I am at the beach this week. Sunset Beach, NC where my family has been coming for 30+ years for vacation. Sitting on the beach for hours gives me plenty of time to think and reflect. And there is a lot to reflect upon right now. Our world has turned upside down. And some of …
Baking my way through the pandemic
Humpty Keeping Watch Over The Bread Dough, 2020 Right this very minute I should be checking student work, creating French placement tests, reading an article about how to be a better on-line teacher, meditating, doing yoga stretches, making lesson plans to finish out the year or doing something productive. Instead I am thinking of what …
A letter to my students
Teresa Ann Bell 1975-76"... Appalachian State ... French teacher ... enjoys reading, sewing, music, dancing, concerts, singing ... talkative" Dear 2019-20 Students, As you can see from the photo, I am going out on a limb here, out of my comfort zone. That photo is your French teacher, taken during her senior year at Harris …
Dear Mrs. Robinson
I have finished the book you gave me at Christmas and am now ready to submit my book report. I hope that you will enjoy reading it and I look forward to receiving your feedback. The Sabbatical Chef March 29, 2020 I am suspicious of people who do not like to eat. If I ask …
Gratitude- now!
I know, here I go again with gratitude and all that. It is sometimes how I get through the day. Well, that and making lists. As I sit in my "office" for hours a day, working on lessons, answering emails from students, colleagues, family, and the big wide world, listening to music clips sent to …
Saving my sanity
Spring in Duke Forest I have not posted since October 6, 2019. Shame on me. Could that be one reason why I am stressed? Feeling guilty? Writing is a stress reliever for me. I write for myself and am thrilled if anyone else takes the time to read my posts. So, thank you in advance. …
Falling in literary love
Charleston, SC Do you fall in love with authors or characters in books? Or am I the weird one? I fall hard. Many men and women have become the object of my affections. The latest in this line is Pat Conroy. And this is our second time around. I honestly do not remember when I …
Serial worrier
True confessions time. I am a worrier. Can an optimist also be a serial worrier? I know deep down that there is very little that I am truly in control of. When I really want someone or some circumstance beyond my control to change, my mantra is "It is what it is." The late dearest …
Rerun: Baguettes et beurre vs Biscuits and bacon
I first wrote and published this post in April 2017. I was reminded of it when it was posted on Facebook by mon ami, Bertrand, on My Private Paris' page. Merci, Bertrand, Best Tour Guide Ever! And the recipe at the end for gougères is very apropos... I just finished all 5 of Laura Bradbury's …
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Halftime
I am not counting the days, but I think it is almost halftime of summer vacation. I am trying to soak up every minute of it. Really I am. I spent a week at Carolina Beach with Sister Moo and Best Niece. It's become a tradition for the three of us to do this. Moo …
