Crazy Corrie's Chronicles

  Let me begin by saying that this past week has been a dream come true! Last October during my ACTS training in Washington D.C., I met a crazy awesome girl named Holly from southern California - she and another fellow ACTS guide were my first favorable impressions of the residents from "the land of fruits & nuts." Ever since then I've had a yearning to visit the distant and unfamiliar western land of California! Additionally, throughout the tour season, I had several schools from various parts of Cali, and my impression of the state grew ever more favorable with each group of 8th graders (and teachers, parents, etc). And with each query about my having ever been to the west coast, my response became ever more resolute "never been there, but plan on going this summer!" Well, if you've been keeping up with my posts, you'll know that my summer has been BUSY, and before I knew it, I'd booked my whole summer with adventure - leaving no room for my m

I have found it! My lost love for arts & crafts has been recovered!After over a year as Art Director at the Boys & Girls Club of Barron County - "teaching" K-4th EVERYDAY - I was burnt out! There was a time when I thought I never wanted to see another glue stick or Crayola marker again! However, I've returned to my true self. After a sabbatical year of almost no art whatsoever (aside from the doodles on my sermon notes), I've rediscovered the joy of creating! And, boy, have I been busy! Last month the fair came to town, and with a little persuasion from my mother, I entered a few items: Fair Entries 2013 Hobbit Hole Etch-A-Sketch British Authors & their respective birthplaces - ink & watercolor Crossword-mosaic table - Mod Podge & spray paint Beauty and the Beast - Sharpie  "Peace" decoupage I made for Hannah last Christmas - tissue paper, acrylic paint, & buttons "Joyful Noise" decoupage I made

Hello again. I would like to take a moment to interject (which here means, "randomly but chronologically blog about the many smaller but very much note-worthy events that have happened over the last few months but which have hitherto fallen between the cracks of my other more lengthy tales of epic escapades") some pictures and thoughts from June through September. June June 1st, I was blessed to attend my friend Paula Joy's Wedding!! Northland '09 Girls unite!  While touring with my group of 8th graders at the WWII Memorial in Washington D.C., we came across an Honor Flight from Illinois - which included my Great-Uncle Jim!! Completely by chance (aka GOD!), I was just wandering around the memorial thanking vets for their service, when I turned around and there he was!! He said our "random" meeting was the highlight of his time in D.C.; and I have to agree - highlight of that trip for me, too! While home in Wausaukee, my sisters & I