PREAMBLE

This next week my local school districts have taken the whole week off calling it "President's Week". This is new to me. This is not "Spring Break" or Easter Vacation Week but extra. They also take a week off at Thanksgiving now. I guess they add it all on at the end or beginning of the school year calendar. (when it is usually "beastly hot"...but now all rooms have A/C) Anyway, in preparation for this "Patriotic Week" this one school's 5th graders were being asked to memorize and perform, en masse, the Preamble to the Constitution of Our Country and "God Bless the U.S.A." (also known as "Proud to be an American") I subbed at one of these 5th Grade Classes this week and feel very qualified to "comment" on their "rehearsal" that I watched. I used to teach this level and do alot of Verse Choir and Choral Singing with them. By and large it is a lost and dying "performance art". (especially if "God" is mentioned.)

The first thing I wondered when I heard they were attempting to do it as a large group (at least 4 classes) is do they have an adequate "performance space"? Most schools don't now days. This school was trying to "pack" 90 to 120 kids of the 10-11 year old stature in a very small multi-purpose room by making them sit uncomfortably close to each other on the carpeted floor. There were protests and "behavior problems" of a on-going nature. Several had to be "moved" and resituated in a very strong disciplinary manner. i.e. spoiling the performance mood.

The next thing I questioned was whether or not they knew the meanings of the words and had they memorized all of them yet. This is absolutely necessary for a "top notch" performance. They should also be standing in "groups" not smashed together on the floor. Key words that should be memorized and understood for correct pronunciation and inflection are: Justice, domestic Tranquility, common defense, general welfare, Blessings of Liberty, Posterity, ordain and Constitution. Just the way the students were "herded" and "handled" both as a large group and as individuals left "much to be desired" and called into question if they had even gone over the purpose or meaning of the PREAMBLE. It was originally meant as an "Introduction" to the Constitution to tell the "Purpose" of it and the importance of it. Pre-Amble from the latin means "walk before" and this points up a school/class problem as I see it.

This school has a school-wide rule that all classes must walk places to and from the rooms in an orderly line on the lines of the black top if possible. Hands to yourself, straight etc. Well, I was "walking before" my subbed class from the Computer Lab to the Multipurpose Room when another 5th grade teacher stopped my line and verbally accosted and "abused" two of my students who were not quite lined up and "messing with a baseball cap" She was ready immediately to give one or both the dreaded "detention". They spoke for each other and finally the one, initiating the "extraneous actions", was "bannished" This kind of "treatment" continued throughout the rehearsal. Needless to say, this was a very "reluctant Posterity" who mostly were just trying to attain "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness". At the ripe old age of 10-11 there is alot of "pursuit of liberty and happiness". This school's teachers (and aides) are so afraid and paranoid about any lack of "control" and "its consequencies" that they come down very heavy most of the time on most of the kids. Lots of referrals and detentions and intermediate measures are evident. During one of my stays I had two different kids who had been sent from other classes to "cool off" and do their work in my class at a separate table off to the side. Lots of hostility and agression ensues, naturally in such a negative environment. Not many attempts or programs to "catch kids (groups and individuals) at being "good", "kind", or even "random acts of friendship". And we wonder why our upper grade institutions, H.S.'s and Colleges are having to "lock down". Just this last week we had reports of "shootings" in 4 differnt schools at the upper levels. i.e. today Northern Illinois University, an Oxnard Middle School also. Kids are stressed and nervous going to our "institutions" now days. And we have the gall to say and go to the "rest of the world" and try force "liberty" and "democracy". Why don't we take care of our own "Posterity" first here at Home..."the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave"? (if you have a hand gun) RRR

Waiting for a Kidney

I've accepted 1/2 day assignments lately. I don't mind them. Less money, but less stress and responsibility. They are usually for 31/2 to 4 hours which includes a lunch period. Mostly they are in the P.M. and I can work in some music, drama, and P.E. which seem to be sorely missing from most curriculums lately.

This time I was asked to be there at 10:30 A.M. This is almost an hour early. I'd still have to work until 3P.M. and receive the same half pay. "Oh well," I said. "What the heck? Do I have anything better to do?" What I walked in on was just a bit unnerving...not shocking, but questionable. It was a "throw-back" to the old fashioned teaching and classroom. The teacher sat in one place mostly the whole time and the students were in two groups of ten at diagonals to her desk. She went off to the side for a brief time to have a line up of kids (ten) come up and recite the ten different rows (answers) of the 100 multiplication facts. These were just the ones who had completed all 100 in 7 minutes. This reminded me of my old habit of having my classes (mostly 5th and 6th) strive (goal set) to do the same amount in 3-4 minutes with less than 3 mistakes. These were third graders.
There was much bragging and "one-ups-manship" among these students and it was clearly irritating the teacher.

She spoke without much force but "lit-into" any and all who were "talking among themselves" or "not paying close attention" She had me wait off to the side and not circulate and help as I usually did. One student kept raising her hand for help and the teacher didn't seem to see her or come over to her. So...I did. I was rejected. She wanted "her teacher's attention". I had my usual penlight and pointed out a misspelled word she had copied off the chart done by an aide off to the side.(she did nothing else but the chart) The teacher went on to warn me of two of her "worst boys" placed upfront...while they listened. They had to keep a partially filled out "referral slip" on their desktop as a "reminder" of potential and future "detention" they had coming. Several other like slips were magneted on the white board along with lists of kids names with missing assignments or late homework etc. There was a place for "table points" (good points for groups"catch them being good") and it was mostly empty. Remember, this is third grade.

Soon she called me over to her "command seat" at the middle front and told me to take over..."I have to go to my doctor's appointment now." It was just about 5 minutes before lunch and line-up. On their way out she explained that she was waiting for a kidney and had nightly dialysis at home. She was rather matter-of-fact about it. She showed me the teacher's books she had stacked up ready for the afternoon's assignments. She had also written it on the board in smaller print, at the top, going from left to right, not up and down as usual. I asked her if I could slip in some music and class singing if we had time...no problem. How about P.E.? Oh, none today but they were allowed to have a "nutritious snack" when they came back in from lunch recess while they "free read" (AR) rather than mid-afternoon with a "wiggle break". OK. She also warned me about the "one girl" (who had raised her hand, unrequited) She was not allowed near the teacher's desk because "things had gone missing" recently..."sticky fingers" suspected...I later found her with a hand-full of colorful plastic rulers off in the corner shelves. I asked her what she was doing with them? She needed them. As it turned out the back of the P.M. Math assignment called EXCEL there were three problems of "measurement by cm's"...so I capitalized on that in a positive way and let her pass out rulers to all the kids and help them measure their lines. I later wrote a positive note to the teacher on how she was trying to help.

We "somehow" had time for a few fun songs, even about Math ("Inch Worm") and a game of "Silent Ball" at the end. They just love this game...sit on top of your desk and toss a balloon-ball around to get each other "out". Our "sticky-fingered" girl was in her glory. She was a different personality during P.E. like this...very with it and athletic...a kinesthetic learner. The kids wanted to know if I would come back tomorrow for somemore fun...I can see why. I had to warn or scold no one during my time there.

The teachers in the staff room at lunch time said she had been waiting for a kidney "a long time"...there were no other comments. RRR

Amate Illuminati

This last week, I only subbed in my usual Art Class. I was busy during the most active days, Tues. and Wednesday and had several calls, but I turned them down. I needed the R and R. The two days in the Art Class turned out to be quite strenuous anyway.

The weather was quite cold and windy so the middle school aged kids were quite "squirrelly" (if that is a word) By Friday, they were "at each other, physically and socially" and it took constant vigilance and quick interventions. Last period Friday was the most challenging and took most of my depleted patience. On top of that, the district policy to cover classes without subs with "sub's preps" rubs me the wrong way. I was forced once again to cover a Pre-Algebra Class of 34 who didn't know what they were doing, mostly and had an incomplete lesson plan with missing parts. Lots of raised hands for "help" and we were running to them and bringing them other work so they wouldn't get up out of their seats and "socialize enroute". I was further frustrated because I was supposed to "clean up" the paints etc. for the next classes during art class prep time. We have "T.A.'s" (teacher assistants, students) but they don't really do that much in the cleaning department and there just isn't time during the period, even with a 10 minute clean up time. We were working with indelible watercolors in three periods and "cloggy poster paints" in two periods. They dry quickly in the pallettes and/or get washed out into the sink and clog it up.

The assignments were brilliant and very exacting for this age level. (mostly unappreciated by them also) "Amate" (Amatl) Paper is from the Pre-Colombian Mexican era. It is fibrous paper hand-made and dipped in brown ink. On this, or with this media the artist-student was suppossed to decorate it with simple, but beautifully colorful objects of "amor" i.e. birds, flowers, or skulls, snakes alligators. This is only done with about 5 basic colors. The rest are mixed. The wider, thicker brushes and too much water left much to be desired in most cases. Many of the majority of Hispanic Students were into it and doing their best. Several of the "perfectionist" girls were reluctant to start painting and quite disappointed with their results. Mostly they were more "into each other" and the usual "posing" and "primping". I made the mistake of allowing ipod listening "as long as it didn't distract and interfere with the art work". Good luck on that. They were engrossed in all their "tunes" and "raps" and were sharing earphones.

The other challenging assigment had to do with the ancient, medieval decoration and illustration of texts. i.e. Monks in Monasteries and those ornate capital letters. They were to use only their own initials and fill up the page with ornamentations and intricate decorations around them and within them. They were to do it on onion skin with watercolors. They checked out 3 "special watercolor brushes" at a time. It was very exacting and tedious work and these students, believe me, were not monks or nuns in the convents and abbeys. They could embellish the lines with black "sharpie" and "gold paint" They got carried away with this. Several thought they were done "early" and wanted to go on to the next project "rubric" I tried to challenge them to put some "secret codes" into their illustrati like the Da Vinci Code (a la Albino Monks) No luck, on takers. Most didn't know what I was talking about. So the next assignment was to decorate a gourd or make an "Ukranian Egg" Wow! First they were to pick a dried gourd from a double closet or decide to design and draw a pattern on an "Egg Template" Most chose the gourd. Then they were to sand it. Up until the last two periods we couldn't find the sandpaper. Then we realized it wasn't paper but a box of "crusty sponges". Kids argued and joked about the gourds. Good luck on that rubric.

One class was trying to "tie up a small boy" in a "knot". I told them about the "Gordian Knot" and "Alexander"...some interest. One class was so good, I offered popcorn on Friday if it continued. One of the "less popular kids" brought in a bin of microwavable popcorn before school on Fri. and I added my "Orville Reddenbacher" and they were happy for about the last 10 minutes shaing "paper towels of popcorn". I had to remind them to thank the kid they usually "scapegoat" and pick-on. (big at this age) One of the best "T A's" almost blew the whole thing by trying to get in a fight with I kid bigger than him. I had to threaten the big "R" (referral). Another girl got the same for "persistant refusal"...she wouldn't stop talking to her "friends, combing her hair and facing the back of the room. Yearbook digital cameras, usually borrowed, didn't get returned...one did. Oh yes, there is still a yearbook class, mostly on computer now. Most kids were playing games on the computers or making posters for the upcoming basketball game with the "arch rival" middle school. You can probably see why I'll probably be reluctant to return. There isn't much "teaching or rubrics" being done at this level, even in the best of times. RRR

"Be Nice and Mind Your Own Business"

This past week I was the "guest teacher" in three different classrooms and levels. It was only a four-day week and one of the classes was two, half-days. It was a week of contrasts and some challenges.

My first assignment was my most familiar Kindergarten as the P.M. part of a "well-oiled" Team. These professional teachers have it down. The organization is all there and the kids are truly benefitting from it. I can see growth since the beginning for the year. The major assignment for both groups of 20 was to make a folded display of their traced (and cut out) hands, colored differently and touching when you folded them together. In the middle of this was their own written words on, "What they wanted to do to help others" like Martin Luther King Jr. did. We had "primed the pump" with stories and songs about him and his life. Most of them got it, even if it was just to "help" give their dog a bath. One little girl's father came to visit our table and help his daughter with the cutting and writing of it all. This was really good to see since the last time I was there she was "having a tantrum" (pretty regularly) toward the end of the period. He complimented her greatly and complemented her too. He had her write that "she" wanted to be an "asternot" and he apologized for his lack of "spelling skill". I resisted the temptation to correct it or him, but effusively praised him and her. I'm pretty certain that this was part of the solution suggested for her by her regular teachers and it would work better if he came when he could hear the assignment and then understand how to help her, besides just keeping her from "going off" on her peers when she wasn't getting her way. This is definitely a "rubric" that more kids need i.e. regular visits and help from their parents.

My next assignment was at a 5th grade class in a portable next to the parking lot of a different school. The emphasis at this school is, across the boards "WE ARE COLLEGE BOUND!" and they let you know it. It is all over on bulletin boards and even in their early morning, shouted chants and cheers before they even enter the classrooms. They seem to do it for each other as encouragement and reassurance. I noticed "Biola University" is centrally featured near the office where everyone has to pass. The young teacher I was replacing had pendants from UCLA around the room. I decided not to mention that I had gone to USC. This class was also working on their own essays on MLKjr. I tried to help with that. I told them about my sitting behind Coretta Scott King in church and one girl shared that her grandfather, still living with her, was hit by fire hoses in Birmingham. I also mentioned the "Blue Eye Experiments in Discrimination" and the "Evil Eye" (glass blue eye) I had in my pocket (bought in Turkey). They had an hour-long video after lunch to reinforce all that he taught and what we want to remember about him. Unfortunately I had two boys who had other "ideas" of what they were going to do at school with a "sub" It started by not getting along with the boy seated between them. (they were all Anglo and Hispanic) So, I moved them and separated them so they could "work" better. Soon they were moving themselves to other unoccupied desks and stll not trying to do their work. The one that was back-talking the most and bullying others was finally asked to leave. It is called "a referral" to the office. Soon the principal called for clarification of the offenses and asked me to send his remaining work. Later on I saw he had been placed in another teacher's 5th grade class. She had offered earlier to take "any students who gave me trouble" since she had "three empty desks" just waiting for them and "they didn't like it in her room". She also led the P.E. for the grade level at 8:15 A.M. i.e. calesthentics and four laps around the large field..."that'll tire them out." "These kids now days are so out of shape."

My third assignment was actually two half days at a Second grade in a portable way out in "left field" on a gigantic campus dedicated to Second through fourth only. I went early and ate lunch with the teacher and kids which is what they do there. I enjoyed it. They announce contest winners and awards during these luncheon sessions in a large multipurpose room. The principal came well recommended by my first of the week team leader. "He's so nice." The room and teacher of this second grade were a "breath of fresh air" for me. First of all, as you walk in the door, the "class rules" are posted. This is not unusual. There is usually a long list of do's and mainly don'ts in every elementary classroom. This one, however, only had two, hand printed, "BE NICE" #1 and "MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS" #2. That was all that was needed they felt. I began to see why and what was the difference at this young age, 7 or so. It is so hard for this "age" to do just that. They love to be so "officious" and "rule-reminding" to each other and to their teacher. These kids were actually practicing these rules with some degree of success. It must be their teacher, I thought. I had met her. She gave me candy treats. She was very open to "new ideas" and even some of mine. She was reading "Sadako" a thousand cranes - to her class and had them drawing their responses to each chapter with sentences too. This is the story of the survivors of the Hiroshima Bombings. Pretty heavy stuff for second graders. She planned to challenge them to make 1000 origami cranes of happiness. We had fun with "The Magic Penny" Song and game, "Frere Jacques" as a "round" with a student leader, "Mr. Fox" song and story theater with masks, "Twenty Questions" and "Silent Ball" They loved it all. It was raining outside. RRR

A New Year

2008, the "Year of the Rat", is finally here. It has been a long time coming for me. 2007 didn't end well. It was the "Year of the Fire Boar" (pig) full of clashes of fire and water. I can understand that. Hopefully, that is all going to change. "The Rat" is very productive and driven. I was born in the "Year of the Rabbit", my wife, "The Dragon". We had the most trouble with "The Snake".

We were reminded of all this "superstition" with our recent visit to Las Vegas and the Belagio. The whole place, especially their Conservatory, was decorated to honor the Chinese New Year. China, the largest and most populous country, will continue to have a major influence on our World's economy and environment/atmosphere. They must we reckoned with and dealt with, as a World Force, A Culture and Society and as Individuals. This is becoming very evident and pressing. We have certainly seen it in our own family. I now consider all this as "Life's Rubrics". Best learn from them, and not the hard way. Feng Shui will come in handy now and in the future.

Speaking of that, the lobby of the Belagio has changed radically recently. Right in the center is this gigantic stallion all sculpted in tiny, mosaic mirrors. It is awesome. They've cleared out everything else except for some couches nearby to sit and gaze at it. All kinds of tourists are flocking around it constantly to take pictures. I had trouble getting the "clear shot" above and had to go early in the morning. The ceiling is the same (Morano Glass Flower Sculptures) which are still spectacular. Behind the "check-in-out" counter is an alcove completely decorated in big, bright red ball ornaments hanging in groups over mandarin orange trees fully loaded and piles of oranges all around them. What symbolism! The "Year of the Horse" is not due for a few years (2014)...and the "Rat" and the "Horse" don't "get along"...not compatible at all, according to the Chinese calendar lore. Very Interesting! Why have that symbol, which definitely improves the Feng Shui there but is in conflict with with the current sign? They are having the current Democratic Presidential Caucus right there. Is it an omen? Hillary's people contested it, Obama's went for it since the "Vegas Culinary Union" has endorsed him.

From the balcony above the conservatory are the spacious spa and salon rooms of the casino. I had never been up there so...what the heck, I had just won a video poker jackpot from an attendant so why not relieve some stress. I chose the unique "Scalp, Hands and Feet" massage. Wow! Did it help with my migraine-type sinus headaches. Reflex-ology really works.

While I was sitting there by the horse waiting for my "gambling family" I heard the strains of "Fur Elise" from the lobby bar piano. I went over and asked, "Do you know "Traumerai"?, one of my favorites, with memories. The musician said, "If I cheat." Pretty soon, here come the familiar, melodic phrases of "pathos" and "longing". I was moved sitting there and teared up a bit. "What could've been"...it says to me. Further release from my massage I would guess.

Our favorite "coffee place" at the Belagio is "Palio". It is on the way to all their "Convention Square-Footage" with all the "professionally upward and mobile" stopping by for their caffine "pick-me-ups" The reason we like it is not just the stronger coffee (espresso) but how it reminds of our visit to Senea(?) Italy and the famous day of the "Palio" - an annual horse race in the town palacio. It is quite an event and one can get "trapped" in it and the crowds. The neighborhood "colors" (flags) and symbols are all paraded and bet on or against. Horses from these areas can win, by any means, I mean any...and even without a rider as the charge pell mell around the square. Del Mar Race Track near San Diego has their top-most restaurant/bar named the "Palio" probably for this very reason. It is open and you look down on the finish line with your bet tickets in hand. The symbols I chose from the ceramic hangings all the walls of the coffee shop are the most appealing to me now..."an owl", "a turtle" and "a snail" Atypical symbols for a race, don't you think? This is where I feel I am now in "my race", "my guest teacher career", my family and life. Easy does it, one step at a time...

In the last two weeks I've visited five different school's primary grades. I'll concentrate on these levels now, less stress. I've enjoyed them by and large. In one, I was told by the "observing principal" to "slow down", some of the weaker ones, academically, were not with me. I took it as good advice. What's the hurry? The lesson plan left by the regular teacher doesn't have to be on schedule and followed to "a tee". I'll take time to sing with them and joke with them. These times are precious and I'm so priviledged to be allowed to work with them...I alway have. RRR

'Tisn't the Season

Even though this pyramidal shape could remind one of a christmas tree or, to be politically correct, "a holiday tree" it somehow doesn't, for me, this Christmas. We are having some major challenges to our "reason for the season". A testing one's faith and family commitments is on going.

It wasn't much better at my latest "guest teacher" (sub) assignment. I had promised a friend teacher that I would cover her class the 3 days that she helped produce an annual holiday show at her school and it, at times, was difficult. It wasn't the subject, Art, but the personnel and the administrative lack of support that made it all less than inspiring to that festive, holiday time usually experienced just before the annual two-week holiday haitus. Students at the middle school age are generally so into themselves and each other that they hardly give any signs that they are "festive" or joyful...even with "breeze assignments" in Art. The ones who would normally respond are far out-shouted by the two to three in each class that "take extra attention"...usually the negative kind. They come into class with their own agendas from the previous "passing period" and could care less what they are there for or assigned to do. They then force a confrontation which first involves warnings, chances to comply, then threats of "referral" usually 3X and then, with persistant refusal, and lots of time taken away from the "deserving students" they are given a note and asked to leave. This seems to be, more and more, standard M.O. with "subs". But not this one. Then on the next day when they see that "this one" is still there they don't want to come to class and report to the girl's V.P. in charge of discipline and complain with their calumny. This is where my sponsor teacher steps in and backs me and what I'm trying to teach/accomplish (her lesson plans) This works to a degree although they still wouldn't take any direction from me.

We got some beautiful projects from most of the students, 5 classes of Art with the same assignment: Make a small, black and white, newspaper collage to then decorate with pastels with copied or created pictures, landscapes or abstract designs. Most took to it and enjoyed doing the three-day process with friends, conversation and "tunes" in the background. They, of course, wanted "their choice of tunes" which never pleases everyone so the teacher had picked 4 or 5 CD's and we put them on "shuffle". I stuck in a holiday CD from "Manheim Steamroller"..."oo yuk" was the predominant response.

The one different class, "Yearbook" was asked to write a "critique" on the "show" or interview four of the kids ("student celebrities") who were in it and in their class. Here again we had to threaten a certain few who were trying their best to get out of the assignment or do the minimum; even when I made sure the assignment was from their regular teacher, not me. Finally I had to do the old "exit ticket" routine. i.e. "You get to leave the room when the assignment is given to me at the door with your name on it...even if it isn't done...like a blank piece of paper with your name on it. We had a few that were close to that. When I tried to read and grade them it a rude awakening to what writing skills most lack and don't even know it.

Another "Snafu" transpired on the second day first period. The Art assignment had rotated to "Prep Period" which means no students. Wrong for subs...we have to be available to "cover" for last minute cancellations until they find another sub or a "staff" person covers. This time it was me and I was sent to an "Algebra" Class. The regular teacher was there and doing the last minute lesson plans on his computer. He then explained the to me and handed me the attached packet of individualized assignments. Then another sub come in and relieves me so I give her the packet and the explanations I had just received. I'm not back in the Art room for 5 minutes when I get the call to come back to "algebra" the releaving sub was wrongly sent. But she in the meantime had mislaid the packet and assignment and handed me some "work to return" . Even with a "T.A", who was busily correcting papers, we could not find the original assignment page or packet...even sending the TA to find her and ask her or it. With 5 mins. left in the period and two whole class refusal do do a "supplementary assignment" "Oh we've already done that one" Yes, you may have but you didn't pass it...do it again...nope; we found the packet. I left copious notes to the regular teacher and praised the one student who tried to help me the whole time. I also stopped a girl from chasing another boy student around the room with scissors i.e. "running with scissors" and then she came up to my desk and threatenly operated the scissors rapidly and violently several time not two feet from my face. I wrote that up too. Her parting sarcastic comment as she left and the scissors were laying on the desk, pointing toward me..."Oh be careful, they might get you." Vicious! Most all the problem students, both classes, ones with real issues, were females who were performing for each other and the class.

It seems that at this level the females are much more socially "advanced?" and not really interested in assignments. Hormones are freshly flowing too and that's part of it. This is probably another school I will not return to unless requested by my Art Teacher Friend. She would like to get more of my "artsy ideas" and pick my brain for future times...so she says. We'll see if my "rubrics", although older and tested, might help in what I see as an increasingly challenging scope and sequence of art curriculum. "Have you tried shrink art, simple origami or even napkin folding?" I have. RRR

Row, Row, Row...Down Stream

The five snap shots above are there to remind me of the full, fascinating and fantastic week and a day I just had. We were coming from the depth of despair with a family member's problems and went to the heights of hope and hilarity in just that brief amount of time. Life is funny that way and it's good to remember that. It can change so quickly if you are open to it, flexible and ready to "keep on...keeping on".

Of course, I couldn't resist snapping the vulture looking down on us in "Club 33" in Disneyland while we ate our sumptuous feast/buffet in that exclusive, upstairs restaurant. We had been invited by some Club 33 Members to the annual "Candlelight Concert" of Xmas music and narrative in the Main Street Square. Mr. Vulture reminded me, as I took pause, of where I had been the previous week with my son. Somehow he and we must "muddle through" these hard times with the hope that healing will eventually come and the "vultures" of death will not win too soon.

I was taken with the beauty all around me at this "Happiest Place on Earth" when I snapped the center piece of peacock feathers at my table and the tiffany dragon fly lamp shade at the "Craftman" Hotel Californian in Downtown Disney. Beautiful images are all around with just the barest notice, if you try.

At the entrance to The California Adventure part of the Park there is this gigantic landscape/mosaic that I also snapped at the urging of my wife. We live in a beautiful state and are so lucky and priveledged to respond to its sights/sites and weather most of the year. We also Soared of California again, our favorite ride.

The concert last Sunday, though very cold for us thin-blooded Californians, was pure joy for me. This is probably the first year that I haven't been associated with a Chorus, Chorale or Choir and sung the traditional carols. I didn't realize how much I missed it. (tears to the eyes) This was a massive group of at least a dozen local choirs (chamber singers, madrigals etc.) plus an orchestra and the Hand Bell Choir from Claremont Congregational (the best, I knew some of the ringers) Then there was the Biblical Nativity Story read by Jane Seymour in her crystal clear English accent. (this time she did no "Dancing With the Stars") What fascinated me most during the whole, hour-long, performance was the American Sign Language Soloist up in front, near us in a spot light. Her movements were so graceful and calming for every spoken and sung word. This also helped me get perspective and forget our troubles for awhile. (it was dark, with spotlights, so no photos)

The next day I was scheduled to work at my favorite Elementary school...as it turned out, all week. Four days in a great 4th grade class and one day in a 2nd. This was the first time I had decided to work/sub (as they call it "Guest Teach") for 5 straight days. Along about the 4th day I had to catch my second wind to stay focused and positive all day. The fifth day was a "rainy-day schedule" but hardly any different. No "stuck in the classroom" all day (recesses) with smelly little bodies. We got our usual breaks and the administration/staff did herculean duty.

It was a joy to be back with my favorite aged kids and explore some of my "pet rubrics" with them. They were shocked and pleasantly surprised at several of them. "Our regular teacher doesn't do it this way." Learning again (finally) became fun and challenging...even the 5, yes, FIVE, tests we had on Friday. We sang alot, played math baseball, did Venn Diagrams of the "!2 Days of Xmas" and the "Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe" etc. We wrote about our dead pets when "Rontu died in Island of the Blue Dolphins". We did Victor Borge Punctuation (sound effects) on our Daily Bites. We had fun...or at least I did. Just before the 5 tests, I taught them my "new versions" of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat":(6 to be exact)

Read X3

A book

Best that you can find

Reading books

Is lots of fun

It helps improve

Your mind.

Write X3

Some words

Best that you can pen

Writing words is lots of fun

It makes you feel like

Ben (Franklin)

Play X3

Some games

Try so many sorts

Playing games is lots of fun

It helps to make

Good Sports

Ve X3

Bote

Rio abajo

Alegre X3

La Vida es su

Sueno

Take X3

Your tests

Try all that are given

Taking tests (can be) lots of fun

It lets you know

You're livin'

Swim X3

Up stream

Make school hard and boring

Hating school is not much fun

What's only worse is

WAR-ing.

So I'm fully ready to continue to flow and row "down stream" and enjoy what time I have left. How about you? RRR