Merry Christmas--from Sunny San Diego

That's right y'all, I am in the beautiful California visiting my parents for the Holidays! I brought Bret with me...oh...serious! All we have been doing since we got here is eat...and eat some more. There is nothing like Daddy's home cooking. I was talking with Bret today and we talked about how he wasn't feeling quite like it was Christmas because there wasn't snow....well...after thinking about it, I have never had a Christmas with the snow. I proceeded to talk about how it doesn't matter whether you have rain, snow or beach-filled heat...Christmas is Christmas with family. I made Bret go and call his family so it felt more like Christmas to him....

Education system: Is our creativity suppressed?

The education system is suppressing our creativity. A bold statement? Maybe...but allow me to explain in the only way I can think how. Here is an example: My little brother, now 8 years old, just moved with my parents from Sierra Vista, Arizona to San Diego, California. A couple years ago, elementary schools in Arizona took out classes relating to P.E., music and art. I just found out that my brother is enrolled in a school where the teacher decides if they want to spend their time teaching any one of these subjects. So now, because most teachers were not trained to teach music or art, my brother’s education is limited to academics with no emphasis on the arts. In my opinion, without the arts, the voices that drive creative intellect are lost, because they are not being practiced!

Recalling my childhood, the fondest memories I have of school were not all related to the academic learning, but to the more ‘creative learning,’ which I am partial to. I remember my 7th grade English teacher, Ms. Winfield. Perhaps considered a little unethical in her method of teaching, I felt that her teaching style is what directed me to love the language arts.

Ms. Winfield’s class was designed in such a way that the students had the opportunity to develop their own grades. By this, she gave lists of tasks we could do to get an ‘A’ in her class. These tasks included writing poetry, reading books and giving book reports, compiling an English journal, etc. She would teach us grammar, vocabulary, etc., and we would dissect the language of the classics. She gave us full poetic license that allowed us to write without feeling inhibited by the rules she taught of grammar or sentence structure. She would educate us on the proper way of writing after we finished our work, but would not doc points from our grade, unless there was a bizarre spelling mistake. She made me discover how much I loved to write…something I continue to love.

I had other teachers who were so particular about how we would write. During those class periods, I felt like I was being chained to a desk. I felt the creativity stop seeping out of my fingers, and my writing became dull and often void.

It wasn’t until my opinion writing class in college, that I actually enjoyed writing again. Nancy Williams, my college professor, would ask us to write 10 minutes during each class period non-stop. The trick to this method of writing was that we were not allowed to go back and correct spelling, restructure our sentences or edit anything in our text. We just had to write. The rest of the class was spent on editing our writing. This exercise allowed us to get that internal editor out of our heads-the internal editor that had been placed there in our youth that never allowed us to come up with some brilliant pieces of work.

I had a friend send me this link today that I am so excited to share! I borrowed this intro from the site: Sir Ken Robinson makes an entertaining (and profoundly moving) case for creating an education system that nurtures creativity, rather than undermining it. With ample anecdotes and witty asides, Robinson points out the many ways our schools fail to recognize -- much less cultivate -- the talents of many brilliant people.

Here is Sir Ken Robinson: Do schools kill creativity?

Enjoy!

All Things PR

Seeing that I love all things PR. I found this article very interesting. I tend to ignore the comments at the bottom (they just make me mad)....although, everyone is entitled to their own voice. This is mine!

Salt Lake Tribune Article
Is the Internet the New Mission Field for the Church

Essentially, the article is talking about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints using social media as a way to spread the gospel. It is very interesting. In response to the blog posted by Nikki Tross, it looks like they are using this incredible medium to create real-life videos of real-life conversion stories. Taking from her blog, I just want to re-iterate the original message.

LDS Newsroom: Using Videos to Communicate a Message

For the sake of reader's who may not be of the same religious affiliation, I just want to say that faith is faith, regardless of what religion you are. Cling to it and proclaim it from the rooftops. That is the best PR. It seems to be in my experience that a faith in something is better than a faith in nothing. For me, a faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is best faith I can have!

I am grateful

There are so many things in my life that I am grateful for, but I wanted to mention a few that I have been thinking about this past holiday season. Though not in order of importance, I just wanted to take some time to ramble away!

There was a time in my life that I remember wanting to get away from my family, not because I didn’t love them…oh no…but rather that I wanted to explore my independence and garner experiences, so I could eventually go back to my parents and take pride in this new independent person. I am most grateful to my parents for ‘kicking me out’ of the house to find this independent person. Since then, I have graduated, worked my way up in the corporate world and love where I am. Since being ‘kicked out’, I have had the opportunity to live close to other family and now my sister and brother live close by! I will cherish this time forever! Now, I wish more than ever I could go back to the way it used to be….not being responsible….living with my parents…having them around constantly, because it is easier that way!

After college, I began working for The Summit Group, where I had a chance to ‘grow up.’ I am grateful for the people I worked with at TSG that helped me grow. Growing is sometimes a painful thing, but in the end, I loved how everything turned out. With that growth (very similar to moving out of the house) I felt that I had grown up a lot and needed to move on to bigger things! I am grateful to a new company (Two Little Hands Productions, producers of the TV and DVD series Signing Time!) full of great people that also see in me a potential to help grow their business!

Back in April, I was able to participate in an Easter Oratorio where we celebrated the life of Christ. An incredible performance by both the choir and the orchestra, I am grateful for music and the ability it has to ease my chaotic soul. I can’t say enough about how music has truly impacted my life. Though on a whole separate thought, I have also had the opportunity to go and listen to some amazing performers this year including: the cast of Wicked! (my heart melted…hah….so much I am going again), Tony Bennett (where I fell in love), Jewel (her yodeling is incredible), the Utah Jazz performers (PC Jazz festival), Def Leppard (only the greatest band ever. There were also performances by Styx and Foreigner), Diana Reeves (most amazing Jazz Diva), Mormon Tabernacle Choir featuring the King Singers (Oh Holy Night….sigh*). I could go on….

Before fall had officially begun in Salt Lake City, there was an incredible lightning and rainstorm that made the power go out all around the city. Branches were falling everywhere and I felt like I was in the movie ‘Twister.’ That night after an institute class, I went out to my car and began to drive out of the parking lot. I realized that I was driving on none other than a flat tire….whoops. I am grateful to a guy named Lee (whom I haven’t seen since this tragic night) who braved the storm to help a woman in a white blouse and heels change a tire. I will never forget his kindness as he even drove with me to a gas station to fill up my tires with air and made some recommendation as to the repair of my tire and tires to come.

I am grateful for sunlight! Fall took a while getting to Salt Lake….and for that, I am grateful!! Missing the AZ!

If you had a chance to read my blog, you would have seen a story I published in March about ducks crossing the road. Back in March, I was going through a hard time in my life. I found that the world around me was harsh and mean and that people were rude and inconsiderate. Though I tried not to pattern my life around these harsh circumstances, I found that I started to walk around in a bubble. I no longer smiled at passers-by, I felt like Eeyore with a constant cloud over my head, but most importantly I stopped believing that people in the world were capable of kindness. One day, a man was waving at me to stop at an intersection where the light was green. I quickly slammed on my brakes not knowing why. Shortly after, a mother duck and her ducklings were able to cross the road to safety. I am grateful for the man that stopped traffic to allow the duck family to cross. He restored in me a faith that people are innately good! Because of my busy and hectic life (which really isn’t that busy), I had failed to see that I am truly surrounded by angels that are just trying to live their lives the best they know how, too.

I am grateful for the angels that I know on a more intimate level. I am grateful for friends who have supported me through hard times, who have cried with me, who have laughed with me, who have helped me grow up, but who still let me be a kid sometimes too. I will never forget the amazing friendships I have made and hold so close to my heart. I am making it a goal to stay reconnected with people who have truly contributed to my quilt of life (thanks for the phrase Sis. Lawver). My goal may seem silly, but is something I truly care about, as I hope to maintain these angels in my life….

Most importantly (and yes, ranked as number 1), I am grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ, whose birth we celebrate during this time of year. I know that He came to this world as the Son of a living God and that through His example we might know how to return to the presence of the Almighty. How wonderful it is to know that He lived His life, paid the ultimate price and lives again for all of us, so that we may have the opportunity to be happy for time and all eternity! How grateful I am to know that it is only through Jesus Christ, the healer, the lamb, our advocate, our Redeemer, our brother, and our Savior that we can all be truly happy!

I wish all of you a wonderful holiday season. Regardless of where you are, I hope you all know how much I love and appreciate all of you! I am truly grateful to be able to share these thoughts with you as we conclude yet another wonderful year of our lives! May you be blessed in your lives.

God Bless...

Daugther inspires mother to create sign language videos

I work for a woman named Rachel Coleman, the mother of two exceptional children; Leah age 10 was born profoundly deaf and Lucy age 7 was born with spina bifida and cerebral palsy. In an effort to help others be able to communicate with Leah, Rachel and her sister created a video series (starring Leah, her daughter) called Signing Time that became this nationally recognized program dedicated to helping children of ALL abilities learn American Sign Language (ASL) through music, animation and fun. So many have benefited from the miracles of being able to communicate with their children at an early age.....Read more!

read more | digg story

Behind on my correspondence

Yes, I know....I am sure you are thinking "she moved away to Utah and we never heard from her again!!" Well, no more I tell you. I have been scrapbooking, yes, scrapbooking and miss all those times I had that really defined who I am! Those times rollin' with homies in Sierra Vista. I miss it. I crave it. And I am going to make a New Year's resolution in November to do better at keeping in touch. Just a little update and hope to get some comments....nothing too insightful, but if you are in the mood for that, just see my other blogs....what was I on?

I am living with Brendon, who is 18 by the way....it is so crazy! He is just chillin and doing community college classes here until he leaves on his mission. He is a little stinky and doesn't like to do the dishes. But I only have him for a couple more months, so it doesn't bother me!

My sis Jamie and her husband live a couple blocks away, so we get together often. She is going to graduate from the University of Utah in December 2007, but won't get to walk until April/May ish 2008. Her and Jordan are looking for their first home...and yes, she is very baby hungry!

My parents and little bro (8-year old Bryan) moved from SV to San Diego!! Their house was right where the fires were, but they are safe!! Whew. Mom is still trying to get some girl buddies to go and see movies with. She loves to entertain company and is always working on project. If you are ever in town, she will take you in. Just let me know and I can hook it up! Right now, she is probably the most amazing quilter I have ever met! Dad is keeping busy with his job. Apparently his office overlooks the ocean....I feel so sorry for him ;) They miss SV, but they are excited for this new adventure.

I just got a new job at Two Little Hands Productions, the producers of that public television series Signing Time! that teaches children how to sign at a young age! It is amazing. I am doing their PR and Communications.

I worked at another firm, The Summit Group, for 3 years and felt that I needed a change up! So, here I am....and I absolutely love it.

I know you are all curious....so I will let you know that yes, I am dating a kid that is 2 years younger than me, and is going to school part-time and working full time. He is incredibly solid in his faith. It is refreshing to find someone who is not afraid to be completely genuine and sincere! He is amazing with his family and knows what he wants out of life. I respect him and care for him (mushy I know)...but I think I 'm falling for him! Spread the word.... the jig is up....

I miss all you dear friends and hope that we can pick up where I (apparently) left off. Welcome me back from the dark ages. I hope to hear from some of you soon.

My love is deep, my love is strong....

Crossing to Safety

I was driving down a busy road the other day. Four cars were stopped in front of a traffic light that was green. Two people were next to their cars waving their arms. My first instinct was that someone was in an accident. In an effort to help those around me see the situation, I stuck my hand out the window and slowed down. I looked over to see why we were slowing down and saw a mother duck crossing the busiest intersection during rush hour with her 9 ducklings.

I looked at the faces around me. Instead of seeing the normal 'why are we slowing down’ face or the ‘why do people always have to look at the accidents and cause me to run 3 more minutes late,' face, I saw faces soften and hold a soft reverence for this mother duck and her ducklings. And you know what...no one seemed to mind that we waited for 3 minutes for the duck family to reach safety.

I have been studying current events and how they link to events in the past. It is hard for me to observe how much destruction, sadness and war there is and has been in our history. I couldn't help but become saddened by this research. I remember one particular evening, really struggling with a lecture dealing with the word iniquity. As we researched different texts to define what makes an iniquitous people, I had to leave the room. Call it my sensitive nature, but I couldn't stand to know all the horrible things that have gone on, are going on or that will go on in the world. I know they happen; is it so bad to not want to know details of these heinous circumstances and situations?

After walking out of the lecture, I couldn't help but feel down about the world in which I reside. For so long I believed that people are innately good and honest by nature. After reading, I found myself doubting this belief. I struggled with this concept for a long time and concentrated on trying to find the greater good in people and in life. Sometimes, my struggle was in vain. People still honked their horns at me if they thought I wasn’t driving well. People still treated customer service like it's a yelling match because they grew up with the notion that 'the customer is always right.' People still hit their children. I could go on, but don't want to.

I found it very difficult to find good things in every day circumstances until the day the mother duck and her ducklings made it across the street safely. You see, good surrounds us, but we can't see it. All of us become jaded in one way or another. Although I thought I was leading a life full of good influences and involving myself more in Christ-like activities, I couldn't help but lose myself in trying so hard to become happy. I just had to let it happen. What I realized is that I need to continue to do things that build and buoy my spirit or else I will sink and the search will be lost in the depth.

Thank you to any of you who help someone across the street; who pick up fallen books of a classmate; who open doors for elderly people and ladies; who say hello and smile to strangers; who stop traffic to let the mother duck and ducklings cross the road to safety.

I happen to know that no matter what surrounds us people are innately kind in nature. BUT this kindness is soft-spoken and doesn't boast. This kindness does not stand out the way unkindness does. This kindness is hidden until one day we look up at the stopped traffic and realize that even the most random act is full of goodness and life.