I've Got Sunshine On a Cloudy Day

As a lover of other people's words of wisdom, I often find quotes that I can relate to or connect to my daily life. I try to share special quotes that remind me of certain people, or provide comforting quotes to loved ones in need. Before I started my new teaching job back in November I searched and searched for the perfect quote to share with my students on our first day together. Once I found the wise words of Henry Ford, I knew these were the ones: "Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success." This was perfect. We were just beginning mid-year, and simply by keeping together, the learning, teaching, and understanding was being progressed. My dedicated students that stuck it out for the remainder of the year and who worked well became successful. As I sit here now and grade final essays, I suddenly realize that I have 5 days left with my students. It's fun to count down the days until summer vacation  with the knowle...

I am grateful for the experiences and opportunities I have had thus far in my life. I am grateful for the unconditional love my mother has showed me for the last 26 years. I am grateful for the roof currently over my head in a house that I'm comfortable in. I am grateful that my stomach is full. I am grateful for the amazing students I have met this year teaching in Hartford. I am grateful for my health, my sight, my limbs, my muscles, my hearing, and my senses. I am grateful for the love that Ryan has showed me and the constant inspiration and dedication he shows me on a daily basis. I am grateful for the relationship I have with Christina despite being so far away. I am grateful for the very best friends that have blessed me by walking into my life and never walking out. I am grateful for two living, loving grandparents and a wonderful family of cousins, aunts, and uncles. I am grateful for the lessons my friends have taught me and the encouragement and support we share. I am gra...

This past Sunday I was treated to some neighborhood excitement as my hometown held it's second annual half marathon and 5k road race. The weather could not have been more perfect- that vibrant blue sky glistened while the aroma of fresh cut green grass filled the nose and eyes (if you're an allergy sufferer!) A cool breeze kept the runners comfortable as they strolled by the thousands down the otherwise quiet streets. As a local resident, cheering fan, and kinda-sorta runner, I was amazed at the number of generous and grateful runners that I saw pass by my street Sunday morning. I stood at the top of my street with friends, family, and neighbors and we were able to watch runners pass during the first mile and last mile of the half marathon, as well as walk over a block to watch the 5k runners go by. I was amazed at how many runners thanked us for cheering, said “good morning” as they breathlessly ran by, cheered with us as they ran, or even came over for a high five. It w...

Mother's Day is just three weeks away! Need a card? Why not put a big smile on Mom's face and on my face with the purchase of this homemade greeting card, made with love, for the very special Mom in your life. Or, check out the variety I have for anyone! Here is a link to my relatively new Etsy shop ! Something that makes me happy and brings me peace while I craft. Take a look at what I have to offer, and please let me know if you have any questions, suggestions, or requests! I would love to help :) https://www.etsy.com/shop/AppleGreenLiz

"A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow. " -William Shakespeare I have become more and more aware lately that one of the most important foundations in my life is also one of the hardest to come by. In sharing stories, travels, pictures, and memories over many years and many miles, it has become clear to me that my group of friends are indeed special and rare. They are genuine, they are loyal, and they are simply the best. Now, as my "mid-twenties" disappear into "late twenties" I become more aware of how wonderful it is to surround myself with my friends. I miss the days of endless pajamas and chit chatting, I miss the dressing up to spend the night dancing and laughing, I miss seeing friends in the hallways or in class, and I miss making new memories as often as we once were able to. These days, the memories that are made are further between, but...

One of the things I enjoy the most is also one of the things that I find most difficult. Choosing a topic to write about for my beloved blog is a personal challenge of mine, with the added pressure of pleasing my readers and leaving a lasting impression of them wanting more. When I come on here wanting to fill my own desire to write, wanting to give in to my own need, I tend to stare at the screen, type, delete, and retype, over and over. I tend to lead to the same topics- motivation, life, positivity, silver linings. But what happens when the best of me takes over? Where do the most positive people turn when they aren't feeling so uppity, so positive? I don't want to sugar coat my life and make it seem like I'm always this happy-go-lucky positive Polly. Life gets real. Real life gets stressful. Growing up is hard and moods change quite frequently. I'm very blessed to have the life that I do- full of love, of friends who will never leave my side, and a family that suppo...

If I could design any dream job in the world, I would want to sit on a dock by a lake somewhere warm, with a pristine view of the sunrise and the sunset, while I write and decorate greeting cards for Hallmark. I am personally obsessed with greeting cards of all shapes, sizes, and purposes, just knowing that their sole purpose is to provide some sort of warmth, smile, or message of encouragement to the receiver on the other end. However, my other dream job would be working with high school students at an inner city high school, teaching them English and a sense of positivity. Luckily, I was given the option of the latter, so all is not lost. That being said, during my down time, on my off days, or while I just need some time away from grading paper and creating plans, I do like to search for cards with a certain friend or loved one in mind. I like to be able to provide a surprise and a smile in this ever changing and often stressful world. Recently, I decided to take up the hobby on m...