House by the Side of the Road

THERE are hermit souls that live withdrawn
In the place of their self-content;
There are souls like stars, that dwell apart,
In a fellowless firmament;
There are pioneer souls that blaze the paths
Where highways never ran-
But let me live by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.

Let me live in a house by the side of the road
Where the race of men go by-
The men who are good and the men who are bad,
As good and as bad as I.
I would not sit in the scorner's seat
Nor hurl the cynic's ban-
Let me live in a house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.

I see from my house by the side of the road
By the side of the highway of life,
The men who press with the ardor of hope,
The men who are faint with the strife,
But I turn not away from their smiles and tears,
Both parts of an infinite plan-
Let me live in a house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.

I know there are brook-gladdened meadows ahead,
And mountains of wearisome height;
That the road passes on through the long afternoon
And stretches away to the night.
And still I rejoice when the travelers rejoice
And weep with the strangers that moan,
Nor live in my house by the side of the road
Like a man who dwells alone.

Let me live in my house by the side of the road,
Where the race of men go by-
They are good, they are bad, they are weak, they are strong,
Wise, foolish - so am I.
Then why should I sit in the scorner's seat,
Or hurl the cynic's ban?

Let me live in my house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.

Samual Walter Foss
public domain 1899

Step 1: Plan and Prioritize

               Start with calendars for everyone and one big family calendar posted in a central location. School agendas are a great opportunity to teach students how to organize their lives. I believe beginning in 2^nd grade, students should learn to carry agendas w/calendars. They should mark all important things including personal appointments on their calendar. The teacher as well as the parent should review and discuss the use of the calendar on a regualar basis to ensure understanding and promote the “habit”. Peter Drucker, a noted management expert, “doing the right thing is effective; doing things right is efficient. Focus first on effectiveness ( identifying what is the right thing to do), then concentrate on efficeincy ( doing it right).” Begin with daily To-Do List and expand to goal setting. To-Do List are prioritized lists of all the task that need to be carried out. They list everything you have to do, with the most import task at the top of the list, and the least important at the bottom.

Step 2: Time and Things

          Set aside a hour or two each night for homework ( depending on the age of child). Designate a specific spot with specific items( not bed or in front of TV) for doing homework. Doing the same thing at the same time time will help student to focus. A regular pattern can also mean fewer complaints when it's time to start.  Lee Canter’s Homework Tips can be helpful.  When you and your child review homework assignements, work with your child to establish a priority for completion. The length of task or due date can determine the priority. The Raising Children Network has good ideas about rituals and routines for your family.

  Step 3: Conflicts and Completion

          Conflict will arise. When your child has a ball game, scouts, friends, or fun that conflicts with school/ home responsibility, assist your child to mange this conflict. Avoid making the decision but give the child choice and consequences of their actions.  Celebrate completion even the small ones. Stickers, treats, or special privledges can promote success. Ask your child what rewards they think suit the task. Just checking off the To-Do list with your child can be fun and rewarding. Use postive reinforcement to help accomplish task and goals. Georgia State Parks are an inexpensive reward for family fun. Ann McGee-Cooper, "If we learn to balance excellence in work with excellence in play, fun, and relaxation, our lives become happier, healthier, and a great deal more creative."

              There comes a time when life overwhelms you and you just do not know what to say.Thus I will let others express my feelings…….

The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yours.  
Friedrich Nietzsche German philosopher (1844 - 1900)

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.
Helen Keller US blind & deaf educator (1880 – 1968)

It is unwise to be too sure of one's own wisdom. It is healthy to be reminded that the strongest might weaken and the wisest might err.
Mahatma Gandhi Indian political and spiritual leader (1869 - 1948)

You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.
You must do the thing you think you cannot do.
Eleanor Roosevelt US diplomat & reformer (1884 - 1962)

Educate your children to self-control, to the habit of holding passion and prejudice and evil tendencies subject to an upright and reasoning will, and you have done much to abolish misery from their future and crimes from society.
Benjamin Franklin  US author, diplomat, inventor, physicist, politician, & printer (1706 - 1790)

 If you would convince a man that he does wrong, do right. But do not care to convince him.Men will believe what they see. Let them see.
Henry David Thoreau US Transcendentalist author (1817 - 1862)

I trust that everything happens for a reason, even when we're not wise enough to see it.
Oprah Winfrey, O Magazine US actress & television talk show host (1954 - )

Education: that which reveals to the wise, and conceals from the stupid, the vast limits of their knowledge.
Mark Twain US humorist, novelist, short story author, & wit (1835 - 1910)

Character is higher than intellect...
A great soul will be strong to live, as well as to think.
Ralph Waldo Emerson US essayist & poet (1803 - 1882)

Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens.
J. R. R. Tolkien  British scholar & fantasy novelist (1892 - 1973)

It is a mistake to try to look too far ahead.
The chain of destiny can only be grasped one link at a time.
Sir Winston Churchill   British politician (1874 - 1965)

Yesterday is but today's memory, tomorrow is today's dream.
Kahlil Gibran Lebanese artist & poet in US (1883 - 1931)

Many of you know that I have undertaken a drastic paradigm shift in my life- I joined the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club.

I became an official member in July with my last requirement of “Trail Maintenance. (Honestly, it took me three weeks to get rid of my poison ivy.)

I have met some really nice people. I have not found my niche yet. I am not a thru-hiker, nor a fast-paced hiker. 
I like to ramble, stop, gander, take pictures, & enjoy. 

My first hike was a wildflower hike in the spring. I also participated in an “In-town series: Vickery Creek in historic Roswell. I also have participated in a photography class.

My last adventure was the toughest. What was intended to be a slow-paced hike to Three Forks Trail  ended in about a 5 mile excursion?  What made the trip was Marcy. She would inspire anyone. (see pictures attached).

 My next adventure is a full moon hike on Stone Mountain. I will keep you posted to my progress.