Author: Margaret Murray

Recently I attended a keynote address about a newer way of thinking where teachers must hop on board and provide opportunities for their students to be creatively engaged through collaboration. There is a need to move away from being the instructional teacher and become the designer and guide. This idea resonated with me in the following ways.

A wonderful way to involve your audience is to ask the question: What are you reading right now? Also, can you tell a story in one minute? Using this prompt in our writers’ notebooks, students can create a meaningful story using photos from their Instagram. This idea is powerful in such a way it connects students to what they are passionate about. What better way for them to be fully engaged in the design of their own photo writing.

Watching the Winnipeg Heritage Classic 2016 outdoor alumni hockey game at the Winnipeg MET where the game was shown live was exhilarating. This game brought 30,000 people together and the true PEG spirit was demonstrated in events leading up to the actual game day. Why does Canadian hockey bring all ages together?

There is a one minute story here…

Fall season has arrived and the layering of clothing can say a lot about a person. I am in love with infinity scarves and a long cozy smart wool coat sweater. When I am out walking there is this notion that I need to experience warmth.

Walking through dried curled up leaves allows me to hear the crispness and one knows that this marks fall season. Both of us experience many evening walks to our favourite destinations…The Grove, Cornerstone, Mona Lisa or Cafe 22 where we sip a glass of red wine or indulge with a frothy whipped cappuccino. Along the path we exchange conversations about our day or what we have read throughout the day. Sometimes there are pauses and silence which is respected.

Layering is also a word that can mean several things. I use layering in the classroom when I teach students to un pack their narrative writing ideas and create a final product. Also, when I have conversations with friends and colleagues there are multitudes of layering in terms of ideas, opinions and stories.

Furthermore, layering  provides us with warmth and that’s how I love to feel on these autumn days.

Every day we hear the words to reflect, to be mindful, to appreciate, to inspire and to move forward. I try to reflect on the moments that bring me the most fulfillment in my life. I have blogged about many of those moments however that voice I hear over and over again is to continue to reflect and appreciate the little things in our daily lives.

Now as we embrace autumn coolness I often say that I would love to have my summer of 60 days remain forever. I will continue to appreciate the brisk crisp air and challenge ourselves to enjoy walking outdoors.

Saying goodbye to summer of 2016 was difficult. However, there will be a few days of warmth and sunshine to brighten those dark mornings. Today, is one of them.

This was my 14th year in participating the Run for the Cure breast cancer cause. I felt motivated and inspired to run 5k in 21 minutes. Seeing people of all ages at the waterfront made me realize how fortunate I have been all these years that no one in our family has been diagnosed with this terrible disease.

Indulging with a pumpkin spiced latte and wrapping myself with a cozy warm infinity scarf brings joy to my heart because seasons are changing and we must embrace each day with moments of happiness.

Crimson red and golden leaves are falling daily and this too reminds me that autumn season is here. Get out and treasure quiet times while walking or running during the fall season.

Having a strong desire to workout out has resonated with me for years. I have the stamina and mindset to consistently work out and motivate others around me. I am engaged with reading new ideas and finding ways to challenge myself and Darryl. It is so much easier when the two of us share the desire to try the exercises and ramp up the heart rate.

Daily I reserve a bit of time out of my day to enjoy what I love the most…sipping a cup of coffee and reading the daily news or a chapter from my ebook. A longer walk in the community takes presence as well.

Living life with an open mind keeps me fulfilled and energized.

What do I love best about autumn? The  layering of warm sweaters and cozy infinity scarves brings me a great feeling of warmth. Seeing the  brightly coloured leaves on the trees while we are running through the park provides those moments of reflection that fall is upon us.

Fall is a gorgeous time of the year and many memories of summer are gently tucked away in our minds. It is also a time when we delve into quiet reading time and sip some pumpkin spice lattes.

Today marks the 15th anniversary of September 11. This is not the day we want to remember but it marks one day after my father in law’s 80th birthday which was spent with his family. Also, his brother and family from Holland were present for his celebration.

Last evening 21 family and friends were hosted to an evening dinner at The Gates. Darryl made a toast which was simple…dad if you were a car you would be a classic. Uncle Bert spoke as well. It was emotional because as brothers they have been apart for almost 50 years. The last time they were here together was at Peter’s wedding in 2009. Bert spoke about connections and how with today’s social media it has brought them closer together via email.

Both Darryl and I have enjoyed spending time with Bert, Femmy, Harold and Robert. It has been a week of sharing family stories.

Yes, we can be taught because we were once students and we know what it takes to become a great teacher. Some of the most important characteristics of a teacher include: setting reasonable expectations and goals for our students, preparing and organizing engaging lessons that promotes inquiry, developing relationships with our students and their parents and least but not last, we spend time continuing to acquire new knowledge in our subject. We try to be enthusiastic and instill that love for learning with the students we teach daily.

Personally, I look at ways students can become better readers and writers. The key is to improve and inspire others. I once read an article that said ” we must build a home away from home in our classroom where we can feel safe and secure while achieving our full potential in our courses as well as social and emotional development.” -Edutopia

56 brought me a year filled with many happy filled moments. We began the school year with Darryl accepting  the director of creative services job with Investors Group.

We travelled to Austin, Texas and I attended one of the largest educator’s technology conference. Both of us really loved van Zandt hotel’s night life and the exploration of Rainey  Street’s pubs and fine dining.

Summer was filled with many wonderful experiences and included traveling to PEI to attend a family reunion and a dedication of my grandfather Murray inheriting the family farm 100 years ago. Also, we celebrated dad’s 85th birthday.

We bought two amazing paintings from a well known Canadian artist Gordon Harrison. These paintings represent a piece of my island heritage…boat life and pastoral sereneness.

Darryl and I continued our holidays in Quebec City and here we explored many cafes and restaurants. A truly remarkable experience within the walls of this historic city left us with fond memories.

Also, this summer I attended 14 boot camp sessions and met many wonderful teachers who excelled in challenging workouts. Fitness is a daily commitment for us and has provided many hours of walking or running in our community.

Now it’s time to move forward to the next number and celebrate the day with coffee, a walk and a fun evening at our favorite restaurant Cafe Carlo. It will be another year filled with health and happiness. Traveling will continue!

Watching and reading about our Canadian team of 313 athletes over the past 16 days has been exciting. Some of their facial expressions says it all…proud moments. Some of the best hours for me was listening to Ron Maclean interview our Canadian participants after their competitions. Ron is so wonderful in probing the athletes and allowing them their moments to express themselves through tears of joy. These athletes are grateful to represent Canada and appreciative of their parents, coaches and sponsors. Canada, indeed has a lot of talent and as John Herdman, women’s national soccer team coach stated: “Canada’s best is yet to come.”

We must believe in our youth and surround ourselves with a new, enthusiastic and talented next generation. It was awesome watching our Canadians perform in such a way that they all could flourish in their own ways. We placed tenth overall with 22 medals. we improve at every olympics and that’s what counts: improvement.