Discover A Beautiful New Sunrise Waiting Just for You!

I started this blog about 4 years ago. My commitment to writing has been sporadic because of my overloaded schedule and my pursuit of other things. My message today is very simple; “Just drive; pick your road and keep driving!”

If you are persistent, you will climb a mountain or 2, cross a border, and drive down a winding road to find the perfect sunrise. There are moments in life when you will lose the ones you love, when you will be dealt unfair hands, and when people will walk away; but that’s life. The only thing that you can control is the car that you are driving!

I know that it is easier said than done but always remember that there are people who love you, care about you, and support you. Now pick your road and keep driving! Fill your backseat with ALL the people that are dear to you, venture to new places, and experience new things! There’s a sunrise with your name on it!

Happy holidays!

Superpowers to the Rescue!

I’ve come to realize something that has truly been staring me in the face…”Happiness is an INSIDE Job!” Shawn Achor and Spark the orange frog are still my pals, but honestly…PEOPLE ARE AS HAPPY AS THEY WANT TO BE!  Spark will always have a place in my office.  I am still tossing orange sprinkles, but if you want to be HAPPY, you must work at it!  I’ve accumulated a few superpowers that stop me dead in my tracks if I dare to turn down Negativity Road! I will share my list, maybe you have superpowers too and just haven’t realized it!

  1. I surround myself with people that make me a better person. These individuals cause me to smile and laugh, but more importantly they can redirect my negative thoughts and channel positive waves my way. Example: My “hubby” inquired about my day at work. While it was not the most horrific day that I had experienced, I began by sharing ALL the things that had required some out of the box thinking. As I rattled off my list, he abruptly stopped me, by saying “Whoa, I am a sunny-side up kind of guy.” Not only did I stop ranting, but I even felt a little embarrassed. I was lucky to have that superpower sitting on the couch!
  2. I read books that set my mind at ease. These good reads are for pure enjoyment. I’ve read the Happiness Advantage and The Orange Frog twice! Exciting mind tingling mysteries by Patterson are also favorites on my go-to list.
  3. While watching television may not be my first choice, I have a selection of tv shows that will surely spark a few giggles. On demand to the rescue!
  4. I have inspirational sofa cards that I shuffle through quite often. The cards decorate my coffee table and are intended for guests to read while waiting for the main event.  Spoiler, I purchased those cards for me!
  5. I DO what makes ME HAPPY! I listen to my favorite songs or podcasts. I call my family and friends. I shampoo the carpet. I write a blog. I take a walk. I replant my flowers. I draw a picture. I go shopping. I find ME!
  6. Lastly, I reaffirm myself. I know that I am a loving person. I know that I am a caring person. I know that I am a dedicated person.  I know that I have special talents and unique skills.  I AM PROUD of ME!

Make a list of your superpowers or try a few of mine. #Orange Sprinkles!

What’s New?

So, I must admit, it has been a while since I last blogged.  Not that I don’t enjoy blogging,  but somehow, I  just haven’t made the time.  My friends keep saying, “You haven’t blogged in a long time. When are you going to blog?”  My response has simply been “I know”…with no follow-up in the blogging arena.  So, this morning, after numerous months of not blogging, I decided to  visit my blog site and get my mojo working.   What I discovered really isn’t an unearthing surprise.  There were just enough flashing red dots to remind me that the world continues to rotate, whether you are driving the vehicle or riding in the passenger’s seat. The key to surviving the ride is to properly wear your seat belt and to know where you are headed.

To my surprise, I remembered my login and password, and had no problem navigating the site.  What captured my attention were the 16 flashing red updates.  As any “derelict” blogger would do…I clicked away.  There was information about giving my page a facelift, how to attract more readers, checking for links that were broken, and a reminder to declutter and toss outdated information.  After scanning a few articles, I’ve surmised that a facelift to the site won’t be so bad.  After all, I am constantly adding to my wardrobe.  I wouldn’t dare be caught wearing a pair of bellbottoms from the ’70s but give me a pair of retro bellbottoms and I am a fashionista!  There were no outdated numbers or broken links but even a novice would  know that these pesky annoyances would hinder the publication of a well-written blog.  As for decluttering,  I am contemplating some possibilities.  After all, the earth rotates once every  twenty-three hours, fifty-six minutes, and 4.09053 seconds; change constantly happens and is often needed.  Recognizing the need for change and following the right map will get you to your destination!  Don’t forget to buckle up, you want to survive the ride!

#Orange Sprinkles

Crazy title, right! If you know me, you recognize it! I have coined “#Orange Sprinkles” as a response to those special moments when happiness zooms in and takes my breath away, when something brings an unexpected smile to my heart! It is my ultimate, “You MADE My Day!” With so much happening these days, sometimes it is easy to overlook the “orange sprinkles” that filter into our daily routines! Orange sprinkles are like fairy dust, but they truly exist! I am sure that you have experienced a sprinkling or two and you did not realize it. I have received a few during the past week, let me share.

On Saturday, while grocery shopping, I meandered to the fresh produce area only to have an ongoing battle with a cellophane bag.  I am speaking of those clear plastic bags on the cardboard roll near the bananas, tomatoes, and cucumbers.  The ones that you must look at closely to know which end opens.  After spending an undue amount of time scuffling with a bag, a gentleman near me handed me an opened bag.  I am not sure if he thought I had poor fine motors skills or simply did not know how to open the bag, but he certainly made me smile.  Today, I decided to go to the hairdresser after a year’s hiatus as a  result of the Covid pandemic.  I must admit, I was a little leery, my hairdresser had texted me 6 months prior to say the shop was open for business.  My 8:00 a.m. appointment proved to be the highlight of my day!  The shop’s owner and stylists welcomed me with cheery expressions and shared their concern about my absence. The owner said, “We just wanted to know if you were okay.” 

My list of “orange sprinkles” could continue but I am sure you get the point; orange sprinkles happen when you least expect them.   They make you smile and say “AWE!”  Keep your eyes open for the orange sprinkles coming your way!  Something wonderful happens every day!

#Orange Sprinkles!

Enjoy Your 24!

Today is the eve of a new year.  The past year has been horrific, to say the least. I am sure that you won’t find a single person who can’t share a devastating story.  I think most of us will conclude that we have had our fill of gloom, doom, negative karma, illness, misery, sadness, and worry. We have experienced it, read about it, talked about it, and saw it!  On a brighter note, we are still here, still eating, still singing, and still able to spend time with those that make us laugh, share our dreams, and push us along the journey of life.

Today’s message is clear: WE ARE STILL HERE! Enjoy your 24! Enjoy the things that make you happy! View everyday as an opportunity to experience something new, an opportunity to share your gifts with someone else; your opportunity to brighten someone’s day!  Don’t dwell on what you lost; what you can’t control; what went wrong; or who did you wrong….ENJOY YOUR 24!

Wishing you prosperity, good health, happiness, and success in 2021!  A new adventure awaits!

Orange Sprinkles!

Two Words

I’ve been MIA on the blog scene.   It hasn’t been because I have nothing to write about or because my laptop isn’t working.  It just happens to be a side effect of the times.  Several friends and even my “hubbie” have mentioned, “You haven’t written a blog.”  So, this morning,  while waiting for the sun to say, “Good Morning Sunshine,” I decided to visit my personal place of tranquility.  Visiting my blog space may  just be my personal stimulus for a fabulous day! 

Shortly after entering my password, I received the most awesome message…. “WELCOME BACK!”  Imagine that, someone MISSED ME!  I AM IMPORTANT to someone!  Somebody was thinking, ” I haven’t heard from Sharon in a while.”  “I wonder  how Sharon is doing?”  “Is Sharon coming back?”  “I MISS Sharon!”   Then someone decided,  to send ME a special message that would brighten my day.    Yes, that’s my story and I AM sticking to it!  Someone missed ME!  Someone cares about ME and someone is glad to have ME partake in their adventure!   Even though I’ve been gone for a while, when I returned; I was welcomed with open arms. 

See, I told you …STIMULUS FOR A FABULOUS DAY!

Don’t think I’m crazy.  I know I received a  computer-generated message aimed at making me feel special and of course keeping  me interested in blogging, but the message made a powerful impact!  Imagine what would happen if you shared a special message with someone you haven’t seen or spoken to in a while.   What would happen if you called a long-lost friend or relative, shared a smile with a coworker, or gave a compliment to a stranger?  Don’t forget to share the LOVE with your family.  After all, what’s life without someone to share it with! The journey of life is challenging  and filled with unexpected surprises.  It’s great to get a surprise that makes you SMILE!

Orange Sprinkles!

The Friend Formula

Friends are special individuals who meander into our life and bring orange sprinkles with their presence. They fulfill our personal needs, lend helping hands, share our burdens, and make us laugh! They come equipped with backpacks filled with fairy dust, gold bullion, and confetti! They encourage us to do what we can; and insist that we do what we must! They make us smile, laugh, and move forward! Some friends stay for a season, others for a lifetime! The “friend formula” can be baffling for kids and adults alike! I recall an after-recess conversation with 3 first graders, the kids were visiting my office to discuss a dilemma that had surfaced during playtime. Among the 3 kids, were 2 pairs of friends. The 6-year old minds could not conceive the possibility of 3 friends playing together. The sort-after “best” friend started telling the story. He described a situation where each of the other kids wanted to be his friend. He shared that he had played with 1 friend on the previous day and had decided to play with the other friend on the present day. In his mind, he felt that he had solved the problem! On this day, his plan had not run smoothly; yesterday’s playmate was not happy! I used my creative skills to spend a tale of 3 friends playing together in harmony. I talked about the games they could play together and how each one could teach the other one something new. Everybody has special talents that should be shared! After several nods of affirmation from the kids, I smiled, thinking that I had sealed the deal on a friendship among the triplets. The storyteller added a dramatic conclusion to my tale. In a sincere humble voice, he verbalized his inner thoughts….”If I have to play with both of them at the same time, I will throw-up.” Lost for words, I decided it best to continue the conversation on the following day, after recess. Today, I was reminded of the incident with the kids and decided to take a 1-minute challenge. In 1-minute, I listed adjectives to describe qualities I expect in a friend. My list included the following words: funny, loyal, respectful, trustworthy, honest, dependable, supportive, daring, creative, decisive, compassionate, and determined. I didn’t dare to connect the adjectives to my circle of friends; I understand that they share with me their best attributes; their attributes help me to be my best Me! Whether you have 1 or 10, cherish your friends! Orange Sprinkles!!!

Today is a Great Day!

I know that it has been several weeks, maybe even a month since I last posted. While I am not a person who leans toward excuses, most of us must admit that the last 3 months have not been typical. Our lives have been flipped upside down, and what has been the norm just is not the norm anymore! All of us have been impacted by Covid19 in one fashion or another; now we are faced with the reality of moving forward, adjusting, adapting, and accepting what will become the “new” norm. While many things have shifted, we cannot overlook the special people in our lives and the little things that bring us joy and peace.

I have a friend and colleague who sends me the perfect text for the precise moment. She’s recommended books and videos. She even recommended the ideal song for my mom’s homegoing! She’s always right on target! She is a wonderful kind-hearted person who shares genuine compliments like free-flowing water! It’s like she has a superpower! Recently, she recommended a YouTube video that emphasized showing gratitude by telling others how they have positively influenced your life. In the video, the host recommended writing a letter to those who have made a positive impression on your life.

Today, I am writing a “thank you” blog to my family, friends, and colleagues who have positively influenced my life. Thank you for the support that you have shown me. Thank you for the kind words that you have shared. Thanks for being a pillar when the walls were crumbling. Thanks for making me laugh when tears were near. Thanks for sharing your stories. Thanks for the perfect text message. Thanks for listening to my chatter. Thanks for being my cheerleader. Thanks for helping me grow! Thanks for helping me accomplish things that I could not have accomplished without YOU! Thanks for BEING YOU!

As we move forward, in search of our “NEW” NORM, do not forget to say THANKS!

There’s a Lesson to Be Learned

I’ve been away from my school for an entire week, but I haven’t seen my kids for 2 weeks. It has been twenty thousand one hundred sixty minutes since I last laid eyes on my school kids. It seems a bit strange that 1 week of an unplanned school closing has left me dismal. Yes, I am totally engulfed in the pandemic that is sweeping the nation, but I am also trapped in a web of concern for my kids. I am like a melancholic puppy who can’t find her fuzzy toy. I’ve even resulted to asking Alexa to play the favorite songs of my kindergartners. I am totally fixated on all the things my kids are missing. I am wondering how they are impacted by the closing, if their families are well. I am concerned about the fractured school year and how my kids will return to learning as “usual” when the pandemic has subsided. I am wondering what questions the kids may have. I know that there are many. I received an email from one of my kids, she typed, “I miss you, Dr. Walker-Hood.” The email made my day! My district, like others, has implemented a plan to stay in touch with our kids and to ensure that their minds are being stimulated. My team and I are communicating with families via a web-based program, telephone calls, and emails. It’s ironic, when school was in session, there was always someone longing to be home,  sometimes a kid and sometimes an adult. Now that we are restricted to stay at home, we are longing to be at school. The kids miss their teachers and the teachers miss their kids!

As always, there’s a lesson to be learned in everything that happens. It’s up to the individual to learn the lesson. Yes, this pandemic is unprecedented; it’s sweeping the nation like a wildfire but there is a lesson to be learned! The lesson, in its simplest form is to learn to appreciate people. Appreciate your family, friends, neighbors, those you work with, those you see at stores, and those whose names you don’t know. Stop thinking you are better than others. Stop thinking you know everything. Stop judging people.  Stop complaining.  We ALL are Masterpieces, unique individuals with special gifts and talents! This pandemic doesn’t discriminate. Let us show compassion, empathy, patience, and appreciation…TODAY, TOMORROW, and ALWAYS!

I hope that all is well with my kids and their families.  I hope my team and their families are well, safe, and secure.  Soon, I hope to see them ALL! I know this devastating pandemic is only a moment in time.  I hope we understand and digest its lesson. I miss my Masterpieces!

Look for the Silver Lining…

During one of the earlier classes of my master’s program, the superintendent teaching the course told us “eager to be administrators” that principals do EVERYTHING!  He commented,  “You jump in where you are needed, some days you may have to push a garbage can during lunch.”  His comment was true, as a principal, I am always jumping into SOMETHING!

For most of the school year, my dedicated teaching-assistant principal and I, have been crossing guards. We have inherited these positions due to unforeseen circumstances. I’ve done everything within my power to secure qualified individuals to fill these positions.  The longevity of committed crossing guards has been short termed. Since I had experienced a similar situation last year, I decided to be proactive by hiring 3 crossing guards.  All individuals completed crossing guard training.   All individuals began their tours of duty and ALL individuals decided the corners were not for them! I know a part-time job that offers 2 hours of pay, lots of rain, frigid temperatures, and blustery winds might run anyone away.  I am grateful that my dedicated teaching-assistant principal has battled the elements each day! To be honest, I have a low tolerance for cold but being the crossing guard offered the opportunity to buy a new puffer, with no guilt attached!  My teaching-assistant principal and I pick up our red octagon signs and head to our designated corners, 2 times per day. While stopping amid things to run to the corner adds an extra bump in my schedule, it also adds a little happiness to my day.

While standing on the corner, I’ve gotten to know more of my parents, grandparents, and kids. Their faces are familiar; I can make connections among siblings.  My parents greet me with a smile or nod as I meander to the center of the cross-section. Sometimes, I remind them about upcoming school events and important dates. If I am running a few minutes behind schedule,  there’s a mom that will tell drivers not to park in the crosswalks. I’ve seen her talking with drivers; I always tell her “thank you.” It surely takes a village to keep our kids safe. I have had parents wait until I have finished crossing the kids to ask questions. They have prefaced their questions with,” I know where to find you.” I’ve sensed that it made them feel better, knowing that I am accessible. I’ve received many waves from cars. I’ve had a grandma say, “I like to see a principal that will do anything.” I had a dad who greeted me by saying, “Good morning Dr. Walker-Hood. How are you?” I responded, “Good morning. How are you?” He replied, “Fantastic, since I saw you!” I couldn’t help but laugh. I also have my kids that cross at the corner. There’s a kindergartner that always says, “Dr. Walker-Hood, I like your shoes. I saw you in my room.” There’s the little one that I greet on the other side of the street so she can share what she did the previous night. There’s the second grader that I keep reminding that he can’t run full speed from his house and anticipate drivers to know he is coming; he must stop running before crossing the street.  My sixth-grade girls, smile and laugh when they cross, sometimes  they tell me that they understand the math lesson that we completed during Academic Block. As the kids cross, they say “Bye Dr. Walker-Hood, see you tomorrow. Thank you.” I say, “YOU TOO!” and they smile.

My 40-minutes on the corner are well spent! Yes, it’s cold and I am layered up, but I am also warmed by the sentiments of my kids and parents. They brighten my day! There’s a silver lining in every cloud, sometimes you just need to look!

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