Born to Learn

 "Adolescence is not a problem; it's an opportunity."


Take some time for Born to Learn

Maurice Sendak

As I was browsing the news this morning, something immediately caught my eye. It was the announcement that children's author and illustrator, Maurice Sendak had passed away. Sendak's Where The Wild Things Are was definitely one of my favorite stories to read growing up, and one that I will read with my daughter as she grows up. Some critics felt that the story was too dark for young children, but I remember never being scared of the oversized "monsters" in Max's world because they took this young boy on an amazing journey that I too, wanted to be a part of. One thing I will always remember from reading the story was learning the word, supper. Growing up in Hawaii, there is no "supper," only dinner time, and I clearly remember my mom explaining to me what supper was. 

HarpersCollins, 1962

Scholastic Records, c. 1981

I have to admit though, there were two other Maurice Sendak stories that I loved even more. Chicken Soup With Rice: A Book of Months and Pierre. These two were daily reads for me. My parents even bought the 7" vinyl record with book set, so I could listen and read along to the clever words and catchy tunes. (music by the amazing Carole King!)

"In May I truly think it best

To be a robin lightly dressed

Concocting soup inside my nest

Mix it once, mix it twice

Mix that chicken soup

with rice!"

 Maurice Sendak's imaginative stories helped me foster a love for reading as I grew older. Good night, Mr. Sendak! Sweet dreams.

VlogBrothers

I'm not a big YouTube user; I mainly use it to stay abreast with the latest talk circulating my seventh grade classroom. But, I am a big John Green* fan! (not to mention, I also have a secret crush) So, besides using YouTube to keep me "in the know" with my students, I also use it to view John and Hank Green's (they're brothers) VlogBrothers channel. 

If I had to describe this vlog in three words, it would be: 

Genius + Hilarious + Awesome. 

According to the Green Brothers, the mission of their vlog is raising nerdy to the power of awesome. There are so many topics covered; from current events, YA lit, "How To," debunking misconceptions, the list goes on. Basically, they are here to teach us the stuff we don't know. And boy, it is quite an engaging learning experience!  If you still aren't convinced to click on this link and visit VlogBrothers, then maybe some of their vlog titles will convince you.

"A Surreal Descent into Madness: Reviewing Children's TV"

"Disgusting Cookies: The 2012 Hunger Games"

"5 Worst Typos of History"

"Can I Be Space President"

"Idiotic Governance: How Our Political Discourse Hurts Our Economy"

"Springtime Hunger Games Zit Bully Walk"

"On Cuties and Cooties"

"2011 Presidential Anagrams!"

*John Green is a New York Times Bestselling Author of Looking For Alaska, Paper Towns, An Abundance of Katherines, Will Grayson Will Grayson, and most recently, The Fault in Our Stars. 

Inspired by

Two Writing Teachers inspires the writer within me.


Two Writing Teachers saved my life.
Yes, I realized that is a very heavy statement, but they did.
I was lost in motherhood with nothing to call my own.
And then destiny called logged on,
and I discovered the Slice of Life.
A little bit about your day,
a chunk, a piece, a slice.
A story.
Once-a-week.
Tuesdays to be exact.
Behold, a challenge!
I love like a challenge.
SOLSC = Slice of Life Story Challenge
Hence, The Chockboard.
Every single day in March, I wrote.
and wrote.
and wrote.
31 days straight.
It was exhilarating!
Writer's block is not exhilarating, but sharing your writing
with other writers IS.
Who cares if your grammar isn't up to par
or if your spelling is somewhat spontaneous?

Teachers, beware!
Two Writing Teachers
will refuel you
and your writing teacher habits.
Refreshing ideas, encouragement, and shared experiences
is what Two Writing Teachers is all about.
Teachers building capacity within one another makes
every single classroom flourish
and TWT is where it's at.

Thank you, Ruth & Stacey!

Inspired by

Inspired by: LIVING.
Christy Rush-Levine, blog author. 

I discovered this blog in March when I participated in my first-ever Slice of Life Story Challenge over at Two Writing Teachers. The first post I read was titled, My Books Are Calling to Me. Christy's TBR shelf begins to compete for her attention. Which should be read first? Why is one book better than another? A quirky and engaging post, I was interested in more. As I began to read more, I really began to enjoy Christy's blog not only for the subject matter, but for the quality of writing. Reading this blog makes me say to myself, "Why can't I write like that?!"

This blog is inspiring because it highlights the author's passion for reading, writing, and learning. She has another wonderful blog titled, Reading Beyond the Middle, in which she reviews and recommends books for her former students. That dedication to helping her students continue to be readers is an inspiring trait, don't you think?

Two inspirational blogs by one great writer.

Inspired by

There are a billion blogs out there in the blog-o-sphere, and I enjoy reading and learning from many of them. I appreciate people's openness, humor, intelligence, and random musings. There are a few that inspire me though, and I want to share one with you.

I am Inspired by the blog, Spill Beans.  

And I think you will be, too. Spill Beans has so much to share; amazing beliefs, points-of-view, humor, knowledge, creativity... the list goes on. I am on a mission to read the archived posts of this blog because every time I visit, I am usually intrigued and the wheels in my brain really start turning. I either learn something new, have some of my ideas validated, forced to questions things, think critically, gather something to share with my middle school students, laugh, cry, or logoff in frustration. Spill Beans is always written in an invitingly manner, never condescending, and always with purpose. There are many inspiring blogs out there, but I think you should go check this one out first and read what I am talking about. Thank you for inspiring me on a daily basis, Spill Beans!!!

I am eager to share the next blog that inspires me... until then.

Dad.

a man of few words
stoic yet gentle
clever, witty, humorous
never first, but always
last
always walking a step
behind
chivalrous, supportive
strength never to be surpassed

I always wonder how you do it, Dad.
Raising three girls to be strong, independent, respectful women.
Loving mom unconditionally, being patient with all of us as much as you can.
Mom says you never needed a son. I believe it wholeheartedly.
Every single day, including today, you live for us.
Forgiving, understanding, compassionate.
How can any other man in our lives emulate the man you are?

a man of few words
stoic yet gentle
clever, witty, humorous
never first, but always
last
always walking a step
behind
chivalrous, supportive
strength never to be surpassed

Dad.

My mom's wig

If you happened to read one of my first slices earlier in March, you would know that my mom has breast cancer. She completed her second round of chemotherapy this past week and is doing well. Her spirits are high and she believes wholeheartedly in maintaining a positive attitude. She calls it her "health hurdle." Today, she shaved the patches of hair that did not fall out yet. She was very concerned about losing her hair because she felt that this would clearly identify her as someone with cancer to those whom she may not have wanted to talk to about it with. It was also a vanity issue as well, who wants to lose their hair?

Today turned out to be an amazing day for my mom. She received a wig from a well-known local hairstylist who specializes in helping those who lose their hair from cancer. My mom loves her wig and it looks fantastic on her. She was able to obtain one that held that special "salt and pepper" color, similar to her natural hair. My mom is ecstatic because her natural hair was becoming very thin, and the wig is nice and full. She says that she will continue using it even after chemo and when her hair grows back!

I was concerned that it would be an emotional day for her, and I am sure it was, but not in the way I imagined. It was emotional for me because I was able to witness once more, the truly strong woman that my mother is. She is a living example to me and my sisters, and my daughter, that whatever adversities we may need to face throughout our lives, it is unnecessary to allow them to keep us from making each day our best day. An inspiration. Deep breath.

Emalia

Daughter
I breathed you in
the moment you were released
into the world to make your mark
to question
to love
to empathize
to lead
to be yourself

Daughter
your bright spirit
gives me new life
day in
day out
my purpose redefined
to strengthen your wings
so you can fly
Fly!

Daughter
a reminding smile
of innocence
of peace
of a better place
a heart so pure
so soft
so real
so vibrant

Daughter
the beat of my heart
time quickly passing by
priceless moments
left to reminisce
my memory holds strong
like my arms around you
slow down
I need
to fully embrace you

Cultivating Genius in the 21st Century

Here is a very interesting article from Wired Magazine (March 2012) on the need for more creative minds. A thoughtful look into how we can generate geniuses, especially because we need them more now than ever. I can't do the article justice, so you should click on the link below. Cheers!


Cultivating Genius in the 21st Century
Written by Jonah Lehrer
Wired Magazine March 2012

A poem for Jackson

My one and only nephew is three months old today! He belongs to my sweet sister, Jenn and her dashing husband, John. My daughter is absolutely in love with him! Although these two cousins are only nine months apart, my daughter already wants to take care of him by snuggling up to him and attempting to give him some kisses. I am elated that they are close in age and will have the opportunity to grow up together and not only be cousins, but hopefully genuine friends. I have already reserved him to be my daughter's date to her high school prom! (Overbearing mother? Absolutely.) In honor of my nephew's first three months on planet Earth, I wrote him his first poem.

Jackson Luke Keoni Wells

and your amazingly kissable cheeks

We awaited your arrival

for more than forty weeks

Action Jackson

your superhero name

Just like Luke Skywalker 

of Star Wars fame

Big brown oculi

mesmerizing stare

skin soft and tender

a pigment so fair

Observing the world around you

with a toothless little grin

you have so much to offer

Where will you begin?

A family overwhelmed 

with happiness

since your very first coo 

Jackson Luke Keoni Wells

a name for only you.

HB MOM!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Today is my mother's birthday, the fifth of March, my fifth day of slicing. She gifted the world with three daughters and nurtured each of them in her own special way. My mother continues to love us and our dad unconditionally. She adores her two grandchildren and shows them the values of kindness, compassion, and respect. Her smile, positive attitude, and excitement for life is contagious.

Today is the beginning of her continuation of life. There will be struggles and challenging days ahead that she has never faced before, but her husband, daughters, family, and friends will be right beside her. We will hold her hand, listen to her, watch her, love and support her through it all. There are so many more of life's adventures awaiting her tenacity. A life without my mother would be incomplete for she has made me whole.

Cancer.

Cancer. What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear this word? Probably not the most positive thoughts, no? My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in February. Cancer in her milk duct. Yes, milk duct. The thing that gave me and my sisters health, nutrition, and life. I always heard of women with breast cancer, knew women and families affected by breast cancer, and participated in those Susan B. Komen "Race for the Cure" runs, but never did I think that breast cancer would directly affect my own flesh and blood. Naive? Yes. Sheltered? Yes. Brought back to reality? Definitely.

My mom's doctor was able to remove the somewhat small cancerous area, including a couple of cancerous lymphnodes; however, she must still undergo approximately a year's worth of chemotherapy. Her chemo treatments begin this Monday, March 5. This day is also my mom's birthday. An inappropriate time to be receiving your first chemotherapy treatment, in my opinion, but when is the appropriate time, anyway? The sooner the better, no matter what.

It is a surreal feeling for me when I think about my mom having breast cancer. A stormy mix of emotions that only result in pessimistic thoughts. All of the "what ifs" that plague my mind and then I have to remind myself to stop being so selfish. It isn't about me. It is about my mother. It is about my father, too, who will be taking care of her as she endures her chemo treatments. My mom has a contagious, uplifting spirit and once she accepted the fact that she had breast cancer, has been nothing but optimistic with her "let's get this chemo treatment started...the sooner it starts, the sooner it'll be done," attitude. Amazing. I think that is why it has been a tough pill for me to swallow. A mother who put herself and her needs after all of ours (like millions of other matriarchs), and for myself, unsure of the unknown, having faith that every challenge from here on out will be tackled successfully.