What Teachers Hide

He walked into my art room 2 & 1/2 years ago carrying the myriad of emotions that all elementary students bring as they move up to middle school. When he timidly walked in, I noticed he had no right hand. I looked at him squarely & pronounced, "I'm not going to treat you any different than anyone else so if you ever need me to, you will have to let me know". His countenance both relaxed & grew as he radiated the acceptance I had intended. A connection was forged.
Kind & generous, polite & faith-filled, he is who all parents pray their child will grow to be. His willingness to try new things & especially his tenacity are inspiring!. While others complain of a medium being messy, he would literally be up over his elbow in it, saying, "No, it's o.k. My stub works great for this". He has overcome hurdles in cutting & even in weaving. I often say things like, "Do you need a hand?" & forever find myself using such phrases with him. As I flush with embarrassment, he always fires back a witty remark. His sense of humor is abounding! Being particularly self-sufficient & creative, he frequently works independent of the class. This results in a lot of shared, problem-solving.
There is a unique bond formed between teacher & student, particularly between artists, & especially over years. This past week, the reality of change knocked me off my feet as he shared that he & his sister (another cherished of "my babies")will begin a new life in another school next week.... An unspoken aspect of teaching is the continual cycle of grief & renewal. With a grateful heart, for now, I grieve...

Why We Moved Away From Maryland

My brother & I made a quick stop-in back "home" a few weeks ago. I took this shot on our return trip to SC. Because they were closing a lane in the opposite direction, our side of the Capital Beltway was sailing along at 20 m.p.h.! She doesn't let you go easily.....THAT is why I always say that we, "escaped from D.C."

The Return of Lines

To embrace the long gray of winter I learned to enjoy & contemplate the lines of the surrounding forest. Winter reveals these masterfully creative treasures of artistry. With bittersweet regret I watched the spring growth overtake them. The ambient glow of my candlelit mornings was replaced by the pastel skies of dawn.
As winter approaches I rise once again to light trays of candles. Peering out from my desk, the reflections of light across the lake seem to reach towards me as they sparkle in the currents. The forest makes it's last stand in brilliant color while weather & time fades them to neutrals. The lines reveal themselves once more & I am drawn to the poignancy with which I relinquished them but a few months ago.

I Didn't Know They Did That Here !

This is an old image. I had been under a tree, watching the morning alight. I happened to see something like a stick fall from a tree & swim away. After watching the liquid pattern it made, I took this shot to verify that it was a snake. I don't sit under that tree as much anymore.

It's Not About the Beaver

It is amazing how pastors often seem to be peering into me lately. It's a "God-thing". Relating the story of Mary & Martha in Luke 10: 38-42, our middle school pastor reminded us of what is to be most "urgent" in our lives: to sit at Jesus' feet. I used to rush out each morning, to spend time with my Lord. Lately, I've been rushing out to His creations. Very well to appreciate the often overlooked blessings He has poured out....I need to make sure I am worshiping the Creator & not the creations. Above all, I need to be spending my time with Him through prayer, worship, & the reading of His word.