On November 1, the trees began to twinkle and carols were sung. Some may say it’s too soon, but others will agree that we need the season of joy and wonder to return. It’s been a challenging school year and this educator is weary. My heart becomes more and more weary with each passing day.
I formally apologize to the Thanksgiving turkey. It’s not you it’s me. I need more than a meal that will fill my belly. I need a holiday that will fill my soul with joy and wonder. I need a holiday that spreads love and peace. I need a holiday where strangers smile at each other and well wishes are extended. I need a holiday where the world sparkles. I need a holiday where grace is extended. I need a holiday where we straighten each others crowns. I need a holiday where kindness is encompassing. I need really need a holiday from the cold and darkness.
Twinkle lights, eggnog and the fresh smell of pine bring back memories of simplicity and joy. Merry Happy Thankful November has me unpacking my tress; hanging silver bells; changing out the doormat to a snowman with joy; and lighting the magical snow globe that reminds me to believe once more in the magic of the Christmas season. So, for those of you that are weary and/or struggling, take a moment; light a festive candle and drink in the joy of possibilities.
Wishing you and your family a Merry Happy Thankful November.
This is a love letter to The Book Nook of Saugatuck, MI. Your cozy bookshop has stolen my heart. On your shelves are gently read picture books, novels, and treasures waiting to whisked away. When we arrived, we were warmly greeted by the bookshop owner. We perused the shelves and assorted trinkets. On this particular excursion, I located four books written by Patricia Polacco, which I proudly purchased and are now part of my ever growing collection of classroom literature.
I look forward to future expeditions and discovering new treasures to share with my students.
Forever yours,
Jenn 📚💕
The Book Nook of Saugatuck, 242 Butler St, Saugatuck, MI
One breezy, overcast Sunday morning, we set out for coffee in South Haven, Michigan. Did we drive a little over three hours for a cup of coffee? Yes. Yes we did. This is not your average coffee shop. It is truly an out of this world experience. Pun intended. At the Flying Saucer, you are greeted by the friendliest baristas in the midwest. Let’s not forget the decor. It’s a cozy coffee shop that channels Area 51 vibes. It’s family friendly with treats and decor that will delight all ages. Their seasonal coffees are exceptional. A must order is the Fall Twist, made with maple spice and oat milk.
Take the drive. Spend some time with friends and family.
Enjoy a conversation over coffee that will be truly be out of this world.
Jenn’s Coffee House Rating: ☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️/☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️
The Flying Saucer, 204 Center Street, South Haven, Michigan
Over the past several weekends, I have attended various Author Talks (thank you Anderson Bookshop) and explored Indie bookshops in Iowa and Michigan. Each adventure brought epic tales and jaw dropping encounters. These are tales best told over a second and third cup of coffee. Since its officially fall, make mine a pumpkin cold brew with a side order of pumpkin loaf.
As kids, we would play hide-and-seek in our neighborhood. We would find the most obscure hiding places. Sometimes, if you were lucky or really great at hiding, no one would find you. There was great pride in not being found. Your besties would cry out, “Ollie, Ollie, Oxen Free!” I’m not certain where the phrase originated, but its meaning was clear. It’s time to come out of hiding.
Reason for the story and hike down memory lane, I’ve been hiding in plain sight. Yup. It’s completely possible. Last night, my daughter called me out of hiding. It’s all too easy to hide behind school, work and family responsibilities and disregard self care. Guilty as charged. I have been working from the moment I wake until I fall asleep. In between setting up my classroom; reuniting with colleagues and my teaching besties; meetings & professional development, I barely managed to squeeze some time at the beach. My tan is or rather was fabulous. My healthy glow is beginning to fade and is slowly being replaced with anxiety. Anxiety in the form of not sleeping, nightmares, and a twitch below my left eye. Not a sustainable lifestyle. It’s time for a reset, reboot, and rethink. Reset priorities, reboot my inner peace, and rethink how I spend my life (not time) outside of the classroom.
Back to blogging and enjoying conversations over coffee.
It’s raining. It’s been raining since yesterday. We are currently under a flood watch. Occasionally, there is a rumble of thunder and some lightening. I’d rather be hiking or at the beach, but here I sit waiting on the rain. So far, I am on my third cup of coffee and unmotivated to read or sort books. I’m in a rain stinks-I’m stuck inside-I want to go hiking or the beach-funk. I’m wallowing. It’s not attractive. Not even my pink flamingo slippers are cheering me up. I tried turning on music and dancing it out. Nope. So, I’m now sorting through books. I didn’t realize how may picture books I had on rain/weather. Break out your favorite coffee mug and join me for a walk in the rain. Well, not the actual rain because it’s raining cats, dogs, and hippos.
—Jenn
**Please note: At this time, I am not affiliated with the bookshops linked below (wink, wink I would love the opportunity). Direct links are included for your convenience.
I come from a long line of farmers, loggers, police officers and engineers. It’s only natural that I have a soft spot for farm life. This past school year my class adopted a calf through the Discover Dairy program. We were blessed to work with Berning Acres, which is an amazing dairy farm and must visit.
So, break out those overalls and tall rubber boots. Whatever destination that you choose, I wish you and yours a “moo”velous time.
*See the Classroom Connection tab for details on Discover Dairy plus related reading & additional resources.
—Jenn
Field Trips for Families & Classrooms
Illinois Adventures
Berning Acres – East Dubuque, Illinois
My daughter and I had the distinct pleasure of visiting Berning Acres in June. We traveled a little over four hours (one way) on our adventure. Our visit was quite memorable. We played and bottle fed some calves; visited with the goats, sheep, chickens, ponies, and pigs; milked a cow (harder than it looks); and toured the farm. Before leaving, we ate some ice cream and took pictures. Our guide was informative and extremely personable. My daughter is still talking about the teeny, tiny, baby cows. We thank Berning Acres for their time and hospitality.
If you plan on visiting, click the link below to make your reservation in advance. Once on the website, you will notice there are numerous options to choose from.
On our way to Berning Acres, we stopped at Hoof It for a quick hike with some goats. My daughter thought the idea was complete bananas. Summer is meant to explore and try new adventures. That was my selling pitch and I quickly won her over. Our morning hike was beyond entertaining. When we arrived, we were greeted by a small herd of goats wandering about eating leaves off of low plants. During the hike, which lasted about an hour, we stopped occasionally to take selfies and pictures of the goats. As we hiked, our guides were informative and most were personable.
If you plan on visiting, click the link below to make your reservation in advance. Once on the website, you will notice there are numerous options to choose from.
My daughter’s Girls Scout Troop went ages ago. It’s wonderful place to visit with your family and class. Click the link below to check the schedule and secure a reservation.
The Museum of Science & Industry in Chicago is a family favorite. Farm Tech: Growing Smarter is an interactive exhibit, where your budding farm enthusist can try their hand at milking a cow and “driving” a tractor. It’s truly a moo-velous time! Sorry I couldn’t resist one last pun.
Fair Oak Farms is super family friendly and offers tours of a modern working dairy farm. Family passes are available to experience all the farm has to offer. While visiting the farm, make certain to visit the Cowfe & Ice Cream shop. I highly recommend the grilled cheese sandwich and fresh ice cream. So yummy! Plus, there is super cute merch available for purchase.
For those of you that are traveling, advance reservations at the Fairfield by Marriott is a must. Marriott describes the hotel as “a beautiful contemporary barn, this one-of-a-kind hotel is filled with custom art and upgrades all celebrating the American countryside of Fair Oaks Farms.” A great family getaway.
**Please note: At this time, I am not affiliated with the field trip destinations (wink, wink I would love the opportunity). Direct links are included for your convenience.
Adventure Recommendation
I am always ready for an adventure! Please post your recommendations below.
July is an excellent time to snuggle in a read a new book. The picture books below are my absolute favorites that I read in the final days of school. Corresponding classroom resources and links are posted under the “Classroom Connection” tab.
Picture Books
And Then Comes Summer, by Tom Brenner
Fireflies, by Julie Brinckloe
Down by the Cool of the Pool, by Tony Mitton
There was an Old Mermaid who Swallowed a Shark, by Lucille Colandro
Wish for a Fish: All About Sea Creatures, by Bonnie Worth
Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist, by Jess Keating
The Big Tan Van, by Sindy McKay
Pig the Tourist, by Aaron Blabey
Tacky Goes to Camp, by Helen Lester
The Pigeon will Ride the Roller Coaster, by Mo Willems
Bonus – Camping Picture Books
The Camping Trip, by Jennifer K. Mann
Our Great Big Backyard, by Laura Bush & Jenna Bush Hager
Frank & Bean, by Jamie Michalak
Fatima’s Great Outdoors, by Ambreen Tariq
A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee, by Chris Van Dusen
Chapter Books
Flora & Ulysess, by Kate DiCamillo
Magic Tree House: #35 Camp Time in California, by Mary Pope Osborne
Conversations-Over-Coffee has been “brewing” for some time. For several months. I tinkered with the idea of writing a blog. The idea of sharing my passions for coffee, literature, and classroom connections was most appealing.
This fall marks my fifth year teaching Second Grade. Literally feels like seconds teaching Second. Most of my students arrive in August with a feeling of meh when it comes to literature. By June, they are asking if they can read five more minutes. During the school year, literature in my classroom is celebrated, devoured, and analyzed. Keep an eye on the “Classroom Connections” tab. Over the next several weeks, I will be posting my favorite author websites and adventures (some virtual) for your classrooms and family.
Like many of you, I am looking forward to a gorgeous weekend. I’ll be checking back in a day to two. Time to pack my bag for the beach and select the perfect read. My daughter will be driving, so I will be catching up on my reading.
conversations-over-coffee.blog 