Life: Through the Lens

Snow Days! Oh my, how I do love snow days.  It is obviously a throw-back from my years teaching, as there is no "reason" to celebrate the day.  It is cold.  You can't get out because of snow and ice.  Meetings are cancelled or postponed.  But I think that's what makes it special for those of us with lots of hobbies and activities.  The first question seems to be "What should I do today?"  And there are lots of choices!    You can obviously shovel a path for the dog...because she couldn't possibly do her "business" when the snow is so deep and cold! (Have you read the book by Judy King titled The Bent-Handled Snow Shovel?  Humorous memoir...fun read!) https://www.amazon.com/Bent-Handled-Snowshovel-Judy-King/dp/1939502470/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3RDYVJTRULV5I&keywords=the+bent+handled+snow+shovel+book&qid=1705353689&sprefix=the+bent+handled+snow+shovel+book%2Caps%2C115&sr=8-1 Or, you could stay in doors and watch the wildlife loo...

This is the look of a dog who is happy and content...for the moment.  See that silly grin? The poor "child" has been sadly neglected, as you can tell by the lack of Facebook posts which feature her.  This does not mean we love her any less, it just means we lead busy lives.  As I finish up another semester of teaching, we are definitely looking forward to more time to play! That being said, a growing 1 1/2 year old puppy (in a dog's body) needs exercise and play time.  The winter was not as harsh as it has been in the past - Hallelujah -so we did manage some excursions in the snow. As the weather continues to become more spring-like, she has discovered she DOES like water after-all.  At least the calm variety.  She is also intrigued by flowers...and fortunately has not had to taste them! When she is not outside she has to occupy herself somehow, so there is the terrorizing of the cat... ...helping me write... ...

When I stepped into the elevator last fall, I wondered if this padding was a sign of things to come! It is absolutely delightful to have some time to catch up.  Catch up on life!  A new semester begins this week and I am extremely thankful it is a light one for me.  The fall was too heavily focused on "work," and there was little or no time for me to write, photograph, and enjoy my family.  Last night I set about putting last semesters photos from my classes into Shutterfly so I could share them with my fall students - and it brought some closure to the courses, and relationships I built with my students. In the fall I taught 2 sections of an Introduction to Education course, and 1 of Inclusion for the General Education Teacher.  When I walk into my collegiate classroom for the first time, this is typically what I see: And then it quickly becomes this: Of course, I do not teach in a lecture format, and this course is an exploratory of the teach...

One Fish, Two Fish,  Red Fish, Blue Fish "I like nonsense.  It wakes up the brain cells.  Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living.  It's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope, which is what I do.  And that enables you to laugh at life's realities." ~ Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel) And that sentiment is obvious when you revisit his books, or see the bronze statues depicting his famous characters.  I had the delightful pleasure of seeing 6 of these statues on display at Dow Gardens, in Midland, MI, and can't wait to re-read the books!  I happened to see the traveling exhibit advertised, grabbed a friend who would understand my child-like excitement, and hurried over, as it closes on September 1. The Lorax Stepping out of the visitor's lobby and into the garden, The Lorax started us on our journey.  Such a delight!  The detail in the sculpture was amazing, as was the story behind the character.  ...

War Mother - 1939 While we were in Austin, Texas over the holiday we took the children to the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum.  It houses the largest collection of bronze sculpture in Texas, and is designed for enjoyment and accessibility.  There are "touch tours" for the visually impaired, captioned films for the hearing impaired and wheel-chair accessible pathways so anyone who wants access to the works is able to enjoy the experience to the fullest. Another great fact - the sculptor and his wife built a home and studio here, when they conceived this vision.  They overlook the existing park and museum.. "Touch" is a very key word....and perfectly designed for high-energy children.  "Bronze" also sounded good, as it sounds very strong and secure.  The kids could run around and burn off energy, as well as enjoy the art form.  Perfect. Beast of Burden - 1953 Spirit of Flight - 1959 And run and touch is what they did.  The...