Tag: forward is a pace

Nests

Kristine Binder

Nests. Home. So, here I am, standing at the threshold of what some might call an “empty nest.” Yes, it’s true – all my kids have flown the coop and are off living their best lives. But let me tell you something:
I couldn’t be more excited about it!
You see, I’ve never been a fan of that term “empty nester.” It has this connotation of sadness, of something missing or lost. But I prefer to think of myself as a “bird launcher.” Why, you ask? Because I’ve launched my kids into the world where they can spread their wings and soar, living their best life on their own terms. And you know what? That’s a reason to celebrate!
Watching my children embark on their own journeys, pursuing their dreams, and making their way in the world fills my heart with joy(and a tad bit of fear if I am being totally honest!) I’ve always believed in giving them the freedom to make their own choices, and now they have the opportunity to do just that.
Sure, my home may be quieter now, and I have a little more free time on my hands. But that’s not a bad thing at all. It’s a chance for me to rediscover parts of myself. A chance for me to dust off those dreams that I put away on a shelf while I was busy raising my kids. It’s a time to finish those projects I started, pursue new passions, and simply enjoy life in a different way.
Think about it like this: if birds never left their nests, those nests would become crowded and cramped. An empty nest, on the other hand, is a sign that the family has grown and evolved. It’s a natural progression of life, and it’s something to be celebrated.
My kids have strong wings, and they know they can always return home when they need a rest or some of Momma’s home cooking. And you know what? That’s perfectly okay by me. I’ll always be here to offer support and love (food and laundry too!)
I don’t mourn the so-called “empty nest” stage of life. I embrace it as the “bird launcher” phase, and so should you! This is the time you get to see your children spread their wings and discover the world. It’s a time for both them and you to flourish, grow, and savor the freedom that comes with it.
Here’s to the next exciting chapter in life!
The nest may be empty but the wings are strong and this momma’s heart is so full.
Peace, 
#tutulady
#forwardisapace

Barbie

Kristine Binder

 I often feel like I live in a Barbie world, where pink isn’t just a color; it’s a way of life! My world, a world that often feels like it’s right out of a Barbie dream house, is one that I have carefully curated after my divorce. 
Growing up, I was always enamored with Barbie dolls. The bright pink accessories, the endless wardrobe options, and the glamorous lifestyle – it all seemed like a fantasy come true. And you know what? As I’ve gotten older and after seeing the Barbie movie, I’ve realized that there’s a lot that I have learned from Barbie’s world about embracing imperfections, joy, self-expression, and living life to the fullest.
Barbie embraces her uniqueness and independence. She is not afraid to try different professions and adventures.  She is not defined by others; she defines herself. Being an independent woman means celebrating my autonomy and owning my choices. She has taught me to never underestimate the power of my independence and the influence I can have.
In Barbie’s world, she’s a doctor, a chef, an astronaut, a fashion designer, and so much more. This has taught me, and countless other girls and women, that we can be anything we want to be. Living in a Barbie world means pursuing my passions with unwavering determination. Whether it’s my dream job or a hobby I’m passionate about, I should not be afraid to chase my ambitions and make them a reality.
Barbie built a sisterhood and I too can create a supportive environment for myself and other women. I can choose to surround myself with others who lift me up, support my goals, and celebrate my successes. I can also choose friends and mentors who share my vision and provide grace and guidance.
Barbie’s dream house is a testament to her impeccable style and …well….the color PINK! Barbie’s world encourages me to create a beautiful environment that reflects my personality and brings me joy. Whether it’s decorating my space with vibrant colors, earth tones, fluffy pillows, comfy furniture or antiques, I can infuse my surroundings with elements that make me feel like I’m living in my own dream house.
As I listened to America Ferrara deliver her powerful monologue in the movie I was moved to tears about what it means to be a woman. I was reminded to cherish my strengths as an independent woman, that my strength comes from within, and it’s a source of endless inspiration. 
As a mother it is my hope that I have taught my daughters to embrace their unique talents, resilience, and wisdom. As a woman, I hope that I have shown others not only my strength but also my weaknesses and vulnerabilities because it is these qualities that have empowered me to overcome challenges and seize opportunities.Living in a Barbie world is not just about pink dresses and dream houses; it’s about embracing a mindset of joy, self-expression, and limitless possibilities. Barbie has taught me to infuse a little glamor, whimsy, and sparkle into my  life. After all, my world is whatever I make of it. Why not make it fabulous? Time and Barbie has also taught me is that life as an independent woman is a journey filled with ups and downs. I need to embrace it. I need  to cherish the moments of triumph and learn from the setbacks. Every step I take adds depth and richness to my story. My journey is uniquely mine, and it’s worth every moment. And so is your! Now Get out there and LIVE!
Peace
#tutulady
#forwardisapace

Quiet

Kristine Binder

Today I went for what Tik Tok is calling the quiet girl walk. No dog (too hot as it was the middle of the day), no headphones, no music, no friends…. just me and my thoughts. For over 3 miles it was just the voices in my head and the noises surrounding me. It was honestly an experience that I would recommend to everyone. You don’t realize how constant noise and constant input affect your mental health. Just going for a 30 minute walk by yourself is amazing and it forces you to confront all the things that you try to run or walk away from by distracting yourself with a walking partner, music, podcast or an audiobook. It was the perfect way to stretch my legs midday after working at the desk all morning.
Outside,  the world,  nature…its all my church. Because church can be anywhere that you are in touch with yourself whoever/whatever your higher power is.  Walking and running are meditation for me. My church, if you will. There were so many times I wanted to grab my phone to put my book or some music on the speaker. I wanted to call a friend just to hear someone’s voice and talk to them while holding the phone to my ear. But I resisted those urges, and by the end of the walk, I stopped even checking that I had my phone. I was at peace with it. I had a few arguments with myself and figured a few things out but what I realized is that often times I just need to hear myself think. I spend so mush time with ‘noise’, both good and bad, that I need some quiet once in a while.
It was good to go ‘quiet’ for a while. 
Everyone should try it!
Peace
#tutulady
#forwardisapace

Office

Kristine Binder

Ever since I watched the first episode of Sex and the City, I’ve always harbored a deep desire to have a desk positioned by a window where I could write, just like Carrie Bradshaw. This dream has always held a special place in my heart, not only as a woman but also as a writer. Writing has been a passion of mine, but for quite some time, my own writing journey seems to be lost. I couldn’t seem to find  my voice. I didn’t know the sound of my own voice and if I did, I could not hear myself.
Over the years, I have written about all sorts of things – my thoughts while running, my difficult experience with divorce, and the overwhelming weight of loss and grief. Sine the pandemic, finding my  voice became a difficult task. But then, something remarkable happened; it was as if someone had flipped a switch inside my mind. It is as if somebody turned on the keyboard in my brain and said just start writing. And so I did. And I have. The words come to me at all times of the day and the night. People wonder why am up sometimes at 3 AM sometimes. And it’s not my cortisol levels! I mean it might be my cortisol levels but sometimes I get an idea and I want to start writing. The words are there and I can’t get them out fast enough …. I just want to write.
It seems that creating a space where I am able write, surrounded by things I find inspirational and beautiful didn’t just open up a door to that space, but it opened up a door to my mind, the door to closet where the words have been stored. I don’t know exactly what form my voice will take now, but I do know that the words are starting  to flow….. 
Like the sun like flows through the window into  my brand new office.
Peace.
#forwardisapace
#tutulady

Reflection

Kristine Binder

Reflection. As a part of my video creation class we were tasked with writing a reflection at the end of the class.  I reflect on my learning journey in this course, I am filled with excitement and a newfound sense of empowerment. Two crucial lessons stand out, which I know will significantly impact my future work as a teacher.
Embracing a Growth Mindset: Throughout this course, I learned the value of trying new things and embracing a growth mindset. Learning to create videos and integrating them into my teaching was initially daunting, but I discovered that learning is a trial and error process. The feeling of success that follows after overcoming challenges and frustrations is truly exhilarating. This mindset shift will be an integral part of my future work as an educator. I will encourage my students to adopt a growth mindset and approach learning with a sense of curiosity and determination. By fostering an environment where mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth, I believe my students will develop greater resilience and enthusiasm for learning.
Green Screen Videos for Reading Confidence: One thing I’m eager to incorporate into my classroom is green screen videos. As an ELA teacher, the potential of having students read picture books and create videos for younger grades excites me. This creative approach not only bolsters students’ reading confidence but also enhances their self-esteem as they take on the role of storytellers. Utilizing green screen technology will immerse them in captivating virtual settings, making the learning process enjoyable and engaging. These videos can serve as powerful teaching tools for younger students, inspiring a love for reading while strengthening the bond between older and younger learners.
Moving forward, there are still specific aspects I wish to learn to further enhance my teaching and video integration skills.
Advanced Video Editing Techniques: To make the most of green screen videos and create professional-looking content, I want to learn advanced video editing techniques. This includes refining transitions, adding visual effects, and improving the overall quality of the videos. I plan to explore video editing software that will help me master these skills as well as explore editing software to make this more accessible for students. 
Assessing Video Impact on Student Learning: While creating videos is exciting, I want to learn more about how to assess the impact of these videos on student learning outcomes. Understanding how to measure the effectiveness of video integration will allow me to continually improve my teaching methods and tailor the content to better meet my students’ needs.
During this course, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I could achieve on my own, despite my initial lack of video acumen. Through patience, perseverance, and the support of this learning community as well as an encouraging instructor, I learned valuable lessons about the creative process. I discovered that I am capable of much more than I give myself credit for, which has boosted my confidence as an educator and video creator.
As for something I wish was covered more in this course, I would have loved to explore ways to address digital literacy challenges among students. While we focused on video creation, understanding the responsible and ethical use of technology is vital in today’s digital age. Incorporating digital literacy lessons into video creation could prepare students to navigate the digital world responsibly.
In conclusion, this course has been a transformative experience, equipping me with the skills and mindset needed to innovate in my teaching practice. I am excited to integrate green screen videos into my classroom and witness the positive impact on my students’ reading confidence. I am also eager to continue my learning journey, mastering advanced video editing techniques, and finding ways to assess the effectiveness of video integration in promoting student learning. Through these efforts, I am committed to empowering my students and fostering a love for learning that will last a lifetime.
Peace.
#tutulady
#forwardisapace