Author: Margaret Murray

This past week I spent time talking to my students about creating change. They listened and analyzed the Black Eyed Peas song “Where is the love?” This is a rhetorical question. It was released in 2003 and it brought to life the results of the horrific 9/11 in USA. We can’t afford to be easily influenced by the media negativity. It is imperative that we encourage our youth to love one another and embrace change.

Winnipeg  recently hosted our sixth WE DAY. World renowned speakers and leaders delivered messages of encouragement and as a result, convinced our youth to be involved in educational initiatives that promote change. Today’s students demonstrated leadership and teamwork through their actions and donated money to a local cause including Fort McMurray wildfire relief and welcoming Syrian refugees to Canada as well as promoted awareness of bullying and poverty.

Let’s not forget the purpose here: to educate our youth about some of the world’s ongoing issues and how they can be a part of the solution. Educators must continue to ask questions about what’s happening in our world and have conversations with our students who are the leaders of today that can create change.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s wife Sophia recently concluded with a powerful image that resonated with me. “All people go through hardships and consequently, we can share our stories as to how we overcome our obstacles and it is crucial that we inspire others to empower to do good in our communities.”

Build strong communities where we strive to be positive supports for each other and overcome internal struggles that face us daily is  possible as we work together with our leaders of today.

I shed a tear when the November 10th news read that the Montreal legendary singer-songwriter whose songs and poems inspired many people has died at the age of 82. Leonard Cohen made it known that he was ready to die and he hoped that it wouldn’t be uncomfortable. He would often sit at coffee shops, wearing his black suit, a fedora and clutching a notebook. Cohen was known to strike up conversations with people at his well known Bagel Cafe in Montreal. His song Hallelujah is an all time favourite of mine.

We saw Cohen perform in concert a couple of years ago here in Winnipeg. I will  remember his distinct look, hearing his raspy deep baritone voice  and skipping lightly across the stage softly singing his last stage song…closing time…open all the doors and let you out into the world. I wonder why he called his latest album “You want it darker.” What a beautiful honour to have recorded it with his son Adam.

I thought it was unique that he passed away with his two children by his side on Sunday, November 6th in California and was laid to rest in Montreal, Nov. 10th. Remembering Cohen on Remembrance Day will also resonate with all of us who loved his music.

In 2016 many renowned musicians including David Bowie and Prince and now Cohen have have passed away. Continue to remember and honour them in our own special moments of silence.

One of my favourite desserts is the classic apple crisp served warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and rum raisin sauce drizzled over the top.

My grandmother taught me how to make this dessert when I was around 10 years old. We would use apples from our orchard to create the dessert.

Over the years I would make this dessert and every time it gets better and better. Smelling baked apples will put a smile on anyone’s face. The ice cream just melts in your mouth. What a treat!

It’s almost Halloween and we always purchase the chocolate bars that we would like to receive while out collecting treats.

I once remember the times of a child that we would wear scary masks and go out trick or treating with a decorated pillow case. Only one quarter filled because the worst treat we thought in those times were the Halloween-kisses…basically one cent chewy candies.

Now a days the best treats to give away are the multi coloured Smarties, Caramilk and Kit Kat bars. Because one can always sneak a few while answering the door.

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.