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Is not a lot to offer, and yet it is. I have centered most of my focus on the Constitution Center program (https://constitutioncenter.org/the-constitution/constitution-101-course) and a little on the early classes from Coursera. What I have found is that the Constitution center program is short enough that most would appreciate, and in depth enough for the more serious student to have a good foundation.

This foundation has led me to sit and stew on the information for a little over a week while I processed it, as most has lined up with my memory from government classes that I took in high school, and studies I have gained/refreshed as I helped my students learn. I also obtained a pamphlet from my go-to for many of these topics – Hillsdale College (https://info.hillsdale.edu/free-pocket-constitution). Everything is syncing and offering a solid foundation for anyone who needs it.

My greatest concern is that I am not thinking of all the areas I need to, and will end up with information, but not what others may need. That has a good bit to do with my choice to marinate in my refreshers rather than carrying on. Suggestions are welcome.

On a different note, I am about to watch “Good Night and Good Luck.” This will offer a comparison to the administration during the era of McCarthyism. Another area that I am not fluid, but also somewhat knowledgeable about. I am hoping to find tools in that timeline that may help us now. If there are books or documentaries recommended by anyone for my research, please pass them on.

In the meantime, take care one and all… and good luck.

Good morning, goodnight wherever you are.

Kath

I’ve debated taking some law courses for a while, but it was to help better help my neighbors. Neighbors who have a legitimate claim to issues that started over 200 years ago. Now though… now, I feel like Constitutional Law is a priority. Not for them alone. Not for the immigrants who have been targeted, but rather for us all.

Just because we write, speak, or stand with people who disagree with this administration – in other words – utilizing our Constitutional Rights through peaceful freedom of speech, and assembly – we may also be targeted. We are trouble. We are not accepting and conforming to what others see as the proper way to behave.

If you agree with my thoughts in any way, and are interested in protecting yourself as well, I am posting links to free courses I have found that will help us to better fill the legal gap.

I wish you all the hope and understanding you may need as the months progress in our crazy little world.

To Democracy!

Good morning, goodnight wherever you are.

Kath

Constitution Center Course: https://constitutioncenter.org/the-constitution/constitution-101-course

Coursera collection: https://www.coursera.org/courses?query=constitution

Classes I have chosen to start with: https://constitutioncenter.org/the-constitution/constitution-101-course

https://www.coursera.org/learn/chemerinsky-individual-rights/home/module/1

https://www.coursera.org/learn/unwritten-constitution/lecture/4SEXT/welcome

https://www.coursera.org/learn/us-immigration-law/lecture/LqVyv/introduction-welcome-to-the-course

Hello again world. I am still here, though there have been some major changes…

which is also why it took so long for me to get back into the groove.

Mom passed, though that was no surprise. I retired at the last possible second in 2023, worked 23-4 parttime because there was no one else to keep the school’s paperwork up to date, and now I finally have reached retired, and feeling it. Now I only work when called to sub.

Why retire early?

Aside from the paperwork adding stress to the day that is unnecessary… and those random but lasting little things that have changed my momentum… like breaking by ankle because the snow gave way…. how dumb…psh.

Did you happen to see posts that circulated early 2023 regarding how many hours of our life we work, versus spend time with our family, or our goals?

I saw the post, almost – if not – daily, and I had debated tapering back my hours so I could write more. Once I really realized how much my ankle – and all those other stupid little things – had slowed me down, I jumped ship. I could be more set, but not more content. It has taken another 18 months to find my way, but I am getting sorted. I finally feel like I can focus on editing and writing. My time is spent – all too often – staring at my phone or tv – but it is my time. It is creative time as I listen to stories in book or visual form, and I am expanding my idea for my tales.

I am still on the fence as to whether I continue the focus on angels among us, or if I begin another path. If you have thoughts … the 5 or 6 of you that stop by – share them. I am all ears.

Hope you all are well this fine January night.

Good morning, Goodnight wherever you are!

Kathleen

Whew! I can’t believe the year is done and little things are all that is left to tie up and then I am footloose and fancy free! It may take a couple more weeks as I need to find photos for yearbook, but the rest, all sped materials in particular, are tied up and squared away. Such a feeling.

Now to take care of family needs for a couple of weeks, then meet with the elementary team to set up new plans for next fall, then it is mine until early August… more writing… maybe even, a more consistent presence here. If nothing else, you see how I operate with my writing. Only in NaNoWriMo months am I reliable at all.

Well. In the spirit of reclaiming myself, I shall let you go. Hope you have found a moment of peace and quiet, an opportunity to create, and most importantly, a chance to breathe.

Take care one and all!

Good morning, Goodnight wherever you are!

Kathleen

They did!

So I had a moment… at 1:30 in the morning no less! What the heck… Anyway. A routine I have is to take my car for a short drive after it has warmed up so the oil warms more in an effort to help it run easier the next day in these sub-zero temps.

Well… that worked until Friday night… okay… Saturday morning for most folks.

I… in my infinite wisdom… chose to hang a left into a snowy stretch that was just a poorly plowed piece of road, but one that I had driven through a couple of days before. Yep. High centered my jeep… little one unfortunately. I need larger wheels, a higher profile… and smarter choices. I just happened to think that a street should be cleared and I shouldn’t have much trouble with the middle of the road, but I was wrong.

A round of digging and no success and I gave in and called a coworker friend. First thing she did was offer to come out and see what she could do to help. Yep. That meant two more had to leave their cozy homes and all in all I got my adventurous butt saved. Whoo hoo!

Now… the purpose of sharing my….moment. How do you show appreciation when appreciation was expressed and is all they care about? I want to do more, but I know they would rather something simple…

Thoughts?

Stay safe and warm and don’t be afraid to make that call for help when you need it. It is great when you realize just how valued you are, and the help you will get when you need it.

Good morning, goodnight wherever you are!

Kath

Now that you know my greatest dilemma for the moment, you may have an idea why the computer and I are not in close contact quite so much. But I digress…

Happy New Year one and all! Pass it on. Have them pass it on again! Here’s to a new year of creativity that does not require us all to be worried about our next move, whether it is heading out into excessively cold weather, or to the grocery store.

Here’s to a year that brings us with decisions that guide us on a path toward growth and a new plan for ourselves that will make a positive difference in another’s life while benefiting ourselves.

Here’s to me not repeating myself yet one more time as I lay claim to a future that hopefully marks only the beginning of many more great years to come. Its the perfect time to move forward and focus on staying creative and focused on tomorrow!

Are you with me world?!

Let’s do this!

Whoooo!

Good morning, goodnight wherever you are!

Kath

50000 words plus. I managed to get my NaNoWriMo goal in time. 2 days early, unfortunately a lot of it was retyped, reviewed, edited.. .that’s where the good stuff came in. Edits that will make the next round of reviews better. Not to mention, the story might actually work for the first time now that I am reverting back to an original idea. the first twelve chapters flow as planned, but it was the ending I messed up by trying to expand it with too many, and boy do I mean too many, new ideas.

Here’s to a more successful final draft. Hope you had a great November and are looking forward to a peaceful December.

I am now aiming to play with later chapters and some artwork ideas. Nothing fancy in the art, but a good bit of Pinterest stalking will help. That is far too much fun for my own good.

Find you bliss and go for it!

Good morning, Goodnight wherever you are!

Kath

I have nothing major to say, except I am both almost at my 25,000 (24,424) word goal, and simultaneously, only halfway to my goal. Meaning my original plan was not recorded so now I’m bound to the full 50,000 NaNoWriMo plan. Unfortunately, in order to meet both goals of editing and expanding, I am retyping with edits rather than adding more to the story. If I add much more instead of cut back, I might go insane shaping it up so… all is well essentially. Especially if the NaNo world will forgive my methods.

But that is not why I wanted to give a shout out today. Today I wanted to share a little driving experience today. A driving experience with a dog. … Yep. She was checking out the scenery off my left, standing on the console… and sneezed all over the side of my face! EW! What a soggy doggy experience. That has been her habit for the last few weeks and I know it is because the air in the car is setting off her sinuses, but dang!

I know. Totally off the creative, or guardian angel themes (unless you count the writing, and the sanity that goes with a nonjudgmental furry buddy as a constant angel), but you gotta agree it is at least a little bit entertaining.

What are your most memorable pet traveling experiences? Mine are pretty plentiful, but I’d rather hear more that you have to share.

Hope you all are well and keeping creative!

If I don’t catch up in time, Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate it!

Good morning, Goodnight wherever you are!

Kath

Survived 1st quarter, parent teacher conferences, grading, and teachers’ trainings. Now we are a little over halfway toward Christmas and all I can think is… time to write! I have my yearbook class preparing to join in NaNoWriMo to get a taste of writing on a committed schedule for one months time. This will either be a blast, or a holy nightmare. Either way I am looking forward to it. At least I will have evenings to make sure my tale gets some work… and hopefully another 25000.

Aside from watching for more photography opportunities – watch for the auroras by the way – I have little else on my mind. Hope you all are doing well, and I will find us a new angel to discuss soon. Thank you for being mine. 😀

Good morning, goodnight wherever you are!

Kathleen

A computer … not exactly crashing, but definitely less than working, has delayed contact so “Hello again!” I’m alive, well, slightly losing my mind over little things like usual, but back in the game!

In the last few weeks I have continued to plug along hiding in my little cave imagining new ideas for my characters, taking photos of leaves and the lights, but mostly just going day by day with school. Unfortunately, we lost one of our kids and buried him on the 6th. What a sucky way to plug along, but I heartily hope that this encourages the kids to ask for help more and more. In this case, it was an accident, but he was one of those all around sweet kids with a strong personality, but his family and friends were everything to him. I can only pray that each of those he leaves behind, talk when they need to and find a way through the heartache.

My side of the event has been mostly trying to stay focused on helping the kids and keeping a sketchpad nearby. That has helped tremendously. A little art, and a warrantied car that lets my kindle read through the speakers for night photography jaunts, and a few lucky shots have really made this ‘easier.’

I admit that I am completely off task with the next door guardian angel theme, but that will work back into play soon enough. In the meantime, I am going to get on the ball with my art for tonight. I need a little play time. Hope you all are well and staying creative!

In the meantime, stay strong!

Good morning, goodnight wherever you are!

Kath