TSS: Last week of summer

This has been a good week.  I was able to focus a little on school preparation, I was able to focus a lot on personal reading and writing, and I was able to go out to dinner with visiting relatives and laugh and talk and close down the restaurant.  It was the right balance of work, play, family time, and personal space.

I learned that enrollment numbers for the upcoming school year are slowly but surely on the rise.  While I will still probably experience a cut in pay, it will not be nearly as drastic as I had originally feared.  This is an answer to prayer.  With this happy news I was inspired to work on some back-to-school projects and managed to update and/or write all 9 syllabi for upcoming classes and post them on the new school communication website.  I have read all material for the first two weeks of class (which brings us to Labor Day weekend) and I have organized all handouts that I plan to use in those classes.  Next week I will focus on my newest course, English Comp, and try to annotate all the pages for first semester.  This will simplify life when school starts, as I will only have to skim the marginalia in order to prepare for class.

Another aspect of preparing for back-to-school is to organize all my library books and decide what I can feasibly read before the end of summer, and what I should postpone for another time.  I discovered that I had about 6-8 books on art and photography that are due next week and so this past Friday I decided that I would focus my attention on that subject matter.  The photo at the left is my August Break submission in which I tried to compose a still life shot that represented the day.  Truth be told, this submission could easily represent all the days of my life - it is just the topics that change.

I love to gather all my books together and surround myself with their knowledge.  I quickly skim the table of contents and based on first impressions, I begin reading one book and place the others close by.  Typically I read straight through a book - marking interesting passages with sticky notes to return to later.  Once I have completed the book I go back to those passages and write down significant quotes or ideas in a notebook.  I have several notebooks (a new fetish that I have acquired this summer) and I have them color coordinated:  pink for my YA novel in progress (and anything having to do with Impressionism); blue for tips and suggestions for writing discipline; red for art appreciation and photography tips.  I believe in the concept that if you write something down you are twice as likely to remember it, and I am keen on remembering - and learning - how to do all these things.

I also have my computer close by because I want to have access to the internet when an idea strikes me.  For example, many times in reading these books, other authors and books are suggested.  I immediately go online and request the book from my local library.  I may not have time to read the book immediately - but at least I now have a record of a future resource.  Or....I my reading may prompt me to look up a definition for an unfamiliar term, or the location of particular landmark, or ....Well, you get the idea.  The more I read, the more I want to learn and discover more --- and the internet is my lifeline to that knowledge.

On this particular day I also had my camera close by because I wanted to see for myself what was being described in the book.  I am visual learner - and my learning is always reinforced if I can see a concrete example of an abstract thought.  That is actually another way that I used the internet on Friday.  A concept was discussed, let's say still life photography, and I wanted to learn more.  I searched the internet for online tutorials of still-life composition (of which there were few, I am sorry to say) and that enabled me to attempt my first set up for this picture.

It is very easy for me to lose track of time when I am in this frame of mind.  I often think I should set an alarm so that I can remember to take a break to eat and visit with family members.  But I suppose that is how I know I am a true introvert - as nothing brings me more pleasure and peace than to be alone in my nook, surrounded by books, my computer, and my personal desire to learn.

August Break: Back to School

Since the time I was in preschool, I have always looked forward to the start of a new school year.  At that time I was anxious to socialize with friends and see who had the greatest show n tell.  When I was a young mother I relished the thought of back-to-school so that I could have a bit of time to myself after a summer of chauffeuring children to various outings.  Now I actually look forward to meeting new students and teaching familiar lessons.

While I love ALL the back-to school shopping and stocking up on the necessary office supplies, there is somehow nothing as symbolic of a fresh start as a new box of crayons.  The uniform points ensure that all marks will stay within the lines; the vibrant colors are reminiscent of the rebirth of spring and the bounty of summer; and the varied assortment opens the imagination to unlimited possibilities for creativity.

I have never been much of an artist, but I have always enjoyed crayons.  There is something very soothing and meditative about shading the empty space with a pastel wash or a bold splash of color.

The other day I could not remember what I enjoyed doing when I was ten or eleven years old besides playing school, but now I remember that coloring was high on the list as well.  Perhaps I should try to find a holiday coloring book the next time I am out and begin to reconnect with that inner child.

Vera Bradley

The August Break challenge is all about using the month of August to learn how to live in the moment and documenting that moment in photos.  I have thoroughly enjoyed this break so far!

In addition to this photo documentary focus, I discovered another monthly challenge to join while reading Belle's post yesterday:  Laurie Halse Anderson's WFMAD challenge (Write Fifteen Minutes a Day).  I have yet to develop a writing routine and summer is nearly over.  I decided that it is either time to put up - or shut up, as the old saying goes.  Fifteen minutes a day is nothing, right?  And if a very well-respected, bestselling author is endorsing this challenge I would be a fool not to hop on this bandwagon.

So now that you know the background, let me explain why Vera Bradley is the topic for both of the challenges.  Yesterday was the 101st Birthday of Miss Vera and the stores were having a day long celebration with specials every two or three hours and chances to win prize give aways all day long.  Now many of you have been fans of these lovely quilted handbags for years.  What you need to know about me is this:

1. I hate to carry a purse (I prefer to carry keys, money, and credit card in my pocket and leave my cell phone in the car)
2. I had not even heard of Vera Bradley until last year when I was preparing for BEA and all the tweets were about the new VB bags purchased for the occasion.
3. I am a sucker for anything that is remotely considered a "bargain"
4. While I like to pride myself on having a mind of my own and a healthy dose of will-power, I am apparently easily swayed by popular opinion.

So....yesterday I decide to visit the store for the open to noon promotion:  the All-in-One Wristlet for $20 (regular price $32).  That is nearly 40% off and this is actually one of the three VB items that I own and use.  I immediately thought of the possibility of Christmas gifts.  When I arrived at 11:35 the store was definitely crowded, but the selection of wristlets was still good and I decided to purchase only one (rather than three for each of my "girls") for Christmas.  I left the store feeling very proud that I did not over-buy, that I found a great "bargain",  and that I purchased a Christmas gift before Labor Day.

However.....the seed of temptation had been planted deep within my brain and before I arrived home I had already plotted my return visit later that afternoon when the Mailbag would be on sale for $49 (retail value $68) AND it included a FREE mini-zip wallet (retail value $27).  OH MY!   This was an even better deal than the wristlet.  I like the idea that the mailbag can be slung across your shoulder (alleviating some of the uneven distribution of weight and causing severe shoulder pain when lugging around half my possessions on a weekend trip).

So, at 5:00pm I was on my way to the store --- again.  It certainly did not help matters that my daughter and her friend were there:  Megan having already purchased the mailbag special and lauding its versatility and her friend declaring that it is her most favorite VB bag in the collection.  I had twenty minutes to decide and the checkout line was getting longer by the second.  Soon my hands began to sweat.  If I was going to take advantage of this most amazing special then I needed to make up my mind quickly.  Which fabric pattern?  Would I really use the purse around town (or simply for those future vacation trips that are not even a remote possibility for the next several months/years)?  Do I really like the wallet style?  Fifteen more minutes....oh no...what do I do?  Would I regret the purchase decision once I got home - or would I regret not saving all that money?  Ten more minutes, it was going to have to be either now or never.....

I decided to forgo the "bargain"  I really did not like the wallet (so the savings of $27 was not accurate) and I just wasn't sure the mailbag was the right handbag for me.

Well, I certainly felt better.  I looked temptation in the eye and said "NO THANK YOU"  I was feeling quite proud of myself for the second time that day.

But wait.....the final special of the day was indeed the best.  For from 6:00 to close you could choose any one item in the store for 20% off!  I tell you, at 6:01 the women literally came out of the woodwork!  The store was busy at 5:59 --- it was impossible to move at 6:01.  The line formed at the cash register and snaked down one side of the store, across the front doors, down the other side of the store, and to the far back!  I do not exaggerate - I bet there were over 75 women (many with their school age daughters) waiting to take advantage of the sale.

I am not sure if it was the lack of oxygen in the store, the hypnotic effect of the fabric patterns, or the pull of mob mentality, but suddenly I found myself transformed.  I was no longer the strong-willed, independent women who cares less about fashion; I was this VB connoisseur who helped others make purchase decisions (I notice a lot of women today are selecting that bag for their child's lunch), who envisioned my wardrobe filled with all styles of VB purses (the Knot Just a Clutch in the Night and Day print would be the perfect accessory for those rare times that Geoff and I dress up for a night on the town; the Mini Hipster in Hello Dahlia is the perfect little bag for those European trips I plan to next within the next decade), who somehow miraculously had memorized not only all the different handbag styles, but all the festive names of the fabrics:  Very Berry Paisley - Symphony in Hue - Poppy Fields.  The names are so whimsical and the colors so vibrant and full of life that that you can't help but smile and feel good about the world.  Suddenly spending upwards of $80 for a purse seems reasonable (this coming from a woman who hesitates to spend $12 on sale).  For, after all, you can't put a price tag on happiness, can you?

Before I know it, I have stood in line 50 minutes and it is my turn to check out.  In a rather zombie-like state I notice that I have handed the cashier the Vera bag in Sittin' in a Tree fabric and have gladly allowed her to charge my card the $72 retail price - minus 20% of course!  I gratefully take the package from her and make my way to the front door.

Once outside I take a seat on the park bench and begin to catch my breath.  I am a little light headed and decide to take it easy.  Slowly I return to my senses....WHAT HAVE I JUST DONE?!  Instant buyer's remorse hits me like a ton of bricks.  "I can't afford this?"  "What on earth do I need with another book bag? -- Sure, I'll use it for school and it will be great as a carry-on bag for all those adventurous European vacations I will take - but did I really NEED it now?"  Of course not.

And so now today's focus will be:  Do I return the bag and chalk up the experience to temporary insanity - or do I keep the bag and use it as a constant reminder of the power of mob mentality?

What to do for fun?

It is a good thing that the August Break Challenge does not have rules to follow, because if it did, I would be breaking every one with this post.  The two pictures posted today were not taken by me, nor were they taken in this century.  These are pictures of me when I was ten years old.  Now why would I be posting pictures that are over 40 years old during a challenge that is supposed to help me focus on living in the present?  Well, let me explain.

I started the day by enjoying my typical morning routine of leisurely reading the blogs.  While I have not yet read The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin, I have been following her blog off and on for the past several months.  Today's post was a vlog entry in which she focused on the topic of fun:  how we all need to add fun to our lives; it is necessary - even vital - to the pursuit of happiness.  She also pointed out a life-lesson that she has learned along the way:  someone else's idea of fun may NOT be fun for me.  It is important to discover what fun means to each of us individually - and then be sure to include time in our schedules to enjoy those activities.

But what if I don't know what is "fun" for me?  What if I have lost sight of that important ingredient in life - focusing all my time and energy on serious responsibilities and duties and constantly putting the "frivolous" projects on hold?  

Well, Gretchen advises reflecting back on my childhood.  What did I enjoy doing when I was 10 or 11  years old?  What I enjoyed doing as a child are likely the same things that would bring me joy today.  But even with that great suggestion, I could not really remember what fun I had at that age (I have often thought that I ceased being a child when I was eight).  In looking at this photograph of Christmas morning 1969, it appears as though I enjoyed playing Barbies.  Not so...I thought that was what ten-year-old girls were supposed to like doing, so I tried very hard to fit in. 

She also suggested looking at how I currently fill my free time (yes, we all have free time, we may just choose to deceive ourselves).  Truth be told, I spend most of my free time surfing the internet:  blogs to discover new books to read; teacher sites to discover new ways to bring literature to life; youtube to watch photography tutorials. 

I always remember liking school (I guess I really am a true nerd) and when I was not in school, I liked playing school:  lining up all my stuffed animals and teaching them math lessons on the chalk board.  I never enjoyed the pressure of taking tests, but I always loved the educational process (research papers were my absolute favorite assignment --- again, I did not like worrying about the grade, but I loved digging deep into a subject and writing my results).  And how do I use the internet?  To educate myself!  

This picture shows me on Christmas evening - after all the packages have been opened and the festivities have died down.  What did I choose to do for fun?  READ.  (and if you look closely at the previous photo you will see about 3 or 4 books that Santa gave me that year).

So, I am really not quite sure that I have resolved this issue of finding fun in my life - but I am well on my way.  And what a wonderful blessing to discover that my vocation is what truly brings me happiness.

Thank you Gretchen, for helping me to focus on me today.  

For those of you who might be interested in her recent video ---- ENJOY!!

H-O-T

I thought a fitting photo today would be one that captured the weather here in Kansas.  The local news tonight informed us that the official high was 99 degrees in the city - with a heat index of 114 degrees!!!  

So I decided to test the adage:  It is hot enough to fry an egg.  And while the finished product (after about 45 minutes in the direct sun) is more translucent than I prefer my cooked eggs, it is apparent that the heat from the sidewalk, combined with the direct exposure to the sun did indeed congeal the egg white.  Yep.  It is H-O-T.

So....what better way to handle the heat than to see a movie.  Mandy and I treated ourselves to the matinee showing of Toy Story 3 at the Forks and Screens theater.  While we paid $12 a ticket, we also received a $7.50 food voucher (enough for a popcorn that is refillable OR two drinks) and  extra comfortable seating.  What a glorious afternoon it was.  We were cool, we were entertained, and we ate junk food.  The trifecta!

Mandy is in that elite demographic group that is actually Andy's age.  She was about three when the first Toy Story was released, and she will be packing up to go to college next year.  While we both enjoyed the movie, I am assuming that she related more to the optimistic teenager, while I related to the misty-eyed mom.  While there are scenes that are definite tear jerkers, there are plenty that provide laughs and humor like only Disney can deliver.  I marvel how many different uses they can find for a single toy, or how many double entendres they can interject.  This is definitely a movie that we will anxiously wait to  purchase when it is released on DVD.

Tomorrow the weather is supposed to be just as hot and humid.  I am thinking that my pocketbook probably cannot afford another matinee so perhaps homemade ice cream will be the way to cool off.  Yummm.....

New Idea....August Break

Today is July 23.  The first day of classes will be August 23.  I have exactly one more month remaining of summer vacation 2010.

http://www.clipartheaven.com

As someone who typically looks at the glass as half empty, my initial reaction to this calendar realization is to become wistful and rather depressed -- not because I have to return to the classroom (I actually love teaching - it is the grading that bogs me down), but because I did not accomplish all that I had hoped to do in my twelve week break.  However in keeping in step with my new outlook on life --- enjoy the journey --- I am going to try to focus on the few remaining weeks and make the most of it.  

I am also trying to train my brain to think realistically - not fatalistically.  It would be my normal thought process to convince myself that I will no longer have any time to do things that I want to do because all my time will be spent doing what I have to do.  This "all or nothing" attitude is not only inaccurate, it is self-defeating.  The truth of the matter is that I will have some free time and if I prioritize and plan, I can purse these creative interests throughout the school year.

Isn't it funny that once you put your mind to something, opportunities seem to magically appear?  As many of you know, one of my creative interests this summer has been photography.  I recently found Amanda's blog, Spiral Upward, and have enjoyed her weekly posts that depict her 2010 photo journal.  Each day she takes a picture and once a week she posts them with a brief caption.  I have thought that this would be a fun idea to try in 2011.  Since I have secretly harbored the dream of traveling overseas in my retirement years and documenting the event as Journaling Photos (concentration on writing) rather than Photo Journaling (concentration on photography) - I thought this might be a good interim project.  But then.....

Yesterday I was reading Susannah Conway's blog where she has proclaimed August as the month to take a break from blogging and learn to live more in the present through the lens of a camera. I am not sure that I am willing to take a total break from blogging (although my time to write meandering posts will definitely be impacted by the preparation of lesson  plans), but I do want to try to challenge myself to document my life (or what matters most to me in life) through pictures.  Susannah has even created a Flickr group for participants to share their photos, if they so desire.

This should give me an idea if this will be a viable New Year's resolution, it will allow me to become more familiar with my new camera, and hopefully it will help me to pause and take time to smell the roses.  In essence, to capture my new-found mantra, enjoy the journey, through the use of photographs.

How about you?  Is this something that you might be interested in pursuing?  Have you ever done any kind of documentation through photos?  I would love to hear your experiences!