Summer at dusk

cotton candy clouds
with dashes of lavender
orange zest and golden rod
the sun beams as it makes
its final debut for the day

the sky lightly darkens
and I can't decide
if the light is easy
on my eyes
or if I'm squinting
because of it

a cool breeze
tickles my face
placing my hair
behind my ears
I am relieved the tradewinds
have returned

our walk ensues
summer at dusk
unwinding as you
gently nudge her stroller
while I cool down my pace
"slow down," you say
so I take a deep breath
slowing exhaling
a reminder to take it
all in

what did I do
in my past life
to deserve such
beauty
summer at dusk.

Summer + Dads

I am disappointed in myself that my last post was on June 5, but I guess it shows how much fun I have been having so far this summer. It has been a busy couple of weeks with friends in town, family get-togethers, sleeping in, lots of beach time, staycations and more! It has been an amazing summer so far and the rest of it looks even brighter.

Although it is summer, I think I need to set some goals for the remainder of break.

1. Read at least five more books... hurry up and finish Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why

2. Post pics from my "work-vacation" on blog

3. Brainstorm some new writing lessons for the upcoming school year

4. Exercise

5. Clean the bathrooms!

Yes, this is quite a general list of goals. No solid deadlines. No pressure. Relax. It's summer.

:)

AND... HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to all who care for children... 

you are priceless.

My husband and daughter playing Konane, an ancient Hawaiian game similar to Checkers.

A Working Vacation

I am currently participating in a "tri-campus planning session" this week. It actually began yesterday and will conclude tomorrow. The new school that I will be teaching at has a campus on three different islands; Oahu, Big Island, and Maui. The school has brought together all of the English teachers from the three campuses to collaborate and work on developing writing rubrics that will be consistent across the board. Besides working, we will also be partaking in cultural practices and enjoying the outdoors.
It does seem as if I just finished with my school year, and I am getting right back into it again; however, I am very excited to meet my new colleagues and to collaborate with them.

My husband and daughter are here as well with a good family friend of ours, but I won't see them until Wednesday evening. It is the first time I am spending three nights without my daughter! Can we say anxiety? She's just fine, it is her mommy who is overwhelmed! I am looking forward to spending the second-half of the week with them. Things have been hectic lately, so it will be nice to give my family my undivided attention.

Okay, Slicers. Have a wonderful writing Tuesday, and I'll see y'all next week with some pics from our pseudo-vacation and ideas from the work sessions. 

It's not goodbye...

Today is my final day teaching at a wonderful school. As I venture on to new challenges at another school, this is the letter I wrote to the faculty and staff.


Hello, Maryknoll family.

Today is my final day here. It is bittersweet to have an opportunity to start a new journey, but at the same time have to leave the place that helped shape who you've become and what you believe in. That is how I have been feeling this past week. The friendships that were built throughout my six years here will always be ones that I will treasure. I thought that the students would be the number one thing I would miss, but I've come to the realization that it will be the people I worked beside and those who have mentored me -- Admin, Faculty, and Staff. Saying hello to people in the work room and in passing was always important to me because I wanted to get to know everyone. There are so many special memories! 

One memory that resonates with me is when I was pregnant with Emalia and the outpouring of support and generosity throughout that time period, as well as the amazing baby shower that we had! That is my favorite part about being at this school; the love and sense of community that exists. I will take those values along with me and make sure that people know I am from Maryknoll. 

I have been given endless opportunities during my time here, and I hope that you will keep in touch with me. I'll send pictures of Emalia growing up, and hopefully in her school uniform...although now I will be paying tuition! :) My family and I thank you for everything, and I wish each and every one of you the best as we all continue on our own personal journeys. 

It certainly is not goodbye...just a "see you soon!"

Me ke aloha,

Mandy