Karen's Kanvas: Reflections, Favorite Teachers, Memories and Impact People have on my Life

Last night I listened to Debbie's in the Quiet show, to relax and chill,

I reflected then, and now, I still.

 

I did not think a message from her yesterday I would take away

But I had.   One she did convey

And I have thought about it today.

 

Recently Debbie had a dream,

And she commented that life is not what it   seems,

She spoke of a teacher   in 4^th grade,

And the impression that teacher made,

But as a child we don't often connect the dots then

  Yet learn more than academics at age ten.

 

Those teachers taught all subjects and led the students in their classroom,

Children with many personalities, saw each grow and bloom.

 

They were leaders and role models and showed us the way,

They taught us much each and every day,

Those memories for me, did stay,

And I do recall such a teacher in  the 5^TH grade ,

And what an impression, she made,

I knew of her the year before,

My sister Mary Beth was in her class.   Then it was my turn, it was 1974.

 

Her name was Mrs.  McKeon and she was great!

She taught at E. A.  Bogart in N. J, likely one of the best schools in the state,

 

It was not too far from New York City, Upper Saddle River, in a middle class Community,

She was a positive influence on Mary Beth and me. 

She taught more than   Academics indeed,

More than just English, Science and arithmetic.  She strengthened our ability to read,

But also helped you build confidence and believe in oneself,

Being in her class, improved your mental health. 

 

She had high expectations of her    students including me,

It did not matter that I was the only legally blind child and well I couldn't see,

She gave lots of homework even on the weekend,

Rules, she did not bend .

 

Every week we had 20 new vocabulary words, had to write the definition, part of speech and write a sentence and handwrite the assignment,

Much time I spent,

Had many volumes of a large print dictionary,

  They lay on the shelves of my Parents library,

Used multiple volumes and thought it was a pain,

But it was good for me.   The information, I did retain.

 

She taught us songs, music, had spelling bees   and played games,

She got to know each student, knew everybody's personality, not just our names. 

 

She helped me finally learn fractions, long division and something about art,

She was very special, had a gift, and a warm heart.

 

During that year I was in Girl Scouts, CCD, took typing and in my fourth year of ballet

And I still enjoy dancing today. 

 

That year we also raised a Dog, a shepherd,   named Odell from the Seeing Eye in Morristown, an hour away,

We learned much  in 4-H club   and Camp, was hard to give Odell away. 

 

Mrs.   McKeon did not accept sloppy work, laziness and she made   sure   she had our attention every day

I loved her! she was tough but fair!  Made us work but we also did play.

 

We began with the Pledge Allegiance to the Flag,

We ran the 50 yard dash, did situps and played tag,

She taught us Geography and a song, 50 nifty United States

History, we learned important dates.

 

I did not like History and did not see the point of reading about Colonial times,   or in Science, our Planet Earth,

Worse yet, Math, I did not see its worth,

And in my life, how it, could I apply,

But, I was sad, in June of 75, when I had to say goodbye,

And to Canada we did move, I was not the same girl when we returned to the garden state

I was more quiet, shy and withdrawn

Probably because I did not have friends, was made fun of, in the 7 years we were gone,

Went through many growing   pains, felt alone and sad,

My Sisters, very glad they were there, Tara and Mary, with you, fun I had.  

 

In Junior High, we lived in Canada and Ohio, I withdrew and my spirit almost died,

I sat in class, lessons taught, but I was bullied a lot, at home often cried

After school I retreated to my room, with my books, music, and favorite TV shows,

It was then, began to write, letters I would compose,

To my Grandma and best friend   Andrea   that I left behind,

In Jersey.  That's how I relaxed and unwind. 

 

Andrea was from Grease. In 5^th Grade I taught her some English, and she me, Greek,

We wrote letters every week.

 

Music, Dance, song and writing, were my salvation, they gave me inner strength, kept my sanity and help me to cope,

It made   adolescence bearable,     got me through,

And when I am stressed and feeling down now, these things help, my spirit is renewed.

 

It is, now, as I sit here and     type away,

It has been an excellent day!

 

Sorry, I did digress and went down memory lane for a bit,

Things are out of sequence, hopefully, it will all fit,

The puzzle pieces all fit and the picture   more clear,

You will see, once, I am done here.

 

Anyway, Mrs.  McKeon did not tolerate rudeness and bullying! she  thought respect and how to be kind,

A teacher like her, is hard to find.

 

Also remember, she was thoughtful, caring, funny, not just a teacher, but also a Wife and Mother,

Her son Mike dropped   and in and observed her class once in a while,

He was friendly and made us youngsters laugh and smile. 

 

I remember playing silent ball   , during that game, learned to be quiet, eye hand coordination, and follow rules,

She gave us direction, guidance and the tools,

  To critically think, and encouraged all throughout the year,

I have fond Memories as I sit here. 

 

I have thought about her over the years and even visited her in 1982,

When we moved back to New Jersey, 7 years flew,

Yet, in other ways, was quite long!  Went through puberty when living in Oakville Ontario,

Canada and Cincinnati Ohio as well,

Junior High was awful! hell!,

Pretty bad,

And since then, never had,

A teacher like Mrs. McKeon,   she must be about 80 at this time, wonder, if she is still alive and retired,

I am so grateful that back then, she, they hired. 

 

When I returned  to the states, and  made a surprise  visit in 82 ,she recognized me right away,  she remembered  my face,

The school Changed, was not the same place.    I too, was not the same,

And she remembered my name, not Mary Beth, but me.   Guess, I still looked ten,

  Even when,

I was 18 and a young adult, I looked very young and recognizable to her after all that time,

I hope she is well, and doing fine.

 

Yes, there are people who make an impression and have an impact on us all

Do you recall?

A favorite   teacher? Or someone who made a difference and help you to thrive? And taught you a lesson of some kind?

  Enlightened, inspired you? enabled you to develop your personality  and mind?

Taught you things that you cannot find in   books or in a lecture Hall    ?

I certainly can recall,

And can think of some, a difference for me, they made,

   Some When I was under 5 and some since 5^th grade,

Some   when living in Canada, here in Arizona, Denver, and in the Midwest,

But more, here in the States ,back East, that I remember best. 

 

It's ironic, we  may not  make a connection or feel like anything we have gained  ,

Till later, But  even during storms, thunder and rain,

There  is  the sun, the beautiful rainbow,

Special people change us, color our world, help us  to grow.

 

People come into our lives  for a  reason,

Some for just a season,

Some for just a day,

And some for a lifetime!  those people  are here to  stay,

Are there  for  you each  and every  day,

Through the thick and thin, through the Valleys and the peaks,

in  good times and bad ,each and every week. 

 

 

Those individuals,   don't take for granted , be grateful and  feel blessed! I do!,

For now, this, it must end, I'm through,

Have a busy day, things to do,

So until then my readers and friends,

This message I  send.  

 

Karen's Kanvas: Hand over the Chocolate, and Noone will getHurt!

Hi All,

 

I had written this back in February after reading  this humorous Self Help book.  I  did  not plan on sending it. I don't particularly  like it.  Well, not as much of some  of my work. I don't really think  any of  my work is good but if  it helps any of you  and/or  lifts your spirits or makes you smile  , than its worth it.  Take care and look below. 

 

  I had breakfast out and  a walk I took,

While at the Village inn,  I read a book,

One I began this morning at 3 am,rose with the birds,

Its been  inspiring, as I listened to the words.

 

I wanted  something that would   not make me go back to sleep for a long time,

But something that would encourage me,as I read the  lines,

Or heard the narrator speak. 

I have had one of those weeks,

Beginning of the new  year ,where  I looked at myself,

Was introspective,looked In the mirror, but that,isn't always  good for my mental health

 

At least those of us  whom   are perfectionist and expect  more from  ourselves  than  a family Member or a friend,

I realize that I need to send,

Myself  encouraging words and  look at my success,

For me, sometimes, that is hard  to digest,

, And even, makes it difficult to unwind and get good solid  rest.

 

 

What is this book I am  reading you ask,

That is opening my eyes again and unpealing the mask?

"Just     hand over the chocolate and no one will get hurt" ,is the title, it is true,

Its motivational,  humorous and teaches  you how to get through,

Times of stress,depression and help to obtain goals,

I decided to write now, and soothe my soul.

 

I was, going  to buy some groceries that I need,

Instead, it fed   the creativity within from what I did read.

 

As I sat at the Village Inn table,

And  red, the thoughts  just  flowed and I knew  that  I would  be able

To  write a post once I got   home  and on my laptop,

Later, I can shop,

For the food to nourish   my body  had to write, do this for  me,,

I knew this is where I  had to be,

If the words and thoughts were to appear on the page

  And arranged

Just so in real time.

 

This writer speaks of ways to overcome  the stress and  negative emotion without  devouring an entire box  of your favorite chocolate delight ,

Enables to shed some light,

And see the full glass ,

And knowing, whatever it is, it too will pass.

 

I  tell my friends  this  and believe  it to be the case,

But  often in the midst of it, I don't think it is, with all that  I face,

Dealing with and on my, plate ,

And sometimes, I get myself  in such a state ,

That I want to retreat and isolate  myself for awhile ,withdrawing ,seeing few reasons to smile.

 

If I were  talking to myself like I do a friend ,

Their spirit  I'd    lift and a positive message I send,

I speak  to him or her  with love  and Respect and be kind,

Assisting  to change their own mind ,

And alter  their perspective  and attitude,

So he or she would not want to dive into  unhealthy food,

               What, do they then, find?,,Who wants  unnecessary pounds on their stomachs and     their behinds?,

 I don't want extra weight on my butt,

Noone does , but we all, need a  friendly push  in the right direction  to get  out of a rut,

Out from under,and sort the pile

To  motivate and bring us  a smile ,

Even better  ,  make us laugh  , at our darkest  hour,

we ourselves,don't realize, that we ,already have the power,

Pray,hope and know,

help us, to continue, to go.

 

 

Sometimes  , I lose sight of my dreams,

That, Things  are worse  then they seem,

So I think,

I don't want to gamble or drink,

But  food seems  like my friend or eating nothing at all,

And  what seems right,is  putting  up the walls,

And closing the  doors  and hiding in my cave,

At moments,its hard to " ride the wave"

And just glide,

Enjoy the ride,

No matter  whether  the track is  going up or down and inside and out,

I don't like it, when unfamiliar is the  rout,

Or suddenly being turned  upside down, I feel lost and unshaken,

Not like some, who welcomes the mystery path their now  immediately taken.

 

I thought my outlook on  life was  a positive    one, and  maybe so?

But, sometimes, that side, I don't think I show.

 

In this book, they mention,having cheese   with that whine ,

We all do it some,realizing,maybe,I do it more then I think with certain  friends of  mine?

At times?,I go through    cycles and maybe somewhat extreme  about things?

Doubting self and wondering  if I have wings?,

  To fly and  succeed?,

  Thinking that my whining will help,is what I need and that  my true friends will  listen and  understand ,

Sometimes, they will and even lend  a hand,

And  heart and ears,

And they too, may disclose, their problems, dreams,hopes and fears

 

But after awhile and too much of this,they will  kick your butt  in a positive way,

So, you won't  continue to play,

The same tape and loop   in your head,

Allowing  you to think about what  they said,

And still motivate you  to be your best self,

Improve your mental health,

Abort those   negative  thoughts and remove that old junk

  Stop whining and get out of that funk!

 

True friends are the best! They are awesome  indeed!

However, we all have a purpose, look at   yourself, find the seed,

Help the garden  to  grow,

Take that risk,fill that  dream ,

In the  scheme of it all, no matter  what it is, its not as bad as it  seems,

  Know that  you are special and  we all  have similar experiences that  can help us to relate ,

And when your feelling  discouraged,just wait!,

Don't  grab for the chocolate  ,fries or a shake ,

Do something else, a better decision to make. 

 I know this is something that I need to apply   and follow ,

Sometimes ,News we get    ,is hard to    swallow

And we sometimes   , we eat Things we  shouldn't consume ,

But at the   moment,its  better than the  gloom.

 

Don't stay within  your cacoon, look for the  butterfly!,

Sore  high,

  The skies the limit!,reach for the stars!,

You will go far ,

  Living  your life and making your  mark ,take that leap!,

  Its your own to keep ,

Walk the Journey,  take that ride,

Hang on, go with the tide,

We all are on your side.  

 

Karen's Kanvas: The Writer

What defines a writer? A linguist? Someone whom can   eloquently tell a story? and describe a scene?

This,I hope,will one day be  my dream

 

It certainly takes talent , skill , effort and time,

It needs a plot, strong characters , the words carefully  chosen,woven, filling each  line,

On the page, a method, a sequence  ,  and design. 

 

This  takes time to master.    Plots,   characters   and scenes to create ,

This often takes months, years, varies  the rate,

In which the  manuscript is complete ,published,   the book on  the shelves and   finally is on sale,

Some  succeed, but at first, many, probably,  do fail. 

 Their script rejected and back to the drawingboard they go ,

The Revision or the new storyline   developed, one doesn’t know,

If this,  one,   will be accepted  and become  a success?   or a total flop?

Or  become a New York’s best  Seller,  and is at the top ?

 

 

One must  have a  high vocabulary ,  an imagination  and whit ,

Have a command of the  language, grammar  and somehow  make the pieces  all fit. 

The characters need to seem  real, colorful ,interesting  but human too,

At the beginning, I am sure,this is  more difficult to do. 

 

 

One needs to understand syntacts,  synonyms ,  homonyms,   sentence  structure  and  punctuation  too

For  me, this  I am hoping to perfect! maybe some day,that,I will do ?

 

 

One needs to use as few  words but the story needs to  be  well  told,

If it doesn’t , the novel  ,won’t get sold. 

 

 

It’s the same  way, for a   poet ,

For me, that’s what I want to do, if you didn’t already  know it.

 

I want to do both  , poetry, but also write  a Novel , that will sell,

But  perhaps, that, I will never  do well ?

 

  I am working on improving  my writing, as Secretary  for the Arizona Affiliate  of ACB ,

This,has been a growth experience  for me. 

 

 

I have always  been a fair  writer ,  but much I do need to improve ,

Yet, I’m learning, getting  into the groove.  

 

 

I was taught   in school how to diagram a sentence: Nouns, verbs,  adverbs,adjectives  , their meaning  and place,

It was not a waste ,

  Also learned grammar, sppelling   and composition  , but not all,did I retain,

I had partial sight, for my eyes,print was sometimes, a strain. 

 

 

Commas , periods, semicolons and colons ,I could not see good,

If I did, maybe, a better writer  I would be?, maybe,I would?!

 

 

Braille is so important and  it, all blind  kids  should master,

Not only will they read faster ,

But   be more efficient at performing tasks,  and their ability to read,

Braille Literacy,we definitely do need!

 

 

It shouldn’t matter  if you have no sight  or    partial, if your legally blind,it should, be taught ,

You do not want to be where I was, you definitely do not!

 

I had to learn  Braille many years later  and a challenge  it   was for me  ,

  I was up a creek,without a paddle, that, you don’t want to be!

 

 

One week,I could read regular  print, the next large print and the third  none,

I struggled to communicate, it wasn’t at all fun!

 

Now, I am relearning and I think it,I will retain,

I am not as comma  happy, and the concepts  have  gone into my long term  memory of my brain. 

 

I’m reading, writing, working on improving  my craft,

Humor is important too, more,we all need to laugh,

Maybe,I too, some day, will be among  the writers out there,

For now, with you all,my blog, I share

 

 

 

Karen's Kanvas: My reality! Life is a dance!

Life is filled with mysteries, hopes, dreams, Laughter and tears

Joy and sorrow throughout the years ,                    

Experiences had, and lessons  learned,

Success's, failures and money earned. 

 

Opportunities taken, ones sometimes  missed,

Some say, ignorance  is bliss

 

 

Some, may prefer this and have their head in the sand,

Yet,  most of the time,I rather  face reality   and give a helping hand,

Sometimes ,its painful to look at one's reality and self  straight in the eyes,

And at moments, the problems confronted with,seem large  in size,

And more,   than one can handle,

But,  one needs to remember, hang in there!, lit, is  the candle,

Its burning  bright

Morning, noon and night

Each  and every day ,

Participate, get in the game, do play.

 

 

If we don't act, an opportunity  may be  missed , that too,is a choice,

Express yourself.   you have a voice!,

Yet, work on finding  balance, elasticity  of spirit,

Hope  this message, you hear it!

 

 

Life is, a long and winding road,

And  you may find, you are carrying a heavy load ,

At times, It may seem,  its filled with   burdens,   hardships and you may feel despair,

But, you are not alone! people do care,

Weare all connected! , with some, your,  load  do  share ,

Help them  with theirs,  and them,  with yours,

Will be  easier to  swim the shores,

Climb that mountain and  run that race ,

Stop,  if you need, go,at your own  pace!

Yet,  stop  too  smell  the flowers,  look at the sunrise,  sunset and rainbow,

It too, will pass, go with the flow,

,often for me, this is  much easier said than done,

But, relax, enjoy life, don't forget to have fun!

 

 

During the bad times, you may feel overwhelmed, alone and that    you have too much stress,

And the issues, may be difficult to digest ,

It may be hard to look in the  mirror, at yourself,

And  more likely at this time, poor is your health. 

 

 

Resilient and fragile we humans are,  me and you

Most   survive,  make it through. 

We get through the sorrow,the pain  and heartache,

  And after, love  still remains,

We  can  rejoice , laugh and smile,

Walk the journey,appreciate  each  mile. 

 

 

This has certainly been the case  for me, especially these last 2 years,

At first, there were  many tears,

  I felt lost,alone and under much stress ,

Felt Sorrow, heartache  and did not get much  rest.

 

 

I had to  find  my inner strength  and  happiness within ,

A new  life, did begin,

I   did often reflect, as   my path did  bend, 

A long time,its taken, but I  amon the mend. 

I have been there , for  a little,  while,

I have found  joy, and have more  reasons  to smile ,

And laugh, and not as often  I cried,

It has been a rocky road , a crazy ride,

and I did not easily ride   the waves,I definitely,did not glide ,

I was tense, felt empty, numb inside,

One day,  and emotions  overflowing like a river, the next ,

At times , I   wish I  had other  decks,

And not been given  my  hand,   lost my  faith in God,and in me,

Yet, after several months, I did find  my, key. 

 

Divorce  is most certainly a life changing event,   in so many ways,

Issues are raised,

There are more  questions than answers, and torn  is your soul  and heart,

One needs to redefine  their   identity and  heal their  heart ,

Still  go to work and earn their  pay,

   Find the inner strength,just,  to get through each day,

Pay their  bills and do their housekeeping,

Find time for hobbies and sleeping ,

For family, friends and,  time for you,

During  this time, it may  be very hard to do. 

 

It was for   me,  I struggled with this,

 Darrell,I did miss,

  The person that loved  me  at one  time, when he was loving,  caring   and kind

Thoughtful  and enjoyed  my company and I was, his shining star,

And then, suddenly,there you are,

No  longer   a couple , together  no more,

The most important  person in your life, gone!  You are unable  to swim  to shore,

Land on your feet ,

Thinking why, did you ever two meet  ?,

And,ask yourself,  am I, in the driver's seat?

The captin of my ship?, the masterof my fate ?

What is my,  purpose ?,where,do I  go from here ?

You lean on  those people that are close and dear,

And also  for me  ,my creative  writing and favorite    comfort foods soothed me,

As well as, music,singing  and  dancing,  then,I am footloose and fancy free. 

 

As they say,  what doesn't  kill us makes us stronger ,

 

I plan on living  much longer ,

In fact, I  don't want to die ,

I struggle with death   and dying, I can't,    lie,

I am not sure  why?,  its part of the cycle,    It is a fact  ,

Something,I must, lack?,

Not here, to talk about  that kind of    grief,   but more of the lessons I have learned  since my time on this earth,

To recognize ,I have  lots to give!, and  have self worth. 

 

 

I also  find rewarding being involved with ACB and with Toast Masters  as well ,

Keeps me busy, active and  its been a growth experience, less time to dwell,

  On my issues, look at my past,

Wow! Time flies!, the months have gone fast!

At least , this past year.  

 

I really am enjoying  my Victor  Reader  stream,

I work hard as the Housekeeping  office coordinator, I am part of a great team!

Putting in   long hours  and even  working overtime , serving our guests,

Not as much  time for me, not getting as much rest,

I have been reading  more  ,dancing  less,

Not much time  to write  ,to master this  craft

But,I have   had more time  to laugh,

At work,     and  here at home, feelling  fine,

Most,  of the time. 

 

I have been  reading mysteries but

many self help books,

I  want to improve  myself, have taken a good  look  ,

Have held the mirror up ,don't always like what  I see,

Discovering ,not so good things about  me.

 

 

Afew people  I  have admired and cared  for have told  me,I  complain,

That, , I am high  maintenance , that I am a drain,

And that I need  to talk less, be silent and listen  more ,

At first, this  hurt to the  coare.

Some,did not want to be  my friend

Because of the   things I say and do, the messages I send. 

 

 

I always ,thought I was a positive  person,maybe not?,maybe, not always the case?

I take things  to heart,but eventually,things I do  face,

I  explored this, did evaluate ,

And ,  this, you can  debate. 

 

 

Recently, I read a book titled    A Complaint Free World " , interesting indeed,

It plant the seed,

And  although, really did not tell  me anything  I did not already know ,

It   opened  my eyes, and it did show,

That,I too,  do complain and   criticize,  mostly,myself,

And this,isn't good for anyone's  mental  health,

Its ear   pollution,  as the  Author, Will Bowen  does refer too,

Complaining ,   criticizing and gossiping  is easy to do ,

And I am,  one,, this   is new,

I did not know this  till recently,

but,I am going  to change it,  improve  me. 

It won't be an easy task but worth it in the long  run 

 And it will  be challenging,much easier said than done,

Yet,not impossible! Life will be better and my life will change,

And that,is a very good  thing!

 

 

I don't, gossip,I never had ,

but I  have expressed  my discontent and have been  critical ,that,  I  have ,

I am going to try and go for  21 days,without a  single  complaint ,

Criticism ,  a new perspective ,I am hoping  to paint,

  A more colorful,  vibrant and beautiful  canvas  to share  ,

Here , in this  space,

I will be happier and in a more  pleasant space,

Wish I had  learned  this  years ago,

But sometimes , you have to make  mistakes, you  know?,

Or take another  fork  in the road,another turn ,

The lessons valuable! The investments earned,

And sometimes, friendships  never develop , or relationships end   ,

But, this is life my friend,

I can't have regrets  or say, what I should  have done,

I need  to face  reality, learn  and  have  fun,

Appreciate each  day,

Work smart, and don't forget to play,

Cherish the family and friends that  love  and care  for you,   will be there   and go to the end of the earthfor you,

That,I am going to try and do!

 

 

This message  is way too long but hope  you will appreciate  ,

Take good  and kind care, and hope your day is  great!