Courage

"Trees" that H made from weeds in the yard

I visited with my mom today while the rest of my gang headed to the NHRA Nationals.  It is now late at night and I received a text that they are on their way home after a fun time.  I'm glad.  I had fun too. 

A couple of times today the subject of discouragment came up.  I had two seperate conversations with two people, but both revolved around the notion of children being discouraged by teachers and how that affected the children as they grew and later once they became adults.  The discouragement faced for both students centered on their creativity, one with painting, the other student their writing.  

I came home tonight and decided to blog on this idea of how in life we are guided so much by the feedback we receive as children and how much of what we do as children is for the first time.  Our young years are a time when children are so tender and oftentimes teachers are not encouraging of the efforts put forth on the firstfruits of their students.  How many times do teachers point out the wrong thing instead of finding something good and complimenting it, nurturing it and watching it grow?  Pointing out the wrong brings with it a desire NOT to reattempt in an effort to avoid more bad feelings.  Our creativity is very personal and judgment upon it is subjective. 

 en·cour·age

   /ɛnˈkɜrɪdʒ, -ˈkʌr-/ Show Spelled[en-kur-ij, -kuhr-] Show IPA

verb (used with object), en·cour·aged, en·cour·ag·ing.

1.

to inspire with courage, spirit, or confidence: His coach encouraged him throughout the marathon race to keep on running.

2.

to stimulate by assistance, approval, etc.: One of the chief duties of a teacher is to encourage students.

3.

to promote, advance, or foster: Poverty often encourages crime.  

 

 

I am a mother, teacher and leader.  I admit that I do not always encourage as I should.  I discourage more often than I'd like to admit.  As we begin yet another schoolyear (I have a Freshman this year and two middle-schoolers!), I pledge to remember to encourage more.  I will concentrate on finding something good about everything--especially the first tries in creativity. 

In a Pickle

It is good to be back in the blogging community.  I just read a couple of my favorites and am now inspired to restart mine.  I've taken a break over the summer to spend some much needed time with family.  My sister and her family were home from Mexico for a little over a month.  It was pure joy to spend some time with them and sad to see them go last week.  It's been such a long time since I've  blogged, that I am a little unsure how to even get pictures from my camera/phone.  I'm in the middle of an update to some software that I use to assist me in retrieving photos from my phone.  I'm not always sure it really is easier.  (note that it is now a day later and I've finally figured out how to get the pictures)

This year I took on the position of Administrative Director for our homeschool group's drama.  This year we are performing, Cinderella:  The Enchanted Version.   Yesterday and today were auditions.  So begins the LONG drama season.  (Actually I've been working on this since May)  Performances are at the end of October and beginning of November.  Whew! 

In the middle of this, I made freezer pickles yesterday.  I haven't done that in YEARS and it felt good!  The boys have been (half-way) tending a veggie garden for a merit badge they are working on for Scouts.  I say "half-way" because between being gone so much for the summer visits and the water bans, the garden has gone a bit wild.  We have harvested cucumbers and one tomato so far! 
Here are the photos of the pickles.  I can't wait to try them.  I think that C may be the only other member of my family to appreciate their goodness.  No one else likes the onions!


Mutant cucumber from friend's garden. 
It's two cucumbers from same stem.
Notice the size next to the deck of cards!

"Taco Salad Bowl" of cucumbers in brine to soak overnight.

5 Quarts of Freezer Pickles!