House of Panes

stained glass pins

2011-01-14T10:52:00.002-05:00

Krypton

2011-01-14T10:51:00.001-05:00

Two porches converted...almost ready to sell

2011-01-12T14:58:00.003-05:00

Projects, Projects and more projects!

2010-05-30T21:15:00.009-04:00

We have been working on various projects the past couple of weeks.

Strawberries from the garden.

We tore up the old flooring in the mud room and prepped it for the new surface, slate. Most of the shingles have been pulled off as well. (Originally it was an open air porch.) We are going to level it and then tile it with the new slate. Dan built a post and attached a coat rack.

Dan built a new counter for the bathroom, installed yet another vessel sink and fancy faucet. I tiled it with glass tiles.

Painting has begun downstairs. Changing it up so that all the rooms feel light and airy.

Framing of Exterior Walls and Walk-in Closet Complete

2010-04-13T16:29:00.000-04:00

Upstairs and Downstairs Porch Renovations Have Begun

2010-04-08T15:42:00.003-04:00

One of the new windows to be installed.
Our new view from the bedroom door. Porch rail and beadboard removed.
We took off all the shingles.
Dan framed one side.
View from the street.
Top porch area prep complete.
Windows and 2x4's bought.
One side framed.

Not bad for four days of work.

Happy Swing-ing-ing-ing-ing

2010-03-16T11:30:00.002-04:00

Sewed new, pretty upholstery fabric on the insert of our hand-me-down swing that we took apart and attached to the wall. Painted the blue parts white. Now it looks as if she is swinging in the air. Love it!

Bunny Hat

2010-02-19T20:08:00.000-05:00

The bunny hat I knit looks too cute on my little munchkin. I'd like to try a monkey hat or little devil pants next.

Look Ma, No Legs!

2010-02-16T20:25:00.001-05:00

Since I kept tripping over the rather large swing, Dan took the legs off and attached it to the wall. Ella likes her new spot.

Umbilical Cord Hat

2010-02-16T11:47:00.001-05:00

"Umbilical cord" hat I knit Ella while in the hospital. 11/2009 Still working on her blanket.

Bumbleride Indie 2010

2010-02-06T08:27:00.002-05:00

Thanks to the generous Haggerty community, I preordered a jogging stroller that is so much more. It is the Bumbleride 2010 Indie. Here is a pic. Should come sometime in March!!!! Can't wait to cruise the bikepath!

Lots of projects in the works

2010-02-05T12:06:00.003-05:00

Working on seam ripping all the roses sewn on this leather bag I found on clearance at Anthropologie. It is a lot of work, but I don't care for the roses. Can't wait to sew the buttons on instead. Here is a pic so far.

Two glass vessel sinks we cut and fitted broke since the glass was not temperature resistant. It looked great while it lasted. Yesterday Ella and I went out to look for a replacement and here is what we found. It is quite large. Wonder if it is going to work? Lucky my hubby is an engineer of sorts. I come up with ideas and he makes them happen. Lucky me.
Dan and I cut a hole (this took a couple hours) and fitted a tub drain so far. It is essentially a mini bath. Will keep you posted for the final reveal. Here are some pics of our progress.

Dreaming up a bunch of glass I need to make. Three pieces for the upstairs bathroom, to insert into the walls. Pics to follow soon.

The renovation to insulate both upstairs and downstairs porches is going to begin in a couple weeks, so I will need some new pieces to hang in front of those windows. I was thinking of making a leaded piece above the windows, but am concerned about the poor insulation that this type of window brings.

Concord grapes

2009-09-10T20:12:00.002-04:00

Looking forward to making some fruit leather this weekend with the yummy Concord grapes we harvested today.

The grapes had lots of seeds and it was a pain to make. Won't be attempting this again.

Super Pickle

2009-08-30T19:01:00.000-04:00

Backsplash Complete~ post-grout

2009-08-30T12:17:00.002-04:00

Backsplash Complete~ pre-grout

2009-08-23T16:51:00.000-04:00

2009-08-21T14:02:00.000-04:00

Finished grouting.

Began mosaic tiling kitchen back-splash with marble and glass.

Stage 1

Stage 2

Close-up

Will finish up tomorrow. It is too hot to do this all day. Off for a swim. :-)

98% Finished!!!!!!!!

2009-08-10T11:55:00.001-04:00

Only have to buy some trim, finish grouting and seal. Oh my! Love the repurposing of the table and comfy chairs I reupholstered this morning.

Finally cut the surround pieces for the upstairs bathroom sink.

One Day Left - ran out of marble

2009-08-01T18:05:00.000-04:00

2009-07-30T19:51:00.000-04:00

We're Thrilled to be Having a Girl!!!!

Two surfaces completed (minus grout n sealer) :-) Backspash and one surface left to go!

2009-07-28T16:57:00.001-04:00

Kitchen reno...take 4?

2009-07-27T18:53:00.001-04:00

The fridge broke months ago. It would turn itself on and off throughout the day. Everything in the freezer would melt and refreeze over and over. We fixed it, temporarily, twice. It finally died. The loud pitch hum sounded more like the wheezy death rattle of a resigned lunger. Although it was only three and a half years old, we killed it through our various DIY projects like sanding the floors.

The new fridge is amazing. It even makes crushed ice. Since it didn't fit in the old spot, we moved it to the pantry and made use of the newfound space into more storage. Loving the new location.

This inspired us to replace the dark tile I chose a couple years ago. (My first tile job) Dan bought me a contractor grade tile saw. It is a beautiful, powerful piece of machinery. It even has a laser.

Here is a pic of the surface I finished today. Loving the light marble. It gives the illusion of a lighter, bigger, brighter space. The goal is to finish all the counters by Friday.

Arlington, MA - number 10

2009-07-19T15:11:00.005-04:00

CNNMoney list of America's best small towns (for rich singles).
http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2009/moneymag/0906/gallery.bplive_richsingles.moneymag/index.html

1. Hermosa Beach, CA
2. Arlington, VA
3. Coronado, CA
4. Edgewater, NJ
5. Santa Clara, CA
6. Edwards, CO
7. Oak Park, IL
8. Herndon, VA
9. Irvine, CA
10. Arlington, MA

Pimp My Stroller

2009-07-09T08:27:00.008-04:00

Today I found a gently used crib, changing table and stroller for next to nothing on Craigslist. I am thankful that this Brookline-Chestnut Hill couple are moving back to Spain and need to sell their beautiful baby stuff asap. I will be reupholstering the fabric on the stroller and Dan will be making some upgrades. Regardless, we just might have to call the show Pimp My Stroller.

www.blisstree.com/articles/pimp-my-stroller-118/

2nd trimester + Swimming = 1 happy camper

2009-07-02T15:16:00.005-04:00

Now that I am enjoying my second trimester, I have woken somewhat from my slumber. Swimming laps regularly at the MAC has been a welcome change! Not being extremely nauseous anymore is fabulous too. The pool has been about 83 degrees. I heart summer!

Sweet Cupcakes!

2009-06-30T08:38:00.005-04:00

http://www.boston.com/business/ticker/2009/03/sweet_cupcakes.html

My mom and I were strolling through Harvard Square this weekend and we stumbled upon a new cupcake store called Sweet Cupcakes. After testing two types, we decided that they were... pretty good. The surprising item that instantly caused my heart to beat faster with excitement was their broad selection of 25 cent shots of frosting. For me, this beats out the delicious cupcake any day. If you are in need of a pick me up, try the lemon sugar frosting. It is delish!!!

Leah

2009-06-27T07:40:00.002-04:00

When you teach, it is rarely the "good", well behaved kids that imprint in your thoughts. Most often the most challenging kids, behaviorally, physically or academically resurface in your thoughts and seem to linger years after. These children touch your lives forever.

Being pregnant has increased the intensity of my emotions. Lately, I tear up at ridiculous commercials and pathetic TV dramas. In my last post, I linked to a story about an ex-boyfriend stepping up and adopting two children of a former girlfriend when aunts and uncles were unable to, so they would not have to be placed in foster care. For whatever reason, Leah popped into my thoughts, so I felt inclined to share her story.

I met Leah at _ Middle School, my 5th year at UMASS. My position as an Aide was my first teaching job. The salary was so pathetic (about 16,000) that I had to keep my waitressing job at night and weekend aerobic's job. (I changed my major junior year and was short 6 credits( hard to believe when I took classes almost every winter and summer session), so I worked full time as an aide in a self-contained severe special education classroom and had the pleasure of working with a couple of amazing kids, Leah being one of them. This experience fueled me to teach as my career.

Leah was a 16 year old girl born to a very young, scared kid who was out of options and for whatever reason tried to abort her. The girl had taken drugs and drank alcohol in utero. She gave birth to Leah in a parking lot and left her for dead in a dumpster at a hospital. As crazy and heartless as this kid's actions were, my heart does go out to her. She must have been scared beyond belief and felt totally alone. Some staff member at the hospital found Leah and she lived there until she was a teenager.

Leah had CP, FAS, among other diagnosis. Her form of communication was blinking her eyes. At first I was incredulous at this, but after spending lots of time with her I sensed her needs and felt her communicate in this manner. I used to read her teen dramas in the library without my boss knowing. I could tell by the way her eyes lit up that she loved, loved listening to them. Leah was wheelchair bound and obtained her nutrients through a G-tube. I was trained to administer her food, but it was tricky and in my opinion should have been the job of the school nurse. Leah had to be changed regularly. (This task was a first for me at the time and was quite humbling. One time I was in the middle of changing her and the fire alarm went off. The lights went out in the bathroom we were in and the alarm was blaring. Leah was flailing her arms and legs and almost fell off the table. We made it through the experience and luckily Leah was not hurt. I requested having another aide come with me for safety reasons when Leah needed changing and my boss said, "NO!" Her managing style, lack of inclusive approach and little expectation with academics for the severe population we worked with fueled me to become a special education teacher and run my classroom with a more progressive approach.)

My job was to move Leah to different positions to work on her physical therapy throughout the day. It was not an easy job. Sometimes I grew frustrated. After a couple months of existing in this solitary world of talking out loud to her and getting no verbal response, you too may have felt the frustration I guiltily harbored. As you can imagine, she relied completely on others to care for her.

One day I met her mother. A nurse at the hospital that found Leah. This woman cared for Leah as her nurse for years. Over this time, she grew attached. When she retired from nursing, she decided to adopt Leah. Now Leah lives a wonderful, loving life with her patient, doting mom, 15 dogs and cats.

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T08:10:00.003-04:00

http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/personal/06/19/rs.mom.died.boyfriend.adopts/index.html

Reading this brought tears and an overwhelming sense of hope to me. The term "father" is not freely given when your biological child is born into the world. It is an earned title. This is no different for mothers. Happy Father's day to all the fathers out there who put their kid's needs first and walk the line of respecting and supporting their children when they sense that their help is needed. Everyone "needs" their "parents/ guardians". Thank you to Mr. Powers, for always being a father figure to me. Love you!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hj1hCDjwG6M

Growing Garden Goodies

2009-06-06T10:51:00.008-04:00

~Strawberries are ripe and delicious

~Purple Asparagus growing nicely (year 1)

~Raspberries turning ripe soon :-)

~Apples growing (year 3)

~Waxy dark green potato leaves appear healthy

~Cabbage grew back

~Lots of plums (year 2)

LBI is like Cape Cod?

2009-06-06T09:24:00.006-04:00

http://newyork.timeout.com/articles/features/32961/long-beach-island-is-like-cape-cod

Picked up some cider donuts from Wilson Farms this morning. They remind me the most of Marvel's Bakery donuts that my family used to enjoy during annual summer vacations in Beach Haven.

My youngest of three brothers, Eric, would let his little sister tag along to pick up a dozen or so of these delicious donuts for b-fast as a treat. I remember the short walk there. The smell would waft down the street and I could always hardly wait to watch the donuts being made right there in the bakery. My favorite part of course was eating them warm on the walk back. They came in powdered, cinnamon and plain. (Cinnamon was my favorite.) We stopped renting at Hars, a small 2 story hotel with only 13 family friendly units, a street from the beach when I was about 10 or so, but the memories of playing hide and seek with the neighborhood vacationers, body surfing for hours, staying at the beach with a cooler of snacks until dinner time, watching home-made fudge being made, Fantasy Island Amusement Park, playing ski-ball and miniature golf remain vivid.

First Baby on the Way

2009-06-04T20:06:00.000-04:00

Due date: December 20th

Bathroom decorated

2009-05-31T18:38:00.005-04:00

Memorial Day Weekend Warriors

2009-05-25T17:20:00.003-04:00

The bathroom plumbing and electrical are complete. Today, I mosaic tiled the faucet area. Here are pic's of the (almost) finished upstairs bathroom.

New sconce

Mosaic marble tile (pre-grout)

Washing hands in the outdoor kitchen So proud of my handiwork (pre-grout)

I tiled the front of the outdoor kitchen with rocks from the garden. Dan loves having water near the grill.

Here are pic's of the finished 3 season porch off the master. It has been newly painted, lights and electrical installed, weather-proof curtains hung, futon moved and cable moved. Sleeping out there is amazing. Can't believe we haven't used the space since we moved in ever (3 years). What a waste.

New outdoor lighting and paint color

Dan finishing up outlet and light switch

About a month left of teaching....sweet!

Weekend Warrior

2009-05-18T18:43:00.000-04:00

Dan connected the water for the outside sink and screened in the porch off the master b-room. It looks amazing. Today he finished scraping off the chemical I applied to the ceiling a couple summers ago and was unable to remove. Working on a ceiling is challenging since it kills your arms and neck. It had to be stripped, since the previous owner painted it Smurf blue. I painted the wainscoting and ceiling and Dan connected the electrical.

I am guiltily supervising his tireless efforts. He is outworking me to a ridiculous degree. Looking forward to making the curtains for our new three season lounge area. Thinking of using boat sails.

The upstairs bathroom's plumbing and electrical have been moved and reconnected. Can't wait to take my first bath. I've missed my tub.

Thanks to all the rain, shoots of purple asparagus have already sprouted and the healthy green potato leaves look great. We scattered some annual flowers for a pop of color to the front of the house and hung some rope lights around the inside of the fence. There are hundreds of white strawberry flowers. Looking forward to eating some strawberries, raspberries and blueberries soon.

Garden in Bloom

2009-05-10T10:38:00.003-04:00

Cherry tree survived frost.

Apple trees looking healthy.

Walkway to upper level.

Newly flattened grilling area.

Beginnings of the wet bar.

Newly planted asparagus and potatoes.

Concord grapes are winding around the fence.

The apple trees, cherry, plum, and Bosc pear tree all came back healthy despite some being transplanted at the end of the summer due to the creation of the lower level. Dan finished digging fifteen feet into the hill creating a lower flat level reinforced by a stone wall. He built a wet bar around the blooming clematis plant and is in the process of connecting the water. The raspberries I transplanted came back. Here are some pic's. Enjoy.

The Easter Bunny?

2009-04-13T18:26:00.004-04:00

During Morning Meeting today, one of my students shared this story. While on a tour at the Mt. Auburn cemetery on Sunday, a fluffy, white bunny appeared in the path up ahead. "Look mom, the Easter bunny," a little boy squealed. As it hopped along, the child chased after it with glee. Suddenly, a hawk swooped down and picked the bunny up in it's claws carrying it high into eternity and beyond.

Exit 11

2009-04-12T16:42:00.005-04:00

I was driving home yesterday and the car in front of me had the amusing license plate "Exit 11". They were driving a new SUV and displayed a UMASS~Amherst sticker on their bumper.

Almost everyone from Jersey (about 1/3 of the student body) who attended UMASS~Amherst first of all had a brand new car. They would affectionately share what exit off the Parkway they were from. And everyone, I mean everyone lived "just outside the city (NYC)" Lastly, everyone would claim it only took 2 and a half to 3 hours to make the trip. The less time it took you, the better.

Even now, when my family visits, the first thing mentioned is that it only took them x hours to drive up. Funny. Some things never change. Must be a Jersey thing. Got to love the Garden State.

The Perception of "Normal"

2009-04-11T11:26:00.012-04:00

Watching portions of this frustrating show titled Everyday Autism on the Sundance Channel evoked strong emotions for Dan and myself. The parents they chose to highlight bitched and moaned about unfortunately having broken children for the entire show. They each felt burdened and wished their child was just "normal" and they could have their "life back". They reflected bitterly on what could have been. Could of. Would of. Should of.

When my father in law taught a special class in Boston, he worked with a boy who was given up by his parents to his grandparents since they could not "handle" him. The grandparents had to go back to work in order to provide for this child. They shared that everyone should have a child like their grandson. He was not looked at as a defective burden who had ruined their lives.

A family I had the pleasure of working with for a couple of years has one child on the Autistic spectrum and another wheelchair bound that has Cerebral Palsy. The upbeat approach to life the parents embraced was contagious. They never exuded a "poor me"perception over the three years I worked with their son.

Why didn't they interview people like this, that merely enjoy life's journey on the show?

Over the years I have been blessed with children on the Autistic spectrum to work with. These children have enhanced my life by forcing me to change the way I teach. These are the children I will never forget.
Along with adopting, fostering or giving birth, comes the daily hard work of parenting. Common sense dictates that if you think that your life is shitty, then it is shitty. Each day we have the choice of thinking that life is an adventure. We each choose our reality. You can enjoy the bumps or complain along the way and blame others for what you do not have.

Life is Good!

Molly's heart

2009-04-04T22:22:00.004-04:00

Did You Participate in Earth Hour?

2009-03-28T20:43:00.003-04:00

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/03/28/earth.hour/index.html#cnnSTCPhoto
Lights go out across planet for Earth hour.
Organizers hope this event will send message of climate change to world leaders.

Twilight the movie is no Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

2009-03-21T22:06:00.004-04:00

I seem to be continually let down when I thoroughly devour an enjoyable book(s) and then see the movie. (Don't get me wrong, I've watched it 3 times.) If you are not going to produce a film rich with accurate scenes, character traits and every conversation from the book, then what is the point? One's imagination is much more entertaining. Time to begin book 3 tonight. I'm sure that by Monday morning book 4 will have been consumed as well. Saving Midnight Sun's online chapters for last.

A Second Throne Room Almost Complete

2009-03-15T20:14:00.009-04:00

Dan worked hard this weekend arranging plumbing. The proof is in the pudding/ pic's.

There is still more tiling to accomplish under the basin, faucet and the surrounding walls of the tub.

Each week we inch closer towards completion.

Electrical has not been tackled just yet either.

I have been dreaming up the leaded glass pieces that will be inserted in the spaces above the half wall and around the top. Pic's to follow soon.

W.O.M.D.

2009-03-14T21:10:00.036-04:00

One X-mas in FL, Dan, myself and Mr. P were watching TV before bed. A commercial came on for adult diapers. It was hysterical. The actors kept repeating the phrase," Oops I crapped my pants." The camera moved to different scenarios and the actors kept repeating that same phrase. We all laughed until we couldn't laugh any more. Someone would mention a line from the commercial days after and we would all spiral into giggles. It was very immature.
Today I was at the hardware store picking up a plumbing part and as I approached the aisle where my clamp was, I was taken aback. The smell was so intense I almost teared. As I attempted to free myself from its clutch, it seemed to follow me. If Dan had come along he would have begun dry heaving in the isle. Thinking of that image made it hard for me to contain myself. I daydreamed about capturing some in a jar and sending it to the nearest lab to be analyzed and replicated to be used as a weapon of mass destruction.

It Worked!

2009-03-07T21:31:00.002-05:00

Can't believe that I was able to cut a hole in the bottom of the glass bowl and grind it to fit so well. Wow. Didn't think that it would work with such thick glass. You can make a sink out of virtually anything you wish.

Day 8

2009-03-05T19:57:00.002-05:00

Put facilities back in with some assistance and painted the wainscoting. Floor is grouted and sealed. Looking good. :-)

Britain's first indoor office helter skelter sees staff slide down three floors in just seven seconds

2009-03-03T20:10:00.001-05:00

How can you not smile after reading about a giant slide for adults? Check it out. ;-)

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1156292/Pictured-Britains-indoor-office-helter-skelter-sees-staff-slide-floors-just-seven-seconds.

I Love New England!

2009-03-02T09:36:00.017-05:00

Having a snow day as a 32 year old is like a magic wish.

Being granted a three day weekend is delightful. One of the many perks of our profession.

My brother-in-law recently left his job as a lawyer to pursue his dream of being a teacher. Today the town where he has been hired as a long-term substitute called off school, granting him his first official snow day.

Life Is Good!

Day 7

2009-02-28T16:05:00.001-05:00

Possible setup for the basins.

subway tiles vs. beach shells

2009-02-26T20:46:00.004-05:00

I have an interesting idea that has caused my tiling project to come to a crashing halt. Thinking of collecting a bucket full of the same shell at my in-law's beach at the Cape instead of using subway tiles. Any thoughts out there about this? It could be really beautiful...

Chirp

2009-02-25T18:40:00.007-05:00

Ordered a Flip mino HD camcorder today. My students voted for the Chirp design. Learned about it in my Integrating Technology class that I am required to take, since my classroom currently has a SmartBoard and a document camera. I know. I'm spoiled. http://www.theflip.com/index.shtml

Attention Target Shoppers...

2009-02-24T19:43:00.022-05:00

I chuckled when my co-teacher repeated the phrase, "Attention K-Mart shoppers, attention K-Mart shoppers," into the microphone that we have connected to the acustic system to get the student's attention during science. We were building circuits and the students were extra noisy.

I was reminded of a story one of my students shared a couple years ago.

The boy's mother worked at Target. He was always a rapt listener to announcements. He had a photographic memory, savant-like and could memorize anything he heard that was of interest to him. He could recite any commercial, an entire Simpsons episode, every detail on a globe and any song he heard on the radio verbatim. The possibility of hearing his own voice over the loud speaker tickled him pink. He came in one day and shared this with me.

"I was at Target and suddenly I saw the phone that people make announcements on. No one was using it, so when my mom wasn't looking, I ran to it and picked up and said, "There is a spill in isle 12, could an employee please report to isle 12, there is a spill, report immediately." He was giggling and grinning. "I just had to make an announcement," he related. "My mom was really mad and yelled at me. (He furrowed his brow.) She was almost as mad as the time I pulled the fire alarm at Stop and Shop when I was four. I didn't mean it. I just wanted to see what would happen. She was really mad at me that time."

"Was it worth it I inquired."
He looked directly at me and replied, "Yea, it was worth it."

Day 6

2009-02-23T18:40:00.005-05:00

Cut and fitted the corners. The wood on the right can't be tiled or the tub will not fit. Thinking of using some waterproof paint. Maybe tomorrow will be the day to grout.

Day 5

2009-02-22T20:08:00.001-05:00

The tiles have all been cut. I forgot how loud the tile saw was. Every inch of me hurts, but it was totally worth it. It looks amazing. Tomorrow I am going to attempt to cut a hole in the bottom of a bowl that we would like to use for our basin. It is not going to be easy. Time to crawl into bed.

Day 4

2009-02-21T16:32:00.009-05:00

Admiring our handiwork. The dust and the fumes most definitely stink. Is it over yet? Not even close. Two built-ins are on the wall and in process. The floor is almost complete. I ran out of marble today. Off to Home Depot in the am. Will be grouting tomorrow or Mon. Renovations are so exciting in the beginning and in the end. The middle is an exhausting amount of work.

Day 3

2009-02-20T19:24:00.002-05:00

So tired. Worked for about 6 hours. Lots more work tomorrow.

Day 2

2009-02-19T19:09:00.003-05:00

We ripped out the built-in, built new storage on the right wall, painted the tub and began dry fitting the tile. The tub is going under the window.

Renovacation

2009-02-17T14:55:00.003-05:00

The upstairs (original) bathroom has been dismantled. (sink, toilet, tub...bye, bye) I can't believe we were able to get the cast iron claw foot tub out of there in one piece ourselves. Testing an antique sewing table to drop a sink into. I'm sad that we are taking out the built-in, but it will be worth it in the end. Purchased white marble to tile the floor. We'll see how challenging it is to install. Glad I get to tile instead of reorganize plumbing.

Flowers~ My largest piece to date.

2009-02-16T14:08:00.004-05:00

Two views of my largest piece to date. Finished today. Each piece is so different from the next. My next two projects are the double helix and good ol' Fenway Park/ Citgo sign. Ahhhhh.

Candy Freak

2009-02-14T19:56:00.004-05:00

After reading the book, Candy Freak, by Steve Almond a couple years ago I came to realize that there were others out there besides me that enjoyed eating stale peeps. If marshmallows are in the house, I tend to open the bag to properly stale them before eating as well. Are there any others out there that enjoy eating their peeps/marshmallows stale? Please comment.

www.stevenalmond.com

I Pity the Fool Who Don't Eat My Cereal

2009-02-14T19:16:00.005-05:00

www.x-entertainment.com/messages/660.html

$100 IPhone coming this summer?

2009-02-13T18:44:00.006-05:00

Sweet! I refuse to pay more than 100.00 for any phone, since it will most likely get dropped into water at some point.

www.iphonebuzz.com/99-iphone-coming-this-summer-analyst-106142.php

Backwards

2009-02-02T18:06:00.006-05:00

How does a fourth grader come to school with their shoes on the wrong feet and not notice? All day long?

Rooting for Philly

2009-02-01T18:38:00.003-05:00

I'm rooting for Big, Bad Ben and Philly to crush the Cardinals. The camera just panned to Mrs. Curt Warner, revealing her recent make-over that seems to have turned her into a Barbie. Weird. Kick some a** Roethlisberger!!!!!! Go Steelers!!!!

Massachusetts Avenue

2009-01-28T20:01:00.007-05:00

During snack time, one of my students began repeating the word Massachusetts Avenue over and over and over, in a compulsive, robotic tone. He was wiggling back and forth, dancing with happy feet. Instead of making fun of this awkward, curious outburst, one of the cool kids began spontaneously beat boxing next to him.

Inclusion at its finest!

Imitation Obama Mania Strikes School

2009-01-21T15:34:00.004-05:00

This e-mail was sent via interoffice mail.

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for spearheading the effort to orchestrate a fantastic AGE APPROPRIATE agenda for a most historical event (which I will remember my whole life) - what a great audience to be with, our future!

I HAVE to tell you a funny story of that morning's preparation...... (student) and I were exiting the teen center pre-ceremony and Ms. P was carrying the life size poster board of Mr. Obama down the staircase. His face was facing us over the staircase railing at quite a diagonal angle as Ms. P was carrying him sideways in a bear hug.

Upon seeing this student put both hands to his checks and shrieked a cry of horror. "Oh No!" he exclaimed. (He thought it was the REAL Obama!!!!!). Only after I had reassured him three times it was cardboard did he calm enough to pass by the spot where the president-elect had been hauled away!

The energy was palpable in the gym where we broadcast the innauguration for the entire school to experience. We all shared in a historic moment together. It was a sea of smiling faces. When the classical music was played, the gym grew still. All of the students watched in awe and listened. Most of the students could see themselves in the new president of the United States. At one point a student giggled, "Barack...He's my daddy!" It was an emotional day listening and watching history unfold. I look forward to the next four years with you Barack Hussein Obama. An era of hope has indeed begun!

Help I've Fallen and I Can't Get Up

2009-01-15T21:33:00.002-05:00

I waitressed while in grad school at the Charles Hotel in Harvard Square. When I worked the dinner shift, I most often rode my bike. On this particular night during the summer it had rained for most of the afternoon. When my shift had ended, I made my way to the dimly lit parking garage. It was about 11:30 at night and I was tired.
I unlocked my bike and hopped on. Steadily, I made my way around the corner and thud. I had slipped on a grease puddle and was now face first on the floor of the parking garage. All I could see was the pool of blood that was flowing from possibly my head. I was shaking and couldn't speak or yell or get up.
'Help! I've fallen and I can't get up,"was what I tried to yell in a panic. I laughed inside, since this phrase was ridiculously ironic. I was really scared. A couple of guests from the hotel walked by and saw me on the concrete in the middle of the entrance to the parking lot and kept on walking. I couldn't believe it. I tried yelling to them, but what came out was more of a helpless whisper.
At some point a co-worker parking cars spotted me and called for help. He tried to convince me to go to the hospital, but I didn't think it was necessary. I cleaned up myself in the guest bathroom with the fancy towels as smears of blood stained the marble floor. I was still shaking from the scare. I applied pressure to the gash on my brow and caught a ride with a friend. Since the bleeding was not clotting, I phoned my Aunt Sue, who is a nurse. She picked up from a dead sleep and explained how to apply the butterfly bandages so I wouldn't have a scar. Thanks Aunt Sue! Note to self. Don't hop on ones bike after a rain storm in a parking garage where oil has merged with wetness ever again!

Acorn Boy

2009-01-09T18:43:00.002-05:00

On the fifth day of school at about 11:30, the door flung open and a tiny child marched in We were in the midst of Writer's Workshop and he announced, "My name is (insert his mother's name) and I only speak Italian and French." Well, I told him that he was in the wrong room and sent him away. Fifteen minutes later the principal walked him back and said that he was indeed a new student in my room. He couldn't zip his coat, tie his shoes, would get lost walking down the hall and found sitting in his seat a challenge. He spent most of his time giggling, falling out of his chair, licking the floor, touching outlets and rolling around. He wound up growing into my favorite students of all time.

Another one of this student's many baffling habits was that he used to throw up. At least two times a day. I'm not exaggerating. After every breakfast and every lunch for the three years that I worked with him he was always soooo excited to eat that he would eat way too quickly since he loved, I mean loved eating. He would close his eyes and savor every bite, every day.

There were monthly obsessions. First he was drawn to globes, then the Simpsons and after that the army. This kid didn't just like reading or learning about the army, he lived it. During recess he would be attempting barrel rolls as other kids were playing kickball and jumping rope. He requested to be called Sarge.

This month his focus was on collecting acorns. He would hoard acorns daily in his pockets, clothes or anywhere he could fit them. One day, he failed to get his pat down before he entered the regular education classroom for social studies. I was busy chasing another student who was on the loose somewhere in the school causing trouble. Amidst the chaos, he strutted down the hall and into the fourth grade classroom. The class was finishing their maps that had been painstakingly glued, painted and labeled. Two weeks of work had been dedicated to these maps. My student decides to smell one of the acorns that he had been clutching in his hand.

I heard the click, clack of heals approaching and could sense that something was wrong. Hea...ther!!!! Come down to room 211...immediately!!! I rushed down the hall and entered the room. As I turned the corner I saw my student grinning sheepishly as his eyes darted nervously around. There was throw up all over the table on top of about six projects. Oh No! What happened?

Well, he stammered. I smelled the acorn and it smelled like apples and somehow it slipped down my throat. Then I threw up.
The fourth grade teacher was shaking and looked horrified as she explained that she had to give him the hymlic maneuver because he was choking...on...you guessed it...an acorn.

The Business of Being Born

2009-01-04T20:54:00.000-05:00

http://www.movietome.com/pages/media_player/index.php?video_id=P6_C1aw96E643wG7ogU

The Sledgehammer

2009-01-04T11:09:00.001-05:00

I'm clumsy. This statement is a complete understatement.

I've given myself a black eye by attempting to dislodge a boom-box speaker that had a lot of candle wax from college dripped on it ( The hotel I worked at sent me to HR to let me know that it is never OK to be in an abusive relationship. That same day my father-in-law pulled my now husband to the side to tell him, "You NEVER, NEVER hit a woman. How in the world can someone give themselves a black eye?" It is impossible...so he thought)

I knocked the wind out of myself out 9 years ago falling off my bike in the Charles Hotel parking garage. While trying to show Michelle, a girly girl, how to swing a bat correctly, got hit really hard by Vinny on accident with a metal bat in the side playing baseball as a kid in his backyard. (His mother thought he had damaged my uterus.) I managed to slip on the bottom of my floor length "Snow" costume and fell down a steep flight of banister free stairs at the John Harms theatre right before a Nutcracker entrance from the wings. (This badly bruised my tailbone but I collected myself and pushed through the pain to make it to my second entrance.) Somehow I burn myself with my soldering iron with each stained glass piece I make and the stories go on and on. As you can imagine, I manage to make each day eventful by slipping, falling and tripping. My students barely even notice any more.

A month ago, I had met up with my best friend from grammar school. I hadn't seen her in over ten years. I managed to trip over an enormous concrete block and fell to the ground partially under the car. We both cracked up. It was the perfect ice breaker. She was stunned that I hadn't changed.

Once I was racing Dan to the mailbox at an apartment building where we lived. Oh yea. I am super, super competitive. I had to beat him. We raced down the four flights of stairs and darted across the building. I tried to push him to the side. Instead, as I ran at super speed I tripped and was air born over a flight of stairs. Unfortunately, I landed on my left butt cheek. Oh my goodness. It really hurt. Over the next month it changed colors like a gobstopper. The most humorous fact of all is that I used to train as a ballet dancer 6-7 days a week for 12 years, yet I am a complete and utter klutz.

Well, my husband had not realized the pending danger of the task. I was hell bent on breaking up the ugly broken concrete walkway. My view is that anyone can do anything and I will attempt anything. Since I have an exhausting amount of energy and enjoy accomplishing tasks, Dan commented that I could walk down the street to the hardware store and purchase a sledgehammer. Just as soon as his suggestion passed his lips, I was on my way. He began to panic and said a prayer that I would return with both eyes intact and not require an ambulance trip to the nearest hospital.

I made it to the hardware store and began looking for the items that we needed. A sledgehammer, pick axe and a square nosed shovel. As I paid for my items and began the trek home I began to giggle. I thought of the passengers in the cars that were passing me on Massachusetts Avenue. Here I was in the middle of summer, on a busy street wandering down the road with three curiously oversized items. I looked as if I was going to burry a body. Well as I was chuckling I tripped on a crack in the broken sidewalk and the heavy items I was balancing shifted. The bottom of the sledgehammer bumped against the tree. I was thrown back. It had smacked me in the temple.

I was seeing stars and began to tear up. It was the kind of hurt that is so painful that at first you feel nothing. Then the throbbing begins.

I couldn't help but chuckle at my Mr. Magoo-like performance.

My Barbie Needs to Go on a Diet

2009-01-04T11:08:00.003-05:00

My co-teacher shared with me that her 7 year old was playing with Barbies the other day and was putting them on "diets". What the heck is wrong with our society?
We need to work on changing advertising to boost self-images of children. Do we really need almost every commercial to have an underlying sex sells vibe? We need to replace our sex sells advertising with the actual product. Maybe then children won't be starving themselves, throwing up, hating themselves and focusing on being "pretty and sexy" in elementary school...never mind middle and high school.

The SneezeCough

2009-01-04T10:21:00.002-05:00

So, we were sitting in Morning Meeting earlier this year sharing one at a time what our favorite book was. Everyone was acting appropriately, somehow. Students were listening attentively, paying attention and actively invested in this mornings "sharing" activity.

Well, one of my special students suddenly Sneezecoughed. That is the best way I can describe it. He attempted to cover his mouth and nose, but it happened so quickly. Phlegm from either his mouth or nose was projected into the air and traveled for about 6 or so feet. Really. In an arc. All eyes were following this gelatinous fluid as it sailed through the air. In our disbelief it was headed squarely for the coolest student in the class. Noooooo! Blood pulsed in my ears and I braced myself for the ultimate freek-out just as it landed with a slurp, on the one shoe that would be the worst, sport, possible. I looked at my co-teacher and she stared back. The room was still. I could feel inappropriate laughter swell in me. I couldn't laugh. I had to set an example. I turned away from the circle to collect myself. We tried to keep it together, pretending that nothing had just happened. Then the giggles completely washed over my co-teacher and me at the same time. The special student kept profusely appologizing in the most earnest way imaginable and the cool kid was, for the first time ever, rising to the occasion and was able to laugh at the situation. The whole class erupted in deep, belly rolling laughter. For a while we were all hysterically laughing sharing in a moment that would live in fourth grade history.

Facebook has indeed taken over

2009-01-03T15:54:00.004-05:00

I was hesitant to join the cult of FB and had been baffled by others that were sucked in until I became one of them. I spent way, way too much time reconnecting with people that I hadn't spoken to in ten plus years. I even met up with my old best friend from elementary school in Boston. It was a lot of fun but strange to be hanging out and catching up knowing that we would most likely never "meet up" again. It was a bit awkward. Being able to interface with everyone I have ever met was at first strangely alluring. Being able to throw sheep at people, have a sewage plant named after me and send more useless spam that I could have ever dreamed possible was a lot of fun. I have decided to take a break from social networking. Connecting with old friends, playing WordTwist and being able to see pic's of my friend's kids as well as my own amazing nieces and nephew was great. For that FB, I thank you!

Drove to Northampton on Friday and hung out. I miss that place. Never made to Amherst... next time. Found a print of Obama that is now hanging in the kitchen, some catchy t-shirts for Dan at Faces and ate Bueno for lunch, diner and lunch the next day. The soft taco's with mild sauce are sooooooo heavenly. It was worth the drive. Bueno Y Sano....yummy

Not looking forward to Monday, but how can I complain. Working 180 days a year helping kids is a pretty sweet deal. I can't imagine working in an office 9 to 5 with only a couple of weeks off for vacation. That death march would eat at my soul. I try not to complain too much. I love the world that Dan and I have created for ourselves. I am a lucky, lucky woman and happier than a bipolar kid on a good day!

Citgo and Fenway Park

2009-01-02T22:52:00.001-05:00

Just started working on two new pieces that I'm really excited about. One piece is of the Citgo sign and Fenway. (I have yet to find stained glass pic's of these Boston landmarks.) The other piece is my interpretation of DNA. So far, there are only drawings of each.

Got Milk? You should. Watch this documentary of Harvey Milk.

2009-01-02T21:58:00.000-05:00

http://www.hulu.com/watch/49577/the-times-of-harvey-milk

2008-12-14T13:01:00.001-05:00

"There is a vitality, a life-force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You have to keep open and aware directly to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open."
- Martha Graham to colleague Agnes DeMille

2008-11-24T18:10:00.000-05:00

2008-07-25T23:05:00.000-04:00

Dan's First Piece

2008-07-25T16:42:00.000-04:00

We cut into the wall in the kitchen and inserted a piece of glass.

2008-07-03T08:12:00.000-04:00

Heritage Glass in Lexington and Stained Glass Works in West Roxbury are two of my favorite stores to buy glass and supplies.

2008-07-02T18:55:00.000-04:00

The following stained glass creations are for your viewing pleasure.

Stay tuned for pix of pieces that are for sale at a local store.....

panel inserted into door/ Our house # is coincidentally Celtic legend, Larry Bird's, hence the color scheme.

2008-07-02T17:56:00.002-04:00

2008-07-02T17:50:00.000-04:00

2008-07-02T17:33:00.000-04:00