Well, I've been reminded by several people that I needed to write more here. I keep thinking of things I want to say...then don't write because there's too much to say and I'd rather sit up in the living room.
Two things are going to fix that problem: #1 My Mom now has a laptop that is wireless-ly networked to our desktop. In other words, I'm sitting in the living room right now while changing and posting to my blog. #2 I'm going to give up on the long list of things I want to say. I'll write one thing at a time.
So tonight I'll explain the change in the my blog's title. I read a book some time ago about teaching children to think. (Is your bed still there when you close the door? by Jane M. Healy) The author's point was that thinking is learned by conversation and discussion. She suggested planned conversations with rules that promoted free discussion.
As an example she told about a family addressing the question "What if money grew on trees?" The children involved addressed a number of topics including the probability that trees would be stripped, and the ecologic results of that.
I realized, as I pondered this, that I do something of this sort when I think. I get an idea and start chasing it around to see where it goes. That's how I find myself outlining my "ideal" high school curriculum or the best order of topics in teaching Spanish. It's odd where the thoughts lead at times. To issues of culture, analysis of thought processes, or a great premise for the novel I might actually write someday.
So, for the time being, this will be my place to chase thoughts around. And if you like, you can join the hunt.