"Learn something new. Try something different. Convince yourself that you have no limits." -Brian Tracy

November is a hectic month-- Parent Teacher Conferences, two special lunches, Thanksgiving, half days... the list goes on! Although it is such a fun, busy time of year, it can be very easy to find yourself overwhelmed. 

We've seen a lot about self-care recently, through our Healthy Minds, Healthy Lives weekly emails to articles online to conversations with one another. During the month of November, focus on trying something new. Your new perspectives, new skills and new experiences will promote self-growth and happiness.

If you choose to take part in the challenge, please share some stories, photos or thoughts! I would love to share our growth! :)

There’s something about October 16th that makes our lake magical.
October 16, 2018, was probably my favorite day at the lake since I moved here. The wind was super strong, and I think you have all learned my fascination with big waves! As I arrived at the beach that night, the sun was setting. The sky was on fire in the southwest with the golden glow of the fading sun. The rest of the sky was the most brilliant shades of pink, orange and hints of purple. There was a stark contrast between the bluish green water, and each wave was accentuated by a whitecap. The entire view was breathtaking, and it wasn’t just because the wind was so blowing so hard!

Fast forward to one year later— October 16, 2019. The landscape was completely different than one year prior, but the strong winds out of the northwest did not disappoint. Initially, I watched the waves from Silver Beach. I was amazed to see that the beach was pretty much gone. The water was being pushed so far up that there was only (maybe) 50 feet between the waterline and the yellow statue that is on the hill. (The hill is no longer a hill; now the statue is almost at the same level as the water.) As I tried to take pictures, it felt like I was in a wind tunnel.

I watched as the waves washed over the “Tiscornia” side of the lighthouse. The waves never hit that side of the lighthouse, and I was amazed to see water splashing far over the red portion. On the other side of the catwalk, the water was absolutely churning. There were multitudes of enormous waves. I have seen bigger waves at the lake, but I have never seen so many intense, large waves so close together. It was absolutely amazing to see the ginormous amounts of water that were engulfing the catwalk and outer pier light. 

I almost headed home, but something inside me was pulling me toward Tiscornia. When I arrived, I could not be more impressed and in awe. As I pulled up, the sun was just peeking out from underneath a shelf of clouds. There was an intense ray of orange light broadcasting across the lighthouse and onto the churning water. There were a number of “wave lovers” like me there, and we all stood in almost complete silence, so impressed by the majestic view in front of us.
One of the reasons I love the lake much is because it has a way of making the small things seem small. I am always taken a back by the power and force of the water that I love so much. Something about those waves puts things into perspective for me. I am so grateful to live in a place I love so much. I am so fortunate to have daily access to something that invokes so much peace and happiness.
Pictures below: October 16, 2018, from Second Street beach (top). October 16, 2019, from Tiscornia (bottom).

The month of September was busy for The Stewart Family (or as Tori would say, "wicked busy"). When times get hectic and stress levels are high, it is so important to practice self care. One of the best ways to instantly make yourself feel better is to laugh. Not just a half-hearted chuckle but a full on laugh. It's amazing how quickly it can make you feel better!
​
This morning, I offer this picture in hopes that it will make you laugh. This is my oldest nephew, Jasper. His family has chickens, turkeys, ducks and goats. This spring, he had chicks on his farm. He was a pretty big fan of the chicks and liked to carry them around and hold them. 
That is a real chick in that picture. Look at its face. And his. One of my favorite pictures of all time.

I am happy to transition into October and some routine. I am so looking forward to spending more time in your classrooms, collaborating with you and interacting with our kiddos. You all are a true blessing to our Stewart Family. Thank you for all you do, day in and day out. You are appreciated and valued. Have a wonderful, restful weekend.