Exploring The Backroads: Public History with Jessica Hanson

"Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" (Robert Frost) Whose woods these are I think I know. His house is in the village, though; He will not see me stopping here To watch his woods fill up with snow. My little horse must think it queer To stop without a farmhouse near Between the woods and frozen lake The darkest evening of the year. He gives his harness bells a shake To ask if there is some mistake. The only other sound's the sweep Of easy wind and downy flake. The woods are lovely, dark, and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep. And miles to go before I sleep. #stopandappreciate It is definitely not a snowy, dark night, but this poem is applicable any day of the year. Feed a mule an apple/carrot; stop and take in some gorgeous water/ flowers; see the sky out of your sunroof. Watch some birds for a moment. Appreciate life, no matter...

I saw an article this week about turning your attitude (one we usually all have of negativity/ complaining) into positivity: (http://www.fastcompany.com/3042951/how-to-be-a-success-at-everything/what-its-like-to-go-without-complaining-for-a-month)  Therefore, instead of saying, "I HAD to study for my Praxis exam over 5 hours & counting today..." you should say, "I GOT to study for my Praxis exam over 5 hours & counting today..." First, I am putting myself on the path to success, not letting myself slack! I don't have a lot of time for my own studying with teaching, taking classes, PD training for my new job, etc... so I should be GRATEFUL that I can make time for this. Some people only wish they had power, running water, & food. I have internet access, lights, & the ability to study (brain power). I'll use one of my new sayings from the school I'm training with... Kiss Your Brain. Mwah... "I'm so smart!" ;) Confidence is...

People go through life constantly clinging to something for meaning or a concrete idea of what their lives should stand for. I claim to "know" nothing definitely; however, I am always amazed when texts collide, especially when I remember something I was taught, read, or encountered when I was very young. I went to a Christian, private, Baptist school 1st-4th grade, until my parents could either no more abide by their hypocrisies/ judgment, or afford it (I am not sure, as I was ~9 & didn't know about their finances) ;)  When grading this week (for my American Lit class), I was listening to music; I read an article about R.E.M.'s song "Losing My Religion;" it was very controversial at the time; however, again...I was very young when it was released (February 19, 1991--so just 3 years old); this phrase "losing my religion" also apparently is something Southerners say meaning "being at the end of one’s rope, and the moment when politen...

Fun little "game" going around social media right now about spelling out your name with bands; I did specific songs/ bands (because I usually never like EVERY song an artist represents, but some songs stick with you for life or for certain moments of it)! Had to listen to music to keep my sanity, JUST grading, answering emails, & homework all weekend. J ohn Legend's-"All of Me"  "Made to Love" "Ordinary People" "Glory" (tied with "  J ust Like A Pill"-Pink) E lton John's EVERYTHING (lol) but "Your Song""Tiny Dancer" & "Bennie & the Jets" "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" S am Smith's EVERYTHING (lol) but "I've Told You Now" "Like I Can" "Not In That Way" "Leave Your Lover" "Stay With Me" S low Dancing in a Burning Room"-John Mayer I ris"-Goo Goo Dolls C eline Dion' "It's...