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PICK Three
PICK Three
We understand how taxing this year has been on us all. The intention of this section of this month's newsletter is to provide a smorgasbord of options for you to peruse. The "menu" provides each coach's top three things. Don't worry... We're not here to pitch more of this year. These picks are meant to serve as a way to disconnect or stay connected in whatever way serves you best. With this, we present, Pick Three. Scroll down to find something that interests you.
We understand how taxing this year has been on us all. The intention of this section of this month's newsletter is to provide a smorgasbord of options for you to peruse. The "menu" provides each coach's top three things. Don't worry... We're not here to pitch more of this year. These picks are meant to serve as a way to disconnect or stay connected in whatever way serves you best. With this, we present, Pick Three. Scroll down to find something that interests you.
Audrey Thornborrow
Audrey Thornborrow
Cook This
Cook This
No one knows delicious and refreshing summer eats like the Spanish. Try a traditional cold Spanish soup with some tapas and a chilled white. Your tastebuds will thank you.
Andalusian Gazpacho (Cold Spanish Tomato Soup)
Pair with: grilled chorizo kebabs and Prosecco or a Sauvignon Blanc.
Photo credit: https://www.seriouseats.com/andalusian-gazpacho-recipe
Read These
Read These
The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd
Sue Monk Kidd is an extraordinary author, and this novel does not disappoint. This fictional book is grounded in meticulous research and reverently portrays Jesus in his humanity, but this book is not so much about Jesus, but about a girl named Ana, who happens to be Jesus' wife. This story shows us Ana's struggle to find her purpose and share her passion of writing in a time and culture that works to silence her. This is a gripping tale, and one that is still relevant today.
Nick by Michael Farris Smith
Nick Carraway is the quiet and mysterious narrator of The Great Gatsby. Many know of him, but few know much about him. In this book, we learn who Nick is and learn about his life before moving to West Egg and meeting Gatsby himself. Written in the similar cadence and fashion of the great Fitzgerald himself, this book draws you into the heartbreaking, thrilling, and riotous life of Nick before he became "Old Sport".
Do This
Do This
Backyard Movie Night
Grab a big white sheet, find a simple projector and some speakers, grab some lights to add ambiance, make some snacks, invite your friends, pick out a movie, and BAM! Backyard movie night just became the sensation of your summer, and it's sure to be a tradition worth having. Check out this article for everything you need for the ultimate backyard movie night!
Photo Credit: Gatty Images https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2020/08/12/backyard-movie-night-products-outdoor-movie-night/?sh=144b6fc96111
Paul Schlangen
Paul Schlangen
Do This
Do This
Go Camping/ Hiking/ Biking/ etc.
Try to get out of the confines of the city. As Robert Plant sings in the Led Zeppelin song "Bron‐Yr‐Aur Stomp", you’ve got to see “what you're missin', messin' around them brick walls.”
I’ve found some of the many state parks in MN to help get me away from the “brick walls” of the city.
Read This
Read This
White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo (foreword by Michael Eric Dyson)
Amidst the societal unrest and awakening of 2020, I chose to read this book to examine why, as the author points out, it’s so hard “for white people to talk about racism.” This book broadened my awareness of the many systems in which systemic implicit racism is present. It also helped me identify times when I might get defensive when confronted with things that challenge the system in which we’re all a product.
Play This
Play This
The Times They Are A-Changin' and Jaipur
Okay, so this one might be a loophole to the “pick three” theme, but I think the verb “play” provides some leeway here.
If you’re looking for a game to play, check out “Jaipur.” This fast-paced card game has you vying for the chance to “join the Maharaja's court.”
If the term “play” brought to mind music, then you need to check out Bob Dylan’s The Times they are A-changin’. Those that know me know that I’m a big fan of Dylan and his work (it’s worth noting that Dylan’s work has earned him a Nobel prize in literature "for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition”). This album resonates today in a similar way to when it was released.
Irene Wilcox
Irene Wilcox
Try This
Try This
Bike
Get on your bike and hit the trails!! MN has tons of great places to bike on your own or with your family. In Central MN we have the Beaver Island and Wobegon Trails or head up north and check out the Paul Bunyan. For those of you who like the road less traveled by… try some single-track mountain biking. Hop on the Jail Trail in St. Cloud, tour around Bertam Lakes in Monticello or drive up to Ironwood and shred the red at Cuyuna. Download the Trailforks app to find great trails from across the state and country.
Do This
Do This
Dance
With the new CDC guidelines, we will hopefully be able to see live music again!
Check out live music around Central Minnesota at Summertime by George or Woodfire Wednesdays in St. Joe. Head into the Cities for the Basilica Block Party or catch a show at First Avenue. Support local musicians and fill your heart with music! I look on 89.3 The Current’s Events page to find out what’s happening on the virtual and live music scenes.
Read This
Read This
Broken Horses by Brandi Carlile
The Grammy award-winning singer and songwriter tells her story of growing up in poverty, accepting herself, and making music. She is so inspiring to me in so many ways.
I hope you think so too!
Stephanie Schlangen
Stephanie Schlangen
Do This
Do This
Get Outside
Join the State Park Hiking or Passport Club. People who know me will know I tout “Forest Bathing,” but really the philosophy can be explained by Jim Gaffigan. Regardless, being outside after so many screens has so much appeal.
Read This
Read This
World of Wonders by Aimee Nezhukumatathil
This is a beautiful little book on many levels. It’s nonfiction but reads poetically, it has pictures (who said they’re not for adults?), and it evokes some strange but lovely thoughts. It was refreshing and difficult to genrefy; I would call it a palate cleanser.
Watch This
Watch This
Hemingway Docuseries
Master documentarian Ken Burns is at it again with a docuseries on Ernest Hemingway for PBS. It's an honest look at this important author. I think Ken Burns stated it best in a post-production interview: “There is lots to be repulsed by, and react negatively to, but then there is the literature which is some of the finest you will find. I believe this is also the benefit that these larger-than-life characters provide us, they are our own foibles written large. It is easier to see the flaws in Ernest Hemingway than it might be to see them in oneself.” Lovers of literature or people interested in history will enjoy this saunter through Hemingway’s life.
Sandie Lahr
Sandie Lahr
Do This
Do This
Couch to 5K
Have you ever sat down on your couch and felt as if nothing in the world is going right for you? Or have you sat at your desk, drowning under the weight of work? Situations like this call for action, and by this, I really do mean action. Instead of reaching for the bar of chocolate, think about putting your training shoes on and going for a brisk walk or a jog. It will clear your head and help you get a new perspective on life. The hardest part is getting started. What do you do now? First, get a good pair of running shoes, some comfortable clothing, and step outside. You do not need all of the frilly gadgets available to start running. You just need a plan. A plan to ease into running. There are many different running plans on the internet, but I’ve helped you out and have selected a few to get you started.
Click for Running Plans
Photo credit: mohamed Hassan from Pixabay
Read This
Read This
Local Author
Any books by Jon Hassler are a sure bet, especially if you like reading books that take place in Minnesota. Hassler was born and raised in Minnesota, and he even lived in Sauk Rapids and taught at St. John’s University.
Try This
Try This
Take a Break
Need a break and some ideas on how to unplug or recharge this summer? Check out this awesome article for some stress relief ideas for educators. You DESERVE it!
Click Here. Go ahead and try it!
Shelby Chollett
Shelby Chollett
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Humans are neat and our differences enrich each other's lives.
Chill Out With Mindfulness
Chill Out With Mindfulness
Mental health is health and can change us from within.
Getting Acquainted
Diving Deeper
Staying Curious
Listen to “Unlocking Us” podcast
Listen to “The Happiness Lab” podcast
Image from Unsplash
Productivity & Optimization
Productivity & Optimization
Our brains are a muscle that can not only be strengthened, but create our reality.
Getting Acquainted
Diving Deeper
Staying Curious
Listen to “Revisionist History” podcast
Image from Unsplash
Glen Irvin
Glen Irvin
Listen to This
Listen to This
Still Rockin'
I was just about to graduate from high school in 1994 when I first listened to a quirky alternative rock band named Weezer. Who knew that more than 25 years later they would still be putting out albums that were just as good as their first one. The current album “Ok Human” is the perfect listen during these unprecedented times. In particular, I highly recommend listening to the song “Numbers” as it clearly articulates our obsession with comparing ourselves to others. “Numbers are out to get you” the lead singer Rivers Coumo repeats during the chorus.
Read This
Read This
Reflective Read
I had the privilege of interviewing the authors of “10 Things Schools Get Wrong” Jared Cooney Horwath & David Bott on our podcast OnEducation. The book is a fantastic, introspective read for any educator who is wanting to know the origin of many of our not so good practices and what we should do to fix them.
Watch This
Watch This
Game Time!
I am a giant video game nerd. I sometimes play competitive video games like Hearthstone and FIFA21, cooperative games like Valheim, and even play Minecraft with my kids. But, there is one game in particular that I love to play to wind down, relax and become immersed. Stardew Valley is an open-ended game farming simulation with wonderful music and a super fun storyline. I highly recommend playing it this summer!
Beth Lovdahl
Beth Lovdahl
Read This
Read This
The Princess Spy by Larry Loftis
What types of espionage escapades could a Princess possibly be involved in?
Try This
Try This
Be Curious
Try slowing down a little and being more curious!
Deanna Euteneuer
Deanna Euteneuer
Read This
Read This
The Four Winds
"The Four Winds is an indelible portrait of America and the American Dream, as seen through the eyes of one indomitable woman whose courage and sacrifice will come to define a generation."
Read This
Read This
"A girl with cerebral palsy feels trapped in her body and unable to communicate. When her art teacher straps a paintbrush to her head, she begins to paint her thoughts and feelings" opening up her world. This book is based on an actual story."
Do This
Do This
Relax and experience nature and reading.
Plug into an audio book and take a walk or head to the lake and read. Escape and relax!
Crystal Davidson
Crystal Davidson
Try This
Try This
The “official” guidelines are pretty flexible, so what have you got to lose?
Listen/ Watch/ Read This
Listen/ Watch/ Read This
Hoopla
Check out Hoopla (through Great River Regional Library) for music, ebooks and audiobooks, and even movies for road trips or rainy days stuck inside!
Cindy Hiedeman
Cindy Hiedeman
Try This
Try This
Prioritize what matters most on a list of To Do’s.
Write down the top 3 tasks that you want to accomplish each day.
Amy Woolsey
Amy Woolsey
Read This
Read This
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens: a coming of age crime drama about a girl growing up alone in the marshes of North Carolina from 1952-1969. She lives a lonely life, but her story is a hopeful one as well. With a little help, she’s able to survive and even learn to read.
Thought provoking and entertaining!
Play This
Play This
Elevate - app with brain training activities to improve focus, speaking abilities, processing speed, memory and math skills
A fun way to keep your brain active and sharp...and to feed your competitive side as well!
Listen to This
Listen to This
Listener’s Audio Bible with vocal performance by Max McLean - available on Audible. A great way to get an overview of the whole Bible in a year by listening to 10-15 minutes a day!
Jenny Bushman
Read This
Read This
We are Water Protectors written by Carole Lindstrom and illustrated by Michaela Goade is a beautifully written and illustrated book that tells the story of water as the first medicine that both affects and connects all people.
I have found myself reconnecting to children's books this year and this is one of many that stands out.
"Tears like waterfalls stream down.
Tracks down my face.
Tracks down my people's faces."
Try This
Try This
We live in a beautiful state with so much to see and do! Take some time and discover that Up North truly Is A State Of Mind!
Dance and Sing
Dance and Sing
You know what to do--dance and sing like no one is watching!
Who doesn't love a little Dancing Queen, right?
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