It’s been a bit of a week.
So much has been written about last week’s tragedies, and I don’t think I have anything new or groundbreaking to add. I really believe that listening to stories, whether in person, in print, or in film, is key to problem solving. And since I’m all about practical solutions, here’s some suggestions.
- If you’re in Omaha, there’s an exhibit at El Museo Latino that documents immigrants from various Latin American countries. You can read their stories as well as listen to them on a CD.
- This morning, I read the book “Between the World and Me” by Ta-Nehisi Coates. It was devastatingly powerful. If I had the means and power, I would make everyone in America read it. I have not felt as educated to the Black American experience since reading Toni Morrison’s “Beloved.”
- If you are on Twitter, follow some people that might provide some perspective and understanding. A few of my favorites: @Ebonyteach, @Jananamirah, @bomani_jones.
And because the world still spins and a little levity is still important, here’s a recipe for Pina Colada Smoothies that I’ve been drinking all summer. I had to find a recipe that most resembled my favorite smoothie at Juice Stop, because Juice Stop is a bit of a trek from where I live, and because their smoothies are a bit spendy.
2/3 c. milk of choice (I use coconut milk–the kind in the half gallons, not the cans)
1/3 c. greek yogurt (I use Fage 2%)
1/3 c. Molokai Coconut drink from Bai (My local Walmart Neighborhood Market carries this)
1 c. frozen pineapple
That’s it. Blend and drink. It makes the perfect amount–I find with smoothie joints the serving sizes are so big that I feel sick if I drink the whole thing, and feel like I’m wasting money if I don’t.
30 days from today, I will have students in my classroom. Doesn’t seem possible that summer is already over.
Julie Rowse 