Feeling reconnected, rejuvenated, and lost...

Each summer we try to visit Vermont.  It's where I grew up and where my side of the family resides.  There's just something about seeing those mountains, smelling the air, and dirt roads that makes me feel at home.  Peaceful.  Rejuvenated.

I come home feeling inspired to be outside on my .25 acre lot.  I weed.  I mow.  I cultivate.  I investigate composting and getting a worm farm.  I feel refreshed and closer to nature.  I guess visiting the country, having a bear sighting, and getting away from suburbia will do that to a girl.

This particularly trip was also extremely relaxing.  Due to a number of factors, we were able to spend more time with family than any previous year.  I reconnected with cousins and other relatives.  Our time together was filled with laughter and conversations around the fire pit, enjoying the small town's 4th of July festivities, and delicious BBQs.

Sadly I return home and feel lost.  While the reconnections and rejuvenation are still within, there's a sense of loss that all that I experienced in the 3 weeks during my visit - could be something I experienced year round if I lived closer.

So what does that mean?  It means I have to work through this feeling of loss and realize how fortunate we are to have shared those three weeks with those we love.  I have to cherish the fact that my daughters were able to experience three weeks of Vermont life and Vermont souls.  I have to remind myself what's there and it's within reach if I hop on a plane, open FaceTime, or get back in the car for another 17 hours.

Don't misinterpret my message.  I appreciate my life, family, and friends here in Illinois.  I am incredibly grateful that my husband's side of the family is willing to do anything for us in a moment's notice.  I am happy as a teacher in the school I've been at for the last 11 years.  I love my house on Wineberry Lane and my neighbors.

I'm just reminded that staying connected and rejuvenated takes time and effort.  With that being said, I'm off to write a few notes to those Vermont souls.  After that I may even read some more articles on worm farming in Mother Earth News.

Sarah

Fantastic Titles

Hunt, Linda Mullaly.  One For The Murphys.  New York: Nancy Paulsen Books (Penguin), 2012.
     Print.

I recently finished reading One For The Murphys by Linda Mullaly Hunt.

As a reader, I enjoyed a beautiful story of a life that I am unfamiliar with.  One For The Murphys is a story about the foster care system and believing there's still good in the world even when you've experienced the worst of the worst.

I loved the characters that Hunt has developed with their gentle sides and unique traits.  Mr. Murphy is portrayed as a family man with an ultimate priority of taking care of his own children first until Carley's strong-willed personality sneaks her way into his heart.  The three Murphy boys are authentically and realistically created.  It is evident that Hunt has modeled each character off from someone in her own life and crafted them perfectly.

As a mother, I appreciated the unconditional love provided by Mrs. Murphy.  She's the mother we'd all like to be.  The one who roots for you when you are down, tolerates your behavior when she knows you're struggling inside, and makes each of her children, blood related or not, feel loved and valued.

As a teacher, I absolutely loved the use of Hunt's titles.  The chapters are fairly short and well organized.  I am constantly working with my 7th grade students to create titles for their writing pieces that attract a reader's attention, create a bit of mystery, and fit the whole piece of writing.  One For The Murphys would be a fabulous mentor text for young writers to read through and identify how well-creafted the titles are.  I'd recommend Chapter 35 "Order on the Court!" (page 155) and Chapter 3 "Orange You Glad You're Here?" (page 10).  This would also be a great mentor text for dialogue.

Sarah