Category Archives: Community

One Lovely Blog Award

Posted on September 25, 2012 by ivonprefontaine

I write about reciprocity in community which I find is just as real, albeit different in the digital world, when I get a chance. I appreciate those who follow, comment, and share their lives in small ways each day. Please take a few minutes and visit the links below.

I am behind acknowledging nominations for One Lovely blog Awards I recently received. I apologize for the way I am doing this, but since returning to school and with other things on my plate time is at a premium.

I would ask those who follow my blog to take a few minutes and check out these wonderful sites. They are great examples of well-done and eclectic blogs. I begin by thanking those who nominated me: Cimplicity Rocks, Mishmash, Nizy’s Life Compendium, and Poetry Blog of Mine.

The rules for the award are straightforward and I believe help us create a virtual community.

1. Give credit to the awesome person who nominated you.

I take this time to thank these lovely bloggers, Cimplicity Rocks, Mishmash, Nizy’s Life Compendium, and Poetry Blog of Mine, for honouring me with the nominations. It is deeply appreciated and I am grateful for the wonderful examples of the ways social media are used for in today’s world and make it better; one post at a time.

2. Describe 7 things about yourself.

I was born and raised in Western Canada and am a life-long Albertan and British Columbian.
My family traces its Canadian genealogy for over 20 generations.
The first descendant we traced in my Dad’s family was a master barrel maker and member of the local militia in what is now Quebec City.
I coached ice hockey for almost 35 years.
Kathy and I met in a bar in Prince George BC.
I might be related to Steve Prefontaine who was an American distance runner at the 1972 Olympics. We still do not know what connections there might be.
I played goal in hockey which many people say explains my eccentric nature.

3. Nominate 15 other bloggers.

Katz Ideas (I nominated Kate before, but she only had a few followers. Take a moment and visit her site. It is a wonderful place of poetry and words.)

What I see, what I feel, what I’d like to see… (I know long title, but worth a visit with Todd)

Simple. Interesting (Cristi shares great images and his love of Bon Jovi music)

Deep and Wonderful Thoughts (Lisa shares a wonderful, deeply spiritual view of the world)

New Providence Daily Photo (Josy shares images around her local community in New Jersey

PositiveBoomer (Renée shares quotes, poems, and health advice)

Pieces (Neeraj is a wonderful poet with an occasional and quirky sense of humour

GC Himani (GC contributes to the world by paying forward to our children with inspirational quotes)

The World Through Rum Eyes (The author seeks beauty and shares it through his pictures)

Grandmother Musings (This grandmother shares her little slices of wisdom gleaned in her life)

Tiny Lessons Blog (A multi-faceted person who shares their multi-faceted experiences)

C’est La Vie Annie (Annie shares a life with worth living through words and images)

The Future is Papier Mache (Richard is a photographer and artist who shares life he comes across)

Ooggetuige (Willem shares his photos which is his creative gift)

Watchoot (A site with wonderful pictures and some descriptive text)

Merlin Spielen (Stephen is a playful wizard hence the name of his blog)

Violet Gallery (A gifted artist who shares the gift with us)

The World According to Dina (Dina is a wonderful photographer who shares the northern hemisphere with me)

Rendezvous with Renée (Renée writes in a variety of forms and would love to hear from more of you)

4. Include the blog award image in your post.

There are two of them, so take a pick.

26 Comments

Posted in Awards, Blogging, Community and tagged awards, blogging, community, conversational journey, creativity. Bookmark the permalink.

The Bridge

Posted on September 18, 2012 by ivonprefontaine

Kathy and I enjoyed our break at the retreat this weekend. I feel a little under the weather, but during the retreat itself that simply found a backseat in the peaceful environment we were in all weekend.

When I attend spiritual retreats, I find part way through I question myself. We often talk about compassion in these settings, but I struggle at times to be kind to those who I feel have offended me in the past. I am sure it is human nature. This weekend, I recognized there is worth in the small offenses, I find the good as I turn a little on the circle and shift my senses. I can see the world slightly differently. It is the bridge I need to walk across the abyss that appears, but it is only visible one step at a time. I trust my judgement and that of those who help me take those steps.

I know some might look at this picture and say,”That isn’t much of a drop or bridge.” I am so afraid of heights even this was a challenge the day I crossed.

I stand on the edge

The abyss yawns

Take the first step

The bridge is safe.

Built on compassion

Crafted from wisdom

Supported by community

It will carry my weight.

If only I trust my self

Take the first step

Trust my instincts

And those who travel with me.

18 Comments

Posted in Community, Mindful Life, Photography, Poetry, Reflective Moments, Uncategorized and tagged community, creativity, Mindful Practice, nature, photography, poetry, spirituality, teacher as transformer. Bookmark the permalink.

Open Heart; Open Mind

Posted on September 12, 2012 by ivonprefontaine

I walked out of the house and looked up at a clear sky. The Moon stood out in the sky and just below was a morning star. It is not a great picture, but it reminded me I live in a metropolitan area of over 1 million. I find my self rewarded when I take the time and see nature in that place. They are there; I only have to look for them.

See what I want

Hear what I choose

Instead, open my whole self.

Behold nature’s gifts

Hold close to the heart

Hidden only when I choose.

Nature waits for me

Quietly reveals its self

Open my whole self.

6 Comments

Posted in Community, Haiku, Mindful Life, Nature in All Its Glory, Photography, Poetry, Reflective Moments and tagged creativity, Mindful Practice, nature, photography, poetry, teacher as transformer, Wendell Berry. Bookmark the permalink.

9/11

Posted on September 11, 2012 by ivonprefontaine

A friend asked this morning, “Where were you?”

I was in my car driving to school when the news broke. It seemed surreal like H. G. Wells’ War of the Worlds must have. When I got to school, I found a TV, and we watched it in my classroom. Other teachers did not take the same approach which surprised me. In today’s world, the interconnectedness is so real.

It is easy to say this could not happen in Canada, but on September 10, 2001 who would have thought it would happen the following day? Who could predict the consequences of the act of a handful of men that day and their impact on our lives?

That infamous day

I recalled today

A surreal moment

A nightmare.

Senseless tragedy

Grief shared

Touches one;

Touches all.

Time to heal

Hold memories close

Loved ones gone

Not forgotten.

3 Comments

Posted in Community, Mindful Life, Poetry and tagged community, Mindful Practice, poetry, teacher as transformer. Bookmark the permalink.

A Time of Rest

Posted on September 8, 2012 by ivonprefontaine

Kathy took this picture last weekend. They finished a day cleaning the farmhouse and it is livable. The sun, after a dreary day, appeared and the sky was awash with golden rays. I feel this way in the classroom. I love what I do. I am whole and find voice. I am a learner, a teacher, and the two are inseparable, but I remind my self to be mindful and give thanks.

Fleetingly framed

Trees against golden skyline

Nature paints day’s end.

Glorious moment

Sky awash with golden light

I am fulfilled.

8 Comments

Posted in Community, Education, Haiku, Mindful Life, Nature in All Its Glory, Photography, Poetry, Sabbath and tagged community, creativity, education, nature, sabbath, school, spirituality, teacher as transformer. Bookmark the permalink.

Conversation Circles

Posted on September 7, 2012 by ivonprefontaine

In our classroom, we use a conversation circle. I use it as a time to clarify things from my perspective and allow students to speak about what they would like to do. At other times, we talk about upcoming events. Today in the conversation circle, each student introduced themselves to the group, which seems like a small thing, but sometimes goes unattended in classrooms. I also asked the students about what they want for complementary courses. This is an outgrowth of the conversation circles we held last year. Students want a voice in their learning.

We use a ‘talking stick.’ The person with the ‘talking stick’ is the speaker and others listen. In an era of digital technologies, the stick reinforces a protocol of face-to-face conversation which we increasingly need in our world. The ‘talking stick’ was a gift from a parent last year. She is a member of a First Nation so it has some traditional meaning attached to its design.

The wood is driftwood which came from a local lake and reflects nature’s contributions to the circle. Someone carved a bear head into the top of the stick. In some traditions, the bear symbolizes courage, freedom, and power. The feather is from a hawk. Hawks are visionary and guide the person. The coloured ribbons represent the four directions in the circle. The parent attached a medicine bag. The medicine bag heals, guides and protects, and has materials or objects of value to its carrier.

25 Comments

Posted in Community, Education, Photography, Reflective Moments, Uncategorized and tagged community, conversation circle, conversational journey, education, learning, medicine bag, photography, school, teacher as transformer. Bookmark the permalink.

The Booker Award

Posted on September 5, 2012 by ivonprefontaine

I compare the world of blogging to living in a small community. We meet each and acknowledge each other. We get to know some people better than others, but recognize something unique in each other.

Mimi from Waiting for the Karma Truck recently honoured me with The Booker Award and I am grateful she recognized me.

I look forward to Mimi’s each day. She shares various gifts and lessons from life, work, and, family. She provides wisdom drawn from those sources through her blog, public presentations, and writing.

The fun and challenging aspect of this particular award is to list my five favorite books. Similar to Mimi I can’t do that, but I offer five books which I found compelling at some point. I enjoy reading and this list is sorely incomplete. I read very few fictional books, but that is a product of the doctoral journey I undertook.

The Alchemist – Paolo Coehlo (actually any book by this Brazilian author is a worthy read).

To Kill A Mockingbird – Harper Lee (I cheated and left this on from Mimi’s list, but it was and remains an outstanding social justice reminder).

The Executioners – John D. MacDonald (I read almost anything by this author. This book became Cape Fear, but he is famous for a pulp fiction character Travis McGee).

The Courage to Teach – Parker J. Palmer (I first read Parker Palmer’s Let Your Life Speak before returning to university for my education degree and read this author extensively.

Why I Wake Early – Mary Oliver (I could have included a number of this poet’s books or books by Wendell Berry, Billy Collins, Robert Frost, etc. I love poetry).

I nominate others who I hope can add into our libraries and expand our literary worlds. I tried to expand and move beyond those who received earlier awards from me. I think their blogs are diverse and we will receive a range of new ideas for our ‘cosmic library.’

I tap into the libraries of:

Elizabeth’s Ramblings

Practical Practice Management

Sylver Blaque

Elke Teaches

19 Comments

Posted in Awards, Blogging, Community, Reflective Moments, Uncategorized and tagged awards, blogging, conversational journey, creativity, literature, Mindful Practice, teacher as transformer. Bookmark the permalink.

Illuminating Blog Award

Posted on August 28, 2012 by ivonprefontaine

I received an award while we were on the road and took time to consider this one, as there were few rules, but it arrived at an opportune time. The blog recently surpassed 350 followers and has 1400+ likes which is remarkable as most growth occurred over the past 2 months while I rehabbed a weary body and spirit. I rediscovered some creativity and things that feed the spirit through the process. That is attributable to those who follow the blog, like it, and comment on it.

I received the award from Carolyn at ABC of Spirit Talk.

Carolyn has a diverse and award-winning blog with poetry, photographs, her love of nature, and reflects on many aspects of life. I enjoy her posts and look forward to the her surprises each day.

Carolyn indicated there was only one rule and that was to thank the person who nominated me.

THANK YOU Carolyn

She did pass the award on to me so I am passing it to two people. Melody at Meanwhile, Melody Muses is a daily respite for me. I look forward to her poetry and fantastic photography. The subtitle of her blog is:

“God’s not finished with me yet. Until then, I muse.”

and

The second blog is Mike at Mike’s Look at Life. Mike photographs the ordinary things I often pass daily and reveals their extraordinary nature for me. He shares a wicked sense of humour and his creativity through prose and poetry. The subtitle of his blog is:

“communicating issues around life including horrific loss and overwhelming joy, and many things in between.”

9 Comments

Posted in Awards, Blogging, Community and tagged awards, blogging, community, conversational journey, creativity, photography, poetry, prose and poetry, writing. Bookmark the permalink.

One Lovely Blog Award

Posted on August 16, 2012 by ivonprefontaine

David nominated me for the One Lovely Blog Award.

Thank you to David at Lead. Learn. Live for acknowledging my blog. I enjoy his sense of humour and advice he shares.

This morning, when I got in the car The Sound of Sunshine was playing (Michael Franti is a wonderful singer/songwriter) and I felt energized. Just like a good song, I receive a gift each day from blogs I follow.

Here are seven facts about me.

(1) I’m a terrible swimmer (I stole this from David. Swimming is an alternative to drowning for me).

(2) My favourite breakfast as a hockey player was warm beer and cold pizza.

(3) I am a goalie in hockey which explains some of my quirky behaviour.

(4) I watch Simpson reruns and learn something new each time.

(5) Teaching is my second career.

(6) I was a banker in my first career.

(7) Kathy and I met in Prince George BC, but were born in Alberta. We moved to find each other.

I mentioned I struggle with this rule on an earlier post. I follow amazing blogs and feel I am leaving someone out. I nominate the following for One Lovely Blog Award.

Gary at Gary Runn (spirituality and leadership)
Matilda at Arts of Matilda (crazy artist)
Monikah at The Life of Photos (photographer who lives life fully)
Sean at Sometimes Nothing (a writer rekindling passion for writing)
Justin at Walk and Talk (young student sharing a world of pictures)
Susan at Writing Glimmers (writer, student, parent)
Kolby at Kolby Skidmore/Photography (innovative young photographer)
William at Stadler Style (writer sharing ideas)
Ms. Hyland at Ordinary Days (teacher, student sharing her journey)
Merlin atMerlin Spielen (poetry and photography)

To accept the award, the rules are:

Link back to the person who nominated you
Post the award image to your page. (Here’s the Link)
Tell seven facts about yourself
Nominate 10 other blogs
Let them know they are nominated

17 Comments

Posted in Awards, Blogging, Community and tagged awards, blogging, community, conversational journey, teacher as transformer. Bookmark the permalink.

Metamorphosis

Posted on August 9, 2012 by ivonprefontaine

I struggled today. Starbucks’ Internet was intermittent and my day was cleaved in half with an appointment. I reflected on what my blogging and there has been a substantial change in the tone and voice of the blogger. When I began, I was doing it for all the wrong reasons and was driven from ego. Transformation is about my self and not about what goes on outside me.

I influence the world and as Gandhi wisely said, “Be the change you want to see in the world” is important.