"Like the study of science and art, accounts of historical events can be intrinsically fascinating. But they have a wider significance. I believe that people are better able to chart their life course and make life decisions when they know how others have dealt with pressures and dilemmas---historically, contemporaneously, and in works of art. And only equipped with such understanding can we participate knowledgeably in contemporary discussions (and decisions) about the culpability of various individuals and countries in the Second World War. Only with such understanding can we ponder the responsibilty of human beings everywhere to counter current efforts at genocide in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia to bring the perpetrators to justice."
"...we humans are the kinds of animals who learn chiefly by observing others---what they value, what they spurn, how they conduct themselves from day to day, and especially, what they do when they believe that no one is looking."
----Howard Gardner, from The Disciplined Mind, published in 1999

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Break on Through to the Other Side; or, The Importance of Being Earnest


Sweet Frida, Jean Wertz
http://www.wertzcandy.com/chocolate/personal/pers17.html

Dear reader, how are you?
This past week has been a long and busy one here: what with work, end-of-the-semester homework, domestic and familial responsibilites, and my sojourn on the couch for a long hazy weekend of sickness. I am feeling better, and for that, I am glad, for so very many reasons.

One major reason, dear reader, involves my opportunity. It seems only fitting that I share some detail with you, no matter the ultimate outcome.
Tomorrow I will be visiting an elementary classroom in a different school district. It is a small class of children with autism. All of the students are non-verbal.
Their teacher will be leaving around the Christmas holidays. And I, dear reader, am one of the candidates to take that teacher's place.
And that, as Forrest Gump would say, is all I have to say about that.

I wonder what selections we will all be plucking from that proverbial box of chocolates before the New Year?
What do you think, dear reader?

19 comments:

Anita said...

Life really is like a box of chocolates - you never know what you're gonna get! And that is that.

All the best to you,dear writer.

Pelicano said...

Oh I hope the final decision rides in your favour if you would like this position! If you get it, I'll congratulate you of course. And if not, I will still congratulate you! :-)

neroli said...

Dear Anita, I really love that way of looking at things. Thank you so much for your good thoughts---I will certainly draw upon them while I'm seeing what gets pulled out of the chocolate box ;)...

Dear Pel, I do thank you :)! I'm feeling somewhat as if I'm an Oscar nominee...just glad to be nominated ;)
One of the purposes of today is to see if I think that it will be a good fit for me.
In theory, yes---(you all know my interests in communication in all its forms, and my own pursuit of apt language)---but we all agree that I need to see for myself before the process proceeds further...

Anonymous said...

I love your writing!
Is the job what you want?
Go for happiness!

neroli said...

judi bee, I love *you*!
I was *just* thinking about you last night---it's too late to call tonight, but...
you'll hear from me soon :)

(yes, it is the job that I want. I'm going for it!)

AfKaP said...

So exciting and what a great title!! I love both of those things - Doors and Earnest!! And what a great Frida picture of version of the one in the exhibit but even ore serious.Best of luck. Hope you get it!! Surely you will - who could be better for the job? !

neroli said...

Dear Artist, I've visited the shop and had the pleasure to see the chocolate Frida up close and personal...as well as Munch's Screamer! Too wonderful.
Thanks for your kindness about the job. The longer I am in the running, the longer I realize the truth of all those Oscar contender quotes.."happy to be nominated!"
:)

Anonymous said...

Dear Writer !
Thanks for the visit today. I thought of you when I enjoyed our sunset this evening...subtle tones of aqua, peach, blue, and touches of wispy white clouds...very much like the ones on your side bar.
I'll not go into my last month of activity, but it did not include much blogging. This week's activities will limit it also.

What do I think? I think you will get this box of chocolates filled with the sweet delight of those VERY SPECIAL CHILDREN and they will all benefit from your delicate way with words...the way you weave them into a tapestry of communication.
In that box you will find milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate...filled with the sweet innocence of childhood...the love that will be reciprocated...
That's what I think, dear writer.

captain corky said...

I hope you get the job. It sounds like a challenge that you would be up for. I know I would give you the job. :)

Glad you're starting to feel better. It's getting to be that busy time of the year. ;)

neroli said...

Dear Swampy, I do so love it when you fly on by---your timing is impeccable :)
I see you in the skies as well, my friend ;)

Captain, you are right: it will definitely be a challenge---and I'll take all the pep-talk you can muster ;)
Thanks!
I can only imagine how busy parents of a not-even-a-year-old baby are as they get ready for baby's first holiday season :-D!

AfKaP said...

I'm giving thanks for such a wonderful friend - have a wonderful day with your family!

neroli said...

I'm thankful every day for your friendship, Artist.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving break!

bee said...

the best of luck to you.

neroli said...

Thank you, dear Bee---these days, I need all the help that I can get ;)!

Anonymous said...

Awfully quiet over here...Hope you had a good holiday with great food...

neroli said...

Dear Anita, it's so good of you to check up on me...I looked at the date of the last posting and I'm surprised that it's been that long since my last posting.
We certainly did have a great holiday with good food---and the only thing that stopped me from making puris was my empty atta container :-O !

AfKaP said...

Hey, Neroli - What's the news? I miss your writing.

neroli said...

Dear One---thank you for your kindess to me, as always!
No news yet.
I'm hoping to be visiting and writing tomorrow---!

Swampwitch said...

Dear Friend,
Where are you?
Sincerely,
A Reader/Fan