Monthly Archives: August 2015

Basking in New Freedoms

Posted on August 29, 2015 by maryannniemczura

Basking in New Freedoms now that I am retired is wondrous. Finding myself with time to enjoy nature and its wonders without the routines of school this fall is enjoyable. Smugly I lie down for naps whenever I want. Continue reading →

Posted in a new year, Fall, freedoms, gardens, nature, retirement, routines, school, students, teachers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

The Adagio of my Life

Posted on August 22, 2015 by maryannniemczura

Having just turned the page to a new chapter of my life this past Monday, I can ruminate on new adventures ahead. I handed over the baton to my successor and trust my students will be in good hands. Letting … Continue reading →

Posted in adagio, Fulbright to Germany, high school, pen pals, rallentando, retirement, Teaching, technology, university, video conferences | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 26 Comments

Walk a Mile in my Birks

Posted on August 15, 2015 by maryannniemczura

There is an ongoing joke in my family because I have worn Birkenstock sandals since my university days in Heidelberg, Germany. The joke goes that I am the only one my family knows who wears them year-round including during our … Continue reading →

Posted in Berlin, Birkenstock sandals, clothing styles, colleges, comfort versus style, Europe, Fulbrght, Germany, global society, Heidelberg, schools, students, Upstate NY | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Nature’s Overture

Posted on August 8, 2015 by maryannniemczura

Abundant, vibrant, ever-changing hues. First warm and welcoming, then desolate, harsh, cold, blustery, and cruel. Why I wonder? This dichotomy of death on a sweltering, hot summer day as birds sing and nurture their young is so heartrending. Why? Trying, … Continue reading →

Posted in bird song, comfort, Costa Rica, cumulus clouds, death, grief, hues, nature, sorrows, summer | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Appreciating a Different Pace of Life

Posted on August 1, 2015 by maryannniemczura

My first trip to Germany was on a turboprop plane with Icelandic Airlines. Our layover to refuel was in Reykjavik, Iceland. The noise of the engines remained in my ears for a couple of days after I landed in Germany. … Continue reading →

Posted in customs, Fasching, food for the soul, Gemuetlichkeit, Germany, Heidelberg, Oktoberfest, pace of life, restaurants, traditions, University of Colorado at Boulder | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment