The Stories of our Lives

I was recently at a Regional Sync Up meeting with some of my Origami Owl friends and our Dream Manager, Donavon, had us do a REALLY UNCOMFORTABLE role playing situation.  What was uncomfortable in that room with a stranger, has been weighing in heavily with me ever since and may have been the best thing for me after all!

We were to ask questions of our partner, getting them to share portions of their life as we conversed for just a couple of minutes.  While some THRIVE on this kind of activity, I have a hard time with it for a few reasons.  First, I am more naturally shy...I know...if you have known me for a while, you may not believe this.  In a group where I do not know very many people, I feel VERY out of place.  Second, in these role playing situations, I feel awkward and clumsy, like I am 12 and in school giving the wrong answer in a group or something.  There are some other reasons that I won't take the time to go into here, but I just find it awkward.

 I was paired with someone I had not previously met and as we were chatting through this exercise, I found out pieces of her life story...things I probably will not ever forget and I made a connection with this woman in those two minutes, because she told me a story, HER story.
Here is part of Michelle's Story...this is her ADORABLE Little Black Rain Cloud Locket...

There is just something about telling your story that causes a connection to be made with another person.  We do not often get the chance to tell our story, because we are BUSY, BUSY, BUSY..

Those of us with Origami Owl say,

I want to encourage you to listen to someone else's story today and share at least a part of your story with someone as well.

Oh, and Donavon, I may need to re-think that vanilla!

Homeschool Buyer's Co-op/ Discovery Educaton Streaming Plus FREE Summer Subscription

***This is a promotional post for Homeschool Buyers Co-op

Did you hear about the special summer offer for homeschoolers from Homeschool Buyer's Co-op? They are giving away a free subscription to Discovery Education Streaming Plus for the summer. Hurry, this offer is only available until August 31st, 2015. This is a wonderful value as a one year's subscription is $375. Taking summer school and kicking it up a notch.

Sign up for Discovery Education Streaming Plus here
See what others have to say here

Melissa's Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies were given this name, because a dear friend treated us to a LARGE container of these at a women's retreat.  I have been told that it is basically just the toll house recipe and would love to give credit to them if that is true (although I have never checked...), but it is truly the love of this friend that makes these so special!  These are a FAVORITE in our home now too!  IT MUST be the LOVE!

2 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
2 c. brown sugar
4 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
4-4 ½ cups flour*
2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. salt
2 bags milk chocolate chips

Cream together shortening and sugars.  Beat in eggs, one at a time until fluffy
Add vanilla
Sift together dry ingredients and add to the creamed mixture.
Fold in the chocolate chips.
Drop by tablespoons onto cookie sheet. I line my sheets with silpats.
Bake at 375 for about 10 minutes**

* Start with 4 cups flour and add in any extra needed to make a nice soft sticky dough.
** We like these slightly underbaked.  Please adjust time according to your preferences and so no one gets sick.