Saturday, September 12, 2015

Get up. Get dressed. Paint.


The story behind this week’s page

This week was the first week of classes for students.  Yesterday was truly a day of mixed bag of emotions, the ultimate roller coaster!!!   In the middle of teaching a chemistry lesson,the principal entered my room, told me I was being transferred.  I was to report to the other building immediately and the other teacher was to take over.

I have been trying to get this transfer and wanted it badly but I did not expect it to happen in this manner.   I expected to have time to pack.  I am happy to finally get out of that building and be somewhere I am welcomed, respected, and wanted; where professionalism is honored and consistency rules the day.  So yesterday afternoon my dear hubby helped me move about a third of my stuff into my new classroom. While creating this page I released all the emotions of yesterday, allowing them to be.

Painting with Rae Missigman’s  15 MINUTES OF MIXED MEDIA©

One of the challenges is recreating her “mop page”, a page where she tests new stencils,  new paint colors and uses left over paint she can't bear to throw away.  She starts with these pages to avoid that dreaded “white page”.  

The carnage

What I learned


  •   Use Dylusions ink spray like a watercolor to fill in spaces & loops in handwriting; this adds a pop of color.
  • When I show up ready to release the anxiety it is easier to find the words to scribble (finding words to scribble always seems to be a problem for me)
I feel lighter now.  There is anxiety but it's different.  That black cloud that has been hanging over me since I was in that building (2006) is gone.  It's been there for so long it became a part of me, pushing down, the pressure not allowing me to breathe.   This new anxiety is more about not knowing, making the transition from teaching 10th, 11th, and 12th graders to 6th and 7th graders.  Comeback next week to see how my first week goes!

Joining Paint Party Friday where having paint under the fingernails is the norm.  What colors are under yours?

11 comments:

  1. Having taught for over 30 years at the elementary level I don't think I ever experienced quite that experience of just being told to leave. BUt it sounds like the move was welcomed. What a horrible thing to do to you and the students. Here's hoping you have a much more positive experience in your new school. Love your journal page.

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  2. What a despicable person to act in such an unprofessional manner! Don't be surprised if this blog is being monitored...do a google search on yourself to see just what everyone else can find out about you! I'd hate for the bitterness of one to overflow into other areas of your life! Wishing you a wonderful happy transition... I feel for the students left behind and the other teachers! How does a school run with a bully at the helm? We NEED more kindness in our world!! I was always firm but kind...there is a huge difference!! Wonderful expressive work!!

    Hugs Giggles

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  3. What a horrible thing for you and your students to have to experience. It could have been done so much better....how very RUDE and DISRESPECTFUL to you and your class. I'm glad you are able to make the move....that you have wanted...but how terrible to have to do it under that black cloud. My mom always said behind every cloud is a silver lining...hope you find your in your new building. It's great we can take out emotions out in our journals...you page will always be a memory of this day. Sending love and Hugs...lot of them!

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  4. What a horrible experience for you and the students. I hope your new school and assignment get off to great start and that the new age range is a fun and different challenge for you. I taught science as well - 5th and 8th and loved both. Getting away from a stressful situation and into a building where you feel appreciated makes such a difference. How awesome that you were able to use art to let out frustration and have something so beautiful come from it. Best wishes this next week!

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  5. Wonderful colours. Sorry to hear about your week, do hope that your new post will be better. I am a teacher as well and can relate to the stress/anxiety it is a very presssuriated job. Thank goodness for art!

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  6. Great pages- sorry to hear about this -- hope everything will go well now!

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  7. Wow- I don't think this says much for your old principal's professionalism. Right in the middle of class? So much for the kids coming first. Hope your painting helped- the colors are so cheery and they had to make you happy!

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  8. wow how horrible are some people !! sorry to hear about your week ........this page is beautiful really loving the colours .I have a brand new art journal and the blank pages scare me at the moment .hugs xo Lisa

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  9. What an awful way to move!!So Sorry but glad you are now where you want to be. Your painting is fab! I am on page 5 of mine x

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  10. Wow, they didn't even let you finish a lesson?how weird. However, this answers a couple of my questions, including the one that was 'did you want this', so for now, good luck!

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  11. Sorry to hear of how unprofessional the principal et al was in handling your move. Sounds to me that there is more then a little bit of passive aggressiveness going on here. I am glad to hear that you are moving somewhere that might be different. I guess a congrats on the new position is in order!!

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