The Best Gifts of All

"It's a Wrap!" by dmcordell

Feeling guilty about my sparse blogging output lately, I made some notes for a Christmas posting regarding meaningful gifts:

• Give them experiences
• Give them memories
• Give them your time
• Curate memories, not "stuff"

I originally thought in terms of family, but yesterday I received an unexpected communication from a professional colleague that caused me to expand my focus.

Minnesota Library Media Specialist, Tami Tagtow, contacted me on Facebook, asking for permission to re-post something I had written in 2011. Turning the Page was a reflection on my participation in the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) national conference, in Minneapolis, MN.  Tami paid me the very great compliment of calling my writing an "inspiration."

Tami's comments reminded me that, very often, our words and actions have positive consequences beyond what we intend. While social networking can serve as an effective means of communication, sometimes it's too quick, too facile a way to share information. Deeper thoughts often require more detailed explication.

So I would add to my list:

• Share your own learning experiences through reflective pieces
• Acknowledge sources of inspiration

My gift to myself, and my New Year's resolution, is to resume blogging on a more regular basis.

Thank you, Tami, for the inspiration.

"Diane Cordell, Tami Tagtow in the Learning Commons" by dmcordell