#sol23 January31 That Moment of Lift

 

"Al was not sad, he was not mad," read softly but with a confidence that was in juxtaposition with the hesitance to even begin this reading task.

"The big dog ate a little grass," read slowly but confidently taking on a book with longer sentences and more pages with only a few tears.

As a literacy specialist for many years, I have watched many of those moments when struggling readers start to become more confident and each and every time I become a bit emotional and think about Orville and Wilbur Wright!  I know this may not sense to everyone, but the Wright brothers did not just decide to fly and take off. It took a lot of attempts, many disappointments, lots of tears, and ultimately an understanding of both the science of flight and the means to keep that plane aloft!  It was not an easy journey and at times, each of the brothers were ready to quit. 

Admittedly, there are some beginning readers who somehow infer the code from immersion in our language and print. However, for most readers, particularly those who are hesitant or have language delays, there is a need to understand the imperfect phonetic code as well as the power of context and syntax.  For hesitant and struggling beginners, the phonetic blueprint of our language, while admittedly less than perfect, provides the basis for "figuring" out what a group of letters might say.  For beginning readers who find reading challenging and frustrating, particularly those with dyslexic-ish reading difficulties, teaching the phonetic code is the essential foundation that promotes risk taking - which is what reading is all about. 

From my perspective, that imperfect code empowers all readers strategies to take reading risks and ultimately,to take that first "flight" with a text.  Each and every time, I know there is still a long journey ahead; yet I feel as if I am watching "the boys"  fly off the cliff in Kitty Hawk. 

#sol23Jan24 Get What You Get

 

"Do you think we will get any snow this winter?" he asked as we watched the "shoveling of the lines" during a football game in Buffalo. Clearly, Buffalo and its environs have had more than their share of snow and ice this winter!  In addition to the December blizzard, upstate NY has surpassed 100 inches of snow - with more on the way. Yet, that normally snowy upstate area is just 260 miles from the suburban NYC area where I live "downstate" where there has not been any measurable snow (so far) this winter. Even Flagstaff, Arizona has surpassed our snowfall levels!

"I really want to go sledding," his little boys echoed in earnest as the rain blanketed our downstate area in muck.  "We always have snow by now," the one who has just a few memorable winters under his belt volunteered.

"It's  probably because I hired a plow service this year," I offered to lighten up the gloomy mood.  No one laughed, but my mind thought of that old kindergarten slogan, "You get what you get and you don't get upset."

Clearly, I do not relish shoveling or driving on icy roads. Clearly, I have enjoyed this winter's  break from snow even if we have had endless rain and muck. Clearly, the forecast for tomorrow could make this post a reminder to be careful of what we wish because, "You get what you get and you don't get upset."

Yet, there is something magical about a snowy morning and the promise of sledding on a snowy day.  I know you get what you get and I will try to embrace whatever we get tomorrow, as long as the forecast remains optimistic for snow melting temperatures and rain to follow right away! 

 

#sol23 Jan17 Water

For the last month, I've felt a lot like the eels in the picture above. 

First, it was just a cold that became positive for Covid, perhaps followed by a virus and a lingering cough that would reappear whenever I got tired or cold!  "I have to stay home to keep others safe," I convinced myself as I watched another RomCom or read another chapter or 6.

Next, it was the holidays when that same cold/Covid/virus/cough kept me isolated from friends and family. "I do not want to share this," I declared as I watched another RomCom or read another chapter or 10..

Then, it was a milestone non-anniversary that was really just another day of remembering when my life changed course rather than a celebration of endurance. "I just want to stay home wrapped in a blanket," I convinced myself as I watched another RomCom or read anther chapter or 16.

Now, at least 60 RomComs, 10 books, and 3 blankets later, I really am feeling better although that lingering cough is still hanging on.  I realize I have become an eel, poking my head up and checking out the world from time to time, but reverting to life where I am not really seen!  

Now, it's time for a new year to begin with OLW (one little word) to guide me out of the muck: water....

I know this may seem strange, but like those eel, I need to be swimming in the sea rather than hiding in the muck!

 

#sol23 January10 Can You Celebrate a January Birthday?

 

There have been many holidays and special occasions lost to fevers, colds, viruses, that mighty deterrent that has paralyzed us for nearly 3 years. If you are just turning 4, you were a baby when all this germ shut down began and you really cannot remember many inside family gatherings.  You probably didn't even think it was an option to have even a small group singing to you for a January birthday!  

I still have undelivered gifts from this year's holidays when I was confident I would gather with  friends and loved ones.  But, I did not gather with anyone again this year as as Christmas Eve, Christmas, and even New Year's Day again suspended due to fevers, colds, viruses, and Covid.  

To be honest, it was a very last minute decision with a very small group to gather and sing, "Happy birthday to you!" this weekend. I'm confident the birthday girl was pleased to be he center of attention; however, my own wish, as she blew out that candle, was that our immune systems will all strengthen and allow us to gather many times with friends and family, inside and outside, this year.