Leaving 2009

It’s an oak, I think, outside my door

It, too, has had enough of this year

In two days, two months late,

Set itself aflame

A phoenix.

Impetuous

Prone to extremes

Withering transitions intolerable

It’s the only one left on the lane

With any green

With any leaves.

There’s no stopping it now

Two more days

Crimson, golden scales

Will launch

Drift

Land like fireworks.

In two more days

For two more months

Standing naked

Shameless

Greater in Spirit and Truth.

Christmas Presents

This year I made most of my gifts for family and friends. Below is a set of paintings Ben commissioned for his sister-in-law(He chose the colors) , and at the very bottom is a jewelry set I made for my sister. I'm really quite proud of these!

Acrylic, 12x12

Detail 1

Detail 2

Necklace, Bracelet, and Earrings, Ribbon Closure
turquoise and silver glass

Christmas Traditions

Each year, my mom buys us a Hallmark ornament to commemorate something important to us from the year, or because the ornament shows one of our favorite things. We are each responsible for hanging our respective set of ornaments on the three. Some ornaments have a lost history, resulting in the occasional fight over ownership. These ornaments, however, have unmistakable owners.

Dad's. Obviously.

Mine, from the year I declared an English Major

Lindsay's, from the year she got Baron--her blond, deranged spaniel

Mine, from my year as captain on the Drumline

Tim's, because the kid carried a blanket until high school (not really.)

Christmas Lovelies

My mom was Real Life's Christmas Decoration task force this year, and it spilled over into her home. She put up three trees and put Martha Stewart to shame with the present wrapping. All of her Christmas festivity was so lovely I couldn't resist taking photos.

Teaching Statement of Purpose

Students,

I am here to encourage you in your search for truth or help you begin it;
To refine your capabilities of discernment and expression;
And to challenge your understanding with good-faith information and arguments
presented in a careful, loving way.

You are here to humble me with your talent, strength, and potential;
To refine my capabilities of discernment and expression;
To challenge my understanding with your honest questions
and diverse life experiences;

And to remind me that teaching is a personal, individual,
relational and sacrificial act for the glory of God.

Advice for the Exam Season

Rampant Materialism, Continued

Mom asked for my birthday list. Since I was making it anyway, thought I'd post it.

• anthropologie Aloha candle
• Heretics: The Annotated Edition, by G. K. Chesterton
  
• Anything from my Sephora Wishlist
  
• Levenger Annotation Notepads
• A FLASK "Why, yes. I AM that kind of girl."
• more Stella McCartney perfume
• Prog by The Bad Plus
• Some Cities by Doves
• On the Outside by Starsailor
• NARS lipgloss in Bad Education
• mug trees for my classroom
• A flash for my camera
• personalized stationery (example) (example!)
  
• a globe for my classroom
• How to Read a Painting: Lessons from the Old Masters
• How to Read a Modern Painting: Lessons from the Modern Masters
• neutral density filter, skylight filter 52mm
  
• A girly camera bag. (example or example)
• bookshelves
• anything from my Amazon Wishlist, sort by priority.
  
• Raven Black Levenger ink
• a bedframe
• chandelier
• Mirror
• Ralph Lauren Style perfume
• Capresso 560.01 Infinity Burr Grinder, Black
• cooking knives-- a large pairing knife, chef's knife
  
• jewelry box
• a Ryrie Study Bible, NASB translation
• Bumble and Bumble Gentle Shampoo
• Bumble and Bumble Leave-in Conditioner
• Paul Mitchell Modern Elixirs Illuminating Shine Spray