There are days when I am simply dumbfounded by all there is to accomplish, all there is to be and to do, all there is to notice and be thankful for, all there is to miss, all there is.

The thin ice spread out with those thin whitish layers begging to be crunched, baby calves running and bucking all rascally and long-legged needing to be noticed, a warm sun to shine on my face after days of grey cold fog, and the deep connections with others that I am loathe to leave.

On the screen of my lap top, center of my days, my novella revisions feel like they are dragging along, my students submit their work in cycles throughout the day for grading, emails from students, parents, and peers cannot wait too long, respond to discussions, edit some more, look for sources for the kids researching various topics: wars, great women in history, and why we should adopt pets.

But take just one quiet early-morning moment for my own reflections. Lent-a time for introspection and small changes, searching for that best self I am supposed to be. Mom. Writer. Teacher. Wife. Friend. Caretaker. Sister. Student. Runner. Rider.