Those fires and floods - "The worst in California history"

We just drove the coast and seeing is believing. The damage and devastation + the scare and loss of those living in the areas. ;-0

My heart goes out to all. My thanks and appreciation to the fire and rescue and all that responded. Not an easy task and how they risked so much too.

This picture is of our beautiful California coast. The roads to reach Santa Barbara and beyond were closed for days. Who would think?

And ~ THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have you seen the movie Marshall? About Thurgood Marshall!

A must at this Martin Luther King time of year.

This topic hits home as I had the fortune of an evening with Yolanda King. Susan and Desiree and I shared  moments to never forget. 

Sadly Yolanda King passed, though she told us stories of her daddy and so much.

Here I am in the live studio on a cruise ship. I have learned so much about history and the many locations voyages sail to. Women Pirates? Yes - And they actually were the worst. 

The Ojai Film Festival is an annual event. We were there for the 2014 Fest. I was fascinated with the process of movie making and all that it involves. The films were unusual, interesting and each unique. I will look at film in a new way with much appreciation for the creativity and more. 

When they say - "Go to Alaska" it is true...
First, it is so interesting, scenic and science at the best.
Second, the glaciers are receding daily.
I am always amazed at the difference in the glacier ice and experience.

How exciting to hear from students throughout the years. When I opened this one from Colleen it was indescribable...the feeling!


Hopefully ~ Children everywhere can be "unique and special" as was Colleen as a young student in my class....only yesterday it seems ~ yet years gone by!



Hi, I just finished my first year back to teaching first grade again! I wanted to share a little story with you. The last week of school I told my first graders they could ask me questions about myself and I would answer them. One little girl asked me what made me want to be a teacher. I told her about you and my experience in your class. I just wanted you to know that you still continue to touch lives even now that I am 40 and have children of my own. Thank you for that!

Colleen Soucoup  6/8/14

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The creative writer always with a smile and curiosity...
Thank you Tricia! (Now becoming a psychologist and sharing her wisdom...)

Trish Ann Roach You rock Gail!! Thank you for your work with children (including me). I am a child born into such dysfunction and I survived in part with your help! 6/7/14

Conejo Valley was the setting for establishing an Open Classroom.
An innovative program to reach children of grades K-6
and their families. The creativity and hands-on learning was
valuable and stimulating for all participating and involved.

Now the joy is hearing from the students who tell their appreciations
and stories of then and now. ;-)

June 11th, 2014 will be the 20 year celebration. I don't know where
the years have gone though I do know it is still all about bringing
out the best in each and every child. Open Classroom! All unique and special!

Happy 20th 
birthday ~ anniversary...
Open Classroom!!

It is said that this is the most famous photograph of all time. The eyes, similar to the Mona Lisa, can be observed from every direction and with thoughts of possibilities. Once explained, the photograph has a lot of meaning about the world and today...

The Annenberg Space Museum has been built at the sight of the once famous and celebrated Shubert Theatre. This continues the capture of the arts and creativity. The exhibits change and the photography fills the spaces. Once you walk through the museum, you have to retrace your steps as there is much to see and appreciate and take in.