Archive for September 11th, 2009
September Eleventh
September 11th, 2009 | Author: Shannon
9/11/ 2009
Eight years ago, I was living in Socorro, NM. Early one autumn morning, as my boyfriend and I lay in bed awaiting the motivation to get to school, a strange sound came over the airwaves of NPR. The emergency signal sound I usually associated with tests of some sort. This time, a news announcement followed with information regarding airplanes running into the world trade towers.
Shocked, I listened closely.
Later, the halls of the geology building of New Mexico Tech were buzzing with hypotheses of whether or not the buildings would calapse… and then they did.
I watched on the TV in the student union as they fell- over and over and over again and waited to hear from my relatives who worked in or near the towers.
I had a test- which I did terribly on (in fact as I think about it, that was last day I had any fun in graduate school).
After hearing from my parents and relatives, I settled in, knowing that my world would be a little different FOREVER. I had felt the same fear for my family as people all over the world feel daily. It was a foreign concept before then. Here we fear the stockmarket, gas prices, taxes, other corners of the world there is fear of life (or death).
My heart felt compassion goes out to everyone who suffered that day. May we work together for peace, freedom and an end to war, suffering, and fear.
God Bless the Whole World Wide.
Book Review: i love dirt! and let's go outside
September 11th, 2009 | Author: Shannon
Jennifer Ward, children’s book author, is a leading pioneer in getting children (back) outside. Her books i love dirt and let’s go outside are wonderful resources for parents to remind us of the fun we’ve had outside.
i love dirt has 52, seasonally related, activities for children ages 4-8 to do with their parents rain or shine, day or night… exploring and reconnecting with the wonders of nature. Richard Louv writes in the forward:
“There is no exotic setting required, no special equipment: simply flip through the book to the appropriate season- or mix and match- then find and activity (or inactivity) that speaks to you, and go out there. I say inactivity, because there are a number of wonderful suggestions that are designed to get readers to slow down, see what is around them, and pay attention to the senses.”
let’s go outside, contains four chapters of activities and projects for children 8-12 years old. Being in nature can be therapeutic for all of us, so moms, dads, educators, grandparents, this is a wonderful resource. In the words of Jennifer Ward:
“Most preteens are aware of nature’s existence on a surface level but do not take advantage of what the outdoors offers. It’s easy to learn about the force and physics of wind through the use of the Internet or a book, but it is a completely different experience to feel the force and physics of wind for yourself with a kite in hand. Which type of activity do you believe offers a deeper appreciation and a more meaningful comprehension?”
I have borrowed both books from my local library and enjoy thumbing through them for ideas, inspiration, and information… if your library doesn’t have them, make a request or purchase it and donate it to the library. You’re doing your family and community a favor making these books available.
Share your ideas here in the comments or on your own blog. I’m excited to add new adventures to my treasure chest!
