope I can one day influence the lives of my students as these teachers have influenced me. I know that because I sat behind the desk in their classroom, or in some cases, their office where I cried, I am a better person, student, and teacher. So, who has inspired you? Tell me about it…

Monday, September 14, 2009

Riverfest Opportunities

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
~Margaret Mead

"Everyone can be great because anyone can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't even have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve... You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love..."
~Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.


This is going to be a busy week! I will be busy making last minute preparations for Riverfest, which will be September 18th and 19th on Washington Street in Eden, NC. There will be something for everyone: artisans, crafts, vendors, non-profits, a kid-zone, and much, much more! It’s going to be a weekend of fun for the entire family.
Come out and see me Friday evening from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. or anytime on Saturday. I’ll be under the tent for the Rockingham County Humane Society. We will be raising awareness about RCHS, which is the only no-kill animal shelter in Rockingham County. Established in 1975, we are a 501c (3) organization which means we are non-profit and non-government funded. All support comes from the volunteers and members of the community who generously contribute their time, money, and talents to help us save animals. Our mission is to help as many animals as possible find safe, nurturing, and loving homes. We also encourage people to spay and neuter their pets and offer low-cost monthly clinics. Find us on Petfinder at www.petfinder.com/shelters/NC524.html

We are excited about the upcoming festivities at Riverfest! We will be selling raffle tickets for our annual raffle, t-shirts, doggie bandanas, hand-painted magnets, and guardian angel pins. One of our volunteers will be dressed in a huge dog costume to greet the kids and give away coloring books and pencils. Many people bring their dogs to Riverfest, so make sure Fido is on a leash and bring him by our tent for some cool refreshment at our “Pet Water Station.” All proceeds from Riverfest will go directly towards the care of abandoned and neglected animals in our community and the operation of the RCHS.

At 8:30 on Saturday morning, Riverfest will kick off the day with a 5K to benefit the Rockingham County Literacy Project. The RCLP is dedicated to teaching adults how to read, improve their reading skills, and help people learn to speak English. Elizabeth Neterer described the importance of these skills when she said, "Reading is a means whereby we may learn not only to understand ourselves and the world around us but whereby we may find our place in the world." We live in an area where many people had to drop out of school at an early age in order to work in a nearby mill and support their families, so there are a surprising number of adults in our area who are illiterate. Many others are only functionally literate, meaning they can read just enough to get by in the world, but are unable to enjoy reading the way it should be enjoyed. We also live in an area where the Hispanic and immigrant population is increasing at a fast rate, and people need to be able to speak and read English in order to find jobs and improve their quality of life. The RCLP offers one-on-one training in basic skills for reading, writing, speaking English, and math. Students of all ages are matched with a tutor who will help the student reach his or her needs and literacy goals. If you are interested in running in the 5K or becoming a tutor for RCLP, check out their website at www.rcliteracyproject.org

I am so excited to be a part of this year’s Riverfest. I look forward to seeing many faces at the tent for the Humane Society. If you are interested in ways you can help or volunteer, come by and check us out. By participating in the 5K race I will be able to use running to impact the lives of people right here in my hometown! The Rockingham County Humane Society and the Rockingham County Literacy Project are just two of the non-profit organizations that will be present this weekend. As I said, there will be something for everyone, so come out and get some cotton candy, get involved, and most importantly…make a difference!