Night Owl Rehab

It has been a week since my last entry because I am in the process of turning my sleep schedule around. I've been a night owl for the past year. The problem is that now the sun rises very early - just after 5:00 a.m. And for some reason, I'm not able to sleep past 5:30 anymore - despite wearing a sleep mask and no matter what time I go to bed at night. So, getting to bed after 11:00 at night just isn't cutting it. Day after day, I have walked around sleep-deprived and not functioning up to par, promising myself that tonight will be the night I will go to bed earlier and catch up on sleep.

Many spiritual teachers talk about getting up at 3:00 or 4:00 in the morning and doing their practices before the rest of the world has awakened. Then they go through their day attuned to the energy generated from their practices and from the deep stillness of early morning, and go to bed early in the evening. When I go on retreat and am removed from the usual distractions, I find that my natural rhythms fall into an early-to-bed, early-to-rise pattern.

My teenage son has been experiencing some sleep issues for a while now and recently has been educating himself in the science of sleep. I have watched his mood, outlook, and confidence improve dramatically in response to a good night's sleep. He realizes how critical a good night's sleep is to overall functioning and how much of it is within his control. The positive changes he's experienced lately have inspired me to curtail my night owl ways and become more of an early bird instead. My son has been my cheerleader, reminding me of our mutual goal throughout the evening - as I remind him to relax his mind and not worry about whether or not he will sleep well. His energy and enthusiasm are contagious and have inspired our whole household.

And what a payoff! I am remembering the abundance and power of the gifts dawn brings: the rose and tangerine shades of the sunrise sprawling across the sky, beads of dew lining the spearmint leaves in the garden, spider webs revealing themselves in the field.

There is a certain energy contained in the day's first rays of sunlight. Filling myself with it improves the quality of the rest of the day. It is my fuel. Prior to this week, it had been a month and a half since I'd last experienced the sunrise.

Lately, this is how my days begin:

A bird call awakens me from a dream, and the first thing I notice upon opening my eyes is a golden glow of light streaming through the windows. Our house is situated above the river, so we experience the sunrise indoors before it happens on the river. 

When I see the glow cast against the bedroom wall, I know I have a few minutes before the first rays of light beam above the tree-lined shore at river level. I grab my camera, head to the dock, and wait for it to begin. In the meantime, I listen to the birds, inhale the ocean-like scent of the river, and feel the energy in my feet as they connect with the steps or the dock. Soon, one ray at a time, the sunrise pushes through the trees, and the reflective river stage is filled with the light of two suns that shine more brightly with each passing moment. I inhale the light and, inspired by the sunrise, generate the intention to let my light shine as brightly as possible this day.

The best thing about getting up early is that I can go kayaking when weather permits. I am convinced that there is no better way to start a day! It is so quiet and still, with the exception of a work boat or two that passes by. The grackles and other birds are hopping along the shore looking for breakfast.

Two mornings ago, I paddled across the river but then saw a large, familiar shape land on a fallen tree back on our shore. That was my signal to cross back over and greet my friend, the heron - standing still as a statue - for the first time this year.

For the rest of the time I was on the river, I played a game of hide-and-seek with the heron - who eventually slipped away for good when I had my back turned to ride the wake from a work boat.

I was so happy to see the heron.

Early in the morning, a beaver often swims by the dock, and upon noticing me, dives below the water quietly, resurfacing about 15 seconds later a surprising distance upriver.

Although I should know better, every morning I expect the river will be much like it was the day before. But every morning, it is different in some way that leaves an impression. I bring a small notebook with me and jot down what I notice - sometimes sensory impressions, sometimes insights or ideas.

Early this morning
the heron has returned
to its perch on the shore.
A few lily pads have ascended
and now float on the surface of the water.
The first daisy has bloomed on the bank.
It is a good day.

I find that I have greater energy and patience, a more positive attitude, and a better sense of humor when I give myself the gift of time to start my day doing something that nourishes body, mind, and spirit. It is so much more satisfying than getting up 45 minutes before I need to leave for work and racing against the clock the whole time. And I think that everyone in my life is grateful!

---------------------------
© Susan Meyer and River Bliss, 2012-2013. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material, including all photos, without express and written permission from this blog’s author/owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Susan Meyer and River Bliss (www.riverblissed.blogspot.com) with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Like Snowfall in June

What a spectacular last few days it's been here on the river! My husband and I saw our first bald eagle of the year while kayaking a few evenings ago. We were having a conversation. He made a statement about our relationship to nature, and, as if on cue, a bald eagle flew out the trees, circled right above us, and flew back into the trees. It was quite intense. It was one of those moments when I was glad not to have a camera with me because I would have spent the whole time fiddling with it rather than being fully present to what was happening. It was a moment that demanded presence. 

Something else has been making its presence known this week: the black locust trees lining our yard and towering high above our house. We can see our yard from half a mile up the river because it's where all the black locust trees are - a whitish patch amidst an otherwise green landscape.

For some reason, I've never really noticed the black locusts before. Perhaps it's because this is a year of copious bloom. At first glance, the white-blossomed trees looked like a snow-covered forest. The sight stopped me in my tracks, begging for a closer look.

I have been enjoying some delicious moments this week standing in the back yard under the black locusts inhaling the divine, jasmine-like fragrance they send through the air and watching the white blossoms flurry silently to the ground just like snow. 

They have landed all over the yard

...and the river.

After learning that the blossoms are edible (apparently with a flavor similar to vanilla), I've even turned my face skyward and opened my mouth, hoping to catch one on my tongue.  

But that hasn't happened yet.

Yes, today I am fascinated by the black locusts. It seems I'm constantly falling in love with something new that has caught my attention in the natural world. How amazing to suddenly take notice of a tree, plant, or wildlife species that I'd never really been aware of before. It's as if the thing comes out of hiding and reveals itself, announcing itself to the pollinators or whatever other life forms it depends on for survival and/or propagation.

Can you see the busy bee? (Click to enlarge.)

 Then I take notice, become astonished, and follow its changes throughout the year

...as it steps back after a few brief moments of splendor and allows the next thing to astonish anyone who takes time to notice.

And so, the Spring parade continues!

---------------------------
© Susan Meyer and River Bliss, 2012-2013. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material, including all photos, without express and written permission from this blog’s author/owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Susan Meyer and River Bliss (www.riverblissed.blogspot.com) with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Mist on the Hudson

Mist on the river is something pretty special. So atmospheric. Normally, it happens at the beginning and end of the day. When the sun rises, the mist looks like a ballet being performed on a river stage. Dancers swirling, twirling, shifting their shape in what looks like a choreographed formation, drifting in the same direction (as if on a conveyor belt) while lifting ever so slowly and rising into the air.

In the morning, the mist lifts. In the evening it seems to descend, slowly filling the space with low clouds. Sometimes it looks like a magic carpet stretched across the river. 

Here are a couple images of a misty evening last week:

Moonrise over misted bridge (on left)

Yesterday afternoon, the river was filled with mist by 5:00, which was unusual. The bridge wasn't even visible. 

A pontoon boat going past our dock could barely be seen, either.

A little later, I learned there were severe thunderstorm and tornado watches and warnings in our region. 

I am no storm chaser, but as I drove home from a school event hearing a rumble of thunder in the distance and seeing an occasional thunderbolt, I felt a strong pull to go exploring. First, I stopped home to check the weather alerts, and upon learning that the most serious ones had expired, I jumped in the car to look for beauty.

A friend had mentioned recently that a particular graveyard on the river looks quite eerie at night when the mist rolls in. Although it wasn't dark, I wanted to experience the mist in the graveyard. 

The sun had burst through an opening in the clouds and, filtered through the mist, cast the kind of golden light that is a photographer's dream. It was such a thrill to be there at that time.

But even more beauty awaited down the road where there was a clearing that revealed a rainbow - and several geese lined up on the shore as if pausing to savor it.

When I walked back to my car, I came upon a snapping turtle lumbering across the road. 

And then, around the bend, a sky that was shockingly bright and golden for that time of night.

I drove home filled with excitement, wanting to get out on the dock as quickly as possible to experience the vibrant, dynamic sky before the day's light was extinguished for the night.

The river stage was beginning to fill with mist again for another spectral ballet.

And after I thought all was done for the evening, it became even more astonishing.

What I experienced this evening was not bliss; it was euphoria. I think I got a little too excited! And in my excitement, my lens cap dropped, rolled, and plopped into the river below our steps. (It was bound to happen sometime.) After some consideration, I decided to go ahead and retrieve it from the immersed rock on which it had come to rest. However, I might replace it anyway...

It was like a dream world on the river! And after all the colors of the sky had faded to bluish black, all that could be seen were the lights of the dredging boats and barges maneuvering through the night. 

---------------------------
© Susan Meyer and River Bliss, 2012-2013. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material, including all photos, without express and written permission from this blog’s author/owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Susan Meyer and River Bliss (www.riverblissed.blogspot.com) with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Star of the Week: Celebrating What's Special

With only three weeks left in the school year, this is a post geared toward teachers. Today I want to celebrate and share something that works really well in my classroom: my Star Student of the Week program. It has evolved over the years as the kindergarten curriculum has become much more rigorous and full, and I am very happy with the simplified version, which preserves the integrity of my original vision for Star of the Week as a character- and community-building program. It's a means for celebrating friendship and what's special about each child and carries a large writing component as well. The children really enjoy our Star of the Week activities, even when they're not the Star!

Here's how it works:

Each of my students is scheduled to be the Star Student for one week during the school year, beginning in January. If possible, I let children be the Star Student during their birthday week, but sometimes more than one child has a birthday during a given week, and in many cases birthdays fall outside of the Star of the Week portion of our school year. When I get my class list during the summer, I pencil in birthdays and each child's Star week.

In past years, I would do something different each day of the week to honor the Star Student. One day, the child would get to do a photo show-and-tell based mostly on an "All About Me" Block that I ask them to create and bring on the first day of school as our first family project of the year. Another day, the child could do a show-and-tell about something s/he created or was proud of (i.e. an award or some kind of recognition). On other days, the child would bring in or choose a book for me to read aloud to the class and choose a song for a movement/dance break. On Friday, we would create a book about what we like about the Star Student.

In my streamlined version of Star of the Week, I let go of everything except for the "All About Me" block show-and-tell and the class book. It works beautifully, and the children are so excited for their Star week. My goal for the Star of the Week program is for children to experience both what they have in common and how they are unique - and to appreciate their similarities and differences. We find something to celebrate about every child, which is especially important for children who have trouble with peer relationships and/or lack confidence. Some children have told me that being Star of the Week is their favorite kindergarten memory.

I put a Star of the Week schedule on my class website and send home a letter describing the program the first week in January. The week before each child's Star week, I send home a sheet for him/her to fill out with parents/caregivers. 

During the child's Star week, s/he gets to sit in the teacher's chair and show-and-tell about the photos on his/her "All About Me" block. As this is going on, I create a T-chart on the SMART Board as a graphic organizer for writing about the Star of the Week. I write down things the child likes, as illustrated on his/her block.

Next, we play a "guessing game" based on the information recorded on the child's "Star of the Week" sheet. The Star Student, still in the teacher's chair, calls on classmates to try to guess his/her favorite color and food. If they have trouble, I offer clues, such as a category or what letter it begins with. This is a wonderful way to learn about the child and to allow the child to speak in front of an audience. Even shy children are excited to do this!

While the guessing game is going on, I continue to add words to the T-chart. I ask the class what they notice about the Star Student: What is s/he good at? What are some kind words that describe him/her? We see if the class can come up with words that match what was written on the "Star of the Week" sheet, but in the process generate other ideas, as well. The whole time, the Star Student usually sits beaming in the spotlight. Periodically, I'll ask classmates to raise their hand if they also like something the Star Student likes so they can appreciate what they have in common (and they often get quite excited to learn that they like similar things, places, etc.). But I don't allow other children to steal the Star Student's spotlight.

I print out the T-chart because it will be used to generate sentences for our class book about the Star Student.

Every classmate will contribute a page to the book and write a sentence about what the Star Student likes or can do, or a quality s/he appreciates about the Star Student.

In the beginning, the class book activity might be an exercise in printing, with the children copying what I write and paying attention to proper formation, size, and placement of the letters. Before long, the children "sound-spell" their sentences as independently as possible. Advanced learners might be encouraged to write more than one sentence. I try to do the class book pages as a small group literacy work station over the course of two days (meeting with two of my four "guided writing" groups each day). The Star Student creates the illustration for the cover of the book, and the other children illustrate their pages after they finish writing a sentence. The children may draw a picture of their favorite thing to do with the Star Student, a time they were together, or something they'd like to do together. This is where a lot of creativity comes out.

In past years, I also contributed a page; however, I haven't done that this year due to a shortage of time.

Instead, I make sure that the positive qualities I see in the Star Student are listed on the T-chart.

When each child's book page is completed, I collect them and write the "grownup" spelling of words that might be difficult to read. I staple the book together with the cover followed by each classmate's page, and the Star of the Week sheet and T-chart at the end. I put a strip of colored masking tape or duct tape along the spine to give it a more finished look.

On Friday, we read the class book, and each child has the opportunity to explain his/her illustration and the story it tells. Sometimes I label parts of pictures so the Star Student will remember what the picture is about when sharing the book with family and friends. The Star Student is very proud of his/her special book, and in some cases children have carried the book around the whole day. They get to bring home and keep their special book as a reminder, I hope, of what is special about them, and the relationships they formed in kindergarten.

---------------------------
© Susan Meyer and River Bliss, 2012-2013. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material, including all photos, without express and written permission from this blog’s author/owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Susan Meyer and River Bliss (www.riverblissed.blogspot.com) with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Improvising and Foraging

I have been in a back-to-nature mood with food this week. We have a forest of spearmint that has popped up outside our door with the intention of laying claim to the entire garden space if we permit it. 

Last summer, the mint meandered, too - as it does - and I looked up recipes but didn't find any that sounded terribly interesting. My favorite way to utilize our abundance of mint is simply to make minted water. I bought a great thermos last year that keeps ice water icy for nearly the whole day (and keeps it cold into the next day), and I'd take a thermos of minted ice water in the kayak for a refreshing drink on hot days. For me, minted water is the taste of summer.

Until the weather became warmer recently, I was in the habit of starting the day with hot lemon water. I'd squeeze the juice of half an organic lemon into a cup or more of hot water and finish it with a drop of agave nectar or honey. It felt like a wholesome way to start the day.

I like both lemon water and minted water and came up with a new idea last night to make minted lemon water to sip throughout the day. This is always a busy time of year for teachers, but this year our workload seems to have tripled. Bringing a lovely mason jar of minted lemon water is a healthful way to pamper myself during the final, very hectic, month of the school year. It's simple: I either fill a mason jar about a quarter of the way with water the night beforehand and stick it in the freezer, or add several ice cubes in the morning. Then I put a few organic lemon slices in the jar along with a few sprigs of spearmint. Then add local spring water. Simple as that! I could just as easily put it in my super efficient thermos, but it looks so beautiful in a mason jar! I keep it in my mini refrigerator during the work day and take a refreshing sip when I feel thirsty or want to elevate my senses.

Last year, my husband discovered the culinary virtues of lamb's quarters (also called pigweed), an edible plant that grows wild. I let him enjoy his pigweed all by himself last year (I think I was turned off by the name) but decided to give it a try this year. It tastes similar to spinach but apparently is even more nutritious as long as it's harvested from good soil. 

It was tasty steamed without anything on it. (We did not eat the roots.)

Sunday was a rainy day, and I was in the mood to make spinach lasagna with some of our canned tomatoes. However, I didn't have enough spinach or any ricotta cheese on hand. So I decided to improvise, substituting a creamy vegan white sauce (from a Cauliflower and Corn au Gratin recipe I posted previously) for the ricotta and lamb's quarters for the spinach. It was delicious! My husband commented that it was probably the best lasagna I've ever made.

While my husband was harvesting pigweed last year, I turned my attention to chive blossoms. 

It must have begun with me photographing bees pollinating an abundant garden patch of chives and scallions that had bloomed with purple flowers, and then doing some online research. 

In the process, I learned the flowers are edible. I've added them to mini frittatas, cream cheese, and - most recently - hummus. 

Here is a hummus recipe I created. You can stir chive blossoms into the hummus or sprinkle them on top for a garnish - or both!

Quick and Easy Hummus (food processor required)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup bean liquid or water
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 3 tablespoons tahini (sesame seed paste)
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon cumin (optional)
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional)
• 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
• 1 chive or scallion blossom, stem removed and cut so the tiny flowers separate (optional)

Procedure:

1. Put all the ingredients in a food processor or blender, and blend until it's a creamy purée. Add more water if needed to achieve the desired consistency. Stir in chive blossoms, or sprinkle on top. Let stand for about 30 minutes to give the flavors a chance to develop. You can serve it as a dip with crackers, pita bread, vegetables, etc. or use to stuff cucumber logs (my son's favorite).
2. To make cucumber logs, peel cucumbers, and cut into 1-inch cross sections. Scoop out most of the seeds with a spoon, creating a little cup inside the cucumber log. (Be careful not to scoop all the way through because the hummus would not stay in place.) Fill to overflowing with a spoonful of hummus. Dust with paprika, and perhaps garnish each filled cucumber log with a tiny chive blossom or two. 

Speaking of chives, have you ever tried garlic chives (also called garlic greens)? They look similar to regular chives but have flatter, broader blades and a subtle garlic taste. They are available at farmers markets in my area around this time of year and make the best pesto! The twirly, tougher garlic scapes also can be used for pesto.

Garlic Greens Pesto

• 1 bunch (2 cups) garlic greens (or 1 cup garlic scapes), chopped, packed
• 1/4 cup olive oil (or more if you like it oilier)
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup walnuts, chopped

Combine ingredients in a food processor, and blend until smooth.

Day lilies are the next wild edible I'd like to try. My husband and father-in-law insist they are delicious. Nearly the entire perimeter of our yard is lined thickly with day lilies when it's their time of year. I'll let you know how that goes!

---------------------------
© Susan Meyer and River Bliss, 2012-2013. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material, including all photos, without express and written permission from this blog’s author/owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Susan Meyer and River Bliss (www.riverblissed.blogspot.com) with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

A Tree Stump Map

This morning, I was sitting on our porch looking at the river, and I noticed that it was uncharacteristically quiet on the water. Then all of a sudden it struck me: Today is Sunday! And if I'm not mistaken, that means no dredging! The sky was overcast, but the water was calm, and I jumped in the kayak. 

It felt so good to be back on the water!

After a couple minutes of paddling, I noticed several tree stumps on the opposite shore and decided that today was the day to survey the aftermath of the tree cutting. Here is what I found:

Tree stumps all along the shore.

Yes, the tree cutters have been busy. All of the trees under which we found shade and privacy are gone. It's a whole new landscape. I can't remember which tree stumps are the remains of willows, maples, or countless other trees that were so familiar along my route. I just know that they're all gone.

Patrick Cottonwood still stands tall on the shore, and I'm grateful that he's still there even though I can no longer photograph the sunlight passing through the leaves of his low-lying branches.

Patrick Cottonwood

One of our river neighbors seems to have made use of the trees taken down in front of his house. A nice supply of firewood!

Before today's outing, I never knew the exact locations of the PCB hot spots awaiting dredging. However, now the tree stumps provide a map of them. The hot spots run the entire length of my kayaking route on the opposite shore and a short stretch on our side of the river.

When I returned home (right before it started raining for the rest of the day), I looked at the map of our section of the river in a publication I received from the Environmental Protection Agency, and sure enough, the tree stump "map" matched the EPA's map perfectly.

I realize that this is not a feel-good post, but I felt it necessary to illustrate the stories of the trees along the river. The stumps left behind will tell the tale of dredging for many years to come.

My next post will be more upbeat, I promise. Thanks for hanging in there with me.

---------------------------
© Susan Meyer and River Bliss, 2012-2013. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material, including all photos, without express and written permission from this blog’s author/owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Susan Meyer and River Bliss (www.riverblissed.blogspot.com) with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.