If you live anywhere in the Midwest, Northeast, or East, temperatures these past two weeks have been brutally cold, with no end in sight. All schools in the Pittsburgh area are already called off for Friday, January 5, because of wind chills of more than 20 degrees below zero, which is dangerously cold. The "Bombogenesis" storm hitting the East coast will not give snow to Pittsburgh - just lower temperatures in an already really deep freeze.
I love the change of seasons in Pittsburgh, and all the weather that comes with them. I have always enjoyed reading about weather ( I am a big fan of the Weather Channel, too.) I really like studying the weather and noting how the weather shapes both people and the environment. Right now, the pictures of the just-about-frozen Niagara Falls that have been circulating are both intriguing and thrilling. I have been to the Falls many times - in the summer. What unbelievable beauty! When I am looking at the Falls, I like to think about what it would have been like to be the first person who ever saw this giant gorge filled with water, and how a person could possibly describe such a sight! The stunning beauty of the pictures of the frozen Falls is almost too beautiful to grasp. (If the weather breaks a little, I think I may take a drive up for the day to see this unusual phenomenon. If you haven't seen any pictures- these ones from USA Today are great!) https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2018/01/03/niagara-falls-freezes-over-winter-weather-slams-u-s/999124001/
The extremes in temperature provide so many beautiful and unusual patterns in nature - almost like paintings - from the frozen crystals of a car windshield to the wind-whipped icy feather drawings on windows. The loud crunch of the snow underfoot and the freeze/burn of inhaling such cold air through frozen nostril hair makes every sense more aware,reminding me that even such brutal cold offers real beauty to appreciate and enjoy.
As one of my New Year's resolutions, I am choosing to be more joyful, and part of that joy is about recognizing and embracing beauty, while expressing gratitude for all that surrounds me. Even with these extreme temperatures, I am finding much beauty in the temporarily frozen tundra which Pittsburgh has become. Take a look around! Our world is beautiful - even below zero! #Keepingitpositive
As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions.
Rittman Publishing, LLC ®
Please invite Grady Gets Glasses (and me) into your school. if you are not in the Pittsburgh area, we do virtual field trips with a group called Field Trip Zoom. www.Fieldtripzoom.com GRADY GETS GLASSES was the winner of Best New Children's Book 2016 from The Authors' Zone. For more information about The Authors' Zone, please visit http://www.theauthorszone.com/submissions/
Visit Dede's webpage for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER. Many colleges have made the book required reading. Signed copies are available www.dederittman.com Dede is also a national speaker on The Three C's for Classroom success: Confidence, communication, and Creativity; Avoiding Teacher burnout; and many other inspirational topics.
I LOVE writing. And I love writing children's books- my newest passion. Although it will be a ton of work, I am looking forward to selling my books. Since I was a secondary teacher, I know that I have much to learn about elementary students, and I will have to follow my own advice and be my genuine self. However, I also know that I am passionate about helping kids who have to wear glasses, and that GRADY GETS GLASSES sends a positive message. I am willing to work hard and do all the things that also made me a successful teacher for 37 years. I remain inspired!
Elementary teachers in Western Pennsylvania and beyond - I am willing to come into your classroom in person or as a virtual field trip through a group called Field Trip Zoom. Check them out! http://www.fieldtripzoom.com/
Teacher friends- let me know if you want me to read GRADY GETS GLASSES at your school. I am willing to come in to discuss the creative writing process, why writing is important, and personal fulfillment through writing, along with reading my book. I would appreciate the exposure, and I would make signed copies available for purchase in your classrooms following the reading. Please email me at dederittman@gmail.com The website www.gradygetsglasses.com now has plush Grady bunnies for sale!
Please like Dede's new page Grady Gets Glasses for updates about her children's book. https://www.facebook.com/gradygetsglasses?ref=hl
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