I'm an Aquarian so the Waterways are Centralizing, Sanitizing, Calming, & Necessary to My Soul. Thankful to Each & Every Time I Can Gaze at the Water

I grew up on lakes. Fishing. Swimming, Watching the way the natural world fuels its soul at the greatness of water. I've always found calm on beaches, watching waves, walking on sand, and starrng into the reality that so much water is what this world is made of...we need it to stay alive. Last night, I had the fortune to walk to Walnut Beach to celebrate Bev's retirement, but also to process a rather ugly day. Such views matter. The peace one finds along the water is what keeps me mentally stable and focused.

Long before I was here and long after I depart, I hope that waterways sooth the serenity of other souls. As I age and lose the energy of a life well lived, I hope to always channel the beauty of where sky, water, and land meet. I love the light, the colors, the importance, and the balance of such a world (one that has been off kilter for the entirety of human life, but definitely off its rocker in the last decade or so). 

I need more time to sit and think...to rest my brain...to calm my nerves...and to settle a restless soul. This morning, I am simply thinking about how important such moments are.

I am looking to the Great Whatever for more answers, better humans, a stronger guidance to cherish life on a planet....one planet of many where art, ideas, dialogue, and democracy are possible.

I am counting my blessings, but also very aware of the ugliness in others. And I'm trying to make sense of it on a Saturday morning, where I'm feeling powerless against the stupidity of it all. A scene like this, though, gives me hope. 

Hope, that pesky lil' evil left in Pandora's box, is all we have left.

So Happy for My Dear Friend, Beverly Robinson, and Her Retirement Today from Campus. She Represents All that Is Good & Right, Just, & Kind. Wishing the Best Her Way.

I stopped by Beverly Robinson's office yesterday to deliver flowers so she can plant them outside her home. I told her, "Yes, you're my friend, but I also appreciate you as a colleague and champion for students. You've been the face and voice for so many of our graduate students and you deserve tremendous recognition and applause simply because you are wonderful."

Tonight, we celebrate her with a friendship toast over tequila.

When I think about the people I work with ... the good ones...the fair ones, and the believers of  kindnesss and doing right by students, staff, and faculty, I think about Beverly Robinson. She has always been dedicated, loyal to the mission, humorous, and willing to step up for the team. 

It saddens me to know she is retiring from our campus and today is her last day, but I also know she deserves to say, "Adios" to the work. I am a better human being knowing she was in the Kelly Center. I'm fortunate that I learned young that most locations are built by such individuals who are often the unsung heroes behind the scene. I'm thankful she and her husband became my friends and I love all the time we spend together off campus.

Bev deserves this retirement, as she's always been a fantastic person for all who know her: a great mother, a witty mind, an irreplaceable friend, and a dedicated employee. 

I'm happy that after today she is free from the day-to-day grind. She can now concentrate on harassing Leo's eating habits, enjoy more beach time, love her wonderful sons even more than she already does, and rest her mind with good books, movies, series, and jokes.

She is beyond deserving.

Congratulations, Bev Robinson (here's to you, Mrs. Robinson). All love and appreciation for a great woman! I'm looking forward to celebrating more tonight.

Then There is the Bussing Metaphor of What @WritingProject Directors Do to Make Literacy Opportunities Possible

Being a National Writing Project site director is a business, as well as a job with scholarly intentions. Writing grants make opportunities possible, but getting kids to locations costs money and introduces conundrums the every day scholar tends not to know. What is a district's policy? Who do they contract with? How do they get paid? How do arrangements get made? It's something, and every district has its own policies. We teach, we research, we plan, we offer ourselves to service, we do professional development, and we figure out ways to make things happen.

I spent yesterday arranging buses for eight schools to have students transported to the University for an author day, where they can come to Fairfield University for writing and scholastic opportunity. I was thinking of my older sister who works with busing companies all the time and I had to wonder, does she know how drastically different every school district is? I'm not sure if she has to pay the drivers, but I do, and there's never a single, easy way to accomplish this! The layers of each school meets the layers of my own. Thick...thick payers.

Ah, but if it is good for kids, I'll figure it out. I've already learned it's best to have a go-to person to work with....it will be difficult, but a good contact makes it easier.

This is the unseen work of doing good for young people. I imagine any K-12 teacher trying to arrange this (and I'm thinking about senior trips to St. Augustine and summer visits to Roskilde, Denmark, on this). It would be much, much easier to say, "Forget about it. The kids won't get the opportunity," but that isn't the way good teaching occurs. You strive so they can thrive. 

I am definitely more gray after yesterday, but we have transportation mostly arranged. Now I have to deal with the University systems to make sure all the bus drivers get paid. Who knew grant-writing and having success would be this monstrous? Wait. I do, because I've been doing it for over 13 years. Trust me...it's not easy and it is unpaid work that makes you think you're going mad. 

And it is only one of the i's crossed and one t's dotted. But for 100+ kids, it is worth it. I'm looking forward to every second. 

I Aim to Share the Beautiful @initiative211 Recognition of a Divergent Award with the K-12 Brilliance That Makes @cwpfairfield Work Possible

Last night I had dinner with teacher David Wooley, sharing his excellence and hard work in K-12 teaching. David participated in CWP-Fairfield's teacher leadership institute in 2016 and was quick to bring his hip-hop integrity to the cohort. He's been a stellar, connected mind for national efforts and truly represents the best in writing instruction: diversity, inclusivity, and empowerment to the next generation of thinkers. He brings his teachers-teaching-teachers way to Westhill High School in Stamford, and is always willing to offer professional development, share classroom achievement, and provide summer opportunities for Connecticut youth. Ah, and he is retiring in 2024!!! (sort of). Dave's an emblem of the great work K-12 teachers do and absolutely is deserving of the Implementation Award given to the CWP-Fairfield team. 

 We love National Writing Project teachers who believe that the best way to improve K-12 writing instruction is the result of an investment from University, national, and local collaborations that bring effective literacy practices to the next generation. Dave represents the best of the nation...a product of SUNY Albany English Education.

Here's to him. So wonderful to have dinner in his home last night and to have an opportunity to share the recognition we received for teacher leadership and youth programming. He is a champion who strives for excellence in our nation's schools. He's also a master at the grill (but I'm not sure he's ready to host all of us in the National Writing Project network just yet...although we'd be better people from a conversation he'd bring to the table)

Happy Wednesday and National Teacher Appreciation Week. 

Celebrating the Beauty of Mathematical Literacies and Teaching. The Class of 2025 with Dr. KImberly Barbara and Her Excellence

We had out our annual Celebration of Teaching and Teachers, with 36 student teachers have met the requirements of student teaching, supervision, certification, and EdTPA, including the stellar mathematicians from Fairfield University mentored by Dr. Kimberly Barba. 

We had our cupcakes, vegetables, fruit, hummus, and cheese platters, but more importantly is the joy that comes from supervision, mentorship, guidance, and student relationships of several schools in southern Connecticut. This is true for special educators, English educators, science educators, and teachers in elementary education. The amount of curriculum, guidance, love, passion, and hard work they've had to give to get a license in Connecticut is immeasurable (and impressive). The impact they will have for generations and generations of young people is simply beautiful, too. 

It was 1996 when I chose not to attend my own commencement, but finished a teaching certification, is coupled with my choice to stay behind for two more years and to completed a second Masters degree. I was fortunate to start at the top of a Kentucky pay scale. I said to the student teachers last night, that they, too, will balance next steps, new directions, and greater opportunities in the choices they make. 

We do this for kids. We want the best. We hope for a better world. Teaching is a life choice and a super power. 

We empty the ocean with a fork as fast as we can, with or without the institutional bureaucracies that aid us or hinder what we're able to do. 

At the heart of what we do it absolute heart. 

If I could stand on a platform that anyone would pay attention to, it would be to advocate for better schools and the best teachers that choose this profession. We don't have or live a glamorous life, but we all deserve better respect, support, and resources to help us achieve.

It's National Teachers Week and my new motto is, "I deserve better. We deserve better." 

It might be my 2024-2025 t-shirt. But for now, onward.

Year 13 of Hosting a Celebration of Teachers and Teaching at Fairfield University. Tonight, We Applaud Our Student Teachers

As a newbie...a fledgling...the University asked me to help assist the Celebration of Teachers and Teaching with a few senior colleagues. One by one, they've each retired without being replaced, and I've kept the tradition alive. Our students spend a semester in the field, contend with supervision, graduate classes, and more recently EdTPA, and return at the end for next steps in certification and a Capstone project. It is our opportunity to applaud their hard work, the labor of the supervisors, and the graciousness of the hosting schools. 

We are going forward with this tonight and I'm super happy to have Dr. Michelle Farrell to open the ceremony with a teaching talk. I also am thrilled to debut cupcakes from Sonia's. a local bakery that I love to support whenever I can...who doesn't love gourmet cupcakes?

The students will then have two more weeks to recover before the last class which is to get everything ready for the job market. 

Ah, but tonight we have cake (and if you want a story behind this blog post that is a story of everything I know to be true about this tradition and its support for our students feel free to give me a call. The behind the scenes stories are always more fun.

Cold and rainy in Connecticut. Many errands to run today and then there's the grading...always always looming in the background. It's Monday y'all. That's the way it always goes.

Another Successful Pam-Derby, 60th Birthday & Horse Race by a Nose. Always a Wonderful Kentucky Tradition to Carry with Me Wherever I Go

Pam won the race with Mystik Dan, but of course this was the first year we didn't wage bets. We just grabbed horses and said, "no pot, bet for fun." And her horse won. We should have done cash bets.

It was a great celebration on Walnut Beach, although when the sun went under the clouds it was freezing. These old bones needed to sit in a running car to warm up. But it does kick off the good food season, wherever people have picnics and the summer comfort food comes in stereo. Hear! Hear! the fig jam and brie cheese on crackers. I'm in love.

I didn't get any grading done, because I needed to pick up gourmet cupcakes for Monday, run horse prints for the race, and get a good cream for the coleslaw. It was wonderful to see all the relatives, grandkids, friends, and laughter over pulled pork, hamburgers, hotdogs, and salads. Katelyn and Patrick did a great job pulling together a celebration.

Leo painted the sign. 

I returned home, too, to new releases by Penguin Random House which was an absolute joy. And everyone was out getting garden goods at Home Depot. I don't know why people do this on nice days. They should go when it is dreary and keep it at their home for when it is nice instead of facing the crowds on beautiful days. 

But today it rains, so I grade. It's a good thing. I need a slow day to catch up on a semester that has wiped me out. I ate enough yesterday for the week. 

Here's to slowing down a little for a while (he types, knowing it is rarely a style he knows). Day of rest. We'll try.

Taking This Morning to Reflect on the Joy of Teaching (as It is the HEART of What We Do). Focusing on the Great Moments, as Always

Dr. Beth Boquet remains one of the best mentors I've ever had (keeping me focused on what matters most and collaborating with me to support the excellence in all students. We share Nohea, a young woman from Hawaii who declared herself an English major and was taken under the intellectual guidance of Dr. Beth Boquet, too. Nohea has been doing cool work with Hawaiian languages and last semester wrote about YA novels by Hawaiian writers. With Beth's course, she did work on languaging in a grammar course. We put in a proposal for NCTE (Boston) and the two of us will bring 4 of our undergraduate students to present with us and continue the mentoring in the field of English education. 

Last week, Nohea and Beth presented their mentored research at the Fairfield University Research Symposium, where Max and I presented his work (it's all Max...I just drive him nuts with my zany ideas). He's an English and Spanish double major with interest in elementary education and remarkable, too. It's been fantastic having resources and opportunities for mentoring undergraduate students and I'm super impressed by the Corrigan and Humanities opportunities our students are able to apply for and, if funded, achieve. 

Nohea's the type of student who has no problem bringing humor, culture, and smiles to every room she enters. She and Dr. Boquet match perfectly and the growth each and every day is immeasurable (well, we'll measure it in BAWSTON next year. 

Get ready, Massachusetts. We're coming for you.

We're all learning so much!

Back to Karal Who is Focused on Two Things: (1) a Good Walk and (2) Human Visitations so She Can Smother People with Canine Excitement & Insanity

My day began at 7 a.m. yesterday. 60 minutes of work-related chaos before visiting schools and then returning home to a neighbor walking by with his dog and Karal barking spastically that she, too, wanted to be outside. I was then called by the FBI, not because I'm in trouble (wipes sweat from his brow) but because a student of yesteryear was applying for an FBI secretarial job. I was a reference and I answer a good 30-minutes of questions in which I simply had to ask the interviewer, "Um, how are you screening at this level of scrutiny, when one of our presidential applicants would not be able to pass such a screening?" I was told, "Welcome to 2024." It's madness. "Has the applicant ever led anti-United States insurrections or led parades against diversity, immigration, and inclusivity." Well, nope. Not this student. Just presidential candidates.

The panacea in the conversation was when he said, "Yes, we realize that the questions we ask are legitimate for anyone we hire to protect the interests of the United States. We are also aware that some elected officials would never be hired by the FBI because of their anti-U.S. interests." 

Huh? Meanwhile, my dentist is counter to a root canal because she believes it is a poorly constructed, temporary crown which will be replaced next week. Um, okay. So the pain it imaginary and will be fixed with a very expensive replacement. 

I will suffer. There are Advil and codeine. 

Karal just wants to go for a walk and to jump on people with an enthusiasm for life. Meanwhile emergency work-related meetings are popping up. I just want to walk with my dog, too.

Perhaps today there will be space. Lord, the to-do list is enormous.

And Just Like That I'm Returning to My Frog-Self and Trying to Find May Way Towards the Pond Life I Cherish and Need. It's May. Bring on the Peepers

I always say it's best not to make any big decisions in the final-stretch of a semester, especially after carrying so much heaviness for so long. I'm very much looking forward to summer and the rejuvenating part of my year working with teachers and young people from around the southern part of Connecticut. I'm also ready to have another root canal. Advil works miracles, but when it wears off my ear, jaw, and neck are infuriated. Amazing what a tooth-nerve can do. I now understand why cowboys used to have horses yank out a tooth.

The frogs are from the Walsh Gallery and I don't know the artist (or the exhibit) but loved seeing them when I went to see The Percy Jackson Lightening Thief on campus in April. So great to hear Rob Rokicki's lyrics added to Rick Riordan's middle grade story. It made me long for the days of Brown: the creativity, the diversity, the connections with kids, and the funk of a school year. 

Today it is school visits, the dentist, more grading, and hopefully a semblance of sanity after a crazy year. Much has happened and I'm proud of it, but self-care, joy, and purposeful work is what I need to stand for from now one. 

Life's but a walking shadow. This is true for my frog friends, too. 

I sort of like having prompts to kick off my day...to write...to play with words. I also like sleep and good heath, both physically and mentally. I think we all deserve better. That's what I'm concentrating on as we transition out of the 2023-2024 school year. 

Resume normal posts...the fury, the frantic, the contemplative, the disturbed, the curious, and the wonder.

Last Poem, I Promise. 30 Days of #VerseLove '24 and Another Great Year of Dedicating April to the Rain and the Poetics. Calling it Another Cycle

The last prompt...go through 30 days of writing and pull from a line or poem or any other tool to offer a poetic reflection. I started by typing out the prompt titles and then alphabetizing them. This led to almost all the letters, and I thought, "why not try for an abecedarian poem...let the alphabet be a friend?"

It's a hump-day and the return of cold yesterday has put me in a mood of blankets, sleep, and end-of-the-semester exhaustion. A month of poetry has kept me engaged and motivated, but now I have to think ahead to summer work and responsibilities. I also need to grade these projects (which I also don't want to do...and then there are the teeth-issues. Damn crowns). 

But for now, a final poem, which probably will make no sense except to the 100s of writers who participated for a month. I'll be back to clucking normally tomorrow. 

The 29th Poem in a 30 Day #VerseLove '24 Challenge. There's a First Time for Everything. What's That Poetic Story

Yesterday's Monday felt like several weeks compressed into a single day and somehow I survived. Thankful to Dave & Kris feeding me after teaching the last class and the anarchy of uploading EdTPA materials to Pearson. If anyone wants to see the anarchy and sadness of what we do to pre-service teachers should bear witness to this kerfuffle. It is something. 

I went a little e.e. cummings in my response and decided less is more. I got a poem into the universe and that is all that matters. Happy Tuesday and end to April. Bring not he May flowers.

Poem 28, Day 29, #VerseLove '24. The Assignment? Write a Strikethrough Poem with Deletions That Are Part of the Story

Sunday peeved me off. I bought two new Adirondack chairs to replace the ones that rotted after the first year I bought them. Of course, when I opened the boxes of the new ones, one was shipped with broken parts and the 2nd one, upon assembly, had bolts that broke in the final stages. Needless to say, they've both been returned and I got my money back.

I can't, however, get my time back. It's so frustrating. And I've seen it with a lot of do-it-yourself kids. The screws and nuts they send are like kid toys. they break and are super cheap. Nothing is made like it used to be and I want my chairs to sit around a fire. Big Blue Smurfette Tears. It's just annoying.

Anyway, two more days of poems then back to Bryan's regular clucking. I love the Month of April, but I imagine it isn't everyone's favorite posts. 

We're Getting Closer to 30. Poem #27, #VerseLove '24. Mini-Rant Poems, Preferably on a Teaching/Education Bugaboo (Well, That's Easy)

I intended my Saturday to be grading, grading, grading. But I mowed the lawn. I picked up books in New Haven, as well as dropped off some to teachers. I got groceries I needed and responded to email. And I stopped to get other items that have been on my radar. The eating was horrible, the allergies are obnoxious, and a neighbor's house burned down. It was not the day I expected. I didn't know the people - a street over, but the black smoke billowed into all our windows. Not fun at all and it simply triggers worry and sadness. 

The poem was written from a series of emails I was cc'd on where teachers in Bridgeport had to give practice tests in English to prepare students for the State tests in English, even as their students are just learning English. Many districts are policed to test kids in order to prepare kids for later tests of kids, so the only instruction they receive all year is how to take tests, when there are no math or English lessons to actually help kids to learn skills they need. To observe schools is to bear witness to absolute insanity. Teachers lose. Kids lose. And the results always show us what we already knew in the first place. It's simply bonkers. The poorer the district, the more inane the practices pushed down by administrations. 

So, a poem. And a Sunday for more grading. 

Poem 26, #VerseLove24, "Write Poetic Advice for a Poster to Hang in My Room" - a Wonderful Prompt from Oklahoma's Scott (what a teacher!)

I've never wanted a weekend to let my brain go free more than this weekend. I'm fried, y'all, but I finished the week doing Scott's prompt on #VerseLove - he wanted a poem for his students to think about and I thought about the one sign I have in my house - an Emerson quote for living life with joy. I thought about car rides with Pam and all the times we say things and immediately thing we shouldn't have said that. But then, as the prompt comes my way, I see a post of two road signs in some small town in NY (which I created here). Wola! I have material for a poem. The actual sign in this town is funnier, because it's a crematorium with an arrow pointing left, with the advertisement for McDonalds at a bus stop. 

It's supposed to be gray, rainy, and cold, so I have the weekend to grade (and for that I'm thankful. It's been a year for sure. There are times when I simply don't know how I'm still standing. But I stand, because I keep my sense of humor and have friends who do the same. Here's to the weekend.

More than the "Where I'm From" Prompt Into the "Where I Once Was" with a Twist on a Filmic or Character Influence - #VerseLove '24, Poem 25

Has it really been 25 days of poetry? Ah, April. How quickly the time flies by (must be having fun). Actually, as this post goes up I'm participating in a rather big interview in the whirlwind of the Great Whatever. Allergy season is upon us. I'm sneezing, and I really need to mow the lawn (and take a nap). The goal is to work from home today and to get writing projects accomplished (although I am likely to procrastinate with grading). 

Five more days of #VerseLove and then I'll return to the regular scheduled blogging. Yesterday was spend with the University's Research Symposium, research talks of job candidates, and a fantastic dinner with our Corrigan and Humanities Scholars (love having time with Dr. Beth Boquet). 

I'm not sure how well the poem will resonate, but for me...at that moment in time, this was a moment for everything.

On the 24th Day of #VerseLove @dogtrax Prompted Us Upward, Towards Constellation (a Fun, Magical Prompt that Makes Poetic Challenges Magical)

 It's Thursday. I'm proud to bring a student research to an academic symposium where he is displaying year one of a two-year study I'm fortunate to mentor. I look forward to the logic, sincerity, rigor, and professionalism of his work, as a way to counter the crazy insanity of all that was experienced this week. I know that Higher Education is its own monster, but sometimes I'm can't comprehend the double-speak.

The symposium, however, is the real deal...an investment in scholarship, research, hard work, data collection, delivery, and pushing the field forward. I also provided cake #2 in my graduate courses and had a wonderful last class. The students win me over every time. The profession. The dedication of many to promote literacy, education, best practices for teaching, and professional leadership. It exists in some communities, and I'm proud to be part of that work. 

Meanwhile, a poem. I'm an Aquarius. I love lunar moths and the possibility of a Star Wars galaxy. I couldn't help but get nerdy, so I did. I'm thankful to Kevin (my Massachusetts friend) for his brilliant prompt. And with that, a poem.

Day #23...Celebrating the April Showers for the May Flowers to Come. A Morning Voice Message Launched Me Into a Parallel, yet More Critical Direction

I can tell it's the end of the semester, because I'm going full speed and simply needing toothpicks to hold my eyes open and my body standing upright. Two more classes to teach this semester. Two more. It feels like teaching high school all over again...go, go, go.

But the poetry grounds me and I am thankful for it. Another cake came out of the oven last night. If it brings joy, then it's all good. Meanwhile, another news cycle rolls, history continues, and I'll take what ever privileges come my way and try to do good with them. 

Day 22 - Earth Day on #VerseLove '24. Prompted to Look to the Earth for a Poem, but My Dentist Had Other Plans (These Teeth, I Tell You)

I am hoping I was earthly enough in my writing, channeling the story of the man who studies badgers by digging dirt and making tunnels with his teeth. It seemed like the perfect NPR story to parallel with dental dilemmas (and the Earth). 

It's Tuesday, and because it is the last class with undergraduates for the semester, it also means Crandall cake, so I'm baking before class before we finish it off for the semester. They've really pulled through in the end, but I wasn't sure the majority were going to make it. The obstacles of the real world are heavy, indeed. 

On a good front, my first semester pay-increase will come in handy to pay for my mouth. Dentistry is the world's biggest hustle. 

Day 21 with @Joyteamstars, #VerseLove '24, Being Brought into the Kitchen to Find the Words that Will Meet Us There

 I wish I could say I was a better chef yesterday, but I only baked a Trader Joe's burrito, while recalling three meals I regularly contribute from our Mt. Pleasant kitchen: The Crandall special, care of the boys, the Kentucky cake, care of Alice, and my Easter carrot traditions. Knowing I was writing for Stacey Joy (who lives and her teaches everything with her last name at the center), I channeled her prompt to write for her. The Mandingo words are from Liberia - words for vegetables, prayer, chicken, sauce, and rice contributed by the twins who were central to a dish that became a staple in my home.

It's Monday, the work ahead is impossible, and I get to spend my mourning in a dentist chair so my earnings can be traded for crown-recovery and repair (two teeth). I will go to my grave saying, "My mouth is worth more than I'll ever be," probably because of my eating habits (ha ha). There are too many cooks in this kitchen and, I know, I am a better man because of this.

Notes Passed Along the Way, #VerseLove '24 Morning Prompt - Day 20, To Recall Those Notes...Those Letters...Those Memories.

I had to run upstairs and go through drawers...not only do I have boxes of notes and letters saved over the years, but I also have the books that my first pen pal and I used to keep after writing to one another for over 20 years. Sadly, the tradition ended in our 30s and 40s, and the last time we were in touch is when we went to a Women's basketball game at the Syracuse Dome with her mom. They were moving out west and saying goodbye to their Adams, NY home. 

I often give Sara full credit for making me the writer I am. I always read her letters mailed to me with absolute awe. Her mind was a good 20 years ahead of my own and she was outside the box before I even understood what boxes were. Definitely an ordinal who intrigued my mind, soul, and wonder of the world. Anyway, I pulled out some of the books and pulled lines to write a poem. I suppose it is time to put words back to the page and do an ol' fashioned mailing.

Day 19, #VerseLove, Inspiration – Deibide Baise Fri Toin, a Poem with a 3 - 7 - 7 - 1 Beat (and I Stuck with the Irish Motif)

Happy Saturday, and much joy for poetic communities playing the April game. It's been a whirlwind of a week (can someone say end-of-the-semester?). I've never heard of the Deibide Baise Fri Toin form, but I went along for the ride, fictionalizing somewhat to make the poetic narrative work for me. Now, back to grading.

I Do Know It is the 18th Day of #VerseLove and I Am Sticking True to My Commitment. #VerseLove '24. Contemplating Life, That is For Sure

I've never been trained as a fireman, but putting out fires seems to be the work of my labor these days. I know what I'm capable of, what I believe in, and the nature of the work I do. I do not have control of the environment in which I work. So, I have my poetry. I have my CWP-Fairfield work (which I believe in full-heartedly with the National Writing Project mission) and I believe in kids and teachers. It remains my priority. The prompt was to write about self-care and therapy, but I wrote about a sugar ant crawling up my leg. He seemed a worthy subject. And I'll continue to do me as I do me. Period.

Throw Back for the Sonnet (Echo) Poem, #VerseLove '24. Class of 1998, Sister's Class (their Junior Year). The Winter of Teddy's Drumming

I knew over the weekend that I was going to shout out to Teddy Mascari with one of my #VerseLove poems, simply because Facebook is what it is, and I've seen who he is for almost 4 decades: a teacher, an instructor, a judge, a husband, and very proud dad. He was two years ahead of me in school but because of marching band, our parents bonded. I was a little brother who went along for the ride, always in the bleachers with a book, but a love for performance (even though I wouldn't understand it until year's later when I began to think about the tradition, the evolution, the growth, and the art form...sport of the arts. Teddy posted about Avon High School's miraculous winter guard performance last weekend and I knew he was heading to Dayton this week for the drum-line competition and work.

I've been thinking about how he's provided a cadence for my life...this kid two years older than me who drummed my sister and Missy and others in to the gym. It's a beat I find myself tapping on tables from time to time....and I'm sure there's been numerous other beats he's maintained over the years. Magical fellow. Great family. Dedicated dad (his boys went into the football direction). The journeys are always beautiful, but the sonnet challenge (with an echo rhyme at the end of each line) given yesterday seemed to naturally lead towards Teddy. So, Wola. A Thursday poem. 

Day 16 with the Wooley Dave Himself. #VerseLove '24, a Kwansaba (or the 7 Lines, 7 Words per Line, Words with 7 or Less Letters)

Phew. Had a really productive day and then go home to emails that pretty much destroyed the day. I can only shrug my shoulders to say, "I can't do it all." Yup. Students and faculty across campus are starting to realize that there's no way a School can stay a school with no faculty and no support. Well, I've been saying that for a decade, but here we are down even more faculty. It's out of my hands.

In the meantime, I loved Dave Wooley's Kwansaba challenge, as it was just the right conciseness for the day I had. 7 lines, 7 words per line, and no more than 7 letters per word. I took liberty to write the celebratory poem about their backyard, especially the tree they planted for Eli, lil' Superman, a young soul that only had a few days on this Earth. We've had too many times spent in that backyard (or my backyard) playing games and feeding each other. It seemed the perfect subject (and as Dave noted, "the kids weren't swatting actual birds...they play badminton," but I have liberty to poet as I will.

#VerseLove '24, Poem 15. Challenged to Write an Elegy, so I Channeled Algae and Went Forward with Fish Tales.

Yep. Definitely a Monday it was. Now a Tuesday, part two of the 14-hour sequence, Monday - Wednesday with authentic bags under my eyes. Had the fortune of working with 3rd - 5th graders from Middlebrook Elementary School in Trumbull, followed my another wonderful evening coaching/mentoring the one English Education student finishing his student teaching (he's done...probably the best, glowing feedback from a host teacher and supervisor I've ever read.

Ah, but to write an elegy to kick off the week. That was today's poem.

And Just Like That...Another Monday. Had a Good Weekend Accomplishing Intellectual & Spiritual Goal, As Well As Wrote Poem 14 #VERSELOVE

End even if I promise myself I'll learn to say "no," I continue to say yes and, as a result, will be running a workshop for 100 5th graders this afternoon who won a field trip to campus. They want me to impress them, and I should be saying, "And how much will you pay me for my time?" New truth: I don't have time for such shenanigans. I'd rather spend time working on projects that matter more to me. 

Like #Verselove and another poem...a goal to bring on Spring with all its glory. Because of the rain, I had to look out my windows, and that is what led the way.

On the 13th Day of @VerseLove a Brain Dump of Letting the Words Flow As They Will (As They Always Do)

Phew. Avon World Guard. There were no words for such perfection. I spent my day taking notes, writing, buying Karal another bed and a toy and organizing food for the week ahead. It returned to the spirited cold and last night was definitely blanket weather. Today, more poems, more writing, more grading, and holding my breath for the days ahead. Here's to us all. 

#VerseLove, Day 11, Poem 11. Write of a Creature That Doesn't Always Have the Limelight in the Poet's Eye

It's Saturday morning. Happy WGI weekend (as we collect 3 years of the Sport of the Arts literacy data). My eyes are already spinning. It was easier to read books on the bleachers than to actually watch for the storytelling and understanding of the rubric. Alas, I'm thankful to poetry and movement and another year of distracting my brain with what it gets distracted with. I enjoyed crafting this poem, which is more about the time I ran by a scene where a car hit the offspring of an opossum. The howling and anger of the mother in the middle of the road is something I'll never forget, and I couldn't help but make a connection with a scenario I probably shouldn't have been involved in (but I was young, stupid, and full of the zest of what could have been possible). As Kirsten would say, "God Bless that animal." So, I do.

What Do You Long For, When You Don't Need Anything? Medicine Cabinet to the Rescue. #VerseLove '24. Day 10 of the @EthicalELA Poetic Challenge

I'm sliding into Friday with more TGIFs than usual. I have a writing project that is my top priority, but first I need to do a few journal reviews that are overdue. I'm thankful for last night's roast beef sandwich dinner and the fact that in the rain, Karal drapes on me like a feather boa. I normally don't struggle with figuring out a poem to tack an obstacle, but longing for what I need tripped me up. I don't need anything. I'm a luck Son of a Butch and have more than I could ever want. I could say time or sleep, but who doesn't need that. I do need a vacation, but those days will come. Ah, but I have a poem, so I'm 10/10 and that is a good feeling. 

VerseLove '24 - Making a Statement with a Quoted Line from Jane Hirschfield. Are We Day #9 Already? May the Force Be with Us

Yesterday was day one where I could eat lunch. I love the way I'm able to stay focused while fasting, prioritizing what matters most. I also finished day 3 of the 14-hour marathon and I came home late exhausted and numb. Still, I made time for the 30 for 30 poems and always enjoy the word-play provided me every day. Looks like rain for a couple of days, but it's rain that brings the flowers, so I will be good to go. I do need a day on the couch under a blanket, however. Not used to those, but a man can dream, can't he?

#VerseLove, Day 9, A List Poem of Truths & Lies. It's All Good. I Like Making Lists and Exploring What Goes Unsaid. Happy to Take Part

Oof. Back to the 14-hour days, but proud to say I made it through another month of fasting with Abu & Lossine. It's been a stretch of no eating during sunlit hours, and I made two exceptions...coffee in the morning and water if I need it (they say that is okay because I'm old). I didn't break fast last night until 9 pm because I'm in my M-W crazy. Last one today.

And yes, Butch, I mowed my lawn. It's going to rain for a few days and I couldn't let the front get any higher. The first mowing every year is rough because my front lawn is a hairy ape. Its hair is green soup. But it is cut. 

Yesterday was a list poem of truths and lies. So I wrote from the heart. It always brings healing. 

Basketball. Award Ceremonies. And I'm More Drawn to #VerseLove '24 and Zip-Code Poetry. Suddenly I'm Nostalgic for High School

Well, Tuesday. I'm not sure how the games end, but love the winners and the hard work they put in. I had my first dinner for mentoring a Corrigan Scholar and I'm beyond grateful to offer what I can. Yesterday's prompt from EthicalELA was  a new one for...simply use your zip code to allot the number of words per line (with zero being, well, zero)...I could have put a star, I suppose. I did love using childhood zip codes, current zip codes and, well, Jenny, to lead the poetic reflection. Hard to believe it's been so long since the graduation in 1990. 

We really had a precious childhood and adolescence. 

Another #VersePoem '24 - and One Written for Saturday Night after I Said "I Do," Because I Will and I Couldn't Be More Honored to Take Part In All to Come

I think the trees are about getting ready to do that allergy thing to my eyes, nose, and throat. I can feel the tickles beginning, and I am worried that I haven't mowed the lawn yet because it's high....but I don't want to be the first (maybe I'll do it tomorrow while others are at work so I won't be as embarrassed). 

The prompt for the day was to write in extended haiku or tanka...I went with the third option, a style I didn't know about. It's good to have syllabic limitations because it keeps excessive people like me contained. Anyway...here's to two of my favorite human beings in the world. Couldn't want more than to see the two of them continue their mission, their teaching, their love, and their dedication to the students they take under their care. They are the real deal. 

In 2014, the Light Hit Just Right on a Pool Day, CNY. 10 Years Later, It Pops Up with a Photography Prompt on #VerseLove '24. Beautiful

 Truth. I spent the day with the Sealey, Wooley, Johnson needing a grading space as their house was shown. At night, we have dinner with Will & Jess, with news I was asked to officiate a 2nd wedding...Justine and Juliette in May, and Will & Jess in August. And of course, this was this poem (while also welcoming Ger back to the U.S. and talking with my cousin about a potential gathering next week). Sometimes, yes...the light is just right.

Okay, Sunday. Today you REALLY must grade. 

The Task: What is a Perfect Friday Night Date - And I Went Throwback to an Imperfect Friday Night Date. Hey. It is What it Is.

 It's one of my favorite stories to tell, but I've never told it poetically, so I tried. Here's to that class...2004? 2005? It all blurs at this point but the memory of kids and a younger Crandall stays with me.

Here's to the weekend and fish dinners.

Had an Absolute Blast Writing an Alphabet Letter Poem to Feature a Letter (But I Chose to Not Feature It & Played). #VerseLove24

It was day four of VerseLove on EthicalELA.com and the brilliant prompt from Jennifer Guyor Hewitt was to take on an alphabet letter and bring it to its poetic fruition. I chose to be Crandall, and to impishly go after a poem without the letter B. I could spend the rest of my life spending time on such poetics and language play. I love April because it distracts me from the insanity of April. As stressed as I get I think, "Oh, Crandall, but you have a poetic challenge to accomplish."

Do I have priorities or do I have priorities?

Day 3 #VerseLove - Walk the Place of a Writer You Cherish & Go Poetically Forth (I adapted a bit with multiple writers)(but I am me, so okay).

It was a great place-prompt, and I was drawn to being 19, being on a voyage with 20+ students on an exchanged program in London, visiting the sea side for an evening and, well, it was a phenomenal evening of youth being youth, in a magical place during a time that changed my life forever. The most magical months of my life that would never allow me to be the same ever again: friends, scholarly mentors, travel, and words....so many words. 

Ah, to be young again

It Was an Honor to Host Day 2, April 2nd, of #VerseLove '24 and to Let the Ol' Magic Box Poem Do Its Thing. I Never Tire from the Word Play

Another rainy, murky day in the northeast, but an unexpected surprise. My buddy, Dave, was childless and wifeless for the evening so I broke fast with him at Chitunga's ol' stomping ground where he bar-backed for extra money. We were only two of the few at the bar and The Windmill never fails. Another day of teaching and writing and prepping (my house looks like an Amazon warehouse of items for teachers, but since the CWP office was removed from Donnarumma, I needed a place to store items for K-12 schools. It's the love I choose to do, but wish I got support for the location where I work. Here's to April, though. 

My poem for the day. 

The directions for word play with the Magic Box are below;

It's #VerseLove '24, and I Am Thrilled to Take Part in the @EthicaELA Celebration of National Poetry Month with a Community of Teacher Poets

The dentist made a fool of me again yesterday to welcome me to April, but I also got the first of 30 poems completed through the EthicalELA's #VerseLove. There's always time to join and participate. The first prompt came from Kim Johnson and she asked us to #OurNames. Sure. That is a wonderful first-day task.

It wouldn't be a first post without a Karal sighting. Here's to the poets, the teachers, Sarah Donovan and the EthicalELA team for all their hard work in making this happen once again. It shall be a poetic month once again!

And It's Always a Pleasure to Celebrate Holidays with Friends & Family, But Even Better When Time is Spent with the Next Generation to Carry Traditions On

I was in charge with carrots...the peeling, the slicing, the honey, the maple syrup, and the wonderful sweetness to go alongside potatoes, ham, asparagus, and brilliant snacks (including homemade Polish kielbasa...thanks Dominik).

Obviously, the kids were the hits of the day. Their play is hilarious and they make everything that much more fun. 

It's also a great day to spend with Karal's veterinarian. We love Stephanie. 

In the end, however, it was the cherubs and their bunny rabbits and baskets of toys that took the spotlight (and some sort of baked cheese for the crackers...too good for words). 

But now it is April Fool's Day and I'm a fool, because I have a dental cleaning followed by massive amounts of work to prepare the week, the remaining days of the semester, and SUMMER! Looks like we'll be going forward full speed once again. 

And it looks like sun today. Rain the rest of the week, and my lawn is Turing into a forest. I just don't want to start the mowing quite yet. Ah, but I am Butch's son. Son of a Butch. Hope the mower still works. 

Also, it's April and that means #VerseLove starting tomorrow. I can't wait. 

Happy Easter. I Haven't Painted an Egg in a Good 30 Years, and Although I Wanted to Paint My Egg to Look Like Isaiah, It Looked More Like Roy Kent

There are only a few weekends left to share the love of my good friends in the Sealey-Wooley-Johnson households, and I welcomed the Saturday night to paint eggs with the youngest of the crew. I tried to create an Isaiah egg, but it turned out to look more like Roy Kent, and I 'm okay with that, too. We had a fantastic dinner of steak, taters, asparagus, grilled veggies and followed with the egg festivities.

I'm just excited that I painted an egg and gave birth to a painting that is worthy of the egg hunt to come on the Easter Sunday egg hunt thing in Stratford. Thank you, Easter Bunny.

I wanted great curls and and a slight mustache on my Isaiah egg, but the water color paint from Ishy's stash leaked and suddenly smeared to become an egg that looked like Roy Kent from the Ted Lasso series. Not a replication, but a simulacra of his character. 

I'm good with that. I'll take Roy as rebirth and resurrection, especially in the spirit of the holiday. Give me the Neanderthal grunt and precious romanticism every day of the year. I'll also take good friends and a wonderful Saturday night in Stratford with steak, asparagus, potatoes, grilled squash, and nice bread. 

And I apologize to Brett Goldstein for the portrayal, but don't feel sorry for the evening that led to the n egg-painting. Go Richmond, and go the morality and joy of one of the greatest shows ever to come our way during the Covid years. I am thankful for this hard-boiled joy!

Happy Easter and may others enjoy the purpose of this day and it's mythological storytelling (I believe the groundhog sees its shadow, too, and we have a month of showers before May flowers. 

I'll choose the cast of Ted Lasso every time. Believe. 

I stand for hope. 

For Many of Us, It's Our Chosen Ones that Help Us Battle Forward in an Ever-Changing, Always Unpredictable World

Karal had a long walk, play time with a friend, a car ride, more play time, two meals, and many belly rubs, but she's still unsatisfied that she didn't get enough in her day. So, she insists on sitting on my shoulders or in my lap in whatever room I frequent, especially when on the phone and with ZOOMs. Gotta love her (and I caught her standing on the counter licking for scraps. She's a creature of creatures, I'll tell you). And sometimes she does conk out in an embryo position.

I spent yesterday working on grant materials, talking with teachers (who had the day off and, hence, had a rare moment of reprieve in their chaotic lives) and picking up books at Possible Futures. I also settled into NCAA Tournament play in the evening hours and unpacked more boxes of books mailed to me to review. Phew. 

I often tell the dog, you have 3 bedrooms, a dining room, two porches, a living room, a library, two bathrooms, and a backyard that belong to you. Why do you need to be on under my feet every second of the day?  She responds with a nudge of her nose to rub her neck a little more. Not one to give affection, but she definitely craves it.

This dog cracks me up.

Today, it's more nose to the screen and I'm sure it will be a repeat of today with the needs, worries, concerns, and desires of the dog. She rules this household. Who am I trying to kid? 

I shall give in. I know myself too well. Now, to get her in the harness and go for a long, Saturday walk.

And I Finished Listening to Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler (a Revisit with an Audio Version) to Ground Me with Today's 2024

I'm not sure science fiction is the attraction as much as it is great books, storytelling, imagination, and grounding us in the reality where we are today (versus where one might predict we would be today). I recalled that Parable of the Sower was set for 2024  and I wanted to rethink about the story in context of where we are (or could be). 

The humanity described by Butler is not too hard to imagine, especially the cruelty caused by poverty, neglect, corporations, governments, and human nature. To survive, well, it's a dog eat dog, or human eat human world. It's Ramadan and I'm fasting once again with the twins, so I understand the craving for food when one doesn't have access to it. 

I also understand the need for a new vision that comes through "Earth Seed" and our humanity in relation to God. I get the lack of resources, environmental destruction, drug cultures, and the hedonist way of keeping a high going for absolute pleasure. 

But I also get the undying faith that life can be another way, newer communities can be created, and planting seeds for a greater faith is all we can hold onto in a period of barbaric inequities, poverty, and need. The story doesn't make sense, but it makes absolute sense. It is brilliantly written with a sense of history, literary traditions, and spiritual needs. 

To make sense of the cruelty is what science fiction writers do best. It's far fetched, but by how much. What she lays out could be right around the corner if institutions fail us, which they have and will likely do again and again.

We are human after all. 

Still, I like to believe in empathy, even with those who are hyper-empathetic. We all know or have some of that in us, especially if we teach. I'm glad I listened to the book after reading it so many years ago. It was one I chose to drive out-of-the-way with so I could listen more. 

Planting seeds. Preparing for a harsher tomorrow. Keeping faith there's better...there has to be...are my take aways.

That, and there's more work to be done to push against the very systems that abuse the workers and people. That harshness is definitely a reality she nailed. 

Now I'm curious about the series made about the book - I'll be looking into that soon. 

Transitioning to Workdays and an Extended Weekend without Having Meetings or Students. Learning to Breathe Again and Get the Other Work Done

And there's a Cadbury bunny laying chocolate weekends in the near Friday and I just learned that both Thursday, Friday, and Monday are good (please don't play an April Fool's joke on me, Monday. I need you to be a day off, too, because I have a dentist appointment.

Yes, I'm a fool, but I'm okay with that.

I have five days to breathe and I'm thankful for them: Zoom conversations with National Writing Project folk, grant work, grading, my own writing, applications, and dreaming. I need the space to do all of this, especially since fasting is what it is. 

I'm learning to respect self-control and the way the mind focus on what is most relevant when you deny yourself life's luxuries and privileges. Good being one of them. 

So much of this life-gig is rethinking and repurposing your faith in the world, your philosophy for living a good life, learning (and relearning), questioning, and contending with the hypocrisy of bureaucracies. I maintain my believe in teachers and young people in U.S. schools but grow skeptical of the adult games played by politicians, corporations, Universities, and "non-profit" education groups preying on the vulnerability of schools, especially urban ones. 

I need exercise. I need fresh air. I need my own mind and vision. And I need a break from the nonsense. I welcome the leave, albeit short, and the chance to catch up and rethink my everything. 

Lesson Plan III - Giving Undergrads the Opportunity to Put Their Work Into Action (Because Preparation Never Results in Actuality)

Students in my Expanding Literacy course learn literacy development, grades 3 - 6, and with an eye on student teaching ahead, I pick up the art of lesson planning to give them a transitional idea of how one works with design before they actually set out for action. The problem, however, is that it's hard to see/learn the pacing of a lesson on paper until they implement it with others.

To fix this, each student had 30 minutes to put their design into action. The vast majority of them them finished in 15 minutes and then had 15 minutes of inaction, which was the point I wanted to make with detailing EXACTLY what will occur in a given block of time. Max and his table, however, made it all 30 minutes, which was the model I could then share with others. 

Lesson III needed to be on an independent book they read, with a lesson all the class could implement or think about with the other 15 independent readings that occurred. Max chose to do a lesson for both English and Spanish speakers, which is a mission he has with his own research. 

I remember my own lesson planning days and, if truth be told, nothing teaches you development or pacing better than having a room full of 30 active learners keeping you on your toes. These students aren't there yet, but I'm trying to mentor them for the days that are ahead (I honestly don't know how anyone who doesn't go through a teaching program survives in their first years of teaching - there is so much that can be, and should be, taught in preparatory classes. In fact, I imagine a lot of faculty members could benefit from such instruction as they design college lessons.

This crew is moving on to Easter, though, and I'm ready to have a few days of grading/writing/preparing myself. There's only a short window left when we return and at this time in the semester I feel like I'm drowning. 

Ah, but good news came in stereo yesterday, only adding to the amount of work being done. So, ram horns down and charge. That's the only way I know how to survive. 

They Know When They Are Getting Unexpected Quality Time and Soak It Up When You Find Your Workday Shortened (& Can Watch NCAA Basketball)

I had to remind her that I got home earlier, but this meant that I could also watch Syracuse Women play UCONN for the regional match. After watching both teams on Saturday, I didn't think Syracuse would bring their excellence in the way they did. They fought hard and proved they have excellence that they should be proud of. It was a loss, but I think the Orange win, too. They proved themselves in the circuit and have much to be proud of.  

Karal stayed in my lap the entire time, wanting belly rubs and my attention, even as I kept directing her attention to the television to cheer on the Orange. She could care less. She had her needs, so watched the 2nd half, when I got home early, completely on my lap. She would not have it any other way. 

Great to still have love in the home and a companion for making the work world a little easier. 

Today, I grind for two nights of classes, setting in place the fast pace of the semester when all the students return from Easter break. Blink of an eye and it's over. 

Karal, though, will benefit from more walks, warmth, and companionship from me. Congratulations to the Lady Huskies...I hope they continue to prove their worth in the tournament.

Broke Fast with Creamy Tortellini, Spinach, & Sausage Soup. A Wonderful Break Following a Full-Day of Grant Work & Organizing

I love to cook. I suppose, if I could take a mini-vacation, I might like to spend a week cooking, or in the kitchen, and/or learning new techniques. The problem with living to cook, is not having time to cook. I'm a cheese and box of crackers guy...meaning, I often grab whatever I can when I'm ready. This is a bad idea, I know, but there's only so many seconds in a day.

Now, with that noted, I made soup for the week, thinking ahead to all the days before the mini-Easter break. I'm fasting in support of those celebrating Ramadan and doing my best to complete a fast yet again. On Sundays, though, the call for good food is more forefront, because I'm thinking about what to cook for the week.

I returned to the creamy soup, trying to master the right thickness of broth. The flavors are out of this world and I'm good to go for the week, unless I share with friends (which I'll likely do). 

The bowl above is just a tasting, as I needed more time cooking the soup, but I wanted something to go with the left overs from La Cantina on Saturday. 

I'm in good shape for the week. I teach late three nights in a row, but I can come home to dinner already being made. It does need to thicken up, however. That's for sure. 

It Wasn't Until the Last Quarter that the Lucky Socks Kicked Into Gear (Not Mine, But Chitunga's Girlfriend, Alyssa's - She Brought the Magic)

What a miserable day driving to Gampel Pavilion to and from Storrs. It was a downpour the entire way and we were soaked going into the game, but absolutely DRENCHED coming out of the game. Prepare the head colds. We drove home damp, but happy, the entire way...Pam won $21 in a bet, so she was happy. Arizona State came to win that game and their defense (and offense) was spectacular, but in the end  Dayaisha Fair's 30 points sealed the deal. They looked like Cuse in the last five minutes, but it was a tough battle to move on against UCONN.

The Huskies have the hometown advantage. 

Connecticut, however, is under water. It's almost like we haven't stopped having these downpours since September. The ground can't hold any more and it was fascinating to see all the creeks and ponds saturated and flooded to the game and back (that is, when you could see out the window). 

March, though, is made for the madness of grading and that is what today is all about. That, and hoping my sump pump keeps doing what it has been doing for months.

In the end my socks (and presence) wasn't the lucky charm. It wasn't until Alyssa texted Chitunga and me that she was wearing her lucky socks that the game turned around. Best Christmas gifted ever...so glad I sent them her way for the season. 

Now, for another day of basketball. I teach Monday night, but I hope to catch the 2nd half of the Syracuse/UCONN game on Monday night. 

Wonderful to visit Storrs again, but phew....that rain was something. Could be worse...it could be snow in Syracuse.