The touch of the master's.... camera....

As you know I work in a small school in our county and while it has many good points, our walls are a little bare and lifeless. They need something to add character, to express the uniqueness of our school and community - but what? And then, as I was looking at some photographs on a friend's site, an idea was born... We needed some pictures - but not just any old generic pictures. Pictures my students could connect and find common ground with - perhaps photos of our school, community, and the areas surrounding them. I spoke with another colleague and friend who liked the idea, so I presented it to my faculty. They seemed to be in support of the concept, so we decided to proceed.

Now, I have a friend who is a teacher - as many of my friends are - but he also just happens to be a fabulous photographer in his own right.  I knew just who to ask. Fortunately, he was willing to take some time out of his busy schedule to be a part of this venture. He came down last weekend to visit with some friends and to take some photos. I think they turned out amazingly. I wanted to share some of my favorites with you. And, if you happen to need a few pictures for your own walls, he has some great ones on his site at Backroads Photography, and on his blog - here and here so check them out.

Here a few of the photos he captured - 

And so it goes...

      It's been awhile since I last checked in, so I thought I'd take a few minutes and "muse" a little. It's been a busy few weeks since school got out. I've had teacher workshops and master's classes and in between the little summer experiment that Mr. H., the sixth grade teacher, and I put together. We've had a pretty good turn out so far. I'm glad that the students haven't gotten tired of us yet.
      I had a drop in visit from one of my brothers today, and it was good to visit with him for a little while. I talked with one of my sisters on the phone a little while after that - exchanging recipes, and news of the 'western front'. It's good to keep in contact with family and I am so grateful that despite differences in personalities and misunderstandings every once in a while we are still as close as we are. Some families are not so blessed. I understand that fact and it makes me treasure my family relationships even more.

                                                                        Family ties...

      I was thinking back the other day and I realized that I have now been in Green River nearly as long as lived in Huntington before going to college. Wow - how time flies! My first class of kindergartners graduated high school this year, as well. (I know - there are those who will say - "Wait until you TEACH with the students you taught!" True, enough - and it may get to that point in the future - but still, this was enough to make me feel just a little older than I'd like to...) I am glad to have been able to spend time with some great teachers, administrators, and support staff in my years here in Green River - not to mention ward and community members. I can honestly say that, for the most part, I have felt accepted as a member of this community almost from the start. I had people who took me under their wings and helped me establish myself, offering places to stay, moral support, and shoulders to lean on. I truly have made lifelong friends that I will always cherish.