Monday, May 26, 2014

The Good. The Random. The Fun. v. 21

This week, I am joining the Virtual Blog Hop that's been going around this here blog circle. The lovely Brea Robinson asked me to join along and next week you can visit the 2 awesome folks I've asked to play along (more on that down below).

So a departure from my regular good.random.fun - but I am sure I can work it into the questions I have to answer...

What am I working on?
Currently it's a mix of lesson plans for the end of the year, fun activities for the end of the year, and sadly, job searching.
Photography and cooking/experimenting in the kitchen are the fun treats for my brain when I am not teaching. In the past few weeks, as the weather has finally (although it rained much of last week) turned nice in Boston, I've gotten back outdoors with my camera and taken some good shots that I've enjoyed looking at and editing.

How does my work differ from others?
Hmmmm...well, I guess in terms of blog content, I post about education/teaching ideas. I love that people leave such nice comments since my audience isn't a group of teachers. I post it more for sharing about my life and to remember what I did and how much my students liked it.
When I post recipes they are always gluten-free, usually vegan, always dairy-free and soy-free. Most of what I post are experiment in the kitchen that I think taste good! No pot roast or cheesecake in these parts of the blog-o-sphere. But if you want kale salad or a gf-cake, I'm your girl!

Why do I create what I do?
I really blog to preserve my memories. I could never journal or keep a diary. The tech interface made me start getting my thoughts on "paper" and gave me an outlet to meet others. I never thought I would average 10 comments a post, host a link-up, or find an amazing blog community who I feel so close to!

In terms of creating lessons/activities for school that I then share, it's all for my students. Everyone tells me to open a "teacher's pay teacher's" shop. But I do it for my students, not for money, not for accolades. Half the time I adapt what I find on pinterest - if my class might like it - than we have fun with it, that's all that matters!

How does my process work?
I don't really plan out my process in terms of posts. If something happens, I blog it, again more of a scrapbook of my life. It's great motivation to not just sit at home all weekend - "I need to do something, so I can blog it!"
My photo taking/editing process...I am a no fuss photographer. I see the shot I want to capture, I work on getting it, and then move on. I try to keep my shots raw and real. My editing style is the same, I would say, I may enhance the saturation or contrast, but I try to keep it real. Kinda my style, I guess you could say!

Meet next week's "hoppers" - 
Dara: Dara and I somehow found each other's blogs last winter. She's another blogger who blogs about her Jewish life and her regular life - so I was super excited to connect with her. Of course, because it's such a small Jewish world, we know some people in common even though we've never met!

Here's what Dara has to say about herself:
Dara is a stay at home mom to three kids who keep her very busy. She loves reading, writing, travel, and enjoying adventures with her family and documents these things on her blog: Not in Jersey!


Adrienne: We connected through Kim's blog hop, I think. We both live up here in the Boston area and share a mutual love of the Red Sox, our local weatherman, and good old fashioned New England adventures. We finally got a chance to meet in real life over the winter and she is just as sweet in person as she is on her blog!

Here's what Adrienne has to say about herself:
My name is Adrienne, I'm a memory keeper. I love anything that combines photography, people, color palettes and personal reflection. I've been blogging since early 2011. It started as a way to share about my scrapbooking and crafts and has grown into a passion of its own. Find Adrienne here: My Memory Art



   

    An InLinkz Link-up
   

16 thoughts on the matter:

Unknown said... {Reply}

I always love reading about your teaching experiences, you're so passionate you WILL find another job!

-Nicky @ awesomeville

4 Lettre Words said... {Reply}

I've always thought you were such a creative teacher...and I agree with Nicole. A new job is just around the corner!

Nicki said... {Reply}

I am so disappointed that your school is closing - such a treasure of cultural/spiritual/academic exposure that set it apart from other schools and clearly a job that afforded you an outlet for so many of your talents. Best of luck on your next adventure.

I'm with the others, your passion and creativity will open doors.

Kmcblackburn said... {Reply}

How about that recipe for that sauce? salsa? in your second photo? Looks fab!

renae said... {Reply}

Nice photos and cleaver way of getting to know other bloggers.

I am loving each of your recipes. May a book and I will buy it!

Thanks for your patriotic response to my ensemble. ♥, Renae

Kim Cunningham said... {Reply}

I love your blog tour! One of the reasons I enjoy you so much is your keeping it real style. I, too, am confident that the door will open for you to keep teaching. You are a gem and there are going to be more students for you to impact! You have a clear gift that shows in these posts!

ImagesByCW | OceanDreamIllustration said... {Reply}

I said it before and I'm saying it again: You will find a new job and most likely it will be when you least expect it. Things will work out!
Like you I like to keep my photos real and just do 'normal' enhancements (contrast, saturation etc.) - that is, until the edit-bug bites me. And then I am getting - very - creative :)

Claire Justine said... {Reply}

Lovely post and pictures..very creative..

Claire Justine said... {Reply}

Sorry to hear about your job,hope something new and exciting soon ...

amanda said... {Reply}

I was away from blogland for almost two whole weeks. I haven't been away that long in at least two years. Time flies when life is busy!
Good to be back, though.
I blog for the same main reason - to preserve memories. Over the years it's been a fun evolution of meeting awesome people, learning, and sharing what I can with others that may inspire a better day or new experience in some way once in a while.
I appreciate your process!! :)
In being away, it looks like I missed out on some things, like job hunting. Sorry to hear about that, transitions & limbo are never the most comfortable place.
I do hope it's a case of one door closing & an even better one opening.

Heather{Our Life In a Click} said... {Reply}

This was fun! It's always nice to learn something new about a blogger that I read regularly!

packmom said... {Reply}

Great pictures to represent you, your life and what your blog is all about. Good luck with the job hunt.

Gina Kleinworth said... {Reply}

I know I have told you before- but the thing I love the most is getting the little glimpse into your everyday. I know the job issue is scary right now- but it won't be long for new & exciting things to happen.

Anonymous said... {Reply}

I enjoyed finding out a bit more about you. This is a fun meme that's being passed around.

Unknown said... {Reply}

Fun to find out more about you! Love the photo of the jets! Thank you for hosting!

Dara @ Not In Jersey said... {Reply}

great post and I look forward to participating this coming week!