Seems I don't get 'round these parts much lately. It's that crazy busy life of mine, I tell ya. It seems it's always something. How I'll fit a job in the mix (a real live, hand me a paycheck, good work, pat onthe back, bonafide job) is beyond me, but I'm gonna try. All I need is someone willing to hand me that paycheck every so often. Too bad those people are hard to find these days. Don't they know I have a college bound meanager to support? Believe you, me, he NEEDS to go away to college for both our sakes.
On to the good stuff......
It's that time of year again. People are asking more and more each day if I'll be hosting my "Home Show" again this year. The answer is YES! Hip, hip, hoorah! It's always a fun time. I love showing my appreciation to my loyal customers. Sharing a glass of wine and getting to know them just makes my day. No hustle and bustle of crowded hallways and gyms. No pressure searching for the perfect Christmas gift for Aunt Sally or feeling guilty about a personal purchase the week before Christmas. This one is all for the fun of it.
I'll be cooking up some yummy snacks, chilling a bottle of wine (ha! make that a case) and cleaning the house top to bottom in preparation for the big shin-dig. All you have to do is stop on by, visit a bit, shop a little and share a laugh or two. I'll take care of the rest.
One of those things keeping me plenty busy this year is my youngest son. Graduating grade school and heading off to the High School is a big deal. I am busy helping plan all the graduation activities and setting the stage for his success at the high school. There's the end of the year dance with all it's regalia, a keepsake DVD of the past 9 years for all the kids and other assorted celebrations. Truth is, this all costs money, and so, a portion of proceeds from this year's sale will benefit the fundraising efforts of the 8th grade parents.
Erik will be heading off to join his brother and the music program at Niles West High School in the fall. I couldn't be happier. The music programs and Fine Arts overall are top notch. In addition to the graduation fund, I will be once again supporting the Niles West Music Parents also. They do great things for the programs, the kids and the staff, be it band, orchestra or choir. Scholarships, music lessons, trips, etc. are those out of the classroom experiences that make a program stand out. So again, a portion of proceeds from the sale will again benefit the NWMPA. Be sure to mention either of these great causes at the show.
Now let's get to it!
When: Saturday, February 25th
11am - 7pm
for more info, please contact me through comments or via email
and to whet your apetite, a little taste of what will be available for sale can be seen here.
I look forward to a great event.
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Monday, February 6, 2012
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Are You Riding the STEAM Train?
YOU SHOULD!
If you know anything about me, you know I'm passionate. I get excited. I talk about things. I love kids. I value education. And, my kids are not athletes. Well, one can run pretty darned fast without being chased or running away from trouble, so maybe there's a bit of an athlete there. The interesting part of that is how I am constantly hearing about how his endurance on the track relates to his circular breathing. Again, those of you that know me can only imagine the visual"circular breathing" conjured, but hey, I learned, and who knew all that trombone practice would make Erik a better runner? Those damned Fine Arts. They're just honing in on everything.
Good for them!
So, back to this STEAM train. I'm sure you've all seen a steam engine or at least know what one is, and if not how it works, at least what it does. Similarly, if you are raising children, have any interest in education movements, work in the fields of science, technology, math, engineering, or manufacturing, you are also familiar with STEM. It's interesting, it's fascinating and a National movement to put our country back in the limelight. A movement to cultivate learners with an integral knowledge of the inter working of these disciplines. I and my children are fortunate enough to attend a High School with one of only 2 state-of-the-art STEM labs in Illinois. They have been afforded the opportunity to begin this learning process in grade school through an outreach program and now, this year, to delve even deeper into these concepts as middle school students with a STEM lab in the grade school through a grant from PLTW (Project Lead the Way). How fortunate for them that we live in a progressive, forward thinking, quality school district. Yay! for us.
Now, if I haven't lost you to the distraction of a shiny object, put you to sleep or totally confused you, back to my question. Are you riding the STEAM train? STEAM is a movement to take STEM to the next level. To fill the void in this great new innovative concept. It adds Art to STEM. It brings the idea of putting America and its next generation back on top of the world innovatively. It puts us ahead of the pact in thought, in concept, in creativity. In other words, it is the train to be on. Hell, if you're gonna ride the train, get a first class ticket!
Why am I asking you these questions? Why am I riding this train? Why is this important? Why is this the soap box I choose to make my passion?
Because we need to change the way we think. Collectively. This world, its leaders, its educators, its CEO's, principals, parents and youth need to change the value we place on the Fine Arts and the priority they are afforded. We need to value creativity, expression, and beauty and the individuals they create.We need to open our minds fully and give the Arts there due respect. Is this the age old argument? Yes. Can we tell you something you haven't heard before? Yes. and the answer is STEAM.
Integrating the Fine Arts into the industrial, mechanical process gives us innovators. People who can look at things from a different perspective, create what has yet to be imagined, humanize what we already have and make it useful. Creativity, passion, expression of the soul can be the key to making a good thing great, solving the unsolvable from a new direction. Hell, playing a wind instrument can be the difference between a runner and a track star. Who's to say it can't prevent the labored breathing of a future respiratory patient? It may take the scientifically trained doctor to experiment with such a concept, but it is likely the musician that sees the possibility because he lives it.
The bottom line is, we can't leave the arts behind. We can't diminish or sideline them. We need to embrace them and appreciate not only their beauty but their usefulness and their rightful place among the sciences. Without engineers, we would not have the preciseness of a Stradivarius or the complexity of the keys that give a clarinet or saxophone its clarity, but what good are they without the artist who can make them useful.
I think of this now, more than ever for several reasons. The recent loss of Steve Jobs has presented the world with a biography of innovation. Designs, that because of creativity changed our world, literally. Innovations that made engineered items relatable, comfortable and intuitive. There's no formula for intuition, it's felt, it's understood, it's evolved.
I also think of this now, more than ever because my children are becoming adults. Creative, artistic, passionate young men with a thirst for knowledge, an intelligence for success and a love of the Arts. Yes, I live this, everyday, and I am blessed to do so. They have a unique way of looking at the world and as much as they relish the traditions of holiday celebrations, "that's the way its always been done" will never satisfy their questions. For that, I thank the Arts!
So, jump on that train, catch that plane, hell, crawl on your hands and knees, but get there. Embrace the arts not just for their beauty, but for their strength, their usefulness, for what they bring to the party. Grab them from the corner of the room like Swayze did Baby and tell the world, no one puts the Arts in the corner! I beg of you, get out of the proverbial balcony and out on the stage. Sing this song, dance this dance and take our youth and their education to the next level.
TALK ABOUT STEAM
If you know anything about me, you know I'm passionate. I get excited. I talk about things. I love kids. I value education. And, my kids are not athletes. Well, one can run pretty darned fast without being chased or running away from trouble, so maybe there's a bit of an athlete there. The interesting part of that is how I am constantly hearing about how his endurance on the track relates to his circular breathing. Again, those of you that know me can only imagine the visual"circular breathing" conjured, but hey, I learned, and who knew all that trombone practice would make Erik a better runner? Those damned Fine Arts. They're just honing in on everything.
Good for them!
So, back to this STEAM train. I'm sure you've all seen a steam engine or at least know what one is, and if not how it works, at least what it does. Similarly, if you are raising children, have any interest in education movements, work in the fields of science, technology, math, engineering, or manufacturing, you are also familiar with STEM. It's interesting, it's fascinating and a National movement to put our country back in the limelight. A movement to cultivate learners with an integral knowledge of the inter working of these disciplines. I and my children are fortunate enough to attend a High School with one of only 2 state-of-the-art STEM labs in Illinois. They have been afforded the opportunity to begin this learning process in grade school through an outreach program and now, this year, to delve even deeper into these concepts as middle school students with a STEM lab in the grade school through a grant from PLTW (Project Lead the Way). How fortunate for them that we live in a progressive, forward thinking, quality school district. Yay! for us.
Now, if I haven't lost you to the distraction of a shiny object, put you to sleep or totally confused you, back to my question. Are you riding the STEAM train? STEAM is a movement to take STEM to the next level. To fill the void in this great new innovative concept. It adds Art to STEM. It brings the idea of putting America and its next generation back on top of the world innovatively. It puts us ahead of the pact in thought, in concept, in creativity. In other words, it is the train to be on. Hell, if you're gonna ride the train, get a first class ticket!
Why am I asking you these questions? Why am I riding this train? Why is this important? Why is this the soap box I choose to make my passion?
Because we need to change the way we think. Collectively. This world, its leaders, its educators, its CEO's, principals, parents and youth need to change the value we place on the Fine Arts and the priority they are afforded. We need to value creativity, expression, and beauty and the individuals they create.We need to open our minds fully and give the Arts there due respect. Is this the age old argument? Yes. Can we tell you something you haven't heard before? Yes. and the answer is STEAM.
Integrating the Fine Arts into the industrial, mechanical process gives us innovators. People who can look at things from a different perspective, create what has yet to be imagined, humanize what we already have and make it useful. Creativity, passion, expression of the soul can be the key to making a good thing great, solving the unsolvable from a new direction. Hell, playing a wind instrument can be the difference between a runner and a track star. Who's to say it can't prevent the labored breathing of a future respiratory patient? It may take the scientifically trained doctor to experiment with such a concept, but it is likely the musician that sees the possibility because he lives it.
The bottom line is, we can't leave the arts behind. We can't diminish or sideline them. We need to embrace them and appreciate not only their beauty but their usefulness and their rightful place among the sciences. Without engineers, we would not have the preciseness of a Stradivarius or the complexity of the keys that give a clarinet or saxophone its clarity, but what good are they without the artist who can make them useful.
I think of this now, more than ever for several reasons. The recent loss of Steve Jobs has presented the world with a biography of innovation. Designs, that because of creativity changed our world, literally. Innovations that made engineered items relatable, comfortable and intuitive. There's no formula for intuition, it's felt, it's understood, it's evolved.
I also think of this now, more than ever because my children are becoming adults. Creative, artistic, passionate young men with a thirst for knowledge, an intelligence for success and a love of the Arts. Yes, I live this, everyday, and I am blessed to do so. They have a unique way of looking at the world and as much as they relish the traditions of holiday celebrations, "that's the way its always been done" will never satisfy their questions. For that, I thank the Arts!
So, jump on that train, catch that plane, hell, crawl on your hands and knees, but get there. Embrace the arts not just for their beauty, but for their strength, their usefulness, for what they bring to the party. Grab them from the corner of the room like Swayze did Baby and tell the world, no one puts the Arts in the corner! I beg of you, get out of the proverbial balcony and out on the stage. Sing this song, dance this dance and take our youth and their education to the next level.
TALK ABOUT STEAM
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Fun Run
Not two words I usually use in the same sentence. Walk yes, run........not so much!
Well today was the first annual Fun Run at Culver Elementary. Can I just say, it was incredible. A full community event. The perfect storm converged on the field like nothing the likes of Culver has ever seen before.
80+ teachers/staff
540+ kids
dozens of volunteers
massive donations from local businesses
help from the park district, teen center and even a news reporter.
85 degree weather
blue skies
the jazz band playing The final countdown and I can fly
The pledge was recited, the anthem sang and Bam, off they were in full fanfare.
1/4 mile, 1/2 mile, 1 mile, 2 mile and 5K walks and runs. There were medals, music, and tons of sun! A warm spring day filled with spirit, energy and determiation.
It was heartwarming to see such teamwork, commaraderie and inspiration. I was overwhelmed. really.
Great job by all.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
New is Good
I admit I like vintage, I Love antiques and there's nothing like a story that reminisces about the "good ol' days" but this week is true testament that new is good too.
I don't think it any longer needs to be said that my week was busy. By now, that's pretty much understood. This week has however been full of new. New customers, new listings on etsy, new adventures being planned and even some new "old" music being played.
My Studio Open House was not new. It's been around for about the last 7 or 8 Februaries, at least. However, it did have many new customers visit and that's a great thing. It took many a year and much prompting to get me to host such a show but I must admit I do enjoy it. More for the enjoyment than the sales, I think. I love the less hectic environment and being able to show all my customers just how much I appreciate them by providing refreshments and opening my house to them. I think it is important to take the time to really get to know them and spend time listening to their stories is inspiring.
Preparing for the Open House while working and juggling a multitude of other tasks left little time for new listings on etsy or handmadefuzion. Suffice it to say, this led to a slow storefront. Finally, with the arrival of some great NEW beads, this week saw some new creations and some new listings. Well, booya! sales followed and I did a little dance (privately, of course).
As if this wasn't enough new for one week or one month for that matter, I finished plans for a new adventure. It seems to be the right time for a family trip to our nation's capitol for so many reasons. A new era, a new president, a new hope for a better future (eventually) coupled with a graduating grade schooler and a budding middle schooler just seemed to scream road trip. I worked on DH and scoured more travel websites than any one person should and there you are. A trip for 3 of the 4 of us to see new things for the first time. Mark may not be thrilled but for a museum guru, he has no idea what lies in wait. It's only a matter of time until he stops referring the The Smithsonian as just another museum.
This sounds like a pretty full and exciting week, doesn't it? Well, let me tell you, the best tale is yet to come. An utter surprise that brought me a joy I would not have imagined in a really MOM kinda way. and yes, I'm gushing. and yes, I'm being nerdy and sentimental, and yes, I have no life but at least once in a while I have the little things. So, hold on to your poncho, have a seat in your over sized papisan chair and take off the huge, cushy headphones! I fostered a musical epiphany in my meanager! It was stupendous! The best President's Day I've ever had. Can you say that?
Kids off school and me at my workbench left the day wide open for possibilities. Seeking inspiration, I reached for the CD player, of course. A few discs and one saxophone practice later, Alex was looking to hear the entire Sgt. Pepper album from which his concert music stemmed. Low and behold, the deep dark depths of the basement coughed up not one, not two, but 3 large cassette tape holding briefcases. (the cornucopia of destroyed LP's by DH will have to be its own post someday). 8 hours later, my meanager, the one that barely speaks to me and definitely struggles to believe I am/could be cool found it in his heart to applaud my taste in music. Everything from Warren Zevon and Elvis Costello to U2, the Beatles and some Talking Heads. I would have to say, he lost his music virginity that day, possible to Chrissy Hines, or maybe it was Stevie Nicks. It doesn't really matter. I knew I had reached a common ground. A sacred ground in my book. We definitely have a common interest in our love of music. He thinks I have good taste and he looks to me for advice on a good tune. Hell, what more can I ask from a 14 tr old angst ridden stomach that walks
I don't think it any longer needs to be said that my week was busy. By now, that's pretty much understood. This week has however been full of new. New customers, new listings on etsy, new adventures being planned and even some new "old" music being played.
My Studio Open House was not new. It's been around for about the last 7 or 8 Februaries, at least. However, it did have many new customers visit and that's a great thing. It took many a year and much prompting to get me to host such a show but I must admit I do enjoy it. More for the enjoyment than the sales, I think. I love the less hectic environment and being able to show all my customers just how much I appreciate them by providing refreshments and opening my house to them. I think it is important to take the time to really get to know them and spend time listening to their stories is inspiring.
Preparing for the Open House while working and juggling a multitude of other tasks left little time for new listings on etsy or handmadefuzion. Suffice it to say, this led to a slow storefront. Finally, with the arrival of some great NEW beads, this week saw some new creations and some new listings. Well, booya! sales followed and I did a little dance (privately, of course).
As if this wasn't enough new for one week or one month for that matter, I finished plans for a new adventure. It seems to be the right time for a family trip to our nation's capitol for so many reasons. A new era, a new president, a new hope for a better future (eventually) coupled with a graduating grade schooler and a budding middle schooler just seemed to scream road trip. I worked on DH and scoured more travel websites than any one person should and there you are. A trip for 3 of the 4 of us to see new things for the first time. Mark may not be thrilled but for a museum guru, he has no idea what lies in wait. It's only a matter of time until he stops referring the The Smithsonian as just another museum.
This sounds like a pretty full and exciting week, doesn't it? Well, let me tell you, the best tale is yet to come. An utter surprise that brought me a joy I would not have imagined in a really MOM kinda way. and yes, I'm gushing. and yes, I'm being nerdy and sentimental, and yes, I have no life but at least once in a while I have the little things. So, hold on to your poncho, have a seat in your over sized papisan chair and take off the huge, cushy headphones! I fostered a musical epiphany in my meanager! It was stupendous! The best President's Day I've ever had. Can you say that?
Kids off school and me at my workbench left the day wide open for possibilities. Seeking inspiration, I reached for the CD player, of course. A few discs and one saxophone practice later, Alex was looking to hear the entire Sgt. Pepper album from which his concert music stemmed. Low and behold, the deep dark depths of the basement coughed up not one, not two, but 3 large cassette tape holding briefcases. (the cornucopia of destroyed LP's by DH will have to be its own post someday). 8 hours later, my meanager, the one that barely speaks to me and definitely struggles to believe I am/could be cool found it in his heart to applaud my taste in music. Everything from Warren Zevon and Elvis Costello to U2, the Beatles and some Talking Heads. I would have to say, he lost his music virginity that day, possible to Chrissy Hines, or maybe it was Stevie Nicks. It doesn't really matter. I knew I had reached a common ground. A sacred ground in my book. We definitely have a common interest in our love of music. He thinks I have good taste and he looks to me for advice on a good tune. Hell, what more can I ask from a 14 tr old angst ridden stomach that walks
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