I joined Twitter back in 2008. I didn't understand it's purpose, so I abandoned it until I discovered hashtags. A few years after I joined, I stumbled upon #edchat. I began using Twitter to communicate with educators from all over the world. I started a blog, made connections, and stepped into a community. It was...

Delp Christmas Tree Farm - St. John, Kansas Yesterday, I wrote a post about writing and reading on the small web. It gained a bit of traction, so today I have selected a topic that should crater the level of interest. But, as I mentioned in yesterday's post, the great thing about the small web is that I write about...

I love it here on the small web. The simplicity and minimalist nature keeps me focused on creating and frees me from the cumbersome clutter found on large sites and blogs. Because of the nature of the small web, people (including me) have the latitude to write about what they want, without concern for likes or...

Kosmo - Arizona, 2020 When the weather cooperates, I enjoy a morning on the patio, reading or writing. We had a little West Highland Terrier, Kosmo, who never missed the opportunity to be outdoors. I would enjoy coffee and cool weather. Kosmo would patrol the yard and bask in the sun. We also shared a doughnut. I...

I am currently reading Solito, a memoir by author and poet Javier Zamora, about his migration from El Salvador to the United States. His parents fled El Salvador when he was young child as a result of the civil war, leaving him in the care of his grandparents and aunt. Javier undertook his journey to rejoin his...

Peixoto Coffee Roasters - Chandler, Arizona This Friday, I am back in a familiar (and happy space). Sitting at a window bar at my favorite coffee shop, enjoying an espresso tonic. I used to hang out here nearly every Saturday morning, writing about public education. That was when blogging was popular, X was Twitter,...

At least once a week, I get to spend time with my nephews. They are little guys (elementary school), full of energy, and wonderfully curious. So many questions! The heat in Arizona (114 degrees yesterday) makes our afternoons challenging because we are limited to indoor activities. As a former science teacher, I...

This is a first. I have NEVER shared a recipe with anyone, let alone online. Not because I am selfish, but because I am NOT a cook. Keeping that in mind, here is my recipe for "elevated" mushroom toast (made for my wife). Elevated Mushroom Toast Ingredients (nothing has to be exact): Baguette Butter Shaved parmesan,...

After reviewing my post from yesterday, I realized that it was dreadfully boring. Here is the post in one sentence: if I had to narrow my iPhone to five apps I would keep Safari, Google Maps, Camera, Snapseed, and Spotify. Nothing exciting, or special. Who cares? Right? I almost deleted the post. Yesterday, and...

I am almost certain that I could make the switch to a "dumb" phone, if not for just a few applications. I would not call my selections critical, but instead, I consider them life enhancements. These are apps that I feel are helpful, or add value. They may not necessarily be my "favorites," but I would miss them the...

Today, I'm wondering if campaign/political signs on street corners are a world-wide occurrence. I'm guessing it is widespread in the U.S., but do other countries allow people to plaster their name and cheesy slogans on placards that cover every available space at an intersection? It feels like we spend a majority of...

One day at a time. Keep going. :) A brief message. Written on a Post-It and left in the workspace where I volunteer. I don't know how long it has been there. Who wrote it. Or, the intended recipient. For someone who is discouraged? Keep going. You've got this! One day at a time. Focus on today. Try not to worry...