Nice Surprise

My order from my local bookstore came in today and I'm so exited. I placed the order weeks ago and I was beginning to think it wasn't going to make it before I had to resume work. 

When the call came, I jumped straight into my car and went into town to collect my much awaited book.

I must tell you I adore my local bookstore and can literally spend hours in there getting lost. Not today though, today I wanted to get home quickly to start my new journey. The store owner had it all wrapped in crisp brown paper when I got there, waiting on the counter for me.
When I got home my children were needing my attention and then dinner needed to be made, so my book sat idly on my coffee table, patiently waiting for my full attention.
Children in bed asleep I finally had time to pull off the brown paper and inspect my newest purchase. I love getting new books, well truth be told I just love books. 

I have read amazing reviews about 'Room' by Emma Donoghue. Simply revealing the cover made me smile and breathe deeply. Everything draws you into this book. I love the cover, the colours. The back cover makes me think about the wallpaper I used to have in my old bedroom when I was growing up.

'Room' has been sitting on my coffee table watching me all afternoon and evening, watching me share my time amongst my family. Now it is time, 'Room' has my undivided attention, and I can not wait.

Take care,

Dotti.

Savvy - Written By Ingrid Law

I read this book in less than 24 hours and I am now reading it to my 9 year old daughter whom I will call Angel (her true middle name). Her reading habits are almost identical to mine, once she starts she simply can not stop. One chapter turned into two then three by chapter six I had to pull the plug!! It was way passed her bedtime.
I love listening and watching as I read further, Angel predicting and questioning the direction of the story. Wishing that she had a 'savvy' to look forward to at 13. She would wish to communicate with animals.
As I read Savvy, I was constantly thinking about the students I could match this book with. At first I thought it would only appeal to my girls but I do believe I have quite a few boys who will give this a go and enjoy the ride. Although the cover will make it a hard sell to boys.
Take care,
Dotti.

Getting Started

I have been reading other blogs for a really long time now and decided tonight whilst sitting on my couch that I would give my own a go. I'm so inspired by all of the fantastic bloggers out there. I have used countless book recommendations for my students, and I love having a peek into the lives, loves and everyday goings on of many different people out there.
I am a wife, mother (two beautiful children) and teacher of grade 5/6 students at a regional school in Victoria,
Australia. It is a life long quest to learn and become a better wife, mum, teacher friend and person.
2010 was a difficult year for me. On December 16th I was taken by ambulance to hospital suffering severe stomach pain. To cut a long painful story short I had to have part of my bowel removed due to a twist. I spent 10 days in hospital, missing the graduation of my grade six students and most devastating, Christmas Day. I spent many of the hours in hospital alone. My family visited me everyday but there are only so many hours that children are able to stay sane in the enclosed spaces of a hospital room. The enforced solitary had me reassessing many parts of my life. Surprising to me, a major focus, apart from my family was the way I treat myself and the way I allow other people to treat me.
So, needless to say I need to do some work on me and begin to truly value myself a whole lot more.
I am really excited about blogging and so hopeful that it will give me a voice, a place to speak the thoughts that normally become ulcers in my mouth through biting my tongue.
Until next time, take care,
Dotti.