Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #7: The Hanging of the Greens

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 #7: 

The Hanging of the Greens

The Hanging of the Greens is a tradition I look forward to each year at our church. I love how all members of our church are invited to participate, even the smallest children take a part in preparing our church for Advent. 

As in years past, our church hangs up wreaths - symbolic of growth and everlasting life. In addition, we trim our tree, and our whole congregation makes Christmas ornaments. 

This year I especially liked making Christmas Tree ornaments out of buttons and wire:

Hanging of the Greens:/

tree trimming. Preparing for/

the Advent Season. 

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #6: Reflective Stance

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 #6: 

Reflective Stance

Even as a seasoned educator, each school year presents challenges. This year is no exception; I've struggled particularly in effectively reaching my ninth and tenth grade students identified as requiring additional literacy supports. At times I feel overwhelmed as a teacher in realizing the complex needs of my students - where do I begin in order to make a meaningful difference in their lives?

Although last year I read most of the smart, inspiring professional book What Are You Grouping For?, I recently returned to it, hoping to utilize small groups more effectively. In the first chapter, authors Julie Wright and Barry Hoonan emphasize the importance of ongoing reflection. I was especially struck by the lines they quoted from author Margaret Wheatley,"without reflection, we go blindly on our way, creating unintended consequences, and failing to achieve anything useful." 

Last night, when I stopped to reflect on this particularly challenging week, I realized that I haven't taken enough time to pause to continually reflect in my professional world - through kid watching, grouping for student needs, planning, and selecting the best texts. I have also neglected to provide enough time for my students to reflect, too. 

Today's Haiku is about a needed reflective stance:

Watch. Pause. Question. Pause./

Reflect. What do students need/

to achieve growth next?

Needed: infusion -/ 

continual reflection/

through smart teacher moves. 

**********

My mind lingers this morning with these propelling questions: 

• Am I moving blindly in my instruction?
• Am I missing opportunities for student growth?
• How can I plan better?

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #5: The Sound of Silence

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 #5: 

The Sound of Silence

As I was snuggled under warm quilts in my cozy bed last night, I found myself overtired, my mind too wound up to sleep. I listened to my breath, but found myself still wide awake. Finally, I paid attention to the sounds surrounding me. I penned this Haiku shortly before I finally fell asleep:

Clock ticks. Car whirs by./

Heat register roars. Notice/

quiet sounds calm me. 

Haiku-A-Day Challenge #4: Crochet Journey

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 #4: 

Crochet Journey

I first learned how to crochet sometime in my childhood, most likely instructed by my mom or godmother. A few years ago, my neighbor Kelly also took time to try to teach me.

Each time I tried to learn how to crochet, I encountered roadblocks; I put my crochet aside (out of sight) and abandoned it. Recently, I reached out to my longtime family friend, Ellen. She's been teaching me how to crochet again - beginning with the very basics. I have had to restart a few times, untangle yarn, observe her, refer to directions and online tutorials. My stitches began sloppy or tight. I had to redo my stitches so many times and ask for help to get out of my mess. I had to begin again and again. But I'm starting to get it.

Crocheting has given me something to do when I'm by myself. It's been a welcome, needed distraction. It's been a good challenge. 

Recently, I realized that my crochet journey is a good metaphor for my current life events - returning to something that I was never very good at, relearning skills, asking for help along the way, reading and observing when I am stuck, connecting with old friends. 

I am not where I want to be yet, but I am growing.

Create slip knot. Mess.

Work slip stitch. Single crochet.

Restart. Try again. 

My crochet efforts in early November

My crochet efforts now

*Disclaimer: I wrote and "published" part of this post on Instagram last month (with a few edits). BUT the Haiku is new and the second photo is new. 

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #3 Slice of Life Mash-Up: Three Daily Pages

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 #3
Slice of Life Mash-Up: 

Three Daily Pages

Several years ago I began carving out specific, daily time to write. Not just to complete a paper for graduate school or to write an example to use for teaching. This writing was only for me. I set a goal for myself to write three daily pages in my notebook. 

This summer I dug through some of my past writing notebooks. As I reread pages, I noticed patterns of my behavior and reactions to events. I marveled at how I grew as a writer and as a human. I generated new questions about myself. In retrospect, circling back to my writing gave me clarity about some difficult decisions I faced. 

I began writing in this notebook (see below) in early October. I'm approaching the last few pages, so I am excited to begin a fresh notebook soon. Ultimately, I'm grateful I got into a daily writing habit. I try to remember how my writing has helped me grow whenever I don't feel "in the mood" to write. 

Three daily pages - /

my ongoing writing goal./ 

Nearly full notebook.

Daily writing remains my goal, my fuel for growing.

**********

Looking to connect with a positive, supportive online community? Consider sharing a slice of your life with Two Writing Teachers. All writers are welcome! 

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #2: Christmas Cactus

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. This year my goal is the same as last year: to pen and publish a daily Haiku on my blog throughout December. 

Ultimately, 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. 

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #2: 

Christmas Cactus

Not too long ago, I moved to a new place. In order to make my home more cozy, my mom shared some house plants with me. In the past, I haven't exactly done the best with house plants. I pretty much unintentionally kill them. I either under water or over water them or use the wrong kind of soil or place them in the wrong kind of lighting. But so far my plants have done okay. I haven't killed them...yet!

After recently marveling at my sister-in-law's healthy forty-year-old Christmas Cactus (one passed along to her by a great aunt), I was inspired to get out of my comfort zone and try to take care of one. So I bought a Christmas Cactus from a local nursery. It's only been a few days, but this plant is still beautiful. 

Rounded, scalloped leaves/

red bed succulent. Will it's/ 

beauty remain here? 

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge Day 1: Snowfall Slowdown!

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. This year my goal is the same as last year: to pen and publish a daily Haiku on my blog throughout December. 

Ultimately, 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. 

Haiku-A-Day December Challenge #1: 

Snowfall Slowdown!

Well, December arrived with a powerful winter statement: snow slowdown! Heavy snowfall - at least four inches so far - has created a winter wonderland. I've shoveled once today and will likely be out several more times to clear the sidewalk. Our street isn't plowed yet, and I fear my little Camry will get stuck, so we will just stay put for now. Although I am sad to miss our welcome community of church this morning, this provides me with extra time to spend with my kids to relax and cherish our time at home. Instead of running typical errands after church, it will be a slow Sunday. 

Here are a few reflections I made early this morning as I was outside shoveling: 

Snowfall hugs tree trunks,

weights power lines, conceals seeds. 

Welcome December.