The Trampoline Artist

A few days ago, I wrote a post about the “Teenager Angst” that Jason is currently experiencing and I shared a piece of his writing. Since then he has been writing more and more and I hope it is helping him to deal with the struggles he is currently experiencing.

I also commented on Max, my older son, who went through a similar situation during his teenage years. He expressed himself not only in writing lyrical words with bits and pieces of clever irony throughout each line, he also took up an interesting hobby. I’m sure most of you have probably seen “graffiti” in places where it was more like vandalism than anything else, but when done properly (and legally) it can be an incredible form of art.

At the time, we had an old trampoline in our backyard that was being neglected. Max no longer jumped on it the way he did as a bright-eyed child. He asked me if he could use it for something else. I certainly had no problem with it – after all, it was his trampoline – so I said he could do whatever he would like. Max asked for a few cans of spray paint (and after having a very serious discussion about appropriate and inappropriate behavior – including “tagging”), he turned his trampoline into a canvas in which to paint upon.

As I was transferring some of my digital images, I came across some pictures I took during that time of creative expression and I would like to share one with you. I think that when graffiti is looked at from an artistic point of view, you can truly find the wonder and amazement in this unique art form. I will always be especially proud of Max. He had some difficult times and with some encouragement, he has been able to see himself through. Now, looking back at those times of confusion and uncertainty, I am able to find joy in the memories. I hope that you will see the artistic value as clearly as I do!

Teaching…

This morning when I opened my browser, I noticed that Google had created a “doodle” of sorts to honor Corita Kent’s 96th birthday. I suspected that Corita Kent must have something to do with education because the doodle contained a chalk board with a quote by her that read: “To understand is to stand under which is to look up to which is a good way to understand.” Well, I was correct. Corita Kent was an artist and an educator who worked in Los Angeles and Boston. She authored several books including Learning By Heart: Teachings to Free the Creative Spirit (1992).

There was a time that teachers were honored for their dedication to the minds of our youth. There was a time that teachers were able to teach the curriculum in such a way that allowed their creativity to inspire the gentle hearts of children. I was an “out of the box” kind of teacher and loved creating unique lessons that would allow students to experience the curriculum in such a way that they would truly understand. I miss it so much.

I have a professional teaching license in both Nevada and Colorado. Although I have been placed on disability, I cannot seem to let them go (and have even considered getting my license to teach in Texas). I know that the chance of me being able to return to the classroom is unlikely – and in all honesty, with the load that is placed on teachers today (Common Core) – the profession has changed dramatically. What teachers lack is time because so much emphasis is put on standardized testing; there is not much room for creativity and many teachers find that all they can do is “teach to the test”. Such a shame. I honor those who teach including all of my teacher friends that I miss with all my heart.

I read a beautiful quote in a small inspirational book that was given to me by my mom called Those Who Care Teach (Sarah M. Hupp, 1999). It read: “Teachers shoot for the moon and land their students among the stars.” Words that are so true – just ask any teacher. I’m sure most people are aware that teachers do not become teachers for the money. It is not a profession that will make you rich in terms of wealth – but it will enrich you none-the-less as well as the children that are placed in your classroom. Every student that I taught is dear to my heart. Think about how many families are touched by the caring hearts of teachers. I am so fortunate to have met some incredible families over the years and I hope that in some way, I impacted their lives.

I was looking through some photographs and came across pictures of my classroom from 2011. It was the first year that I used a “Hollywood Theme” in my room. Teaching my students with every ounce of my ability was not my only goal. I enjoyed creating an environment that was fun and welcoming and would create a community of learners that would support and inspire one another. Like many teachers, I spent a great deal of my own money on supplies, books, and other learning materials in addition to the money I put into our learning environment. I know that over the years, I have spent thousands of dollars. I don’t regret it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have three “teacher” quotes that I would like to share with you today from Life’s Little Instruction Book:

Volume One – #45: “Show respect for teachers”

Volume Two – #944: “Do all you can to increase the salaries of good teachers.”

Volume Three – #1500: “Write a thank-you note to your children’s teacher when you see your child learning new things.”

Teachers are far underpaid for what they do. They invest their heart, soul, and knowledge in our children. I am thankful for all of the great teachers I have had in my life. I would like to end with another quote that I hope you will appreciate:

Volume Three – #1063: “Be enthusiastic in your expressions of gratitude and appreciation.”

May your day be filled with happiness and love!

~Brandy

First Snow…

We got our first snow of the season today! I’m sure everyone who lives in an area where it snows in the winter feels this way when they first see the soft, white flakes fall from the sky. But after living in Nevada for so long, I’m sure for our family, it is quite the spectacle!

The air is crisp and it reminds me of the book Loser, by Jerry Spinelli, which was one of my favorite books to read aloud. I looked forward to reading it every year and always felt sad when my yearly visit with Donald Zinkoff came to an end.

Zinkoff is quite the character, and you cannot help but to fall in love with his charm…right from the start when he wears his 3-foot tall giraffe hat to school on his very first day. He discovers that he loves school and cannot wait for all of the “2,160” total school days ahead of him. Throughout the story, you learn of his soccer days and scoring for the wrong team, the Waiting Man, the “Oh Mailman” lady, the “furnace monster”, his “best friend’s” interesting collection that he keeps in hopes of making a candle, and of course Claudia – the little girl lost in the snow.

It is Zinkoff’s transformation that takes place during his search for little Claudia that came to my mind today as I stepped outside to feel the chill of the air and gaze upon the snow that so quietly danced to the ground. So poetic. It prompted me to see if I could capture its beauty in a photograph. I call it “First Snow“…

After showing it to my husband, I explained that I was really looking for “new and interesting” ways of capturing the moments we experience in life within a unique photograph (Inspired by my Nephew, Cade, who is an AWESOME photographer!) Well, my husband, who can generally outdo me on just about everything 🙂 decided to participate in this creative endeavor. Not only did he capture the “essence” of our first snow, he also captured a snapshot that takes me back to Zinkoff and little Claudia in the snow. . Craig calls it “The Lonely Wheelbarrow” and I think it is just beautiful…

What do you think? Perhaps it is time for me to visit Donald Zinkoff once again with a hot cup of Chicken Noodle Soup (Cambell’s Classic, of course!)

With that, I have a wonderful quote for today from Volume Three of Life’s Little Instruction Book to share with you…

#1314: “Remember that life’s most treasured moments often come unannounced.”

~ May everyday be a blessing