springing back...

don't worry it's not you, it was me...after a winter where I was sidelined by my broken elbow, it has been kind of hard to get back into the swing of things. However, events of the past few weeks have helped, and I feel like I'm emerging from my cocoon!

Two weeks ago, the Children's Museum held it's annual fundraiser, the Chocolate Soiree. As a member of the Circle of the Museum, I had a busy day setting up the ballroom with auction items and a fun night enjoying the party and the fruits of our labor. All of the chocolate desserts were excellent, but I definitely over did it with the cake balls from the Purple Kitchen. Think small balls of cake- still slightly doughy and very moist, dipped in chocolate- oh my word, so good!

For the past week, in my classes, we have been reading essays from the This I Believe collections. After we return from Spring Break, we (including me) will be writing our own personal belief essays. Anyway, today I found the greatest essay written by a seven year old boy. I thought I would share because it spawned great conversations today among 9th graders and their crazy English teacher!

Thirty Things I Believe

As heard on NPR's Weekend Edition Sunday, January 18, 2009. You can listen to him read this essay on the website!

I believe life is good.

I believe God is in everything.

I believe we’re all equal.

I believe we can help people.

I believe everyone is weird in their own way.

I believe hate is a cause for love.

I believe that when I meditate I feel peaceful.

I believe we should be generous.

I believe brothers and sisters should be kind to each other.

I believe kids should respect their parents.

I believe I should not whine.

I believe people should wake up early.

I believe people should go outside more.

I believe in nature.

I believe people should use less trees.

I believe we should help the Arctic and rainforest animals.

I believe people shouldn’t throw litter on the ground.

I believe people should not smoke.

I believe God is in good and bad.

I believe in magic.

I believe people should not give up.

I believe love is everywhere.

I believe that God helps us to have a good time.

I believe we live best in a community.

I believe we can protect people in danger.

I believe we should help the poor.

I believe it's okay to die but not to kill.

I believe war should not have started.

I believe war should stop.

I believe we can make peace.

Seven-year-old Tarak McLain was born in Thailand and lives with his family in Austin, Texas. He collects and hands out food to the homeless, raises money for orphans and impoverished schools, reads about the world's religions, and listens to public radio.