Official Music Video

It's here!  The official music video of "End of the Renaissance."  Go ahead and check it out on YouTube.  Share with your friends and family.  And be ready...the entire album of Last One Standing is released tomorrow.

Last One Standing

I have been fortunate enough to have known Aryn Michelle since college.  Throughout the years, her musical writing has evolved to such depths that it is a pleasure to listen to the profound messages within her vocal stylings.

This next week will be very exciting for Aryn Michelle.  On Monday, YouTube.com will premiere her first single music video-End of the Renaissance.  Subscribe to her channel so you can be one of the first to catch this world event.

The next day, October 4, is the official launch of The Last One Standing album.  You will want to get your hands on this album.  It is amazing!  I have been listening to each song repeatedly.  Just when I think I have finally found my favorite song, I fall in love with another track.  You can get your hands on her album through iTunes and some other sites.

Spread the word for this talented woman.  Share with family and friends.

Take some time...

A pleasure a day keeps stress away.
~Ethel Roskies

This school year has gotten off to a very rough start to say the least.  As a result, it has been one stressful moment followed by another equally frantic one.  There has barely been enough time in the day to catch one's breath.  I have felt the weight of the stress sitting on me and try as I might not to let it get to me, it has.

Deadline after deadline after another stinkin' deadline and the stress continues to pile on suffocating me.  I reached my breaking point this weekend (as fellow facebookers may have noticed).  In an attempt to regain some sanity back into my harried days, I rushed down to my school with a car full of soil, clearance flowers, and Basil.  We worked in the garden for an hour or so and I felt some semblance of peace returning.

This morning, I was determined to start the week of right.  Despite some emails that upset me, I took my first graders outside and introduced them to the garden (a slight deviation from the week's lesson plans).  We talked about the flowers and the parts of the plants.  We discussed what plants need and how these in the garden were going to get them.  They learned where the tools were kept and how to properly use them.  But most importantly, they got their hands dirty.

At 9 a.m. in the morning sunlight, 6 little first graders got their first experience planting life.  They probably even had their first experience being encouraged to get dirty during school hours.  Even I, in my ill-thought out ensemble (dress and heels), had dirty knees and hands by the time the endeavor was over.  I even found some dirt on the tip of my nose an hour later.

In that little moment of time, I saw true joy on their faces and felt peace in my soul.  My favorite photo of the morning captured their beaming faces perfectly and reminding me that this is why I teach.  Despite the politics, surmounting stress, daily grind, and constant hurdles-I teach to experience the rare moments of unbridled happiness in a child's eyes.

Now, if only I can remember that as the year continues its relentless march onward to the stressful tasks ahead.

Garden is coming along

It has been a very long and frustrating journey but there is finally something to see with the garden.  It makes it a tad easier to plug along raising funds and getting donations.  There is still a long way to go before it will be ready for use in my thesis though.  Until then, I'll continue looking for any possible donations that may come along.

Spamalot!

"Camelot!"
"Camelot!!"
"It's only a model."

As part of my indoctrination into the Stewart clan, I was raised on various staples including Army of Darkness, the Adventures of Baron von Munchausen, Major Payne, and...


Monty Python.

Needless to say, when TravelZoo offered a deep discount to see the Broadway production of the Holy Grail (Spamalot!) with its campy and lewd humor, I jumped on the chance to go.  "Dragging" along my best friend who shares and equal love for this humor also didn't hamper the impulse and last minute decision to go.

I was thoroughly impressed.  Loved the ad lib that occurred.  Sang loud at the very end with the entire audience.  And laughed at all the lewd gestures, references, and innuendos.  While, I probably won't see it again (there are too many other Broadway shows I want to see) I will recommend it to anyone who appreciates British humor and think back on those 2 1/2 hours fondly.

Although...I wish they hadn't discontinued the rabbit with big pointy teeth.

Dumbledore is 2

My big, fat, orange fur ball is 2 today.  Happy birthday, Dumbledore. 

Oh no!  I'm turning into a crazy cat lady.  Run away!

Fort Worth Zoo

Today, despite the 100+ degree weather, I went to the Fort Worth Zoo with dear friends.  I took along my DSLR and learned that I still have much to learn to get the shots I want.  As it is, I missed some amazing shots (cheetahs chasing each other get a squirrel one had killed) and had the wrong shutter speed for others (leaping lemurs).  I also ended up with a surprising number of robotic dinosaurs (but that was the entire reason for today's adventure).  I have selected a few of my favorites to share (without editing).

Candyland

 What do you do on a hot summer day after you have spent $14 at a Candy Store?  Photograph it of course!

Not only are cigarettes disgusting, so are their candied counterparts.

 

 

Ah...the sweet memories.

When a Sugar Daddy just isn't good enough.

Did these always have a minty after taste?

Smells better than it tastes and tastes worse than I remember.

Under a Rock

I can't help it!  Every time I hear this lyric from Mumford & Sons...

Roll away your stone.  I'll roll away mine.  Together we can see what we will find.
 
I can't help but think of this commercial.  Definitely some good marketing for GEICO.

What are some songs, quotes, lyrics that do the same for you?

It's CRAZY

On Friday, my mother and I ventured into Weatherford to pay a visit to the chiropractor.  Normally, we stick around Weatherford and explore the antique shops located around the square.  This visit, we decided to shake it up instead.

We ate at Yesterday's and the few shops we stopped in knew exactly where we ate by our Styrofoam cups.  Then, we decided to drive on west to Mineral Wells to test the famous Crazy Water.

Sadly, Mineral Wells is mostly dead but we did find the Famous Water site.  As you walked in, there were three water spigots that you could try out.  Here is my opinion of the three I tried:

No. 1-Delicious and refreshing
No. 3-a little salty but not bad.
No. 4-Whoa! 

As soon as I tried No. 4 and made a face, I rushed to the ice cream counter and ordered myself some Amy's Ice Cream.

Needless to say, it was an experience but one that I won't repeat anytime soon.

Lights

"A little light in the dark night
A faint voice is calling you
This way! This way!
This flickering, wavering little voice
Like dew, like a bonfire
The voice of insects
the sound of the water
You can never lose them
once you've heard them..." 

~ Natsumi Mukai

***Photograph taken June 3, 2011 in my father's backyard in Fort Worth.

Wetlands

"Base your happiness on one thing and one thing only: freedom. Choose freedom, not suffering. Create a life of freedom, not wanting. Have some really good coffee and listen to the red-winged blackbirds in the marsh. Ignore the mosquitoes." ~ Laura Munson; This is Not the Story You Think it is...A Season of Likely Happiness

Driving down 287 south towards Midlothian, I pass this little wetland daily during my commute to work.  Over the past month, I've noticed more cattails popping up and redwing blackbirds flitting about.  Since I had a teacher workday on Saturday morning, I decided to pull onto the shoulder, get out of my car and take it in.  Unfortunately the lighting was not right and the blackbirds took flight so the photos I got were not remarkable by any means.  I will just have to come back a sunset and try again.  It was a beautiful way to start the day and I didn't realize the area was as big as it is.

***Photographs taken June 4, 2011 during my morning commute to work around 7:20 a.m.

Sunsets and Thunderstorms

The clouds changed quickly as the storms roiled and grew.

You can tell that there is hail in the clouds.

The grass showing the most recent raindrops.

Basil ready to run at the next crack of thunder he hears.

***Photographs taken May 11, 2011 after one band of storms rolled through the area and another band was forming to the west.

Can you spot what's wrong?

Look at this photo.  Can you spot what is wrong?

How about a closer look?

Subway...Eat Fresh

I'm lazy.  Not lazy as in sit on the couch all day.  No, I'd much rather be out and about than that.  Lazy as in I hate cooking for one.  Most nights my dinner consists of cereal, eggs & toast, leftovers from other places, and so on.

Needless to say I am thrilled that not only has a Subway opened up less than a mile from my house BUT it has gluten-free sandwiches.

Since discovering my gluten intolerance back in 2005, I've sampled many a bread and discovered them to be stale, hard, flaky, <insert adjective here>.  I am happy to inform that Subways are not.

Next time you go to Subway, may I suggest that you make your sandwich gluten-free (if it is offered)?

The Lorax has been busy

In the last two weeks, the Lorax has remained focused on the garden for the fall while I have been swamped with paperwork and end of the year commitments.

First, he put together a reflection journal that the students will get a chance to take home with him.  They will journal about a way they experienced nature with the Lorax that afternoon and bring him and the journal back to school the next day.

Then, he transformed the "Rock Star Hall of Fame" mirror to a garden oasis that will hang on the wall outside my room next to the photo wall of garden happenings.

Finally, he found a brand new garden hose that was donated by the school guidance counselor for next year!  This is the first tangible donation I have received for the garden.

Remember, if you'd like to donate, there are still many ways you can.  Just let me know and we will find what is best (from monetary donations, advice, to physical grunt work in the middle of summer).

Reflect

Take time to reflect.

No matter how busy the week is or has been, how many deadlines are impending, sit and enjoy the beauty of nature.

"All things are artificial, for nature is the art of God." ~ Thomas Browne.

Bane of my existence!

Last summer I was haunted by an orb weaver spider.  As most who know me have experienced, I am afraid of spiders to the point that even ones the size of a pin head cause me to become squeamish.  (Although let the record show that I leave them alone unless I have absolutely no recourse otherwise because I know that spiders are extremely beneficial.)


I first discovered the unfortunate (for me) placement of the web as I walked out one night to get something out of my car.  My hair was wrapped up in a towel to dry.  As the towel came in contact with the web, it felt like someone was removing Velcro.  I can still feel it!  It was then, that I first met my nemesis of the summer.  It was no bigger than my pinky but had spun a web that spanned from one tree to the next across my driveway (10 ft across).

Every sunset, without fail, it would spin its web in the same place.  Every morning at sunrise, it would begin eating its web and would hide somewhere up in the tree.  I would walk into the street and around the web to get in my car.  I would keep my eyes on it every time I stepped outside.  I would shine my flashlight on it as I returned home from walking my dog.  It was always there.  Waiting.

This ritual lasted until mid- to late October (it felt like an eternity) when the spider was the size of a half dollar and it got too cold to live anymore.

Fast forward a year...

One of its decedents (not verified by fact yet) has decided to construct a web in the exact same place, using the exact same trees, and is the size of my pinky.  I discovered it by walking right into it this morning on my way to work.  Ugh!  So...

Here we go again (and I'm none to happy about it).

Shuttle tracking

Endeavor is nearing her end but you can follow her final days here.

****Updated as of May 31st, 2011

Here is an additional link where you can see if the shuttle will pass above you upon re-entry.  Looks like Texas is out of luck (again).

DonorsChoose.org

I have created an account with DonorsChoose.org for the garden next year.  But, I need your help.  Please spread the word to people you know that may be interested in donating to a classroom project (Email, Facebook, this blog etc.).

You can find out more about this project, make donations, and keep updated on its funding progress by clicking here.

Remember that contributions are tax-deductible and each donor will receive a personal thank-you note written by one of my students in the fall.  Once this project is fully funded, we will have many of the supplies that will be needed to start the garden and make successful.

So...

Support a good cause, inspire a generation of gardeners and nature lovers, and...  

Remember what the Lorax said:

Clouds

I absolutely love road trips. It is one of the tried and true ways I relieve the stress that accumulates in my life.   My thoughts can roam where I please while my hands, memory, and active thinking guides my car to the final destination.

Some days my road trips are merely to another city 20 miles up the road.  Other trips take me 5 hours away from home.  During these adventures, I have many fleeting thoughts and ideas.   One such thought occurred to me one bright, summer day last year.  I had decided to take the hill country (in Texas) back home.  As I was descending another hill as I proceed north from central Texas, I drove through the shadow of a cloud.

I couldn’t help but smile as the sunlight dimmed and the landscape around me took on a darker contrast.  How many people actually consider driving through shadows of objects hundreds of feet above?  Each could, very unique, casts an equally unique shadow.  And isn’t it amazing to drive through the shadow of water?  Yes, it is in a different form but it is still composed of water and small particles of dust sprinkled above in the sky like giant cotton balls.

So the next time you are meandering down a country highway on a bright day, look to the horizon. You might just get the opportunity to drive through a puffy, cotton ball’s shadow.

What is that?

I came home from work yesterday.  Following my daily ritual, I opened up the garage door to let Basil explore yard briefly before retreating inside.  While he was following scents only he could see, I opened the mailbox to retrieve my fanmail.  A lizard ran across my hand and being the curious person I am, I bent down and peered into the black cavernous box.  To my surprise, I saw...

Fast forward several hours...

I just finished watching my latest Netflix arrival and went to deposit it in the box.  It was dark as I stepped outside and walked to the end of my driveway.  As I pulled open the front, I saw something white, and black, and spotted all over.  What the hell?

I ran inside and quickly returned with a flashlight, camera, and cell phone.  Then I started playing paparazzi with the weirdness inside my box.  After sending some grainy photos to both my parents and asking what it is, I benefited from the natural paranoia of the unknown...

"Looks like a hognose or a horned viper"
"Probably a biter"
"Corn snake"
"I'd leave it alone"

In their defense, the picture I took made it look like a snake curled up on itself seeking a warm place for the evening.

Is it a moth?  Moths have fuzzy antennae, right?  Cicada?  Has the right body for it but not the right eyes.  Butterfly?  No, body is too thick.

After further investigation and better photos, I discovered (with the help of my mother) that it is a Great Leopard Moth.  I have seen very few moths in my lifetime but after seeing this one, all I can say is that moths get overshadowed by butterflies.

Fast forward again, another 20 minutes...

Upon returning from a relaxing walk around the neighborhood, I ran into the house and get my flashlight once more.  The moth was no longer residing in the mailbox and I was determined to find it.

I heard some rustling in the middle of the yard and apprehensively turned my beam of light in that general direction.  The rustling was loud.  I silently prayed it wasn't a rabid opossum or a giant spider.  My imagination gets the better of me at times.  I saw a flash of white.  Was it a rat?

No.  I was able to catch one more glimpse of this beautiful moth and assured myself that its wings were sound and not deformed. 

Best travels little one for the few days/nights you are alive.  Please die where I can find you.

Endeavor

My love affair with the United States space program and the great expanse beyond began early on in life.

Growing up, I always wanted to be an astronaut.  I would proudly tell anyone who asked what I would want to be when I grew up that I would be one of the first astronauts to cultivate the moon.

Early on in high school, after adamantly stating that I would be an astronaut, I rode my first roller coaster causing me to rapidly change career paths.  If I could not be an astronaut, I would teach the future space explorers.

When my friends in college caught wind of my previous aspirations, I received a Styrofoam moon with faux flowers stuck in it for my birthday.

On my birthday several years ago, my father and I made a rushed trip up to NAS Carswell to view the Discovery shuttle as it was on its route back to Cape Canaveral.

Last year, my family and I made a journey across the state to view a live launch when word that the last launches using the current fleet were coming to an end.  It was a very emotional, inspiring day.

As I prepare for work this morning, I sit in front of my computer to watch the final launch of Endeavor and I find myself crying yet again.  It is true human curiosity, bravery, and unity that brings these missions to reality.  There are truly no words to express the well of emotion that is experienced through this launch.

All I can say is that I can't believe that this program, as we know it, is coming to an end.  Only one more launch remaining.




*************Related post from deleted blog*****************


I have always been fascinated by the great beyond.  At one time, I could name and distinguish all the constellations visible in the Washington night sky.  I knew when the meteor showers were without looking up the information and I could tell you the planets visible. Up until the twelfth grade and my first terrifying roller coaster ride in the cold December winds,  I wanted to be an astronaut.  I even took classes in highschool (hydroponics) so that I could be one of the first astronauts to help colonize the moon.  My choice of careers changed right after the first harrowing drop on that cold day in Six Flags. Even though my career pursuits have shifted, I am still drawn to the outer space.  My homepage is actually the Astronomy Picture of the Day.  I am a frequent visitor to the NASA homepage.  And on various nights through the month, I’ll take a blanket, some tea, and my iPod out to the driveway to peer up at the night sky through the city hazy and lights. Last September the weather was horrible in Cape Canaveral so the Discovery (STS-128) had to land at Edwards AFB and then trek across the United States making a fuel stop in Carswell JRB in Fort Worth.  My father and I were there to witness it taking back off into the sky on top of a modified 747 mere yards from the runway.

Atlantis lifts off from Kennedy Space Center

  After that day, I was determined to make it out to a shuttle launch.  On May 13th my trek began.  May 14th I found myself in Orlando, Florida with my father, sister and step-mother.  Four hours and only 41 miles later, we pulled into Cocoa Beach to work our way up to the Cape Canaveral.  It was straight out of a movie.  At 2:19 everyone on the crowded beach stood up and faced north.  Cameras were prepared.  Radios were tuned to the correct frequency.  And then… There was a roar as this trail of flames lifts straight up.  The beach bursts out into applause.  The sap I am started to cry but continued to snap pictures as quickly as I could.  Binoculars were passed between the family as we all strained to see the shuttle at the head of the fire in the sky. 

Atlantis just prior to roll

 A minute or so into the launch, the loud roar stopped.  Seconds ticked by, the crowd held their breath, and then the roar returned full force to the sound of more applause.  Atlantis had made it through one of the crucial points in the sequence.  Our eyes strained to stay with the shuttle until it was out of sight.  We watched until the contrail stopped signaling the rocket boosters breaking away to fall towards the Atlantic Ocean.  We watched until it was as bright or faint as Mercury would be at dawn.  As Atlantis was just beginning its final adventure, ours was wrapping up. Four hours later, no rest stops to speak of, a change of clothes and a squat in the bushes later we arrived at Orlando leaving behind a wonderful, memorable adventure. For (unofficial) updates on the mission be sure to check out The Flame Trench.  For more official updates on the mission, check out NASA‘s page.  And for (unofficial) information on the Shuttle era, check out Wikipedia‘s entry.

Be Southwestern!

Every 6th Friday at work is college day!  I look forward to this particular day with relish.  A blessed chance to ditch the lime green school colors and don the gold of SU.

In addition to the change in wardrobe choices for jeans days, a poster is outside of every teacher's door informing the students of where their teachers received their higher educations before becoming a permanent fixture in the classroom (most kids still think their teachers live in the schools).

The overall goal is to help the students realize that they can achieve a college degree despite the obstacles that they have and will face.  I just love being recognized as the "pirate teacher" among all the Aggies and Longhorns.  I stick out and every student knows me on that day because of Southwestern.  Occasionally, students will be so intrigued that they will ask a little about SU.

On the fifth grade field trip down to Austin, some of the alert students even saw the sign.  When they met up with me at the State Cemetery, they told me they saw my school.

Baby Shower

I love being reminded of the power of friendship.  I know I was always told that as you got older, your true friends would stay and others would slowly start dropping away.  I don't remember ever being told (although there is a very great possibility that I wasn't listening), that despite the time that has elapsed, those friendships will pick back up where they have left off every time.

I have also learned that at this stage in life there are two things that will always bring old friends together: weddings and baby showers.

Today it was the later and it was a great time during a beautiful spring day in Texas.

SU friends

"If one feels the need of something grand, something infinite, something that makes one feel aware of God, one need not go far to find it.  I think that I see something deeper, more infinite, more eternal than the ocean in the expression of the eyes of a little baby when it wakes in the morning and coos or laughs because it sees the sun shining on its cradle."
~Vincent van Gogh

He's here!

Adjusting to his new home

The Lorax!  The Lorax.  That grumpy, crotchety, old-man of a thing has finally arrived to my doorstep.  My all time favorite Dr. Seuss book has provided me with the perfect mascot for my garden!  Ladies and gentlemen, I present you the voice of the barbaloots and the swami-swans and now my garden mascot.










His means of arrival on my doorstep was most interesting though.

Means of travel

Arriving in style

But just remember these words from the wise...


"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing's going to get better.  It's not!"

Found

The perfect spot to construct a garden for my thesis research.

The south side

Mythology

In 20 years or so, I have a feeling that despite all the information that is known, Osama Bin Laden will go the way of Area 51, UFO sightings, Easter Island, crop circles and other "unsolved" mysteries.

Austin

I absolutely love to travel.  This past Friday, I was one of the chaperones for the 5th grade field trip--an experience alone.  Every year the students who have met certain criteria go on a day trip to Austin to visit the State Cemetery, the Capitol, and the University of Austin.  This year, I decided that in addition to herding cats pre-teens, I would practice my photographic skills.  Enjoy some of my favorites (excluding the ones with students in them).

Artistic Eye

I have decided that once the school year begins to wind down, I want to embark on a journey of self discovery.  My ship for sailing through this journey will be my DSLR camera.  After concentrating on what photography appeals to me most, I have decided that it is art photography for me. 

***Note: the following photos are not art photography for the most part.

Just what I have been practicing to become familiar with my camera.

In my procrastinating time (because you don't have spare time as a grad student), I have scoured the internet and found several blogs, professional sites, and museums that contain photographic art I enjoy.  To begin, I will be using no editing software.  The method behind this ban on Photoshop actually stems from a lack of funds but also will (hopefully) hone my photographic eye.

Because my brain is taxed beyond all limits at this point and desperately needs some rest and relaxation, suggestions, ideas (no matter how crazy they seem), and the like are greatly appreciated.  Until that time that suggestions start rolling in (use this as your procrastination), I'll leave you with a small selection of my existing yet limited body of work.  Comments...critiques...sarcasm...captions...all are welcome.