Looking back and ahead
The sun has set for another year! I sit here looking out my window on this beautiful snowy morning and take the time to remember how fortunate I am. I have had a fabulous year, some changes in my life, and so much to be grateful for! I love taking photos and as I think about the year I went through my iphoto library and found a few of my favorite that have special meaning as I reflect.
I love adventures and challenges and as I get older I wonder what challenges I want to take on during 2014. 2013 has been filled with “firsts” for me and I am grateful to have good health and energy so I can continue to do all kinds of activities.
I love the work I do in arts education and am so proud of the accomplishments of the Maine Arts Assessment Initiative (MAAI) and the leadership that visual and performing arts teachers continually take across the state.
I am grateful to have worked at the Maine Department of Education for 7 years as the Visual and Performing Arts Specialists and to travel to about 400 Maine schools in 40 school districts. I am thrilled to have moved to the Maine Arts Commission this past September and to continue my arts education work as the Director of Arts Education. The MAAI continues to be a focus of my work and move forward impacting Maine arts education.
I love the “play” part of my life as well and those I get to share the fun times with. For me nothing compares to a day that includes laughter and traveling to interesting places and meeting with fascinating people. People who are doing good work in the world, especially with children at the heart of their work.
I’ve written about some of my adventures on the blog this year including:
- Presented at the National Art Ed conference with colleagues Catherine Ring and Bronwyn Sale
- Extended trip on a schooner captained by a former student
- Beautiful summer evening on a sunset cruise captained by another former student
- During the colors of the fall, a float plane ride in the north Maine woods
- Walked many mornings in all kinds of weather, clocking just over 500 miles close to home and many others on trails away from the neighborhood
- Wrote 372 blog posts
- Spent time on the water kayaking on fresh and salt water
- Visited my sons and with family members in several states
- Watched the beautiful sun rise and set in many locations
- Sent and received thousands of emails communicating with arts educators all over the United States
- Was reminded over and over how precious life is as I lost friends and family members
I know that 2014 will be filled with joys and sorrows. The challenges will be difficult but I know that there will be rain gear, life jackets, and hands to help me over the rocky pathway. I wish for you the best that life can offer in 2014! May our paths cross on a trail, on the water, in a classroom or some other location! As Garrison Keillor says: “Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.” And, email your stories that I can include on the Maine Arts Education blog.
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