Hi Everyone,
Happy Tuesday!
We have the day off because it's Election Day. I'm so energized having a day off. I got out and voted this morning, ran a couple of errands, and took a walk. The weather is so nice! Warm, partly sunny, with a breeze. I'm still wearing shorts at the beginning of November!
I was thinking about sending out a post on Sunday. I had a lot of random ideas but couldn't find a thread to tie them all together until this morning while lying in bed. The thread is one new thing.
1. Pigtails and a little youthful energy
This week was Spirit Week, and on Thursday we had Trunk or Treat, where we decorate the trunks of our cars and hand out candy (a fun after-school PTA event). My theme was Candyland, thanks to my helper Charlie, one of my sweet second-grade students.
I thought it would be fun to wear my hair in pigtails. I haven't had my hair like that since my mom did it when I was five or six. It was fun and brought out a youthful energy. I don't know why, but it was just one little thing that was different. I liked it so much that I wore my hair that way to the Halloween party we attended on Friday, too.
2. Bouncing into a little more energy
I bought a rebounder, or mini-trampoline. I've been stretching while doing my morning meditation, but I wanted to add something different that would be fun. I thought this would fit the bill.
I do it for 10 minutes, usually through two or three fun songs, and I feel lighter. I have a little bit more energy, and every little drop of energy helps. One new thing, and it's already boosting my energy. Whoo-hoo!
3. A tabletop from the universe
In the sunroom, I've been using a couple of folding tables. They're great to have for events, but not so great for everyday use. I wanted another pine tabletop to turn into a table, but when we looked around, even at the discount place, they were over $100. So I decided to wait.
When you wait but put that request out into the universe, it's funny how things can just show up!
While walking with my friend on Sunday, we stopped to chat with a neighbor who had put out a box of random holiday stuff. We both spotted something we wanted, so I went back later to pick it up. And there it was... the tabletop! A solid door they were discarding. Perfect and FREE!
I'm paying $30 for legs to attach, but how great is that? One new thing, and a little bit of serendipity.
4. Sometimes it's all about the place and the people
This one is less about a new thing and more about noticing something.
I've been making these sweet little necklace and earring sets for the markets and fair. I normally stitch on Mondays at the library. Everyone brings a craft, and we have the sweetest group of people who come together to create, chat, and enjoy each other's company.
I tried making some on Sunday, but it just wasn't working. Some things just need to be done in the right place!
I tried again on Monday night, and it was easy breezy. I used to make soap with a friend, and I tried making it once without her. Disaster!
So, there's a lesson in this. Sometimes that one thing just needs the right location and the right people.
5. A little help goes a long way
As you all know, I've got some classes that are tough to teach. This year, one of those groups is a fourth-grade class. It's not that the kids are bad, but they are so attention-hungry. It's one interruption after another, and getting through the lesson can be really tough.
However, there's a volunteer, Mr. Kennedy, who has this quiet authority about him that I really appreciate. He came in and sat with this class. His presence is calming for me, and the kids seem to respond to him, too.
It changes my perspective because when he's in the room, I'm picturing what he's seeing instead of getting caught up in my own head. This has helped me stop, wait for the class's attention, and be more concise with my delivery.
So, in this case, the one new thing was a volunteer, and one I so appreciate!
Cheers, everyone!
I hope you find a couple of new things that help make your week a little lighter, brighter, or more fun.