Te Doy Mi Poder (I Give you My Power). A Million & One Thanks to Jessica King (Baldizon) For Enriching Teachers at the @CWPFairfield Leader Institute

I always feel graced when I have elementary school teachers in the institute and ESL teachers. It's a double blessing when there are both, which is why I knew I had to invite the spectacular Jessica Baldizon, now King, to do a presentation with our teachers. Par for the course, she brought kids and parents with her. And, as usual, the kids and parents were the best teachers of the day, explaining how written communication is important to their families, especially migrating from conflict to the United States (and yesterday, on the 4th, I spent the day reflecting on the United States I believe in, the constitution, the laws that were, the histories, and the devotion than all are created equal...we should treat others as we'd expect to be treated. It is the golden rule, isn't it?). 

I've never been a big 4th person, especially after the first time I brought some of the guys from Sudan to a firework show in Louisville. They ran to my truck absolute terrified, as the explosions triggered traumatic memories of when they were children and their villages were bombed. That had a tremendous impact on me and I have no problem bypassing such celebrations (not to mention all the aquatic life I saw uprooted during Thunder and the effects it has on many dogs...I've been lucky to not have one of these...ever)

I did spend the day living the message Jessica gave the teachers on Thursday, giving the power to others. I helped a colleague edit her dossier, a student put more touches on an academic paper he is writing for publication, and reviewing several book chapters of peers for a book to be published in 2026. Karal and I got a stupendous walk in (the humidity was gone for the day) and I did some seed work and watering that I've meant to do since April. I also cleaned the house, ordered materials for CWP, and packed up more materials for the week ahead.

I believe today is supposed to be another nice day and all I have on the agenda is to post this and walk Karal early. I probably will return to more editing soon after. I was telling my student that the truth about academics is that those expected to write for publication, you make the time in every crevice of you week that you can. He had an epiphany that writing for publication is exhausting and never-ending and I reminded him, "this is only before it is sent for review and returned with feedback to improve."

Alright, the blue sky and a leash are calling. Off I go.