I don’t write fiction, and my non-fiction feels like a phase. Wordpress. Blogging. A phase that has run its course. I pay to blog at crystalbyers.com, and why? I’ve contemplated this qu…| Faith + Gratitude = Peace + Hope
A thousand steps through the park, and then some more… Kids and kites and spirits that soar. Lifelong friends showed up on the dance floor. Then danced with the neighbors… …celebrating colors galor…| Faith + Gratitude = Peace + Hope
Some times when I sit to write, my mind lands on shit—my own stories I prefer not to repeat. In fact, I prefer to forget. Wherever my brain dwells dictates my mood. Therefore, why would I take time to mull over shit and feel it still? Instead of making myself miserable, I choose to move … Continue reading Feel It Still→| Faith + Gratitude = Peace + Hope
I have a new duty. That’s teacher-speak for required work outside of the classroom. Before this year, I’ve never had a DAILY duty station. Maybe 30 minutes once a week. Last semester, m…| Faith + Gratitude = Peace + Hope
Earth, my body,Water, my blood,Air, my breath, andFire, my spirit…—origin unknown Just before Christmas, I met my dear friend Elizabeth for brunch. Pre-2013, we taught sophomore English toget…| Faith + Gratitude = Peace + Hope
I am deeply grateful for this moment and all it brings. I appreciate the simplicity of life as it unfolds right now. I choose to see the beauty in this moment. No matter how small. I am grateful fo…| Faith + Gratitude = Peace + Hope
If you would’ve asked how my new school year was going in August…September…October…two weeks ago, I might’ve said, “Horrific.” 42% of my students do not read at grade level. A test required by the state of Texas tells me so. What’s my school district’s answer? Test the shit out of them. Or practice makes perfect. … Continue reading Words Matter→| Faith + Gratitude = Peace + Hope
At the whispering of my ancestors, I hit the open road with the wind in my hair and a spirit of freedom. A short drive from my new home, the Choctaw Nation kicked off Native November with one of the nation’s largest powwows—my first powwow—a three-day event. Dancers, musicians, and artists from tribes around the … Continue reading Native November→| Faith + Gratitude = Peace + Hope
On the last day of October, I treated myself to a day off and a walk, a latte, time, reflection. The month was filled full of God’s goodness, family and friends, fresh air and long walks, belly dancing and a clean bill of health from MD Anderson. Unusual things too, like wild pigs feeding on … Continue reading Goodbye October, Hello November→| Faith + Gratitude = Peace + Hope
Crystal was beginning to get very tired of sitting at home on the couch, and of having nothing to do: once or twice she peeped at her grading, but there was nothing exciting in that. So she was considering in her own mind whether the pleasure of a drive would be worth the trouble of … Continue reading Up the Rabbit Hole→| Faith + Gratitude = Peace + Hope
‘Twas the night I had awaited. But after an especially hard day of work, one in a string of hard days…I was exhausted. About a month ago, I stumbled upon a Facebook post, where I first learned abou…| Faith + Gratitude = Peace + Hope
A long time ago, I decided I wouldn’t compare myself to others. I wasn’t a born competitor. My hand-eye coordination is nothing to brag about. You make more money? Cool. I teach school, or I did. P…| Faith + Gratitude = Peace + Hope
