Tag: coffee

What Would You Do If You Were Guaranteed Success?

Posted on April 20, 2015 by

What would you do if you were guaranteed success?

Would your life be very different from the way it is now?

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If I were guaranteed success….

I would create the perfect cup – or cups – of coffee, deliberately grinding the beans,

hovering over the red kettle as it rises to just before a boil,

grab it, and pour with gusto.

 

I’d exuberantly throw open the windows, welcoming the morning birdsong from my upstairs desk,

pull the blanket over my lap and scribble my thoughts with my cherished black pen,

and the words would fall into place…

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You’d see me wearing the slightly higher heeled boots with black tights,

not worrying about being on my feet all day

or if I could gracefully ride my bike to work.

 

If I were guaranteed success…

I would call and text her every morning and each night

just to check in and see what life is like so far away,

and send her a few dollars for fresh fruit.

 

I would zip up my ski parka and snap into my bindings,

jump into the race course and fly down the hill-

my smile blinding the spectators on the sidelines…

 

then go home to create the perfect tiramisu for her birthday party,

not buying any ingredients  fat-free, sugarless or on sale,

and sit by her side savoring every exquisite bite.

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If I were guaranteed success…

I would find a way to make a living

that doesn’t trade time and flexibility for income,

and no grouchy, uptight parents would tell me how to do it.

 

I’d buy a fast laptop

lock myself high up in the mountains or on a seaside cliff,

turning pictures into words, memories into stories

smiling broadly every morning….

 

opening the chest of love letters from long ago,

letting the words and memories pour into my heart-

dripping through my veins and onto a page

for you to read.

 

Jennifer Wolfe

Jennifer Wolfe, a writer-teacher-mom, is dedicated to finding the extraordinary in the ordinary moments of life by thinking deeply, loving fiercely, and teaching audaciously. Jennifer is a Google Certified Educator, Hyperdoc fanatic, and a voracious reader. Read her stories on her blog, mamawolfe, and grab free copies of her teaching and parenting resources.

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An Ordinary 48 Hour Weekend-Is It Just Like Yours?

Posted on April 4, 2015 by

Get ready, weekend.
My boys are both in their beds. When I check on the little one, he still looks like my three-year-old Bob The Builder. I’ll still make him an Easter basket today.

My furry 16 pounds of fury is curled up, quietly snoring by my side.

Fresh Sumatra steams within arm’s reach.

My girl is waking up in a tent in a Utah state park, ready for a day of climbing and paddle boarding adventures. I’m gazing at her senior portrait and trying not to wish she was here. 4 more weeks, but who’s counting after 12…

The crow’s cacophony woke me up – I’m glad they’re off on their adventures, replaced by the morning song of the mockingbird wafting through my open window.

A train whistles in the distance.

The wind has stopped for now; a reprieve before the storm rolling in tonight-just in time for Easter. Soon, Mom will arrive with a ham and potatoes and her beautiful smile. The boys will be happy.

mockingbird

Get set, weekend.
One girlfriend is baking 60 apple pies today to send her boy to China this summer. Another friend is missing her daughter’s 21st. My ski mama bestie is tearing it up on the mountain we love for her birthday.

Today, my weekend to-do list shouts out laundry and dishes and fill the bird feeders and grocery and mail L a package. Ironing (seriously, who irons?). Clean the house. Walk the dog. Hard boil the eggs and make pull-apart cinnamon rolls for Easter morning. I’ll probably dye them all by myself this year.

Easter eggs

And those virtual piles of never-ending Steinbeck essays (58 to be exact, but who’s counting after 93). Crap. That’s 6.76 hours right there…

And then there’s church. And weekend baking. Maybe yoga and a bike ride if I’m lucky and have some free time…

The sun is up now. Damn, I missed the lunar eclipse. The boys are all still sleeping. The dog is still snoring by my side. The mockingbirds are still singing, but my coffee mug is empty.

It’s an ordinary weekend. But chicks with coffee can do anything.

I’ve got 48 hours…is it just like yours?

GO!

 

photo credit: DSC_0088 via photopin (license)
photo credit: Mocking Bird via photopin (license)
photo credit: Easter Eggs III via photopin (license)

Jennifer Wolfe

Jennifer Wolfe, a writer-teacher-mom, is dedicated to finding the extraordinary in the ordinary moments of life by thinking deeply, loving fiercely, and teaching audaciously. Jennifer is a Google Certified Educator, Hyperdoc fanatic, and a voracious reader. Read her stories on her blog, mamawolfe, and grab free copies of her teaching and parenting resources.

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Travel with mamawolfe: Bend, Oregon for Rivers, Books, Coffee and Consignment Stores

Posted on July 9, 2014 by

I just got back from a quick road trip to Bend, Oregon; we try to have a family reunion there every year, but with growing families and adventurous kids, it’s hard to bring everyone together in one place at one time. I managed three days and nights of rivers, books, coffee and consignment stores-not to mention some great family time and outrageous sunsets!

Deschutes River, watching the swimmers.

Deschutes River, watching the swimmers.

For the kids, the big draw in Bend is swimming and floating in the Deschutes River-of which I did neither. I think I was the only one besides the grandmas who stayed dry – guess I’m officially OLD!

She was much braver than I!

She was much braver than I!

Bridge near Old Mill District in Bend, Oregon

Bridge near Old Mill District in Bend, Oregon

There’s lots of cool shopping in Bend – we started off in the Old Mill District. The teens loved the clothing, but I loved the Savory Spice Shoppe. I can’t wait to try out my Thai Green Curry and Ghost Pepper Salt!

Spices from Savory Spice Shoppe in Bend, Oregon

Next, the search was on for used books and clothes. We found huge amounts of both at two adjacent shops: The Open Book and City Thrift. Shopping for resale winter clothes makes much more sense in a mountain town! Did you know that many thrift/consignment stores sell used books at low, low prices?

City Thrift in Bend, Oregon

City Thrift in Bend, Oregon

We could hardly wait for coffee…and there are many choices in Bend! We headed for a favorite, Lone Pine Coffee downtown.

Cool outdoor seating at Lone Pine Coffee, Bend, Oregon

Cool outdoor seating at Lone Pine Coffee, Bend, Oregon

Next stop was Dudley’s Bookshope Cafe in downtown Bend. This place was that delicious combination of used books, big comfy chairs, delicious pastries and coffee…I never wanted to leave!

Dudley's Bookshop Cafe in Bend, Oregon

Dudley’s Bookshop Cafe in Bend, Oregon

Ju-bee-lee is a tiny gem tucked in amongst clothing stores and cafes. The shop offers gorgeous vintage-type clothing, soaps, lotions, artisan jewelry, cards, candles…it’s my ultimate kind of gift shop.

LOVED this store - ju-bee-lee in Bend, Oregon

LOVED this store – ju-bee-lee in Bend, Oregon

This cute quote caught my eye:

at ju-bee-lee in Bend, Oregon

Next, we found more gems at Rescue Consignment Shop; such fun to try on vintage/new dresses!

Rescue Consignment in Bend, Oregon

Rescue Consignment in Bend, Oregon

I love downtowns that invest in beauty.

Love the flowers in Downtown Bend, Oregon

Love the flowers in Downtown Bend, Oregon

Didn’t have time to stop here, but definitely would love to spend a hot afternoon at one of Bend’s microbreweries.

Deschutes Brewery and Public House in Downtown Bend, Oregon

Deschutes Brewery and Public House in Downtown Bend, Oregon

Can  you believe my morning view? Not a bad place to sip coffee!

morning meadow view near Bend, Oregon

morning meadow view near Bend, Oregon

On my last day, I took a walk alone back to the Deschutes River-not to swim, but just to take in the glory of the high desert.

near the Deschutes River, Oregon

near the Deschutes River, Oregon

Can you spot the desert flower?

near the Deschutes River, Oregon

river view of swimming hole, Deschutes River, Oregon

river view of swimming hole, Deschutes River, Oregon

They jumped off this?! Deschute River, Oregon

They jumped off this?! Deschute River, Oregon

On the way to the airport, a quick stop at Dutch Bros-one of my favorite West Coast chain coffee shops.

Central Oregon is home to Dutch Bros!

Central Oregon is home to Dutch Bros!

Just couldn’t resist one last sunset photo; this one of my niece sums up the beauty of my road trip to Bend, Oregon. Sunsets, rivers, shopping, coffee, books and family. It was a good, good time.

Sadie at sunset in Bend, Oregon

Sadie at sunset in Bend, Oregon


Bend on Dwellable

Jennifer Wolfe

Jennifer Wolfe, a writer-teacher-mom, is dedicated to finding the extraordinary in the ordinary moments of life by thinking deeply, loving fiercely, and teaching audaciously. Jennifer is a Google Certified Educator, Hyperdoc fanatic, and a voracious reader. Read her stories on her blog, mamawolfe, and grab free copies of her teaching and parenting resources.

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What I Trust

Posted on October 21, 2013 by

I trust….

that every day is a chance to do better,

that when I know better, I do better,

that nothing will stay the same,

and that change is the only constant in life.

 

I trust….

that my children love me unconditionally,

but that I love them more than they’ll ever understand,

that quiet time will help me center,

and digging in the dirt is great therapy.

 

I trust…

that all will be well,

that things happen not by chance, but for a reason,

that through teaching, I can make a difference in the lives of my students,

and that someday they may realize that they can make a difference, too.

 

I trust…

that chocolate and peanut butter are a delicious combination,

that a long walk at the end of the day will clear the ‘what ifs’ from my head,

that being present in the moment will teach me what I need to learn,

and that being present is a continual challenge.

 girlfriend weekend therapy

I trust….

that my fifties will be better than my forties,

that good girlfriends are the best therapists,

and that if I try to stop drinking coffee again

I will seriously regret it.

 

I trust…

myself

that deep down, I know what I need to do,

and I trust that when we face our fears

our life comes into focus and our voices are heard.

Tell me now, what do you trust?

With thanks and gratitude to Danielle LaPorte and her #DesireMap project for inspiration and motivation.

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Jennifer Wolfe

Jennifer Wolfe, a writer-teacher-mom, is dedicated to finding the extraordinary in the ordinary moments of life by thinking deeply, loving fiercely, and teaching audaciously. Jennifer is a Google Certified Educator, Hyperdoc fanatic, and a voracious reader. Read her stories on her blog, mamawolfe, and grab free copies of her teaching and parenting resources.

More Posts - Website

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