All These Years Later and I Learn the Baby Messiah Is Supposed to Be Covered Until Christmas Day. I Live and I Learn.

I love that my Aunt Bobbie gave me my mother's nativity set that she made for them when they were younger and first starting out their homes. This is the power of ceramics and I was honored to take the set when they were moving west and downsizing. It moved from KY, back to Syracuse, and is now with me in Stratford. Yes, there are broken bits and parts all over the box and most recently a Wiseman (from the Orient) has lost his head, but there's glue and I keep the scenes going.

Years ago, I kept my New Year's cat in the scene because the sunlight makes him wave his arm. I also added adult Jesus when he arrived to me on wheels (it's the foreshadowing, I say). Last year, Patrick and Kaitlyn gave me a Gollum figuring from Lord of the Rings because they know my obsession and wondered if I could find a way to use him in my nativity narrative. To be honest, Gollum is wobbly and can't stand up without the guidance of adult Jesus so he's holding him up. I am thankful.

New this year, too, is the Jesus candle given to me to cleanse my home, and because of this, Santa Claus, who usually makes an appearance was put back some. Mr. Snowman, with his glittering lights (which used to be my only holiday decoration) is the shining light oversees the entire set.

Last night, Pam pulled together a pot roast gathering, and I had everyone finish off my key lime pie. I came home to watch the Stanford / Louisville volleyball game and am prepping for the last week of classes for the semester. I spent most of yesterday in preparation, too, as the planning is what sets up the best last class. I need to pivot quickly. 

It's been a wild ride from conference session to holiday Brussel sprouts, but it's time to get back into action starting now. 

This is, until "Christ the savior is born." Looking forward to Syracuse time to come.

Glad We Rested Thursday Night Because Friday Was an Exhausting Day of Putting Up Christmas Decorations

Perhaps I'm at the age where I have too much, which is odd, because I usually head out of dodge for the holidays and have never hosted. Still, I accumulate more and more each year and need to move the furniture to get to what I need to get up. Tunga and Lys helped in the morning, but then made their way to Rhode Island for a little while. This game me the day to put up the tree, organize the crazy, and....well...grow frustrated with the lights. There's always one light that goes out and kills the whole strange, which turns into crazy frustration to find the right bulb. After a few hours I gave up. Likely just will buy a new strand. 

After the food festival, Karal, Lys, Chitunga, and I simply watched football. Actually, I wrote for a while and joined them about 9:30, but then we all collapsed around 10:30 and went to bed.

It was way to windy to put the outdoors lights out, and I'm glad that we're not more east, because Syracuse and the northern states are getting hammered with a pre-holiday snow-show. Ugh. I would not want that, especially after the Denver trip followed by a holiday. I wouldn't want to do snow removal, too. 

Today, I plan to get more writing done, as I really have put off big projects for a week and I'm needing to be a big boy and simply get them done. 

My tree, which was Pam's tree about five trees ago (Tunga has one, too, but I think he finally put it to the curb), also needs to see a curb. It's not like I'm going to buy a new one unless it is super clearance, so I keep putting up with the fallen fake needles. I just vacuum a lot. I do have a few ornaments that bring back memories and there seem to be more each year. 

Karal is looking for her friends and not happy that they departed. She likes company because I'm just boring. She never knows which person she wants to drive nuts first. She simply loves attention.

Okay, Saturday...I need to get things done. Ir really did work on the holiday stuff for about 12 hours yesterday and haven't finished. Of course, I also cleaned and organized, too...so there's that. I still need to do more.

Onwards.

Tried My Hand At Key Lime Pie as Something Different and Enjoyed that It Cut Into the Heavy Flavors of the Normal Turkey Affair

I played around and it was really good. That's all I need to say. Without hosting this year, I felt sort of guilty for not doing more so I brought my carrots and then tried my hands at a recipe I've only tried once. I also figured out another way to cut the tartness with nuts and made a cream layer on the top that came out really nice. 

Dominik and Kaitlyn did a great job hosting and everything was, as usual, delicious. I don't know what Pam does with her sausage stuffing, but it is out of this world. Dominik's mom pureed beats which were served cold and so that was also interesting. 

During the day, while not cooking or running 5Ks, Tunga and I manage to winterize the back porch which I've been waiting to do for some time. I'm cautious moving the tables by myself because I seem to be pulling something with every move I make. 

Tunga and Lys plan on road tripping for the weekend to Providence, so I can slow down the entertainment route for a few days. I should catch up on the grading, since the final projects are coming in next week, too. 

And I have leftovers. I don't want to eat them, but I will, because they are delicious. 

Ah, and Kaitlyn made the bourbon maple bars. I am set.

I'm Already Stuffed and the Day Hasn't Even Begun. I Am Not a Fan of the Excessiveness of All to Come, But It Is What It Is

Alyssa arrived yesterday afternoon. The vote was taken and instead of staying home and watching Louisville volleyball against Pitt, I was outvoted for the Fairfield/Columbia men's basketball team (news flash, all teams I was rooting for tonight lost). Louisville looked good, but couldn't seem to get in the lead of Pitt at the last minute. Fairfield were outmatched and I had know idea Columbia was as good as they were.

This morning, Chitunga and Lys are running a Turkey Trot 5K while I peel and bake carrots. That's all I got this year...carrots. I made a key lime pie, too, but that wasn't requested. I just feel bad because it's hard to going from in charge to a minor role. I will adjust. Change is difficult. 

Last night, I was trying to restore memory on my computer and was going through old files that were big and needed to be deleted. I came across the summer I spent in Santa Fe in 2006. That's almost 20 years ago, and although I remember the experience, I don't really remember the experience. I know it was that summer that the principal at Brown, Ms. Ruthless, called me and started harassing the way I taught and what I represented to the school. It was then I told her that I wouldn't not last another year with her as a principal. I left the following May. I remember how awful she was, misguided and ill-directed and how she called me while I was pursuing the Break Loaf School of English Masters to belittle how I led and to tell me there was a new sheriff in town. I really despised that lady. She had an Ed.D from Louisville and thought she was God's gift to the world. 

In short, she set out to destroy all so many of us loved. And I left. A year later, she was ousted, and I like to think that I was a sacrificial pig so that the district would actually do something about a terrible leader.

Funny how such histories recycle themselves. I would still be at the Brown if the top-down management didn't become so horrific. It was such an awful time for so many of us.

But looking at the video, all these years later, and thinking about where I am now, I can't help but think there's always been a larger story from the The Great Whatever to be written. In fact, in the video, I found images of a woman I work with now in young adult literature. I didn't know she was in Bread Loaf with me, but when I found the file, I reached out to see if she was there. She was. That was here. Who'd of thunk it. 

I'm not thankful for my aching bones or the fact that I feel useless for festivities today, but I am thankful that Chitunga and Alyssa are here and they're running a 5K this morning. I will bake my carrots, shut up, eat well, and move on. 

Here's to the day...with all that food and gravy. I can already feel the stuffed stomach. 

And Just Like That We Celebrate His 30th Year of Life (with a Fancy Restaurant, Mussels, and His Choice, Carrot Cake for Dessert)

I actually slept until 9:30 a.m. yesterday. I was up at my usual time, but I put a black t-shirt over my eyes to simulate darkness and it appeared to work. Of course, when I woke up at late, I jumped out of bed and felt guilty for missing the first hours of productivity. I needed to get going right away because I lost five days to travel and, to be honest, it took two full days just to get through he email requests.

We went to Founders House in Milford, CT, and Tunga and I got fish. For me it was red snapper and for him it was salmon. Pam got shaved steak, Beverly chicken, and Leo a vegetarian burrito. It was good, although the kitchen caught fire and the alarm went off. They took care of it and when they brought Tunga and I our smoked bourbon the waitress joked it was our drinks.

The carrot cake was one to rival Bonnie, my mom and dad's neighbor, who perfected a massive size cake. I told them we only wanted a slice and not a quarter of the whole dam thing, but I believe they wanted to get rid of it.

Mr. Privacy doesn't want photos online or any leading information, so I'm only posting the cake. Lys comes to town today and think we'll go to a basketball game on campus for something to do before the turkey festivities on Thursday. I laughed when Chitunga came home with his race bib for the Stratford Turkey Trot, because it came with turkey socks and a box of cous cous, of all things.

In the gift box are a pair of new Sauconys for the kid (Syracuse colors) as well as running gear I picked up at the Denver airport. Turns out, the woman who owns the company, grew up in Milford and after she told me that, I was hooked on spending money on overly priced clothing simply to have the story. It's good product. She's starting out, but I'm sure the skiing, hiking, fishing, running crowd she's after will be pleased with her product. I know I am. It was high quality stuff which I would have devoured when I was running more. 

Okay, it's humidly...a rain day...and I believe I will use it to get ahead of the game of December. 

Gosh, I turned 30 in 2002, the same year I did the Louisville Writing Project. Phew. 

Let The Pho-rce Be With Me, Pho-Real, Pho-Real. The Son Visits, He Has a Cold, and Soup-er Man Comes the Rescue.

At least this is the story I'm telling myself. I won't get sick until Syracuse. That's my routine. For Chitunga, it's when he comes to Connecticut. Home is where we let our guards down and the frantic insanity of our every day lives finally disappears. So we get sick. And he never gets sick, but every once in a while his head fills up, he gets exhausted, and like me, he's a big baby.

Actually, he hasn't been that bad. I told him, however, I'd get him Theraflu and also find a soup to make. I set out in one direction, but all the ingredients I kept putting into the cart led me to believe I might try my hand at Pho: beef broth, onions, chives, garlic, cloves, etc. It simmered for two hours and I cooked the pasta on the side and also bake spring rolls to throw into the mix. The result was a nice flavor...not quite Mecha or Vietnam Kitchen or TD Palace, but I'm impressed with myself. He was impressed, too, before settling down to Monday night football.

I think I am going to move my office indoors, as it's time to close the porch...I'm getting the Sherburne, NY vibe, where my grandmother kept many items, but closed to the outside world. It was always freezing out there, and that is what it is becoming in my little work space. I hate moving indoors, because I live on my writing couch (well, used to be a chair, but that is gone). 

I didn't achieve all my Monday goals, but I attended to many of them. The trip to Denver exhausted me and I will likely get Tunga's cold. He's 30 today, but I'm not suppose to write about that as he made me promise not to share his world with everyone else. Obviously I don't listen...and this is only because of love and my personal need to process my every day. Luck of the draw, kid. Luck of the draw. I won't do the Facebook bonanza, though. I can simply keep it here on a blog he probably will never read. 

The good news is we have leftovers. Lys comes tomorrow and tonight we treat him like a God...by that, he picks the location and I pay the bill. It's a ritual. And I luck out, too, because he has expensive taste and I can try new things (we've come a long way since his first request over a decade ago...The Olive Garden). I'll ever forget that meal. Everything was yellow, except the salad (which was very good). 

Ah, it's Tuesday. How'd that happen? It's all good. One day at a time.

Home Safely. Still Processing the Long Weekend, & the Great Whatever's Work on a Flight from Denver to Chicago. Amazing Coincidence.

First of all, airports and pre-Thanksgiving travel are simply ridiculous. The Denver Airport is also huge, and I took the train in to bypass the insanity of the $80 taxi commute. Then, check-in was absolutely bonkers with the tremendous crowds and the signs were all misleading and confusing to get to where I needed to be. The morning session with Dave went great, but I wasn't sure I'd make it to my gate in time.

I did. And I read. Upon landing, however, the woman next to me struck up a conversation and we talked books, stories, research, etc. when it all of a sudden occurred to her to share one of her books, Other Words for Home, which absolutely blue my brain because not only have I used it in a course on refugee literature, but we featured it in a summer institute in 2023 with Ubuntu Academy. I was blow away that I was sitting next to this woman the entire time and had no idea. It was the incredible Jasmine Warga. This came, of course, after a conversation about Ger, Laurie, Kwame, Jerry, Torrey, Jason, Nic, Tiffany, John Legend, the boys, and all the authors that have come to Fairfield. Of all people to randomly be seated by...it was the author of a book I cherish. I didn't make the connection with her name, until she shared a photo of the book.

Unbelievable. You know I have work to do.

I made it home by 11:15, and expected Tunga to greet me with a bourbon. As with me, as soon as he got home he got sick (it's because he can rest). So, he was already in bed. He came down, watched me make a sandwich, I only had a banana, and handful of chips, and the airline complimentary coffee. I was ready to eat. 

I got the laundry in, prepped for sleep, and headed off myself. I haven't really gone through the greatness of the last few days and need to collect my thoughts, as well as catch up on all that I let fall behind while I was away.

But I'm home. I look forward to being in my own space. And I do love my bed (with a fan and not tropical hotel temperatures). Yep, it's Monday, but another NCTE is complete (and thankfully I am not doing LRA this year. I can't imagine another trip).

Go, Stags! The Women's Volleyball team one the MAAC Championship.

Last Day and Leaving the Sock Game Behind. Just One More Presentation and Then a Cross-Country Trek, an Hour Drive, and Birthday Time

Started out the day walking with Yolanda and had to capture our fierce sock game. Then it was a marathon of presentations, conversations, contemplations, speculations, inhalations, and exhalations. Definitely was overstimulated today with all the thinking and talking, but sharing is what this entire endeavor is about. Dave Wooley and I get an extended talk this morning, but then I need to run to the airport to catch a flight back to CT and the east coast. Chitunga is already home for the week and I can't wait to see him.

It's always crazy doing these conferences, and realizing you spend the entire time indoors (this is why I'm glad Dave got the Ranger/Avalanche tickets). At least I have that to look back upon. Also wonderful to unite with friends, to learn new things, and to meet teachers from across the country.

I suppose it will be sad to leave the breakfast, lunch, dinner routine of not having to cook, but I actually look forward to simpler, less expensive dining. 

It is unlikely I'll be back in my home until midnight tonight, but we can hope for smooth travel so I return a little sooner. I'm definitely exhausted from this trip and I look forward to a much slower pace when I return. Always a pleasure to be at NCTE, but even more fun to go home to the world I love.

Happy Sunday. Get a good day of rest.

I Never Get Invited to the Good Parties (By That I Mean the Parties Where the Beautiful People are Talking to Me in Front of Large Crowds

I always seem to miss it - the great shout of yesteryear with Nic Stone and the one that happened yesterday at the ELATE lunch with Mahogany Brown. My phone was blowing up with friends saying, "You just got the greatest shout-out ever on stage." 

I should of guessed...Dr. Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz. She was interviewing author Brown on stage and apparently there was a love fest that followed where my name was spit into the air. 

I later clarified with Yolie when I ran into in the hallway and finally got to meet Mahogany Brown in person. These conferences can be quite a lot and yesterday was a celebration of more NWP work, a celebration of Chris Goering's new book cheering on joy in secondary English classrooms, and then there was the Derrick Brown, Phoebe Yeh, Matt de la Peña love fest in the exhibit hall after Susan James and I had lunch.

This morning is a little rough (as is the day) while I try to find my life in a series of different sessions. I go all day long and I don't have much time to think/rethink between presentations so I have to figure out a game plan before I leave my hotel room. 

Always a great time. Always overstimulating. Always promising. And Always ready for it all to end. I think I'm growing more and more comfortable with my reclusive side. I'm ready to hide. 

Walking Home from the Rangers Game at NCTE, I Saw a Building Decorated Like Christmas Oz and I Was Like, Whoa! It's Right Around the Corner

First full day of NCTE work, mostly with NWP, has me exhausted and I didn't even have to present. Best part of the day was hearing Percieval Everett speak about his award-winning James, one of the best books I've ever read. Well, guess who was an opening, Keynote speaker? BOOM. Not much gets me excited in my later years, but this was one I could find decent fingersnaps for.

Dave also got us tickets for the Rangers/Avalanche game and he went all out on our seats. We were up front and ready to see everything. The Rangers lost, but the crowd excitement was worth every second of it, even it it made me miss NWP evening events. Also had a great gourmet BLT, so I'm okay with my decisions.

Today begins the presentations and I need to find time to do University work. Friday and Saturday are about impossible, but I will make it through all the sessions. I always do.

I need to head back to the convention center so will keep this short. All is well, safe, and going accordingly. I did, however, neglect to back clothes for two days. Not sure what I was thinking in my arrangement of outfits. We shall see what funky displays I come up with over the next day. Phew.

Sleep! Okay. The Travel Wore Me Out! I Was Grabbed by Dave, We Got Dinner, and Then I Was Out

Great Shroom burger, though, to follow a very expensive road trip to the wrong hotel thanks to the world of taxis, which are definitely overcharging in response to Uber. I was like, "You think you're selling me an air ticket back home?" Phew. I now know I need to be more upfront in my planning from airport to sleeping location. I'm glad I was finally delivered by an Uber drive to the right location, as the vicinity is much nicer than where I was originally dropped off.

The four hour flight was a breeze, because I watched the 4 hour documentary on Paul Reuben, aka Pee Wee Herman, and was intrigued by the back story and how his character came to be. What a story and phenomenal documentary, even if it was hard to see the back story to the way his life played out.

This morning, I need to pick up my registration, check out the National Writing Project rooms, and get a feel for what is about to go down over the next few days. The hotel room is nice, but there's no reason for so much heat. I like to sleep cold, so turned those temperatures down.

There's an hour difference and I know I will need to adjust my inner clock. Last night was a good shower and a wonderful pillow...then I was out. I'll be more adjusted after today, but for now I'm groggy, acclimating, and able to say that I've made it to my destination in one place. 

Ate bad on night one, and will need to adjust from this point forward. My stomach can't do the burger and fries like it used to. 

Okay, NCTE...let's kicks things off.

Orange I'm Glad It's Humpday. Ready or Not, Denver, Here I Come & I'm Sporting New Sneakers for the Journey

I've been telling everyone that my midlife crisis isn't an extra-marital affair, or a sports car, or outrageous spending on something I can't afford, but simply giving in to my Saucony-sneaker-fetish to maintain comfort, color, funk, and utility. I love these sneakers and this pair, bought to replace my five-mile hiking treks, are in Syracuse orange and blue. I'm 100% cool with that. I also got a cranberry color, which I'll use more as dress shoes than for long journeys, because they aren't designed as well for the bounce in my step, but they do look good with a suit. 

I've had the sneakers in my house for a few weeks, but only took them out of their boxes this week because I'm taking off for Denver, Colorado for the National Council of Teachers of English conference and a return to the National Writing Project family. I'm sliding into this travel after a week of total insanity, tremendous obstacles, and another crown. One day, I know someone can cut out my jaw and show others that my entire income went to my never-ending problematic teeth. My mouth is worth more than I am.

The weirdest thing about this year's event is I have nothing scheduled for the first day of the conference which I don't believe has ever happened. Yes, there are gatherings, but there's not the back-to-back, running around marathon I'm used to. I think Dave and I are going to see a Rangers hockey game. 

And then in takes off in typical style. I'm actually excited to look for presentations to be a catalyst for my own thinking.

I ended class late last night...the students are in end-of-the-semester mode with their projects, and I know that the conference for English teachers gets in the way of the routine for normal coursework. This is why I plan backwards and set them up for success, even while I'm away. Of course, this requires them to be on top of their game and productive all semester. 

I really don't want to fly, but what can I do. I will start flapping my wings soon, and I'm reflecting on all the years I did NCTE, then the turkey, then LRA. How the heck I do that with NCTEAR around the corner after the New Year. I love the gatherings, but with the cost of travel, the lack of financial support to do such professional travel, and the reprioritizing of goals, I've made the executive decision to do only what I can and not to stress over the grind like I usually do. 

Here's hoping for a successful conference. We're operating in a different environment these days, nationally, so I'm interested to learn what the pulse is from colleagues across the nation. I know that I'm in the barely surviving mode. Phew. Here's to the network we love. 

The Best Part of Out-of-Town Guests (or any Company) Are the Left-Overs that Carry Over for the Rest of the Week

Of course I'd be summoned for taker of the minutes on a Monday Academic Council meeting, because it is the book of Job. It's the same reason I'd be summon for jury duty over winter break, even after reluctantly agreeing to teach two session of a winter course when  no one else would step up. The students would lose out and I couldn't live with this. So, I postponed jury duty.

I did not, however, postpone my AC minutes, as I like to type notes like I was trained to do as a qualitative researcher. I like to capture time and conversation to the best of my ability. Censoring myself from speaking, however, is a little trickier, but I did my part. 

All of this is to say that it's all good, because I had leftover bagels with cream cheese for breakfast yesterday and I will have it again tomorrow, which is why I love entertaining and having people stop by. I end up winning with more food in my house. It's nice not to only eat cereal.

Today is a marathon for teaching and tomorrow is the travel day to NCTE in Denver (which I'm also excited about, as emails and text messages have begun to arrive). Last night, I was thinking about how impossible the level of work really is, but I see that National conferences are a spot to stop, reflect, reconvene, and rethink. If I wasn't heading out of town, it'd be more of the impossible same: empty that ocean with a fork, Crandall.

Nope. I didn't eat all these bagels, but I had three left over which I will pace this week before I depart...the fruit, too. All, with a cup of coffee, make for a much more enjoyable morning.

I like to choose joy, but there are times in the profession where you can't find a second without work to actually appreciate what the world has to offer. I'm hoping the Denver trip will restore some of the joy that has been lost this past year. If not, at least I got the bagels to appreciate. 

Papa Wooley and I Will be Presenting in Denver this Upcoming Weekend, But So Great Having Some of the Crew with Me this Weekend, Too

And the food festivities were a preview of the time to come (I really do hate the excess of teaching that comes with the holiday season. I just carry a bag of carrots and say, "Sorry. Let me be a rabbit." I did practice this weekend with popcorn evening snacks, bagel breakfast feasts (with cinnamon rolls), and pesto chicken with fries. I wish I had more will power. I do not. 

The Connecticut winds were whacky, so much that it pushed a tree over onto I-95 in Milford. I walked Karal after everyone departed and we got hit with a mini-hail storm which pegged at my face. Didn't know they were calling for any of it.

The out-of-town guests, did cause me to do bedroom laundry and linens in preparation of Chitunga and Lys's arrival when I return from NCTE.

Dockside was decked out with holiday decorations: I said it looked like Christmas threw up inside the restaurant. It was excessive, overbearing, and a tad bit obnoxious. I get it, though...it is a people's bar and the inhabitants of the area reserve many spaces for their holiday parties. I also laughed that the wait staff all look like they are 12. It's probably because I'm so far from the new generation of young people who frequent such a place. 

I cherished my evening of multiple sports channels, as it makes the colder months that much more enjoyable. My soul is warmed by watching others sweat.

Long day of meetings today and more preparation. Looks like the temperatures are remaining miserable. And that, of course, is what November is supposed to bring. 

My Bourbon Sipping Friends Are in Town from State College and For a Night Anyways, Everything Feels Back to Normal

Kris, Dave, and Ish had a party to attend, but also were in need of a space to crash. Mt. Pleasant is the perfect location, and we have our routine, which includes dealing with the overly excited Karallyne Karma Cupcake, who can never get enough of her ol' neighbors when they return to Stratford. 

I worked on NCTE presentations awaiting their arrival, and also made a pretty decent stir fry with mushrooms, peppers, chicken, and broccoli. They were being fed at the party, but I wanted to be prepared nonetheless. 

I also got all my ESPN channels back up and running, so I was able to see the Fairfield/Iona game, and see the Women's Volleyball clench the MAAC regular season. I also caught the Women's basketball game against UNC and although Fairfield lost, they looked very good playing against a powerhouse team. Wonderful to see Nellie Brown back on the court.

Today, we'll do breakfast and Val is coming to meet us for lunch, but then they need to drive all the way back to Penn State, making their rendezvous a short-lived one. Always love having company and the house loves having the crazy crowd, as well. No one is more excited than Karal, however, when overnight guests are stopping by.

Here's to this Sunday. I'm simply excited to have sport channels again in my house. This streaming generation is something to get used to, and getting the right fit takes a little bit of time.

Working with Dr. Alice Hays Again, Year Four, As We Piece Together Our Thinking on Visual Literacy and WGI

I think we're closer this year, year four, with what it is we've been trying to say, and I'm glad we have moved our study to a multi-year project. In year one, Dr. Alice Hays, UC Bakersfield and a WGI judge, and I sat down simply to discuss shows and, well, for her to teach me the vocabulary of judges. This, of course, turned into a yearly roundtable to discuss a show with participants during a Sports, Literacy, and Culture session each year at NCTE. At first, we simply discussed the 'assessment' of shows, which happens to be very similar to the ways English teachers discuss poetry. Year two, we looked to the ways that shows tell stories through equipment work, flooring, design, costuming, and performance. Last year, we highlighted two groups that had shows that were inclusive: one featuring deafness and another highlighting blindness. This year, the theme is to Dream Boldly, and when choosing shows we found one that is visually a dream (oxygen and air) and the other which is a celebration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (which, we have named, offers us hope in a time when the oxygen is being kicked out of us on the regular as politics have drastically undone normalcy in our schools and professions. 

Music changes to more orchestration, and flags representing pastels from yellow to pink to blue, create a tapestry by the performers and above the performers…before moving to a staged congregation and a reading of the rights in several languages, providing an international understanding of what it means to be a human being. Everyone has a right to life, liberty, and the security of the person. Show finishes with Malala.

It's fascinating hearing judges discuss their interpretation of a show's intent, especially as the use of flags, sabres, and rifles help to tell the story to their audiences. Alice and I will be presenting on this a week from yesterday and even if we are behind, not as attentive to this project as we should be, it's always wonderful to collect our thoughts each year as we move our thinking towards writing something for an academic journal (we just don't know what yet...but I think we're getting there) 

Exemplar One: El Dorado High School, Placentia, California (2025), Scholastic World 4th Place

Exemplar Two: Ayala High School, Chino Hills, California (2024) - Scholastic Open, 1st Place

Thursdays Are My Fridays, and Thursday Night, I Simply Collapsed. Time for Low-Key, Chill, Cerebral Accomplishments Without Needing to Be Present

Yesterday was a tremendous, culminating success. For the past semester, my undergraduate course was working in service-liaison with Franklin Elementary and, for a finale, it was decided the 3rd graders would come to campus for a day of writing. Principal Arlette Johnson was my students several moons ago, and I've watched her win awards, climb into leadership roles, and passionately embrace the excellence of her students. Now, it's the excellence of her students and faculty. She was only going to stop by and check out the on-campus scene but, to her thrill and delight, her meetings were cancelled, so she could stay the entire time.

It was a blast and I have the Women's Volleyball Team, my students the Center of Social Impact, and colleagues form Educational Studies and Teacher Preparation to thank. I always offer the advice...get great people, stay organized, and when the right time comes, throw a party.

Dr. Crandall, This is the BEST FIELD TRIP EVER.

Although for me the writing was inspirational because I love seeing every pencil in a room moving with passionate ideas, the young people loved the ice cream bar, mall-like cafeteria, and the surprise visit from Lucas the Stag. What a hit he was! My lord...mascots take a beating from young people excited to see them. Brilliant job, though.

It is ideal to have 1 undergraduate student for every 3 young people. The smiles on Ms. Quincy and Ms. Acevedo's face said it all. This is so wonderful to see. 

I think my remake of Let It Snow was a hit, too, and my constant repetition of everything five (Name five Things Game - an improvisational trick I learned during Covid). 

Ah, but the planning, the waiting, the pacing, the collaborating, the instruction, and the hope takes a lot from the mind and body and that is why this Friday I need to lay low. I am trying very, very hard not to get sick, and I know all the pushing without rest gets me too close for comfort. 

So, I need to lie still as I work for the next several days. I need sleep, honey, hot tea, and minimal stimulation. I just want to work on writing projects. 

Let today begin a few days of calm. 

Added Bonus to a Wednesday, with Thanks to Dr. Richard Novack (Fairfield Warde) Who Brought Dr. Lauren Leigh Kelly to Campus

It's been a Rutgers minutes since seeing collage Lauren Kelly, as I've taken Amtrak back to our home destinations over the years (she was a colleague of Dr. Nicole Mirra). Lauren works with hip hop literacy and is also a stellar champion for youth initiatives. We connected, too, through Marcelle Haddix.

Dr. Novack had Dr. Kelly as a keynote for his Fairfield Warde Voices of Equity keynote, a collaborative program between students, teachers, and administration at their school. Because of his CWP connection, as well as his adjunct work in the English Department, he brought his students to DSB yesterday for a daylong workshop on hip hop and art. I LOVED hearing Dr. Kelly speak about the work she does with youth communities all across the northeast. It is amazing. I'm inspired. I wish we were able to do collaborations together.

This morning, I'm heading to traffic-hell so I can greet 20 undergraduates and 60 3rd graders for a campus workshop on informative writing. I'm thankful, too, because the Women's Volleyball Team is assisting the instruction and it is my intent to get everyone drafting essays to inform others on what they know about. We shall see. This may be the youngest crew of learners I've brought to campus, but when exploring careers in education (and having a National Writing Project director as an instructor), this is what we do.

I do know, however, that I'm wrapping that up, doing a faculty interview with the School of Nursing, and then heading home to unwind my mind for a few days. By that, I mean I'm focusing on several writing projects that need immediate attention...including the pre-NCTE preparation I've not had time for. 

A haircut on Friday. That's the only distraction in the way of getting things done. 

Here's the Dr Novack and Kelly for their accomplishments yesterday.

Just Because the Eldest Sister Was Initiated in the "Clean Up in Aisle Five" Scenario, I Wore My Cynderballz Socks to Work Yesterday

When I opened my social drawer, they immediately stood out...the Cynderballz pair with the sky-blue joy of merrier days. I wanted her close to me for the recovery...the initiation of showing total parental love and for adulting like a champion the entire way. She's always thinking on her toes, so I wanted her on my toes, too...brotherly love. It is part of the life-cycle narrative that inevitably gets discussed, even when the outcome is somewhat dreary. 

The sad part is the doctor's office doesn't have an entire row dedicated to paper towels, which worked to my advantage a couple of summers ago. 

I don't like aging...not one bit. I've love the energy of age 18-45 with tremendous might, and now know the hints of what's to come are with me every day as I ache, complain, lose sleep, and worry about what is coming next. 

Here's to all children who reverse course when their parents get older. Here's to Cynde who does it with little complaining...just a lot of rescuing. And many thanks to Dylan for donating a pair of sweatpants to the cause.

Yesterday, I walked Karal and failed to grab a pair of gloves because I had no idea winter arrived overnight. I also drove to work in crazy flurries which were beautiful, but a little premature in my opinion. I'm not ready for the bone-pain of whipping winds, but that is what we received yesterday. I should have known from the rustling leaves dancing down the street last night and the ones that blew against my window. I queue the opening of Rudolph and the tale of brutal winters ahead. I'm okay with it once the lights are up, but without them I am just grumpy at the quick, season change.

I had tickets for a show after class last night, but the temperatures pushed me to simply drive home, because I don't want to be so exhausted, I get sick, too (which comes with this time of year).

Here's to Mittwoch and garbage day. Cheers to the idea of being productive. 

Good Company is the Best Way to Start a New Week. Sporadic, Collegiate Lunches for the Rescue.

I missed Dr. Eileen O'Shea's Wall Award lecture last week, where she discussed her research on palliative care with children who have cancer. I met Eileen on Rank & Tenure, and quickly learned to appreciate her still waters, deep humor, brilliance, and faith in doing good for others, especially young people who are suffering. Quality of life is what she's always been after as a nurse. 

Since I had to miss Eileen's lecture, she suggested we get lunch at Sophies on the Brick Walk in Fairfield, which was a great choice because the lunch was amazing (and oddly inexpensive...foo foo for less than a drive-thru burger...crazy). I had mussels as an appetizer. Always love my mussels.

It was wonderful to catch up, to be inspired, to talk ideas, and to vent frustrations with a colleague I cherish, admire, respect, and need to counter the insanity in what we do. The fact that we also got great food on a Monday was a bonus. I could talk to her for hours.

The rest of the day was meetings...meetings...and meetings. And today it's teaching, so onward, Tuesday. Here we go again. 

Ah, but the skies are blue. There isn't snow like there is in Syracuse and Rochester, and for now I have no clean up in aisle 5. The cardiac doctor's office in upstate NY, however...that's a different story. Butch bursted onto the scene once again.

1st Birthday Parties Mean Delicious Cake. Welcome to the Age of Walking and Bringing Cuteness Wherever You Go, Ms. Maddie

Crazy how fast the clock moves, especially when the next generation is brought to the forefront. It seems Maddie was just born and last night we were celebrating her first birthday at Patrick and Stephanie's with her brother, Ethan, and all the Cuzzies. Girls running around for miles. They also had the celebration catered by Bin 100. So it was great food for a Sunday afternoon.

Always amazed what a family is supposed to do with all the presents, when the house is already wall-to-wall toys for the kids. The excitement is real, a the Winnie the Pooh theme was a hit. 

We all felt the darkness, cold, and rain in our bones, however. I spent most of the day on the porch catching up with grading. I really need about a week's time to catch up on all needing to be done, and this week is not cooperating with all the meetings and obligations.

I'm on three faculty searches this semester, academic council, and of course our own school's PRC, and all of them are meeting nonstop on Monday, making me wonder how I'll finish grading and get ready for my own classes this week (not to mention the conference the week after). 

It'll all get done. It always does. 

But I am feeling my age. I just want to get more sleep. My brain is not working at the speed it used to.

With Total Exhaustion Hitting at 5 p.m. Last Night, I Revved Up the Engines and Decided to Grill for the Week

There really was no excuse to sit still, which is why I think I wanted to sit still. Leo and I attended the Senior Day volleyball game with Noey, Patty-Ann, Marley, and Phil (they won in three) and then we stayed around for the family picnic, which took forever as the girls had to shower and do themselves up for their families. By the time we got home at 4, Leo returned to Milford to nap and I sat in my house thinking, "I really could go to bed." 

The temperatures were warm yesterday, and I know the cooling comes this morning (with the unlikelihood of it getting that warm again until spring). That, and the dark by 5 nights simply pulled my energy level to an all time low. I knew, however, that I needed to do something to kick myself in gear.

So I grilled for the week. I turned on the back porch lights like it was summer, played with Karal by throwing sticks and toys, and put sausage and chicken out for the week. If I have the meats cooked, then I can mix them with other veggie dishes throughout the week, including some Indian ones I've wanted to try, as well as some soups. 

Seriously, though...I hate when I get as tired as I was last night. I'm so used to go...go..go...that when my body does slow down...forces me to slow down...I get perplexed. I couldn't stop yawing. 

We had goals for going out to dinner then to a bar to hear a band, but I knew everyone would cancel, especially since they have me by ten years and are even more tired than I am. I've learned in the past, that if something isn't started during daylight, no one is likely to leave their house. And I get it...I didn't want to leave my house last night and didn't.

"I Knew I Was in the Right Place on the 1st Day of Class When We Were Greeted with Tangerines and a Bottle of Bubbles."

Yesterday was interesting location to stop, pause, reflect, and move on, as the day began with an interview on New Haven Radio by the Readman, Dr. Jesse Turner. He approached me a while back, and I was excited to get the official invite over the weekend. "Sure. I love talking bout what I do as a National Writing Project Director."

I jotted down a few notes but then thought, "Just with the flow, Crandall. Be informal." Listening back, I'm always somewhat shocked that the storytelling and argumentation being made comes across like I actually have something to say. I'm so afraid the Clown-dall will take over the Crandall, and I'll regret something out of my mouth. 

I will say, I much prefer listening than watching (I linked the radio version and will share the video one at the end). We Crandalls fidget a lot and do things with our eyes and hands and lips when we're thinking ahead of what we might want to say, which is a little weird. I do love the song Dr. Turner uses to open his show, though. I've known of him for some time because of his passionate advocacy for K-12 teachers throughout the state.

In the afternoon, I met with seniors for advising, and one young woman, Ciara, surprised me when she showed up. She was with me in her freshman year and I didn't have her down as a potential English major. I knew she was in the Honors program, but as a quiet, intimidated new student, she never expressed her goal to be an English teacher. Surprise. That's her goal and she told me, "I knew I was in the right place on the 1st day of class when you arrived with tangerines and bubbles." I have no memory of this, but it seems 100% plausible and likely because I'm always bringing in snacks and gadgets to keep the class going.

It's also back-to-back volleyball games as we head towards Senior Day tomorrow. Looking forward to the final home match of the regular season and will deliver the team my Kentucky cake, which has become a ritual in my celebrations of others.

Okay, Saturday. We have such to accomplish. Let's go. 

There Is Something Wonderful About College Students Writing 3rd-Grade Informative Essays (As If They're 3rd Graders).

I made it to campus by 7:15. The I-95 Gods looked out for me, so there was plenty of time to print materials for class. We will be hosting the 3rd-grade Franklin writers in a week and yesterday's class was a workshop on informative writing.

I shared my own writing about Wiffleball on Duncowing, and informed the class of my childhood memories. I tried to keep in age-appropriate and drew what I intended to be a Wiffleball and players. The students then informed me about their 'something' they know about. They developed their sentences to teach me about their something. 

We also looked at the calendar, with T-Day and a conference blooming more class time, and headed towards the pace they'll need to keep in order to complete their mini-projects.

When I drove to work in the morning, it was 60 degrees, but upon my return home, the winds were pushing 40 degrees on your neck and face. It got cold.

And finally, FINALLY, I made it to the grocery store to stock on items so I'm not eating crackers and cheese every night. 

Today, a sprint to get on top of many items. I need as much computer time as I can. 

Unfortunately, CT's Super Moon was Super Cloud-Covered, But I Felt Her Energy Nonetheless (I Am Mr. Moonbeam, After All)

Karal sat at my side grading all day. Well, and planning. Oh, and interviewing. I did have one on-campus student conference...a math major looking for help on her teaching statement as she applies back to schools in Philly (she was in my Philosophy course)(part of the hidden service educators do behind the scenes). I did get a walk in...thankfully...and I'm prepped for this morning's turbo, although I hate the a.m. traffic. What else is new?

I'm excited to read from my students that most high schools have special arrangements for seniors to work in elementary classrooms, so they get experience on guiding the learning of young people. It's a practice that most schools should take advantage of and it reminds me of the All-Stars/Moonbeams collaboration of Kentucky. I'm not sure all my students loved those gatherings, but it's wonderful to see as an adult who makes the arrangements. Phew. My last kindergarten crew must be around 24 now. Their Moonbeams, the class of 2007, about 38 (pushing 40). It's unbelievable to do the math. I wonder if they ever think about those times, but I cherish knowing that the tradition continues. 

I'll never forget the face of the little kid who wanted to know what I called my students if they were All-Stars. I said they were seniors and he said, No. They're the Moonbeams and you are Mr. Moonbeam. The rest was history. Wonder to carry forward the Gay Rapley and Sue McV Brown School traditions with Bonnie and Maria. Time is such a fickle creature.

I'm honestly looking forward to ending class today so I can get back to writing projects that really need my attention. Would be nice to have time to get groceries, too, and to have food to cook (I'm even desperate for breakfast this early morning...not even a slice of bread to toast). 

Okay, November 6th. Let's me keep the productivity going (and soon....soon...catch up on some rest wherever you can find it)

Reflecting on an Old Tale That I Never Thought I'd Ever Reflect Upon. I Blame It on Age & Having a Two Year Old in the House This Summer

I've been thinking about my teaching days in Kentucky, experiences in all my own learning, and work where I am now in relation to a movie that Courtney and lil' Malia had me watch this summer. It was the remake of Snow White & the Seven Dwarves, and I was looking forward to the dwarves the most. They were just creepy. I think Courtney and I resorted to an opinion, "What a horrible remake." Snow White had the same haircut as Lord Farad in Shrek. Who made this decision?

Gal Gadot, who plays the evil Queen with her mirror and need to be the fairest of them all is the character that frustrated me the most. Perhaps, because academia is based on intellectual competition, it is common to see navel-gazing and self-glorification as a mantra for survival. What's sad is the way positioning of expertise should be democratic and collective (the teachers teaching teachers model of mutual respect). Nope. Not always the case (and I'm having flashbacks to Kentucky, too, when new leadership went up and beyond the call of duty to destroy my accomplishments and helped me to make the decision to leave. 

I am receiving stories similar to my own from educators across the country right now. A failure to listen to those who know best, a belittling of expertise and professionalism, and a rule of authority because of position over those who actually know what is going on. Even Principals in several districts, who have been super stars, have suddenly found themselves ostracized at the district level and attack to the point that they just choose to leave.

I was thinking about all of this while taking a mental break yesterday (You can see how that goes, because I am visual and always trying to make sense of the world around me). A vulture flew above as I watched swans in the pond by me. I thought about Snow White and a phrase instantly entered my head about leadership and what is, unfortunately true for so many of us.

I'm also thinking of John Dewey and Jane Addams and their formation of public education in Chicago at a time of heightened immigration and industrialization. They named that there would always be a battle between the progressives (teachers trying to meet the needs of an ever-changing society and the administrative class who operated to control and contain it to make a profit for themselves.).

Perhaps this is what is taught in Schools of Business...management to keep the workers down and defeated. I've never been one to go totally active for union politics or economic disparity in a capitalist society, but after 31 years, I see it clearly now. There is a total disconnect between those who do the work and do it well, and those who like to oversee the work as they claim it for themselves. 

So, I'm thinking about how the Evil Queen hated Snow White for being the real thing. I'm just surprised that metaphor is rampant across educational settings today. 

Throwing Back to 2009. The First Publication (While in Doctoral Classes) When I Started Thinking about Dis/ability Representation in YA Texts

This evening, after around 6 hours of meetings, I also bring together my graduate English course on Young Adult Literature, where the evening's reading revolve are characters where dis/abilities are represented. Although I had many students with dis/abilities it wasn't until I was at Syracuse University that I had the language of advocacy which challenged medical models of children needing to be fixed to institutions needing to be rethought so the child has the best result. I took a class with Dr. Beth Ferry and soon after, I read The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. My brain began to explode with ideas for adding the perspective I learned to the book by Sherman Alexie, but also to all texts.

In truth, dis/abilities are so common in normal narratives and every day life, that it's hard to get through a day where it doesn't have an influence on us. Reading dis/ability into texts is an art of figuring out how children with dis/abilities are positioned within the larger context of what it means to be normal (knowing full well that normal is subjective and always changing). 

I love Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper and the movie adaptation is as good as the book. It's a great example for making the case. How sure are we that kids written off as incapable and not able, when they are actually misunderstood and miseducated? What can our institutions do to be more accommodating for all children in our care and how can we alter the mindset we have about being dis/abled.

I split the word because in our life we all have able days, but also days where we can't function like "normal" people. Ever broke a toe...forgotten your glasses...been impaired by a migraine. These are inhibitors to what a typical person usually accomplishes. Of course, when we age, too, the dis/abilities are more regular (he writers knowing he'll get out of this chair soon, needing a little more care standing up than he used). 

My grad students self-select the texts they want to read each week, but tonight's focus will be on representation of dis/abilities in young adult literature. I always love this class, because it helps students to come to their own revelation about the many ways we inhibit others around us, not because they should be, but because our systems cause us to do so (including the education we provide ourselves about what an individual with a dis/ability is)

Knowing I'm teaching the class is the carrot dangling to get through the meetings. It's always one of my favorites each year. 

Well, We're Back to Daylight Savings Time, Which Means Brighter Mornings and Much Earlier Nights. It Remains Something.

I was reading last week that it will be a while before we have a 6 p.m. sunset, which opposes the 10 p.m. sunsets of summer. Although I don't mind the earlier darkness, because it settles me indoors, I do embrace longer days to be out of the house and productive. I just have to alter my universe to indoor locations. I'm looking forward to setting up holiday lights post-Thanksgiving to bring joy throughout December and January. I didn't set my clocks back on Sunday, so I woke up yesterday excited I slept until 8 a.m. (of course, it was really 7 a.m. when I started working downstairs. My body doesn't change just because the clocks do. I would say, though, I slept an extra hour.

Yesterday was spent grading and in the evening celebrating a colleague's birthday over dinner (although her birthday is actually today). Ah, the 40s. I remember those years fondly, knowing it was 45 that my body first started to tell me, "You ain't young no more. Here's another hernia for you."

At least the clock matches the fallen tree branch on my Subaru yesterday, and I did have a great pasta dish with freshly sliced parmesan and mushrooms. Weird they didn't serve bread, too. I'll have to get over that, as I kind of came home hungry. 

The grading must continue today as well as the planning and organizing for writing projects and national presentations coming later this month. 

I also got on a comedian kick and watched a Lesley Jones (SNL) stand-up special as well as a return to Jo Koy...the first time after he bombed hosting that award program. Such a funny guy, just not so much the evening he was giving awards to the stars where joke after joke fell flat. 

I suppose last night is the better sleep of Daylight Savings Time because my body shut down at 9 pm instead of 10 pm. Maybe the extra hour comes the day after, and that's a good thing.

Like the Leaves on a Fallen Branch, So Our The Days of Our Lives (& Look At How They Match the Hulk)

I admit it. I am the fallen branch. The Vicki Soto 5K did the bones I own in: ooh, my ankles. Ouch, my hips. Is that the Sciatica acting up? How is it I'm not as solid as I used to be? Is middle age part of breaking away from the tree? Way to feel old, Crandall.

But look at that...the colors of the leaves blend in with the Subaru. It doesn't get more Autumn than that.

I actually came home from the race and walked Karal an equal distance. I knew after I had to get to work and finalized the NWP Report a few weeks late. The electric shocks in all my joints will keep me moving...not napping with those pains.

Yesterday, I was craving steak fries for dinner, but settled for pierogis, instead. 

Today I'm grading and looking to what I committed myself in the week ahead. Oh, but I just remember it is Daylight Savings Time so we gain an hour for sleep (not that I'm good for an extra hour like the younger years). This, of course, was written at it's normal time and not with the extra hour added.

A million and one cheers for all that ran yesterday (and those who should have known better, like me). Ouch. And I mean ouch in ways I never imagined possible. 

Stay rested this Sunday. Roll with it what it will. Look to the blue sky and get back at it. 

I've Been in My Current Location for Over 11 Years and I Attest the Halloween Game Has Only Grown for Residents on My Street.

250 books. 275 Halloween bubbles. 400 pieces of candy. 150 glow-in-the-dark ghost figurines. My house was tapped and me? I am wiped out. 

What was different this year is entourage trick or treating, where posses of 30 kids came at once while parents stayed on the sidewalk. Note to parents: teach kids to open their bags to make the process easier. These sugar-brained creatures are five steps to the next house before they get the goods at the one they're at.

Once again, the enthusiasm from middle school boys saying, "Yes, books. Can I have more than one?" was a common theme. I love when they run down to their parental units with excitement. "I can't wait to go home tonight to read." I love the paternal and maternal waves with, "Thank You."

This morning, I'm running (well, walking most likely) the Vicki Soto 5K, in memory of the Sandy Hood teacher who lost her life protecting her little readers and writers. She was a resident of Stratford and it is one of my favorite events of the year.

I shut the lights down at 8 p.m., but still at 9:30 kids were walking up the driveway in desperation for goodies. I apologize with "Sorry, tapped out." I'm just glad I went to BJs to stock up on boxes of extra snacks so I didn't have to disappoint too many. 

Time to run/walk, then return to do reports that are a month old. I try to keep up...really I do. As for the grading...well, I need to get on top of that. I'm two weeks behind. 

Happy Saturday. Hello, November. You're back again.