Blogging linkys and resolutions for the new year | Mentoring in the Middle

Blogging linkys and resolutions for the new year

I haven't spend much time on my blog in the last few months and I'm really feeling out of the loop.  More on that in a bit, but today I decided to connect with Farley's Currently, and in the process of reading other blogs, found a bunch of good linkys to connect with.  Teachers are good people, you know?!

So, here's my first one, from Fifth in the Middle which is just a good reminder for why we bloggers do what we do.
      I am the queen of forgetting to take pictures in my classroom.  I get so caught up in what the kids are doing and scurrying around from group to group, or kid to kid.  Who carries their iPad or phone with them when they're doing that?  Not me.  But I know that it's more interesting to read blogs when there are pictures -- I'm that way -- and I'm sure most teachers are too.  So, I'm going to try to remember.  Wasn't that a song from like, way, way long ago? 
      
     I reflect a lot on my teaching.  A lot.  Probably more than is healthy.  Sometimes I feel like I don't want to share something on my blog if it didn't work well, but really?  How dumb is that?  We all learn from each other, and there are very few perfect teachers out there.  And I often learn more from my mistakes than my successes, so why not?
      
     Linking up with Farley's Currently - my goodness, no matter how disconnected I feel, I do try to link up with her for this. 

The long and the short of it is that my mother passed away unexpectedly just before Christmas.  Although she was 85, she was in reasonably good health, so her death was surprising and sudden.  I'm blessed that I could be with her in the hospital, holding her hand and talking to her as she passed from this life into the next.  And I'm blessed that my family had planned to get together two days later. We spent a lot of time talking, laughing, crying, and looking at old photos.  What rich memories!  But I will truly miss her.  She was an amazing example of how to live life graciously, even when things don't always go your way. 

She also reminds me to be generous with my love, and to understand that everyone, even the person I don't want to deal with, has a story.  And that maybe, if I take the time to hear it, it will change my assumptions and appreciation about the person.

And finally, here's a great little linky by Jennifer at Simpler Kinder.  Just sharing a link because there are so many other teacher-bloggers out there, and we should connect to each other.  We are all in this together!

So, my friends, here's to a new year!  Lots to do and lots to think about.  Wishing you good health and happiness, because when you have that, you are truly rich!


  
             

                                     

11 comments

  1. After losing both parents, I don't think you can ever be truly prepared. I am so sorry for your loss. Having family around you really helps. Be kind to yourself and get lots of rest.

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  2. I love the name of your blog...I never really thought of us as mentors [I just use teacher] but you're so right. Sorry about your mother...my grandmother passed away on the 24th of Dec...remembering the good times helps :)

    Stephanie
    Tales of Teaching in Heels

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  3. So sorry to hear about your mother. I'm glad that you had the time to spend with your family. I hear you when you talk about forgetting to take pictures in the classroom…I almost feel badly about it like I'll get in trouble for always having my phone around!

    Jessica
    Literacy Spark

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  4. Aw, I'm so sorry to hear about your mom! I know that it had to be a really hard time for you but I'm glad that you had your family there! Have a blessed 2014!
    Amanda
    Collaboration Cuties

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  5. I'm so sorry about your mom. I'm glad for you that your family was able to come together and find some comfort in those memories. May they stay with you always. Happy New Year!

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  6. Family and memories is what gets you through the tough time. Losing your mom so near Christmas stinks! I am so sorry. Time does help but you never thankfully forget the ones you love.

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  7. I am sorry for your loss! And if you are the queen of forgetting to take pictures - I am at least the Princess :) I get so caught up in the moment of teaching I forget to snap some shots.

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  8. I'm so sorry for your loss Marion-your mother will always be with you! I love your goal of self reflecting about what doesn't work in your classroom-sometimes I learn more from hearing/reading about things that don't work as opposed to what works. I hope 2014 brings your peace and happiness!
    Joanne
    Head Over Heels For Teaching

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  9. That's so sad! Sounds like your mom was an amazing woman!

    I am also bad about taking pictures, and it seems that a lot of others are as well! Thanks for linking up!

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  10. Sorry for your loss. Glad to see you remaining positive in such a trying time!

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