Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #31: Slice of Life Mash Up: Showing Up

For the last three years, I've intentionally spent time writing and sharing a Haiku-A-Day for the month of December. The first two years I exchanged a daily Haiku privately with willing friends, mostly through text and email. Last year I wrote and shared each Haiku on my blog. Throughout this process, I've discovered that the practice of noticing and reflecting through writing a Haiku grounds me, provides with with a certain kind of peace, assists me with better practicing gratitude, and helps me better navigate this "hurry up" world. This year my goal is the same as last year: to pen and publish a daily Haiku on my blog throughout December. 

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #31: 
Slice of Life Mash Up:
Showing Up 

For the month of December I wrote and posted a daily Haiku. I am incredibly grateful for my friend and fellow Blogger, Glenda, who joined me in this daily challenge. I encourage you to read her thoughtful and smart Haiku and reflections (like this one). 

Throughout this month as I worked on this challenge, a bit of panic set in. I found that I perseverated on these questions: What would I write about? Who would read it? Who would care about what I wrote? Would I get judged about what I wrote about?

Often my thoughts occupied far more space than the time it took me to actually write and post. 

Most days, as I reached close to the end of the day, I reminded myself that I set this personal goal and needed to follow up. After a little personal pep talk, I set myself a timer of 15 minutes. Just show up Trina, I reminded myself. Then I wrote. I published. I didn't look back. 

Interestingly enough, I find that this process - worrying more about the action than actually completing the action- often describes me in life, not just as a writer. I worry more about the act of doing something than actually doing it. This just slows me down and can be unhealthy. 

Friends, I realize that I mostly need to focus on showing up as my best self, no matter the situation. 

In the end, I celebrate that I showed up as a writer for the month of December. For now, this is enough for me. 

Who will read? Who will/

judge? Anxiety hinders/

action.        Just show up. 

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Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #30: Guinea Pig Rescue

For the last three years, I've intentionally spent time writing and sharing a Haiku-A-Day for the month of December. The first two years I exchanged a daily Haiku privately with willing friends, mostly through text and email. Last year I wrote and shared each Haiku on my blog. Throughout this process, I've discovered that the practice of noticing and reflecting through writing a Haiku grounds me, provides with with a certain kind of peace, assists me with better practicing gratitude, and helps me better navigate this "hurry up" world. This year my goal is the same as last year: to pen and publish a daily Haiku on my blog throughout December. 

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #30: 
Guinea Pig Rescue 

Since we moved, I have not been able to have a pet at my house. This is the first time in nearly twenty years that I have not lived with a dog. Although I desperately miss my dogs, I currently cannot afford to have a dog (or cat) in the house I rent. So when my daughter requested a guinea pig (something I can have without raising my rent or coming up with an extra security deposit) for Christmas, I promised to buy her one. We ended up rescuing a pair of guinea pigs from a family who could no longer take care of them. I had a guinea pig when I was young, but I find that I am learning about caring for a guinea pig again. I'm especially intrigued at the sounds they use to communicate.  

Guinea pig rescue./
Chirping, wheeking, chutting sounds./
Popcorning: happy. 

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #29: Creative Outlet

For the last three years, I've intentionally spent time writing and sharing a Haiku-A-Day for the month of December. The first two years I exchanged a daily Haiku privately with willing friends, mostly through text and email. Last year I wrote and shared each Haiku on my blog. Throughout this process, I've discovered that the practice of noticing and reflecting through writing a Haiku grounds me, provides with with a certain kind of peace, assists me with better practicing gratitude, and helps me better navigate this "hurry up" world. This year my goal is the same as last year: to pen and publish a daily Haiku on my blog throughout December. 

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #29:  
Creative Outlet

Daily writing and/

voracious reading - fuel for/

creative outlet. 

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #28: Cousins

or the last three years, I've intentionally spent time writing and sharing a Haiku-A-Day for the month of December. The first two years I exchanged a daily Haiku privately with willing friends, mostly through text and email. Last year I wrote and shared each Haiku on my blog. Throughout this process, I've discovered that the practice of noticing and reflecting through writing a Haiku grounds me, provides with with a certain kind of peace, assists me with better practicing gratitude, and helps me better navigate this "hurry up" world. This year my goal is the same as last year: to pen and publish a daily Haiku on my blog throughout December. 

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #28: 
Cousins  

One of my favorite things about the holiday season is that a huge chunk of time  typically includes my extended family gathering together to celebrate Christmas. My children are close in age to their cousins, and they all have a ball when they are together. Although their conversations can be loud and at times obnoxious, I adore hearing their laughter.

Loud conversations -/ 

boisterous, animated:/

cousins gathering.

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #27: Bird Feeding

For the last three years, I've intentionally spent time writing and sharing a Haiku-A-Day for the month of December. The first two years I exchanged a daily Haiku privately with willing friends, mostly through text and email. Last year I wrote and shared each Haiku on my blog. Throughout this process, I've discovered that the practice of noticing and reflecting through writing a Haiku grounds me, provides with with a certain kind of peace, assists me with better practicing gratitude, and helps me better navigate this "hurry up" world. This year my goal is the same as last year: to pen and publish a daily Haiku on my blog throughout December. 

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #27: 
Bird Feeding

My dad knows the best spots for birding. Today he took us to Goose Island, a local county park along the Mississippi River where birds are known to eat sunflower seeds right out of your hand (or off your head).

Goose Island visit./

Handfuls of sunflower seeds/

Bring chickadees near.  

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #26: Evening Walk

For the last three years, I've intentionally spent time writing and sharing a Haiku-A-Day for the month of December. The first two years I exchanged a daily Haiku privately with willing friends, mostly through text and email. Last year I wrote and shared each Haiku on my blog. Throughout this process, I've discovered that the practice of noticing and reflecting through writing a Haiku grounds me, provides with with a certain kind of peace, assists me with better practicing gratitude, and helps me better navigate this "hurry up" world. This year my goal is the same as last year: to pen and publish a daily Haiku on my blog throughout December. 

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #26: 
Evening Walk 

Lately I've been feeling pretty anxious about a lot. Relationships changing. Parenting. New changes. Finances. My identity. Sometimes I get myself worked up and my mind spins.

Tonight I took a walk and it helped me feel a lot better. 

Tonight's brisk walk helped/

manage sharp anxiety./

Step by step forward. 

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #25: Silent Night, Candlelight

For the last three years, I've intentionally spent time writing and sharing a Haiku-A-Day for the month of December. The first two years I exchanged a daily Haiku privately with willing friends, mostly through text and email. Last year I wrote and shared each Haiku on my blog. Throughout this process, I've discovered that the practice of noticing and reflecting through writing a Haiku grounds me, provides with with a certain kind of peace, assists me with better practicing gratitude, and helps me better navigate this "hurry up" world. This year my goal is the same as last year: to pen and publish a daily Haiku on my blog throughout December. 

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #25: 
Silent Night, Candlelight 

As the daughter of a United Methodist Minister, I don't think that I have ever missed attending a Christmas Eve service. No matter what church I have attended, in United Methodist tradition we end with singing the carol "Silent Night" by candlelight. It is one of my favorite moments of the Christmas season.

Christmas Eve service/

always ends in candlelight./

Silent Night. Holy. 

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #24: Slice of Life Mash-Up: Fog

For the last three years, I've intentionally spent time writing and sharing a Haiku-A-Day for the month of December. The first two years I exchanged a daily Haiku privately with willing friends, mostly through text and email. Last year I wrote and shared each Haiku on my blog. Throughout this process, I've discovered that the practice of noticing and reflecting through writing a Haiku grounds me, provides with with a certain kind of peace, assists me with better practicing gratitude, and helps me better navigate this "hurry up" world. This year my goal is the same as last year: to pen and publish a daily Haiku on my blog throughout December. 

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #24: 
Slice of Life Mash Up:
Fog

On my drive home tonight, I was surprised to see the city blanketed in fog. There was no fog when I left Christmas Eve service, but a few hours later the sky is dense. Looming. 

Fortunately, Christmas lights strung throughout my community helped me navigate my way through city streets. Although these lights have been up since at least Thanksgiving, I am stunned at how much light Christmas lights emit into darkness. 

As I arrive home, I am reminded why we put up lights during this season. It is a reminder of hope and love for this world. 

Traveling through town./
Fog obscures vision. Twinkle/
lights illuminate.

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Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #23: Crochet to Calm

For the last three years, I've intentionally spent time writing and sharing a Haiku-A-Day for the month of December. The first two years I exchanged a daily Haiku privately with willing friends, mostly through text and email. Last year I wrote and shared each Haiku on my blog. Throughout this process, I've discovered that the practice of noticing and reflecting through writing a Haiku grounds me, provides with with a certain kind of peace, assists me with better practicing gratitude, and helps me better navigate this "hurry up" world. This year my goal is the same as last year: to pen and publish a daily Haiku on my blog throughout December. 

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #23: 
Crochet to Calm

I've been doing a lot of crocheting lately. Recently, I discovered that I like to put my hands to work. How could have something that was first so challenging become soothing? Crocheting helps me wind down. I'm grateful I have kept up with this. 

Finger weaves through my/

fingers. I sit. Hook. Rhythm/

of the yarn settles. 

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #22: Practicing Gratitude

For the last three years, I've intentionally spent time writing and sharing a Haiku-A-Day for the month of December. The first two years I exchanged a daily Haiku privately with willing friends, mostly through text and email. Last year I wrote and shared each Haiku on my blog. Throughout this process, I've discovered that the practice of noticing and reflecting through writing a Haiku grounds me, provides with with a certain kind of peace, assists me with better practicing gratitude, and helps me better navigate this "hurry up" world. This year my goal is the same as last year: to pen and publish a daily Haiku on my blog throughout December. 

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #22: 
Practicing Gratitude 

Most days I write a list in my notebook expressing what I'm grateful for. This especially helps me re-frame my mindset when I am feeling low or anxious about something. I recently reread my gratitude lists and realized I have writing territories within my lists: I often write about family, friends, church community, beauty in unexpected places, and shelter. It's a practice I hope that I continue to keep up with.  

Daily gratitude/

(no matter how small) helps me/
realize abundance. 

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #21: Winter Sunset

For the last three years, I've intentionally spent time writing and sharing a Haiku-A-Day for the month of December. The first two years I exchanged a daily Haiku privately with willing friends, mostly through text and email. Last year I wrote and shared each Haiku on my blog. Throughout this process, I've discovered that the practice of noticing and reflecting through writing a Haiku grounds me, provides with with a certain kind of peace, assists me with better practicing gratitude, and helps me better navigate this "hurry up" world. This year my goal is the same as last year: to pen and publish a daily Haiku on my blog throughout December. 

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #21: 
Winter Sunset

As I took a walk this afternoon, I noticed how a gorgeous sunset illuminated the sky. As soon as I arrived home, I rushed to get this Haiku on paper: 

Sunset arrives with/

beauty, stunning colors as/

temperature falls.

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #20: Exploring New Games

For the last three years, I've intentionally spent time writing and sharing a Haiku-A-Day for the month of December. The first two years I exchanged a daily Haiku privately with willing friends, mostly through text and email. Last year I wrote and shared each Haiku on my blog. Throughout this process, I've discovered that the practice of noticing and reflecting through writing a Haiku grounds me, provides with with a certain kind of peace, assists me with better practicing gratitude, and helps me better navigate this "hurry up" world. This year my goal is the same as last year: to pen and publish a daily Haiku on my blog throughout December. 

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #20: 
Exploring New Games

I was recently invited to play Dungeons and Dragons with some good friends. Although doing an activity like this is way out of my comfort zone, and I have no idea what I’m doing, I decided to give it a try. Fortunately, I have understanding friends who guided me through creating a character and beginning the game. 

I don't really know the right terminology for Dungeons and Dragons. I still really don’t know what I’m doing, but I did have fun. It gives me new perspectives of those who play the game. 

Honestly, it’s much more sophisticated than I ever imagined. 

Creativity/

Perception check. Roll dice. One./

Dungeons and Dragons 

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #19: Peanut Butter Balls

For the last three years, I've intentionally spent time writing and sharing a Haiku-A-Day for the month of December. The first two years I exchanged a daily Haiku privately with willing friends, mostly through text and email. Last year I wrote and shared each Haiku on my blog. Throughout this process, I've discovered that the practice of noticing and reflecting through writing a Haiku grounds me, provides with with a certain kind of peace, assists me with better practicing gratitude, and helps me better navigate this "hurry up" world. This year my goal is the same as last year: to pen and publish a daily Haiku on my blog throughout December. 

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #19: 
Peanut Butter Balls 

I'm not sure what I was thinking, especially after my reflection writing this post. It was another long day at school. After I finished dinner, I decided to make homemade Peanut Butter Balls, I treat I love to eat but have never made before. 

Readers, it was messy. 

It was putzy. 

The Peanut Butter Balls I imagined were not anything close to what I actually made. Every recipe I found online boasted how easy these were to make. Not quite. 

Mix ingredients./

Spoon up peanut mixture balls./

Dip in chocolate.

Clean floor. Scrub sauce pan./

Refrigerate overnight./

Peanut Butter Balls.  

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #18: Breaking From Perfection

For the last three years, I've intentionally spent time writing and sharing a Haiku-A-Day for the month of December. The first two years I exchanged a daily Haiku privately with willing friends, mostly through text and email. Last year I wrote and shared each Haiku on my blog. Throughout this process, I've discovered that the practice of noticing and reflecting through writing a Haiku grounds me, provides with with a certain kind of peace, assists me with better practicing gratitude, and helps me better navigate this "hurry up" world. This year my goal is the same as last year: to pen and publish a daily Haiku on my blog throughout December. 

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #18: 
Breaking From Perfection 

The Christmas season comes with so many expectations - gift giving, decorating, baking, hosting, visiting, and sending Christmas cards. I admit, many of these unrealistic expectations I place on myself. Yet, I want my children to have a perfect Christmas, especially this year.

There's that word. Perfect. This desire comes from such a deep, shameful place. I don't want to mess up. I don't want to admit that I have so many struggles and short-comings as a human. I don't want to show failure.

I'm not sure why this is such a yearning for me this time of the year.  

As I was writing about this today, I realized that I need to turn away from this desire to be perfect. Around Christmas. All the time. Perfect is something that I will never be, and striving for perfection is not healthy or helpful for me.

Searching for perfect:/

poison. Impossible feat./

Show up as best self. 

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #17: Slice of Life Mash-Up: CSI

For the last three years, I've intentionally spent time writing and sharing a Haiku-A-Day for the month of December. The first two years I exchanged a daily Haiku privately with willing friends, mostly through text and email. Last year I wrote and shared each Haiku on my blog. Throughout this process, I've discovered that the practice of noticing and reflecting through writing a Haiku grounds me, provides with with a certain kind of peace, assists me with better practicing gratitude, and helps me better navigate this "hurry up" world. This year my goal is the same as last year: to pen and publish a daily Haiku on my blog throughout December. 

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #17
Slice of Life Mash-Up: 

CSI

As a co-leader of my daughter's Girl Scout troop, I've been able to participate in some amazing experiences. This past Saturday was no exception. We visited Fox Valley Technical College's Public Safety Training Center where our girls earned their Special Agent Badge and explored careers in law enforcement and STEM. My daughter learned about fingerprints, DNA, the roles and responsibilities of law enforcement, and crime scene work. 

We also got to visit the impressive village within the Public Safety Training Center, complete with an airplane, hotel/bar, bank, gas station, and two houses. In one of the houses there was even a simulated meth lab and hidden rooms in the basement. 

Mind blown. I couldn't believe how detailed and sophisticated this is. 

Although this was a visit geared at middle and high school students, I'm certain that I learned just as much as my daughter. Overall, this leaves me with a deeper appreciation for the different levels within our local law enforcement and public safety. Our community is so fortunate to have a facility such as this. 

Exploring science/

through real experiences-/

lasting impression.

Lifting fingerprints,/

sketching crime scenes can inspire/

curiosity. 

Dusting for fingerprints

We lifted hand prints!

A hidden room inside of one of the homes of the safety village.

Sketching out a crime scene

Although this Saturday was a busy day, I am so grateful that my daughter and I got to experience this. 

****

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Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #16: Inhale, Exhale

For the last three years, I've intentionally spent time writing and sharing a Haiku-A-Day for the month of December. The first two years I exchanged a daily Haiku privately with willing friends, mostly through text and email. Last year I wrote and shared each Haiku on my blog. Throughout this process, I've discovered that the practice of noticing and reflecting through writing a Haiku grounds me, provides with with a certain kind of peace, assists me with better practicing gratitude, and helps me better navigate this "hurry up" world. This year my goal is the same as last year: to pen and publish a daily Haiku on my blog throughout December. 

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #16: 
Inhale, Exhale 

Winter break does not begin until 3:20 this Friday. However, many of my students already seem to be in break mode. In my classroom, this looks like off-topic and loud conversations, students on social media (not even trying to hide their inappropriate cell phone use), teenagers avoiding academic work, and all sorts of student drama. Passing time in the hallways is louder than usual. I have spent a lot of time re-directing students, having honest conversations, and encouraging "above the line" behavior. Readers, this is exhausting to manage.

Today I spent several moments taking extra time to breathe. Inhale, exhale. I will need to remind myself to be patient as a classroom teacher this week.

Week before Winter/

Break:escalating drama,/

work apathy. Breathe.

Striving for learning,/

wise use of time, management./

Now inhale, exhale. 

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #15: Self-Care

For the last three years, I've intentionally spent time writing and sharing a Haiku-A-Day for the month of December. The first two years I exchanged a daily Haiku privately with willing friends, mostly through text and email. Last year I wrote and shared each Haiku on my blog. Throughout this process, I've discovered that the practice of noticing and reflecting through writing a Haiku grounds me, provides with with a certain kind of peace, assists me with better practicing gratitude, and helps me better navigate this "hurry up" world. This year my goal is the same as last year: to pen and publish a daily Haiku on my blog throughout December. 

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #15: 
Self-Care

It's Sunday night. I didn't sit around all day, but I did not accomplish everything that I wanted to. Laundry still needs to be folded. I didn't get to all of the correcting that needs to be done or extended lesson planning. I did not finish all of the Christmas shopping or do any baking today. But I did take the time to take a short afternoon nap - something I used to feel incredibly guilty about. 

Lately, I've been working on taking better care of myself, including prioritizing sleep. In the last two years I realized that I could not show up as a decent human being if I put everyone else ahead of my needs.

Sunday afternoon/

lends for uninterrupted,/

peaceful self-care: nap.

Haiku-A-Day Challenge #14: Weekend of Busy

For the last three years, I've intentionally spent time writing and sharing a Haiku-A-Day for the month of December. The first two years I exchanged a daily Haiku privately with willing friends, mostly through text and email. Last year I wrote and shared each Haiku on my blog. Throughout this process, I've discovered that the practice of noticing and reflecting through writing a Haiku grounds me, provides with with a certain kind of peace, assists me with better practicing gratitude, and helps me better navigate this "hurry up" world. This year my goal is the same as last year: to pen and publish a daily Haiku on my blog throughout December. 

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #14: 
Weekend of Busy 

It's been a weekend. Holiday parties. Girl Scout event. Dance clinic. Ski trip. Transporting a tween and teen to and from each activity. Dog sitting. Plus the ordinary weekend responsibilities, such as cleaning, laundry, meal planning, and grocery shopping. It has not been a quiet weekend, which happen to be my favorite kinds of weekends.

Weekend of busy./

Late evening pick-up. Early/

morning departure.

Rest? Rejuvenate?/

Not these days. Children keep my/

schedule so lively.  

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #13: Connection Reminder

For the last three years, I've intentionally spent time writing and sharing a Haiku-A-Day for the month of December. The first two years I exchanged a daily Haiku privately with willing friends, mostly through text and email. Last year I wrote and shared each Haiku on my blog. Throughout this process, I've discovered that the practice of noticing and reflecting through writing a Haiku grounds me, provides with with a certain kind of peace, assists me with better practicing gratitude, and helps me better navigate this "hurry up" world. This year my goal is the same as last year: to pen and publish a daily Haiku on my blog throughout December. 

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #13: 
Connection Reminder

One of my former pastors, Pastor Paola Benecchi, delivered many wise sermons when she was our pastor at The Family Church. I always enjoyed listening to her words and often recorded what I wanted to remember. 

As I prepared to move to a different house, I unearthed many treasures, including a collection of saved notes like this one: 

"If we believe our opinions are
more important than making connections,
then we are on the wrong path." 
Pastor Paola Benecchi

Paola said, "If we believe our opinions are more important than making connections, then we are on the wrong path." 

Indeed, Paola.

This is a precious note that I will hold onto. It reminds me that a healthy connection with people is vital; it is so much more important than proving to be right about something or somehow exerting my opinion over another person or group. 

Unfortunately, I am often too eager to just share my thoughts and I forget to listen to others. I only consider myself. This inevitably puts me on the wrong path. I miss out in the process.

Healthy connection,/

Building strength. Setting aside/

stubborn opinions. 

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #12: Technology Interruption

For the last three years, I've intentionally spent time writing and sharing a Haiku-A-Day for the month of December. The first two years I exchanged a daily Haiku privately with willing friends, mostly through text and email. Last year I wrote and shared each Haiku on my blog. Throughout this process, I've discovered that the practice of noticing and reflecting through writing a Haiku grounds me, provides with with a certain kind of peace, assists me with better practicing gratitude, and helps me better navigate this "hurry up" world. This year my goal is the same as last year: to pen and publish a daily Haiku on my blog throughout December. 

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #12: 
Technology Interruption

When I moved a few months ago, I was fortunate to have my big brother nearby to help me set up my technology. He even loaned me an Apple TV so I wouldn't need to purchase something extra on my limited budget.

Readers, my technology expertise is limited. It takes me a while to figure out how to navigate technology. I'm happy to allow my students to assist me with problem solving or asking one of my children to help me figure out something, especially technology-related.

So imagine my anxiety when I sat down to crochet and watch Mindhunter last night and I got an error message that the Apple TV wasn't hooked up with the Internet. As one of my only go-to's for when technology doesn't work, I restarted the Apple TV, but no luck. 

No connection. 

Of course my son and daughter are with their dad for the next few days. I knew my brother was in the midst of assessing student work. I was on my own. 

After a long exchange of texts from my thirteen-year-old son, including photos and a series of instructions, I finally got the Apple TV connected. (Seriously, when did my kid get so savvy with this?)  

Whew. 

Breathe, Trina.

It's fixed. 

I guess I now know a little bit more about how the Apple TV is set up.

No Network Error:/

Frustration level rises/

son texts instruction. 

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #11: December Freeze

For the last three years, I've intentionally spent time writing and sharing a Haiku-A-Day for the month of December. The first two years I exchanged a daily Haiku privately with willing friends, mostly through text and email. Last year I wrote and shared each Haiku on my blog. Throughout this process, I've discovered that the practice of noticing and reflecting through writing a Haiku grounds me, provides with with a certain kind of peace, assists me with better practicing gratitude, and helps me better navigate this "hurry up" world. This year my goal is the same as last year: to pen and publish a daily Haiku on my blog throughout December. 

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #11: 

December Freeze 

"Mom, I'm SO cold! The Weather Channel says it's below zero outside, but it's like ice in here. I just don't want to get ready!" My eleven-year-old whined as she peeled out of bed this morning. 

She's right. It's a frigid Wisconsin morning. Thankfully, inside our house it is a comfortable 67 degrees Fahrenheit.

"Can you imagine being outside right now?" I responded, "We are lucky to live in a heated house with enough clothes and warm blankets." 

"I know, but it's just soooo cold. I want to crawl back to bed and snuggle under the covers." 

"I didn't want to get up today either," I confessed, thinking already about how cold it would be just from the walk from my house to the garage and then from the car to school. I had silently wished for a "cold day," but according to the local weather station, I knew the weather was not supposed to reach a windchill of below 35 degrees below zero today for an extended period of time during the school day - maybe only 25 degrees below zero. Not cold enough to cancel school. 

Sub zero. Freezing./

Hardwood floor morning chill. Heat/

blows through register. 

We yearn to return/
to warm, comfortable bed./
Cold unbearable. 

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #10 Slice of Life Mash-Up: New Stitches

For the last three years, I've intentionally spent time writing and sharing a Haiku-A-Day for the month of December. The first two years I exchanged a daily Haiku privately with willing friends, mostly through text and email. Last year I wrote and shared each Haiku on my blog. Throughout this process, I've discovered that the practice of noticing and reflecting through writing a Haiku grounds me, provides with with a certain kind of peace, assists me with better practicing gratitude, and helps me better navigate this "hurry up" world. This year my goal is the same as last year: to pen and publish a daily Haiku on my blog throughout December. 

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #10
Slice of Life Mash-Up: 

New Stitches

"Oh! Look at the progress you have made!" Ellen, my longtime friend, exclaimed, fingering the stitches on a blanket I recently started. 

The single stitch blanket I am currently working on.

"Well, I have had a good teacher," I responded, thinking about how far I had come since I learned from Ellen in October. 

"Now it's time to learn a double stitch. Let's get you started." 

I gulped. I was just feeling comfortable with a single crochet stitch. Could I move beyond this?

"Just watch. Then try. I'll be here to help."

I began my slip stitch and moved onto chain a row of stitches. Hesitant, I began my first double stitch.

Within the first few minutes, I had to pull out and redo several double stitches, but eventually I got it.

Time to move beyond/

Watch. Listen. Watch again. Try/

Stumbling through new.  

My first attempt at double crochet.

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