I woke early
to chase
full moon
on westward
journey.
The silver moon
grew grand and golden
before sinking
and settling
behind snowdusted
mountains.
Simultaneously, clouds
started shimmering softly
as they sun began his
climb above taller peaks
to the east.
I went to the moon
this morning.
The cost:
an extra hour
of sleep.
A Can of Nuts
with an extra side of
Blessed Bacon
and a cold glass of
Water, Sweet Water.
Of course, a
Fat Bomb
or two can curb
Cravings
that might cause me to
binge.
I wander foreign paths, searching for truths I
Don’t recognize on familiar roads. I
Know wisdom is often discovered by listening to whispers of the voiceless.
What I want hides in soft songs crickets sing under crescent moon.
I’m listening, carefully listening,
Proud of the simple strikes, the sparks,
Of scholarship seized, glowing softly in calm, cloudy night.
But I cry for more. So much more.
I need to know. I need to
Know, to listen, to laugh, to learn just
Enough today,
To carry me to tomorrow. I want to
Keep listening, keep learning, keep
Trying. I need to keep learning to keep living.
If I had a million dollars to give away, who would I give it to? That’s a question I think about daily. Not that I’m obsessed with wealth, mind you. Having more money that I need would be nice, but I like to believe I would give to as many people and causes as I could even if I never made more than just enough to get by. Beyond dreaming about what I would do if I earned millions, my answer is crystal clear: I would give to education because it’s a deeply personal cause. Coming from a family of educators, I can’t think of a better way to honor my parents than by supporting the cause they dedicated their lives and careers to. So, if I ever become the billionaire blogger of my dreams, I know would also become an educational philanthropist.
As I dream, let’s explore three remarkable organizations I’d be thrilled to support.
Donating to these organizations strengthens education communities in a variety of unique ways. When I donate, I’m not just handing over a check; I’m investing in the future of countless students.
Not to brag, or boast, or stroke my ego, but I know I will donate to education if I ever had a million dollars to give away because I already use my own money to supply classrooms with additional tools to engage students. I buy snacks to help feed hungry students. I support our aftershool programs that reach so many students who need safe places to continue and expand their learning after regular school hours. I donate to local DonorsChoose fundraising campaigns to support the local schools. I can only dream of doing more when I earn and save more money.
I might not have my million-dollar earnings in hand just yet, but when it comes to supporting education, my heart and wallet are wide open. What’s a million dollars compared to the priceless impact it can have on the minds and futures of our youth?
I like to imagine.
I like to imagine a world the way I think it should be. I’m a perpetual dreamer. I look at things the way they are and then think about the way they should be. Sometimes, I write down what I imagine and hope others will discover my wisdom. I imagine a big celebration on the day my dreams are accepted by the masses.
But, now, gentle readers (Do I dare call you gentle readers? That’s been done before.) So, now fellow bloggers, I ask you to indulge me as I share my favorite hobby. Please. Join me, and let’s imagine together.
Imagine Fridays becoming days to celebrate learning. Picture it: each week ends with a lively festival of knowledge. Imagine. Imagine a world where the pursuit of wisdom is met with excitement and enthusiasm, and classrooms transform into playgrounds of endless discovery. Just imagine.
What if we all chose to free ourselves from our electronic ball and chains. What if, instead, we all embraced the historical habit of walking? And talking. Face to face. Streets would transform into bustling avenues of friendship, where each step brings us closer to healing the world’s heartbeat. Hushed conversations would replace the honks and hums of engines, and nature’s song would return to center stage. Imagine traffic jams a distant memory. Imagine the only road rage a playful race to the ice cream truck. Imagine.
What if we unanimously decided to turn off the anger that seems to be broadcast from every corner of our lives? Imagine. Kindness, understanding, and empathy would fill our drought-stricken rivers and flow freely, drowning out conflict’s discordant noises. Imagine that. Laughter is contagious, and smiles would replace scowls. Imagine a reality where debates are settled with reason and political rallies are just massive potlucks where everyone brings their favorite dish and ideas to share? I’d vote for that.
The world I imagine is a world where boundaries of reality blur, a world where hope takes root and blooms, and a world where wildest dreams can flourish into a sweet reality of tomorrow. I believe that, some day, we might be celebrating our discoveries and our dreams on a Friday, strolling towards a world where anger fades into spectacular sunsets, and sharing our neighbors sweetest ambitions. Imagine. And to think, we got through this dream sequence without a single John Lennon quote, though I’m sure he’d be proud of our imaginative endeavors!
