I had a dream last night where I was looking for a house. I looked in the real estate office and found a house. The price was $415.000. I was thrilled because the picture was a big beautiful house and it was something I can afford. The agent, who was a large man, and he had no face that I remembered, but I did know him, said for me to look a little closer at the house. I looked back at the picture and it was now a long, black car. Looked very fancy (like a Rolls Royce) and it was that which was $415.000, it wasn't the house anymore that was for sale it was the car. I remember asking "I thought it was the house, where is the house, I can't afford this car, but can afford the house, where is the house?" I woke in a little bit of a sad mood.

Reflection from Williams Museum

Once again a typical museum “Hi, Welcome, come in and buy from your gift shop!” It shouted. This museum as far as I was able to see did not offer me a chance to learn about the actual structure and who brought it to the school, and how it became to be. That was sad for me, because I need to make that connection. I need to understand the history of a place to understand the why. I was immediately turned off by the pink ball display. To me it wasn’t art. Maybe it was considered art to some folks; however, I need that connection. I later heard an interpretation about that display and it enticed me to revisit it on my way out and see it in a different light. I thought the art was abstract and did not offer clear-cut stories. The lack of those stories made me slightly bored and disinterested. Bernadette showed me a piece that she had interpreted and shared with the group. When I looked at it, I offered my interpretation, which she immediately said, that that was apparent to her but she actually was going to change her position on what the picture meant. I felt good that I was able to understand something, but for the most part the art made me feel marginalized, as only the artist really understood what it was about and the viewer was left to interpret and guess and surmise. I was happy to spend time with Fran and Patrick who offered their insight and their passion. It was nice to see the joy in someone in a place where I felt confusion and disorientation. I probably will not come back on my own; however, if we were to return next year I will try once again to keep an open eye and try to learn something, as I did with Bernadette, Fran and Patrick.

Reflection from Clark Museum

As I walked in to the museum, I was laughed. I laughed because the gift shop was the first and the last thing you saw when you are at the museum. It was typical. I am happy to report that that was the last typical event at the museum. I spent a lot of time in the first room, which gave me a good education about the founders, where their money had come from, their passions, their family line, their travels, their love for the horses and their true desire to acquire and display art for the sake of displaying and sharing. All art obtained through auctions was bid under the name “Mr. Anonymous” which to me showed his passion for the arts, rather then the notoriety of being a mass collector. He credits his wife, Francine, as having an eye for interesting pieces. Getting a sense of who the collector was and what they stood for open my ability to understand many of the pieces. It was interesting to see the notations indicating which pieces originally hung in their own home. Having this knowledge allowed me to appreciate the piece for not only what I saw but also what it stood for by its original owner. The museum was laid out nicely with rooms set up to lend themselves to the tone of the pieces that garnished the walls. I particularly like the piece titled “The Bouquet” The girl was nervous (she was biting on her nail slightly) by the news that was presented in the letter. There was an overflowing bouquet on the bench of the piano. I stood for quite a while trying to figure out what could possibly be in the letter. It was obviously upsetting to her and whoever gave her the letter attached it to the bouquet. The envelope on the floor was small enough to be affixed to the paper that gently wrapped the bouquet. I can only imagine what it was. I also enjoyed the “Thumbs Down” painting, not because of the piece but rather for the conversation that it invited me to have with the folks in my group. We stood around and discussed it and I learned quite a bit from them. I truly enjoyed this museum and I look forward to returning whether on my time or next year.

Bill Mattis

Bill Mattis A Reflection I was touched by what he quoted “Never doubt that a small, group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has” by Margaret Mead really hit home to me. I am the granddaughter of a little, Italian firecracker who stood up for his rights against a large company and won. He taught me that if you believe in something no matter how big or small it is you should stand up and fight for it. Bill and his team are going up against the Federal Government because the believe in something that is wrong and want to stand up and fight for it. I admire that. I am in awe of their gumption to challenge the equity of the Federal Government and the distribution of funds. In listening to Bill speak I truly felt he has such a connection to the children and what was best for them. It appeared to me that his fight was purely for his children. I hope that, as a leader I will be able to stand up for what I feel is right and not worry about the consequences. So many things need to be changed, adjusted or abolished that in my lifetime as a leader I would like to conquer at least one.

Where Has Tommy FLowers Gone? A Reflection

This was a play presented by the Berkshire Theatre Festival in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. I went into this play with no expectations. There was no discussion prior about the play (or maybe there was and I didn't hear it since I choose to ride with Mary in her car...got a little bus sick on the way up) I was a little tired and found the seats in the theatre to be relatively comfortable so I was a little concerned that I might fall asleep as I normally do when tired and sitting comfortable seats. The show started a little slow but quickly sped up. I found it difficult to understand, but was comfortable with the thought that we would have discussions about it class and there might be some clarity to this play. It wasn't until dinner time that we started to talk about this play and it dawned on me that Tommy might represent what we hated. The dumb blonde, using a child who had disabilities as a poster child, shopping in an elitist store like Bloomingdales. I presented my take to class but it seemed as though the consensus was that this particular person Tommy was aggravating, annoying, self centered. I didn't see it that way but they did discuss how he might represent capitalism and how he hated it but in order to funtion in today's society he had to actually buy into capitalism. Lenny brought up a good point saying that may Tommy was the child that was marginalized and left behind. The one we didn't pay attention to. That sort of made me think about the kids in Culombine.

http://www.berkshiretheatre.org/theseason/06tommy.php

Norman Rockwell A Reflection

I loved this museum! I was so surprised at the complexity of his paintings. I had seen his work on the cover of the POST and the The Saturday Evening Post, however, I never really thought that much of his work. I generally came across his works in an office or public place were it was a picture of entertainment for me. I would sit in an office and wait for time to pass and stare at the picture and never really internalized the photo/painting. I used to look at the pictures and say "Ugh, this place needs to be updated." And now I went through this museum and seeing many of the posters in their original form really made me see the artwork in it's glory. I was particularly attracted to the "Gossip", "Little Boys" and "Little Girls" paintings. They really evoked a feeling in me that I could relate to. They made me laugh and the "Little Boy" painting actually brought a tear to my eye. As anyone who knows me knows my son Andrew is the light of my life and seeing this painting really made me miss him and feel so proud to have a son.

Here is an interesting take on these paintings that I got from the internet that I actually didn't see "Here Rockwell represents in a simple and very funny way the life of a perfect American child: school, games, homework, TV, friendships, little "affairs", prayers.. The illustrator shows us most simply and plainly the little events of life, its real events and he conveys tenderness and amusement. BUT... why doesn' t the girl go to school? "

Jonathan Kozol A Reflection

I originally made a movie about my experience with seeing Jonathan Kozol and listening to his words. After viewing the movie, over and over again, I felt like it really didn't represent what I saw and what I learned from him. I found him to be sweet and nice. I am not sure he would like to be referenced that way, but I thought he was truly sympathetic to teachers and what they are going through. He also had such a compassion and love for children that it was infectious. His energy level was none like I had seen before. I was truly touched by his sensitivity to the poor and his passion for change. His conclusion was quite shocking. I really felt as though he had passed the torch to me and that it was my job to right the wrongs. His loss of Mr. Rogers and Sweetie Pie were very close to him and the fact that he shard that with us was very special. When we spoke about this the next day it was remarked over and over again how lucky we were to had seen him in this light. He had spoke earlier this year but did not include the ending that was reserved for us. The professors said that was special. I wonder if his health is failing and he knows. There was talk about it at breakfast and there was speculation, but I really hope and pray he is fine and healthy.

MASS MoCA A Reflection

MASS MoCA A Reflection

I was originally intimidated as Patrick talked about the art and what to expect. I really thought that I would have a difficult time understanding what I was seeing and how to interpret it. I immediately found myself breezing through, stopping, looking but not quite getting it. I stopped dead in my tracks when I walked into a room with a pair of boots in the sand. Scott and I started to talk about it. I realized that there was some deep meaning about the boots. Kevin had walked by and mentioned that the item in the back was a baby rattle, possibly representing his daughter. I was glad to have had that opportunity to be able to communicate with two folks that were able to help me see and understand what the artist was trying to say. From that point, I slowed down a little and read the cards in each room. Those cards were very useful. Two other items that I particularly loved were the jars from the artist’s life. Someone actually pointed out that it could have been two artists because of the way some of the tags were written. I also really like the three white paintings (which were actually done with a laser printer) with the lockets dangling. http://www.withoutsanctuary.org/ While looking around the internet for some more information I was able to find this site, which offers a pictorial essay about lynching in America. It is very sad.

One final note about today, Susan received a phone call shortly before group two had reconvened with her on the picnic tables. She spoke for a few seconds on the phone and then hung up. Her face looked different. She looked happy. She looked as though a weight had just been lifted from her shoulders. She immediately said, “I just got good news about my house.” She was actually beaming. I found that for the first 4 days, Susan had looked tired, worn down. Her entire demeanor had changed after the phone conversation. I was thankful to have my camera and be able to capture the moment on film.

Crisis

So I thought tonight I was just going to the movies. Well was I suprised. The movie was interesting and it deffinately opened my eyes to something I had never really known before. I felt very badly for Vivian http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vivian_Malone and James http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Hood that were in some ways pawns to have to stand up for an entire race's fight. I couldn't imagine being that brave. It must have been frightening and a little nerve racking at some points for them. But that wasn't the surprising part, it was the conversation that followed. Now thats when things got interesting. I was really suprised at the words and accusations that were filling the room. I think a lot people walked away a little upset and felt as though they were put in a group that rightfully they should not have been put in. I have an anxious feeling for what the next few days will bring. I hope that things don't get out of hand and I hope that folks can peacefully talk about things and not accuse anyone. These wrongs happened long before I was born, the only thing I can do is teach to all and give all a fair chance.

Hurricane Katrina

Hurricane Katrina A Reflection
Hopes that schools and people will one day soon return the area.