Holly Elissa Bruno

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Ask a child to point to herself. Where does her index finger land?

If you or I were to point to ourselves, we would likely place our hand on the same destination as …

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Truth is I’d rather run. Board a plane. Take a hike. Read a book. Listen to Brahms or Marvin Gaye or Aretha. Jump out of my skin. Escape.

I have a certain expertise …

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“We must be willing to let go of the life we had planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.”*

A funny thing can happen on the way …

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Thousands of eager and spirited early childhood professionals convene annually for a friendly, often crowded, bustling and eventful professional conference, sponsored by NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children). We fly …

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National Airport’s Terminal C crackled electric. Fanning into a gauntlet from Gate 38’s open door, civilians like me swayed shoulder-to-shoulder with soldiers donned in crisply pressed navy and white or green uniforms. Children …

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You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face…You must do the thing you think you cannot do—Eleanor Roosevelt

I know …

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When you recall your worst teacher (do this only if you are willing; memories can spark unbidden feelings), what do you recall of that person’s behavior?

Can you remember that teacher’s name? How …

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“The only devils in the world are those running in our own hearts. That is where the battle should be fought.”
–Mahatma Gandhi

2nd chances can show up in disguise, unannounced, and hard …

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Sidney Bechet, jazz genius, walked the 1920’s streets of Paris in finger-popping, toe-tapping dignity, knowing unquestionably that he was seen, honored, and free. His charcoal skin was golden in France. There, Bechet could …

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“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”
—Mahatma Gandhi

This second chance which is making the rounds inside me is not a daily second …