In March 2020, I watched an episode of Mister Roger’s Neighborhood where he talks about dominos (episode 1657, aired in 1992). In it he visits a man who sets up dominos and they watch a track of over 3000 of them go over. This was early in the stay-at-home order so I was inspired toContinue reading “Domino Stillness”
Author Archives: Susan Wangen
It’s Time to be Bold
I’m not one to jump on trends right away. Joining Facebook, crocs, or whatever fidget-spinner-ice-bucket-challenge happens to be dominating the popular conversation, I tend to rebel until absolutely necessary. But the “Word of the Year” movement… that I can get behind. There’s something about choosing a goal for the new year in one word thatContinue reading “It’s Time to be Bold”
These are a Few
She poured paint into a small palette, twirling her brush around. You know, nobody has the exact same skin color, she mused, as she painted a group picture of her friends for one member’s birthday. I was struck by the resplendent moment. Proud that my daughter wanted to make a gift for her friend thatContinue reading “These are a Few”
Most Wonderful Time of the Year
We started singing Christmas songs in September. Although it still felt like summer outside, we harmonized carols and choreographed ice skating scenes. So that by the time we performed the Christmas show in December we were well practiced and ready. And it was magical. Whenever I hear certain Christmas songs they will forever remind meContinue reading “Most Wonderful Time of the Year”
Frozen Leaves and Ambitions
The fog frost this morning was incredible. The kids and I rode to school in awe, looking down upon our town with its snow-kissed tree branches and houses with sparkling eaves. I bundled up and went for a run, despite the freezing temp and slippery sidewalks. To breathe in the idyllic winter scenery- making yourContinue reading “Frozen Leaves and Ambitions”
“Get Me Somebody. Anybody. And Get Me Somebody While I’m Waiting!”
I pulled up to the stoplight, Target list in the middle console, flipping radio channels with one hand and digging in my purse for an allergy pill with the other. And I’m horrified to admit that my first instinct was to then grab my phone and scroll through social media while I waited for theContinue reading ““Get Me Somebody. Anybody. And Get Me Somebody While I’m Waiting!””
Monxiety
It usually starts in my head. Although I’ve just woken up, my head feels dizzy, swimming in overwhelmed thoughts. It moves down into my chest- a heaviness that stays for hours. Before I’ve eaten breakfast, it stops at my stomach, sending sharp streaks of adrenaline and edges of nausea. I would have thought the Monday-anxietyContinue reading “Monxiety”
No, They Are Not OK.
Everywhere I look right now there are stories of teacher and sub shortages. Teachers who have quit mid-year or mid-day. Educators who are breaking down, and no, they are not ok. I do realize we are all living through a pandemic. These last two years have been the hardest on education that I’ve seen inContinue reading “No, They Are Not OK.”
The Role of Place
Getting to volunteer at my kids’ school has been a gift of this year. I lovingly joke that I have one kid who is mad if I don’t wave at him when I’m there, and one who is mad if I do. Last week I helped with a pizza party for select kids who metContinue reading “The Role of Place”
The Candy Man
Apple pie bars. Chocolate chip cookies from Costco. Bags of pumpkin candy corn. Root beer floats. Three gallon-size ziplocks FULL of Halloween candy (two trick or treaters and leftover from our door). This is the contents of my kitchen right now. Out little guy had an exciting weekend. (Actually, both kids did…but our 7th graderContinue reading “The Candy Man”
Teaching the Good Stuff 