Greek Mythology at the Met!

Sarcophagus with garlands and the myth of Theseus and Ariadne

I couldn't wait to bring my first grade students to The Metropolitan Museum of Art to explore Greek Mythology through art.  

I knew it would be an amazing experience because we have been studying the stories for a while and I secured an incredibly patient and knowledgeable docent, Patrizia, to usher us through the morning. 

 We weren't disappointed. 

It turns out that the museum has created an art adventure entitled Percy Jackson & The Olympians based on the book The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan.  Each child was given a treasure map with keepsake cards containing pictures and facts about the Greek, Roman and European art as well as quotes from the book.  

It was fun to watch slightly surprised and impressed tourists gather around our students as they expertly answered Patrizia's questions and retold the stories with confidence and excitement.  

Patrizia gave us a wonderful Mythology Fandex to take back to the classroom and a free Family Pass for each child.  

When we returned to school the exhausted children wrote beautiful narratives about the experience.  

There is nothing quite like the thrill of experiencing New York City with a bunch of 6-year-olds!  

Step on a Crack

My mom suffered two compression fractures to her lower back recently due to osteoporosis, hard work and aging.

This woman who never sits still has become a bit more deliberate and conservative with her movements but her indomitable spirit remains intact.

Still, we are all a little freaked out by the realities of growing older and the fragility of life.

Thank goodness schools were closed for spring break last week. The worry, coupled with my active imagination, got the best of me and after a night of distressing dreams I woke up determined to see my parents.  I quickly packed a bag and hopped in my car for the 16-hour drive south.

The two day visit did much to alleviate my immediate concerns and lift spirits.  Now the healing -- of mind, body and spirit -- begins. For the next 8 weeks she needs to wear an uncomfortable back brace which, so far,  seems to be causing more pain than comfort.

From now on I will watch carefully before I step!