Put it in your heart where tomorrow shines (REM)

A recent post on my Wozza's Place blog covered my time in Al Ain (in the UAE). It was a special time, in a special place, with special people.

And it never would have happened if I hadn't taken a leap of faith at the end of 2009 and joined the Cognition Education organisation, after resigning from my Principal job.

As I've done the same thing at the end of 2016, and about to start with the Westmount organisation, I was reflecting on this as I wrote that post. 

I have a good feeling about the move. Already I have been impressed by the communication I've had from my colleagues within Westmount.

I loved teaching at Woodford House with some special people and, of course, I'll miss them, like I miss my friends in Al Ain but whenever I'm on the move, the Wozza's Place chapter is called Rambling Man for a reason, and starting at new places, I've always found amazing, passionate people working in education.

It's who we are.

And taking a leap of faith from time to time, is who I am.

Reach for my hand (Anathema)

I used a quote from Mick Jagger in the previous post - you can't always get what you want but... you may find you get what you need. 

Love that idea!

It reminded me of a story I wrote about on a different blog, long ago and far away- in 2008. I figure it's ripe for a reboot. Here it is again:

         The situation we always live in is like the wise Chinese farmer.

         One day his horse ran off.

When his neighbour came to console him the farmer said, "Who knows what's good or bad?"

When the wise Chinese farmer's horse returned the next day with a herd of horses following him, the foolish neighbour came to congratulate him on his good fortune.

"Who knows what's good or bad?" said the farmer.

Then, when the farmer's son broke his leg trying to ride one of the new horses, the foolish neighbour came to console him again.

"Who knows what's good or bad?" said the farmer.

When the army passed through, conscripting men for war, they passed over the farmer's son because of his broken leg. When the foolish man came to congratulate the farmer that his son would be spared, again the farmer said, "Who knows what's good or bad?"...(and so on and so on).

Mick's quote again reminded me of Japanese zen poet Ryokan's poem:

Maple leaf
Falling down
Showing front
Showing back

Paul McCartney is even more economical - Let it be.