It was spring and our unit on Lepidoptera was about to begin. It was my first year teaching and I needed to brush up on my silk moth and monarch butterfly knowledge. I was not only responsible for educating my first graders on their life cycles with books, movies, and diagrams, but with hands-on activities,Continue reading “Are Free to Fly…Fly Away!”
Author Archives: sharonbraverman
Celebrate Them All!
Mood boosters, loneliness reducers, and calmness providers. They also offer us companionship, unconditional love, and no questions asked acceptance. They live in about 68% of all households in the U.S. according to the National Institutes of Health, and they are happy to see us anytime we’ve been apart. Who are they? Our spouses? Our kids?Continue reading “Celebrate Them All!”
Smells Good To Me!
Happy April! Last month’s Quest for Calm involved affirmations. The ones I chose were: I am calm and relaxed. I am able to handle everything that comes my way. And I am inhaling peace and exhaling worry with each breath. I wrote them three times in my journal each day, as well as saying themContinue reading “Smells Good To Me!”
With All the Frills Upon It
From my journal: July 21, 2021, Newbury Park, California “Just came across a photo from the spring of 2005! Hannah in her Easter outfit! So cute!” This photo of our four-year old niece brought me back in time. Straw baskets filled with chocolate foil wrapped bunnies, soft shelled chewy jelly beans, and ooey gooey marshmallowContinue reading “With All the Frills Upon It”
Tell-Tale Signs
An hour after sunrise, in the quiet stillness of the morning, you’ll find us strolling around with our pup in tow. We may head to Wendy or Banyan Park to wander through the grassy fields or paved paths, or to established neighborhoods to meander along tree-lined sidewalks, or maybe to Sycamore Canyon to hike onContinue reading “Tell-Tale Signs”
Not Just For Brewing
Whoever opens their eyes first in our house gets the privilege of brewing the morning coffee. When it’s me, before I do anything else, I turn the kettle on in the kitchen. Then, I go about opening up the plantation shutters and shades in each room to welcome in the new day. Next, I’ll headContinue reading “Not Just For Brewing”
Affirmative!
Today begins my second month of implementing a relaxation technique on my year-long Quest for Calm. Before I get to that I want to tell you about my February’s deep breathing experiences. I am happy to report that yes, all three types of deep breathing were successful in helping me relax, feel less anxious, and simplyContinue reading “Affirmative!”
Read Across America
From my journal: March 3, 2003, Newbury Park, California “Borrowing Robert’s red and white striped hat…will wear at school today. Have a stack of Dr. Seuss books ready…it’s ‘Read Across America’ Day…” In 1997 The National Education Association came up with the idea of setting aside a day to celebrate the joys of reading. AContinue reading “Read Across America”
The Best Person for the Job
The qualifications for the job are still the same. Since 1787, the United States Constitution states that the person must be a natural-born citizen, at least 35 years old, and have been a resident of the U.S. for at least 14 years. The job description is still the same. The person is in charge ofContinue reading “The Best Person for the Job”
How Sweet!
Love is in the air! In just two days, St. Valentine’s Day will be upon us! Not only is it a day to cheer for romantic love, but to express affection for our families, friends, and pets, too. February 14th is often celebrated by giving presents of cards, candy, and flowers. While I can’t give youContinue reading “How Sweet!”
A Journal Journey 