So I took my first personal day of the year today.  I needed to get some things done that could not be taken care of on the weekend.  Luckily I managed to get that done and more.  I feel guilty for not being there for the kids, but I left sub plans that are really good.  Photo I read about how to set up a darkroom.  This will help those kids who want to do this at home.  It will also reinforce all I have taught about the darkroom and the associated materials.  Photo II had a choice of working on tutorials or preparing work for submissions.  They must complete one submission per marking period.   I cut this last year, but I am running things at a faster pace this year and making other accommodations to fit in all I was forced to cut with last year's testing.  AP was given planning sheets for the three parts of the portfolio.  I hope the classes took the work as seriously as I expect.

I spent some time viewing films on the Museo Nazionale del Cinema's page on Vimeo.  I have known of the Northern Italian connection to silent films for quite some time, but never looked anything up online.  Damn.  What a treasure trove of films.  There are historical films, hand tinted films, dance performances, comedies, you name it.  And my mind is spinning with all the ideas running around.  I can just put these film on the computer all period.  If a kid needs a break from the darkroom or the partner is printing, go on in the classroom and take in the films.  They could be so inspiring. I try to play one silent film a year for my classes.  Not every student gets it, but for those who do, the look in their eyes is amazing.  It is like I am opening another world to them.  Then I have heard from some kids who encounter one of those films later in life and I am proud to have introduced them to the art form.

The only tough thing is that the music accompaniment is your responsibility.  There are recommendations for what to play, but I doubt I have those in my collection.  I also hope that Vimeo is not blocked at work. If so, I think I have a good reason to be allowed access to it.  Oh, when I find new things like this to use in the classes, I get all tingly.  It's like when I find a vinyl record I have been hunting for....  Bliss.

Then, I just checked my personal e-mail for the first time today and received some great news.  I submitted three images for a show at a health center in Dover.  I had some photos in a show there once before.  I like the place and its mission.  Well, they want all three of my submissions to exhibit.  Woo hoo!  The best part?   I already have them framed.  Super happy about that.  It might motivate me to go back to my summer project.  If I can squeeze in the time....  I will also tell my students.  It helps that I do the things I expect them to do, regarding the submissions.  I also want to let my new photo kids know that I am also a working artist.  Modeling good behaviour in many ways.  tee hee..