Caviness Town

I bet many of you didn't know a town really existed, but there is a community that the folks of Northern Moore County refer to as "Caviness Town." This two mile loop consists of families who have resided in this area for generations. Even though I am a Caviness, I grew up down the road from this area, and not all Caviness' live in this loop. However, since numerous ancestors of the Caviness family established their roots here, this was the primary reason a community was named for them.

This past weekend, I returned "home" to reminisce of the good ol'days in Highfalls, which was complete with the typical southern meal of chicken dumplings, pinto beans, cole slaw, and can't forget the persimmon pudding...

A dear friend once told me that returning back home after several years can allow us to have a tourist's perspective that we had never considered before our departure. I never understood the true meaning of this statement until today when I found myself taking pictures of the places I love the most in this rural area. It made me appreciate being surrounded by the family I admire and becoming more proud of where I grew up. Winding through the familiar curves on the country road with the bluegrass music blaring in the background, childhood memories instantly flooded my mind.

North Moore High School provided more than a high school diploma, the teachers and friends instilled confidence and life lessons that I will carry with me forever.

Highfalls Elementary represented the uniqueness of a K-8 education and the joy of spending nine years with the same classmates. Yes, we knew one another very well! The teachers here established the foundation needed for my academic success and made me want to reach for the stars.

Deep River is what connects us all in this close-knit community. Today, I had the chance to take a walk with one of my best friends and instead of us skimming rocks on the water, her three year old son had that privilege. We stood at the same place where I caught my first catfish and now twenty years later, Isaac was enjoying the thrills of the river.

Mamaw's house was built in the 1900's and this is where my family began. I was blessed to pass it each time I drove home on Grover Road. What I wouldn't do to renovate this old home!

"No place like home"....

Cool Fall Nights

Image taken from thsst.edu

This is my favorite season of the year, reminds me of the mountains with the cool, crisp air and the calm colors of autumn. Even though this is my favorite time of the year, it has become the most stressful due to the many demands of professional responsibilities and personal obligations. I have missed seeing the pumpkins and mums on the front porch steps along with my annual fall decorations that remain in the basement because I haven't had time to even take down the spring/summer. After discussion with colleagues at school, we continue to encourage one another to prioritize in order to get everything accomplished, which reminds me "What is really important right now?"

Celebrating my parents' birthdays, who both share another year older in the same month.

Watching my niece's eyes light up after watching her favorite Nick Jr. television come to life on stage.

Talking and reconnecting with old friends.

Being inspired by educators who are working diligently each day to make a difference in a child's life.


Jack-O-Lanterns.

Bubble bath.

Football.

Exercise, including clogging.

State fair, really wish I had a chance to go this year.

Candy corn.

Writing.

Sleep, how I have missed it.

The Decision

Where will LeBron James decide to play basketball? Cleveland, Chicago, New York, Miami, or who knows? This was the question asked around the nation for an entire week. This became the only topic that repeated continuously on every news headline. I would jokingly think, "Am I really going to lose sleep where this NBA star decides to play basketball?"

Image taken from: http://hondajvx.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/lebron-james.jpg

However, due to our sports crazed society, millions of Americans turned their televisions to ESPN at 9:00 to see and hear this athlete's decision and of course it was broad casted LIVE. I admit for being one of those viewers (my husband's fault who would watch Sports Center all day) during that hour special. After remaining patient through several highlights, numerous commercials, and the sportscasters' predictions, Mr. James' decision was made. This amazing athlete will be enjoying South Beach playing for the Miami Heat.

Of course this was no surprise since two other phenomenal athletes were added to the Heat the same week, and this trio will supposedly dominate every team in the NBA league. (ESPN video)
Since I do not watch professional basketball, this really was not a major concern for me. However, the interview and response from the nation regarding this decision is what prompted me to write this blog. This decision can be related to our own lives as we make choices throughout life and dealing with how others respond.

How do you make decisions? What factors are considered? Why do you choose a certain pathway that leads you in another direction? Every decision is different...

During LeBron's intensive interview, I became nervous and anxious for him. It was obvious this was a difficult decision for LeBron and he had to announce it on national television (which was also his decision). He had played for Cleveland seven years and was their "native son." Cleveland was his home and he continued to say that over and over again throughout the interview. He apologized to his former teammates for leaving, but reiterated that he had to do what was best for his career. Was this a bad thing? Obviously, it only took hours for LeBron's former owner for the Cleveland Cavaliers to make a defensive statement regarding LeBron's "bad decision."

Within one minute of an "official announcement", Cleveland had quickly forgotten the last seven years that this athlete had devoted his time, energy, and heart to their team. None of that mattered anymore---he was now considered a selfish traitor for doing what was best for his career.

It is the worst feeling in the world to be forgotten after you have poured your entire heart and soul into something. It hurts after spending years in a community trying to positively influence the lives of others that those people will turn their heads away to avoid speaking just because you chose to be in a different place. It no longer matters to them since you decided to do what is best for your life. How could they forget?

My daddy always provides the best advice and a tidbit of information that remains with me each day is to never forget what people do for you (especially the good). This doesn't mean live in the past, but it does remind me to be forever grateful for the individuals who have influenced me to become who I am today. There will always be a hello and a thank you for a possible old friend from elementary school, former high school teacher, or past colleague...I will never forget your kindness and sincerity, no matter where you are.

LeBron James-I commend you for deciding what was best for you and America will eventually understand there is a time to be selfish---and just a reminder: Ignore the people who forgot you.

Gosh, I haven't written in awhile---it has been months. Why? Maybe I have been at a loss for words? Busy? Maybe because I know twenty-four students are not checking on me regularly? Today deserved a blog entry since it was the last day of another school year, my sixth year in education.

180 days of school---each day is counted by the kindergarten teachers during calendar/carpet time. Each day is slashed on our busy planners to make it through another year. Some colleagues start the first day back to school by chanting, "Only 179 more days." The last day is more than just a day, it is the beginning and ending of life's chapters.

We have all experienced walking down the barren halls in our elementary schools that last day knowing we are growing up to middle school. Some of us attended the same elementary school for ten years (K-8), so departing for high school on the last day became especially difficult. The last day of high school meant walking across the stage to receive a high school diploma and finally becoming an "adult" (but with several things still left to learn). The last day of college equated to entering the real world. Each of those days stay engraved in my mind.

Of course the last days of school are bittersweet for all teachers. I created a last day ritual for my class---circle of reflection. This was a simple activity by asking the students to sit in a circle and share their favorite memory of the school year and what they looked forward to in the future. Of course, the typical answers were field trips, watching a movie, and the usual PE time....but the memories that were expressed the most revolved around the friendships formed in our classroom family. No matter what "kind of year" we experienced, good or bad, we still had that last day to say thank you to one another. "Thanks for making my life different." This time was always solemn and serious without any reminders or prompting how to behave. Following the activity, I would see both smiles and tears in all directions. It was always surprising to me that the toughest, coolest kid would be the one walking to the bus crying because this was the last day. As the teachers would wave our last day good-byes to the buses, I would be one of many teachers crying because it was the last day.

This year I didn't have my circle of reflection, instead I smiled at an entire school of children going home for the summer. Every teacher needed a touch of the shoulder to say a job well done. I would say this was a good last day..

However, my last day was not complete until I glanced at the five class pictures that hang overhead in my office. I thought about those last days of school.

Thanks for making my life different...

Happy New Decade---2010!

My daddy always said that as we get older, the time flies by even faster. This was no exception with the last decade. Just from reading facebook posts to comment on the new year, everyone was reflecting on the past ten years and how much has changed (and not changed) throughout our lives! I guess this was time to catch up on my blog to make myself remember...

Of course all of us can recall the scare of Y2K and we all held our breath when the clock struck 12 on January 1, 2000. The computers didn't crash, and this was the first New Year's Eve I spent away from my parents. However, I still watched the ball drop on television with Dick Clark's Rockin' New Year's Eve. Who would have thought three years later, I would be in Times Square on that special night!

At the beginning of the decade, I became a college student at Appalachian State University. This was before they won three national consecutive national championships and beat Michigan, so Boone was still just a little mountain town found teeny tiny on the map. Being three hours away from home was scary at the beginning, but eventually the hours flew by due to my eagerness to get up the mountain.

My blood will always flow black and gold for the love of my alma mater, and it makes me proud to have both bachelors and masters degrees from this university. Only missing two homecomings in the past 7 years, the most memorable was when I was crowned Homecoming Queen in 2001. This was the first day my parents had spoken since their separation and it was unforgettable to have them on each arm when they escorted me on the field.
Even though I was born in Boone (but moved to Moore County when I was 4 years old) I never appreciated the unique mountain culture until walking to class in freezing temperatures and trying to make it through "take your breath away" winds. I miss the mountain people's slow paced life and genuine "southern friendliness". I still can taste the stewed apples and homemade biscuits from the Daniel Boone Inn---probably one of the main reasons I gained 30 pounds in college (thankfully losing the pounds after returning back home).

When 9/11 happened, I was in disbelief and didn't realize what truly happened until watching it on television in Dr. Jamison's education class. Surrounded by friends, we all were left in silence and tears. The entire campus was quiet that day.

I still cannot decide which political party in which I belong because I see both sides to all issues. This became a problem during the close presidential elections, who was the best choice for our country?

Cannot remember the main reason we are STILL at war with Iraq?

Hurricane Katrina made me want to work with the Red Cross, then even more when fire destroyed three homes of children at our school.

I have kept old friends and enjoyed the new ones. Each have added to my life in a different way. Thank goodness for facebook ensuring that we all keep in touch on a regular basis. During the last ten years, wedding season began and it was an honor by watching them walk down the aisle, and many of them actually serving as bridesmaid.

Motherhood still scares me, but after the birth of my beautiful niece, Lelia Kate, I was able to understand the miracle of life. Maybe one day I will be ready?

I have fallen in love (and out of love) numerous times. I have had my heart broken and in some instances, I was the "heart breaker". However, each relationship taught me something new about myself and emphasized different meanings of love. Some of these guys ironically remain friends, which shows how the strongest relationships are built with the foundation of friendship first.

After eight years of debt to NC Teaching Fellows, I celebrated when the $26,000 loan was paid after my 4 years of teaching. 26+ more to go!

I will never forget the nervousness in the pit of my stomach when checking the computer for my National Board certification. Just the first word CONGRATULATIONS left me screaming and crying.

After being immersed in the Hispanic culture with my ESL students, my main goal is learn Spanish. The "browning of America" is occurring and so many people refuse to change their prejudice judgements.
North Carolina is the most beautiful and diverse state from the coast to the mountains. During my Regional Teacher of the Year travels, I truly understand what makes our state so wonderful. This experience allowed me to spread my passion for education while creating an instant bond with eight fellow educators who share this same enthusiasm for the teaching profession. We remain each other's great supporters and dearest friends.

Even though I remain a mountain girl at heart, I fell in love with the Outer Banks after spending time at Ocracoke Island for NCCAT seminars. I could even see myself retiring there, in my own little world.


Cindi Rigsbee, former NC Teacher of the Year, reminded all of us about the impact of a teacher. She used Good Morning America to locate her 1st grade teacher, Mrs. Worneke, after 40 years. Just for a simple thank you is all it takes...Can't wait to read her book!
I traveled to the happiest place on earth last summer---Denmark. The Danish pastries and culture changed my life forever. However, this world traveling experience also made me despise airports (check out the Denmark blog under June)!

Each time I look at the moon, questions overwhelm me with space travel. Attending NASA Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, was an unforgettable experience. International Space Camp connected numerous teachers from across the world and made us all astronauts. The blue space suit was so worth it!

My life's lessons have been learned through the eyes of my students. My classroom was my world. My students become part of me with their stories and personal experiences. I have learned more from them than they have from me.This year has been a little different in my role as instructional facilitator, but now my eyes have been opened to other realms of public education.
Teaching is not easy, but loving to teach is natural. This must run in our family since Dad is approaching his 35th year in education and my younger sister is an incredible high school English teacher. This is where and why we belong in this career....

Always a cat lover, I never would have thought to be fond of dogs. This quickly changed after meeting a sweet boxer puppy, Elvis. He defined the true meaning of "man's best friend", he still resides in Boone so I miss him greatly. I would not survive without these close companions. My heart ached after losing Bailey (great dane) and my Alvin (Pom). I still visit the Pet Loss/Rainbow Bridge webpage for comfort. However, I smile as the new addition to the family is barking downstairs wanting to play. Paige, my boxer, was named after Page Street since I bought her the day I was hired in Montgomery County.

I am a creature of habit, but still successfully adjust to change. I had to adjust living in Asheboro, but drive 30 minutes to what I know best. I still go to the dentist in Robbins, doctor in Pinehurst, dry cleaner in Troy, thinking in Highfalls, shopping in Boone, and visit friends everywhere in-between. Maybe this suggests that I have more than one home?

I still cry each time I go through Highfalls, my childhood was just that wonderful!

I remain addicted to diet coke, the caffeine needed to get through the day. However, slowly getting the acquired taste to drink coffee.

Clogging remains an intricate part of my life, but quickly learned that competition and dance studio drama could make one lose the love of this dance. That is why I stopped teaching (for now)....However, one of my fondest memories was watching four young ladies watch Lord of the Dance in Greensboro and then "nail" their own Riverdance routine to win the 8 foot trophy and bragging rights of becoming National Champions. You can still find me clogging down the aisles of Walmart, just call me Happy Feet.

Turning 25 was horrible for me (quarter life crisis)...realization that my youth was over and I also discovered my first gray hair. Learned that plucking it out doubles it. Hopefully, this will make it easier when I turn 30 in two years?

The past is done, enjoying the present, and preparing for the future...HAPPY 2010!

I look forward to see what the next ten years holds for me and all of us...

Summertime

It is hard to believe it is July and the summer continues to fly by so quickly. After returning home from Europe, I have found some time to relax and enjoy the sunshine. Still no vacation since Will is helping coach junior legion baseball, which means over 40 games in a month! So I have been able to clean the house from top to bottom, play with the dogs, and spend time with Beth and Mama. It hasn't even been a month since the last day of school, and I miss my students terribly. There have been so many "little happenings" that would have definitely been shared as Mrs. Muse's off the subject stories with my 24 fifth graders, so blogging provides the opportunity to still ramble on as usual.

Let's see...
Alvin had his annual summer haircut last week and it is obvious he feels so much better because he rubs his head on everything. He now sleeps cuddled up under my arm because the ceiling fan no longer keeps him cool, but makes him freeze. He still runs in a circle chasing his furless tail...haha!

Beth and Matt have bought a new house in Seven Lakes, so I spent days painting and moving furniture. I was sad they moved 15 minutes farther away from Asheboro, but the drives has become easier and sometimes a little faster. She is getting a small baby bump and we find out if Nemo is a he or she on Thursday. Beth has the entire summer to make the house into a home and I can't wait to start painting the nursery.

I guess painting Beth's house motivated me to repaint some of the rooms in my own house. My project was to touch up the master bathroom since the black walls seemed to have faded along with the white reappearing. Now it looks like a new room, still black walls, but as mama said, "it just looks fresh."

The news of Michael Jackson's death left me in shock as I have felt a piece of my childhood was taken. This was something that we would have discussed in class since we have talked about many tragic deaths of celebrities. I grew up listening to Michael Jackson's music, including some of the "oldies" such as "ABC" and "Rockin' Robin", and my first tap routine was dance to "Bad" including learning the moonwalk. He was the King of Pop because of his ability to bond generations with his upbeat rhythms and unique dance moves. I will never forget when mama first played the Jackson 5 hit, "I'll be There", on our old record player as she mouthed every word when she picked up Beth and me when we danced around the room. This was the first time I had ever seen my mom sing! Each of you now have memories of learning the simple dance moves of Thriller, his famous album that is considered having the largest gross earning than any album ever recorded. Michael Jackson created social controversy with his questionable personal decisions. but his legend will continue to live on forever.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer and I look forward to our cookout in August!

Ode to Odense and Goodbye to Denmark

The day began with the rushing of hotel check out and preparing for our overnight stay with our host families. We enjoyed a 2 hour scenic tour or quick nap by bus before arriving to Odense. This name is pronounced completely different than it looks (ooddnnsa). I still have to think about it before I say it. Odense is the third largest city in Denmark and is the homeplace of famous author, Hans Christian Andersen. We arrived to Sct. Hans Skole (school) and were happily greeted by the principal, Lars Eriksen. He briefly told us about the school and the pictures below will clearly depict the differences between the US and Danish educational systems.

This is the popular teacher's lounge where teachers spend their free time during duty free lunch/recess. It intrigued me that the students can be unsupervised during those times. Instead of someone making their coffee, a machine does it for them (located in the corner).




Just like our middle and high school students in the states, these students also take life skills classes. Obviously, I missed those cooking classes since I NEVER touch the stove!






The science classrooms left some of us worried since chemicals were exposed and not locked in cabinets. I was also amazed that students start learning chemistry in seventh grade. My dad would be teaching a different age group in Denmark.






Some of us visited a fourth grade classroom and since this was the last day of school, things appeared a little crazy. The teacher told us she would be moving up to 8th grade next year since most primary teachers usually switch grade level or subject area each year. The students go to school 200 days a year. If you pay close attention to the homework board, the students learn English starting in grade 3 along with Danish. Our 9th grade tour guide has already learned 5 languages!






This school has a dentist office to provide dental health for all students FREE of charge. All health care and education costs are paid by the government. The students are not expected to even pay for field trips outside of school.
We enjoyed a custom Danish meal to conclude our visit at the school pork, pickled heron, red cabbage, new potatoes, and the usual rye bread. For dessert, we enjoyed fresh strawberries and soft ice cream. We were very shocked that a selection of Danish beer was also served!

Our host families came after lunch and I was thrilled to meet Anne Lisbet and Svend Erik Larsen. Svend had contacted me prior to my visit via email, so I wasn't as anxious as some who had spoken with their host families at all. As soon as I entered the library to collect my backpack, since they told us to pack "light", I knew who they were as soon as we exchanged our friendly glances. As were approaching downtown of Odense, I realized that the gift I had brought was left at the library. So within 10 minutes, I had already made an impression of being the most forgetful person. I wanted to share the Our State magazine with the Larsens along with giving them their piece of Jugtown pottery to tell them more about North Carolina. I told the couple that I just wanted to see ordinary life in Denmark so we just spent the afternoon walking down the main streets of Odense. I actually enjoyed a cup of coffee (I am not a big fan of coffee) and a chocolate pastry---I already dread getting back on the scales after this trip! I learned that Svend is an avid coffee drink, just like most Europeans, by having at least eight cups per day, so one wouldn't hurt me.

I loved the atmosphere of Odense even after the hours of thunderstorms, unexpected rain, and the usual cold win (reminded me of Boone weather). It was a good thing that I had become accustomed to stay out of the way of cyclists since Odense is known as the City of Cycles. I was enticed with the statues found all around the town that represented HC Andersen's stories.

Remarkably, we ended up Hans Christian's house, where he spent the majority of his childhood. I stood in the small empty space where this young author was inspired to write many of his unforgettable tales that children around the world would read over and over again. I walked through the garden where he became inspired to write one of my favorite stories, "The Snow Queen."

We were able to drive through the beautiful countryside of Odense that I had initially imagined of Europe with green open fields, windmills, and small cottages. Svend and Anne Lisbet took me to the castle where HC Andersen was inspired to write "The Happy Family." It was much different than the typical castles of Denmark. The castle was found at the end of a gravel road and the public was prohibited to advance across a certain point. It was so peaceful here...



We drove to a town 30 minutes outside of Odense to Tommerup, the house of Svend Erik and Lisbet of 20 years. It was obvious they had worked extremely hard to make their "house a home." Their gardens were inviting and colorful. The greenhouse produced all the vegetables that would sit on their table. I immediately felt right at home and wish I could have stayed longer than just two days with them.



I have never felt so welcomed in a home like this before in my life! Anne Lisbet went out of her way to make the most delicious Danish meals and Svend pulled out the American and European maps to share about our traveling experiences. We also shared pictures of our family and friends. Of course, I told more about North Carolina and it was interesting to hear more about ordinary life in Denmark. The couple had grown fond of showing hospitality to others since they have hosted foreign exchange students in the past. Their own son went to Colorado during his senior year of high school. This brought me back to the realization that the Larsens have traveled to more places than I have in the United States. They gave me the perfect give, a collection of 80 stories by Hans Christian Andersen! I can't wait to share these with my future niece/nephew along with my own students. Guess which story I will read first...The Happy Family of course!The next morning, the couple had to attend a family birthday party, so I spent the afternoon with the host family advisor, Sys. I enjoyed spending more time in Odense, including going to the HC Andersen Museum, the birthplace of the famous author. We entered a library that housed all versions of HC Andersen's fairy tales. They have been translated into 151 different languages! We found it ironic that we were greeted by ducklings since one his stories is "The Ugly Duckling" (which is based on the torments of his own life). The author hated having his picture taken because he considered himself to be unattractive.

We experienced two other popular places in Odense including the market and the Cathedral.


It also became interesting to see an Iranian protest in the square. I am not sure exactly what they were saying, but it lasted for at least an hour!
Our last night was spent together as we reflected on an incredible educational experience. This was the last time for our NC Teacher of the Year team to be together and I was excited to make new friends with other teachers from North Carolina.


Saying goodbye to my favorite things: soft ice and HC Andersen!

We returned safely to Newark AND North Carolina ON TIME! It took me several days to get readjusted to the unbearable heat and time change. Even though I could talk for hours about my wonderful experiences in Denmark, sometimes I am left speechless regarding how much it has changed me as a teacher and an individual. I look forward to encouraging my colleagues and students to see the world a little differently as we prepare ourselves to thrive in a global economy.

Special Thanks to:
The country of Denmark for welcoming us into your country, especially in your schools and businesses.

The Center for International Understanding for allowing teachers to have a greater appreciation of the world around them by traveling to unforgettable places.

Angie Bolin for planning every detail of this trip and ensuring we had meaningful learning opportunities. Even though you were not with us, we thought about you and your husband each day.

Lindsey Moulsky for remaining a fearless leader who made sure the "Raleigh folks" arrived to Denmark sooner or later. Also for the interesting evening in the King's Garden.

Bill Ferriter who always challenged us to think even more about our experiences and if "different was better?" Most of all, I am greatly appreciative of his willingness to take care of the Paris group who thought we would never get to Copenhagen and who fought for us to always find the silver lining.

Cindi Rigsbee, my roomie and BFF, who managed to stay an entire week with me (and my suitcase) in the smallest hotel room imaginable.

Anne Lisbet and Svend Erik for welcoming me into their home and showing me the true side of Denmark. I will never forget their thoughtfulness!

Dr. Peters, School Board, and Montgomery County Schools for providing the never-ending support this year during my TOY journey, and especially my participation in this program.

Janice Harless for granting me the use of the mini laptop for my technology ventures, it saved my back!

My Page Street family for your messages and eagerness to hear all about Denmark!

Mama, Beth, and Daddy for giving me the courage to go this far away from home. Thanks for your love and support everyday!

Will Muse, my devoted husband, for taking care of the dogs, buying me a new backpack, and for understanding why I am gone for an entire week. Also, for making me realize how awesome Skype can be thousands of miles away!