Once we exited the subway station in the shibuya district of tokyo, multiple digital billboards that talk at you greeted us. At a certain time every hour, all the billboards played the same commercial in unison as a type of surround sound not found in any cinema.Cognitive field interactionist learning theory I found it eerie-it seemed more like an episode of DR. WHO, when people on the billboards come to life and attack (I have no idea if there is such an episode, but there should be).Cognitive field interactionist learning theory

Some thoughts are exciting ones like: I’m less than 9 months away from the publishing date when THE LAST CHERRY BLOSSOM hits the shelves! That’s august 2nd for those of you who don’t want to do the math 🙂 but that leads to: how will I successfully market the book?Cognitive field interactionist learning theory will I physically be able to attend conferences? Will schools want to buy the book for their classroom? And lastly, will I be able to write anything else?Cognitive field interactionist learning theory

The static in my head feels as if my fight or flight switch that turned on 18 months ago from various losses and changes has been on for so long it doesn’t know how to shut off.Cognitive field interactionist learning theory I feel like I am supposed to put out a fire but I’m running (well limping would be more like it) in circles looking for my lost bucket of water needed to douse the flames.Cognitive field interactionist learning theory

Sometimes to feel better, I scream, rant, and cry (not necessarily in that order). But it is not always plausible to burst into tears. For example being in the produce section at the grocery store is NOT the best time.Cognitive field interactionist learning theory not that I know this for a fact or anything…okay, yeah it happened. However, I do find that if I am in the car screaming or yelling, I don’t feel embarrassed because anyone that might see me may think I have a bluetooth or am singing a really, really angry song.Cognitive field interactionist learning theory

I’m still trying to figure out how I’ll deal with the first major holidays without my mom. My grief counselor and various articles I’ve read about the grief journey discussed that there is no wrong way to celebrate the holidays.Cognitive field interactionist learning theory celebrate in a way that is comforting to you and what makes you feel the most grounded amidst all the changes. Interestingly enough, a YA novel I recently read has been helpful with this sentiment.Cognitive field interactionist learning theory

In ORCHARDS, an award-winning novel by holly thompson, the main character, kana, is trying to find meaning of a classmate’s suicide. She’s sent from the U.S.Cognitive field interactionist learning theory to spend her summer vacation with japanese relatives on their mikan (orange) farm on the seaside of japan. She is only half japanese so many of the japanese customs aren’t followed in her american home.Cognitive field interactionist learning theory I could definitely relate to that 🙂

Kana, stuck in her grief, wondered if she could have helped the classmate somehow and what she can do to help her friends deal with what happened.Cognitive field interactionist learning theory while in japan she celebrates the obon festival (a carnival like celebration usually in august, but depends on the region of japan and celebrated for over 500 yrs.).Cognitive field interactionist learning theory loved ones are remembered with appreciation for all they had done for their family.

Because of other lessons learned while living with her japanese relatives and partaking in the obon festival to honor her grandfather she becomes ‘ unstuck’.Cognitive field interactionist learning theory kana discovers a way to remember the classmate, heal her own heart, and help others heal as well. It is a wonderful novel and well worth reading to find out what other steps she took on her grief journey.Cognitive field interactionist learning theory

The sentiment that got through my white noise was that she couldn’t control one way or another what happened to her classmate, but she could control how she chose to remember her in a meaningful, loving way.Cognitive field interactionist learning theory so, I am continuing to pray that I am open to whatever god (one constant amidst the changes) places in my heart to offset the static in my head.Cognitive field interactionist learning theory