Everyone has time to accomplish things. Everyone has work to do. Today I feel like have both, but I feel like I do not want to accomplish anything today.
I do not have the get up and go, the vim and vinegar, the hot and spicy, the yin and yang of doing anything today.

I have one project that I know I should do, but I do not feel the inspiration to do so. I would describe what I have to do but it is one of many commissions and I do not want that customer to feel slighted. I will tell you this, I am not looking forward into drawing and designing it, but it has to be done.

That is a lesson I try to teach my students. There are things in this life you are expected to do. Doesn’t matter if it is your job, or your hobby or doing your taxes. The best way to avoid all this hmmphing and hawing about is just do the work and get it done with. BUT in art if you go in with that feeling, the art tends to suffer. Get your mind on something else and then focus your energy into finishing the project.

Sometimes I feel like I am just walking in the mud, going nowhere. I had a plan today and it had nothing to do with painting or drawing for myself. I was going to go to Algoma for the Shanty Days. My dad was going to play in his band and I was going to go through the art displays there to get some ideas on displays and whatnot. I was going to spend the majority of my time with my Mom, but things changed. Mom was not feeling good and decided not to go on the trip. I decided to stay home and watch after her and maybe get some work done too. Mom is up and about not feeling the greatest, and I am not feeling that inspired for this project.

So I give you a sure fire way to inspire anyone to get going. A Top Ten of Inspirational tips from yours truly….
10. Think of all the talents you have and focus your energy into the one that will accomplish your goal.
9. Have a goal.
8. Make sure to get your plans in order. An example would be a Top ten List and make sure you state facts that could previously build on the others mentioned.
7. Music and good moving “up” music helps the cause. I bet the Founding Fathers needed music to inspire them and I think BTO’s “Taking Care of Business” actually helped them write the Constitution…
6. Take a break. Eat a Red Vine.
5. Watch a movie, then get back to work. Do not repeat this step though, otherwise your day will be shot.
4. Get on your website and start writing a blog. Doesn’t matter what it is as you should be doing this too!
3. Spell check your favorite magazine.
2. Take a power nap. 10 minutes and just relax. I can wait.
and finally the way to accomplish a goal when you do not feel up to it is…....
1. Just do the dang thing! The more time you waste the less time you feel accomplished. Not eveyone like what they do but you gotta do it.

Michelangelo was a great sculptor. Known throughout the European community of upper echelons. What did the Pope ask him to do? Paint a little chapel. He’s not that great of a painter, but the Pope did not mind. So then old Mikey ran away. A few times. The official protectors of the pope, The Swiss Guards brought him back again and again. He actually knew them by name.

Finally he finished the Sistine Chapel and his mark was none throughout history. And yet he does not want any recognition to this day! Why? Well because he is dead. But still he accomplished what was considered a great task. He had back trouble, but still he accomplished his goal.

So what are you waiting for a pep talk? What the hck do you think this is? I am not Vince Lombardi! Get the heck back to work….

- See I think this actually worked. And I didn’t have to send out the Swiss Guards either.

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Around this time of year, it usually seems like this is the last hurrah for Summer. It is hotter, stickier and usually uncomfortable in a closed room, like a classroom. But for most teachers, it is time to get prepared for the upcoming school year.

I myself have been visiting my classroom for the last 2 weeks. I have been bringing in supplies and cleaning out the things we do not need for the upcoming school year. I was also replacing the RENUZIT air fresheners in the storage areas as those “cloakrooms were built in the 1960’s and they smell like they were unearthed back then too. Nothing wrong with the 1960’s as it brought many great things in that era, but do you wear any of your clothes that you wore in the ‘60’s now? And why is that? BECAUSE THEY SMELL….case closed.

Seriously, all teachers have to reorganize or should reorganize their rooms every year. It keeps it fresh and clean and a new set of students makes the whole learning atmosphere unique. Here are a few of my tips for teachers that feel that they are in the same old rut.

1. Change the way the students are arranged. Move the desks in a different pattern. Move work tables if you can. Sometimes you can do this quite often during the year so if you keep the same arrangement for most of the year, maybe it is time to change it up.

2. Enjoy the weather, while you can. I enjoy Fall and most of the other seasons. I like to take the kids out of the classroom sometimes to just experience the seasons. My kindergarten class does a project with changing colors on the leaves. Why not take a quick field trip around the school to see some changing colors? That way the ideas could grow into great ideas for projects and assignments.

3. Let the students pick their spots to sit, for the first couple of weeks. I have tables in my room and the students can sit anywhere. Eventually there are problems with differing ideas and personalities. It is a good bet to let nature go its course and by the 5th week (or maybe sooner), THEN have a seating chart. That way you kind of know who gets along well or too well.

4.Have general supplies. Keep your room filled with general supplies like paper, construction paper, glue, etc. I like to keep a gallon of Elmer’s glue on hand just in case if during the year the glue runs out. I also have plenty of scissors, pencils and crayons from previous years. The problem for me is organizing it all and that is why I go into my classroom early to organize. Another thing to do, is look at your pencil sharpeners. Mine are set too high and some are too old. Maybe a fresh pencil sharpener and a convenient spot might make the school year go more smoothly?

5. Be excited about the school year. Nothing is more of a downer then a disappointed teacher who does not want to get back to school. I see students come into the library and they look down and out. A happy and reassuring face makes a jittery and scared student become a calm and inquisitive mind.

There are many more tips that I have, but because most of you are enjoying the Summer, I will cut this short. Get ready for those students and have a great School Year!

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