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.