I'm totally an old lady.

So,
We had an evacuation drill this week at my school. In order to prepare for grave disasters. The real disaster was the 8th graders. WHO WILL BE IN HIGH SCHOOL SOON. I was sickened by how ridiculous they were during the drill, how none of their teachers tried to control them, and how the stupid, yea I said it, principal just walked on by. I would have been screaming. Not because I think children should be seen and not heard. No, far from it if you know me, but rather I think that respect and responsibility should be taught to everyone regardless of your age. It was a drill, yes not a real emergency but dear god, how will they act then! And what kind of person in charge lets a whole grade level act like immature brats. I mean I was seriously embarrassed. It bothers me since I really have started to care about my Middle School students and I want the best for them. I admire who they are, I try to teach to them in a way that fits their individual needs and I'm such a good listener. But if you can't get a bunch of 13 to14 year olds to calm down for a few minutes during a drill then what kind of leader are you? I guess I'm old school in my ways sometimes. I really can't wait until school is done since I'm starting to get sick of everyone. Only 18 so more days to go!

I want...

A list of current desires.

1. A bike, a cruiser style bike.
2. To go to the aquarium.
3. Used cd store shopping.
4. New and interesting music by Bat for Lashes or Grandaddy.
5. Printmaking books and supplies and projects.
6. Library browsing.
7. An "I heart Houston" t-shirt.
8. To visit friends in other states.
9. A summer job that allows time for other things.
10. A full time job for next year.
11. Romantic possibilities and friendship beginnings.
12. The second season of Flight of the Conchords on dvd, now!
13. Doodling with new markers.
14. A moleskin notebook.
15. Lots of laughter.
16. Warm, lazy days like this Sunday.

Small steps...

So of course it is like May now and I'm finally finding my stride, my place at the Middle School and we only have a month and some odd weeks left of school! Such is the life. I've decided to make the best of the short time and really try to listen, be positive and enjoy the students. I was told yesterday that I was nicer than another teacher and so that was why A (who is really bad in all of his other classes) is good for me. That and I've seen "Scary Movie," which he quotes all the time when he isn't making me laugh by talking in a British accent. I've also let go of the "what am I going to do next year" worries and am confident that it will all work out as it should, since it always does. Other than school and working out, my life is pretty quiet right now. Which I like. I have some art plans for this summer, print making and such. But otherwise, there is a stillness and a contentment in my life. I love Spring!

Life lessons...Magpie style.

As an approaching MAT reunion looms in the distance, I started doing something I did for most of grad school. No, not go get a beer and talk art with Chrissy and Roxie but rather...REFLECT! Yes my friends, the almighty R...powerful and rather annoying. I thought mostly of my current assignment at the Middle School and came up with a few bits of knowledge that might be helpful for others.

1.Be humble. The moment you start thinking you are Miss Substitute of the World, a modern day Mary Poppins who can handle it all, the sarcastic Education Gods will knock you on your bum and put you in Middle School where you will feel like you just started your STUDENT TEACHING.

2. Gum has magical powers that allow it to appear in the mouths of babes without warning. It is also a terribly addicting drug to the 12-14 age group.

3. Start studying wild animals suddenly put into captivity. It will be useful during WASL week.

4. No one you teach knows who Andy Warhol is. Just get over it. Same with David Bowie.

5. Finally, Laugh. Otherwise you will cry. Trust me.

That's all for now but I'm sure as the year winds down I will have some more.

Transforming

I have been very neglectful of this blog and I apologize. I had a wonderful time in Pittsburgh and really was quite inspired by that amazing city. ART is everywhere. Right now, I'm in the process of getting back in shape. I walk everyday for long periods of time. I'm finally settling into my job at the Middle School and now it is the time to figure out what next or what to do this summer and next year. I would love, love, love a full time position somewhere. I think I've learned a lot, am more fearless now, and ready to handle my own space. What the universe will bring me remains to be seen. I'm enjoying every moment. I'm inspired by Poppy in "happy-go-lucky" and Drew Barrymore's "I'm going to rock today," as well as many wonderful friends, other blogs: shout out to Radiate Warmth, students, and little happenings. Get out and have a great day. I know I will.

Pittsburgh!

I'm leaving today to visit the hometown of one of my idols, Andy Warhol. My dad and I will be there for 5 days and I'm through the roof with excitement. There is so much art besides the lovely Mr. Warhol's museum in Pittsburgh and I know I'll have a blast. I'm sure I'll be inspired and will return with pictures and a renewed blog!

Seuss and such.

Today is the anniversary of Dr. Seuss's birthday. Often in elementary schools today, they have a read-a-thon or various reading related activities. One year I attended a class where we made green eggs and ham. Unfortunately Sam-I-Am could not convince me!

I can say that I am not alone in my love of this amazing author's books. He was, is, and shall forever remain a magical part of childhood for many.

In other nonsense news, I started a long term sub position at a Middle school. Meaning the lovely 6th, 7th and 8th graders that I had previously loathed. I had visited these classes a couple times before and so therefore am not a total stranger. After one day, my vote is "okay with real potential." The two 6th grade classes will be a little rowdy to handle but the other 3 periods seem really cool. Plus I have made three friends so far; a boy and two girls, all 7th graders like me!

Weird connection that I just realized: I started a Reading job (I'm in the LAP or Learning Assistance Program for reading at this school) the same day as the Read Across America day. It's a sign...

More accidental collections.

I'm still trying to find beauty in the ordinary. But it does get hard and judging from these pictures, a bit blurry. But I love how connections reveal themselves to you if you stop and breathe and look for them. For instance, Rob Brezsny's Free Will Astrology is always, ALWAYS dead on for me. This week, and I especially need it, he advises Scorpios with "Let's hope that if the world offers you the moon, the dawn, and the breeze, you won't reject these gifts and say that what you really wanted was a comet, the sunset, and a pie in the sky." I needed this reminder to appreciate what is being offered and not demand something else. The other spooky connection that happened with the last blog post was the date I wrote the blog post mentioning Rilke's first letter is the same date (many,many years before) that Rilke wrote the first letter. Spooky and very cool. Let's hope the universe keeps smacking my little head around some more. As a cranky and sick person today I need it.

Accidental Collections

I've been thinking a lot about Rilke's writing especially the part in Letters to a Young Poet where he writes about being an artist and "if your everyday life seems poor, don't blame it; blame yourself; admit to yourself that you are not enough of a poet to call forth its riches; because for the creator there is no poverty and no poor, indifferent place." I also was thinking about Keri Smith's How to be an Explorer of the World and on the back, she writes, "At any given moment, no matter where you are, there are hundreds of things around you that are interesting and worth documenting."

And so I've given myself the project to find beauty in the ordinary and really look around and observe my world. I had been feeling rather plain, boring lately. You know how it goes, everyone else's life seems so fascinating and exciting, and your own seems small. People are travelling to exotic places, doing cool stuff at their jobs, etc. I decided that if I really truly wanted to be creative or at least have the guts to call myself that, then I'd better put my money where my mouth is. I started with looking for accidental collections. Things that I never intended to collect but somehow ended up with. These things are especially important since those who know me well, know that I give away A LOT of stuff. I spring clean at least 4 times a year. So for something to accumulate, it must be a sign. The first collection I found was colored pencils. I have many. At least 4 different sets. As I took this picture, I realized that I not only really love using them, but I find them beautiful. I think a jar filled with colored pencils is as breathtaking as a dozen roses in a vase. I could fall in love with someone who gave me a jar filled with them, that's how romantic I think they are. Weird, yes. But very cool.

After the colored pencils, I started looking around my room and tried to do that with new eyes. I started to appreciate the small crazy world that I've created in there. And I hope to keep that freshness, that joy for the little things with me for a while...I'll keep you updated.

Valentine's Day

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In creating this oracle, I've borrowed words from the artist and poet Wolff Bowden. Please steal them from me and use them in cryptic, affectionate communiqués that will deepen your connection with someone who makes your heart sing. Here's the first batch: "You belong to love as wheels belong to roads, as grapes belong to the blossoming of taste, as corn belongs to crows, as shadows belong to the ache of heat, as happiness belongs to the capricious pangs of the soul." Here's the second: "May the color blue behold your body while sun washes your shoulders near the window. May your lips refuse the kiss unless your heart is home. May euphoria find you in the place where you are lonely. May you light a billion candles with your mind."