8/16/19

#5

WHAT I WISH I KNEW WHEN I WAS 20

I had the opportunity, while on the famous white sands of Waikiki Beach, to read a fantastic book titled WHAT I WISH I KNEW WHEN I WAS 20 by Tina Seelig. She is a big-wig at Stanford University's Technology Ventures Program. Specifically, the is the executive director. In her international best selling book, Seelig writes shares all the pearls of wisdom she wishes she had known when she was 20.

I have thought a lot about the things I DIDN'T know when I was 20. There were many, trust me. There were also people in my life - super important ones like my father, mother and sister - that seemed to be "trying to tell me something," but I wasn't listening. I guess I wasn't ready. Looking back, had I been listening, I might not have done certain things. Some of which turned out to be mistakes. Or, were they? If I didn't make those mistakes or do those things, I wouldn't be me.

Anyhow, the book is great. I'm going to use a couple of her ideas for my new course - English III CP. This class is all about Journeys. One idea I am going to adapt is the exercise of writing a failure resume. We are always focusing on all the things that we do well because it feels good and makes us happy! And, that is great, of course. But Seelig argues that we also need to become super comfy with....our FAILURES too. Why? Because if you don't succeed at something, you will spend a lot of time reflecting on why you didn't succeed and in that reflection, there is a great deal of wisdom and tips and thoughts on how to do better next time. Also, reflecting on things that didn't go well is just part of being HUMAN. If we don't make mistakes or try and ignore our mistakes, how will we learn and grow?

Another idea in the book I am going to adapt into a lesson is the idea that one's ATTITUDE is critically important on any journey we make in life - indeed in life itself. This lesson will involve describing the same scene twice - once from the perspective of someone who has fallen in love and once from the perspective of someone who has just suffered a major loss.

#4

8.30.18

Viva Italia

Coming back from my trip to Italy, I have been all about ALL THINGS ITALIAN! I've been learning the language on Rosetta Stone; I leased a Fiat; and of course, I continue to hone the recipes my grandmother passed down to me. Imagine my delight when I was reading this month's Vogue and I came upon the article, "Brilliant & Bellisima" by Paolo Pellegrin. There is a series of beloved novels about two girls growing up in Naples that I somehow missed, which is weird because they're on the NY Times best-seller list. The author of the series - 4 in all - has chosen to remain anonymous, using a pseudonym to publish - Elena Ferrante. That got me thinking about Harper Lee and J.D. Salinger what all that happened to them after they became famous. I can understand the desire to protect my identity especially in this day and age with social media and the paparazzi.

So, I'm almost done reading The Art of Racing in the Rain, narrated by a dog and when I do, I'll start on book 1. I actually already downloaded a sample of it on my Kindle and snuck a peak. The article was written to introduce the HBO series based on the books and filmed on location. That's my incentive for reading the books, which I know I'll love it already! Viva Italia....

Ciao for now!

#3

8.29.18

Her Words; My Words

In a new article in Vogue, September 2018, Beyonce talks about her feelings on body acceptance, opportunities, ancestry, her journey, freedom, Coachella and her Legacy. Two topics resonated with me. First, she discusses the unrealistic expectations for women to lose weight after having a child. In the past she succumbed to pressure, but after her twins, she is taking it easy and loving her curves. I gained 60 pounds while I was pregnant with Gianluca! While nursing, there was no way I was going to diet. Two years later, however, I was still plus 40 pounds! It was time to get into shape - I used Weight Watchers - but not by going to the program and spending money. I just listened to what my friends told me about it and figured it out on my own! It's not really a diet, rather, it's more of a lifestyle. Speaking of Gianluca, Beyonce shares her wishes for her children and specifically her son, and I can relate. Raising boys in our society is tricky. On the one hand, we want to raise Men in the traditional sense; strong, masculine and stoic, but on the other hand, when we marry these men, we want them to be understanding, emotional and kind. That needs to be modeled and taught to our boys (and girls); I think boys need to be able to try, to share their emotions and feelings - and not to "bottle up." Beyonce's wishes for her son to be, "caring truthful and kind," are my wishes for Gianluca. I want him to know that real men cry, real men emote, real men are sensitive and kind and loving.... I sent him the quotes from the article via text, but I'm not sure he read them. Yet. I guess another wish for him - to read my texts! LOL. Ciao for now!

8.13.18

#2

Royals or Religion?

I began to think as I was reading, "All About the Royals" in People Magazine, that I am just waaaaaaaaay too into the Royal Family. Really, I live "across the pond" and am a modern American woman. What's with my interest in an archaic, outdated institution such as the monarchy of England? I've heard even the English don't like their own Royal Family. Did I mention I watch "The Crown," and "Outlander" on pay channels - yes, you guessed it - those shows are about the English. I am part English, so I guess that's one legit reason to care so much. For period 5 today, I'm going to be sure and finish an article on Pope Francis in Vogue. Maybe the stunning wisdom of the leader of the world's largest organization will take my mind off, eh, the Royal Family. (Princess Kate Middleton is a fashion icon, and you know I love fashion! I digress) Ciao for now!

8/13/18

#1

Recalled to Religion

In Vogue article, "The Children's Hour," Pope Francis's approach to running the largest organization in the world is discussed. Pope Francis has been called: "the people's pope," "a pope for all time," and a variety of other appellations (that's a Membean word! Hello? It's also just a word!) that describe the pope in an inclusive, humble yet powerful way. A little child in the classroom he was visiting asked him what it felt like to be the pope and he responded, "I felt peace. That's the word. That's not a lie. I've felt peace from that day to today.

From the moment Francis became pope, I have had a beckoning back to the church that I grew up in. I have to say that the pope before Francis was not engaging or cool. Then, there was the whole Catholic priest scandal. Boy, did that turn me OFF to the church. Slowly but surely though, I began to notice what Francis spoke about and became more intrigued by the minute. I love how he has inspired a re-awakening in me, a return to service and gratitude, and firmly cemented my feet back on the ground within my church - St. Max.