Bird Droppings December 21, 2012 Should we try to find topsoil midst an erosion of soul?   “To be rooted is perhaps the most important and least recognized need of the human soul.” Simone Weil   “The need for roots,” I saw this idea earlier as I web surfed thinking and pondering this morning or…

Bird Droppings December 20, 2012 What of life?   Morning is a special time a beginning of sorts for each day. For me several aspects of taking the dog out, sitting down, writing and reading have in many ways become a significant part of my day. I walked out this morning and felt the coldness…

Bird Droppings December 19, 2012 What do we really know?   “Teachers are one of the most important resources a nation has for providing the skills, values and knowledge that prepare young people for productive citizenship – but more than this, to give sanctuary to their dreams and aspirations for a future of hope, dignity…

Bird Droppings December 18, 2012 Being patient   I find the end of a semester both exciting and sad at the same time. There are students who I will see every day coming by my room and others possibly never again as in a large high school it is easy to remain hidden away if…

Bird Droppings December 16&17, 2012 Reading about your own views sometimes offers a clue   After thirty four years of marriage yesterday it seemed almost like day one. Every day and each day keeps getting better. Periodically I will receive at some odd hour of the night and or morning a paper to review for…

Bird Droppings December 15, 2012 Placing the puzzle pieces in specified places   “In order to learn the nature of the myriad things, you must know that although they may look round or square, the other features of oceans and mountains are infinite in variety; whole worlds are there. It is so not only around…

Bird Droppings December 13, 2012 Go up another rung!   A week of testing is nearly ended and the mountain is nearly climbed as we approach the holidays. I even with my aversion to shopping will be going out with my wife to brave the masses of the malls over the weekend and finish up…

Bird Droppings December 12, 2012 Are there any possibilities?   “Life has no limitations, except the ones you make.” Les Brown   I was sitting talking with one of my sons yesterday remembering when I was their age. I should say trying to remember when I was their age that would be more appropriate. It…

Bird Droppings December 11, 2012 Longing for the simplicity   My reading and writing has taken a beating with the getting ready for the end of the semester, a trip to North Carolina and new grandbaby, and driving my wife to and from work since she broke her foot. Of course nothing would have stopped…

Bird Droppings December 10, 2012 We seek the Holy Grail in education, but should be looking for a paper cup   “Instead of seeing these children for the blessings that they are, we are measuring them only by the standard of whether they will be future deficits or assets for our nation’s competitive needs.”  Jonathan…