Monthly Archives: November 2014

The Meaning of Family

Posted on November 29, 2014 by maryannniemczura

What is a family? We could attempt to define this within the contours of logic, but it would only be a concept in the mind. And concepts typically don’t compel us to travel vast distances to be with our families … Continue reading →

Posted in family, gratitude, impermanence, life lessons, love, Musings, parents, People, Thanksgiving | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Letter of Gratitude to a Stranger

Posted on November 27, 2014 by maryannniemczura

Tasked with writing a letter expressing gratitude to someone who changed their lives but whom they never thanked, my students have a project this Thanksgiving to write the letter of gratitude and to surprise the person they are thanking by … Continue reading →

Posted in a stranger, education, family, Fulbright Teacher Exchange, life lessons, love, People, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving, writing | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Pies

Posted on November 22, 2014 by maryannniemczura

The sweet scent of pies baking in the oven frequently wafted warm, spicy fragrances in our kitchen. I fondly recall my mother’s pies and her flaky pie crusts. We clamored to eat them before they were cooled. It was hard … Continue reading →

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Taking Time for Others

Posted on November 15, 2014 by maryannniemczura

As I prepare to return to teaching after time off for surgery, I am reminded of the contrast of today’s digital society and days past before we had all the gadgets. We actually had time for conversations with others, uninterrupted … Continue reading →

Posted in About the book, cursive handwriting, education, Foreign Language Learning, life lessons, Nostalgia, pen pal letter exchanges, preparing world leaders, social skills, video conferences | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Nostalgic Reminiscences

Posted on November 8, 2014 by maryannniemczura

Windswept landscapes abound in Central New York and in Colorado. I am reminded of zigzagging tumbleweeds choking driveways and highways in the West while here in Upstate New York, we prepare for winter’s harsh onslaught of weather. The last place … Continue reading →

Posted in About the book, birthday celebrations at school, education, Fall, family, friends, May Day tradition, Nostalgia, parents, People | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Nursing – a Family Tradition

Posted on November 2, 2014 by maryannniemczura

In my book, A Past Worth Telling, I mention my mother who became an RN in Boston where she and my father met at a Boston University dance. One of my opening poems, “It was Complicated,” recounts the story of … Continue reading →

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