Tuesday, November 18, 2014

A Surprise in the Early Dark

This is the weekly Slice of Life at the Two Writing Teachers blog.  Tweet at #SOL14  

               Thanks Stacey, Tara, Dana, Beth, Anna and Betsy!  

Wishing everyone a marvelous time at NCTE!

                 One slice of my life each Monday evening or Tuesday morning is the time where I take the trash out. Every other week I also roll out the re-cycle cart. I realize this isn't the most exciting thing that anyone does, but I am grateful that I do have a reliable trash service. Some days, like last week's crazy cold, I think of the trash people and what a long, tough day working outside will be.  I've been rising earlier because of my new classroom job, so I took the trash barrel out this morning instead of doing it last night. Thus, I'm sharing that because of that change in my habits, I was greeted by more shivery air, but a gorgeous sky, and a clear sight of Orion's Belt. You may see this constellation more often, but I don't often go out into the dark early in the morning. Here's that word "mundane" I wrote about a few weeks ago. Trash: mundane, a weekly chore, challenging mostly in cold and snow. The gift: a sight to savor.
Click to enlarge.
photo credit: Cayusa via photopin cc

30 comments:

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    1. Yes, the sky was so clear, stars so bright! Thanks, Elsie.

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  2. One of my FAVORITE pastimes since I was a small child - looking at the clear night sky! It does always seem like a gift!

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    1. I did too, Donna, especially with one of my grandfathers! Guess I'd better go out more often!

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  3. Beautiful picture. What a shining example of finding the gifts in the mundane, Linda. Great Slice.

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  4. Unexpected for sure - trash and stars. I recently heard a story that in one university the teacher asks the students ten times to go out, observe the stars and record their thoughts. I wonder whether seeing stars as an assignment would take away the amazing feeling you get when the night sky catches you by surprise.

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    1. Good to think about, Terje, but I did moon watching several times with students, & I do think watching night after night was magical for all of us.

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  5. A beautiful slice hidden in a mundane task! Thanks for sharing the lovely picture. I have a hard time capturing the night sky, but you did it beautifully.

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    1. Hurrah, happy to give you a little part of your word, Ramona. Thank you.

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  6. Linda! This is a beautiful picture! Thank you for sharing it with us. I do love it when there is beauty in the mundane, and you can see it!

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  7. What a beautiful sight to greet you at the start of the day. Just proves that there is always something wonderful to see if we just take the time to look for it.

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    1. Yes, agreed. We need to take that time always. Thanks!

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  8. So glad you looked upward to see this beautiful view of the sky. Sometimes we need to change those old habits just to find a gift waiting for us. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. You're welcome, Judy. It was a wonder to see!

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  9. Wow, what a sight. Just like you to see the brilliance surfacing while handling something mundane. (great word)

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    1. Maybe 'mundane' will be the WOM (word of the month!). It was a pretty sight. Thanks Julieanne.

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  10. Trash and stars...such a wonderful way to begin your day...or at least YOU take the time and notice that BOTH are parts of life and living.

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    1. Ha! You're so right, Anita. Both important parts of our lives, too. We are fortunate.

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  11. What a great little slice that shows us who you are, an observer. You are always looking for that silver crayon (that's an allusion to Betsy's post today.)

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    1. I'm still reading the posts, Margaret, will look for Betsy's! Thanks much.

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  12. Love it Linda! You have found a way to celebrate bringing out the trash! Beautiful picture and beautiful message!

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    1. Thanks, Melanie. Here was my slice, just waiting!

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  13. My husband loves looking at the stars, I have such a hard time seeing the patterns. But you are right about this crazy cold! We hit record lows today. I don't want to think what is coming in January and February!

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    1. I know about that cold. We're talking about it, too. I don't see all the patterns, but this is an easy one to spot-bright & sometimes colorful. Have a fun week, Michele!

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  14. I felt like I was right with you noticing, Linda. Mundane task to wonderful. xo

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