Ladies, Pay Attention!

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I have a few friends who are never alone for long after a break up.  It drives me crazy because I see my friends making the same wrong choices time after time in the romance department.  May I speak plainly?  My friends deserve better!  Some gals recognize the patterns, but they seem helpless to break the cycle of bad relationships.

I have watched one of my gal pals be lied to, yelled at and insulted.  It makes me livid!  A true loving partner would never treat his woman that way.  A real man doesn’t need to humiliate or degrade his lady to feel like a man.  A real man would rather cut off his arm than hurt the one he loves.

Someone told me just last week that women “of a certain age” were conditioned to depend on a husband and to never be alone.  They were expected to leave the parents’ home to make a home for a husband.  I’m thankful that I never absorbed that particular lesson!  I do remember my dad asking me how I expected to get a husband because I refused to take “home ec.”  I would always tell him that I didn’t need a husband in the first place.  I always had a clear picture of who I was.  As I grew older and more mature, I finally figured out who I wanted to become.  Many ladies have missed out on those important lessons.  They mistakenly believe that they are “worth less” without a man.

Ladies, you have to demand better!  People will treat you badly only if you let them.  That includes family, friends and partners.  Don’t ever sell yourself short or be with someone who purposely hurts you.  That is not love.  Women, know your own worth.  It’s better to be alone than in bad company.

 

A Good Time Was Had By All

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After our film presentation Saturday afternoon, Martha drove Lexi and me back so they could change for a gathering at a friend’s home.  I was outside waiting (and smoking, if the truth be told), and one of Martha’s neighbors, Mr. Ali, greeted me from his balcony.  It turned out that he had attended the film presentation at the high school.  He asked if I was a coffee drinker, and I replied in the affirmative.  He told me he’d be right down.  True to his word, within three minutes, he was downstairs with a cup of coffee!  OH, JOY!  He told me to just toss the cup when I was done since it was a “throw away.”  I looked at the cup—it was quite sturdy, and it said WOLF TRAP on it.  Martha later explained that it was from a cultural or artsy park where cool things happened.  I decided I was taking it to Nebraska with me.  🙂

My cup made it safely to Nebraska.

My cup made it safely to Nebraska.

The “girls” came downstairs, so we left.  Lexi and I were treated to a fabulous supper by Martha’s friends and church family.  We were surrounded by good food (TACOS!) and great people.  I will never remember all the names, but the faces are tucked away in my mind.  I wish I had some pictures of the people there that night.  The fellowship was so amazing!  There were people everywhere!  Lexi was peppered with questions about Nebraska in general and ranching specifically.  She even showed a video of her dad riding a bronc.  Her audience was captivated.

After supper, Renee got us organized for a game of Family Feud.  I just love that game!  It was a super evening, and I hope to keep in touch with many new friends.  I want to hear their stories.

Southern Hospitality

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If you’ve been keeping up, you already know I spent the weekend in the Annandale (VA) area.  My student and I were there on school business, but Martha (founder of American History Film Project) informed us that Saturday morning was for sight seeing in the D. C. area!

Kim and Stephen picked us up around nine in a convertible!  We felt like royalty!  Stephen even gave us some spending money!  I jokingly asked him if he had nothing better to do on a Saturday morning, and he said that God told him to drive us around.  I appreciate that.  🙂

Lexi and I loved the car!

Lexi and I loved the car!

Loving it!

Loving it!

Stephen and Kim took us to so many places that there is no way I can remember them all (in order!).  I have to say that the war memorials were quite moving.  The combat patrol was especially intriguing for me for some reason.  Kim really knows her stuff, and she was chock full of information.  Our brains were full in no time!

The combat patrol is behind Lexi and Kim.

The combat patrol is behind Lexi and Kim.

This fine officer attended a Nebraska university! Small world, eh?

This fine officer attended a Nebraska university! Small world, eh?

Lexi and I both spent some money here. The white shirts were $4!

Lexi and I both spent some money here. The white shirts were $4!

I will post more pictures in the next day or two, so come back soon!  There’s more to tell!

 

 

 

American History Film Project!

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The audience was wonderful. They had some great questions for the presenters.

The audience was wonderful. They had some great questions for the presenters.

L-R Martha, Kim, John and Bonnie

L-R Martha, Kim, John and Bonnie

A student and I made a whirlwind trip from Nebraska to the Annandale (Virginia) area this weekend.  The purpose of our trip was to introduce student-made documentary-type films about our local community.  My student presented her film along with several other students from other states.  Our involvement started last year by a simple Google search!  I manage to “fall into” the most amazing experiences sometimes.  This was one of those experiences.

A year and a half ago, I was informed that I would not only be teaching my normal Spanish classes, but also 7th grade world history.  I take my job seriously, and it sounded like fun, so I spent a lot of time looking for resources.  I found the most amazing idea for a history project when I found Martha Barnes’ brainchild, American History Film Project.  I was intrigued, and we spent the school year emailing about projects.  Three of “my” kids participated making two short films.

Martha (I can call her that because she is now a friend!) has a true passion for history, and she encourages students (and adults) to be proud of their communities.  It’s a grassroots movement to give students a voice.  It’s quite empowering for them to see that others are interested in their communities when they share their films.

Martha’s brochure sums it up best: “Everyone needs to feel important as an individual, yet connected to something larger.  As students learn about and take pride in their local history, the American History Film Project helps them realize their importance as members of a community, while being connected to our nation.  When children across the country create a short film about the local history and share their films with children in other states, they become the teachers.  There is so much to learn from one another!”

Head on over to Facebook (link below) and give Martha’s page a “like.”  Share the link with your friends and family, and make plans to participate!  The American History Film Project is also searching for sponsors, so if you or someone you know can help, please get in touch with Martha!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/American-History-Film-Project-Exhibition/132398160299263?fref=ts