My Mentor

Sepia Saturday

Dorothy from Kansas. That's who she was. I mean, really. And she was one of the most important people in my life.

Though her actual name was Dorothy, everyone called her Kitten. Kitten Keith, a rather whimsical name for the woman who was to become a devoted elementary school teacher, school principal, and one of the most respected school administrators in Sonoma County. At the end of her illustrious career, she was addressed as Dr. Keith, a much more apt calling than Kitten for a woman of her many talents.

When I was a new teacher, she took me under her wing. As I developed my own teaching style, she encouraged me and became my friend and colleague. Eventually she became my principal, and the nurturing never stopped as the years progressed.

She died in 2002, my last year of teaching before I retired. Though I no longer need her professional advice, I miss my friend and all she gave to me. Like Dorothy from Kansas, she landed in my Oz at just the right time, bringing me lessons that would inspire me in my career and my life. I'll never forget her.

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Wordless Wednesday: A Furry Threesome

Ruby, Winnie, and Cleo

Stormy Weather

Taking the opportunity to enjoy the sun beaming through the living room window, the Lady Pugs are soaking up the rays before the next storm hits tomorrow. Rain, not my favorite climate type, is much needed due to our totally dry December. Yay to the rain!

Also yay to the disappearance of a very nasty pneumonia attack that kept me lounging on the couch, vigor departed, watching DVDs, reading, and eating Lean Cuisine. The antibiotics did their magic and, along with the welcome appearance of the winter downpour,  my energy level has begun to soar.



My Favorite Pot

 I am, therefore, embracing this lovely weather change and the return of good health to take the opportunity to do some comfort food creating in the kitchen.  And what says comfort food better than pot roast? In my book, nothing! So, pot roast it is.

The Lady Pugs just may be allowed a bite...or two.

Pneumonia

My Bedside Table

This wasn't the start I had planned for the new year.  Oh well. It has made taking off the gained holiday weight very easy; I am glad I overindulged and enjoyed myself to the max. So, here I sit...following doctor's orders, reading, watching DVDs, and waiting for 2012 to take a positive turn. Soon.

To the New Year

Theme Thursday - Change

It is up to me

To transform this newly budding year

Into a rich and glorious bloom

That will build memories

And bring happiness and fulfillment.

So, yes, this closed and seemingly unreceptive bud

Must wait until it has received the needed energy

To magnificently burst forth

Into fullness and beauty

So indicative of a time well lived.

Likewise, my spirit must fill the new year

With a positive and substantial force

That will nurture and sustain

All that is required for a year rich

In life's magic moments. 

It's up to me.

Only I can make it happen.

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