Had an interesting epiphany related to “patriotism.”  Or… lack thereof… Or… lack of knowing the importance of patriotism… Or … how many California teachers break the education code (sadly… from time-to-time, including me… THE DIFFERENCE… I admit when I am wrong… SOME / FEW / LESS THAN A 100 of my colleagues defend when they [...]

It is time.  It is time to start sharing stories.  Write essays.  In my first book, I take the reader up to the beginning of my time at Kilarney High School (not the school’s real name; also, some of the stories may not have happened at the specific high school I cite; gotta watch the

“What are you doing Carleen?”  forty-seven years later, I still remember that question.  When was that question asked?  Days following my sisters sixth birthday.  Carleen (my mom) was Duke’s (my dad) wife.  Mom had had enough of dad’s abuse.  We never saw him hit mom.  But, my goodness… that countless times dad would be verbally

When did many people decide to relinquish personal responsibility?  I don’t have an exact time and date.  BECAUSE, THERE IS NO EXACT TIME AND DATE.  It may not be the correct question, “when did many people decide to relinquish personal responsibility?”  The question probably is close to “how come many people decided to relinquish personal

What a fantastic article.  I loved it and AT THE SAME TIME, THE REPORTERS FRUSTRATE ME… which may be the reason the article is “fantastic.”  I strongly encourage you to read the article. https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2019-08-04/el-paso-dayton-gilroy-mass-shooters-data As I get ready to go to school to begin my THIRTY-FIRST CONSECUTIVE YEAR teaching high school music, I have grave

My summer has come to an end.  What a terrific summer it has been.  I was able to go to Disneyland with my family in celebration of Katy’s (our daughter) graduation.  I was so happy to have the opportunity to go to Disneyland with all of our family and two family friends.  What a great

“Dad, how come we should F$CK the White House?”  “Grandpa, how come they are saying F$CK Trump?  Isn’t he our president?”  “Grandpa, how come they are not going to the White House?  Isn’t the White House for all of us?” “Dad, since you like President Trump, are we not included in their celebration?”  Those are

My heart is heavy.  I don’t know why?  I am going to guess… My heart is heavy because I realize I do not have 30 years left to teach high school music.  My time is coming to end.  I will change the names of the schools.  Don’t want to hurt anyone.  However, in the end,

“They have to __________________.”  “They need to __________________.”  One of the many things I have learned about being a leader is to NEVER exclude yourself from the group.  This means, as a leader, I need to use the pronoun, “we.”  Or, the pronoun “us.”  However, I am noticing more and more leaders using the pronoun,

Again, sorry for not writing for a while.  And again… MANY THANKS FOR CHOOSING TO TAKE THE TIME TO READ MY WRITING. So, since May 31, 2019, I have been on vacation.  I write this on June 19, 2019.  I have had 19 days to have responsibility for me.  My choices on how to spend