2016 OLW

I've finally chosen my OLW for 2016, which will be my very first OLW ever! I'm giving it a go this year in place of my resolution-making, which is basically always the same and peters out by mid-March anyhow.

I have been searching for my word in earnest since only Tuesday.  The universe was sending signs my way--or maybe it was just Two Writing Teachers slice-of-life participants--but whatever the case I had the idea that it was time for me to try this idea. I went through several words--trying them on, whispering them, stating them with conviction, letting them sink into me.  I tried Breathe, and Enough, and even Magic (which came in a close 2nd.)

Yesterday I was contacted by a DNA cousin --I guess many of us have more time to work on our genealogy over the holidays--regarding my Armstrong line.  After working with him for a bit--he was able to break down a wall he has been trying to break down for 20 years!--he gave me some leads, too.  Following them, I found the most incredible story.  History is a funny thing, y'all, and family history even more so because it relates directly to YOU.

I had never really gone too far back with my Armstrong line.  My 2nd great-grandmother was an Armstrong who married a Shaw.  I remember my own grandmother talking about her grandmother in my childhood, but only about her---not anything else in that family line, so I didn't know the history; the amazing, magical, bigger-than-life history of the Armstrong Clan. Yesterday my day quickly became all about chasing down this information.

The clan motto is Invictus Maneo- I remain Unvanquished.  I love the strength in that; the absolute conviction. After learning this motto, it was clear what word was MINE for the year.  It sings to me a powerful warrior song. And any clan motto that goes with a history that involves MacBeth, Danish kings, Vikings, and has an amazing poem by the same name has got to be a good match for this theatre-loving, Scottish-obsessed family historian librarian, right? If you happen to want a quick version of this family history, you can check it out here.

I'll leave you with the poem.  In 2016, I will remember that I AM the Master of my Fate & the Captain of my Soul.

I hope you all have a fabulous New Year!

Sonja

"Invictus" image made using Canva.  "Invictus" poem first published in 1875 in Book of Verses. 

The Power of Words-my slice of life

We have had a brilliant Christmas and we aren't completely done yet.  Christmas day was spent at home relaxing and eating Tex-Mex, then we picked up and drove to Austin for Christmas celebrations with my side of the fam.  My little one LOVES time with her cousins and it is always so sweet to see them play together.  Hubby's family will head this direction in a couple of days, and then our holidays will be well and truly complete.

While at my mom's house, I started making a list of funny things that were said.  I am a collector of the weird & unique---words, objects, & some would say, people.  I find that life is so very interesting, and I particularly enjoy the little oddities that make me smile & think.

Some of my favorites from the trip:

1, We do NOT lick things and throw them.
2. My breath smells like skunks and peaches.
3. I'm done. There's only so much booger I can take.

Yes, these are funny---but are also a reminder that words have power.  I've spent time reading several posts from Two Writing Teachers Slice of Life today that speak of the writer's 2015 "one little word." I've thought about having my own OLW, and am feeling that perhaps 2016 is my year to begin the journey.  Hmmm...now to ponder and choose my word!

Have a joyous New Year, y'all!

Sonja

Currently... Slice of Life

Ah, the joys of Christmas break! YES, I love what I do, AND, YES, I love having an extended holiday break.

Currently...

Loving
My red lipstick.  It is super cheap, but fantastic.  Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Moss # 01.  It is the perfect vintage-chic red.  Lovely, costs under $5, and is long-lasting. I realized just how much I love it when mine fell out of my bag & got lost who-knows-where, and I had to immediately go purchase another so as not to be without it.


Reading
Greg Iles' Turning Angel, the 2nd book in his Penn Cage series.  This series was recommended to me by a coach at my high school.  That alone makes it read-worthy in my book, BUT...I thoroughly enjoyed the first one and am devouring this one, as well.  It is a murder-mystery set in the south with a lawyer-turned-writer MC.  I'm also readying Lair of Dreams by Libba Bray.  I brought home 5 other novels for my reading delight over the break, including I Crawl Through It by A.S.King, and Kissing in America by Margo Rabb.

Watching
Elf. The Santa Clause. Love, Actually, and gearing up for It's a Wonderful Life.  Ah, the holidays! Also, must mention my newish favorite show, The Librarians.  So, so good.  Kitshy Indiana Jones only with genius magic-chasing librarians--what's NOT to love?

Making
My home Christmas-ready.  My tree is up and the stockings are hung.  Gifts have been purchased and those that have arrived are wrapped and under the tree.  Ingredients for my famous enchiladas have been gathered (we'll do the traditional turkey dinner later with family, but Christmas Day will be a Tex-Mex fiesta in the Schulz casa!)

Thinking about
How very blessed I am. I have the very best job in the universe and a wonderful family.  I have clothes to wear, food to eat, and books to read.  Life is so good, ya'll.

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to you all! May your days be Merry & Bright!

Sonja

Happy Read-a-Lot-a-Days! #SOL

It has been a wonderful first week of December in the library!

My students are really enjoying our #12DaysofLibraryChristmas celebration. If you missed that post you can read it here. Truth be told, I have had a BLAST doing it, too!

Day  1: We decorated our mini-stockings with glitter glue.

Day 2: Wintergreen candy canes & Day 3: Pop Rocks!

Day 4: Christmas buttons.

Day 5: Mini-cupcakes.

Day 6: "LIKE A BOSS" pencils.  I give these out tomorrow and I'm sooooo excited.

I'll follow up with the last of the pics next week!

In other news, the library has been decorated.  Finally.
There was no way to up my game from last year's viral snowman, so I decided to take a step back and go easy-peasy this year.  The kids decorated and had a ball doing it without any stress.

Lastly, I love, love, love the new Facebook header I created using Canva.  You can check it out on our Facebook page.

Have a wonderful week, y'all!