I'm With You, Karal Lynne. It Was a Friday, and After a Double Header Softball Game and the 5th Week of Summer Programs, I'm Exhausted, Too.

Okay, Saturday. I see the weekend agenda ahead and I agree. I just want to lie in bed and read. Ah, but it's still summer, there's plenty to do, and we still have one more week of CWP summer programs. Besides, after the week ended, you had a double-header softball game, and it looks to be the same next week, too. Inhale. Exhale. We got this. 

A special shout-out to Colin Hosten and Michael DeStefano, who continue to lead The Who Do You Think You Are: College Essays and Other Narratives young adult literacy lab. They are phenomenal, and the 15 essays that resulted from the week of work is out of this world. I couldn't be prouder.

As for the softball game, I played first base (I'm mediocre - as softball gloves are not the pocket I was used to in my younger years and, gosh darn it, I have a hernia...I can't catch the ball if it is whizzed at me below the knees and at my ankle. I can catch, but I can't dive). I popped out once, and had three hits, helping our team to score (a record), even if we still lost. We had fun and that matters most. 

A couple of parties on deck for Saturday, as well as Sunday, plus a much-needed writing marathon, not to mention indoor cleaning. The Fall-like temperatures are on our side, and I'm thankful that it's July, but the humidity has disappeared. 

The lawn is mowed already, and I need to wake-up and focus on my other agenda items. Let me eat a bagel and get some coffee. I shall be good then.

Here's to Companion Animal Hospital's softball team. We have not one a game, but we are vicious (at least in our imagination). 

Only One more @writingproject Week Left @cwpfairfield with Teachers and Students (for this summer). Wow! What an Incredible Yesterday

We have begun teacher demonstrations and to say that Alisha Vittora knocked it out of the park is an understatement. Not sure if anyone will ever find that ball! When she finished, I thought, "I imagine teachers in every state, at every school, could benefit from the workshop she led on food literacy and literature." She tied her culinary arts expertise with her writing/language arts background, and all of us were filling our notebooks (and stomachs). We also tasted foods from around the world in a purposeful, well-planned, inviting (yet scary) conversation of flavors, tastes, palettes, culture, traditions, and power structures. 

Note: Her Op Ed for the week did the same, challenging the European colonial way food critics and reviews work with what counts as cuisine. It was spectacular, and the writing she share. Unbelievable. I'll attach Trevor Noah's Taco skit as she used this marvelously to make a point. I'm also sharing a photo, too, I captured with Chelsea, because her face says it all (ironically, the flavor that knocked her for a loop is one I really liked)

Some of the foods we tasted were: Durian Thai Roiled Cookied, Drid Jujube, Youtiao, Salted Egg Yolk, Bawang Goreng, Joytofu Mutton Flavored Skewers, Rousong, Luo Han Guo, Arare Kuro Kosho, Black Sesame Soy Milk & Brown Sugar Boba. 

During writing workshop time, I also had the opportunity to do a walk and talk with Megan Ruppel, an educator fresh out of college in Westport, CT, who is exploring "Philosophies for Writing" as a middle school workshop. Reading the room (well, her personality - she brought the snake yesterday), I wondered if she wanted to talk through her workshop while I showed her our campus's Zen Garden. We did a walk-n-talk.

Whoa! They've repaired all the ponds, and I was impressed by the number of rabbits, butterflies, dragonflies, and FROGS. There were several species of frogs and of all sizes. I felt like I was communing with family. Perhaps it's because Covid came, the ecosystem was allowed to restore itself without undergrads abusing the area with what undergraduates to. Definitely a healthy habitat again.

Our read-around, too, was off-the-chart amazing. 10 educators sharing 10 pieces that, at least with the ears, are ready to be heard and shared with wider audiences. I was so impressed, especially with how everyone seemed to jump out of their comfort zones a LOT. Everyone took new approaches and came forward with stuff that even amazed them: POWERFUL writing.

Ribbit Ribbit. 

The one bad thing...we ditched the College Essay writers for their workshop time, simply because we lost track of our own. I have to make up for that today and will do so with Julie. 

Julie always says, when the cicadas sing, we know the summer is coming to a close. They're not too loud yet, but we can hear them. It will be next week, I imagine.

So, in the meant time, enjoy some Trevor Noah.

There's a First Time for Everything - A Boa Constrictor Joins @CWPFairfield for Writing Workshop As Squamata Reptilia Chordata - Snake Writing

When Meghan said she was going to bring her "Kitty" tomorrow, I was like, "Sure." We're dog-friendly, so why not be cat-friendly, too? Except Kitty is a Boa Constrictor and absolutely stunning (and well-behaved, and interesting, and easy-to-please, and genuinely a great mascot for workshop demonstrations and portfolios. Also, Kitty was great body jewelry.

What's more interesting is Meghan is working on a philosophical demonstration (philosophy of writing) to tie in work she did as an undergraduate and her thinking about working with middle school writers in a Connecticut school. 

National Writing Project traditions are always the best work I do each year. It's hard to believe we only have one more week left of the teacher leadership institute and, lo and behold, the workshops/ demonstrations by this year's cohort begins today. Of course Kitty would join us.

Gosh, just look at the print on Kitty. It was so much more vibrant and mesmerizing in person. What a snake!

My car's in the shop, I'm thankful to have a friend's car because she's sick, and I'm hoping I pick it up my own today. It's hard enough to be everywhere at once, but when one doesn't have his wheels it is even trickier. And I should also say that the teachers have been talking about Layla's Falafel for four weeks and yesterday we finally put an order in (phew). We ate at 12:30 and I woke up this morning still full. Voted best for Middle Eastern Meditterranean, I jumped at the chance to see what it was about. Dang. It was good, but I'm full even this morning

Actually, I think it is the NWP work. JUST FULL in spirit, mind, and body.

Well, @writingproject, This Summer I Have a Culinary Artist/English Educator Working on a Food Literature Demonstration. Yum, Um, I'm Just Sayin'

I thought about stopping to get bagels. Last week I brought scones. This week, another brought bagels, and Alisha arrived and asked, "Anyone interested in red-velvet cake cheese cake cups, I have a tray left over from the weekend?"

All hands went up. What are those? Well, as we did our morning writes our spoons were in cups of rich deliciousness. We kicked off the day with gourmet flavors, and all of us stared into space for the rest of the day. The tastes. The satiation.

Then I sat with Alisha to work through her teacher demonstration (WOW) and I realize this Thursday we are going to get a celebration of multicultural flavors, as her presentation is loaded with things to try, ideas to contemplate, and readings to explore - all on food literacy. I've not seen a demonstration quite like this and I'm excited to see how it goes (and hope it finds its way into NCTE in the near future).

Meanwhile, I can tell you this is totally in my taste. Boom.

Today, we're in total workshop mode as we maneuver the work from me, my co-director, and special guests to the work of teachers as they create their own demonstrations to bring back to their schools and districts. It takes a special educator to find the National Writing Project and every summer I'm beyond impressed by all the hard work the teachers put forth. I'm not disappointed again this year.

Nor am I hungry. 

I can get used to this. 

If Mom Would Only Learn to Tie an Oxygen Tube Around His Ankle, My Father Would Not Arrive Home with a Transformer

It's been a couple of days since the news arrived that Dad disappeared. Usually the sightings are at Chubby's but this time Cynderballz had a hunch he was at the lawnmower repair shop next to Chubby's. He bottomed out his other riding lawn mower from mowing wet grass, despite the warnings to stop mowing wet grass. Of course, his off-roading to, and from, Chubby's is probably not the best keep for a lawnmower, either. 

Either way, Papi Butch got himself a new toy, which I think we should call Bumblebee after the Transformer. 

They already loaded the caution triangle to the back of it, knowing that my father uses it as his golf cart, too, back and forth to the neighborhood bar. He also rides it like a go-kart around the streets, simply because he's bored. I believe it would be beautiful for my sisters and mom to get him a bee costume with antennae so when he's traveling Cherry Heights, he can do so in style.

That's one pimped-out grass cutter, and I'm glad to see he's spending money on something he loves. Now, I'm hoping someone is getting the roller skates ready, because I still can't wait to see the time when Karl visits and Dad is driving him through the streets as if they are a boat and waterskier. I think all the ol' neighbors (what few of them are left) would love to see that.

Teachers are back today, and yesterday's College Essay lab was phenomenal. Inhaling and getting ready to take off in 3...2...1

Well, @NikkiIsgar, We Went to Nikki's Beach House without You, and It Turns Out Chitunga Knows the Nikki Who Owns It (Delicious)

I was sort of disappointed in Sunday. It was supposed to rain all day, storm even, and it turned out to be a decent day. I was hoping for a mandatory stay-at-home operative, but was enticed outside, instead. Even at lunch, when we went to Nikki's Beach House at Short Beach, the owner said, "It looks like storms are coming tonight so there won't be an outdoor patio." Well, by 5 it was full sun...so much for that. Nikki, who worked with Chitunga at Vazzy's and The Windmill, is owner of the new restaurant and already it is obvious it's been turned around. It has always been a great location, but there's never been much traffic stopping by. Lately, I've noticed all the changes they've made and it seems to be working: outdoor patio, a tiki bar, corn hole, and bands. 

The food is delicious, too.

They were still on the Sunday brunch menu when we arrived, which was a shame because there are several items on the dinner menu I wanted to try (dang, I'll have to go back). Tunga scored with an egg contraption that looks like something Papi Butch would make - a layer of meet and a layer egg, with hash browns and fruit.

I spent most of the Sunday cleaning, organizing, doing yard work, and planning. I went over to Pam's for dinner (well, to weed whack a trail) and was served steak and mushrooms, soooooo good.

We have a couple of hot days ahead of us this week, and this morning we begin Who Do You Think You Are - the College Essay and Other Narratives....one of our best programs of summer.

And teachers return to summer...two more weeks.

Phew. Hard to believe this is summer two of this Covid-crazy chaos. Let's hope we humans can turn this whacky around. We got this. 

That Time I Went to Walnut Beach and Returned Looking Like a Patriotic Popsicle with an Additional Layer of Green

I finally (we finally) got a beach day. It was beautiful. No humidity. Blue skies. Bands by Charles Island. High tides. Rafts. Lunch, and Kayaks. 

I couldn't ask for a better way to spend an entire Saturday, except I was home by 6:30, fed, and ready for bed - which meant I actually sat still in front of the television without any plans in front of me. That never happens. I almost didn't know what to do.

I also got to try my best to pull the Walnut Beach crew to the concert venue on my green kayak. I failed. There was no way I was going to get six or seven free-riders on Leo's giant island float out to the bands. I tried. The sun shone upon me, and Hendrik was like, "CRANDALL, NO!" I could only keep us from floating to shore.

The water was highly refreshing, too, as the sand got hot rather quickly. Funny, though, as I split from the crew and rowed by myself (and without the weight of a mall behind me) I went up and down the beach to see few people on the shoreline. There weren't many of us enjoying the day (well, there were on the boats, kayaks, and paddle boards that surrounded the floating stage)

Today is supposed to be overcast, humid, rainy, and miserable. I told Chitunga, though, I want to eat something really good. I need a good meal at a restaurant - we'll see if he bites. He did. Lunch is on the radar.

And I'm thankful for Kaitlyn's hat. At one point I said, "Y'all, I can't do this heat any more" (I was facing the sun at the time, and Kaitlyn gave me her hat. It worked, but I looked stupid. At least I had the sun out of my eyes for a while.

We lasted almost six hours on the beach, which is good because the sun did beat down. It felt good to take a day off from the grind and to live, a little, like normal people do. Fritos. a few beers. Pre-made sandwiches.

I also got to watch many hours of Olympic coverage at night, which was fine with me. I'm totally exhausted from summer work (just two more weeks left). Woot Woot. 

I really do love a beach life. 

Perfect Night for a Perfect Full Moon & a Perfect Birthday Celebration for the Birthday Girl, Bev.

It may be hard to believe but we lost our softball game. We played hard, and their were memorable plays, but in the end, we lost 15-0. We keep getting better. Afterwards, we celebrated Beverly's birthday on the beach as the moon came up full and pink, a celebration of her life, spirit, karma, and attachment to the water and sky. 

Cake and ice cream were delicious and the music (thanks, Alexa) was spot on. 

Today, the crew hopes to head to the beach again, but for a day of sunshine, music, and relaxation. We have to get summer in when we can.

Meanwhile, good ol' Kermie got four new tires and I'm happy I'm being paid for summer courses (albeit way less than what other Universities pay their faculty in the summers - I get only an adjunct salary for the 72-hour institute I run...that I raise money for...and support).

Karal was at home...couldn't trust her during the softball game, as last time she and Jake were together, Karal tore up tissue boxes and bags of wrapping paper. It looked like she had a lot of fun, but also like a war zone occurred.

Lawn's mowed. Bed linens cleaned. Now time for some indoor vacuuming and mopping before we spend a day at the beach. Low humidity, low 80s, and beach celebrations. We can't go wrong with that. 

And I hope to get my kayak on the water today. Not sure if Hendrick will cooperate, but I'm going to give it a shot. 

There's Nothing but Admiration & Adoration for @DoodlebugKRY - Her Thinking, Artistry, Interests, Projects, Presentations, & Gifts are EVERYTHING

Two years ago, Danbury teacher Denise Howe introduced CWP-Fairfield to Karen Romano Young, a writer and illustrator in Bethel, Connecticut, who  creates materials that blend the beauty of our visual world with written literacy. A workshop with her is a demonstration of curiosity and wisdom, and always 100% successful. I can't say enough about her work.

Yesterday, KRY visited the 2021 Invitational Leadership Institute and once again dazzled our teachers with her published work, thinking, and projects. Her presentations are pure - just golden. It's learning time as she presents, but she gives listeners an outlet to doodle, too. 

One exercise Karen did yesterday, however, caught my attention more than usual. "Draw a person," she said, "but instead of labeling the parts, go after the actions of the parts." 

I loved this, and as I drew my figure, I started thinking differently. 

It was a delicious task, and I realized there's a story at every point. Definitely keeping this activity.

The head as a wisdom-nabber, but also as an Achilles-heal, thinking-apparatus.

The chest as bouncing man boobs (hair given for free) and elbows as a place to teach weenis as a word. 

A belly button that tours all the way to China. 

The Hula Hooper hips. Hands as career makers. The pelvis as Hendrick's Chapel, Henry's brother to be operated upon in August. 

My legs - the land of psoriasis.

The feet, the hikers and runners.

There are always stories, and I can definitely narrate much, much more should the time come.

Doodles. Ideas. Creations. Possibilities. Stories. That is Karen Romano Young, the author and artist. I'm super excited for her projects to still come and can't wait to celebrate her work again with Weir Farm this Fall (although Karen will be on a ship working on the next project). 

We ended this week's teacher institute with a BANG! Now, today, we close out the 2nd week of our Novel Writers (and I have a softball game in the afternoon and a car appointment in 20 minutes). 

 "Phew. I'm a lucky son of a Butch. For real. For real."

Thursday Thoughts (& Thanks) for Wednesday's 'Weally' Wild & Whacky Waffle & Writing Workshop Party (Woot Woot, Alisha)

Every summer, the leadership institute for teachers is different...this one comes with Alisha, an English teacher and culinary artist, who had extra sour-dough at home and decided to make all of us gourmet waffles as a result - a Wednesday writing workshop with waffles. Bourbon syrup. Whipped cream. Cinnamon. 

Hello, Words. Stomach. Thinking. Joy. Pleasure.

Yes, food is at the heart of all writer's work. We've had our chocolates, Goldfish, pretzels, mints, and chips in our summer beach pails. A few years ago we had a couple of fancy donut people. But I'm all about the waffling workshop with Alicia's culinary deliciousness.

It reminded me of the Perfectly Pointless pre-Prom, Post-Portfolio Pancake Parties I used to host at Brown School for seniors when they turned all their writing in for state assessment. 

Ah, but Alisha's waffles were extra-special. Outstanding. The mark of a genius. AND she has an ability to match her cooking skills with her words. 

HOW LUCKY ARE WE?

Hmmm. I am thinking that many of my colleagues across the country may want to hire Alisha for their own Waffling Workshops!

Absolute joy. 

Perhaps NCTE, too. I imagine K-12 educators across the nation could benefit from more Wednesdays like this...maybe add a Wiffleball game, too. Workshops, Waffles, and Wiffleball. 

That's how we roll in Connecticut (and, just for trivia's sake, the wiffleball is a CT invention).

Over a Decade with @AbuBility and @cwpfairfield - The Wisdom and Life Experiences Are Immeasurable (What a Treasure for Teachers and Youth)

In my younger years, I was blessed to be introduced to, then, sophomore Abu Bility. Fast forward a decade and then some, and now I'm thrilled to have this Syracuse educator as a guest to speak with teachers in our Invitational Leadership Institute. It's been two years since we've had him in person and yesterday he ZOOMed into our conversations, shared his story, and helped us to assist our thinking of teaching writing to students who had interrupted formal education. 

When I think of the last 11 years in Connecticut - what has been built with CWP-Fairfield and our teacher core - I know that the twins were at the center.

Abu's been at my side, with his brother, from the days I was first learning global realities, relocations, the importance of educating all students, and the responsibilities we have to narratives, stories, global realities, and investing in the young people we work with. 

Abu presented his story of Guinea and Libera, as well as the Ivory Coast, and his an incredible mom, when the opportunity to come to the United States. He discussed reading and writing in school, attending college, and working to create the Young Adult Literacy Labs, including Ubuntu Academy, as a youth leader.

Favorite quote, "Sometimes, Crandall, I need you to not be so you" (I interrupted his thinking with a joke as he talked to the teachers).

Abu also helped create the educator's guide for Ger Duany's Walk Toward the Rising Sun, which gave us opportunity to talk with the actor, model, author, and activist and join him with his quest to share refugee stories with the people in Western worlds. 

Every time he presents, I can't help but think of the years of learning alongside him (and I'm so proud to see all that he is doing today). 

Today, we'll learn from William King and Jessica Baldizon, another layer in the importance of Ubuntu, building communities, and investing in one another as human beings.

It's hump-day everyone. The learning that comes with the National Writing Project tradition is something that can only be experienced. I love being part of the life-changing work.

Teachers teaching teachers is the way to go, always.

Karal Has a New Squeaky Toy (Her 1st Birthday Celebration) and It's Been Honking Monkeys All day - We Got this

I've been delayed in celebrating Karal's 1st birthday, but I found a mini-break at lunch and went to the store to restore her alligator, who she decimated. Now she has a monkey and it is full-squeak ahead. Meanwhile, we are plot-writing with the middle and high school students and they're novels are full force:

Emily didn’t know her role, but she knew she was supposed to be with Colin. They were in the pool, both dropped from a strange portal that hovered over the island. The voice said, “They are coming. A red head, a man, and a rubber chicken.” Emily speculated it was Crandall, as she figured this was his nonsense. She was trimming her toenails when the portal arrived in her home. Crandall always had a way of interrupting her free time….when she was tending to her feet, flossing her teeth, or watching LOVE ISLAND on CBS (she was enamored with the buff men on the show). “Colin,” she suddenly said swimming toward him in the pool. “Good to see you again. What do you think Crandall wants this time?”

The squeaking in my house is immeasurable, as Karal is entertaining the universe were her new plush toy. The monkey, pictured to the right, makes more noise than is humanly possible. I am thinking of every toy I ever bought my sisters for their kids. The vengeance has come full circle.  It is impossible to hear one's thinking. 

We are heading into another week of the teacher institute and not being online is a blessing, as I can't imagine a day with all the honking. With the kids it was mildly precious, but with the teachers, I imagine they'd be, "Seriously, Crandall. You can't control your dog." 

It's informative, argumentative writing-week and I love the teacher demonstrations on deck. I am now wondering, however, about an Op-Ed about entertaining dogs and all the noise they're capable of making. Such a MONSTROUS BARK for such a little creature. Phew. And it's only Tuesday.

And Crandall Grills Mahi-Mahi (Yes, Dolphin, Shhhh) for His First Fish-Taco Fest on Walnut Beach. I Give Myself a B+

You can't really see the fish, but it's there. I followed a simple recipe and it was delicious. I didn't make the sour cream sauce, however, will the next time. I was shy because I know that mayonnaise is not loved by everyone and it required that in the recipe, too. I also grilled zucchini for the vegetarians. I love summer eating so much.

All in all, it was delicious. 

Alas, ugh! Yuck! Bleck! The shredded cheese I bought was bad. Then the shredded cheese Pam put on the table was bad. Lucky for everyone else, I was the only one who ate the bad cheese. It was disgusting - we both happened to buy cheese on sale at two different Big Y's (same brand...never again). I didn't smell it right away, but when I took my first bite I thought I'd gag. Rancid. Needless to say, I lost my appetite. Even so, everyone else was spared because I was the one who made the discovery. As a result, they all had delicious tacos, while I had a turned stomach.

Everyone else chowed down. I just couldn't eat. Not with bad cheese in my stomach. I lost.

Happy Monday. The weekend is over and the tacos were delicious and the Mahi-Mahi tasted great. We just need to avoid bad cheese.

Nasty to the millionth degree.

Then we went to hear a band on the beach. Not a bad way to end a weekend. It would have been better, however, if the cheese was of better quality. 

Next time. 

When Young Novelists Allude to the Butterfly Man in their Creative Work, the @cwpfairfield Director Delivers as Best as He Can

I'm not sure which writer solicited a butterfly man on Friday, but I do know that my life-mentor, Sue McV, sent me a box of monarch butterflies for such an occasion, I knew I had to entertain, deliver, offer, and provide a visual to what they wrote (metal wires and all). 

I was stocked, coincidentally, and I couldn't help but make my ZOOM-look pertinent to the occasion.

We're heading into plot week next week, and I am hoping that Butterfly-man is given a story line to meet the character that the young writer created.

Happy Sunday, everyone.

Weekends are bizarre interludes when a National Writing Project Director is in between Young Adult Literacy Labs, ongoing with teacher institutes, and using the weekend to catch up on materials and to get ready for a brand new week ahead. 

I had the butterflies and I knew I had to offer the young people exactly what they wanted (lucky for me, I was armed with several years of Grannie Annie stories and individuals who paid attention to my own tales. These were gifted to me). 

I am sure Butterfly-man was more donned in monarch-fabrics, but I had what I had and was quick to deliver. The hat I'd also where, unfortunately, was chewed up by Karal in a rare vengeance episode when I went to Big Y (the grocery store). The butterflies, however, were kept in their place and I was ready to deliver on-demand, which is all that can be asked of a CWP-Fairfield Director.

I had this, and I offered what I could. Here's to Sunday and all the day will deliver. 

Well, @_Mitchellaneous, Today Is Your Day. I've Known You Since 2011 and a Decade Later, Your Heart, Soul, & Mind Are at Peace. It's Your Wedding Day

In my first cohort of tremendous Connecticut educators who attended the Connecticut Writing Project at Fairfield University was a young teacher, Shaun Mitchell, who took work at Central High School in Bridgeport, and dreamed to take a role as the drama teacher. He was drawn to my 10-Minute Play Festival workshop and, because of his technology skills, I began hiring him for videography. You have to understand, he had an iPad before any of us knew what it was. By the end of the summer, we all had one.

Years passed, Shaun started the play festival with his own students, I followed his lead and he designed a program called PROJECT CITIZEN which took off to its award-winning accolades, and he quickly became a right hand man to all we did during the summer. I was there for his Beard Teacher Award and nomination for CT Teacher of the Year, and he was there for me for the Elizabeth Pfriem Award to Civic Excellence. Together, too, we've received grants, supported one another's teaching, and were quick to high-five when the time was right.

These times were usually at NCTE/NWP conferences where he was my roommate and I'd get caught up on his escapades, love life, dreams of marriage, frets, and family. He's always been a little brother and I think the world of him.

I'm thrilled to celebrate his wedding today with Jordan. I've yet to meet Jordan, but I've always known Shaun to be a romantic type, eyes in the clouds of Disney, and dreams for the greatest possibilities. I learned this when he was featured during a Yale Tedx Talk series, too. Shaun knew Jordan was the one, and because he took a role near Hartford and his dating life went bonanza with Jordan, CWP began to see less of Shaun, but he was loved just the same.

He is family.

I am so happy for his day today and can't wait to hear all about it (especially when CWP throws him a party before school kicks back off). 

Since the early days, Shaun and I have collaborated on numerous presentations, always offering one another cool writing and performance games to do with kids (he's come a long, long way since Chocolate Thunder). One of his games he taught us to play is the improvisational, alphabet-conversation game, which I'll play to finish out this post (and see where it takes me).

Bryan: Alright, Shaun. I see you. Well, I don't. But I can imagine the pacing you are doing right now.

Shaun: Bryan, I think I'm good. I know this is the one. I've known since I met him.

Bryan: Crazy. Seems like yesterday you were squirting chocolate milk all over middle school kids.

Shaun: Damn. You'll never let me forget that, will you?

Bryan: Except Grinder. I don't want to remember that. Was it DC when you were crazy on that thing?

Shaun: F#@#. You remember that? It was a phase. And phew, NCTE was a giant rainbow bonanza.

Bryan: God. Was that the time we had a dance party and all the CWP teachers were bouncing on our bed?

Shaun: Hell, yeah! Barb, Kim, Megan, Rich...even Dave. You and your bourbon. You do that to us.

Bryan: I would never do that? Bourbon? That just doesn't seem like me.

Shaun: Jackass, I associate you with bourbon....

Bryan: Knowledge has a beginning, but no end.

Shaun: Life lessons, man. Life lessons. What a wonderful ten years.

Bryan: Magical. Hard to believe all that we built in a decade. You've been at my side all along.

Shaun: No....you've been at my side. I was such a young puppy when I started teaching.

Bryan: Oh, I remember. You reminded me of me: passionate, focused, creative, pro-kid.

Shaun: People in the National Writing Project are always like this. We're a cult.

Bryan: Questions. We ask the right questions. We deliver few answers, but model ways to find them.

Shaun: Right. Teachers teaching teachers. We have each others' backs.

Bryan: Sir. We need to change this subject. You're getting married today. How are you feeling?

Shaun: To tell the truth. I couldn't be happier. This is what I've wanted for a long time.

Bryan: Understandable. We've roomed at NCTE for many years. I'm a good listener.

Shaun: Vaginal warts. You knew I had to say something inappropriate somewhere. You gave me V.

Bryan: Well, I had to set you up somewhere in this game. I know Vagina Monologues aren't your thing.

Shaun: Xactly. You know me well.

Bryan: You deserve today, Shaun. We love you and we know this will be your best performance ever.

Shaun: Zoom in on Jordan and me, today. Tomorrow. Always. You'll see exactly why this day matters.

And there you have it, the A-Z dialogue game. This time, not because we have an auditorium of kids waiting on our every word, but because this is a day for you. All of us are sending magic your way, the fireworks of Disne,y and the pixie dust of magical dreams. We appreciate you, Shaun Mitchell, and we look forward to meeting Jordan, too. 

This Man "Write" Here, @othello88, Doing @cwpfairfield @writingproject Proud. "Flipping the Script: Reorienting the Classroom through Hip Hop Pedagogy"

I remember vividly when Dave Wooley did his teacher interview for the summer leadership institute at Fairfield University. Julie and I were sitting in my office, and she asked him if he could perform some of his work for us and he broke into bars about 9/11, his father, and the legacy that put him on the path he currently travels. We were awed, tears were shed, and we realized, "Wow. We're going to be able to work with Dave Wooley."

Our summer with Dave proved magical, and he created a demonstration on hip hop, wrote a piece called Walls inspired by artist Rick Shaefer, and quickly jumped in to lead literacy labs, including Project Citizen where we kicked it off with a NWP Youth Camp grant. In fact, William King, Jessica Baldizon, and I celebrated his work for special piece in the Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy. 

I learned, too, that Dave was a neighbor, great cook, and father of four. We quickly became friends, well brothers, and I knew instantly I was becoming a better man because of him. It's hard not to hold him in the utmost regard. 

Yesterday, Dave presented to our summer institute, and I was beyond impressed as he once again had teachers filling their writer's notebooks with facts, ideas, possibilities, and power - he truly lives the passion he offers in his presentations. When Dave talks about hip hop and pedagogy, you enter a magical universe of history, globalization, politics, and art. The teachers were beyond impressed, and after he left, everyone wanted copies of his presentation, contact information, and opportunities to work with him more. He delivers knowledge with the same flow he produces verse and music. It is spectacular.

I'm also realizing that the rise in the work with do in Connecticut, building on teacher leadership, student workshops, young adult books, and performances, Dave has always on board and in the lead. 

This is a TGIF post (I'm tired, but healthy too), that really should be TGFD - Thank God for Dave. His work, brilliance, thinking, knowledge, teaching, curriculum, life-trajectory, fatherhood, husbandry, and friendship are something all of us can learn from.

So, here's to Dave - we are so, so lucky to have him in our network.

Alright, @denisethowe! We Need to Get You and Jamie to Do Your Demonstrations for Many More People to See (& Learn From)

I'm reflecting on Tuesday's teacher-demonstration by Denise Howe, an educator in Danbury, CT, who teaches AP English at Immaculate, but who presented on her work with Jamie, her son. Jamie is an enthusiastic, interested, and focused young man who has Down syndrome. He proudly graduated last year, and Denise has been working with him in his transitions into a post-school life, including verbal communication, expression, and reflecting. After CWP, she's been using a Writer's Notebook with him, and documenting his growth, interests, and learning.

On Tuesday, both Jame and Denise presented to our teachers. It was a remarkable demonstration, as Denise walked us through how visuals prompt his memory, how she gets him to talk as a result of the photographs, and how she writes what he says, so that he can later copy it into his notebook.

They did this with plans for a trip to New Hampshire to see grandparents next week where he will fish, hike, and drive a boat. The presentation was 90-minutes, and Jamie was in his notebook for the majority of time: focused, determined, interested, and proud. He was writing his world.

Denise and Jamie also shared the notebooks he's already filled (almost 5 of them in a year), where we all saw pictures from his life, his writing, the dates, and his memories. Denise has been working with his teachers at school and, together, they are pushing Jamie to write more and more.

It was astounding, and Denise has already seen an increase in vocabulary, willingness to communicate, and a happiness to be a writer. Without a doubt, Jamie demonstrated his capabilities, drive, desires, and individuality. The notebooks brought all of this to the forefront. 

I want to stop the universe and offer Denise the tools so she can continue recording Jamie's journal, sharing his story with teachers, and promoting the love he has for his daily notebook. He's capturing memories as he makes them, and going back to his hard work to recollect his past. More importantly, he's engaged with communicating his story to the rest of us.

What an amazing demonstration!

The Never Fails Jack Powers Poetry Workshop. Reusable Ideas Never Fail. @cwpfairfield. #poetry Pequannok Poem.

In 2011, I was introduced to Jack Powers and his skills as a writer and teacher. Yesterday, he came to campus and led this summer's cohort, so I wrote, too. I told him, "It's always a good day when you present to our teacher institute, because I know I'll have a blog post in the morning." I always end up with two to three poems by the end of his workshop. It's also a great bonding experience for teachers, those that write poetry and who are scared to death of it.

"Homestead" by Robert Gibb is typically the one that engages the most writers. Form, rhythm, choice. Replicate. Try it yourself. Share. It works.

And Jack is a master craftsman. He composes beautifully, but he also teaches with natural expertise: humor, style, grace, intelligence, and passion. It's always incredible to see. 

This year, I didn't jump into childhood with the prompt, but utilized the present...something new.

Pequannok

It's spring, 2021. My son's 

in a buttoned Polo tucked

in his golf shorts & held 

into place with a brown belt.

Karal leads with her leash.

It’s hard to see clouds,

but we know they’re gray,

damp, and move quickly 

with the promise of rain.

Because I’m almost 50

I notice the pace he keeps

in dress shoes not meant

for walking - the ones

worn to his office parties,

He makes a salary now.   

I the talking about my

parents, dad riding his

mower to the bar

while mom laces

their home with oxygen

thread and cookie crumbs. 

It used to be smoke

and wise potato chips.

Because I’m almost 50

nothing looks the same.

My son’s legs are long,

shiny from the lotion,

moving quickly along

the Pequonnack, its water

parading over buried rocks

and fallen Sycamores.

He’s planned a trip to

Louisville on his own -

came to visit me and

to get some fresh air.

Time is shackled upon

his wrist like dollar signs.

It’s Friday. Both of us

need a break, this 

son always four steps

ahead of me. It's like

he walks atop the trees. 

I understand the path 

ahead, it's straight forward

but miss the feet

that once followed me,

as I try to keep up.

When It Is @CWPFairfield's Busy Season, I Look at My Photos and All I Have are the Receipts Collected for all the Programs

I often refer to it as receipt porn. 

The University moved to digital everything, so rather than tape to white paper, photo copy, and fill out a form, every purchase I make for my work now is photographed on my phone and uploaded to a digital platform. Accountability. I get it. I also remember how I would stock pile receipts on my desk and pray they would still be there for when I processed them all at the end of summer. Now, I'm more ritual about a weekly receipt check-in, especially as items arrive. It makes it easier.

What is more complicated is deciphering between the grants, funds, and lines that each purchase is to be billed for. Imagine keeping a checking account x's 10, having to keep in your head all the items you're buying, for what, and from what funder (all while paying teachers to run programs for youth and running a program for teachers...with no administrative assistants).

Phew. Thank the Great Whatever for Staff across campus who step up and in to help CWP when it's needed. I am forever appreciative of their help.

Yes, yesterday began youth labs, and afterwards I decided to go through my phone for receipt photographs, so I could account for every one of them. I know it is supposed to save work doing it this way, but it creates work, too. And as they get rid of more and more humans, it is harder and harder to process the materials needing attention.

I am just so, so, so thankful I love the work I do for kids and teachers; otherwise, this would all drive me absolutely insane (which it does...hence this post).

Ah, but there's work to get done.

Good Deed Sunday: I Read, We Walked 90-Minutes, and We Went to the Store to Get a Gift for Dominik and Kaitlyn's House

Saturday night, when I went to Dominik and Kaitlyn's house, I didn't bring a housewarming gift. Well, technically, Dom has lived there for some time, and Kaitlyn moved in quite a while ago, but I've never been over. Then, with the engagement, weddings, etc. I got confused on what the rules of etiquette were supposed to be.

So, before the Euro Championship between Italy and England, I scoped around town to see if I could find Echinacea and Buddleia davidii (butterfly bushes). I scored as much as Italy did. They won. 

I can now say that I've planted some butterfly life and memories in their backyard for the days up to the wedding, until September when it actually occurs. It's sort of a waltz (or polka) before the day gets here. Every year when they bloom, they can reflect on the time between Patrick/Steph's and their own wedding. In between will be butterflies and hummingbirds (we can hope). 

They must remember to plant them, however, so they can grow.

And it seems to be a good Sunday gift, because it's all back to Monday this morning. Keeping this short - there's work to be done.

While Hiking the Stratford Shores, I Lucked Out with a Free Mini-Library at the End of Someone's Driveway

It was overcast, with no rain, and Karal and I spent her birthday hiking for 90 minutes along the Long Island Sound. Someone built a miniature library since last time we were there and I scored Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler, a book Kris, Dave, and Isaiah highly recommended. Something tells me I'm going to want to listen to this one as I hike.

Karal was like, "Why are we stopping? What's that paper apparatus you have in your hand?"

Ah, it was a lucky treasure to find and I can't wait to dig in. I think I'll go back tomorrow and drop off a few books in exchange. Now I want to build a free library of my own, especially with the middle school books I have so that kids walking to and from school can get free reads instead of handing them out at Halloween.

At night, Dominik and Kaitlin had us over for homemade Polish kielbasa and a bonfire. Everything was delicious and the firefly firework display was spectacular. 

The day wiped me out, however. I hit the pillow early and will kick off my day with more yard work and then the England/Italy Euro-Cup this afternoon. Sorry I missed that yesterday was Karal's birthday until halfway through the day. Her paperwork said July 10th, but somehow I didn't put two and two together until a little kid asked me on our walk how old she was. I asked him, "What's today?" and when he said "July 10th," I said, "I believe she's 1 year today." I was right. 

Happy belated birthday, Karalynne Carrot Karma Caramel Cake.

I've only had her a couple of months, and I'm still shaking my head that other families returned her. I don't know why. She has loved every second on Mt. Pleasant and fell into a routine quite naturally. She's mastered numerous tricks and she seems to desire more each and every day. A little petunia, this one. I love that she has a big-dog personality, but is still cuddly and small enough to curl in a lap.

And just like that it is Sunday again. Ah, work weeks. How you manage to ruin a weekend. 

It Flies By Too Fast, But a Chance Meeting in a Liquor Store in Norwalk = an Invite to See Friends & Family. It's All Good

Tunga and I made plans to meet halfway, so I could catch up with his trip to Louisville. He picked a seafood place, but I don't think he looked at the prices. The average meal was like $68 dollars. I asked him what he wanted and he said a burger, so we ended up at the Dry Dock & Grille in Norwalk. On the way in, I stopped by a liquor store to get goods for the weekend, and I thought, "Isn't that Claudia Connor?" It was. We haven't seen each other in a couple of years, and collaborated much on refugee projects in Bridgeport and supporting one another's vision.

Her son, Luca, was in our 1st Project Citizen and was featured in the JAAL article we wrote (he's a great lyricist and really bonded with Dave). We've also had Gabrielle, since, and Claudia said, "Hey, it's Gab's birthday and we're having a party for him. I sent Sam to the store and he came home with a tiny bottle of tequila, so I came back to get a bigger one."

Of course, the store's credit system was down, so we had to spend time chatting. She asked, "Why don't you and Chitunga stop by after you after dinner. We're only a couple of miles away."

And they were. 

We went for a birthday toast - it was so great to see the family, especially Luca. There was always something special about him as a writer, thinker, and dreamer. We all loved working with him when he went through our programs.

They have a beautiful back porch, and it reminded me of evenings in our college years where we'd make parties on Amalfi Drive with whoever could stop by.

Crazy coincidence, but I'll give credit to The Great Whatever. Claudia is back at Save the Children, and it was so wonderful to see her again. I hope this spontaneous gathering becomes more ritualistic. It was a nice Friday night surprise.

When a 10-Minute Activity Turns Into 90-Minutes, That's the Power of @kpchandl and A Good Fit - It Gets Teachers Thinking

Julie Roneson, my co-director for the summer work, was tasked with leading a conversation on Kelly Chandler Olcott's A Good Fit For All Kids: Collaborating to Teaching Writing in Diverse, Inclusive Settings and she began with Chapter One. She pulled forward 7 quotes from the writing and handed them out to groups to think about, write, and then lead a conversation, as we did a gallery walk around the room, where the quotes were also taped on white boards.

Quote, think, reflect, write, White Board, Lead Discussion, Group discussion, Collaborate ahead.

The KCO quotes led to deep, reflective, moving, and engaging conversations with the summer crew, which let to deeper dialogue, more inquiry, and even more possibility, especially on the collaborative part of working with colleagues to meet the needs of all kids in a variety of schools.

"It'll only take 10-minutes," Julie predicted. "Then we'll finish the day with the workshop we didn't get to yesterday."

I'm a facilitator with a lil' insight knowledge about KCO's book, but I tell the team, "I want to hear what you have to say and to learn how KCO's words inspire your ways of knowing." 

Yes, I was antsy. I had a 90-minute workshop up next, but I couldn't do it. They were so engaged by the quotes and what they were thinking as a result of A Good Fit For All Kids, that I knew I needed to seize the moment and let their processing go forward. It was too rich a conversation to push the original agenda ahead. The workshop could wait.

I have to say, it is surreal to have been part of something that had another 3 years of life, and to learn with Kelly Chandler Olcott's writing and its influence on classroom teachers. I don't have it here, but one of my teachers presented that she was thinking KCO actually is Kelly: COmmunity, COmmitment, COllaboration, and COnsideration. I wish I recorded the mini-speech. It was brilliant. In one chapter she took away these for words she wants to bring back to her middle school students.

This is all to say, "Dang. I was one lucky doctoral student to have the guidance of such a sage." 

I am, because of her. 

But now, I need to rest this brain. 6-hour daily institutes is something that might take a little while to adjust to again, especially back-to-back, day-to day. And these monsoon rains. How do we get the dogs outside?

What a week! So thankful to the NWP teacher leadership model.

2003 Flashback. Teaching in Denmark, Class of 2005 with Me, Writer's Notebook From that Year - Frog Sketches.

I always bring in the history of my writer's notebooks when I work with teachers to show how my thinking moved from text, to text and visuals, to visuals, to blogs (like this) which allow me to offer a little of both. I actually took 100s of photos of my notebook, because I was mesmerized by what I was doing so long ago. It is a timestamp. A moment in space. A talisman of who I used to be. 

In my sketches of that notebook are several Frog characters, including numerous comic strips and character reformations about what could possibly be a story frame for my thinking. At the time, I started a Comics club, and we looked at several graphic novels after school - a collaboration with the art teacher, and I watched my students for what might be possible directions to take. I thought I was an old fart then. I now realize I was still a pup.

Funny I grabbed this particular journal off my shelf from hundreds of journals to share with a room full of teachers today. As I looked through this particular one, I told the teachers, "It's amazing. I remember, sort of, working on the entries in this book, but I don't remember the actual story,. I have, however, the story behind the story and perhaps that is most important. I mean, 2003....These kids are now 33 years old. They were just babies when I had them, influencing my life like I was mentoring theirs.

It was, though, also the hay day of my career. I loved the National Writing Project work I was doing in my classroom. We had a phenomenal administrator with a great vision. The State of Kentucky was full-throttle behind writing instruction in all content areas and genres. It was a dream. A journal of Frog journals makes absolute sense. We were licensed to mentor a wide variety of writing possibilities in our classrooms.

Four years later, however, it all changed. The work the teachers were doing was squashed and those of us pushing kids to their best selves became targets for administration. Only the new tests mattered. Real world skills no longer did. Testing. Testing. Testing.

And that's where we've been for way over a decade. That is a generation of kids, too, who have been taught little, but tested much. More than one generation, actually.

And all of this thinking was prompted by one notebook...one perusal from one summer with 10th graders on an overseas trip to Denmark as I opened to this page in front of teachers.

The world is definitely not that place any more. 

A visual launches memory. That's the point. 

I Now Understand FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) Because I am Missing Out. But I Am Beginning the Teacher Institute Today, and It's All Good

Sue McV knows how to rub it in. 

All day yesterday I received photos of her in Kentucky hiking with Chitunga, eating ice cream with Chitunga, and even going out to dinner with Chitunga and Dave. What's worse is she took him to Nam Huynh's Eatz - Vietnamese Restaurant. Nam was in the graduating class of 2007, my last year for teaching at the Brown School. He's since become a culinary genius and able to feed all those that love and cherish good Vietnamese food (like me...and I couldn't be there).

I spent 14-hours yesterday working on today, the opening day for the teacher institute. Whereas K-12 educators have been face-to-face for months (in masks, of course), the University has lived by a different set of rules. Those of us on campus on a given day can be counted on two hands and two feet. This is just to say that the normalcy of getting normal summer operations underway is definitely not happening. I am just holding my breath and doing the best that I can. We were given incredible space in the Dolan School of Business and the facility is ridiculously nice. Alas, not sure where to print items or if I can get the technology to work. It failed yesterday.

As always, the teachers are my focus. It is such a pleasure to gift them with the National Writing Project tradition, good books, awesome pedagogy, leadership opportunities, and never-ending stimulation. It is professional development that works every time. 

Still, how great would it be to have summer off to travel to see Sue and Dave, too?

It's all good. I am now on a 9 pm bedtime and 6 am wake-up time for the next month (and it's been a while, because there was no teacher institute last summer). 

We got this. It's not noodle soup or a spring roll, but it suffices. 

There are No Coincidences (Except Ger Duany in I HEART HUCKABEES)...So, Villagers, Tell This Idiot What It's All Supposed to Mean!

I read the world like tea leaves. Ask my students in Kentucky, who used to pull random toys from a big barrel I had and from what they grabbed I would read their future. It used to spook them out. BRC - toy reader...

I sort of retired that ability and haven't thought of it much until yesterday. Guilty that I gave two days away to a wedding celebration, I got up early and immediately targeted a few pieces that needed final edits and submission. Not wanting to be late, I sat and worked until around 1 p.m.. As soon as I finished, I felt a sore on my nose and lo and behold, it was a zit. Just as I hit 'send' a zit appeared (I felt like Cynderballz). Then, I immediately look up from my self-navigation and there's a turkey crossing the road. I'm like, "What's a turkey doing in this neighborhood?"

The turkey strutted up the driveway, walked across my yard, then disappeared. As soon as he did, the mailman showed up with a package for Karal Carrot Cake. It's a bag of 20 squirt guns (somebody has been reading my blog). I took all of this as a sign that I probably should run the errands I was putting off, including the grocery store.

Well, Big Y was buy-one get-one free, so I went a little crazy. I've never prepared Shiitake mushrooms, but when I see a sale, I do as cheap people do...I figure it out. I also go steak tips, vegetables, salad, and I texted Leo, Bev, and Pam (my three-letter named friends) and asked, "Want me to cook tonight?" 

They did. And Kaitlyn and Dominic showed, too.

When I came back, I wondered if Karalynne was going to prove a good dog or bad dog. Um.....

It is so random. She has reign of the entire house and the two things she went after (and I have no idea how she got them down from the shelves they were on) was Neanderthal Poetry given to me by Kaitlyn, and a tiny spiral notebook of my Grannie Annie's. I was like, "Man. She knows how to get revenge." As soon as I walked in, she hid under the kitchen table. I couldn't even scold her. She punished herself. 

Anyway, I appreciate the squirt guns, and I should focus, focus, focus today. I needed the 5th to do the errands I didn't do on the 3rd and 4th. Meanwhile, Chitunga caught his flight to Louisville (he arrived safely). My heart is happy to know that he will have a short time with my KY family.

But it's been a while since I've been with a puppy, and I know they always go for the jugular when they want to spite you for leaving them alone. Sunday, she did it to Pam and today she did it with me. "I'll teach you for leaving me at the house all alone. You think that's okay? Well, I have something I want to tell you."

Ah...she needs to get used to it. She will be home alone for most of this week. And with this post, I need to let the routine begin.

And the Winner for Greatest Surprise Atop Numerous Surprises is Rona Preli, "Hey, Crandall. The Ben & Jerry Truck Will Be Here in 30-Minutes."

Ever since I met Rona Preli I knew that she was a planner, doer, shaker, mover, and over-the-top lover of family and friends. The wedding she and Ken threw, with Fran and Pamela Kelly, for Stephanie and Patrick was truly remarkable. Yesterday, on the 4th, they held an after-wedding picnic that began at 1 and went on to (well, I don't want to know). I lasted until 6. Tunga lasted until 11.

But at 3:00, Rona came by to announce, "I have a surprise for everyone. The Ben & Jerry's Truck will be in the driveway in 30-minutes. I hope you're ready for some ice cream."

Really? We spent 1 pm -3 pm having barbecue catered by a restaurant in New Haven; inside, there was a buffet of bagels, fruits, mimosas, and bloody Mary's. I was still exhausted from last night, and have no idea how the wedding party or parents had energy for this second day...

...with the grandiosity...

...and all that food...

I don't remember, exactly, what I had, but it was served over a cookie and had lots of hot fudge. When the announcement came we were told that the children and elderly go first. I asked, "Does that count me?" I was told, "No."

I demonstrated my patience. 

And I'm fried. I have no clue how any of them are standing, including Chitunga, who partook, full-heartedly, in the festivities....they had fireworks at night. I couldn't last that long. I've always been a bit of a party pooper.

Meanwhile, Karal had a naughty day. We left her and Jake at Pam's condo, where she tore up a bag and box of tissue, plus ate through a new dog leash. I have been counting my blessings that she's been so good, but I know there's an enormous imp in her (and she's been waiting to show it). She showed it.

Now I wish I had leftovers. I never got to the ribs or pulled pork, because everything else was so good. 

Today is recovery (still waiting to see if Tunga needs me to drive him to Laguardia - his first big-boy booking on his own. He's going to see Sue in Louisville and have lunch with Alice and Charlie, too). I hope he has a fantastic time on his first vacation.

And now...drum roll please...it's CWP all the way.

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Patrick and Stephanie Kelly on a Beautiful Wedding with a Wonderful Ceremony

 

There are better photos of the groom and bride, and I'm proud of Jake and Karal for having an uneventful night at home. They were left from 3 pm until 1 a.m. and all went. Everything was gorgeous, it was a spectacular location, and everyone enjoyed themselves. 

I'm sure they are ready to rest, chill out, recover, and reflect. All that hard work and poof! It's over. 

Pictured here: Kaitlyn, Pam, Patrick, Stephanie, Fran, and Dominik.

It's Nuts, Really, Karal. This Academic Life I Live, & I Am Glad You're Adjusting. But We Don't Go For Long Walks in the Rain. Nope.

Yesterday was a good day to stay inside, and the weather psychics were correct. When it poured, it poured. I actually did find a window where the pupperdoodle and I could take a 4-mile walk. Even so, she begged for more...and as I put together my final evening writing (more poetry...I'm a geek), she started doing sprints around the house as fast as she could. She then stop between my feet as if asking, "Can't we go outside and toss a stick or something?"

I wore my squirrel socks yesterday, a gift from Ranger Kristin Lessard from Weir Farm National Historical Park. It's from a story I wrote about a squirrel, squid, and flamingo (Write Out 2020). I put them on actually, because they never made it upstairs after the gifting. They've been on a table for months, and even though I've been saying I should store extra socks downstairs, I haven't. Why? Well, I sleep barefoot and come down for coffee the same. Then, if I want to leave the house, I'm always like, "Dang. I don't have socks downstairs." 

Yesterday, I remedied that by putting on the squirrels. I needed a yellow pocket square and headed to the usuals to find one: Burlington, Marshall's, TJ Maxx. They didn't have any pocket squares. Shoot, they didn't really have ties. I thought, "Ugh. I probably should try Walmart," and I HATE GOING TO WALMART. The one in Cicero, NY, isn't bad, and I can tolerate the one in Shelton, CT, so I went there.

No ties. No pocket squares. Ah, but they did have a sewing material section, and swaths of interesting material. It was cheap. I bought on block for a $1 and then a back of scrap material for $4 (30 cloth prints). I will make my own pocket square, and with what I don't use, I will either quilt (NOT HAPPENING) or use to wrap crap when gift-giving. Clever Crandall. Tricks are for kids.

Hmmm. Now I'm anticipating a post for Sunday morning and thinking, "I'm unlikely to have one up in time because of the wedding festivities." So, perhaps I'll pre-post today or sometime later tomorrow, a late post."

 And with that, I need to get my day going.

Because They're Going to the Chapel and They're Gonna Get Married - the Night Before the Night Before, a Small Gathering to Tap Glasses

...and I'm just a guest...which is a great location to reside.

Patrick and Stephanie are marrying on Saturday. Yesterday, I went and got clothes for the wedding because, truth be told, I've only dressed up from the waist up over the last year, and this is a real gathering, with real people, for a special occasion. A new sport coat, slacks, a new shirt, and then not just one, but two new pairs of shoes (I'll decide what pair will be best once Saturday morning arrives).

Leo, Bev, and I went to Pam's after she assisted my shoe shopping (besides, Karal needed an out-of-house experience). I brought over burgers, beans, but forgot the buns, but Pam had a tomato salad, so while she putzed forward with her pre-wedding work, I put together a plate that looked more gourmet than it actually was.

...and it was delicious...

And Chitunga called and said, "I need to get something to wear for the wedding," I headed home quickly and we went to shop, Crandall style, and got him several shirts, a vest, and pairs of pants (he has to work, too). 

Then he and I sat in the driveway of Mt. Pleasant, talked life, and caught up on his work, my work, Syracuse, Karal, and how quickly the life swirl goes on and on and on.

Inside, Karal found a lacrosse ball to play with. 

So, here's to all parents, everywhere, who have dedicated resources, finances, and time to the happiness of their kids, especially those who are encountering wedding expenses. Phew. 

I never got the gifts that come from showers, and weddings, and the what-not, and I told Chitunga, "Dude. It's a big economical advantage to have so many friends and family to invest in your future. Get married, so all that shebang comes your way."

And then I handed him the garage-sale find of Cherry Heights, the refurbished table, and $10 investment, and said, "Well, this is how I've always rolled. Sorry I'm not so fancy."

He laughed. I laughed. And on Saturday, we're going to dress up and be fancy for an evening with friends and people we enjoy and love.

Ah, but Friday...I have a teacher institute to run next week after the 4th of July comes to a close. I'm on my computer all day today.

Karalynne Was Introduced to an Invitational Leadership Institute Speed-Planning Event on Mt. Pleasant (& Julie Captured this Photo)

Actually, Karal is more than enthusiastic to be friends with anyone who enters our home, and the more she likes you, the more she's obsessed with your feet, heels, and toes, all to get your attention. I haven't invested in a squirt gun yet, because she doesn't give me problems, but when others come over, the more you ignore her, the more she wants you to know she loves you with love nibbles. It's fascinating really, if not annoying. We're getting there.

So, Julie captured Karal in my arms where she was content, but I couldn't get any work done. When it's just the two of us, she's self-occupied.

I think she has separation issues. Not Julie, but Karal. After Julie left, Karal went to sleep and I noticed she was having a dream where she appeared to be suckling like a puppy trying to get milk. She's done this before and it is adorable, but in 1 year of life I wonder about how much imagination a dog can have within their dreams. I think it is charming she reminisces about feeding as a pup. But then she wakes herself up, she is alarmed...and immediately looks for me, jumps in my lap, jumps down, and falls asleep again. I think she may have been outnumbered in her litter and, as a result, is now always craving milk she wasn't getting. Maybe that is why she became a bitter to get attention, and why she bites.

It's all a hypothesis trying to figure out her psychology (in the same way you can all psychologize about my pervasive writing about her on this blog - yes, after a year of Covid, she's something beyond the routine that is educational and interesting). I thank Julie for getting this photo.

If I was a good friend I would have taken a photo in return of her underneath the piles of books I gave her. I love working with her and am glad we'll host a summer institute for teacher leadership, yet again.

Rain today = cooler temperatures. Phew. So ready for it.