Large Format

Two of my Photo III kids developed their first ever 4"x5" negatives.  They came out fine.  Success one.  A tad thin, but for the first time, super.  Then we ventured into the darkroom yesterday to make contact prints of them.  Whoa....  I was so giddy happy with the results and I think they were too.  Then I showed them how we would print:  adjust enlarger head to be horizontal, project the image onto the paper attached to the side of the shelving unit at the head of the sink.  We were practically doing cartwheels.  These are going to look so cool if we can get them printed....

And in period 5 one of the P3 kids did her shoot.  I love seeing the photographers position the model and move things like a piece of hair or a drapery.  I wish others could see the magic that goes on in my classroom.  Then my kids and the program might get more respect for the major achievements.  Alas, too many here think all the work is popped out of a printer, the result of "easy" digital.  Hmph....


At least the kids keep my mind off my sad friends.  I want to cry for them, but I don't cry.... So....  I will do my best to take them out of the bad mental places...

Reflections

I have been super reflective lately....  I know I am supposed to write them in my lesson plans tab, but it is so hard to remember.  I write notes to myself, write on dittos, write in this....

I couldn't stand the results of the photo-collage from Photo I.  They took little care in the printing, trimming, and pasting.  But a handful got it.  So I know it wasn't the assignment.  I talked to them about care in the process.  So now, whoa.    The effort is back what I expect from them.

I keep in touch with a ton of former students via Facebook.  One photo major messaged me and asked why I don't teach college.  I asked what she meant.  Still waiting on that answer.  Then one I had in a couple of classes way back - like 10 years ago - told me some wonderful things about my Art History course.  It lasted one year.  I was made to feel by some that it was a flop.  This student told me that college professors are now teaching their AH courses the way I taught mine.  That made my heart skip a beat.

I need that.  I have two friends who have not so nice things happening to them right now.  I care for these two so much and it just literally hurts inside seeing how they feel.  One of them is someone I reconnected with after over 10 years.  I cannot fathom how anyone can treat her poorly.  We have been going out again and I feel like I have my life back - our music playing in the car, acting the way that feels natural (not work adult), having super hot chocolate....  I am so happy to make her smile and she makes me smile again.

I get caught up in living for my work and have to stop forgetting myself and my friends...

So I have a second attempt at an information meeting for my Summer 2015 trip to Costa Rica tomorrow night.  And there is the snowpocalypse scheduled to arrive.

Sigh....

Maybe I need to stop trying to do this on a Thursday....



On a brighter note, I am getting super excited for the trip to Paris.

Panic Attack

So at the beginning of last week, all was under control.  I was on top of the exam grading, marking period grades, etc..  Then I went to post grades and the column for mid-terms wasn't there.  Then I realized I was not as far ahead with the prepping of work for the Pingry Student  Photo Show because the kids were having trouble giving me titles for their work.  Then I had the same issue with the work for Fresh Perspectives.  Then I realized how many meetings I had.  Then I realized I missed a doctor's appointment at the beginning of the month, only to find it wouldn't have happened anyhoo because the doctor was out on medical leave since September and the office never called me and I need a prescription refill and can only get it by going to the doctor and they squeezed me in at 8 pm on Wednesday.  Then I realized I couldn't go to the Historic Trust meeting due to all this work at work and in personal life.   Phew......

So basically, Wednesday it fell apart.  But, luckily the work was done, art delivered, I will enter grades on Monday - due to some late submitted work - and my lesson plans were in.  ( I am anal retentive and like to do them Thursday morning, but Friday had to do this time.)

It's not that work puts this all on me.  I do.  I hate being late with anything.  Bills are paid when they come in the mail.  I leave way early for appointments.  I like everything just so.  Last week's loss of control:  I was not a happy camper.

But...  This will make it all better tonight.