All posts by onathought

#sol22 March 24 Piano Lessons

March 24, 2022Slice of Lifeonathought

I’m sitting at the piano, relearning things I learned decades ago.

Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge
FACE
Great Big Dogs Fool Around
All Cows Eat Grass

I’m 44 and I’m still reciting these things as I stare at music.

My first piano teacher was my best friend. We sat at her piano and she taught me to number my fingers, and how to play Mary Had a Little Lamb (32123332223553212333322321).

Then I had a piano teacher who came to my house every week. When I moved in 5th grade, I had a piano teacher whose house I went to every week.

In college my then-boyfriend, now ex-husband and I had my old piano teacher come over once a week to give us lessons. Soon we realized we weren’t ever practicing, since nobody was making us. So, when he came over we were paying him to play the piano for us. I mean, he was an amazing piano player…But I’ve never been wealthy enough to hire my very own concert pianist. Is that even a thing?

Now I’m learning by myself again. This time my teacher is an app, instead of a human, but I’m still basically the same kind of piano student that I’ve always been. (Although, I do practice more, and for longer, and with more joy now.)

I’ve always hated to count, but I don’t actually have any natural rhythm. So I have to count. My app plays along with me which helps me with my pace, and the measures move from right to left on my phone screen. I still don’t ever get 100% on the rhythm score at the end of each song. My teachers used to write things like “COUNT!” at the top of my sheet music, and I have “I-e-and-a-2-e-and-a” etched in my skull. But I still think to myself “Oh, I can just play this now.” And then I picture one of my piano teachers and the way they would remind me to count. Every week.

I am relearning things I already knew. Sometimes my son will call out from the other room, “That sounded good, mom” and twice I played for my parents.

They said they enjoyed it and also that they would look for the old metronome if I wanted it…

#sol22 March 23 Spending Time

March 23, 2022Slice of Lifeonathought

Once, as a teenager, I spent hours on the couch, transfixed by the shadow of clouds and trees reflected on a metal filing cabinet. The shadow was in the form of a man’s face, and the wind made his mouth move over and over again. It looked like he was shouting. I tried to figure out what he was trying to tell me, it seemed very important.

I used to sit and make mixtapes, or sometimes just listen to the same song over and over again.

As a kid, I spent days trying to solve the riddles in King’s Quest on our IBM. I had the joystick mastered, and knew many of the phrases I had to type out to the characters to get by. But there was still more adventure ahead!

In the summer, I’d spend the afternoon by myself floating in the fold-out pool.

When I was very young, I loved to listen to my records of Disney stories. I’d follow along in the book, and turn the page at the sound of the bell. Sometimes I’d switch to the Disney song records, and sing along to my heart’s content.

I used to color, and later, I’d spend hours talking on the phone.

When I got something new – a cassette, a walkman, a video game… I would study it closely to really get to know it. I used to spend the time.

Why is it so hard to spend time now? Why does slowing down feel wrong? Why do I feel guilty? Why don’t I sit around and listen to music just to listen to music anymore? And for goodness sake, why am I not playing King’s Quest anymore? I would totally rock that game now.

#sol22 March 22 A Drive on March 22

March 22, 2022poetry, Slice of Lifeonathought

I’m happy I’m in a van
not a Bonneville
You oughta know

That’s what I’m thinking
as Alanis sings
and I drive

There’s a bird in the road
I wish she would move
like she’s supposed to

I look in the mirror
the bird is walking
back to where she started

Why does she like that spot
in the middle of the road?
I wonder, I worry

Alanis sings some more
I turn up the volume
Why are you so petrified of silence?

March 22 doesn’t mean
anything
anymore

#sol22 March 21 This Stye in my Eye

March 21, 2022poetry, Slice of Lifeonathought

When something is bothering me
I like to write a little bit of poetry
Then I can complain and whine-
It’s more fun if you make it rhyme!

I have an annoying stye
in the lower lid of my left eye
this added much dismay
to my sunny, spring otherwise lovely school day

Before this stye came along
there were plenty of other things wrong
enough stuff to make anyone queasy
but blaming the stye? That’s super easy

The world is full of hullabaloo
All sorts of real trouble people are attending to
Much Worse than my having to be courageous
with a little stye that’s not contagious

But this stye
In my eye
I can’t deny
It’s enough to magnify
the problems I can’t specify

#sol22 March 20 The Truth About Cats and Dogs?

March 20, 2022Family, Pets, Slice of Lifeonathought

The Truth About Cats and Dogs

Theodore
Snuggling is his favorite.
He thinks that wherever I am, he should be.

Sometimes he sneaks up, investigating the couch, slowly walking towards where I am reading. This is a familiar dance. He knows he needs to be careful.

He isn’t the only one who thinks that wherever I am, he should be.

Finn
Snuggling is his favorite
He thinks that wherever I am, he should be.

Each time Theodore tries to sneak on the couch, he must think that this time I’ll be alone. But then he takes one more step and realizes, it’s not his lucky chance for snuggles. Finn thinks the couch belongs to him. He’s pretty sure I belong to him too.

But, when Finn is away, the couch belongs to the cats.

Talula
Playing is her favorite.
She can catch a pipe cleaner and loves to play fetch.
She’ll snuggle nearby and on her terms

She’s one smart kitty. She waits until Finn is distracted to get her couch time.

Then, when she’s sure he’s occupied, she jumps on the couch to hang out nearby.

The truth about these cats and dogs is that they would be bestest of friends if they stopped being so possessive about snuggling me. They’ll touch noses sometimes, and I’ve seen Finn bring over a toy and ask Theodore to play. He’s usually not in the mood, but I’ve also seen him play with Finn’s tail. They have so much in common. I think maybe they hang out while I’m at work.

#sol22 March 19 A Saturday Reunion & Some Tips

March 19, 2022pandemic, Reflections on coaching, Reflections on teaching, Slice of Lifeonathought

In normal life, in the past, I’d be walking down the streets of New York City after hearing the closing keynote at the TCRWP Saturday Reunion. So, as I sit here after the inspirational virtual TCRWP Saturday Reunion, I can’t help but reminisce a bit.

The first step to a normal Saturday Reunion was always seeing who could go and then picking a hotel. (Tip: You need 2 beds for 4 friends, an extra pull-out sofa if you have 5 people.) Then there was the road trip on a Friday after school. We usually had normal car snacks like pretzels and carrots, chips, dip, dried mangos. But one year someone brought a plate of cheese. “Care for some cheese?” is a favorite road trip saying to this day. (Tip: Accept any kinds of snacks, the driver gets first dibs)

We’d check-in and quickly decide if we were going to do a late dinner at the Mexican Restaurant or the Italian one. (Tip, decide if you want chips and guacamole and a margarita, or bread, sauce, and wine. Also, don’t worry, you can have the other one tomorrow.)

The next morning was a mad dash to get out the door in time to stop for a coffee, a bagel, or oatmeal, and catch a taxi to Riverside Church for the 9:00 Opening. (Tip: If you walk in next to Jason Reynolds, don’t stop yourself from stroking his shoulder. You only live once)

Then the day of inspiration would begin and was a whirlwind of learning and moving and seeing so many awesome people. When it was over, we would leave with the thousands of other teachers, and make our way back to the hotel. (Tip: Look before you cross the street – I am a teacher, I love teachers, and we aren’t always the best at following directions.)

A few years ago, we decided to stick around the Columbia University campus area instead of getting a taxi back to our hotel. We found a little bar. It wasn’t crowded, it wasn’t fancy. But, it had a nice vibe, great drinks, and even some vegan snacks. We sat at a table or the bar for a bit and then we’d walk some more. (Tip: Wear sneakers!)

One year we stopped where a crowd was gathered and watched as a church security guard chased an albino peacock. At least, I think that’s the story. Seems kinda farfetched now, right? (Tip: don’t just take pictures on your phone, but remember where they might be stored!)

Today I finished the whirlwind day of inspirational zoom learning, closed my laptop, and emptied the dishwasher. (Tip: Make your kids do this chore.)

Although, I must say: My notebook is still full and my brain is still thinking, I still saw so many awesome presenters along with thousands of other teachers… and I still haven’t put shoes on today! (Tip: Wear really comfy soft clothes so you can go directly to the couch to read or take a nap.)

#sol22 March 18 My Backpack

March 18, 2022Reflections on coaching, Slice of Lifeonathought

When I glance at my backpack lately, I wonder why it is suddenly fraying on the straps. And sometimes I know I close it, but by the time I get to my van, the zipper has somehow opened. I feel like I just got my backpack… Until I realize it was actually in 2016. 2016? I think it was when I started coaching that I needed a new backpack and treated myself to this pretty one. I remember when it was new, and I had such high hopes of keeping everything organized in the little zippers and compartments.

I go back and forth. Should I get a new backpack? Should I just wait it out? I mean, it still carries things. I still like the design. I should just save the money, right? Who cares if it’s a little faded and frayed? I decide to just clean it out, re-organize, and embrace its vintage feel.

But yesterday I put my backpack in the van and noticed something flutter down.

I mean, I’m guessing that if it is going to start to actually fall apart, piece by piece, I should start to look for a new backpack.

#sol22 March 17 Imperfect Limericks

March 17, 2022pandemic, Pets, poetry, Reflections on coaching, Slice of Lifeonathought

Addicted
I wrote a limerick example as one way
To help teachers who write find a slice today
But now I’m conflicted
Am I addicted?
Or, is it maybe okay?

Teacher Writers
This March there are some teachers
For writing, they don’t sit in the bleachers
They know there’s a way
To Slice every day
They’re part of our schools’ best features

Speaking of School
There once was a year so academic
You couldn’t tell there’d been a pandemic
I’m kidding you know
It does totally show
Because the trauma is systemic!

Masks
All the learners in school wear a mask
It’s not really a whole lot to ask
But on Monday, it’s true
It’ll be optional for you
I hope the teachers are up for the task

Lunchbreak
Thought I’d come home for a quick little walk
Take the dog once or twice ‘round the block
But the cat dragged his butt
And there was poop in his strut
So I mopped and kept checking the clock

Leadership
I was happy to run a teacher-writers meeting
We were writing and talking, I was happily leading
Until I couldn’t unmute
That was really a hoot
My leadership? Unfortunately was fleeting!

Slice
I could just use the limericks I’ve already written
Imperfect, I know but still, I am smitten
I’m hooked for sure
And I’ve looked, there’s no cure
So I hope my limerick slices will still fit in!

#sol22 March 16 Reminder Card

March 16, 2022Slice of Lifeonathought

Yesterday I checked in at a reception desk. The woman was kind, efficient and things were fine. I probably wouldn’t even reflect at all on the experience, but I happened to look down at her desk area, and saw, what I guess was a company reminder for employees. I snuck a picture.

EYE CONTACT
SMILE
POSTURE
TONE OF VOICE
EXPLAIN

Suddenly I was evaluating this woman. She had made eye contact, I think she had smiled (Was she supposed to smile the whole time? That would be ridiculous right?) Her posture seemed fine by me. (Is it appropriate for a company to insist on a certain posture?) Her tone of voice was friendly… She hadn’t needed to explain anything. (Should she have?)

Suddenly, I had a lot of questions. Have they always had these reminders? If it is a new initiative, have all previous interactions been less friendly? I don’t think so. If it isn’t new, does that mean all these years, their friendly interactions have been forced by company policy? Yikes!

Would my reminder card be the same?

EYE CONTACT
SMILE
POSTURE
TONE OF VOICE
EXPLAIN

I don’t think I need to be reminded to smile.
I would take it off, but I know my mom would want “posture” to stay on the list.
I might add a reminder to listen.
Perhaps a reminder to dampen the sarcasm a bit. (I refuse to say “no sarcasm.” Duh.)
Oh, and I need a reminder to drink more water.

My daily reminder card:
LISTEN
EYE CONTACT
POSTURE
DAMPEN SARCASM
MORE WATER

What would your daily reminder card say?

#sol22 March 15 Yes!

March 15, 2022Reflections on coaching, Reflections on teaching, Slice of Lifeonathought

One of my favorite things about Tuesday’s after-school club, Writer’s Society is how much I can say, “yes!” to kids.

Can I do my own story?
Yes.

Could we collaborate on the story map?
Yes.

Can you read my story?
Yes.

Can I use a gold sharpie?
Yes.

Can I have another notebook?
Yes.

Can I decorate my notebook some more?
Yes.

Can I start over?
Yes.

Can I write science fiction?
Yes.

Can I write fantasy?
Yes.

Can I write a graphic novel?
Yes.

Can I write a song?
Yes.

Can the three of us write a three-book series?
Yes.

Can we spend more time planning out and drawing the clothes our characters wear?
Yes.

Can I take this home?
Yes.

Can I take this home to work on?
Yes.

Can I go to the bathroom?
Yes.

In fact, talking with kids in general is a highlight.

Today a young writer was creating a map of his setting. “I can assure you there will be no death in this story,” he told me. “It’s a mystery, but the main character just wants to find some friends. Behind him, a duo was working on a collaborative story on a shared google doc. They’ve been working together since the first day of our club.

“The sad part is,” one of the boys said to me pointing to his friend “he will be moving not next Friday but the next one.”

We talked a bit about the move, how it would be good and bad. I told them how I moved in 5th grade, and it was tough, but then okay.

They said they were going to “stay connected.”

“He has my mom’s phone number from my birthday invitation,” the friend who is moving said.

“We can facetime.”

I tried to explain that they could maybe continue sharing a google doc for their story, too.

“Would it be okay with you if I finished the story, printed it out, and made it into a book?” the kid who is staying here asked his friend.

“No,” his friend said, still looking at his Chromebook. “I want to keep writing it with you.”

I want to keep writing?
Yes!