Back+Burner

Emily is busy working on building a house at the site of the Old Box House. I am moving our project ideas to this "Back Burner" page so that we can revisit when the time comes for us all to bring the workshop and learning space ideas for the "Old Box House" into existence.

Here's what we discussed in early 2011:

This is where we can begin to flesh out our ideas for professional development and training in creativity, innovation, and expression for teachers (and possibly others).

Participants (so far): Emily Neal Susan Davis Barbara Porter 2/01/11 Emily and Susan, I am supposed to be working on my museum tour which is due Mon, but my mind is racing or I am procrastinating, anyway here are some random thoughts:
 * morale in public schools is really low, so it seems as if the teachers need something for themselves, not necessarily for the classroom, however, whatever they get could transfer--I guess what I am saying is perhaps it could be done through the back door--focus on them personally and then maybe show how it could also work in their teaching
 * YOU HAVE A POINT HERE AND I BELIEVE THAT TEACHERS DO NEED THIS FOR THEMSELVES. WHEN I TRAINED AT LTP I WATCHED TEACHER "PLAY AND ENJOY" THEMSELVES AS THEY PRACTICED THE STRATEGIES OF USING PHOTOGRAPHS TO ILLUMINATE WRITING. THEY FOCUSED ON SELF-PORTRAITS. IT WAS WONDERFUL.
 * I think Susan made a good point about journaling being a good transition from working to retirement--I had said I would not commit to long term commitments the first year, so journaling was something that gave me a focus and getting used to not going to work everyday. I now feel comfortable with the volunteer work and personal choices I have made. I think there is a way to use this idea to help others in probably many ways.
 * I'm also thinking of the monthly "gift of time" I'm giving myself, and I really think the idea could turn into a useful workshop for teachers. It could easily be tailored to fit a teacher's time constraints and give them the self nuturing they so desperately need.
 * When my children were young, several of my friends and I went to the Hill Country Art Foundation every summer for a week to paint. We had instruction M-F from 8-12 and then were on our own to explore the hill country or we could continue to paint on our own in the studio. Everyone was responsible for finding their own lodging and meals. Sounds like this could be a summer format for workshops.
 * LOVE THIS FORMAT FOR ALL ABOVE THREE POINTS THAT YOU MADE. WOW!
 * often lack of organization or "mental clutter" keeps one from having time or the initiative to be creative--wonder of time management suggestions could be slipped in, or even ask participants ahead of time what their issues are and come up with simple, easy to follow suggestions.
 * ARTISTIC ORGANIZATION. DO YOU KNOW THE BOOK, __THE ARTIST'S WAY__, BY JULIA CAMERON? SHE USES SIMPLE INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO TAP INTO YOUR CREATIVITY. I AM NOT SAYING TO COPY HER BUT THIS ABOVE REMINDS ME OF THIS BOOK.
 * I do have her book and I also have one on using writing to "diet"

I know this is a lot of what we have already discussed, but maybe this will spark some more ideas. LOVE THIS!!!!!

Also, I hope I am doing this so that y'all receive it. Barbara