Bonjour, Paris!

I visited Paris--finally!

My trip had its stereotypical "American in Paris" moments.
I was too sure of myself as an international traveler.
Visiting a country that didn't speak English, without anyone with me (except for Sunday with Kristy), and not having proper vision (eye problems)--I had a humbling weekend.

As I stepped on to the Air France plane and a flight attendant greeted me with, "Bonjour!"
It hit me--they are speaking French.
I don't speak French.
Shoot.

My seat buddy was a Sri Lankan immigrant in France who used to live in India.
We made interesting conversation--interesting because of the almost double language barrier.
Upon our arrival at Charles de Gaulle, he guided us through the airport (it helps he works there), past border patrol, and showed me which ticket I needed to get to Gare du Nord.  After a few stops on the train, he hopped off and I kept going, all the while processing that I was finally in France--Paris, France!

At Gare du Nord a nice couple offered their assistance, but I assured them I had it under control.  A few minutes later, I was wishing I had accepted their offer, although there was always the possibility that they were conniving.  However, I was swindled out of 30 euros a few minutes later by a sickly-nice Parisian young man who wanted to assist.  I'm still not sure what happened, as I saw him make the ticket purchase--and the ticket worked!  However, the next day it did not.

It was a "Lucy Moment."  I didn't get counterfeit bills, but I did get taken (speaking of Taken--as in the film--I watched both movies on the way back to America.  So, I've now finally seen them.) in Paris.  A rite of passage, maybe?

The rest of the evening I spent finding my flat, exploring Paris, trying to get to Sacre Coeur, only to walk through the Moulin Rouge, sex shop, etc. district, ate dinner at the Sacre Coeur, got lost, may have been followed by a strange man, and royally annoyed another Frenchman by completely ignoring him (while I tried to figure out where I was).  After discovering I was 4 kilometers from where I needed to be, I hailed taxi.  The driver informed me I wasn't in the safest of places.  Joy!  Now, I thought it was around midnight.  The next day I learned that my phone didn't change time zones...and I was out, roaming the streets of Paris, at 1AM.

The next day everything looked brighter.  I met Kristy back at the Sacre Coeur, and we went exploring!  We had a few things that we wanted to do, but other than that, we had an open schedule.  We visited Notre Dame, where I wanted photos of the flying buttresses!  So beautiful.  Then, I looked up and realized we were standing on the famous Lock Bridge.  After crossing it, there were the book stands along the Seine (Midnight in Paris moment).  We found a boulangerie and purchased baguette sandwiches and ate them along the Seine.  Next, we took the Metro to the Eiffel Tower.  The Eiffel Tower is now one of my most favorite structures.  It is magnificent!  We even had time to sit in a sidewalk cafe, savor a glass of wine, and share good conversation.  We moved on to the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées.  We circled back to the Latin Quarter, bought gelato (yuuum!  made me miss Regensburg), and ate it while listening to music outside of Shakespeare and Company.  Shakespeare and Co. was incredible.  I cannot wait to go back and spend so much more time there.  It begged for hours of long, intellectual conversation.  Finally, we left and ate dinner in a creperie.  So yummy!  We wandered around a while more before parting ways at Saint-Michel.

The following day I visited the Louvre, saw the Mona Lisa and a few other things and then traipsed off to see Monet at The Musée de l'Orangerie.  Bliss, pure bliss.  I sat and gazed, soaking in the beauty of his work (even if it wasn't my most favorite).  Then, I went to the lower floor to view works by Degas, Renoir, and others.  Yes, I did hope to see the painting from Midnight in Paris that Gertrude Stein, later repeated by Gil, considered "a petit-bourgeois statement of how Picasso sees her..."  It was not there.  However, there were loads of other lovely paintings to enjoy.

I discovered I do like macaroons.
The Latin Quarter and other areas of Central Paris are my favorite.
Paris, overall, warrants another visit.

Riding the train into Paris

Sacre Coeur by night

Notre Dame--magnificent

With the flying buttresses!

The lock bridge--maybe I'll add one someday!

Book stalls--all in French

Baguette sandwich along the Seine?  Yes please!

Visiting Paris with Kristy--best first visit ever!

Love the Eiffel Tower!

Again, magnificent...and so detailed!

Yuuum!  Gelato!

I could have stayed here for hours!

Beauty

Preparing to say "au revoir"

The Louvre

Summertime

Today...

I had an emergency eye appointment that confirmed I am not crazy and I do, in fact, have a problem with my right eye.  The good news: it can be fixed.

Rebecca and I went to the river but did not go swimming due to high, swift water...and the overcast sky.

We had hot dogs, marshmallows, and s'mores.

Mmmm.  Yum!

We attended a Flag Day/238th Birthday of the U.S. Army celebration.

My account will be in the paper tomorrow (yes, I should be writing an article, not a blog post).

Tonight, I'm just being a girl.

Under the Tuscan Sun is such a great movie.

I'm eagerly anticipating Paris.

I just need to make sure I don't forget a teensy thing that I really want to do.

That would be tragic.

And now I've written and you've gotten to read the brief account of my day.

Don't you feel privileged? ;)

P.S. Losing the ability to see clearly is the worst.

Pancakes and Liquid Gold

I hope you all had a fabulous weekend!

My weekend was filled with pancakes, maple syrup, lots of people (friends, acquaintances, and strangers), and laughter.

Last weekend Amanda and I went to the Maple Festival, ate pancakes, and visited Monterey.  This weekend, we went as far as Bolar and served pancakes on Saturday and Sunday.  Hundreds of people come through the Bolar Ruritan Club over the two weekends.  Two long tables and eight (ish) smaller tables provide seating for the tourists and locals to enjoy made-from-scratch buckwheat or buttermilk pancakes.  Strangers sit across from each other, swapping stories.

When we arrived Saturday morning, we were put on sausage duty.  Yes, Amanda and I are now professional sausage makers.  We handled about 30lbs. of homemade sausage and know how to make perfect sausage patties--another skill added to our "useless resume" (that we are thinking about creating...you know, all the skills we have that won't get us hired).

Pulled out of the kitchen, I started serving (my favorite!).  The busier things are, the more enjoyable it is.  When thing slow...it is so boring.  Anyway, we had a great time.  We arrived at 7:45 AM and left at 2:30 PM.  A long and awesome day.

Saturday night we helped at One Way Cafe, an outreach for the youth in the area.  Super fun!

Sunday morning we headed up to Bolar again, arriving around 10:15.  Some kids from the night before were there, as were a couple of students I've had in class (they are so sweet)!  It was awesome to work with the kids.  They are helpful, funny, and make everything brighter.

Trey's Super Bowl football banquet was Sunday, late afternoon.  I decided I would rather go and not know many people, rather than being home alone.

Highlight of Saturday:  Being asked to prom.  It happened.  (I should add, this is a highlight because I graduated almost five years ago...he didn't believe me when I first said, "I think I'm too old for you.")

Highlight of Sunday: Working with so many awesome kids and talking at the end of the day.

Highlight of the weekend:  Seeing so many people I know (yes, I even saw my first softball coach from 4th grade).

On the drive home
Photo by K.L.R.

Bustling time at the Ruritan Club
Photo by K.L.R.

Making sausages and taking a pancake break.
Photo by K.L.R.

Pancakes on the griddle.
Photo by K.L.R.

Syrup and cakes!
Photo by K.L.R.

He Really Looked Like Prince Charles

You have several awkward moments in a week?
I had several awkward moments in...two hours!

-Yesterday Jamison and I were supposed to meet for lunch after I finished subbing.  While waiting for her to arrive, it dawned on me, what if she was at the other Cucci's?  I realized we hadn't specified which one, I'd just assumed since I told her I was subbing.  Panic hit, and I frantically began to call her.  She didn't answer.  Finally, she picked up...well, her purse answered--and she walked in.  It turns out, she had wondered the same thing.

-Sitting, eating, talking.  Three State Troopers walked in.  I looked past Jamison, noticed them, and made a face--the kind of face that could be misinterpreted as "ooo, they are hot."  Jamison noticed and started laughing at me.  I had to explain my State Trooper encounter a few weeks ago.  No, I was not into the officers, just struck by the personal irony...like the day before, when I started to speed and decided that with 50+ officers around me, I should avoid speeding.

-Still facing everyone walking into the room, I looked past Jamison's shoulder as an older couple walked by.  I stopped listening to her talk as my brain started to spin.  The man behind her looked so familiar, but I couldn't place him.  Then I remembered.  Prince Charles!  No, wait, that can't be right.  Prince Charles would not be eating here...nor is he in the USA.  This guy sitting next to us looked like him!  I quickly texted her--across the table--to let her know why I had slightly freaked, and promptly started laughing.

A picture for your amusement:
I shared it with a friend who taught me to play chess--and knows about my State Trooper encounters

Festivals are Happy Places!

Sunday afternoon, Amanda and I drove into the wild, blue yonder/end of the earth/Highland County.

It's actually not the end of the earth, but since it is the last county before hitting WV (north and west), we joke that it feels like the end of the earth.

Two weekends in March are the Highland County Maple Festival.
Worlds collide...for real.  It's like country meets hippie meets tidy tourist.
i.e. locals, hippies, and folks from NOVA (note: generalization)

We drove up from Bath County after church, stopping for delicious pancakes and sausage in Bolar).  Seriously, best place to stop for pancakes!

The drive, though a tad long, is absolutely beautiful!  It feels like you are in Great Britain at times.

While riding and talking, Amanda and I noted the lack of State Troopers...and how we hadn't seen many at all in a while (you need to understand, there was a chunk of days a few weeks ago where they were EVERYWHERE).  When we arrived in Monterey, what should we see but two or three State Trooper cars sitting on the corner.  I commented that I could feel free to speed home since we knew where they were.

Snow was on the ground, and the air was warm.  A perfect festival day.  We walked around, looked in all the stalls, saw people we knew, chatted, and had a kind of perfect day.  I love living in a place where you go to events and see so many people you know.

Oh, did I mention I wore my fabulous yellow wellies?  I felt invincible.  I walked through puddles and mud knowing my feet would be perfectly clean when I took my boots off : )

Bolar pancakes...mmm!

Amanda enjoying her first Maple Fest pancakes...EVER!

Look at that deliciousness

Eating my pancakes...sooo good!

Franklin, Elkins...see, end of the earth!  Staunton saves it, though ; )

Want to grow your own mushrooms?

Grilling up a storm

Doing something with wood

Masks!

Reminded me of Venice

My wellies!  Love bright colors!

Walking along 220

Just a Snippet

I know it's fuzzy, but it was so pretty the other morning.

Tomorrow my students are in for a surprise : )

I'm pretty excited.

Snow is supposed to grace our lovely mountains this week.
My feelings are mixed.  I don't want to miss my students, but snow is so pretty.

Growth hurts.
But, I'm thankful (sometimes) for the process.

I've realized, I am content.
I love being in BC.  I love subbing.  I love writing for the paper.  I love the friendships I'm cultivating.

I love spending so much time with the Shaver's.
It's been a long time since I've spent extended lengths of time at their house, but I'm family.  It's another place I call home.

I got to take Lindsay to school this morning.
I used to babysit her...and now I am driving her to HIGH SCHOOL!

I"m so glad I don't know the plans God has for my life.
Frustrating as it may be sometimes, I enjoy the adventure and surprise.

Have I mentioned I love my students?  They are funny, smart, encouraging...and gems.

Tales of a Substitute Teacher

Throwback to my Sr. Prom: Let me explain.  I'm in orange.  I've subbed for the dad of the girl in the black, strapless dress, I'm still great friends with the girl pulling a statue pose, and I have the brother of the girl in the short, blue dress in class this week and next.

In case you missed me raving about my students, I decided to dedicate an entire post to my first week of a two week subbing job (for the same teacher).

Last Friday I received a call for a subbing position.  I asked what day they needed me.  The response was, "Actually, it is a long-term position for Ms. S----."  I was excited and overwhelmed all at the same time.

Let me explain each emotion.  I was excited because I wasn't expecting a long-term position, and that meant TWO WEEKS at the high school (and, two weeks of consistent work and pay!).  But, more than anything, it meant I would be at my favorite school for TWO WEEKS!  The overwhelmed feeling came because it meant I would be teaching science (if you haven't been able to tell by now, I'm more of an English and History person...yet I'm often called for math and science) for TWO WEEKS.  Oh, and, I was going to be subbing for my 9th grade science teacher.

Of course I accepted.  I immediately began planning ways to make it special.

Each day has presented challenges.  The first afternoon, I stayed after school for three and a half hours to plan and organize for the upcoming week.  Tuesday we had a snow day, which pushed plans back a day.  Thursday was delayed two hours.  And, Friday was a special schedule.  But, with each day that passed, I got to know my students better.  Laughter was common.

Above all, I try to convey that I care about them.  They are not a problem.  Yes, I expect obedience, but I enjoy them.

Whenever a student told me they were learning, it made me feel all warm and fuzzy.  It's hard to tell, sometimes, how much gets through to students.  Those moments make it all worth it.

I think I care so much because I've been in their seats, I know their siblings, I know them, and there is a connection.  I don't know if teaching full-time is in my future.  Before these two weeks, I would have said with 98% certainty, absolutely not.  The only POSSIBLE chance would be high school English.  But, now I wonder...do I care because they are moldable beings?  Or, do I care because this is home and I have a connection?  I don't know if I will teach after I leave here, but I am more thankful for this opportunity than I have words to express.

I hate to think I may never see some of these kids again, or that they may forget me, but I am here for a time.  I want to be used to make a difference, no matter how tiny.  I want each student to know they matter, are intelligent, and can chase after and achieve dreams, even the ones that seem unattainable.  I don't mean, "you can do whatever you set your mind to."  If you want to move to England, do it.  If you want to become President one day, study hard, apply to the schools others might say you can't get into, choose the route you want to take, and pursue it.  Will you become President?  Maybe.  But, if you never try, it is certain you won't.

I love my kids.  I don't want to give them back next Friday.

Highlights of the week:
-Each time a student told me they were learning
-Test reviews...we laugh a lot!
-"You all can't count.  That's not right.  Oh, wait, it is..."
-9 guys move a table in front of the closets.  I wonder what they are doing, but hey, I can see all of them--and they aren't in trouble.  I go to talk to them and then a box on the closet starts to move.  First instinct, is there something in the box?  No, of course not.  They told me there had been rats one time.  I wonder, is someone on top behind the boxes?  No, I would have seen them climb up.  Then it dawned on me...T is not here.  Guys, move.  Yep, T was in the closet making the box move.
-Getting to know the students and reaching the point of being able to relax and laugh with them!

Dear Friday: My Students are the Best!

Dear Friday, it seems so odd you've arrived.  I had to keep remembering to wish my students a happy weekend, be safe, and study for their science test.

Dear Students, you all are amazing.  You are gems.  I am so looking forward to the laughs we will share next week.  Thank you for the encouragement you've given me.  Every time you say you've learned something, it makes my day.

Dear Articles, I've written a lot of you this week!  Sunday: pageant article, Tuesday: town council article, Thursday: town council article, this Sat/Sun: another pageant article.  You are keeping me busy!  It is great, but I'm glad to have nothing on my schedule tonight (other than celebrating Lala's birthday)!

Dear Abbie, thank you for being a friend who tells me the hard stuff.  You are an amazing friend.

Dear Shaver's, thanks for letting me live here.  I love it.

Dear God, thank you for friendships.  I'm thankful for the things that strengthen them.  I'm thankful for real friendships, the kind that overcome and survive.  Those are true.

Dear Saturday, bring on the baseball and pageants! WooHoo!

One Day of My Awesome Weekend!

Yesterday I received the nicest comment from a friend.
She noted the diversity in my life lately, shown through two albums I posted.

In one, I was having lunch and tea with a friend.
In the other, I was shooting a 12-Gauge and a 22 (post to come).

Both were fabulous.

Friday was a snow day.  Instead of subbing in the computer lab at the elementary school, Scarlet and I finally got together!  I tried a delicious Shepherd's Pie and she had the soup.  We sipped Earl Grey tea, and enjoyed catching up on life.

After we lunched, I drove up to the paper and enjoyed hanging out in the newsroom and doing my first editing of the Saturday paper.  Love being a reporter.  I think I need to watch an old reporter movie.  I'm feeling some Cary.

 

Dear Friday: A Busy and Fulfilling Week

I love the starkness of the winter in this photo.
Photo by K.L.R.

Dear Friday,  Thank you for arriving and bringing a snow day with you.
Dear Week, You've been awesome.  Subbing, reporting, hanging out with people...and, I'm blanking on the rest.  It's been busy, to say the least.
Dear Middle School and High School Students, never doubt that I think you all are awesome!
Dear Virginia, I like you.  Your mountains are beautiful.
Dear Elizabeth and Fam, Happy Moving Day tomorrow!!!  I can't wait to see your new house!
Dear Science, Prepare for an English Minor to be teaching you for two weeks...should be interesting!
Dear Feet, I'm sorry I stood on you in five inch heels for a little bit too long the other day.
Dear Pastor Steve and Roy, Thank you for taking care of me and making sure my car didn't explode in my face.  It's nice that some people know about cars so that those of us who don't....can still drive : )
Dear Shaver's, Thanks for letting me live with you part-time!
Dear Jobs, I love you.  Seriously.  Writing and hanging out with students.  How fun!!!
Dear Weekend, Let's have some fun!

P.S. Dear State Troopers, Please leave me alone.  I'm sure you are very nice, but pulling me over when I'm going the speed limit startles me.  Yes, my car is now properly inspected.  Thank you for checking.

The Not-So-Starving Starving Artist

I know I just used this photo, but it seems fitting.  And this is my blog

I want to share a little about my jobs.

I am a substitute teacher and a part-time newspaper reporter.

Both jobs are amazing.  I love being around students.  No, I don't anticipate becoming a teacher, but I love youth.  They are fun, full of life, and still so malleable.  It is refreshing to see a younger generation enjoying themselves, learning, and growing up.  My favorite age group is middle and high school.  But, I love all the ages.

Writing for a newspaper is something I didn't think I wanted to do.  Even before attending the World Journalism Institute, I said I would like to do magazine journalism but not newspaper journalism.  Where do I find myself?  Writing for a small town newspaper!  It is fantastic.  I've grown a lot, even in the few weeks I've been writing.  Creating an article is like putting together a puzzle without a picture to reference, and I'm creating the pieces as I go along.

Sometimes I become frustrated that I don't have a job to wake up for every day.  Other times, I fear people's opinions.  Are they thinking I'm a lazy bum?  But, then it dawns on me, I get to write for a living, I get to spend time with kids, and I'm not pinned down to one thing.  So many people envy the "starving artist" persona, and I, in a sense, get to be that for a time.  I'm certainly not starving, but I get to do two things I love...write and spend time with awesome teenagers, pre-teens, and kids (and participate in educating them).

Daddy once gave me a piece of advice.  He told me, "Do what you love, and find a way to get paid for it." (The quote may not be exact, but nonetheless, it's going in quotation marks)

I certainly didn't envision myself as a reporter...even a month and a half ago.  Yet, here I am.  But, as always, God has a plan.  Life is an adventure.  It's exciting, and I can't wait to see what happens next!  For now, I'm spending time with people I love, rebuilding friendships, and gaining a deep love for where I live.

Party in the Sanctuary!

Nearly seven years ago I attended a wedding to beat all weddings.
The bride even sang at her own wedding.
Of course, when the bride is Stephanie Clark, what do you expect?

Yesterday afternoon I was privileged to attend Ms. Clark's licensing ceremony to be an evangelist.
As one of the few white faces in attendance, it was an awesome trip into a community and culture that never fails to leave me with a smile on my face.
I recognized many in the congregation.
Some I went to school with in 8th grade (talk about a while!).
Others I recognized as local pastors.
I looked at the lady sitting next to me and realized I'd seen her leaving church earlier that day.
Crazy.

The choir sang.
The congregation joined in.
Standing.
Clapping.
Swaying.
Heads bobbing.
And even a little dancing.

Rev. Cannon spoke scripture.
Singing would continue.
It was peaceful.
I heard the words, knew the truth, and sensed a peace in the room.
It was the comfortable feeling that makes you never want to get up.

A community of believers.
All family and friends of Ms. Clark.
Everyone celebrating a lady we love, and embracing her as she starts a new phase.

When Ms. Clark stood to give her sermon, the first words out of her mouth were in song.
She acknowledged and thanked every person in the room for coming.
By every person, I mean, EVERY person.
She called out family, mentors, friends, churches, everyone.

Afterwards, a delicious meal was shared by everyone.
Laughter, talking, food, drink...it was a party.

Last night was the definition and execution of the word community.
The word is often tossed around.
Come to an event like last night, and you will know what it means.