Mon, 16 Apr 2012 19:11:00 -0500WeeblyFri, 13 Apr 2012 21:30:21 -0500http://www.wordsonfire.net/2/post/2012/04/spring-cleaning.htmlSpring cleaning is always one of those great ideas when still in the form of a thought.  Planning  such an event doesn't  include mental images of how long it will take or what mishaps may occur.  For me, the image is similar to those I watched on the movie screen when attending a Disney film.  You may know the scene I'm talking about, where a character completes a task and is assisted by various forest animals smiling and singing.  Unfortunately, this mental image is the one I conjure up within my thoughts when planning the annual spring cleaning exravtavaganza!  This sweet, little daydream disappears when I begin sipping coffee the morning on day 1 of spring cleaning. Instead, I begin to envision the hours of elbow grease it will take to cleanse and organize our home.  Panic sets in, and I 'm over taken with fear and self doubt.  The truth is, at this point, I'm wondering why anyone would have such lofty intentions.  However, several buckets of scrub water later, when my husband and I are crashed, and sipping our "end of adventure coffee,"(This is the cup of coffee we have to celebrate an acomplishment.) I am at peace.  I sit in our home and enjoy the smell of cleansers, the shine of smudge free walls, and the glimmer of shimmering kitchen cabinets that have been bathed in Liquid Gold!  The house seems much lighter, (due to the removal of many pounds of dust,) and so does the mood of the residents.  Yes. when a thought, an idea, or a "notion", spring cleaning is a good one. When it moves from idea to task, spring cleaning is met with dread, but when checked off the list, spring cleaning is a renewal.  We not only see, but touch the items within our homes.  Removing dust from photo albums bids me to take  peak inside where wonderous memories are stored.  Treasures abound deep inside the cushions of our furniture, and behind the refrigerator. Old school papers from long ago, missed in previous cleanings, brag of days long passed.   Maybe, it isn't the cleansing that renews us and recharges our minds as much as it is the visitation with our home and all the life  it holds.
What are you spring traditions? Let me know! J]]>Mon, 27 Feb 2012 18:38:45 -0500http://www.wordsonfire.net/2/post/2012/02/self-controlcontol-self.htmlOnce again, I am  a quest for self improvement! It seems I'm always launching a new plan, turning over a new leaf, or implementing a program.  It doesn't always have to do with the same area of life, I like to vary my possible areas of improvement.  I want to be fit, eat better, connect with my family at a more intimate level, manage finances more wisely, improve my mothering, teaching, relationship, etc.  I mean, let's face it, if we visit the book store much, we see the shelves are flooded with methods by which we can be made better people.  Honestly, I am always intrigued by the latest trend in self improvement.  
Recently, I came to an epiphany!   Many of these endeavors ( actually most of them) seem to come down to one simple element.  Self control.  I mean if only I could control myself, I could be more physically fit, with all my debts paid off, while feeling so great about life, that I'm surrounded by individuals who just can't get enough of my wisdom!  It is true, but why can't we acomplish this? Or better yet, why are we always seeking the latest trendy little plan that promises success in these areas?  I have come to a conclusion here of sorts.  I just need to hold myself accountable.  I need to be honest with the person in charge of me, yes, me!  I think maybe one crucial key to all of this is to first be honest with myself, something we don't always do.  If indeed we are honest first with ourselves, we would be more outwardly truthful and committed to our endeavors of self improvement.  I want to have zero debt, but I like spending money! I have to be honest with myself in order to be devoted to paying off various debts.  Honesty which includes placing my desire to spend on the shelf for a while.  I feel this same theory will apply to the other areas, such as getting in shape, running a more effiecient (cleaner) home, and all the others.  Wish me luck in my new efforts of being truthful to me, the one I need to be truthful with first! Be well, J ]]>Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:43:50 -0500http://www.wordsonfire.net/2/post/2012/02/overdue.htmlI am a procrastinator!  I put off the tasks which need to be done, in favor of something else.  Sometimes, the task that wins is better, maybe it offers more interest, or entertainment.  However, there are times when this is not the case.  I've found myself avoiding my blog in favor of any number of unsavory chores.  These can be as mundane as folding laundry or as gruesome as cleaning the bathroom.  I found myself even scheduling dentist appointments instead of writing!   For me, writing requires emotional energy.  Something I have not felt I could spare in recent months.  Today, I realized it would not get any easier to return to the page, no matter how many sinks I scrub, or floors I sweep.  I'm guessing my husband may notice my to do list unchecked, but for the first time in a few months, the page is calling to me, I'm ready now, to answer.  The challenges of this life do not disappear no matter how hard we work at ignoring their presence, they remain.  Here's to checking one challenge off the list and pushing through to write.

Do you procrastinate?? I'd love to hear about it. Be well, Joyce ]]>Sat, 22 Oct 2011 09:57:37 -0500http://www.wordsonfire.net/2/post/2011/10/rainbows-and-promises.htmlOne of my most favorite bible stories is the one of the Noah's ark and the great flood.  I love the part where the rainbow appears as a symbol of God's promise.  I still love to see those beautiful colors arc in the sky.  It gives me a sense of peace every time I witness it.  
Although I know I am not quite ready to write this entry, I have decided to move forward.  As some of you know, I touched on it a bit in my last entry.  Now, I will be telling more of the story.  
On Sept.  23, 2011 our oldest daughter suffered a grand mal seizure and was hospitalized.  Two days later, we were informed she has epilepsy and will always have it.  She left the hospital, determined to return to her life as a college student.  I stayed on to be sure she would adjust and to help where needed.  In those few days, she made appointments, talked with her school's disability department, visted with friends, arranged for rides to class (seizures mean no driving until seizures are under control)  and started back to school.  Even though we were both afraid, we knew that I too, would need to return to my life and so I left for home a few days later.  Every goodbye is difficult when parting with your child.  However, I think this is one of my hardest.  My heart wanted to stay and help her manage the new diagnosis.  Yet, it isn't mine, nor is a college apartment and classes any longer a part of my days.  We finally managed our goodbyes, and I headed out on rt. 68 with the sun shinning on a beautiful fall day.  I prayed, cried and snacked as I drove along trying to locate peace with this new situation.  
As I arrived in the Cumberland area, I noticed the sky was dark, and it appeared as though an angry storm had just ended.  Branches and leaves blew across the road, and a few random raindrops fell to the windsheild.  Traffic came to a sudden stop, and I sat for several minutes waiting for my lane to move again.  I noticed a tow truck ahead of me and summized an accident must be the reason for the delay.  My eyes scanned the landscape of mountians and trees and the reds, yellows, of fall.  Beautiful.  I thought.   Looking skyward, I saw the rainbow.  It was a perfect arc there in the sky, adding to the palet of an already colorful scene.  
Maybe you don't find peace in such things, and maybe you see it as just a coinsidence, but I was reminded that God keeps his promises, and that he is everpresent in our lives.  I was able to get a picture of that very rainbow with my phone, and I've posted it here for everyone to see.  Be well.   JKH

]]>Mon, 03 Oct 2011 19:37:24 -0500http://www.wordsonfire.net/2/post/2011/10/another-storm.htmlIt is difficult for me to comprehend all that has occured since my last blog.  On Friday, Sept. 23, I got a call from my daughter's boyfriend.  That call changed everything.  Our daughter suffered a grand mal seizure, and after several days in the hospital has been diagnosed with Epilepsy.  I call it another storm because my husband has Parkinson's disease and the pieces I've written about his situation are included on this site under "Storms".  I must admit, this one really caught me asleep at the wheel.  I had no idea.  Somehow, we missed the warning signs.  However, we have already begun the healing process and my daughter is already back in school, attending her college classes.  She is indeed an inspiration.  Other blessings include our families, the Miller family, Justyn, the nurses and doctors at Ruby Memorial, and my youngest daughter, Chels.  You really stepped up for your sister and showed what you are made of. 
 I know there are many praying for us at this time.  All I can say is thank you.  JMH ]]>Wed, 21 Sep 2011 03:00:00 -0500http://www.wordsonfire.net/2/post/2011/09/for-connie.htmlToday, I am dedicating my blog to someone I miss.  On this day, in 2007, my family suffered a terrible loss.  My sister-in-law, Connie Matthews died from pancreatic cancer.  She was 53.  I cherish my memories of her.
 My first experience with Connie was as "one of the big kids" that lived on our street in Westover, WV.  She wore her hair teased up high, and always had a wide headband securing it.  At times, my mom would hire her to babysit me.  I remember watching her practice her baton twirling skills in her front yard.  She never missed.  I must have been around 5 or 6.  
One Easter Sunday, she came to church with us, and my big brother had his arm around her.  I wondered why she needed his help.  After that, the pretty majorette always came to church with us, and ate Sunday dinner at our house.  
She married my brother when I was 11 or so.  Two years later, I became an aunt!  It was one of the greatest days of my life.  Being an aunt at 13 is an awesome event. A few years later, I was blessed with another niece.   Connie always encouraged me to be close with her girls.  Her home was open to me.  My nieces, Liz and Allison kept me entertained many hours.  Connie never failed to include me in the girls activities or events, no matter how many years passed or how far from home I traveled, she remained a constant. Her generousity never failed.  Connie never forgot my birthday, and attended every graduation ceremony with the girls by her side.  When I walked down the aisle to marry Chuck, it only seemed fitting that she and her girls participate in  the wedding.  In fact, my "something borrowed" was a pair of diamond stud earrings that belonged to her.  I remember how touched I was when she offered them to me.  When I later had my girls, she and my brother were among the first to send flowers and gifts.  She never hesitated to say, "I love you" or to offer words of encouragement when things seemed the darkest.  Life moves so fast, we seldom notice it ripping right past us.  Connie and my brother became grandparents in 2005.  I got to become an aunt all over again.  Even better, I got to witness my niece become a mom.  
The pretty, shy, majorette came into my life when we were both still children.  Eventually, she grew into a beautiful, intelligent woman.  She never needed a face lift, a Weight Watchers meeting or a botox injection.  Even when the cancer robbed her of her strength, her stunning beauty remained. 
I thought Connie and I would grow old together, I never once considered she could be taken from us.  I envisioned a future of rocking grandkids, attending weddings, graduations, and blowing out birthday candles.   The feeling of her absence is never ending. My daughters miss their aunt, my mom misses her daughter-in-law, and my nieces miss their mom.  As for me, I miss the former baby sitter, that became my sister.  I now realize that you can never say too many I love yous, that you should never be too busy to listen, and above all, celebrate life with the ones you love every chance you get.  I love you Liz, and Allison, you are in my every thought today and I thank you for your permission to write this.

Say lots of I love yous today, and think of Connie. 

JMH

]]>Tue, 13 Sep 2011 20:36:16 -0500http://www.wordsonfire.net/2/post/2011/09/things-teachers-like.htmlSo, if we can laugh about the things teachers say, I imagine we may find a laugh or two taking a look at the things teachers like.  Really, teachers are unlike any other individuals.  Sayings abound regarding teachers being a rare breed.  We are rare that is.  Most of us came into education for reasons which ceased to exsit within the first hour after we began our first real teaching job.  It is those who love it who remain.  Being the unique souls that we are, we don't mind to make a bit of fun of ourselves.  So, here goes!

1.Anything free-from store displays to winning a raffle, if its free, we love it and we want it!

2.Carry out lunch-this is such a rare treat!  We would run over little old ladies to get to the lounge for lunch from a local resturant.  Most teachers do not have a full thirty minutes to eat therefore there is not enough time most days to make a trip to pick something up for lunch.

3.Jean Day-While dress codes have relaxed over the years it still feels great when Friday comes and we can adorn ourselves with non-teacher clothes (aka blue jeans).

4. Parents who know their kid isn't perfect!  We all love our children more than anything, but it is so much easier to work with the parent who realizes her child is human and is going to do all the things all the other children do!

5.  SNOW! (No explanation needed)

6.JUNE! (Again, it's self explanatory)

Well, those are the ones I can think of at the moment.  Again, I'm sure there are more.  Make your own list, have some fun and share what you come up with!  Be well, JMH

]]>Mon, 12 Sep 2011 19:21:38 -0500http://www.wordsonfire.net/2/post/2011/09/funny-things-teachers-say.htmlToday I have decided to veer away from the serious side of life and hopefully have a chuckle with my readers.  Let's examine "teacher talk" for just a minute.  We have all been on the receiving end of some crazy words that originated in the minds of teachers, and some of us may even be guilty ourselves of using "teacherisms".  (Yes, I admit my guilt.)  Here are a few of my favorites:

Okay people, let's try to keep it down to a low roar.

Please keep your eyes on your own paper.

Line up, single file.

Class, did anyone read the assignment?

Now, the ring around Uranus..."

Alright people, take a seat.

The dismissal bell is not a signal for you to jump and run, I will dismiss this class when I am ready.

Now, if the person who wrote this note will please come forward, there will be no questions asked.

I will not begin class until all the talking stops.

Wow, these statements really make me question the sanity of those in my profession.  I can remember some of these statements from when I was in school years ago, and yet, we still use them!  I don't think any of us have ever passed out a test or quiz without telling students not to look at each others answers.  I guess we all fall into the same trap.  
What are the teacherisms you remember?  Or, maybe you too are an offender!  Leave your quotes (or confessions) in the comments section at the end of this blog.  I would love to add more to my collection!  JMH ]]>Sun, 11 Sep 2011 11:54:08 -0500http://www.wordsonfire.net/2/post/2011/09/the-lady-next-to-me.htmlYesterday evening I had the pleasure of seeing the film, "The Help" with my husband.  Reading the book had moved us both so, we felt an urgency to see the screen version.    We arrived early as we were concerned with the possibility of the 7:00 show being sold out.  Having nearly an hour to wait, we snacked and chatted while we watched the theatre fill with co-movie goers.  Finally, our row of seats filled, minus one seat to my right.  A polite lady asked if the seat was saved and eventually ended up seated next to me.  We conversed a bit while we continued to wait, and expressed our love of the book which ispired the movie we waited to see.  She explained she had not read the book and had little knowlege of the story, but had heard so much hype in regards to the movie she wanted to see it.  When the film ended, the lady stated, "I don't think it was realistic, it isn't at all how we are are,  it seemed to me to be more of a fable."
How sad, I thought.  The story of course is a "feel good" fictional account of the lives of maids to white families in the south in the early 1960's, a time and place in our history which has always interested me.   One character, (a young white woman) decides to write a book about the experiences of these maids.  But more than my personal interest, the message of the story seemed for me one of remembering.  Recalling how things had been during a particular time, and how mistaken our society had been to promote the mistreatment of people based on the color of their skin.   
Today is September 11, 2011.  Ten years ago today,   all Americans were attacked.  Our only reason for being targets, the fact that we are Americans.  Not one soul was excluded because they differed in ethnic origin or personal belief.    On that day, we all tasted the power of hatred.  
Since then, stories continue to emerge of how average people became heros by simply reaching out to the person next to them, regardless of their differences.  I hope the lady who sat next to me  is wrong, I hope there is always someone who will reach  out to others, who will be willing to speak the truth,who will challenge our  thinking, and celebrate our resillience. JMH
 
How do you see it? If you have thoughts to add, please feel free to comment! ]]>Wed, 07 Sep 2011 19:45:22 -0500http://www.wordsonfire.net/2/post/2011/09/new-determination.htmlI am still writing even though I have not kept up with my blog!  No, the book isn't finished either, so I missed that goal as well.  However, I have added to my collection of rejection letters!  Having not recieved one in a while, I must admit, I began to get excited.  I mean, no news is good news, right?    My hopes were dashed once again, when an envelope arrived last week with yet another document that starts out, "Thank you for submitting your work to....Unfortunately, we have decided...not to publish..."
What amazes me, is these letters do not disappoint me for long.  Really, it simply reminds me of what great company I'm in!  Read the list below.
  
Dune by Frank Herbert – 13 rejections

Auntie Mame by Patrick Dennis – 17 rejections

Jonathan Livingston Seagull – 18 rejections  

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle – 29 rejections 

Carrie by Stephen King – over 30 rejections 

Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell – 38 rejections

A Time to Kill by John Grisham – 45 rejections

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone- 25 rejections

Some of these are my personal favorites!  I know it sounds crazy, but these letters are only serving to keep me determined!  What are you determined to accomplish?  Let me hear about it!  We can be a source of encouragement for each other! Be well-JMH

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