Alone with the heavens

"The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be." - Anne Frank

My desk companion

Look who came home with me from the grocery store the other day! I must have been standing in front of those bins for at least 10 minutes trying to decide on a pumpkin. All the bumps, shapes, colors, and sizes give each such a unique personality! I will try to limit my number of pumpkin posts this season, but for this pumpkin-loving girl, it is best I do not make any promises in that regard : )  

In case you were also wondering . . .

Reading Partners is a national literacy non-profit with a strong affiliate here in Dallas. We provide one-on-one personalized literacy instruction to help students reading 6 months to 2.5 years behind grade level. We empower the community to make a positive change and transform each child’s reading experience. Our model is research-based and outcome oriented. Research has shown 83% of fourth graders from low-income families are reading below grade level. For every month with RP, our students typically gain 1.6 months of reading skills. We are working to make literacy a national priority so that every child can reach his or her full potential through the joy and power of reading!

So many people have been asking, so I have been practicing how to offer the above description of where I work word-for-word. With a few more practices, I should be able to quote it in my sleep! Are you interested in being one of our wonderful volunteer-tutors : ) Please see here. 

"W" Bookshelf Love

Eeek! Can someone help me build this please? This would look perfect perched above my bed. The convenience of grabbing a book before bedtime only makes it more appealing! I generally lean toward more traditional structures, but this modern design is beautiful, I think!

Photo via: Modern Hepburn 

September has come

What did you do this Labor Day weekend? I was able to visit with dear friends and family. What a blessing they are to me! I feel as though I am overcome with peace and as ready as ever for the week ahead! I cannot explain it, but there are two things that seem to have that effect on me: water and family. How the two are connected, I could not say, but I am always in such a better place after being near water, family, or as was the case this weekend, both!