I’m still adjusting to getting up early, cooler mornings, and the rapid pace of the school day. There is no time to slow down. I run until I’m exhausted, but there must be a better way. My younger colleagues look to me for sage advice. How do I put work/life balance into practice? My answer: very haphazardly. I sporadically start my days with meditation, yoga, and a mid-morning cup of tea alone in my cozy office. But in reality, an endless, growing to-do list keeps me frantically trying to check things off, feeling more and more like Sisyphus. One day that giant boulder is sure to crush me, and I cannot let that happen!
Category: food
Poetry & Pasta: Kindergarten Wordplay
My love of poetry extended into May this year as I read aloud to our Kindergarten classes. I had read my poetry and facilitated poetry writing with students in 1st through 5th grades in the month of April. Finally, I had a little more time to bring the joy of verse into Kindergarten. I found the perfect picture book to share, Pasta, Pasta Lotsa Pasta by Aimee Lucido. Since I am of Italian heritage, I found this book to be particularly fun and engaging. Ms. Lucido’s wordplay is exquisite and invites young children to join into the rhythm of the story.
The Art of Poetry: Eating Our Words
I'm not sure what I like to do more: write poetry or make delicious things to eat. I do know that children love to prepare food because of sensory stimulation it entails. Making food from scratch is a creative process, much like writing. You imagine, plan, and then set to work creating something special. Whether the final product is a poem or a delectable dish, the process is the same, and the end results are satisfying.
Cooking Inspiration from The Pasta Queen: Poetry and Passion
I have been binge watching Nadia Caterina Munno, the Pasta Queen. She is incredibly passionate about Italian food. Her show is a treat alternating from places in Italy to her kitchen in Florida. She is smart, funny, and spicy. What a personality! I love watching and listening to her.
Grateful Harvest: Baking in Kindergarten
This week, I had the treat of baking with kindergarteners. We transformed their four small Halloween pumpkins into a sumptuous dessert: Bread Pudding in a Pumpkin Shell! To my surprise, there were requests for seconds, thirds, and even fourths!
Finding Tranquility in a Cup of Tea
When life gets more hectic than I wish, I turn for moments of solace. Those moments often include a steaming cup of tea. As soon as I put the kettle on, I start to relax.
Pomodoro Fresco: A Love Story
My heritage is Italian, so naturally I love tomatoes. I’m sure there are people of Italian heritage who don’t like tomatoes, but I haven’t found one yet. My love of tomatoes surely came from my grandfathers, Charlie and Tony, who both kept their own gardens.
Celebration: Women’s History Tea 2.0
I love March and April because they signal the beginning of spring. All around us are signs of rebirth: budding trees, unfurling blossoms, birds gathering in song on still bare branches. Every spring, I celebrated the accomplishments of women with our 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students. I gave them a packets of ten women … Continue reading Celebration: Women’s History Tea 2.0
Cozy Comfort on Blustery Days
Weekend winter days allow me to have time to paint, read, write, cook, and nap. All the things I enjoy and need to nourish my spirit. This weekend I spent most of my time reading, writing, and napping. I was slow to rise and allowed myself a late start. When I emerged from the layers of comforters, I went right to the stove to put on a kettle for tea and a pot of water for making oatmeal.
Jingle, Jingle, Gingerbread
I enjoy three things: children, cooking, and holidays. Last week, I was able to put all three together. Nothing says “HOLIDAY” like gingerbread, so I decided to make gingerbread houses with our 1st grade classes, twenty little girls in all. Nothing could bring more joy than that! Of course, the motto, “Divide and conquer,” came … Continue reading Jingle, Jingle, Gingerbread
