Monday, December 7, 2009
Pearl Harbor Day--a day in American history that profoundly changed so many lives forever. In a matter of hours, boys became men and women became widows. Our students know about Pearl, but they cannot feel Pearl as those who lived Pearl felt. There is a difference. I don't think any atrocity that has ever happened in history can truely be known unless it is first felt. I often wonder how survivor's families could maintain the joy of the season and celebrate the gift of life when so much death and pain lay at their feet. I am reminded of something Mom used to say--"But for the Grace of God go I". How true, how true, probably just as much now as then. We do have our burdens to bear; the one redeeming light of the season--the good in humanity and the knowledge that this too will pass seems to help us 'feel' and become truly alive through the pain. Always seek the good in people, however problematic this seems, for the good in humanity is the magic that insures the gift of the season.
If you want to read about one survivor's "Grace of God" check out CBS news on line survivor's stories. www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/12/07/national/main5923614.shtml
Monday, December 7, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Holiday Greetings
December 1, 2009
Winter festivities will soon take over most of our waking moments. The holidays are supposed to be a time of happiness, joy and giving, but for many, me included, the absence of loved ones create an emotional voide, one that cannot be filled easily if at all. Happiness and joy come from a human need to give, deep within you; you are in control of your happiness--no one else can find that for you. My wish for you this season is let time and memories soothe raw feelings, apply a salve and a patch over the voide to aide healing. Everything you need is in front of you--all you need to do is grab ahold and hang on. Give everything, expect nothing and you will never be unhappy. The true meaning of the holiday season hides within your heart.
Happy Holidays,
Mrs. Francis
Winter festivities will soon take over most of our waking moments. The holidays are supposed to be a time of happiness, joy and giving, but for many, me included, the absence of loved ones create an emotional voide, one that cannot be filled easily if at all. Happiness and joy come from a human need to give, deep within you; you are in control of your happiness--no one else can find that for you. My wish for you this season is let time and memories soothe raw feelings, apply a salve and a patch over the voide to aide healing. Everything you need is in front of you--all you need to do is grab ahold and hang on. Give everything, expect nothing and you will never be unhappy. The true meaning of the holiday season hides within your heart.
Happy Holidays,
Mrs. Francis
Monday, November 16, 2009
Monday, Nov 16, 2009
Well, another Monday. Sometimes Mondays represent a whole new beginning--a chance to start over. This is such a Monday. If you have made mistakes in the past--learn from them and try ever so hard to not repeat them--do better the next time around. No one I know ever gets anything new they try right on the first go-round (including me). Keep giving your best. Eventually, tasks will either a) get better because you have discovered where the snags are and how to fix them, or b) you will get discouraged because you haven't practiced enough to learn the task past the "new experience" stage--it still seems hard and confusing.
Everyone falls off the bicycle many times before they learn how to balance and actually ride. When you learn to play an instrument--do you automatically know how to create the beautiful sound the first time?---No--it takes practice--a lot of practice! If you buy a new pair of shoes, sometimes those shoes are so stiff and hard that they easily wear a blister on your heel or foot. But after you wear them for a while, get them wet once or twice and they shape to your foot, those blisters become but a memory and your once new, stiff, hard to wear shoes become your favorites because they fit your foot so well. That is how new concepts in Grammar, Writing and Reading feel in the beginning-stiff, hard and painful; but with practice--these new concepts become comfortable old friends--ones you can walk a mile in and never feel it. I try to give you the tools to practice enough so that the newness wears off and pretty soon it seems less difficult. Keep thinking and applying. It will come! Mrs. Francis
Everyone falls off the bicycle many times before they learn how to balance and actually ride. When you learn to play an instrument--do you automatically know how to create the beautiful sound the first time?---No--it takes practice--a lot of practice! If you buy a new pair of shoes, sometimes those shoes are so stiff and hard that they easily wear a blister on your heel or foot. But after you wear them for a while, get them wet once or twice and they shape to your foot, those blisters become but a memory and your once new, stiff, hard to wear shoes become your favorites because they fit your foot so well. That is how new concepts in Grammar, Writing and Reading feel in the beginning-stiff, hard and painful; but with practice--these new concepts become comfortable old friends--ones you can walk a mile in and never feel it. I try to give you the tools to practice enough so that the newness wears off and pretty soon it seems less difficult. Keep thinking and applying. It will come! Mrs. Francis
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Introduction
Hello all,
Welcome to my blog. My hope is that you--parents, students, friends and others will find this an easy way to communicate. Please feel free to post comments, suggestions, concerns or questions you may have. I will do my best to respond in a timely manner.
My Promises
To prepare for class and do my best work.
To make decisions based on what is fair and consistent.
To share my knowledge, sense of humor and stories as a learning tool.
To laugh daily, show compassion and empathy for others
as I would want them to show towards me.
To help you learn the best way for you.
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About Me
- Cathy Francis
- It seems I have been a teacher all my life, but officially I have taught Language Arts at Blakesburg Middle school for the last ten years. I am married (40years in April, 2010) and we have 4 grown children who have blessed us with 13 grandchildren. Two granddaughters graduated highschool in 2009 and are college freshman. Three grandchildren are in HS, three in MS, four in Elem and 1 in PS. Kirbie, our Scottie has trained us well. She "talks" to us insistently until we "listen". My husband operates the daily events at the Ottumwa Regional Airport where he has worked since 1982. We have completely remodeled our home, building on over 800 sqft in 1996. I enjoy refinishing furniture and antiques. Last year we remodeled my mothers house for her while she underwent chemo and radiation treatments. She was able to enjoy her 'new' house for a few months before she passed in Sept, 08. My favorite color is lavender and I am a green personality.
