I just wanted to take a moment tonight to thank ALL my classes for a great day! I usually don't lecture that long, so I appreciate how attentive all of you were today. I was especially proud of 6th period when our Principal, Mr. Johnson stopped in to observe me teach. He sent me a great post-observation report and he raved about all of you! Thank you for making me look so good!!! Today was a historical overview of the Pop Art and Post Pop Art movement that took place in the 50's and 60's here in the U.S. and in Brittain. Tomorrow we will begin to lay out the art lesson. Although I introduced many Pop Artist to you today, we will focus on the artwork of Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol. Review the tutorial tonight and come to class prepared to begin drawing. Have a great evening, love, Ms. B.

     I said that I would put the topic of the Cinderella movie to rest, but I keep getting amazing views from you guys! I have to share this one. 
     Someone shared the point about holding onto anger. Of course, I am referring to a fairytale but I am using it as a metaphor for life. Think about it, Cinderella forgave those who were cruel to her and she walked away from it all to live a wonderful life, right? Would her life be so wonderful if she held onto the hurt and unfair treatment that she received in life? If she continued to think about all the mean things that they did to her and the terrible names that they called her, could she have a truly happy life? The answer is no. 
     We must let go of the pain and when we forgive others for mistreating us we must put to rest what happened. If you don't then they continue to abuse you even if they are no longer in your life. You will never be free of the past pain and disappointments if you keep reliving it. Apart of forgiving people is letting go. It is called reconciliation, or in other words 'peace'. Making peace with what happened and allowing yourself to grow stronger because of it. 
     Remember what I have told you in the past, when you hold onto something that you should let go, your hands are not free to grab hold of something better. Let go of anger and resentment and be open to allow good things to come into your life. Stay strong and have courage, and remember to always show kindness.  Love you guys. Ms. B.

     Ha, ha! You guys crack me up! No one will admit through the blog that you liked the movie, but you will privately through email. Thank you for your honesty. 
     One last point then I will put this topic to rest. If you did not see the movie, view the trailer that I attached to yesterday's blog and notice the scene where the stepmother tears Cinderella's dress preventing her from going to the ball. 
     Life sometimes, "tears our dress" so to speak. Bad things happen to good people and at the time we think it is a disaster. Certainly Cinderella considers this moment a disaster. In the movie, she finally crashes and says the words, "I don't believe anymore". She hit rock bottom and for a moment she lost hope and faith. If we are honest, we have all been there. Our innocence and dreams shattered by the cruelness of this world. And yet it is at the moment of darkness when light bursts in and things change! 
     If that moment of intentional cruelty did not happen to Cinderella, she would not have gotten a more beautiful dress, a carriage and ultimately a better life. Stay with me here guys. Don't think of this as me writing about a fairly tale, this is true to life. 
    When bad things happen to good people and you keep your integrity through the trial, you will ultimately end up the winner in the end, trust me. It can be explained in a universal language with words like; karma, ying-yang, what goes around comes around, you reap what you sow, etc.
    Remember that no matter how dark the night gets, light comes in the morning.  No matter how bad things look, stay courageous, be kind and have faith and I promise you that things will turn around.
      When you look back at life someday and you think to yourself, "Wow, I thought that was a disaster", but it all work out for the better. You can't imagine things being any different because it is those moments of trial and tribulations when we find out who we really are and we find our inner strength. We grow stronger, wiser, full of courage and hope and then we pass that hope on to others who find themselves in similar circumstances. It is the circle of life. 
    It is a gorgeous sunny day here in our nation's capital. I have wonderful plans today. I shall see you bright and early on Monday. All my love, Ms. B.
    
     

     Hello everyone. I hope that you are enjoying spring break. I know that I promised to write over break, but I have been so busy here in DC with very little downtime. I did, however take a break to go see a movie. I’m slightly embarrassed to admit this, but I went to see the new Cinderella movie that is showing in the theaters…and no, I didn’t take a kid with me, I went alone with my head held high, Lol!

     Seriously, lets be honest with each other…boys, when those old superhero movies come out you really want to go see them, and girls…we all love a story like Snow White and Cinderella regardless of how old we are. Well, I absolutely loved this movie!

     When I was a little girl, I loved fairy tales. I loved the idea of courageous boys and girls who overcame cruel people. I also am a sucker for happy endings. The theme of good triumphing over evil in life and in the movies gets to me every time! Also, the concept that if you keep believing that your dreams will come true, regardless of how bad it gets, and you do your best to be “courageous and kind” then it will all work out for you in the end.

      The interpersonal themes of this movie are tremendous. There are so many adult lessons in this fairy tale that we could discuss it for a long time. It is about courage, kindness, and forgiveness. It is also about staying true to yourself when evil people set out to harm you. Cinderella never gave up and in all ways she always was kind and loving.  But it is also, about bullying. In the movie, Cinderella is exasperated by her stepmother and stepsister’s cruelty and she finally asks her, “Why are you so cruel?” The stepmother responds, “Because you are so beautiful and still full of goodness, and I am…”

    Hurt people hurt people. As I watched the movie I thought of the people who hurt me in my life. Looking back, I realize now that they were insecure hurting people. They thought that they would hurt me to make themselves feel better, but just like Cinderella did, I continued to show kindness, love and I stayed courageous… and it all worked out for me even more than I could ever imagine or dreamed. 

      The last scene of the movie was the best. It was sweet justice! Cinderella has nothing to offer the Prince but her love. She says that she is a poor country girl with no dowry. He had all the riches that he ever needed, but what he didn’t have was love. He accepted her love and took her by the hand to take her home with him.  But, before she leaves, she turns to face the people who were so cruel to her and simply says the words, “I forgive you” and then walks away to live happily ever after.

    Ok, I admit that I am a softie, but even the hardest heart has to feel some kind of sweet revenge or justice that the beautiful kind girl won over the wicked evil ones…it is my sincere hope that all your lives end up as happy as a fairy tale. My life has! Just remember, when you are faced with cruel, evil people who intend to lie and destroy you, "Have courage and be kind” and you will have victory in the end. Have a great weekend. Love, Ms. B.

 

I just uploaded a new flipped classroom tutorial for Art 2 students on how to use a view finder when composing a drawing. Please watch the tutorial and come to class ready to draw the still life that I set up in our classroom. I also recommend that you go back and watch the "Rule of Thirds" and "Positive - Negative Space" tutorial for review. See you in the morning! Ms. B.

We are going to have fun this week! I planned some relaxing and fun lessons for you! This week's Flipped Classroom Video has been posted. Please watch the tutorial and come to class prepared to begin.

Hello Tigers. Art 1 students will learn how to draw using a drawing technique called, stippling. I uploaded the tutorial to this site under the Flipped Classroom tab. Please watch the tutorial and come to class prepared. Ms. B.