Come visit me in Mazatlán

Remember to come visit me at my Mazatlán  blog for the next two weeks.  
¡Muchas gracias!

http://kate-mazatlanmexico.blogspot.com

A Big Heart

Happy Valentine to All My Fellow Bloggers!!

Tomorrow I am flying away to Mazatlán, México.  Whoo! Hoo!!  

Warmer weather: sea, sun, and sand.

For the next few weeks, please follow me at my México blog. 

Anniversary!!

I posted this on Facebook today for Throwback Thursday, but since I am having a hard time keeping up with my blog, I decided to enthrall all of you with the same photos and message:

Throwback Thursday: Five years ago some wonderful friends gave us a great anniversary party in Mazatlán. On Tuesday of this coming week, Jim and I will celebrate our 52 BIG ONES. . . Who would have thought?! Happy Anniversary, JIm aka Jaime, Seamus, and DH! It's been a wild and wonderful ride!!~

Flying to Mazatlán Sunday.  We won't be spending this one together because Jim has some health issues, but we are celebrating together tonight!!

More literary figures

It's time for another visit to the O'Shaughnessey Library on the St Paul campus of the University of St. Thomas. A few months ago I posted three other stained glass windows of literary figures found in a small meeting room on the first floor.  There are many other delightful windows scattered around the building, and it is wonderful that they all were saved when the library was renovated several years ago.

Although some communities and academicians have criticized the teaching of Huck Finn, I enjoyed discussing the novel with my students, primarily because I felt that Jim was more of a father figure to Huck than Pap could ever be. Lots to love and criticize about its structure, characterization, and themes, but that's what a good novel fosters.

Meet Mary

 At the Women's Retreat that I have described in yesterday's and previous posts, I met Mary and immensely enjoyed our conversations.   She recently moved here from out-of-state.  Her daughter, who also lives in St. Paul, gave Mary a house-warming party to which I was invited.  There I met Mary's charming 3-year-old grand-daughter who generously shared her angel wings with her grandmother. I feel fortunate to have made two new friends: one small angel and another angel a little bit older.

Women Drumming

Remember the Women's Retreat I told you about last week?  Well, the last workshop  of the day taught drumming to those who were interested.  Before the closing reception, the talented musicians gave all of us a rousing performance of their newly-acquired musical skills.  Highly entertaining!

Winter Warmth

Well, this is one form of protection from the Minnesota low temperatures and winds during the winter! Perhaps I should try that!

Such talent!

The teachers in the Art Department in the school where I used to teach are exceptional and the students in K-12 receive terrific instructions on how to release their creative talent. These four pieces of art were made by 6th graders! The process is colored pencil on colored paper, cut out and attached to home-made paper.  Students' art pieces are currently hanging in the school Gallery.  If you are good and attentive (as well as appreciative) I'll show you more art work!

It works!!

After several weeks of repair and resortation brick and mortar work by the guys from Pixley Sweeps, we built a cozy fire for the first time in years!  Looked and felt pretty good.  Christened during the Super Bowl game last Sunday.

Writing Women

Meet my new group of Writing Women, formed January 31, 2015

"Woman Writing" by Valerie Hardy
Oil on Linen

Added later:  We had our first meeting today with six committed writers able to attend.  It's going to be a worthwhile and creative experience. We're going to "keep the fire."

"Keep the Fire"

 Last Saturday I attended the 7th Annual Women's Retreat at Unity-Unitarian Church. Because I enjoyed the one last year, I decided to attend this year as well, and I am happy that I did.  After a light breakfast, the day began with a performance by a women's acapella choir that is active in the church.  In fact, the musical program is exceptional, and is one reason I attend there.  The theme of this retreat was focused on creativity, encouraging us to inspire, create, and "keep the fire."  I attended two writing workshops, in which one resulted in some interested participants forming a writers' group. At the end of the day I skipped the third workshop, and instead I sat in a common room talking to new friends while enjoying leisure time before the closing reception.  A highly successful day all around!

My Main Man!

Happy 21st Birthday, my favorite grandson.  I will love you FOREVER and EVER!!

Theme Day: February 1, 2015-Ole' Man River

It was a difficult choice between rivers and lakes, but Ole' Man River won out!  When I initially read the proposed February theme, the Mississippi River was the first image that came to my mind.  After I thought about it for awhile, others quickly rose as possibilities: lakes, boats, kayaks and canoes, family and friends, art museums, parks, my neighborhood and library, health care, just to name a few, but it was no contest. Gotta be the Mississippi.  For laughs I thought that I'd post winter snow scenes, but I knew a few of you would call me out!

 
Check here to see what other CDP bloggers would miss if they left their home town.