Category Archives: Uncategorized

mondays

March 12, 2018Uncategorized#SOL18, The Slice of Life Challengepaulabourque

The thing about
Monday
is I always
   stumble a bit
      to hit the reset
but after I wipe
    the sleep from my eyes
       the view from here
is spectacular.

#MicroPoetry #SOL18

The first few moments of Mondays are always the hardest. My bed feels so warm, my weekend was filled with family, my time was my own…the alarm disconnects me from all that. I usually lie in bed for a bit and let the week come into focus, and when it does I am usually eager to greet it. I love my job. I love the students. I love the teachers I work with. My worlds just overlap a bit too abruptly at the crack of dawn on Mondays.

Happy Monday, Slicers.

edcamps

March 11, 2018Uncategorized#EdCamp207, #SOL18, EDcamppaulabourque

Educators
Don’t mind
Choosing to spend a little time
Away from family in exchange for
Meaningful learning and
Professional connections to
Support our passion and growth as teachers.

#MicroPoetry #SOL18

Yesterday I attend an EdCamp in rural Maine organized by teachers…for teachers. If you have never attended an EdCamp, I cannot urge you more vociferously. I always feel so energized after immersing myself in a day of self-directed learning with such passionate, life-long learners. A big thank you to the teachers at Maranacook Community School who put in many long hours to make #EdCamp207–a FREE professional development– so successful. Thank you also, to every teacher who stepped up to share and collaborate and make this day so meaningful. If you’d like to check out our learning you can click on our Sessions Schedule for links to notes and resources.

rejoice

March 10, 2018Uncategorized#SOL18, The Slice of Life Challengepaulabourque

Sometimes

you get good news
and no one knows
the private celebration
you are having
because

no one knew
the private struggle
you were living.

#MicroPoetry #SOL18

There are many variations on the quote by Wendy Mass, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.” The older I get, the more I find this is true. The students we teach, the colleagues we work with side by side, and the friends we love all face struggles and challenges in life that we know nothing about. Life is filled with joys, but also suffering. When we face our own challenges and stresses we can appreciate joys more sweetly, and hopefully anticipate the silent suffering of others more compassionately. A recent health scare brought this home to me. I am grateful for good news, but I am reminded it that not everyone does, and we often never know.

reluctance

March 9, 2018Uncategorized#SOL18, The Slice of Life Challengepaulabourque

She was not ready
to awaken from slumber
so she rolled over
pulling up her white covers
snuggling in a while longer

#MicroPoetry #SOL18

Though I wrote this Tanka poem as a metaphor for winter, it aptly described my own lack of motivation yesterday morning as a snow day allowed me a bit more cuddle time.

love

March 8, 2018Uncategorized#SOL18, The Slice of Life Challengepaulabourque

Love is
venturing out
into the cold
long after your bride
has snuggled down
to clear her way
into morning.

#MicroPoetry #SOL18

Love evolves into something deeper than roses on the table and dinners by candlelight when you have found your soul mate. There are a thousand acts of love that pass between two people in a lifetime-the key to longevity is selflessly offering them and being woke to receiving them.

slice-of-life_individual

anticipating

March 7, 2018Uncategorized#SOL #SOL18 #SliceofLife Slice of Lifepaulabourque

Beneath.

Sleeping.

Waiting.

Anticipating

the greening.

#micropoetry #SOL18

My land abuts a cemetery that I frequently walk. It is so tranquil and quiet, especially in the winter. I took this photo at sunset and contemplated a number of existential questions. However cold or dark or barren it gets, life seems to find a way.

As I look at the slices across the country of springtime arriving I am eager for it’s arrival here…and yet this is us: CLICK FOR A TASTE OF MAINE

slice-of-life_individual

pray

March 6, 2018Uncategorized#SOL18paulabourque

Prey

Acorn half eaten

Scurried tracks to the right

Wing prints of predator

Left in mid-flight

Pray

#micropoetry #SOL18

Snowshoeing through the woods with a friend a few weeks ago, we came upon a clearing and noticed quite a scuffle in the snow. The scene told the stark story of the circle of life. Sometimes what seems cruel to one, can be a blessing to another.
So whose prayers get answered?

slice-of-life_individual

champions

March 5, 2018Uncategorized#SOL18paulabourque

Step over
jump cut
     pivot and
         feint
dash ‘cross the pitch
with little constraint.
Headers and
chip shots,
     passes and spinners,
don’t need a score
to recognize
             winners.

#MicroPoetry #SOL18

My son has played soccer since he was about four years old. To call it a passion is almost derogatory. I revel in watching him play, win or lose…and there has been much more of latter than the former. When circumstances align, however, and the score tips our way, there is no denying the joy that comes from watching a team celebrate their successful efforts. Your mixture of ‘silly and serious’ have made watching this team so delightful.. Congrats to the “Isolated Thunderstorms” on winning the winter championship at the local soccer club last night-you were winners before the games, as well.

creation

March 4, 2018Uncategorized#SOL18paulabourque

I imagine
this
same
look
gracing
god’s
face
upon
creating
something
so
beautiful.

#micropoetry #SOL18

The satisfaction that comes from creating something out of nothing is universal. Do we take the time to notice that divine accomplishment when we observe it? Do we give ourselves enough opportunities in life to experience it? The slices we craft this month are acts of creation. Let us take some time to appreciate that for ourselves and for others as we comment and connect. Writing is powerful. We are creators.

slice-of-life_individual

quick change

March 3, 2018Uncategorized#SOL18paulabourque

She stepped
backstage
between numbers
and
the set
changed
dramatically.

#micropoetry #SOL18

There are too many cliches tossed out as advice to parents to live in the moment and remember, they won’t be little forever. While they hold truth, they are tainted with an implication that perhaps we don’t, that were are somehow frivolous with our appreciation. I have cherished every stage of this dancer’s life, but no amount of mindfulness can hold back the hands of time. I simultaneously mourn the loss of my babies while embracing the ‘child’ who is now. Last night Bailey danced at her college and I could not be there in person, but I was present.

slice-of-life_individual