tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37076751098666983952024-03-13T11:29:11.839-05:00 Kelsey BorgesonKelsey Prengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07808455586458274359noreply@blogger.comBlogger130125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707675109866698395.post-30440397834328528322016-03-12T16:50:00.002-06:002017-03-01T09:42:23.049-06:00On Turning 27<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span><span style="color: #444444;">Unfortunately, sometimes I feel as though there are these
invisible, but still so real pressures that tell us we have to have a number of
things accomplished by a certain age. There are countless articles on the
subject and as a rule-follower determined to get things right, I can fall victim
thinking, “But I need to have these 30 things accomplished by the time I am 30.”
Rather than be consumed by these thoughts though, I am determined to write my sometimes
vague, but always personal goals down right here. That way, year by year, I can
live by my very own guidebook. If you are reading this, I would encourage you
to do the same! The morale simply being: <i>you
do you! </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">Last year, I wrote on my 26<sup>th</sup> birthday and I knew
there was so much change coming and I was thrilled about it! It was the best
kind of change – change that makes you stronger and a better, more loving
person. Robert had recently proposed and we had already determined we would be
married within a year. I wrote, “I don’t only want to endure the change and
face it bravely, but embrace it wholeheartedly excited to see what the change
might bring because I trust God is love and in control.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">Now, a year later, I can honestly say (que some some good
old romanticism!) Robert makes me so much braver than I have ever been. I tend
to shrug at societal norms and not stress about anything that won’t matter in
one year. When you have someone to go home to who loves you, the smaller stuff
becomes! Robert lives by a different credo than most, and I am inspired by his
clear perspective and sense of direction. He also has so much respect for
everyone and everything, which it such a valuable lesson for me. As I become
more and more of an adult, embracing all the responsibility that comes along
with it, remembering to be respectful is so important. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">Together, we are also working to not take our ourselves too
seriously, to have so much fun together, and plan adventures that will keep us growing and learning. Being
married turns out to be even more fun than dating and we are eager to show gratefulness
for every moment – big or small. In my 27<sup>th</sup> year, I hope I step out
of my comfort zone and remember to cherish all the little things. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">This year, I have also been learning so much from my
family. My sister and her husband drove
from Texas to Canada and back this past summer, camping and staying with
friends along the way. After their adventurous summer, they packed up their
lives and moved to Virginia to try something new they had never done before.
Their sense of adventure inspires me. Much the same, my brother boarded a ship
last winter and spent an entire semester at sea, experiencing the world. He
made many new friends and returned with an even stronger sense of compassion
and respect for our world and the people in it. My parents too, they took some
big leaps professionally and are living in their dream city because they know
it is where they are supposed to be. Their steadfast faith and sense of gratitude
and positivity inspires everyone who knows them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">With another birthday, I look back and feel really lucky
and blessed to have so many wise teachers in my life. As I look forward, I am
eager to cherish life for all it is. I am going to choose every day to be
grateful for the people I have met and will meet and to always show respect.
Robert and I are going to have so much fun and show our love, through both
small and grand gestures. We are going to take trips and learn from each other
and our world.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">I am sure I am going to mess up some days and choose poorly.
I will pick pessimism of the worst sort! But, I hope my 27-year-old self will
quickly say, “Okay, let’s not sulk about this and just make a change. Remember,
you are still learning.” So, here’s to another year! Though topping getting married
to my best friend might be hard to beat, I am so excited to see what comes
next! </span><o:p></o:p></div>
Kelsey Prengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07808455586458274359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707675109866698395.post-3621352091256091562015-02-26T20:08:00.001-06:002017-03-01T09:42:37.427-06:00On Turning 26<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">I don’t know exactly how it started, but I have gotten into this habit of writing on my birthday and posting it here as a way, perhaps, to keep myself accountable to all I promise. Sometimes being a dreamer and goal maker seems advantageous and helps me get to where I hope I will go. Other times, I dream about what a year might bring and decide the best strategy is absolutely no strategy at all. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Last year, I dreamed about being brave when facing transition, seeking community, finding quiet moments, and learning more about myself. To read my words, “I just know this year holds so much newness and important steps for me,” makes me smile at the pure foreshadowing of it! Did I know I would be engaged to the man of my dreams just one year later? Reading my post makes me think as though I certainly had a sense that something very much life-altering was going to occur. I am so happy it is Robert and that my life is changing to include him always.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">I talked about my parents moving away from Germany and the transition my family was facing. I wrote that we must be brave and one year later, the same rings true. It is surprising actually to see me talk about transition as though it is a phase we must persevere through. Did I not yet realize that our lives are (I hope!) constantly in motion? It is now that I realize, we are always learning, growing, dreaming of how to make our lives better, and how to make other’s lives better too. What a major lesson to begin to grasp.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">This year, I don’t only want to endure the change and face it bravely, but embrace it wholeheartedly excited to see what the change might bring because I trust God is love and in control.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">I thought I might be sad to leave 25 behind and turn the page on a new year. As one dear friend reminded me, I am closer to 30 now than 20. Even my brother wrote from Burma to remind me that in the eyes of a guy still in college, I am getting old. I am excited though to become stronger, more of an adult, embracing all the responsibility that comes along with it. I have always been introspective, even as child I think I wondered about my purpose and what I was meant to do. I love how with every year, I transition into a greater awareness of myself.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">This year, I look back and treasure seeing my family a little more often since we live in the same country. I am thankful for how Robert and I have built our relationship over the year and how excited I am knowing I will be writing about our life together on every birthday from this one on. I have loved learning more about love and how important it is to express it in small ways and with grand gestures. This year, I do not only want love those around me as much as I can, but also make sure they know it.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">I have grown professionally as well and feel so blessed to have the opportunity to work for an organization with a mission that wakes me up every morning and motivates me forward because I know the work is bringing hope to others. I have learned more about equity and been stirred by conversations on how to provide children with an equal opportunity for success. This is a subject I will continue studying (probably for much longer than this coming year) because it is not only relevant to my work, but must be relevant to my life.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Loving others with all I am and advocating for equity, in the sense of equal opportunity for all children in school and life, seem like incredibly daunting goals for a new year. Perhaps it is best to say that I want to approach all things with clear eyes and a full heart. To stay informed and aware of the needs around me. To do my best and love the best I can and at the end of the day, not grow bitter because there is much more to be done, but find peace in knowing we are ALL doing our very best.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">26, I am just going to do my best at being good at you. I am going to have peace about all the unknowns and discover all you have in store for me and my loved ones one step at a time. I am going to learn so much and take it all to heart. Here’s to you! You are going to be the best one yet! </span></i></div>
Kelsey Prengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07808455586458274359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707675109866698395.post-75353883908079011142014-02-25T00:18:00.001-06:002017-03-01T09:42:58.164-06:00On Turning 25<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A new year and a brand new start. Somehow
this birthday feels so dense and important -- not in a daunting, overwhelming
way, but in the sense that I just know this year holds so much newness and
important steps for me. I hope I let this year teach me some good lessons. I
know lessons often are not easily learned, but I feel prepared to take on this
year with bravery and a fresh outlook.</div>
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Though I may still be searching for me – aren't we all? – I feel
like 24 taught me valuable lessons about what I am good at and maybe what I am
not so good at. I have learned what I am most passionate about and how I can
best contribute to help seeing this achieved. 25 is about narrowing in and
refining myself. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I want to spend intentional time this year choosing to see
all the joy there is in life rather than dwelling on perfection. Though I know
I am further along than I was this time one year ago, I want to spend more
purposeful time getting to know myself better. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I am learning that life -- it is about dreaming big. That it
is good to just begin sometimes. Just get started – don’t wait for perfection.
There really could not be a better time to start truly learning this lesson
than now. <o:p></o:p></div>
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My life has changed in ways I could never have dreamed this
year. I met the greatest guy and made the best friends. And at the end of this
week, I will be packing up my desk and saying goodbye to a workplace I have
called home for over a year. I am starting a new job in a new place with new
people. I will be writing grants 90% of the time and working to cultivate a
skill I didn't know I even had a knack for until last year. <o:p></o:p></div>
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And as I begin a brand new job, my parents will be moving
from Germany to America. Transition can be messy and it certainly will not be
perfect for them or for me, but there is such comfort in company and we are all
being so brave! <o:p></o:p></div>
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This year, I said goodbye to Germany and the memories of the
sweetest childhood I could have ever asked for. This process helped me mature,
but also remind myself to not forget my childhood and to always remember to
jump in puddles after the rain or make forts in the living room. </div>
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This year, my baby sister married the man of her dreams and I gained another incredible brother.<br />
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This year, my best friend had a sweet, beautiful, little girl and became a new mama. </div>
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So many moments of transition and joyful change. </div>
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As I seek to learn new lessons this year, there are old
lesson I hope to keep close to mind and heart. I know I am not inspired by the
time I spend in front of the computer, but by the time away from it. I need to
spend more time with the laptop closed, my cell phone tucked away at the bottom
of my purse and with a book open or in the fresh outdoors. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I also know, and should be continually reminded, that I am
so much happier in community and with my friends. Last year Dallas was still
new and a little frightening. I was still trying to figure out where I fit in
and who among this expanse of people I might call friend. Now that I have been
here over a year, I am so thankful for the friendships formed here. What would
I ever do without them? 1,000 times thank you! (I love you, Mony!)</div>
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I do not know where this year will take me, but I am ready
to experience it wide-eyed and excited to see what is in store. I know it is
going to be an incredible year – something just tells me so! And for my many
friends also with February birthdays – happy birthday to you too! Let’s embrace
this year with hope and a prayer of thankfulness for His many blessings. Let's continue to seek out community and encourage one another in faith. Let’s be brave about
transition and change and not dwell on perfection, but be willing to just start
and see what happens next. <o:p></o:p></div>
Kelsey Prengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07808455586458274359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707675109866698395.post-88985024436328911822013-10-27T12:20:00.003-05:002013-10-27T12:22:30.522-05:00An education that inspires <div class="MsoNormal">
On Friday morning, I presented the Reading Partners
program model to five SAP employees at one of our schools in
South Dallas. The elementary school students at Roger Q. Mills are in need of
mentors and tutors who will support and encourage them – believe in their
ability to succeed not only in school, but also in life. I spoke of the Reading
Center and how it is purposely designed to be a warm, welcoming environment where
students can come and not fear making mistakes, but rather have the freedom to
learn and grow with all the mistakes that this process essentially
requires.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Just one day later, I spoke to a 11<sup>th</sup> grade
English and theology teacher, and though not teaching in a low-income
elementary school, in our short conversation, I gathered he felt conflicted by
the same sentiment I did my utmost to express to the SAP volunteers – our dire
need for an education that inspires.<o:p></o:p></div>
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One thought led to another and so here I am sharing a small section from a paper
I wrote last year. I have since had the privilege of hearing Arne Duncan
speak in-person and my study of his rhetoric has thereafter been of even
more personal appeal to me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A note of caution, this may be long and tiresome for some, but
if you are even slightly interested in education policy or political rhetoric,
you may find something (maybe just a sentence or two) somewhat fascinating. : )<o:p></o:p></div>
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To start, knowledge is an abstract term, difficult both to
measure and define. Unlike the agricultural age, the information age does not
provide measures by which quantity or worth can be rightly determined. Whereas
information implies the knowing of facts, knowledge seems to imply much more
and yet, a cogent definition is found wanting (Jonshcer, 1999, p. 37). This
epistemology dilemma has long been debated and today has relevance to economic
life. It is acknowledged “the root of the word ‘knowledge’ is the verb ‘to
know’, which refers to a state of knowing, a continuous ongoing state”
(Jonschcer, 1999, p. 44). This considered, knowledge is advanced over an
extended period of time. For the human being, knowledge is accumulated
throughout the duration of one’s life. For humankind, knowledge is conserved
for generations to come and thus is accumulated on a grand scale, allowing for
the continual expansion of globally shared knowledge (Jonschcer, 1999, pp.
44-45). Scientific knowledge, business information, indeed, all forms of
knowledge are expanding at an immense degree. The information age, as the
modern day has been called, is propelled by knowledge and innovative advances
in information technology (Jonschcer, 1999, p. 62). Current society has been
dramatically altered by this age of information. Evidence of this can be
observed in almost all spheres of society, most particularly economic life.<o:p></o:p></div>
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THE KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY<o:p></o:p></div>
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In contrast to the debated economic benefit afforded by this
great diffusion of knowledge, several potential problems must also be
addressed. As identified by Frances Cairncross, three problems encompass the
primary policy issues as observed today. The first problem concerns the sharing
or rather, the non-sharing of knowledge (2001, p. 13). This can best be
observed in the evolution of the legal principles that govern today’s
intellectual property rights (Cairncross, 2011, p. 231). Secondly, the
globalization of knowledge creates concerns regarding the regulation of
personal information. Matters of privacy and questions regarding the
government’s role in its preservation are greatly contested. Thirdly, as
previously mentioned, society has been greatly altered, resulting in an altered
workplace and home. Societal roles are flexible in nature and knowledge has
become both a product and means of economic gain (Cairncross, 2001, p. 13). The
United States is posed with the challenge of keeping in step with the information
technology revolution, or else fall terribly behind.<o:p></o:p><br />
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Thomas L. Friedman and Michael Mandelbaum (2011) reflect on
the state of the United States in That Used to Be Us: How America Fell Behind
in the World It Invented and How We Can Come Back and boldly state the
following: “America plays a huge and, more often than not, constructive role in
the world today. But that role depends on the country's social, political, and
economic health. And America today is not healthy—economically or politically” (2011,
p. xi). As the title suggests, the authors contend that the United States is
failing to overcome the challenges of the current day. Should this pattern
persist, the United States will no longer be recognized as a leader of nations.
The revolution in information technology, as previously discussed, is
identified as one of the four main challenges posed to the United States. The
authors address this challenge and call for the revitalization of creative,
critical thinking. In today’s altered world, there is a dire need for an
education that inspires. According to Friedman and Mandelbaum (2011), the
education system in the United States is in flux, continually changing in
response to advances in technology. They contend that “the world increasingly
will be divided between high-imagination-enabling counties, which encourage and
enable the imagination and extras of their people, and low-imagination-enabling
countries . . .” (2011, p. 138). American educators are thus posed with the
challenge of inspiring imagination and teaching students to become workers in a
world defined by the knowledge economy. In order to maintain its international
competitiveness, the United States must be counted among the
“high-imagination-enabling counties.” Such a feat, however, is not easily
recognized.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) is
an international study coordinated by the Organization for Economic Cooperation
and Development (OECD) and designed to determine the efficacy of education
systems throughout the world. The study was first conducted in 2000 and since
then has been administered every three years. It produces reliable data
gathered by testing the knowledge and skills of 15-year-old students from
participating countries and economies. The 2009 survey provides the most recent
results concerning the comparative success of students in reading, mathematics
and science (OECD Programme for International Student Assessment, 2011). For
the United States, the results indicate a difficult truth. The United is
essentially being “out-educated” by a number of countries and economies.<o:p></o:p></div>
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These harrowing findings were directly addressed by Duncan
at the National Center on Education and the Economy National Symposium.
Reflecting upon the results of the 2009 PISA survey, Duncan remarks, “These top
performing nations not only were doing a better job of accelerating achievement
and attainment nationwide than America, they also were doing a better job of
closing achievement gaps among minority and disadvantaged students.” Later in
the address he states, “Clearly, our education system is not as far down the
track as those of top performers, nor are we anywhere near where we need to be
to win the race for the future. But we are not off-track, or chugging down an
abandoned spur line” (U.S. Department of Education, 2011a). Laden with
metaphors, Duncan’s linguistic choices seem to frame education reform as a
competitive challenge. The situation is defined as a “race for the future”
where countries compete on a “track”, racing one another for first place.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In this matter, Duncan’s remarks are deeply reminiscent of
the landmark report by the National Commission on Excellence in Education, A
Nation at Risk: The Imperative for Educational Reform. According to Holly G.
McIntush, the report “treated education reform as an urgent problem couched in
economic terms” (McIntush, 2000, p. 426). In a similar manner to Duncan’s
address, the academic underachievement of American students is framed as a
boding threat, inciting a sense of competitive nationalism. Reform in the
education system is considered a dire necessity, without which national
security and the economy are in jeopardy (McIntush, 2000, p. 427). As such,
universal education is subservient to the economic interests of the United States
in this matter. The focus on building the United States’ competitive advantage
in today’s knowledge economy is evident in Duncan’s address. He states,
“Throughout the globe, education is now recognized as the new game-changer that
drives economic growth and social change” (U.S. Department of Education,
2011a). This sentiment is carried throughout the text.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Indeed, schools are instructed to prepare students to be
competitive in today’s knowledge economy at the risk, according to Robert B.
Stevenson (2007), of utterly ignoring the creative arts and principles of
citizenship. Stevenson continues to states that rather than inspire young
people to be responsible environmental citizens, teachers are solely concerned
with ensuring students rank well on standardized tests (2007, pp. 270-271).
Elizabeth Bullen, Simon Robb, and Jane Kenway (2004) make a similar argument
and offer an alternative conceptualization of the knowledge economy, one that
includes the prioritization of the humanities and creative arts. The authors
lament that the knowledge economy policy views knowledge simply in terms of
education’s economic advantage. Knowledge as a social good, it is posited, is
no longer a policy concern. The value of the humanities and creative arts in
education is not a measurable commodity and thus fails to be recognized amidst
the rhetoric of the technology revolution and knowledge economy (Bullen et al.,
2004, p. 9). Furthermore, Sheldon Ungar (2003) contends that in reaction to the
processes of the knowledge economy, society has, in fact, become
“knowledge-adverse.” The overload of information and emphasis on specialized
knowledge has increased ignorance rather than knowledge. James D. Marshall
(2008) posits that in reaction to the knowledge economy, knowledge takes
precedent over ethics and a moral approach to education reform. As such, the
self has been lost among the rhetoric of competitive nationalism. Marshall
contends that the knowledge economy “has become a catchword in political and
educational debate over the last decade or so, especially in the area of
educational policy where the role of education in preparing young people to
take their part in the Knowledge Economy is often seen as paramount over
traditional schooling activities” (Marshall, 2008, p. 149-150). Such criticisms
of the knowledge economy are not addressed by Duncan in his address. Rather,
Duncan speaks positively of the future of education in the United States and
the strengthening of the nation’s competitive advantage in the knowledge economy.<o:p></o:p></div>
Kelsey Prengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07808455586458274359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707675109866698395.post-82265616626513081112013-04-28T15:00:00.000-05:002013-07-07T10:54:05.349-05:00A neglected ask goes answered<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mCtzH9HimW4/UX1_FeCgz5I/AAAAAAAAAyc/Ip3MzXwObpw/s1600/576427_10200923683998112_1636250190_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mCtzH9HimW4/UX1_FeCgz5I/AAAAAAAAAyc/Ip3MzXwObpw/s400/576427_10200923683998112_1636250190_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Child Care Assistance
provides services to Dallas County parents enabling families working toward
self-sufficiency to access child care. Parents who are employed, in job
training, or in an educational program may be eligible to receive funding.” -- <a href="http://www.childcaregroup.org/Parents/index.html">ChildCareGroup</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There I sat, staring at lit
computer screen and researching my audience for an after-hours presentation. I
was asked by a representative of ChildCareGroup to facilitate a short
presentation about Reading Partners and early literacy intervention techniques
for parents. With only a background in public relations and journalism to guide
me, I felt a little shaky about the task at hand. My pitch for volunteers has
been honed to near perfection. I could recite the mission of Reading Partners
and the drop of a hat and immediately identify avenues for engagement for any
given audience. This presentation, however, was exceedingly different than ones
past. With my head in my hands, I contemplated whether this was an appropriate
setting to ask for a time commitment of 1 hour a week to work with children not
ones own. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As I arrived at the
ChildCareGroup center, I greeted the parents as they approached -- babies on
hips and little ones toddling behind. Mothers and fathers wanting the most for
their children and seeking help from the limited resources provided to them. I
decided not to mention our desperate need for volunteers and how they could
give to the mission of Reading Partners. I was allotted 15 minutes and so I devoted
my limited time to sharing best practices and encouraging them to read to their
children every night at bedtime. I thanked them for their time and indicated I
was finished sharing, but before I could, someone raised their hand to ask a
final question. “How can I help and become a volunteer with Reading Partners?”
a mother asked while bouncing her little one on her lap. With an eagerness I
have yet to encounter, my small audience reminded me that I had not yet shared
how they could give to the mission of Reading Partners. I was struck by the
moment and touched by their willingness to give all they could to a cause dear
to us all. </span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Kelsey Prengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07808455586458274359noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707675109866698395.post-6560624921279480732013-01-27T11:09:00.000-06:002013-10-27T12:22:07.847-05:00The fastest shoes in the whole, entire world<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Lm3fy4GD4k/UQVe8bxUfYI/AAAAAAAAAs8/wSubmIzpLsk/s1600/522886_10151072439211292_1534333337_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Lm3fy4GD4k/UQVe8bxUfYI/AAAAAAAAAs8/wSubmIzpLsk/s400/522886_10151072439211292_1534333337_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zSi8WXtczKo/UQVe8qWiqtI/AAAAAAAAAtA/HSVn7mqeksQ/s1600/32141_10151169598376292_2044108629_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zSi8WXtczKo/UQVe8qWiqtI/AAAAAAAAAtA/HSVn7mqeksQ/s400/32141_10151169598376292_2044108629_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mSh78WHJT94/UQVe8mx0_YI/AAAAAAAAAtE/OGqAF1y5k44/s1600/552367_10151083358416292_1772574823_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mSh78WHJT94/UQVe8mx0_YI/AAAAAAAAAtE/OGqAF1y5k44/s400/552367_10151083358416292_1772574823_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Racing to the
Reading Center at Sudie L. Williams Elementary School, my energetic student
stops suddenly in his tracks, turns around quickly, and waves for me to hasten
my pace. When I finally catch up to the full-of-life second grader, he looks at
me knowingly and says, “I will always be able to run faster than you, Ms.
Kelsey.” Jokingly, I place my hands on my knees and take deep, long breaths.
“You are probably right,” I reply, “but you can never be sure.” He seems to
consider this for a moment, but then stands up straighter with an inner resolve
of confidence. “My shoes,” he says while he points at his blue and red sneakers
with Velcro straps “are the fastest shoes in the whole, entire world!” He
speeds off again with his arms swinging and I can almost believe they really
are the fastest shoes ever made. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I finally
reach him at the door of the Reading Center, I tell him to catch his breath before
we begin our 45-minute tutoring session. When he insists, despite his best
intentions, that his shoes simply will not stay still, I suggest he slip them
off under the desk so that he can concentrate on reading with me. For the next
45 minutes, we read his favorite story about sea creatures, recite vocabulary
words, spell them aloud, and use them to make new sentences on a wipe-off
board. At the end of the session, his speedy shoes go back on his feet and it
is off to class once more. It would appear nothing could slow him down – apart
from one thing. He is in second grade, but he reads at a kindergarten level,
essentially two grade levels below his peers and classmates. Anthony, as we
will call him, is one of 222 students currently enrolled in the Reading
Partners program in Dallas. He meets with a volunteer tutor for 45 minutes,
twice a week, to help accelerate his literacy skills. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.readingpartners.org/">Reading Partners</a>
is an <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt;">early, literacy intervention program that aims to
improve literacy among students whose reading skills are six months to 2 </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">1</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt;">/</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">2 </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt;">years behind grade level.</span> The national nonprofit, pairs volunteers (like you) with students (like
Anthony) at local elementary schools for one-on-one reading tutoring. <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt;">By becoming a volunteer tutor with Reading Partners, you can make a
positive impact and </span>help students in your community improve their
literacy skills. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 17.0pt;">The program facilitates
Reading Centers in 10 Dallas Independent School District elementary schools. </span>At each partner school, a space is converted into a warm,
inviting Reading Center where elementary school students come to learn
one-on-one with a caring volunteer tutor. <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 17.0pt;">Research has shown </span>that right here in Dallas, 89% of fourth graders growing
up in low-income families are reading below grade level<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 17.0pt;">Reading Partners is striving to make literacy a
national priority so that every child can reach his or her full potential
through the joy and power of reading. </span>It
is the program’s mission to reverse these trends by engaging local communities
to provide the individual attention young readers need and deserve. <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Reading
Partners has been proven to dramatically improve reading skills for struggling,
young readers. For every month
with the program’s structured curriculum, students typically gain 1.6 months of
reading skills. Anthony’s literacy skills have not only dramatically improved,
but his confidence has also grown by leaps and bounds. Reading is a gateway
skill, which means with a strong foundation in reading, he will succeed in
other subjects like writing, math, social studies, or his particular favorite,
marine biology. We often talk about what he would like to be when he grows up
and with the literacy skills he is obtaining with Reading Partners, I am eager to
see him grow to dive the deepest sea and climb the highest mountain. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Kelsey Prengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07808455586458274359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707675109866698395.post-60695388976006935412012-09-23T10:27:00.002-05:002012-09-23T10:27:49.622-05:00Alone with the heavens<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QWa1CCR-EWE/UF8o2auIqvI/AAAAAAAAAr4/veVUOPHaApY/s1600/IMG_0052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QWa1CCR-EWE/UF8o2auIqvI/AAAAAAAAAr4/veVUOPHaApY/s400/IMG_0052.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MYMPd84HuRM/UF8o6cXXyUI/AAAAAAAAAsI/qCmlluyliL0/s1600/IMG_0072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MYMPd84HuRM/UF8o6cXXyUI/AAAAAAAAAsI/qCmlluyliL0/s400/IMG_0072.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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"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<o:p></o:p></div>
Kelsey Prengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07808455586458274359noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707675109866698395.post-70384394719636363732012-09-23T10:08:00.000-05:002012-09-23T10:08:21.409-05:00My desk companion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qdr6hzF1b40/UFZQ-zUQUWI/AAAAAAAAAqw/KcaiGbFZrbg/s1600/IMG_0105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qdr6hzF1b40/UFZQ-zUQUWI/AAAAAAAAAqw/KcaiGbFZrbg/s400/IMG_0105.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gpizz70Ujpg/UF8lakUnA6I/AAAAAAAAArY/0pvJe_O_XA0/s1600/IMG_0120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gpizz70Ujpg/UF8lakUnA6I/AAAAAAAAArY/0pvJe_O_XA0/s400/IMG_0120.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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 : ) </div>
Kelsey Prengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07808455586458274359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707675109866698395.post-5257800381099618112012-09-16T17:20:00.002-05:002012-09-16T17:20:43.234-05:00In case you were also wondering . . . <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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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!</div>
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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 <u><a href="http://www.readingpartners.org/volunteer/dallas-volunteer-form">here</a></u>. <o:p></o:p></div>
Kelsey Prengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07808455586458274359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707675109866698395.post-54944374857979735172012-09-16T17:12:00.000-05:002012-09-16T17:12:30.104-05:00"W" Bookshelf Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: left;">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!</span><br />
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Photo via: <a href="http://modernhepburn.tumblr.com/post/31244422856">Modern Hepburn </a></div>
Kelsey Prengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07808455586458274359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707675109866698395.post-41221093527373550592012-09-03T10:02:00.000-05:002012-09-03T10:04:21.999-05:00September has come<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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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!</div>
Kelsey Prengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07808455586458274359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707675109866698395.post-27288938288387231442012-08-26T16:12:00.000-05:002012-08-26T16:12:09.549-05:00Sunday mornings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Photo via: <a href="http://modernhepburn.tumblr.com/">Modern Hepburn </a>Kelsey Prengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07808455586458274359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707675109866698395.post-58689697377577507452012-08-25T14:36:00.000-05:002012-09-16T17:30:10.297-05:00My morning run with Hawthorne<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On my morning run, some of the most prominent American authors
cheered me on, one step at a time. I ran up and down these steps a time or two,
but as I was so intrigued by the quotes etched into the stone, I soon forgot
about my exhaustion. After my second set of stairs, I stopped to catch my
breath and take a picture of a quote by Nathaniel Hawthorne. His words are so
wise and thought-provoking and as I continued my morning workout, this quote
lingered in my mind. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Other notable quotes by Nathaniel Hawthorne:<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Words -- so innocent and powerless as they are, as standing
in a dictionary, how potent for good and evil they become in the hands of one
who knows how to combine them.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“No man, for any considerable period, can wear one face to
himself and another to the multitude, without finally getting bewildered as to
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“Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always
just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight
upon you”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Every individual has a place to fill in the world and is
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“Our most intimate friend is not he to whom we show the
worst, but the best of our nature.”</div>
Kelsey Prengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07808455586458274359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707675109866698395.post-33176340249284488172012-08-20T19:36:00.000-05:002012-08-20T19:36:22.106-05:00Bay Area landmarks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wcPQttL_wu0/UDEh7CSV6nI/AAAAAAAAAng/uLUIz0fr50U/s1600/IMG_0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wcPQttL_wu0/UDEh7CSV6nI/AAAAAAAAAng/uLUIz0fr50U/s400/IMG_0037.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Photo via: <a href="http://pixarplanet.com/blog/celebrate-ups-blu-raydvd-release-at-fentons-creamery">Pixarplanet</a><br />
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Among all the sights to see in the Bay Area, Fenton's Creamery must be the most amusing! This traditional ice cream parlor was featured in the animated Pixar film, Up. After a full day of training, the entire outreach team gathered at Fenton's where we were met by mile-high hamburgers and vanilla malts served in shiny tin pitchers.Kelsey Prengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07808455586458274359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707675109866698395.post-77164704455509436602012-08-19T12:11:00.001-05:002012-08-19T12:11:56.651-05:00Buttercup mornings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have returned to Dallas after a whirlwind trip to the beautiful Bay Area! Pictures of San Francisco are soon to come. The coolness of the Pacific Coast was a welcome treat after the sweltering heat of Texas. There is comfort in being back in Dallas, but I cannot help but miss the friendships formed during those two weeks of training. Every morning, we would gather at a pie diner known as the Buttercup around 8 a.m. After about three consecutive days, we became "regulars" and were directed to "our" booth, where "our" waitress, Barbra, always welcomed us with a warm smile. She soon learned our orders and by the second week, she would bring me oatmeal and a fruit cup as soon as she saw me snuggling into our booth in the far corner of the diner. As each person staggered in, I would slide further down the booth, allowing us all to gather around the table. With yawns and sleepy eyes, we would talk about the day ahead between sips of coffee and forkfuls of Belgian waffles and three-egg omelets. Barbra gave me the biggest hug on our last day of training. I shall miss those bleary, yet comforting mornings spent gathered together at the Buttercup.Kelsey Prengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07808455586458274359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707675109866698395.post-42596758053853252842012-08-02T14:45:00.001-05:002012-08-02T14:48:54.213-05:00My next destination<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Did you guess it? To California, I go . . . </div>
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Photo via: <a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1948565015"></span>*Wit + Delight</a></div>Kelsey Prengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07808455586458274359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707675109866698395.post-21216754402618000532012-08-01T17:42:00.003-05:002012-08-19T12:13:07.563-05:00First day charm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am so blessed to call this my new "workplace"! Despite showing up on the first day without a voice (I think my body may be telling me to slow down a bit), it was the perfect first day! I feel so honored to be working for this organization. There is nothing more encouraging than working with passionate people for a cause you deeply support. To read more about Reading Partners, please see this <u><a href="http://www.readingpartners.org/">link</a></u>. </div>
Kelsey Prengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07808455586458274359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707675109866698395.post-45184873605255159032012-07-20T17:04:00.000-05:002012-07-20T17:04:11.070-05:00Just a little trick<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have always been told, to keep flowers looking fresh longer, add a sprinkle of sugar to the vase water! It is such a helpful little trick! Someone else told me that a copper penny works much the same. Do you have any other tricks up your sleeve?</div>Kelsey Prengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07808455586458274359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707675109866698395.post-36911065281627476102012-07-17T15:37:00.000-05:002012-07-17T15:37:19.438-05:00Bacon, egg and toast in a cup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I recently made these bacon, egg and toast cups and they were quite a success. I took a few liberties with this Martha Stewart <u><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/330179/bacon-egg-and-toast-cups?backto=true&backtourl=%2Fphotogallery%2Fmothers-day-brunch-recipes">recipe</a></u>. There are so many variations you could do. Stick with the base of toast and eggs and then add your favorite toppings . . . feta, spinach, tomato, artichoke . . . and enjoy!</div>Kelsey Prengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07808455586458274359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707675109866698395.post-88116992083743563522012-07-14T09:21:00.000-05:002012-07-14T09:21:37.634-05:00Simple ideas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JgBftaNRKMo/T_81wjLWmTI/AAAAAAAAAj0/Fr36BVytvwI/s1600/Wishes+for+Baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JgBftaNRKMo/T_81wjLWmTI/AAAAAAAAAj0/Fr36BVytvwI/s400/Wishes+for+Baby.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
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<br />Kelsey Prengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07808455586458274359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707675109866698395.post-69770372996824605622012-07-12T16:17:00.001-05:002012-07-12T16:17:28.686-05:00Stadtporträt Lucerne<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Der See. Die Stadt. Natur pur. Lucerne (oder Luzern auf Deutsch) has everything to offer the traveler. My favorite moment was when five of us rather ungracefully climbed into a red paddle boat . . . purses, cameras and all. We propelled ourselves along the reflective surface . . . all the while admiring the city sights from our serene look-out point. </div>Kelsey Prengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07808455586458274359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707675109866698395.post-72769753793823592272012-07-07T03:12:00.000-05:002012-07-07T03:12:03.465-05:00<span style="background-color: white;">To realize the value of ONE YEAR,</span><br />
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ask a student who failed a grade.<o:p></o:p></div>
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To realize the value of ONE MONTH, <o:p></o:p></div>
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ask a mother who gave birth to a premature baby. <o:p></o:p></div>
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To realize the value of ONE WEEK, <o:p></o:p></div>
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ask the editor of a weekly newspaper. <o:p></o:p></div>
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To realize the value of ONE DAY, <o:p></o:p></div>
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ask the person who was born on February 29<sup>th</sup>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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To realize the value of ONE MINUTE, <o:p></o:p></div>
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ask the person who missed the train.<o:p></o:p></div>
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To realize the value of ONE SECOND, <o:p></o:p></div>
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ask the person who just avoided an accident.<o:p></o:p></div>
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To realize the value of ONE MILISECOND,<o:p></o:p></div>
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ask the person who won the silver medal in the Olympics.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymous, excerpt from Bernard Werber's <i>Empire of the Angels<o:p></o:p></i></div>Kelsey Prengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07808455586458274359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707675109866698395.post-46328833335125940542012-07-03T08:16:00.001-05:002012-07-03T08:16:31.260-05:00America-Canada Day<div style="text-align: center;">
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Photo via: <a href="http://modernhepburn.tumblr.com/post/25906170510">Modern Hepburn</a></div>
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The Americans and Canadians in our little community in Kandern, Germany are coming together today to take part in a joint celebration of our respective countries. With Canada Day on July 1 and Independence Day on July 4, today seemed like an appropriate compromise! If the weather will cooperate, we will pay tribute to America-Canada Day with a traditional barbecue complete with homemade salads in Tupperware, hot dogs, potato chips, and multi-colored popsicles. As it is, the rain showers have come in steady, rhythmic patterns today. Rain, sunshine, rain, sunshine . . . our timing will need to be impeccable if were are to avoid a rain-soaked party. </div>Kelsey Prengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07808455586458274359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707675109866698395.post-62774464870091070542012-07-01T16:56:00.000-05:002012-07-01T16:56:04.410-05:00Basler Papiermühle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L9AIWSTYm0g/T_DFT3B4KgI/AAAAAAAAAjE/v556nw-QSPI/s1600/IMG_1321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L9AIWSTYm0g/T_DFT3B4KgI/AAAAAAAAAjE/v556nw-QSPI/s400/IMG_1321.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The <u><a href="http://www.papiermuseum.ch/index.php">Basler Papiermühle</a></u> is a fully functioning workshop. During
Sarah’s visit, we were able to try our hands at paper making, typesetting,
calligraphy . . . etc. She was enthralled by the historical exhibits and the
technical artistry of the craft transfixed me. The workshop employs methods
used from the Middle Ages up to the start of mechanization in the 19<sup>th</sup>
century. I am adamant that typography is the ART of producing a text by means
of letters, lines, pictures, spaces, etc. The result is apparent whenever we
read a text, whether print or electronic. The design and development of a typeface
is, in my personal opinion, an art form. Wouldn’t you agree? Have you ever
marveled at the beauty of a manuscript?</div>Kelsey Prengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07808455586458274359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3707675109866698395.post-21264374099935810242012-06-23T03:15:00.001-05:002012-06-23T07:45:46.198-05:00For you . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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You really do. You’re beautiful. Go out and conquer this world.
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<span style="background-color: white;">Print via: </span><a href="http://modernhepburn.tumblr.com/post/19896377645/30andbroke-you-really-do-youre-beautiful" style="background-color: white;">Modern Hepburn</a><br />
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You do. You truly do! Now go out, have the most amazing day, and remember that I love you!</div>Kelsey Prengerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07808455586458274359noreply@blogger.com2