Books That Peeked My Interest

My Brother Charlie by Holly Robinson Peete & Ryan Elizabeth Peete -RF ( Autism)

The Oldest Student How Mary Walker Learned To Read -Biography    (Never Giving up)

When the Sakura Bloom written by Nariso Togo Picture Book

When the Sakura Bloom is a beautiful picture book about the magical feeling around blooming Sakura. This story is told from the perspective of the trees, they witness the hustle and bustle of the people rushing in the mornings. As spring arrives and they begin to bloom, something changes and people begin to pay more attention to their surroundings and celebrate the trees. After a storm takes the petals away, the trees grow leaves and fruit, once again witnessing the hustle and bustle of people below  

     This story shows the cultural significance of cherry blossom season in Japan and an insight into the unique mindset of its people. Through subtle text and gentle imagery, readers will see the importance of slowing down to appreciate the moment. This story demonstrates the importance of celebrating nature's fleeting, delicate beauty and the metaphor representing life itself. In Japanese culture, cherry blossoms symbolize both birth and death, beauty and violence. Beautiful flowers are a significant part of  Japanese worship of nature.  Cherry blossoms have historically signified the short but colorful life of the samurai. Sakura emblems adorned the planes of kamikaze pilots during World War II. 

    I loved reading this book as I lived in Japan for four years and that was the first time that I ever saw a Sakkura Bloom. I often think when looking at them about how fragile life is. Life just like the sakura bloom is beautiful for a short time and then they are gone. 

After 50 years

 

July 15, 1972 was the day that my parents were married. This is one of my favorite wedding pictures of them. This picture reminds me of hope, hope that you have as a young couple that your life will be what you had dreamed it would. My parents life may not have always been what they dreamed it would be but they never gave up on one another when things got really hard. My parents just celebrated this past July their 50th anniversay. My brothers and I gave them a surprise anniversary party. Though it was such a joyful occasion it also sad. Sad because there were so many people no longer with us. My grandparents (my Dad's parents), Pippe (my Mom's Dad) and my Uncle Steve (my Mom's brother) are all no longer with us. My sister in law made a video of my parents life together and it was so amazing to see all of the wonderful memories. My parents are two of the most loving, kind, and generous people that I know. I am so lucky to know them and to have them as my parents. 

Seven Stories of My Life

• My Dreams: Teaching always- I have always wanted to teach since I was in 1st grade 
• Ending of my first love – I was with my college love and ex-fiancé for 9 yrs. He was the love of my life until we outgrew one another. 
• A New Love- I met my husband at the Ft. Lee bowling alley to say it was love, at first sight, would be a lie. 
• New Phase of our lives- My husband and I have started a new phase of our lives. Our daughter is moved out on her own and our son is away at college. Wow being an empty nester is hard.  
• What does the future hold- We always wonder what we will be when we grow up.. Well, I wonder what I will be and where will I live when I can finally retire. 
• The feeling of true friendship- Everyone wants to have that sense and feeling of belonging and being loved. Some of us more than others...  
• That drive to work every day- Many have long forgotten my assistant Ms. Rosario but I am reminded of her every day...  

 My Dreams: I'm doing it... 

I have wanted to be a teacher since the 1st grade at Harrison Avenue Elementary School in upstate New York. My teacher influenced my decision so early in life. I had the most gentle and warm teacher in the world, Mrs. Porter. I still remember her smile and sweet voice. I struggled with reading and she was so patient with me. I remember that she would stay after school or come to help me at my house. In class everyone wanted to sit with her at the round table, I used to love it when I got to sit next to her. Today, it makes me smile when my students get all excited about sitting next to me or holding my hand. I hope that I am making a difference in their lives as she did in mine.