Music in Haiti?

I was watching television and they were reporting on the devastation in Haiti. This report was a little different than other reports because it focused on the musicians who live there. They literally pulled their instruments (that survived) from the rubble and formed a group determined to provide some entertainment and a pleasant diversion from their troubles. There was a large group of people gathered who were displaced by the quake. Young and old all gathered together to celebrated the music, inspiration, and hope that these musicians shared. There were smiles and joy on the faces of the people there, clapping, dancing, and expressing pure joy!

This just reminded me how important music and the arts are to people everywhere. We get caught up in the business of life and take for granted the important role that the arts play in our lives. I hope every school administrator saw this report, especially in a day where there are widespread cuts in arts programs and funding. Yes, the arts are important and they are a vital part of our culture!

Upsidedown

This is a tough time we live in. I don't know how I got to this point where I'm unemployed, upsidedown on, not just one, but two mortgages, and racking up credit card debt. I know that there are others out there who are in the same financial situation, and my heart is heavy for you. I've went through a series of emotions from hope to despair. When I was at my lowest point my friend Bobby and my friend Rolo rescued me. Bobby came and got me out of bed and shared, what I can only describe as, the wisdom of God. His words of encouragement lifted my spirits and gave me back some hope.

Don't ever think that you can't make a difference in someone's life. God can use you, rich or poor, young or old, to bring someone out of the pits of despair and give them hope for the future . . . just listen to His voice. The voice inside or the gentle nudge that you feel might be God prompting you to reach out to another soul.

Harley People?

Harley People?

What gives? I was riding my Suzuki down the street the other day having a great time and minding my own business and a car full of tattooed women pulled up beside me. I looked up because one of them was hanging out of the window saying, “get a Harley you asshole!” Needless to say, I was shocked and puzzled by this.

I started thinking--what is up with this brand name allegiance? People are such sheeple! The name Harley stirs up an image, sure, but is it worth all that. I happen to enjoy my Suzuki cruiser. I have passed by many Harleys stalled on the side of the road for one reason or another. I am always willing to lend a hand and the thought never crosses my mind to say, “get a Suzuki you asshole!”

It doesn’t matter what you ride if you ride--it’s more about the wind in your hair and the expression of the free spirit in all of us that matters. I shrugged off the Harley comments and I know that there is a cult of Harley Davidson. I know that there are a lot of decent people who own Harleys. It is just the ignorant few who give them a bad name. I have been to many biker functions and bikers are some of the coolest people I know. That woman who made those comments probably can’t even ride. The funny thing is she was driving a Toyota Corolla!!

Fine Art or Fluff?

Fine Art or Fluff?

Is fine art fluff? Does it have a rightful place in American education? I have no doubt that there are benefits to art education and I know first hand that it has numerous benefits for students. There is a lot of attention given to raising the standards in education and art is not seen by many as an integral part of this raising of the bar. I was never more aware of this than when I proposed some new art classes at the high school where I teach and attended the board meeting that was deciding whether or not to accept or exclude the new courses. The proposed class was a jewelry design class that is named in the state standards and outlined as a legitimate elective. One of the attending parents spoke out against the class called it “fluff” and insisted that the board focus more on the “academic” classes. My jaw dropped to the ground. Students at our high school are allowed 21 elective credits and they have many advanced “academic” classes that never get enough students to sign up for them. Does this mean that we should eliminate all electives that are not Math, Science, or English?
I believe that the arts are often misunderstood, especially by those who have never darkened the door of a museum, attended a symphony, or felt the exhilaration and fulfillment of an artistic endeavor. It is true, artists are a special breed and they often seem odd. People who think outside of the box and color outside the lines are often seen that way.