I have always loved taking pictures. When the kids were little, I loved recording milestones and every day joys to share. I was that geeky mom with the huge camera bag , constantly changing lens on my film SLR. With no real training, I was still able to get some great shots.
But digital cameras and instant images were all the rage. My hubby got me a nice Canon Power Shot, which has a lot of great features and is easy to use, without lugging all the lenses, etc. I had just finally begun making the switch over to the simplicity of it, when it happened: my camera was stolen.
Or, I should say claimed. My hubbys little digital work camera was stolen. He borrowed Girlie's small digital. She, however, was taking a digital photography class, and had to take and submit weekly photos. She "borrowed" mine, and I haven't seen it since.
PHotography was a great addition to our curriculum. It got both of us out, looking at the world through different eyes. Each week, the focus changed, as did our own lens, as she sought color, line, frame, shape, etc. Moreoever, we both realized how much fun it was to have a hobby we could pursue together.
Still, I am feeling more than a little bit put out to be the chauffeur on all her shoots and stand around with my twiddling my thumbs. This year, she has chosen to continue learning more advanced techniques in photography, and I'll be darned if I am going to miss out.
The nice part about a designing a photography course are the many resources available. In most areas, we are lucky enough to have a local camera store that offers a great variety of classes are reasonable prices, and many are free. Most community colleges and art centers also offer non-credit courses to take.
We also found two texts to start in the "From Snapshots to Great Shots" series: Composition by Laurie Excell and Exposure by Jeff Revell.
Last night, Girlie and I took a photo class for summer sun/ beach photos and fireworks. Again, she had the camera, and I got to take notes. My hubby didn't let me get far into the story (whine) about my 'stolen' camera, before he shared a secret: the family is getting me a new camera for my birthday. As we are taking all these courses and trips for shoots, I even get it early!
So a fair warning to my friends and family, if you see me coming, prepare to "Say Cheese!" This blog will be much more interesting with great photos attached!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Cooking up a summer course...
After thirteen years of homeschooling, I have grown to live for summer as much as any kid. I truly believe both teachers and parents alike need to switch gears for a while. In summer, I want to read, craft, sun and swim with abandon.
Imagine then, how my heart sank when my darling Girlie came to me few weeks ago asking for me to help her with a course over the summer. "I only have two more years, and I plan to be working part-time. I don't want to overload myself, but there are too many things I want to learn," she said thoughtfully.
The brat in me was tempted to stomp my feet, close my eyes, and cover my ears while shouting "La,la,la. I can't hear you." I resisted my tantrum, as the responsible educator in me knew I should be proud of her initiative and maturity. With trepidation, I asked what sort of course was she considering.
"Cooking."
Oh, baby! What a great idea.
Cooking is one of those skills children learn almost by osmosis from other June Cleaver-esque moms. We all know the type: aprons tied on as they stand dreamily behind their Kitchen Aid mixer in their gleaming white kitchens. Doe-eyed children surround them, taking turns measuring and adding wholesome ingredients, patiently awaiting their reward of licking the bowl.
I am not one of those. I work long mornings in the office, and we rarely begin school before 10am. In between teaching and planning her lessons, I am grading papers from or lesson planning for one of the multiple classes I teach. In late afternoon we are often rushing off to get errands and housework done. Some nights, I even rush out to my other part-time job.
As such, cooking has lately been given the same concern and thought as a load of laundry. Far too often, what I am doing is more like defrosting and reheating. And the truth is, I really hate it. As a young wife and mother, I took great pride in the meals I gave my family. I worked hard to find my way around a kitchen, because I was too busy with sports and activities to learn when I was her age. I can't tell you how many times I have regreted that choice.
A cooking course in the summer, when the days were less full for both of us, was a perfect idea. I dug through all my cookbooks. I searched online for a curriclum. NOthing really fit.
In a panic, I suggested the amazing international cooking class offered at our co-op. The teacher is such an amazing and versatile chef I fantasize about being reincarnated as her husband. Girlie wisely said "And that would be great for dinner parties, but I need to learn every day skills."
We sat down and talked about her goals. She wants to be able to create healthy, tasty meals for herself and the family. She wants to know how to stock a pantry, and about the right equipment. She wants to be comfortable when she reads a recipe that she can handle all the steps.
I pulled out my copy of Martha Stewart's "Cooking School." It is the closest any book comes to a curriculum, but it is organized like classes independent of a real-life experience. I can just picture me, with my best Julia Child imitation, stating "Today's lesson will be on creating homemade stocks and broths." There is a lot of useful info there, but still needed a different format.
I understand that Girlie is also about the product. She wants to make things that people will be eating. And while there is something to be said for learning skills, they would be so much more valuable is taught while making a meal.
We took a trip to our local book store, and stumbled across the most perfect book.
How to Cook without a Book, by Pam Anderson. As I read the introduction, I knew this was the practical guide we needed. Her concept is simple...learning the basic skills to open your fridge and pantry, pull out staples, and create a warm and filling meal. She teaches the basic skills with individual foods, then extends the options with combinations of seasonings, sauces and spices. Instead of long list of ingredients and never-ending instruction found in most cookbooks, she teaches you to think about cooking the way our mothers and grandmothers did.
I grew up surrounded with great food. My mother was one of those amazing Italian cooks that put up shelves of homemade gravy (sauce) without ever using a recipe. Her mother made rack upon rack of homemade pasta, while entertaining and never using a recipe. My Dad's mother was the sort who had only two dozen recipe cards in her collection, all special cakes and holiday cookies, for everything else she had committed to memory. Thankfully, I wasn't too late to recognize this and did spend a half dozen summers learning how to "put up" the garden's bounty from her, and sat writing down three generations of verbally passed-down recipes for the first time.
We are approaching this whole course spontaneously. Last week, she had a lesson on rubs and grilling, and helped Big Daddy make a variety chicken. On Sunday, Girlie made the pasta salad. Through that recipe, we discussed and practiced knife skills and different vegetable cuts. Last night, she used a great recipe for chicken fried steak from Pioneer Woman Cooks.Through that she learned about breading, and how to make gravy.
She is using this adorable recipe card creator for each meal she makes, to make her own collection of tried and true favorites. She's going to take photos as well, to attach to the back. We're keeping a log of skills learned as we go along, as well as a log of entries for the local homeschool czars.
There are a lot of awesome video clips online from famous chefs that teach varied skills that can help enhance things, and are often much more fun than boring old mom all the time. (She has a huge crush on Curtis Stone, I've discovered!). I moved my stacks of recipe books for easy access, so she can look for inspiration when she wants to try something new. And the whole process has inspired me to slow down and enjoy cooking again.
I think we are, in fact, cooking up a lot of fun!
Imagine then, how my heart sank when my darling Girlie came to me few weeks ago asking for me to help her with a course over the summer. "I only have two more years, and I plan to be working part-time. I don't want to overload myself, but there are too many things I want to learn," she said thoughtfully.
The brat in me was tempted to stomp my feet, close my eyes, and cover my ears while shouting "La,la,la. I can't hear you." I resisted my tantrum, as the responsible educator in me knew I should be proud of her initiative and maturity. With trepidation, I asked what sort of course was she considering.
"Cooking."
Oh, baby! What a great idea.
Cooking is one of those skills children learn almost by osmosis from other June Cleaver-esque moms. We all know the type: aprons tied on as they stand dreamily behind their Kitchen Aid mixer in their gleaming white kitchens. Doe-eyed children surround them, taking turns measuring and adding wholesome ingredients, patiently awaiting their reward of licking the bowl.
I am not one of those. I work long mornings in the office, and we rarely begin school before 10am. In between teaching and planning her lessons, I am grading papers from or lesson planning for one of the multiple classes I teach. In late afternoon we are often rushing off to get errands and housework done. Some nights, I even rush out to my other part-time job.
As such, cooking has lately been given the same concern and thought as a load of laundry. Far too often, what I am doing is more like defrosting and reheating. And the truth is, I really hate it. As a young wife and mother, I took great pride in the meals I gave my family. I worked hard to find my way around a kitchen, because I was too busy with sports and activities to learn when I was her age. I can't tell you how many times I have regreted that choice.
A cooking course in the summer, when the days were less full for both of us, was a perfect idea. I dug through all my cookbooks. I searched online for a curriclum. NOthing really fit.
In a panic, I suggested the amazing international cooking class offered at our co-op. The teacher is such an amazing and versatile chef I fantasize about being reincarnated as her husband. Girlie wisely said "And that would be great for dinner parties, but I need to learn every day skills."
We sat down and talked about her goals. She wants to be able to create healthy, tasty meals for herself and the family. She wants to know how to stock a pantry, and about the right equipment. She wants to be comfortable when she reads a recipe that she can handle all the steps.
I pulled out my copy of Martha Stewart's "Cooking School." It is the closest any book comes to a curriculum, but it is organized like classes independent of a real-life experience. I can just picture me, with my best Julia Child imitation, stating "Today's lesson will be on creating homemade stocks and broths." There is a lot of useful info there, but still needed a different format.
I understand that Girlie is also about the product. She wants to make things that people will be eating. And while there is something to be said for learning skills, they would be so much more valuable is taught while making a meal.
We took a trip to our local book store, and stumbled across the most perfect book.
How to Cook without a Book, by Pam Anderson. As I read the introduction, I knew this was the practical guide we needed. Her concept is simple...learning the basic skills to open your fridge and pantry, pull out staples, and create a warm and filling meal. She teaches the basic skills with individual foods, then extends the options with combinations of seasonings, sauces and spices. Instead of long list of ingredients and never-ending instruction found in most cookbooks, she teaches you to think about cooking the way our mothers and grandmothers did.
I grew up surrounded with great food. My mother was one of those amazing Italian cooks that put up shelves of homemade gravy (sauce) without ever using a recipe. Her mother made rack upon rack of homemade pasta, while entertaining and never using a recipe. My Dad's mother was the sort who had only two dozen recipe cards in her collection, all special cakes and holiday cookies, for everything else she had committed to memory. Thankfully, I wasn't too late to recognize this and did spend a half dozen summers learning how to "put up" the garden's bounty from her, and sat writing down three generations of verbally passed-down recipes for the first time.
We are approaching this whole course spontaneously. Last week, she had a lesson on rubs and grilling, and helped Big Daddy make a variety chicken. On Sunday, Girlie made the pasta salad. Through that recipe, we discussed and practiced knife skills and different vegetable cuts. Last night, she used a great recipe for chicken fried steak from Pioneer Woman Cooks.Through that she learned about breading, and how to make gravy.
She is using this adorable recipe card creator for each meal she makes, to make her own collection of tried and true favorites. She's going to take photos as well, to attach to the back. We're keeping a log of skills learned as we go along, as well as a log of entries for the local homeschool czars.
There are a lot of awesome video clips online from famous chefs that teach varied skills that can help enhance things, and are often much more fun than boring old mom all the time. (She has a huge crush on Curtis Stone, I've discovered!). I moved my stacks of recipe books for easy access, so she can look for inspiration when she wants to try something new. And the whole process has inspired me to slow down and enjoy cooking again.
I think we are, in fact, cooking up a lot of fun!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Clubs...not just for kids!
There is a sad trend I see among most homeschooling moms. We do everything for our children to ensure they get a variety of social settings, yet we ignore ourselves.
We are the troop leader, fund raising coordinator, kitchen help, team mom, chauffeur, planner, and in my case, director of a co-op, all for the kids.
And while I would never choose to be a "drop-and-go" parent, I believe adults need fun, too.
And while I have had fun in many of the dozen or so positions I've held through their activities over the years, this summer I wanted to try something different. I started a themed book club. I love reading and discussing books with others, and enjoy discovering books that bring new and interesting ideas.
But this club has an ulterior purpose: ethnic dining. I have had two decades of living with a man completely disinterested in adventurous eating. Our theme then, is to travel the world in both our book selections, then hold our meetings at a restaurant from that country. It just adds a whole new layer to the discussion when you have all those tastes to accent the experience.
A few friends across the globe want to steal this idea, but asked me to share the nuts and bolts of how to put a group together. I've been in book clubs in the past, and learned a great deal of what works and doesn't work. While certainly not an expert, I'll gladly share our rules.
The most important rule was keeping the group size small. Large numbers never work, because the conversation is often over run by a half dozen and the others sit. But you need enough that you can hold a quality meeting even if half are unable to make the meeting.
Almost as important is choosing folks that are diverse in background and interest, but are extremely tolerant of differences. We will be reading and discussing about different cultures, which includes very different social norms ,customs, and religions. By bringing together members with unique persepectives, we will hopefully add depth.
Another important factor for me was to have my club be homeschooling moms of middle to high schoolers. Our discussions will certainly not be limited to books, and there is a deep sense of camradarie and shared experience. Sitting with other moms who are living the same lifestyle, discussing the issues facing our children is priceless.
Lastly, it had to be someone who wanted to have fun and be a little bold in their reading and dining. There is nothing as frustrating as eating at an ethnic food with someone who complains about the menu options!
Using those criteria as the guide, I sent out invitations through email. I was happily surprised when the others were excited about the idea. We selected India as our first country, and did voting for book selections from a compiled list. Each month, one member will take on the task of finding the restaurant and making reservations. Our first selection: "Beneath the Marble Sky": a historical fiction about the creation of the Taj Mahal.
We were so eager, in fact, that we didn't want to wait until we had read the June book. So last night a half dozen of us met at a new farmer's market, and then practiced the eating and talking parts at an adjoining cafe. We broke bread (literally) and chatted the night away in the shadows of some awesome industrial remains. Before we knew it, we were closing the place down. Now, the only challenge will be finding time to discuss the books next month!
So get out there, and claim one night a month for yourself with friends. Start a book or dinner club, or both!
We are the troop leader, fund raising coordinator, kitchen help, team mom, chauffeur, planner, and in my case, director of a co-op, all for the kids.
And while I would never choose to be a "drop-and-go" parent, I believe adults need fun, too.
And while I have had fun in many of the dozen or so positions I've held through their activities over the years, this summer I wanted to try something different. I started a themed book club. I love reading and discussing books with others, and enjoy discovering books that bring new and interesting ideas.
But this club has an ulterior purpose: ethnic dining. I have had two decades of living with a man completely disinterested in adventurous eating. Our theme then, is to travel the world in both our book selections, then hold our meetings at a restaurant from that country. It just adds a whole new layer to the discussion when you have all those tastes to accent the experience.
A few friends across the globe want to steal this idea, but asked me to share the nuts and bolts of how to put a group together. I've been in book clubs in the past, and learned a great deal of what works and doesn't work. While certainly not an expert, I'll gladly share our rules.
The most important rule was keeping the group size small. Large numbers never work, because the conversation is often over run by a half dozen and the others sit. But you need enough that you can hold a quality meeting even if half are unable to make the meeting.
Almost as important is choosing folks that are diverse in background and interest, but are extremely tolerant of differences. We will be reading and discussing about different cultures, which includes very different social norms ,customs, and religions. By bringing together members with unique persepectives, we will hopefully add depth.
Another important factor for me was to have my club be homeschooling moms of middle to high schoolers. Our discussions will certainly not be limited to books, and there is a deep sense of camradarie and shared experience. Sitting with other moms who are living the same lifestyle, discussing the issues facing our children is priceless.
Lastly, it had to be someone who wanted to have fun and be a little bold in their reading and dining. There is nothing as frustrating as eating at an ethnic food with someone who complains about the menu options!
Using those criteria as the guide, I sent out invitations through email. I was happily surprised when the others were excited about the idea. We selected India as our first country, and did voting for book selections from a compiled list. Each month, one member will take on the task of finding the restaurant and making reservations. Our first selection: "Beneath the Marble Sky": a historical fiction about the creation of the Taj Mahal.
We were so eager, in fact, that we didn't want to wait until we had read the June book. So last night a half dozen of us met at a new farmer's market, and then practiced the eating and talking parts at an adjoining cafe. We broke bread (literally) and chatted the night away in the shadows of some awesome industrial remains. Before we knew it, we were closing the place down. Now, the only challenge will be finding time to discuss the books next month!
So get out there, and claim one night a month for yourself with friends. Start a book or dinner club, or both!
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Graduation Charge to Seniors
I was asked to give the graduation charge to our class of twleve graduating seniors. This year was quite emotional for me, as I am close to so many of those who will be leaving us. I can say that I got through the speech without tears, despite my struggle to hold them back during individual introductions. I will so miss each one of them!!!
“Education is not the filling of a bucket, but the lighting of a fire.”
This quote from William Butler Yeats is our motto here at Fireside. Our goal has always been to help students learn so much more than rote facts and figures that are memorized and soon forgotten.
We have always hoped that our students would also find that spark, unique to each of them, which would light a fire within. For some, that spark was academic; for others, artistic. Some found their flame on the stage or on the sports field. Still others lit up through service to others in their community or church.
In each one of these special seniors, the fire grew and spread, touching so many others along the way. As I look out among them, I proudly see a group of remarkable teens. But I can also remember them as fresh scrubbed youths, running through the halls with such excitement they would accidently knock the books from my hands.
Please indulge me, then, as I issue one last set of instructions as your teacher.
Each of you has not arrived at this place alone, but has had the blessing of family, teachers, and friends. It is with gratitude for their support that I charge each of you today.
Let the lessons you have learned carry you forward.
Give your talent, knowledge, and wisdom freely and generously to those around you.
Keep that flame burning brightly, and go confidently into the world.
~Angela Landis
“Education is not the filling of a bucket, but the lighting of a fire.”
This quote from William Butler Yeats is our motto here at Fireside. Our goal has always been to help students learn so much more than rote facts and figures that are memorized and soon forgotten.
We have always hoped that our students would also find that spark, unique to each of them, which would light a fire within. For some, that spark was academic; for others, artistic. Some found their flame on the stage or on the sports field. Still others lit up through service to others in their community or church.
In each one of these special seniors, the fire grew and spread, touching so many others along the way. As I look out among them, I proudly see a group of remarkable teens. But I can also remember them as fresh scrubbed youths, running through the halls with such excitement they would accidently knock the books from my hands.
Please indulge me, then, as I issue one last set of instructions as your teacher.
Each of you has not arrived at this place alone, but has had the blessing of family, teachers, and friends. It is with gratitude for their support that I charge each of you today.
Let the lessons you have learned carry you forward.
Give your talent, knowledge, and wisdom freely and generously to those around you.
Keep that flame burning brightly, and go confidently into the world.
~Angela Landis
Friday, May 20, 2011
The Annual Summer Reading List
Every year I try to put together a summer reading list for Girlie. To make our list, a book must not be merely twaddle (ie. brain twinkies). I strive to select books that are not only enjoyable, but will encourage deeper thinking and great discussion on the themes they offer. I also look for books that convey time and place with great detail, which encites a deeper understanding and interest in history or geography.
While some books I've selected are classics, I have added a few newer to me at the suggestion of friends. This year, Girlie showed a growing interest in history and certain events, so a few choices were geared toward that. As she is entering her junior year of high school, I also chose some that I think are ripe for literary analysis. And for the first time, she added three* of her own interest that have nothing to do with her usual genre!
1. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty White
2.Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn (Anne of Green Gables meets Fahrenheit 451)
3. Lord of the Flies by William Golding*
4. Night by Elie Weisel
5.The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne *
6.The Secret Lives of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
7. To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee *
8. Witch Child by Celia Rees
9. Year of Wonder by Geraldine Brooks
10. Her selection, for me to read as well.
A few favorites have been postponed as she will be reading them in her Literary Analysis class this year. Others, such as those by Rand, Huxley, Salinger, Atwood, PAth, etc, will be better suited for next summer after she has learned more method through the class.
But, as always, I am searching for a few more. Any suggestions? And please, no Brit lit. She'd rather get a root canal.
While some books I've selected are classics, I have added a few newer to me at the suggestion of friends. This year, Girlie showed a growing interest in history and certain events, so a few choices were geared toward that. As she is entering her junior year of high school, I also chose some that I think are ripe for literary analysis. And for the first time, she added three* of her own interest that have nothing to do with her usual genre!
1. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty White
2.Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn (Anne of Green Gables meets Fahrenheit 451)
3. Lord of the Flies by William Golding*
4. Night by Elie Weisel
5.The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne *
6.The Secret Lives of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
7. To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee *
8. Witch Child by Celia Rees
9. Year of Wonder by Geraldine Brooks
10. Her selection, for me to read as well.
A few favorites have been postponed as she will be reading them in her Literary Analysis class this year. Others, such as those by Rand, Huxley, Salinger, Atwood, PAth, etc, will be better suited for next summer after she has learned more method through the class.
But, as always, I am searching for a few more. Any suggestions? And please, no Brit lit. She'd rather get a root canal.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Purposeful Lollygagging...
There are plenty of metaphors to describe the schedule I've been keeping this year: too many plates in the airs, trapped on a merry-go-round, burning candle at both ends...etc. But I am at the end of one teaching year, and have done enough of my administrative tasks to have a lightened schedule until June.
Which is why I have instituted the rest of May as time for "purposeful lollygagging." I define the term simply: taking time to do those things you were too busy enjoy all year. For when life is chaotic, it is always the simple pleasures that are the first to go.
I've realized that unless I write fun things on the calendar as well, they will never happen. There is always another task that will fill up any free hour, and who wants to look back on a life of completed to-do lists?
So, today Girlie and I are taking out our planner and filling the empty blocks with fun in mind. Our plans aren't big and bold. I'd like watch a chick flick and eat popcorn in the middle of the day. I want to stroll through the garden center and then plant some annuals. I want to throw the dogs in the car and walk the trails. What joy it will be to have girlfriends over and break out the blender, cook up a feast, or simply sleep in.
Or, sit on the patio with the birds, coffee, and a good book. I'm off....
Which is why I have instituted the rest of May as time for "purposeful lollygagging." I define the term simply: taking time to do those things you were too busy enjoy all year. For when life is chaotic, it is always the simple pleasures that are the first to go.
I've realized that unless I write fun things on the calendar as well, they will never happen. There is always another task that will fill up any free hour, and who wants to look back on a life of completed to-do lists?
So, today Girlie and I are taking out our planner and filling the empty blocks with fun in mind. Our plans aren't big and bold. I'd like watch a chick flick and eat popcorn in the middle of the day. I want to stroll through the garden center and then plant some annuals. I want to throw the dogs in the car and walk the trails. What joy it will be to have girlfriends over and break out the blender, cook up a feast, or simply sleep in.
Or, sit on the patio with the birds, coffee, and a good book. I'm off....
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Making Waffles in the Dark
I teach a Science Fiction and Fantasy Literature class at our homeschooling co-op. These kids are some of the most creative and funny teenagers on the planet. So when they requested a waffle party for our last day of classes, I smiled at the quirky request.
Until 4am this morning, when I woke to begin making several dozen from my mother's best recipe. I frowned when I realized we were out of eggs. Through bleary eyes, I made the drive to the mini-mart, groaning all the way.
But there is something miraculous about making that batter. As I measured, sift, separated, and folded, the smile returned. This was a silly little labor of love for my students.
My students. There is something almost unfair about teaching the kids at our co-op. Kids that are quirky individuals, passionate about books and music, yet consider adults friends. I love having a class that not only looks you in the eye, but steps up to the challenges of the course and want to exceed it, as a group.
This morning, however, I don't want to focus on the coursework. I am just thinking about these amazing students. From all my classes, over the years. Today is the final day of this year, and the final day for a dozen amazing seniors that we graduate this year. I've literally watched these kids grow up, and have shared so many laughs and triumphs along the way.
For them, pre-dawn baking is my pleasure.
Until 4am this morning, when I woke to begin making several dozen from my mother's best recipe. I frowned when I realized we were out of eggs. Through bleary eyes, I made the drive to the mini-mart, groaning all the way.
But there is something miraculous about making that batter. As I measured, sift, separated, and folded, the smile returned. This was a silly little labor of love for my students.
My students. There is something almost unfair about teaching the kids at our co-op. Kids that are quirky individuals, passionate about books and music, yet consider adults friends. I love having a class that not only looks you in the eye, but steps up to the challenges of the course and want to exceed it, as a group.
This morning, however, I don't want to focus on the coursework. I am just thinking about these amazing students. From all my classes, over the years. Today is the final day of this year, and the final day for a dozen amazing seniors that we graduate this year. I've literally watched these kids grow up, and have shared so many laughs and triumphs along the way.
For them, pre-dawn baking is my pleasure.
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