"This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy.
Our brains, our own hearts are our temple; the philosophy is kindness."
-the Dalai Lama
I spend many hours of my time constructing blog posts for this site which I hope... might encourage and inspire "Others" like my Self... have "march[ed] to the beat of another drum" throughout their entire lives. Most people need and thrive in a system whether in the home or in the schools... everything is prescribed... predetermined and measured using a table of "norms"... and is usually based upon language acquisition skills and one's proficiency using them.
Somehow... I never ever really felt myself in sync with the public school system... or believed that it prepared "Me" to enter the world off adulthood. It was on those rare occasions when I found myself seated in a classroom , such as the one I described in the grade five classroom of my mentor Evelyn Mott when I was offered the chance to grown on my own terms... yet still at the same time fulfill the prescribed curricula. I knew even then... what "magic" was in her pedagogy which allowed me the free-agency to develop on my own schedule... using my strengths, rather than focusing upon my weaknesses or failures.
I carried that forward with me into high school and there struggled (mostly unsuccessfully for seven years) to stay with my goal to graduate. Disappointment fuelled anger and resentment... and to find approval ... respect of my peers.... acceptance and my own pride in my Self, I found athletics, and mostly football to give me a lone reason to struggle on. I met an English teacher in my graduating year, who recognize3d and acknowledged my skill set... and he alone turned my life around and helped me re-establish positive goals and specific personal work strategies which helped me to graduate and go on to Teacher's College.
Mr. Taylor tragically drowned in the summer of my first teaching year. Four of us who had shared equally in his mentor ship drove to be at his funeral together to pay our respects... and to say our own thank yous. At his graveside, I made "Him" a promise... that I would continue to pass forward his gift to "Me"... with the same dedication to the teaching profession... and young minds... who dared to journey ..." on the road not taken."
And so in fact,,, "two roads did indeed diverge at a yellow wood for "Me"... and the choice I made has indeed... "made all the difference for "Me" I'd like to believe that I helped make that so for a host of students who shared my classroom and the excitement of sharing an equal partnership in the learning process during my career of over twenty-seven years. Despite the costs I have paid, perhaps remaining too long in the crucible, I would do nothing differently. For "I" am deeply blessed and now can continue encourage and inspire I hope in a new fashion... still acting as a springboard for others to realize and share their own gifts with the same courage... conviction and pride that "I" now feel... finally after so many years!
My youngest children Liam (18) and Bryn (16) finally were able to come to Rockport to share Christmas as they always have with Deb and I. They are fine young men... both have beautiful minds. Both are vastly different from each other in their views... strengths and goals. Booth as well are vastly different from each of my other three older children as well. It is a bit bitter-sweet for "Me" to come face-to-face with the fact that they now stand taller than I... and that like the magical "Puff", have indeed gone on to other toys and fancy stuff... electronic stuff which I neither have the ability or interest to be involved in. They playfully deride my completely dinosaur view of current technology... saying that I'm still back in the R2D2 days... and truthfully... I am!
But we have instilled in all of them a love for adventure both indoors and out... and the courage to speak their minds freely and to search for truth-based fact and personal knowledge to back up those words and beliefs. In short, "They" are all ... "Free Thinkers!... and "I" am greatly proud of them. They will be okay!
Bryn made a wooden tray with folding legs for use on our patio this summer in his grade ten (junior) technology high school class. He also cooked us a meal... Udon Noodle soup... completely on his own! What pride he showed in presenting these gift offerings to us! There is no greater gift... than to give from the heart... something made with one's own hands and mind in concert.
Brain+Heart = Kindness in action !!!
Independence... Learning ... Taught?????.... or caught! There's huge world of difference... and the "evaluation scale" is open-ended and limitless!!
It is here... at the not-so-round table... where "The Four Musketeers" have shared countless meals... rousing board games... and have cooperatively solved family issues as a family unit. We are responsible for helping to formulate strategies and rituals which will both prepare... and sustain children into an uncertain Future - a future that we cannot envisage... and will most likely not live long into''
"Teach your children well!"
Teach the Children
Crosby,Stills, Young and Nash
WE are all different... and need to be recognized ... accepted... and CELEBRATED for our differences !!!
Liam... our computer techie... builds his own computer hard drives... and now software from parts he buys from eBay. He is fluent in DOS, LINEX and whatever languages he currently uses... but hated French which was mandatory in all Ontario schools??????.... until grade ten. He gifted me with a wonderful book... always a book based upon what he observes... knows I have interest in... ranging from three copies of the Dalai Lama's writings to Canadian Landscape... picture books... this one being a book based upon historically y important Canadian photos from the archives of The New York Times. Such a swell piece of reading and fact-gathering for this ol' Daddy-O!
In closing... much has been offered by me... and perhaps even boringly so at times. Often ... I question carrying on further because I could be painting more. I would close today's post with a You Tube video that Bryn asked me to view with him. He felt that it really spoke to everything he knew about me and my journey... as he saw it. I was so moved... as to be unable to speak. It validated every step which I've taken in my own life... and the words came out out of the mouth of a young mind... who by "perception"... in a hugely "white world"... has left an indelible mark on my soul... and has added fuel to my own goal to continue down this "road not taken"... till it ceases for "Me"!
Google YouTube... Why I hate School but Love Education
And to show that The Arts are indeed integrated in what lessons they offer and teach in "education"... Google Teach the Children Well... and put your ears on ... and listen with your heart! There is Hope... but that Hope depends upon YOU... and your choices!!
If this means something to "You"... please sit and share it with those you love... and pass it forward!
Love (Heart) + and Education (Brain) = Matter (Kindness)... for our Future!
Rich blessings and Peace... and a Happy and productive New Year!
"I"... am an "educated" Man!... I offer Hopefully and humbly... that Children and Art Matter!
Good Painting!... to ALL!!
Bruce, you are an interesting man, I am thankful the Internet can bring us together where we can share and glean and understand. Your sons remind me of my daughters, the youngest now a lawyer baby in Washington DC and the oldest some kind of manager of three office buildings and the people inside in Austin, Texas. I am sorry that the economy drove them so far away to find work and happy that they found something meaningful to them. Both turned out to be college educated (and then some!) and world travelers before they "settled down". And both were raised in a small logging town with a 50% graduation rate from High School! Their secret to success was developing a love of reading: lots of books, all of the time! It didn't hurt that they learned to weld from me and grew up knowing no fear. They can do anything.
ReplyDeleteEvery older generation complains about their youth and has nostalgia for "the good old days" and times now are not easy, that is for sure. But information is available with a click of the mouse and there is still a world worth exploring. When I was a school teacher I could identify kids who grew up without books in about two minutes. There is certainly some kind of crime committed when children grow up in a home without books. They are the key. To everything.
so well said, and I'm so touched by the beauty and sincerity with which gifts such as these are created and presented. Hug those wonderful children for me Bruce and thank you for your story about Mr Taylor, who shines on....
ReplyDeleteHI there Stonepost!... It is also a great pleasure for me tpo meet and share ideas and thoughts with you as well!
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right about the power of books in creating possibility for everyone to conduct their own learning paths over a life time. Learning is an ongoing process and constantly reshapes its potential to elevate one's adventure and advancement.
New technology offers so many unique stores of information and instant access to multiple sources... tailored to whatever need one might have. But the tactile sense one gains... in simply handling and smelling a new book... or even an ancient one at that... is akin to painting en plein air. There is that extra multi-sensory rush that you don't always get in those other controlled situations.
Just one ol' guy's take on things!
Thanks for visiting and sharing your very thoughtful remarks and experiences!
Good welding! Happy New Year!
Warmest regards,
Bruce!
HI there Mary!... Thanks for your beautiful and encouraging thoughts this visit! I hug all of my children... as much as I possibly can!
ReplyDeleteHeart gifts are the best... giving and receiving them is the ultimate in creating Joy... in both directions!
Good Painting!
Warmest regards,
Bruce
Dear Bruce - looks like you have two wonderful grandsons. I think your thoughts on education really cuts to the fact that we are all individuals. I think there is so much hidden talent that goes undiscovered because of not letting those skills be developed because they do not fit the conventional mold. Bet you made a great teacher - thanks for sharing. Have a super week.
ReplyDeleteHi Debbie!... Thanks for visitibg again and for leaving such positive comments and observations!
ReplyDeleteThose lads are my sons Bryn and Liam!
Education unfortunately is geared towards a group delivery... out of necessity... but there is room for a creative teacher to provide an environment in which individual pursuit of learning is possible.
Each of us matures and develops from birth in a distinctly unique fashion physically... and that also applies to educational growth as well... particularly in language acquisition.
Thanks for your input and enthusiasm!
Have a great week too!~
Good Painting!
Warmest regards,
Bruce
I liked this post. I have to admit, though, that I never had a teacher who encouraged this student, as you encouraged yours. I recall missing several weeks of school at the beginning of grade 9 due to illness. When I got back to art class I was handed a mound of assignments and in my haste presented work that was less than expected in quality. My teacher told me that he knew kindergarten students that could produce better work than I had. I dropped the class... I stopped sketching and it has taken me 40 plus years to convince myself that I should try again. Funny... I never forgot what he said, however, I couldn't tell you what his name was.
ReplyDeleteI imagine that blogging does take time away from painting. I certainly understand if you choose to blog less and paint more. I, for one, am grateful for your beautiful stories, however often they appear.
Dear Bruce,
ReplyDeleteYour sons are wonderful as are your daughters, you know what they say, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. You and Deb are wonderful parents, and your children are the proof of the influence you have had on them. As a parent I realize we aren't perfect, but can only hope our children takes and learns from the best part of us and understands our human failings.
All the best to you and your family,
Joan
A great teacher doesn't just educate but touches the soul and stays with a student forever. I was very lucky to have had more than my fair share. I'm sure that not only during your time 'formally' teaching within an education system but also now through blogging that you have touched many students lives.
ReplyDelete(As an aside, I know how you feel about being the shorter one when with your boys. Everyone is taller than me, very soon even my ten year old nephew!)
Best wishes.
A beautiful post, Bruce. I can only hope I've passed good things on and into my own daughters. The one constant is my deep love for them both.
ReplyDeleteGood Morning Wendy... Thank you for sharing your own experience with teachers and school! Not veryone was blessed to have had so many good teachers in their lives... people who encourage and inspire.
ReplyDeleteHowever... as you have stated so clearly in your own words. Life is a journey of adventure and discovery that lasts a life time... if you make it so. Good for you... to recommence your journey. You will succeed Wendy... simply because... "You" are ready to believe... and to trust again.
Your own wonderful site and the spirit that lives within that site... and "You" emits Truth and a depth of character... I sense that! Do sketch on... and stay tuned! It is good to have you aboard and to share with you! Happy New Year!
Good Sketching!Believe in your Self!
Warmest regards,
Bruce
Good Morning Joanie!... Thank you for continuing to visit and encourage!
ReplyDelete"You" and "I" share so many principles and a willingness to reach out and share not only our art with the world... but our sense of humanity... as frail as it can appear at times... openly and truthfully.
I believe that the children we bring into the world or that we are blessed to share time with... are our greatest masterpieces we leave behind Joan. Masterpieces are made... on canvas or in the home... from within the heart... and after hard work.
Watching your growth as an artist since I've known you... with Mike at your side in support of your journey tells me quickly and succinctly just how beautiful your own "masterpieces" must be... even though I've never met them.'... "the nut certainly doesn't fall far from the tree"... as you've said! Shine on...
Paint on... Girl!
Good Painting!
Warmest regards,
Bruce
Good Morning Lisa!... The reason we connect so... and remain connected and sharing... is that basically much of our individual life experience and our beliefs and principles under which we choose to live match so beautifully!
ReplyDeleteWho is teaching whom? Consider that possibility. "You" enabling "Me"... to enable "You." A successful learning model and environment should ever form a circle of opportunity to share in both directions.
Both of our blogs... are classrooms, are they not?
Thanks for dropping by and for adding your always thoughtful and positive comments Lisa!
Good Water colouring!
Warmest regards,
Bruce
Good Morning Friend Sherry!... Thank you ever so much for your "presence" here at my blog and for the deeply insightful and thoughtful comments that you always share here and in the other sites you visit!
ReplyDeleteYour children have been blessed in my mind to have "You" as their mother. We may not be totally responsible for the successes or failures of our children... but our homes and hearts are where "the seeds" are planted... and first begin to grow.
I sense that you have tended your own garden well. What's not to love about Sherry? I am at a loss to say anything other than praise for that quality.
A line from an old Mormon hymn from my childhood says it best Sherry:
"There is beauty all around...
When there's love at home."
You've done your good works... and continue to Sherry! Let your Light continue to shine....
Good Painting!
Warmest regards,
Bruce
Hi Bruce, you can certainly be proud of the Sherman 'clan'. They are all such talented and nice people.
ReplyDeleteI had a couple of teachers who inspired and encouraged their students. They were also a bit unconventional in their methods. I worry that in the effort to improve teaching by imposing standards, some of the more creative teachers may be stifled. I think teaching is more of an art than a science.
All the best,
Keith
Good evening Keith!... You bet that I am indeed proud of the entire Sherman clan! They each bring honour... in their own unique way to our family! I am deeply blessed to have children who have never caused us any grief as they have grown. They are special!
ReplyDeleteI would offer that the science and success of teaching lies in the artful passion with which the individual teacher/mentor delivers daily to their students. I learned best from the role modelling at the front of the class... that caused me to pause... and consider my own equally important role in the process.
But anything done in life with passion is an art form... isn't it Keith?
Thanks for dropping by and for your wonderful insughts offered here! Always a pleasure to share with you!
Good Painting!
Warmest regards,
Bruce
What a lovely post Bruce.......and thank you for your inspiring words on mine!!!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes,
Helen
Good Morning Helen!... Thank you for visiting and for leaving your encouraging comment!
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy my visits to your site... and I most certainly admire both your exquisite work... but as well your friendly spirit and work ethic!
Good Painting in 2013!
Warmest regards,
Bruce
Great post, Bruce!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful gift you have passed on to others... sort of the pay it forward model, I think.
Have you read the short essay/book called "Why School?" I just finished reading it last month and found it very interesting and worthwhile. While I was in "the business" we talked about this type of teaching a lot, but never really got to the point where we could embrace it because of all of the demands for the more traditional ways. Too bad. It would be great if we could.
BTW... Seth Godin has several books about why our schools need to change the way they teach to better match how today's successful businesses work.
Be well and enjoy 2013!
Good Morning Marian!... Thanks for the treasure trove of ideas and resources for future reading on this important issue facing children, their parents and societies globally!
ReplyDeleteI was very fortunate during a large part of my own "time in the business"... to have been allowed the privilege to design the actual curriculum model that I used in my classrooms around art as the core... supported by language and the other traditional subjects. It did work... no matter the students or situation ie inner city school. learning disabilities. I shared it many times across the province and in schools along with my teaching partner Leslie Coleman. They were halcyon days for all of us... amongst the very best in my career.
However... the world is a much more complicated... and very dangerous place... and that has filtered into our schools, as we have witnessed on too large and regular scale. Childhood has been shortened in its duration to the point that it scarcely exists for many children. That fact continues to cause me great dismay... and I fear greatly for the future of all children who succeed us! What is a world... without ... wonder????
I will keep trying... with Hope and my pictures and words to offer an alternate choice... to those who might share my path and my thinking! Good people like you Marian! People willing to contribute... more than just words!
Thank you for this thought-provoking response to this post! Food for thought... and future reading for "Me"... and perhaps many others who faithfully come to this site to share.... ideas and Hope!
Happy New Year!
Good Painting in 2013!
Warmest regards,
Bruce