Wordless Wednesday

Oh brain! Where art thou?

There are times that I seriously worry about how my brain works (or doesn't). I remember it starting when I was pregnant, but then I could just right it off to 'prego brain'. This was followed by 'mommy brain' and the understanding that lack of sleep combined with nursing and voila, my body was not my own.

 Outer surface of the human brain. Pubic domain.

So, creeping up on five years later, why do I still have moments that I just CAN NOT come up with a word or name that I really, really KNOW? Why do I find very creative spelling in my typing when I have been a very proficient typist since the days I learned on a typewriter? Why do I seem to not know where the edges of my skin are as I randomly bump into furniture and door frames?

Yes, I am able to function. I can still take care of everything that comes with being 'mommy'. I am still successfully challenging my students at differentiated level. I am able to have fulfilling conversations with adults on a variety of topics. And so on, but I miss my brain. I miss knowing that I could count on it.

I realize that there are far greater challenges in life. My ponderings do not come close to friends with health problems, aging family members, and horrific loss. I have SO MUCH to be thankful for. There are still times I wonder…

What Are You Reading?

“It’s Monday! What are you Reading?” is hosted by Sheila at Book Journey. It is a chance for book lovers to share their reading accomplishments as well as what is on the proverbial nightstand. She even does a giveaway. Subsequently Jen and Kellee at Teach Mentor Texts added an opportunity for those reading kidlit to join the fun. Since I read both I will post to both. Check them out, join the conversations, and discover more great books.

Books marked with an '*' I would put in my classroom library.
(Books marked with a ^'#' would be in an middle or high school library.)

 Doll Bones by Holly Black*

 The Year of Billy Miller by Kevin Henkes*

 Rump: The True Story of Rumpelstiltskin by Liesl Shurtliff*

 The Real Boy by Anne Ursu*

 Sorcery and Cecelia or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot
by Patricia C Wrede and Caroline Stevermer
(If I was less stubborn this is a book I would have abandoned.)

One For The Murphys by Lynda Hunt*

 Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan^#

 The Boy On The Porch by Sharon Creech*

 Blessings by Anna Quindlen^#

 Let's Explore Diabetes With Owls by David Sedaris (audio read by author)

 Loser by Jerry Spinelli

 A Lion To Guard Us by Clyde Robert Bulla

 Every Day After by Laura Golden*

 Free Four: Tobias tells the Divergent knife throwing scene By Veronica Roth^#

 If I Stay by Gayle Forman^#

 Your Four-Year-Old: Wild and Wonderful by Louise bates Ames PhD