Grindstones

What is it about the term grindstone? What does 'back to the grindstone' really mean? Hmmmm.

I don't know why these random things come into my head, but I truly was wondering about this as I thought about coming back from LTUE and having to go back to work on Monday. Teaching fifth graders. Chatty fifth graders. So, I looked it up. Here's what I found.

* Merriam Webster says that it's a flat circular stone of natural sandstone that revolves on an axle and is used for grinding.

* Keep your nose to the grindstone means to apply yourself conscientiously to your work.

* Some think that the phrase came from millers checking the stones to make sure they weren't getting too hot and burning the flour, but those were millstones, not grindstones.

* Others think that it came from knife sharpeners who had to bend over close to the grindstone as they sharpened the knives. (I must agree that this would be hard work.)

* In regards to the knife sharpeners, a writer named John Frith said, "[They] holdeth their noses so hard to the grindstone, that it clean disfigureth their faces."

So, apparently, getting back to the grindstone means to get back to work. And that is what I had to do Monday. Go back to work ... er ... the grindstone.

Hope it doesn't disfigure my face.

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggety Jig

Well, Miss Rachel and I are home from LTUE. We had a fabulous time together. I like spending time with her. She is a very talented and sweet person.

We hung out with our fantabulous writer friends and talked and laughed and laughed some more. Thanks Karen, James, Julie, Melinda and Kristi. These are amazing people and I am so grateful to count them as friends.

I even got a surprise visit from my sister. She provided our entertainment. It was a riot.

I didn't take any pictures, although I packed my camera with me everywhere I went. Figures.

Love Note Number Fourteen

I love my husband.

He is a sensitive, smart, hardworking, handsome, thoughtful and kind man. His eyes sparkle when he smiles and makes my heart melt. He is my very best friend. He listens to me. He supports me in all of the crazy things I want to do. He holds my hand when we walk down the street. He opens doors for me when we go into a building or get in the car. He remembers things like Valentines Day, our anniversary and my birthday. He gives me beautiful cards that make me cry tears of happiness. He is a great father to our children. He is an excellent example to them of how one should live. He is supportive of them and their talents.

He is an amazing man and I am so lucky that he chose me to be his wife.

I love you, sweetheart.