You may have thought I was done affirming teachers. I thought so too, at least until this morning. Earlier today, I heard a familiar voice projecting from the kitchen speakers before breakfast. Steve is forever listening to recorded lectures and podcasts. There is no cerebral rest for the weary Ph.D. student. The voice spoke wisdom … Continue reading day 6/40: #40shoutouts40days
day 5/40: #40shoutouts40days
Dear Michael Leunig, If I hadn't fallen in love with an Australian I wouldn't have met you. What a tragedy that would have been. As newlyweds in Australia, my husband and I lay in bed reading your book Short Notes on the Long History of Happiness. We found it on our nightstand in Melbourne and … Continue reading day 5/40: #40shoutouts40days
day 4/40: #40shoutouts40days
Not everyone knows that ten years ago I put university on the back burner and enrolled in culinary school. Explaining that to a crowd of academics in St Andrews is good fun. I'll fill you in later but for now, a little tribute to one of my favourite instructors, Chef Bain. I'll admit it. I … Continue reading day 4/40: #40shoutouts40days
day 3/40 #40shoutouts40days
The catalogue of teachers on this list is impressive. I've had to trim it right back to save space for others but two remain. Before I affirm one of my most beloved teachers, I'd first like to encourage my friends slaving away as educators in an often broken system. You are tenacious and valiant and … Continue reading day 3/40 #40shoutouts40days
day 2/40 #40shoutouts40days
The gratitude continues. So after sending out thanks to my high school English teacher, it seemed fitting to carry on in a similar direction. Today, I honour my very first dance teacher. Picture a slender French woman with a distinct accent and impeccable posture and poise. Now give her a reckless mane of curls, carefully … Continue reading day 2/40 #40shoutouts40days
day 1: #40shoutouts40days
Lent looks different this year. I started a little something on Facebook and I want a permanent home for it so I'm moving it here. Behold! The first of forty affirmations. Hello, Lent. It's been a year. We still live in the same cluttered apartment but miraculously a pinch of order has been restored, both … Continue reading day 1: #40shoutouts40days
Protected: formula won: adventures in breastfeeding part one
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how to survive international travel with toddlers
Air travel has mixed reviews. For some, it is an exciting event, the precursor to a fabulous vacation or visit with cherished family and faraway friends. If you’re reading this thinking, “Yes! That’s me. I can’t wait to board a plane!” then you need not read any further. I suspect you don’t have toddlers. Toddlers … Continue reading how to survive international travel with toddlers
lessons from mom
My mother celebrates her sixtieth birthday today. She has been a wonderful guide and companion and it pains me that I cannot celebrate beside her today. Mom loves words. Words are precious gifts that cost no money - they cost time and consideration but they are otherwise free. Free is in our budget. There is … Continue reading lessons from mom
ELISSA JOY WATTS 