a day so blue and clear that driving on the freeway with the window down draws me to thoughts of california as my home for many years. tristan bless his heart could not stop singing... and our faculty meeting today was a turning point for me as i listened to karen speak from her heart about what it is to be an educator and move children forward into excellence. i return to teaching a more rested (yet still cautious) lover of music and children. it is satisfying to be doing something i believe i have a gift for... and yet each day is full of failure and more growth. there is magic in childrens' eyes that in turn inspires me, and i will keep reaching for that integrity.

home improvement... wasteful or beautiful? i love the renewal and care of the space i live in. recent changes and the generosity of friends with skills draw me into thoughts of celery cabinets and tiled black and white. and there is something about taking care of what you've been given... so i move forward with no apology, but with gratitude for the great gift of comfort and color and freshly painted baseboards. and then too let me remember those who have not.