My Journey Stepping into the Sunshine is written by Kaoru Shinmon, a guy from ....Venice.. ..California..... His journey is now a book of hope. He was born in ....Hawaii.... and came here to follow his heart and pursue his dream to write screenplays. His journey, as is our, is to find positive purpose in our daily life. This book is filled with inspirational stories to help people give thanks, stop worrying and start living. There are charming memories of Kaoru's from his quaint encounters with famous people who he reminds us are human too. He also sings for several unsung heroes and heroines that are like "angels" who should not be taken for granted. When the sun comes up in the morning, he gives reason for us to say "Good morning." He has learned from key people in his life that "there are no accidents in life…." If your life has been turned upside down, or this economy made a turn for the worse in your path, this book will help you get back your "mojo" (magnetic quality).


If I were to sum up Kaoru in one word it would be Namaste. According to Wikipedia, "Namaste is a common spoken greeting or salutation originating from India It is a customary greeting when individuals meet, and a salutation upon their parting." In Yoga Journal, Aadil Palkhivala's states: "The gesture Namaste represents the belief that there is a Divine spark within each of us that is located in the heart chakra. The gesture is an acknowledgment of the soul in one by the soul in another. "Nama" means bow, "as" means I, and "te" means you. Therefore, Namaste literally means "bow me you" or "I bow to you." There is no doubt that Stepping into the Sunshine is a salute to all of those who know or want to know more about its author, Kaoru Shinmon whose name has a special meaning discovered within the book on his journey.


I commend Kaoru for what he does for humanity in his daily walk. He is just like anyone of us. Even he will tell you that it has been a challenge to change his self. He learned what he had to do: "Remove yourself, become what you aspire to be." He has had to steer clear of toxic relationships. And he has learned "When you see a person, see them as a human being in need…." How do you feel or respond when someone ask you "How are you?" in passing. Do you know if they really want to know? In most cases they don't want to know. Not so with Kaoru. He makes a point of saying, "How is your day going?" And, he will look into your eyes or leave droplets of words to let you know he cares about your soul and wants to know the answer, truly.

If you want to see what I am talking about go to http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/54514

I can attest to Kaoru's sincerity based solely upon his writings and recognition of hard times. See, I am one of the 20 to 25% of the population that has been downsized. I am a teacher of 16 years, who was derailed from massive state budget cuts. I did not worry about giving up tenure. I never had trouble getting a teaching job before and am successful getting the toughest of students motivated. So in part of my journey to adapt, I became adept with social media in 2008-2009. I became friends with Kaoru Shinmon on a few sites. We are both authors. His words have always been uplifting! When I teach I have very little time for pleasure reading. But the Internet gives us ability to read snippets with a purpose, to get to know people or subjects. The subject I like most is "getting to know people." I particularly wanted to get to know the person who has the ability to make people smile over many miles around the world. So, it is an honor to read and review this book about "Kaoru, My Journey Stepping into the Sunshine" and leading the way for others to do the same.


It is Kaoru's benign vulnerability and honesty that lends to clarity in his life, and he wants us to have the same peace in our human condition by Stepping into the Sunshine. He shows us how in this state we can be "synchronized" with "everything in life having its place and time." This truth is found in the bible. In the book of Ecclesiastes, Chapter 3, God's word states, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." So for what it may be worth Kaoru acknowledges that "For many of us life has changed with the time…leaving many people depressed and without hope." This book helps us not despair.


With regards to our despair, we must keep our wits about us when all around us many may be losing theirs. Kaoru shares the calm and clarity he has witnessed of people who learned from Buddhism. It is certain, "If we destroy something around us, we destroy ourselves…." The stories in this book prove that you can protect the light that is in you and bring light out of others. Some stories illustrate that one has to have wisdom when to walk away from or let go of those who cast darkness on people.

If you need hope now, go to http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/54514

Stepping into the Sunshine means not allowing others to destroy you! "Do not let someone else's bad day become yours." "Don't let fear stop you from doing what you soul dreams of doing." The cliché from Nike is not over-rated, 'Just Do It.' Kaoru sheds light into this book from Richard Collier, "…Turn your dream into a reality by changing your mind-set…Remove from your life what keeps you from being who you want to be." Stepping into the Sunshine includes lessons from Dr. Deepak Chopra, "…Don't fear problems; seek solutions." And, if you want to take one of the biggest lessons from this book, "DISCOVER THE MEANING OF RANDOM EVENTS…." It actually reminded me of the Celestine Prophecy coming true in Kaoru's life and how it can be true for us too.

You can get this as an e-book at this link: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/54514

Stepping into the Sunshine will help you see that "…if you are truly happy, other people won't be able to bring you down by their judgments…." It is your "courage" that will make you able to change (under go "metamorphosis"). If you get help before you are ready like a caterpillar being cut out of the cocoon too soon, you won't be able to survive and fly. But on the other hand, don't be afraid to ask for help; don't let "pride and ego" get in the way of succeeding. Here's a key point, "…learn about life from living…." Find a mentor who knows what it takes to reach the ring! Kaoru is a positive role model to me and many other people to be positive to others and make people smile.


When you ease through this book, Stepping into the Sunshine, Kaoru has "prayers" to help you through heavy times in the day of a life. He brightens your journey with simplicity that he has learned on the road in his life. There are tips and techniques in this book from gratitude to thinking of new ways to achieve, to paying attention, to breathing, contributing to society, to letting go so that things can "flow", to meeting people in your field, to encouraging yourself when in self-doubt. Let your words have enough "power" to magnify your "convictions" and ignite you to take action. Be patient with yourself: Kaoru reminds us that "It takes time to live up to your potential and find your purpose." When you are in a slump, "walk" into the sunshine; "read" something that brings sunshine into your day especially when it is cloudy; "listen" to music that makes you take steps into the direction of your desires.


Here's the deal with dreams and dream-makers, as Mariah Carey sings, "…Don't let anyone take yours away." Kaoru believes whole-heartedly, "Nobody has the right to tell someone to give up on their dream…." When the fruits of our labor are not yet visible, he encourages us to trust "that the seeds we have planted are germinating beneath the surface and will soon sprout with new opportunities." And lastly, the messages in this book are demonstrative of the lives Kaoru Shinmon has touched, and that you, too, can positively touch the lives of others daily when you "step into the sunshine."


I highly recommend this book because it made me "smile," a lot even in these hard economic times. This book is about what really makes life rich. It'll put you in the right frame of mind and bring a smile to you too.

You can get it now by going to http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/54514

Contact Kaoru here on Mypace, Facebook or his website
http://steppingintosunshine.blogspot.com/

Book Review written by Kathleen Herriott, California Certificated Teacher, author, and public speaker.

Dancing at the Movies - Music Video

Book Review of 4 Hour Work Week By Timothy Ferriss

Up Time America by Kimberly Alyn

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Be of True Health and Wealth,

Kathleen
Ambassador of Change

"I am personally convinced that one person can be a change catalyst, a "transformer" in any situation, any organization. Such an individual is yeast that can leaven an entire loaf. It requires vision, initiative, patience, respect, persistence, courage, and faith to be a transforming leader." ~~Stephen R. Covey

Answer: Dancers, definitely, dancers!

"Make a Change"


The last time I blogged, I was pretty upset about someone shoving their values down my throat with a heavy handed hurtful tone. uhg. It still hurts when I think about it, but I know better than to focus on that. I noticed way down in my blog how I have a very, long, lofty eccentric list of things that I would like to accomplish or attain for posterities' sake. But some things never last as all things change. Has my list changed? No I just want to keep adding to it. It is as if I want to speed up my intellectual and artistic pursuits at a time when most people my age are slowing down and kicking back.

Don't mis read me, I am a work-aholic, and I know that hours times action equals something. Somtimes though a lot of action is invisible to others and they lose their patience without seeing something manifest. And if it doesn't show, those would be the very people who say what I did failed or was a waste. Not so to those who understand what I value. I value the attempt, the pursuit, the happiness is in the possibilities of what can come. I remain single because of my focus and that I have not met anyone, besides my daughter, who has taken the time to hear my vision. I am okay with that because I am not ready to present it to anyone else romantically speaking.

We have to present to someone who is open to the new and patient to hear the detail and certainly non judgemental. Such a person is rare, and rare is worth waiting for. I just know that I still stand firm and steadfast in my dreams. I will not let anyone take that away from me.

I see people who claim the title of disabled and yet they are able. And I have witness the severely handicap rise above par to excel at their talent. I am inspired and encouraged by those people.

So those who are critical of me can yell, throw fits, stones and tones, or looks that cook; I will turn a deaf ear to them and a blind eye. For they are blind and cannot smell the roses even after they are in full bloom. They would never appreciate me in any state. I really am too busy to be with them, and bottom line, I know they are unhealthy for me. I will soon clear my head of what they have said and have no room in my calendar to entertain them at my emotional expense. I can and will make the bed the way I want and will sleep in peace.

So I am closing a curtain on a stage that I have played in for way too long. Jim Rohn said that each of us is the average of the five people with whom we hang around. Now that I think about it, that might be why I don't like to hang around with people too often.

I do like to be of service to people and help them be better human beings for it. That may be why people like to hang around with me. But I have learned to guard myself around them. So in essence they never, if ever, get to see the real me. I think that is why I like teaching teens, I can show them me as an exercise in helping them be who ever they are. But very few adults who I know get to see the real me. And now I find myself gravitated to an industry (particularly a group) that shows emense interest in others for the sake of others. Yes this is a way to be a servant, to listen to what others need want and don't want. And in that process figure out how I can help them.

Today, I am here to say that I am greatful for the leader of my group who has shown an interest in me and my dreams that has helped me reveal the real me to him. And though I may be average in a circle of five, the hoola hoop (bar) has just been raise. This new circle of associates would like to see me check things off my wish list and are encouraging me that with labor under correct knowledge (the real meaning of luck= training), I will be able to attain my dreams.

So now when a friend jokes in a taciturn way or directly dismisses what I have to say or what I am doing, I tell them it's not funny or don't dismiss what I aspire to. Now I would like to be more tactful than that (like my daughter is) but I will get there. However, if someone continues to dismiss me or tear at my esteem with insults/unconstructive critisism, they are not the person to hang out with. I know that I am a force to be reckoned with. I am not distructive like a hurricane, tornado or tsunami, but I will meander about making change where I can and chip away the soft sediment and change perhaps the course of the way things have been. I have already done that in many places and looking back it was more painful for me, but well worth it for people who came after me. And that's what living is about to make a better way for others who follow us.

I Did It My Way

I just want to be me through and through-- no holds barred! I have spent the day listening to music that makes me feel good and that inspires me to live my dreams. I would rather be dead if I could not listen to my music when I want to or sing when I want to or get up and dance when I feel like it. I am no longer frustrated with a situation; I am letting go.

I like to be happy, and if things don't always go according to how I expect, I still want to treat people with grace and kindness. I know people can get a lot more with honey than vinegar. But I do not want to be a mouse in a kitchen corner barely making a pip or squeak. I do know that there are some battles not worth picking and that people need to just be. Be who they are. Exist. If I were to critique every move they make, that is not fair to them and vise versa. One of my main goals in life is to be kind and kind-er all of the time. To be revered, ultimately, is to be empowered.

Attraction: sometimes the very thing we are attracted to are the qualities we do not have in ourself. But, somethimes (more often than not) the obesrvations we make that we find distasteful are the very things we have in ourselves. So the truth seems to hurt. If we don't like negativity in others, should that not mean that we also do not like that trait in ourselves, hum? Well, I think that it is true. So how do we get past our own criticisms and change our own faults or learn to accept that fault in others?

At N E rate, I would like to face up and start each morning making people feel good even if they did not give me the right direction, best service or assistance. What sweat is it off my neck to allow them to be human and just roll with the ups and downs of the circumstance? No sweat, no sweat at all to be sweet to everyone. There is no need to bully, boss, scold, raise one's voice, roll our eyes and other things to indicate distaste. If I actually had to taste a lemon it is hard not to make a face. So how do we knidly let someone know that we are uncomfortable, embarassed or threatened by what they do. If we use our normal voice without facial expressions, we are not believed. It is when we raise volume, stomp our foot or show outrage that we usually get the reaction we desire (cater to me or I will raise a stink). Humh.

I think that if enough humans learned to respond appropriately to boisterously-gruff people, maybe they would learn to not throw tempertantrums. [Who on earth has the stamin for this? Not me, I am no Mother Teresa] Does that mean we treat them like parenting books advise us to treat toddlers. Heck no. We are talking about grown-ups. I have heard it is effective to set boundaries and consequences if a line is crossed.

But what does this put at risk?
The end of a business or partnership, loss of a client or relationship?

Sad to say usually yes. (Unless your a married couple who has this figured out.)

A fact of life: People do not have to tolerate negative vibrations. But, if you can't get out of the kitchen with the person, change the kind of heat you are cooking with: Kill 'em with kindness. Coals, hot ones at that, are what kindness can feel like to people who want to ruffle your feathers or get their way by protesting. They tend to be the ones that get more upset, and then eventually, they leave you alone, quit or stop doing business with you. And, you won't mind if they leave when they are abusive whenever they have entered your environment. I always like to see the sign at a counter, "We reserve the right to refuse service."

How can a person stay mad at you if you are nothing but kind? Well they can because it is just who they are. When they continue to be that way, then I guess you have to look for another kitchen to work in. In the mean time, still be kind. Hold your head high and know that you did nothing wrong. [And know that to them, they probably did nothing wrong either.] It's a matter of styles and strategies. Find one that fits you strong enough that you will not be shaken by another persons way of manipulating a situation. Search for the people who lift you up and lift up others around them.

If the checker is having a hard time, show some empathy. If the waitress forgets your request, be gracious since you are not in their skin at that moment.

For God's sake, can't we just be nice no matter what. If a business really messed up, what good does it do to get mad? Does it lower blood pressure like a pressure cooker that is released at it's boiling point? Maybe a little, but the pressure is still high enough to make a screaming scene until the pressure is safely released. Become a slow cooker, and allow your organ meats (mind & heart) to soften your soul and still keep your flavor and savvey. Allow people to lift your lid now and then to smell your aroma and stir your consistency and taste if you are bitter or sweet. The cook might be able to add an ingredient to help your recipe for peace. With any luck you won't stick to the pot by getting too hot.! Or not. It is really up to each of us to handle how we stew. I hope this help give folks food for thought.

Oh my, it has been way too long since I have blogged. Forgive me. (As if, I have readers out there.) I suppose it is highly forgivable since one has to earn a living and life takes over living (or living takes over life). However, I should have hope that someday I could make a living out of writing. I put it off more times than I ought to. I think the movie about Julie and Julia, as well as the recent Trump Blog has me a little inspired. Besides the fact that I am between teaching contracts, it is no surprise that the last time I really blogged was August of 2008 just about the time I got contract for the school year. So there is my batting averge: 1:12 months? 'Sad for someone who has a lot to offer. I would like to make a committment to this but keep thinking I should be making money somewhere. Maybe that is the wrong approach. Maybe I should just blog for the sake of writing. Journaling as if it will help me is recommended by many a self-help books. 'Lord knows I have enough of them. At any rate, I logggged in today, if anything to remember my username and password.

Hope is the key to my dreams. I musn't give up hope. Hope will help me find my way. "Today is the first day of the rest of my life," someone said somewhere.

At a recent teaching interview the last question was "Name the last three books I had read." I just about choked, as I am not a big book reader. The last one I remember reading was The Five People You Meet in Heaven which I am glad I read because it was a tear jerker (the movie did not move me in that way). Then I was stumped. I started racking my brain thinking of how I read more magazines than books. So I told the interview pair that I was not a big fan of fiction and that I read a lot more self-help books. Even then the titles escaped me, so I started rattling off authors' names: Brian Tracy, Stephen Covey, and one author whom I met, Dennis Waitley who wrote the book The Psychology of Winning. Knowing the interviewers were pressed for time, I did not get a chance to tell them that Dennis was MaryLou Rettan's psych-coach who helped her durning the Olympics. I did not dare tell them that I met him at a Trump Seminar and that I have a lot of Donald Trump's books and Robert Kywosaki's book.

So, I just said, "I hope self-help books count." They said something to the effect that they did. When I started naming authors with confidence, they started writing as fast as I was talking. So I could not have done too bad, and I do believe they recognized the names of these authors. If anything, it was a way of letting them know that I am into psychology and what makes people tick which is an important skill for a teacher to possess.

This leads me to say that I need to committ to something. I would like to commit to writing but I have not been able to keep that promise even to myself. I think of all the things I want to write and feel daunted. I should thing small and tackle one writing project at a time. If I could simply review one self help book at a time that would be a major accomplishment because I literally have a house full of them.
If I wrote an inventory of what I have, you'ld think I was a bookstore owner or a Friend of the Library. I do love books; I just wished I loved reading them as much as having them.

I have loved science books and psychology since a young age. And now that I have made that statement, it does seem like my life won't be complete if I just sit on these reams of insight. I need to "DO SOMETHING!" as the emotioncon say when we wave over them with our mouse. If I tackled one book at a time, it would take the rest of my life. The quesion is will it be worth it? Will I get a following? Can I make a living? Or would it just be for personal satisfaction? No one knows the answers to these portences. But we never know much until we "Do it." [Nike]

Enough of my ramlings, I need to get focused now and write another letter of intent for a school district. My hope is that I get hired for the rest of the school year and do a great job as a teacher. I am a teacher through and through; it is what I do best.

I will get back here to rest and reflect.

Taking Control - The Trump Blog

Taking Control - The Trump Blog

Posted using ShareThis

It is time for me to change. Just as NASA shows these "Galaxies Merging."

It is time for me to push my computer techno skills through the roof. I need to be able to use the computer to make money. Lots and lots of money to attain my goals and dreams and go far beyond them to leave a legacy.

I am about to face the unemployment line since my district has not renewed my contract. I am getting tired of barely making ends meet with a a good teacher income. My only fear is losing my medical benefits and the measley amount that I have in retirement that would support me for less than 6 months. I have car notes to pay of and old student loans that become will be off deferment in Sept. along with a house payment that will double at that same time.

Sorry Adsense but I'm not making enough money from your ads becaause I do not have a big audience of readers yet. However I will work at this really hard this summer. I will lay out my business plan in detail and find Angel Investors. If other ordinary people, can make it big so can I. There is no better time than when 'necessity becomes the mother of invention.' I am starting to picture living by the beach and keeping my home in the desert. I am starting to see multiple enterprises. I know visualization is one of the keys to success. So is a adrendylin. I am starting to require less sleep some nights to accomplish what my spirit requires without putting myself in a manic state of mind. I just know this: I can no longer afford to be afraid to be an entrepreneur.

I no longer want to hear people say "You can't do this or that." I no longer want to have a superintendent look at me as if I just don't cut the State and Federal requirements to be what the government says is a "Highly Qualified" teacher. Frankly, I am just getting too old for this testing sh--. I looked on the computer for teaching jobs throughout the State of California. Ninety-nine percent of what I saw open were for Special Ed Teachers. Students in public schools are becoming more "special" with every passing year and that is a scary statement. I draw a line between "at-risk"and "Special Ed." The line is getting blurred to accomodate everyone (parents, teachers administrtors and up). Students have been served an injustice to be declared "Special." All students can learn if they work hard enough. Being "special" is a cop out. I have searched for the magic method and miss the mark more than I care to. Don't get me wrong; I hit the target more times than not. I make my students work to learn. It's just that my standard is to not let one student slip and become that "child let behind." Some students just flat refuse to work because they do not see the need to get an education. I do not like being held responsible for that smaller number when they are the ones in the most need. The harsh reality is that the "No Child Left Behind" standard is impossible to reach. (It's like fighting terroists.) I will miss the mark a lot more if all that is left are special education students. I have been told that I have patience, but honestly, I have my limitations too. Life is just too short to be trying to do the impossible. Life is too short to work hard without reward.

Yet if half of my impossible wants are granted, I know a Higher power will have to have intervened. I want to become the richest lady in my town without the majority of the town knowing it. I want to be that annonymous philanthropist. I want to be that faceless property developer and owner. I want to be the one who provides jobs and services to thousands of people. I want to make people happy and well off. Will economic/tax laws prohibit me or help me? We'll see. As far as I know the rich help turn the economy upward (except maybe oil companies). What happened to the Sherman Anti Trust Act? I want to take my own action now.

Thankfully i am an accomplished person. God grant me at least 20 to 30 more years to accomplish more than I already have.

My wish list:
To have several Internet sites
To write a couple books
To have a chain of dance studios
To have a mini mall with businesses people need to have in walking distance
To have assisted yet independent living apartments for the elderly and disabled
To have a recreation/fitness center and an ice skating rink
To have a race/show car (or two)
To have a bed and breakfast hotel
To rejuvenate the shanty part of Towns
To offer scholarships to the deserving
To have a performing arts Theatre
To have a film/production company
To have a clothing line

So I have said all of this to put it out there in the Universe. I want and expect this to be the year that I dramatically change my life and the lives of others. It time for me to have a "Cat's eye."

I have paraphased a prayer of Saint Mother Theresa's in the first person:

May today there be peace within.
May I trust God that I am exactly where I
am meant to be.

May I not forget the infinite possibilities that

are born of faith.

May I use those gifts that I have received,
and pass on the love that has been given to me.

May I be content knowing that I am a child of
God.

Let this presence settle into my bones

and allow my soul the freedom to sing, dance,

praise and love.

It is there for each and every one of us.

And as far as a husband in my life, I just don't see any room for him unless he is on board with my entrepreneurship. I cannot wait around for a man just as I cannot wait around for a job. But I also know that cannot do this on my own and in my own power. So I am praying that God put in me on the directed path, and in my path I pray I find the right people for this mission. Grant me the ablity to see them and approach them about my dreams which may be theirs too. (Toastmasters, here eye come>)

"Time in a bottle" vs Failure:

I am so sad that there is not enough time to do all that I want to do in life. If I get to live another quarter of a century, it is not enough. And yet, if I live past that, will I have my health to continue being productive? Or will i just be existing like a dog that eats and sleeps and walks around with nothing to do because I can't physically do much of anything. This sounds so depressing. I need to snap out of this and just accept the things that I can change ans learn to let go of things that I cannot. To be continued...

Renegade Roses

-----Original Message-----From: kathleen Sent: Sat, 26 Apr 2008 7:29 am

Subject: Renegade Roses

Good Morning Bill,

I could not believe my eyes this morning when I saw in my backyard, small, deep red roses growing at the bottom of my big leaf/petaled large pink roses. These little ones look like they are of the same wild variety that grew out of the base of my juniper in the front yard. It looks so odd that I am tempted to have you come see them to tell me what you think. My camera can't really capture the weirdness. (But, I think I will attach some pics from the front yard that I scanned in late Fall.) I'll take some pics of the backyard roses this year. How does something like this happen?

Cross Pollination or Roots Gone Wild?

Good evening Kathleen,

Your rose problem is one of the "roots gone wild" kind. The red flowers are of the Dr. Huey cultivar of Rosa multiflora, which blooms once a year. It is the most widely used rootstock upon which our favorite roses are grafted. The transfer of nutrients to the rootstock vegetation will kill your pink rose. My suggestion is to dig up the plant, cut off the offending roots and their vegetative "offspring", cut the pink rose back to very little, dip the roots, and subsequently water them with a 1% solution of vitamin B-1 to foster root growth, and replant. Rosa multiflora is a weed that is so invasive that several midwest states have officially named it so, and have begun extermination efforts.Trusting that you are well, Bill


LOL Bill,

I don't think you realize how huge these bushes are. My pink bush is about 12 + feet high and the roots of all these bushes are bound by my Juniper bushes roots. I would kill my junipers if I tried to extract this so called weed. I am the kind of person who likes wild things. (I have even let the Malivacea weed reseed itself in my yard; it's been a favorite weed of mine since I was a teen.) So though this red rose is truly a weed taking over my other roses, it's wild and pretty; so I'll just let nature take its course. I don't think this is exactly the same variety, because these little red roses bloom almost year round for me (minus winter) and are climbing through the branches of my 20 foot Junipers in the back yard. They actually are keeping the tumble weeds from blowing in the yard and connecting the canopy of my ornamental plum trees and Ash tree. When people step inside my back yard, they can’t' believe I grow so many plants. It's like stepping into a secret garden.

My daffodils are down now and the Irises are on the rise. The poppies are going to seed now, and will come up again early next spring. I have other flowering plants that are blooming now like Spanish Broom, and carnations, and mums. My dichondra, mosses, baby tears and shamrocks are taking off with me hand watering them only twice a week now. My herbs (chives, parsley, mint, Rosemary, thyme and oregano, sage dill and soon basil) are fresh for the Kitchen, potpourri or BBQ. I munch on strawberries as I do my watering. I have a raspberry vine that is doing fine now and I just started a black berry vine. I am worried about my squash and green beans when I go on vacation this summer, (My zucchini should have men entered into the fair last year; it was large, organic and blemish free.) but the garden and I will recover.

I started some bell pepper and three different types of tomatoes. I have a couple artichokes that look like they will be good this year. (My broccoli is going /gone to seed. I expect to do something with those some day.) I let my carrots go to seed last year; those Caraway seeds that form could be used in rye bread. (I used my cilantro seeds for Coriander spice the year before.) When my dog patch is no longer being used by my dog, I plan to grow pumpkins and water melon or cantaloupe. Mind you I have a small back yard, but I try to get the most out of every square inch. I hope you don't mind me going on and on about my garden, but I am just trying to paint you a picture of it.

I hope I have given you a glimpse of my oasis in the middle of the desert.

Keep In Touch

Summer Lessons on a Train Ride

School will start again for my students on Monday, August 13th. I am very excited about this. It's a good feeling to look forward to seeing them. Some will be with me 3 years; others will be new. I have plans to use a different theme to keep it fresh for the students who have been in my class before; plus, this keeps it fresh for me and my para-educator too. I am lucky to have an assistant 3 to 4 hours per day. With her help, we can offer more attention to the students. With her feedback , I keep my sanity when it comes to analyzing and documenting students' progress and testy behavior.



Of course, I will have that traditional writing assignment: "What did you do this summer?" And of course I can model that by what I did. So written below is my draft of one of the things that I did: (Again, this one is for you, Donna.)

Summer Train Ride


It had been over 25 years since I took a train ride to Union Station in Los Angeles. The last time was when I was 25 years old when I rode south from San Luis Obispo to meet my parents and grandmother so that we could go to Olivera Street for my birthday. So this was a little nostalgic for me. But, it is also out of necessity because my hands have trouble holding the steering wheel of a car due to my arthritis. (Besides mentioning that since I do not normally drive in the traffic congested freeways of Southern California, I am a white knuckle driver anyway.) I needed to find a way to get away.


My daughter and grandchildren were going to OC (Orange County) so my daughter suggested that she take me to visit my friend, Donna, in San Diego. Scared as heck, when I heard her say that I could take the train back to Lancaster to drive the short (normal for me) distance home. Summer was nearing an end, and all I really had to show for it was lots of tomatoes and squash from my garden and some files sorted and a little painting done. I did not even blow up the big wading pool or have more than one BBQ.


Eating at me more was that I had not seen Donna in over 3 years pushing 4. At that rate, I might get to see her 4 or five more times in my lifetime if I get to live to my ripe 70's. She is not the only friend whom I never get to see because it is hard for me to drive long distance, and the airport is a long distance to consider driving to in order to fly as well. So my new adventure in life is learning how to use the Metro to get to the main train station or to the shuttle for the airport. I mean learning to the point where I will be comfortable like when it was easy to drive. It's an exercise in keeping my independence as I age. So on with the ride.


Lesson number one: Allow myself more time to get my ticket and get on the train with time to spare. That last minute stuff is hard on the old ticker. It was an adrenaline rush that did make the adventure more exhilarating .


The conductor said he'd collect the tickets from us when we are on board. He wore a cute coat and hat and made me think of Tom Hanks in the Polar Express. He could tell I was apprehensive. He swung his arm for me to go to the upper deck and said, "Get on up there and make a new friend." To recall this warms my soul.

Lesson two: Make a new friend? What a novel thought. It's all about meeting old friends and making new friends.


My friend and her mother asked me about my apprehension. It was kind of hard to put my finger on. But, part of what is scary for me is getting on and off the train in a timely manner. As the train approaches a stop, the engineer gives like a one minute warning, then you have to get ready to de-board in the next minute and getting off is even quicker on the metro. I have seen people get their belongings or baby strollers stuck half way in the doors as they close. With my arthritis, I do not move very fast; so, coming up with an adaptation strategy is about the timing.


(Side Bar: I even feel pressure in the check out line at the grocery store because I do not write a check fast enough for the clerk or the people behind me. I am not even really aged yet. I see my dad [21 years my senior] has trouble getting change in or out of his wallet and hear people yell at him to move faster in his car [and he drives fast enough]or show impatience when he uses his walker.... It makes me anxious about getting any older and slower. So it's about writing a check that gives me back zero coins. It's about sitting down to write my check to a doctor's office instead of doing it at the counter with people behind me.)


Lesson Three: It's about being assertive enough to ask for help lifting my bag and realizing that if you make your condition known, most people are willing and wanting to help. And for those that don't, well, what goes around comes around; they will be older some day. Once I was seated on the train for the long haul, I was able to relax. I am glad it was not so crowded that I would have to stand; apparently from what I had heard, it can get that crowded. In this case, it sucks to looker younger than I am. Vanity or vanity...


It amazes me how so much can interfere with this story of the ride itself:


The train was facing south and I was going north. The steward must have seen my worried look and assured me the train would turn around when in actuality...

Lesson Four: it just reverses engines; the back to the train becomes the front of the train, and off we went. It's not a bullet train so we get to see the scenery. Like out of any train station, there are a lot of industrial buildings and down trodden neighborhoods. Each has stories to tell, and I could imagine lives and occupations much different from my own and that all of these diverse entities make this world work in unity.

Lesson five: Being on the train to observe the vast mass of industries made me feel connected to a fabric or network instead of just driving along my own thread in life. When I am in my car or even my home, I really am in like a bubble, isolated.


On the first stop in Solana, up popped a perky, yet beautiful Hispanic college gal. And with enthusiasm, she claim her seat next to me by happily stating, "I am going to sit next to you all the way to LA!?!" I thought, "My, oh my, what a happy, confident girl and what an honor that she chose to sit next to me." Honestly, it kind of chokes me up to feel welcomed like that by a beautiful intelligent young person. We made small talk for about one third of the trip. I shared with her how isolated I have felt and how much I miss my friend. We talked about her boyfriend and their majors, goals and dreams to be doctors. Then I talked about my college, I even cried. I shared with her that I never felt smart enough to go to college, but I was encouraged by a friends who were scientists. And look at me, I made it to become a teacher. She got a little emotional too and acknowledged that she has a lot to look forward to in life. We settled into our seats saving them for each other when we got up to use the restroom or go to the club car.


Lesson Six: It's okay to show vulnerability and to bond temporarily. (It's also good to have someone save your seat.)


The breathtaking views of the ocean, the variety of vegetation, three estuaries where the fresh and salt water meet and watching people frolicking on the beaches with the bright colored umbrellas, towels, and toys really made it feel like a summer vacation. It made me feel like I was getting to see the masses of people living the way life should be lived.

Lesson Seven: "Do something!" like spend a day on the beach, even if it means take a bus to do it.. I could tell who were people of habit taking their constitutional jog or stroll on the designated pathways trimmed with sand and the occasional foot bridges. Life took on this image of goodness and safety in more places than not. Being on the train was like having a vantage point of the probability that there is more good in the world than evil; so ...


Lesson Eight: is to not be so afraid of getting out.
There was a conductor in the club car selling all sorts of cool prepackaged food. (I bought some gourmet cheese and crackers from him.) His personality exuded goodness, and innocent fun for making the train ride a holiday. As we got on our way, he sang a little train song. When we were approaching Del Mar, he sang a song about that race track. When we paused at the Anaheim station with a view of the stadium, he sang the "Take Me out to the Ball Game" song. His voice was so sweet; it made most of us giggle like kids. The engineer would toss in historical tidbits every now and then. All in all, the staff made it feel like we were on a long monorail ride at Disneyland, but that the Coast to LA was our personal amusement park.


Lesson Nine: I do not have to go to an amusement park to be amused.


Time flew by, and this part of the ride was over. We reached Union Station. My seat mate helped me down with my bag, and we wished each other well. There was a lot more hustle and bustle with everyone debarking and going in a multitude of directions. Fortunately, I had 45 minutes to find the ticket counter for the Metro to Lancaster. It's obvious to me and some train staff that I was a novice about this process. Some acted as if I was too naive, but others were quite accommodating and refreshed that I was new to using their service. I actually was so early that I did not realize I was standing next to the train I was supposed to get on. I asked the luggage porter about the train, who had to point to the lit up sign to Lancaster on the side of the car. The steward in charge of my section of the car arrived a few minutes before we pushed off. He was a polished, yet casual fellow, with an air of confidence like a flight attendant. I got the impression he was well versed at his job, and he made me and others feel welcome and safe. So I got to look at his fine face and fanny for the trip home.


Lesson number Ten: Try to get on a car that has a confident cutie for an attendant.


On the way home I sat mostly with working ladies who use the metro daily or at least weekly. We talked about the various plant life we saw a long the way, where we live and the advantages of using the rails. As one of the ladies gets off she tells me to be on the look out for Tippy Hedron's Wild Cat Shelter called Shambala. It made me feel like a kid to anticipate seeing this. Again it was like a Disney experience, but not artificial, for real, it is not everyone that gets a bird's eye view of this. Only those special enough to treat themselves to a train, or plane ride, or personally investigate how to visit this sacred place.


Lesson Eleven: I need to get out and do more in my local area.

By the time I got to Lancaster the last stop for people to get off, it was crazy as everyone was dismounting the train and loading up in the cars or getting picked up. It was a bit of a rush to be with all of these people, but again, I was part of something a unique segment of society does daily. I was not alone, even though I was on my own. As I approached my car, I heard unusual music coming from the main Boulevard. I realized that I had arrived in my hometown in time for a street festival and outdoor concert.

Lesson Twelve: It's okay to be spontaneous. I stayed for the concert which is another story in itself.

This is a new article and a relatively new blogspot for me, as I inadvertantly found myself with another blog address. I think I saved it a long time a go hoping something would materialize eventually. Well, here's my mode of operation: I tend to get to this project every summer, since I get a break from my serious work.

Seriously that is what I should talk about. But I have been on my butt too long today to do any more, oh,ouch. I will have to continue this sooner than later. I will leave with this for now. It was a good year for me and many of my students. I am working on making next year even better. I am busy as a bee and sometimes lose my bearing with all that I am working on.

Time

If you don't use it you lose it. Confession: It has been so long since I have been on this site, I have totally forgotten how to use it. So this is like a test run to see where this ends up. I had forgotten about this until a girlfriend , whom I dearly love and miss, dropped me an email in response to notice I left her in December of '05 to check out my Blog here. She thrilled me last week with a compliment: "This is awesome ...." I take the compliment highly, as she is a credentialed teacher, and she is a linguist of sorts who has become a speech therapist. Donna, this one is for you!