Happy Friday, RISERS! I hope this week has been good to you. At my school this week, we had the first book fair since before the COVID-19 outbreak. Having never actually worked a book fair, I had no idea what to expect. The answer was hundreds of middle school students vying to get their favorite books and that one last pointer—you know, the index finger on a stick. Who knew they would be all the rage?
I’m not sure where you call home, but today, I hope you are not having to wade through hip-deep water to get where you need to go.
Quote of the week: “Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality.” –Washington Irving
Song of the week: I think I have recommended the movie The Grinch before, but, ahem, the 2018 version is fabulous. What I really want to introduce to you is the version of “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” by the Small Town Titans. It is so completely not what you would expect. I didn’t like it the first time I listened to it, but it has grown on me since then. I hope you’ll take a listen and enjoy it as well.
Joke of the week: Why does Scrooge love reindeer? Because every buck is deer to him.
Recharge Tip for the week: This week’s tip may seem a bit strange, but I promise it works. Did you know that when you volunteer, or give back to others, it can lift your mood and strengthen your sense of belonging? Plus, it makes the people you spend time with feel valued. I have always said that if everyone picked just one cause/organization (such as RiseUP Cooperative, animal rescue, eldercare, the Optimist Club, etc.) to get behind, our world would be a more positive place and we would see fewer troubles.
Shout-Out of the week: This week I want to give a shout-out to the teachers who are having their annual Christmas concerts: orchestra, band, and choral. These teachers have worked for weeks to prepare so their students can show off their musical ability. Thank you for taking the time to teach students how to read music and sing on pitch. I know they make their families proud.
Have a great weekend. Remember, you are most awesome, and YOU ROCK!
Marion Rhines is a foster-turned-adoptive parent. She lives in Knoxville, Tenn., with her husband and five children. She has written and published two children’s books as well as two foster-care-themed novels. She has a Facebook blog, Tips from the FLIP Side, and enjoys working with children of all ages.