Holiday Movies

I love holiday movies. I love: It's a Wonderful Life, The Bells of Saint Mary's, The Santa Clause, A year without a Santa Clause, and White Christmas. I could also make an argument for the movie Meet me in St. Louis. All of these movies seem to capture for me the idea of appreciating what you have and the appreciation of family. Most of these have songs attached to them and when I hear the songs, I cannot help but sing along or smile. They take me to my childhood and remind me of when I was little.

For this week's blog, think of what makes the holiday season special to you. I know that family is near and dear to each of us. I want you to think about what event, movie, song, etc... makes the Holiday season come to life. My daughters would argue that going ice skating at Lock 3 in Akron is the start of the season or watching Elf as a family is the start. Each of us, however, has our own start to the season.

Describe how you know the holiday season is upon you and if you feel so inclined, link us to your favorite school appropriate holiday song. (Please make sure the song or link is appropriate. No credit will be awarded for inappropriateness.)

What we value

I have spent so much time lately with family--my kids, my husband, my sister-in-laws, and nieces and nephews. I know that the holidays are upon us. As this time grows closer, I get to be with those I value. To listen to the stories, to watch the smiles, to cook for those who appreciate it are what I love to do. I value the opportunity to spend time with those who enhance my life in a positive way.

The books we are reading, The Lone Survivor and Of Mice and Men allow us to examine what it is that we value. I think literature in general does this. I cannot read without thinking about what response I will have and I know that my responses are value based. I am outraged when I read about injustice. I am outraged when I see meanness born and raised. I am outraged when I read about the senselessness of death. My values come through. I read and respond based on my personal values, background experiences and because of who I am.

I ask you to think about what it it that you value. Think about a moment in one of the books we are reading or in a past book that you have read where your values were impacted by what happened on the page. Your response may have been anger, fear, frustration, excitement, etc.

Write about what you value and provide an example from a book in your reading experience that has impacted your values either for the good or for the negative.

The art of invention

Invention is a concept/idea that so many aspire to achieve. My friends and I often think of things we could invent to make life easier. This especially happened when we had small children and thought, "the world could be easier only if..." This sparked an abundance of conversations.

Invention has also been the topic of movies, Iron Man is one of the best examples. Tony Stark invents the Iron Man to escape from those who captured him and tried to kill him and to save the world from those who would wish to harm others. He states in Iron Man 2 that he has "Privatized world peace."

In the story, Flash of Genius, Robert Kearns created the intermittent windshield wipers. His invention was taken by a motor company and he was not given credit. Throughout the story, he claims that it is "the principle" behind the fight he endured. He fought to get credit and sued the motor company.

Both of these stories speak to the idea that invention is a matter of mind and a pursuit to make better whatever the goal. For some, invention is to build a better world. For others, it is to foster a deep seeded desire to be more and make a contribution. Look at the following video Miniatur Wunderland . Here is an invention that asks the viewer many questions. One question is Why?

Why spend so much time on this idea?

What does it take to do this intellectually, mentally and emotionally? [As the creator and designer]

As a viewer, what do we appreciate about it?

What parts of the human condition do they capture and are those parts needed to get the enjoyment?

What do you think they need to add?

Movie Quotes to Live by

"They're certainly entitled to think that, and they're entitled to full respect for their opinions...but before I can live with other folks I've got to live with myself. The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience." Harper Lee, To Kill A Mockingbird. Spoken by Atticus

I love this quote from the movie. Before I read the book, I would watch the movie with my mother. Gregory Peck brought Atticus to life like no other could. I remember many quotes from the movie, but this is one of my favorites. Another favorite is found below:

"First of all," he said, "if you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you'll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view[...] until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." (3.85-87).

Both of these ask me to reflect on who I am as a person. I am forced to think about who I am as a mother, teacher, and as me. I often times will hear people make rash judgements about others and chalk things up to circumstances they cannot understand. I just shake my head. Yes, I have been guilty of quick judgments, stereotyping, and a moment of thought without empathy. But, I have come to learn that the world is the world and people no matter how many times you scream at them are people. I have learned to focus on myself and my family and to not allow my eyes to be critical of others. I try to accept people for who they are, scars and all. Don't get me wrong, it is hard to do this. But I try nevertheless.

Think about a movie quote that has struck a chord in you. One that has stopped you in your tracks and made you think about the type of person you are, the world we live in, or in some other big idea way.

Type out the movie quote and explain how it impacts your thinking.

Fate

Fate--

There are many who believe that we live in a world of fate. No matter what we do, our lives are never truly in our hands but placed into the hands of something greater than ourselves like the stars.

Listen to two of your favorite musicians. What reference, if any, do they make to fate?

Type those lyrics into your post and then explain if you agree with the idea of fate or if our lives are the direct result of the decisions that we choose to make.

Words That Move Us!!!

With learning about Shakespeare by reading Romeo and Juliet, reciting our monologues, and hearing Sara Holbrook, it is apparent that words have the capability to move us: in, out, up, toward and beyond.

Most of us are moved "in" to a state of meaning when words present themselves. I for one am a great lover of language and the dances which occur when the rhythm and meaning of words find music.

Words provide us the freedom to move "out" of our comfort zone and into a word where the familiar is a great sea tossing and turning leaving only room for survivors. Through writing, I am able to move out of ideas that pigeon hole me--try to confine and oppress.

For many, words allow us to find ways to move "up" in to greater understanding. It is an educated mind that can entertain an idea with out accepting it--Aristotle. Here the ways of knowing exist beyond the individual.

Moving "toward" a goal, "toward" a dream starts with a single word--can. By allowing our words to make concrete our abstract dreams, we give shape to who we are and move "toward" knowing who we are.

"Beyond" our greatest expectations is the land of language. Here a single word can change thinking, change memories, change history.

I want you to reflect on the words that mean the most to you. These words could come from a section in a book, a poem, or a great speech.


Think of the words that have meant the most to you. Your post should include three different examples of important words to you. For example: When Atticus says to Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird, "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view--until you climb inside his skin and walk around in it."

These words come to me often. I especially think of them when I am faced with trying to understand behaviors, actions, beliefs different from my own. It really teaches me to pause before I pass judgment.

Rachel's Challenge

Rachel's challenge was discussed in class. You read through the packet and saw the influence that one person can have. It is about passing it on--starting a chain reaction of acts of kindness. It is about making a difference.

To the left of this post is a link under music titled, Clarks--"Born to Late." This is a local band from Pennsylvania who performs regularly in Cleveland. Click on the link and listen to their song. The link will take you to YouTube where you can watch the video. Choose one of the people that is mentioned in the song to discuss the positive chain reaction that they started. Write about it in your post.

Once you have written about the individual in the song, write about yourself and the ways you can start a chain reaction. What can you do to make a difference in the life of another? Sometimes, it starts with a smile.

As you do this, please remember that the person from the song who is chosen to be written about may be a religious figure. Do not take this opportunity to tell them their beliefs are wrong simply because you disagree. This post is for positive thinking and has a positive focus. Thank you for honoring this idea.