NOT the same day over and over

‘No sooner had he whistled than he heard a whizzing and a whirring from all quarters, and such a large flock of birds swept down that they blackened all the field in which they settled’

2011-10-27T19:06:00.001+01:00

‘No sooner had he whistled than he heard a whizzing and a whirring from all quarters, and such a large flock of birds swept down that they blackened all the field in which they settled’, a photo by National Library NZ on The Commons on Flickr.

something about this image has me intrigued and delighted...

China 中国

2011-10-16T21:29:00.001+01:00

China 中国, a set by Eric Lafforgue on Flickr.

a lovely set of photos-- wish I had taken them!

Natalie Fobes: The Elements of Effective Photographs

2011-09-30T18:13:00.000+01:00

Natalie Fobes: The Elements of Effective Photographs

michele.spence's favorites

2011-09-29T19:57:00.001+01:00

michele.spence's favorites on Flickr.

some images that are making me smile, remember, or think-

blurb books

2011-09-11T22:59:00.001+01:00

sibling bonding

japan 2010

By michele spence-mcg...

Book Preview

Proud Teacher...

2011-04-05T22:12:00.000+01:00

Recently completed a very large project with m 2nd year art class--- It was a very large and challenging project. It s a long story-- but thought you'd enjoy the photo..

Kristiana

2011-03-30T21:40:00.001+01:00

Untitled, a photo by michele.spence on Flickr.

a recent favourite...

Cold, winter nights...

2010-12-01T22:14:00.002Z

It has been an insanely busy and full few months...

but I have some great things I would like to share.

Reading the book Half The Sky by Nicholas Kristoff and Sheryl WuDunn has been a life-changer, and this months issue of National Geographic has covered some of the same topics--- it was shocking really to read about and see how women are being treated around the world. It was both extremely depressing and totally inspiring and I am forcing the stories on the people around me like a missionary with a village to convert---

READ IT.

More changes ahead...

2010-09-12T18:33:00.002+01:00

1) New school year (teaching all art classes in my secondary school)
2) New PLC course started- part-time hours for a full-time Certificate in Photography
3) Two nights of teaching a new night class... Intro To Digital Photography at AIT (Athlone Institute of Technology)
4) Weekly photo shoots for www.spence-photography.com -- fun & exciting!

then add:

weekly pilates & yoga (for me), kids dance classes and lots of football for the husband.... to schedule around too!

It is the beginning of a lot of new stuff... scary.
Wish me luck!

Oh, and this is happening too...

2010-07-21T23:08:00.002+01:00

Getting there...

2010-07-21T22:39:00.000+01:00

It has been a very busy few weeks... months really. So much has been going on and getting accomplished, which feels really great. I decided to finally start my own photography business-- have been designing a website, business cards, etc, and working on some promotional stuff. I also got an "associate lecturer" position -- extremely part-time, and on top of my secondary school teaching, but it is teaching photo as well, so I am moving in the direction of choice. So, lots of preparation to get going on.
In addition to that, I am still in the midst of correcting exam papers for the SEC, and am leaving for JAPAN in less than 2 weeks!
That is really exciting.
So, that is my life at the moment.
Also, put my house up for sale... interested??
Lovely, rural Ireland at it's best. Chickens included.
:)

Supercute! "Not To Write About Boys"

2010-06-15T17:57:00.000+01:00

A Great Week

2010-05-14T21:25:00.002+01:00

Support my fund-raising skydive for Baby Bella!

It has been a really nice week... busy, but good. Today, we got 2 really cute bunnies, I collected nearly €300 towards my skydive for my niece, Wednesday my husband attended the Landmark event and we had a great conversation that night, and earlier in the week I got a dozen 'hatching eggs' for €10 and hope to have some cute little chicks in 2-3 weeks. Half of the eggs are safely under Serena, our broody hen, and half are in an incubator at my school, where the science students are getting a hands-on exercise in Ag Science.
Lily (my 4 year-old) had her first real friend over after school today, and they were so cute together.
All is going well, and I am genuinely having unique experiences each day...
that is the new challenge.
Try something new everyday!
Stop saying YES out of obligation, but to experiences that will move, inspire and excite me.
So, that is the plan for avoiding the same day, over and over again...
wish me luck

2010-05-05T02:32:00.002+01:00

some very new days...

2010-05-05T01:35:00.003+01:00

Some remarkable changes have been taking place in my life since I completed The Landmark Forum. I have really wanted to get back to this blog and share a bit of what I have been up to, but I have been too busy trying new things, making changes, making art.... NOT creating the same day over and over... so I just thought I would leave this link for your interest....

There will be a special introductory evening on Wednesday, May 12th in Dublin at the Castleknock Hotel and Country Club, Porterstown Rd, D15 (7:30pm) if you want to learn more

http://www.landmarkeducation.com/landmark_education_home.jsp

life improvement 2010

2010-02-27T23:12:00.002Z

so, I did not make any resolutions this year, but I have been taking baby steps into a new way of life in 2010. I will be 37 this year, which is shocking, since I still feel as clueless as when I was 22! I have been making a dedicated attempt at regular exercise (at least 2 classes a week and walking), less sugar, and a more positive way of thinking about my life. Along these lines, I am excited to be enrolled in the Landmark Forum next month in Dublin, and look forward to having some breakthrough moments, which I have been assured that everyone has. I am tired of things feeling the same (less than hoped for) all the time. When I started this blog I felt like everyday was the same-- and I suppose we all fall into ruts, routines and safety zones... but I have been trying since then to have a more FULL and fulfilling life, yet still find myself down about things too easily. HOPEFULLY, I can make the change that I so desire.

Along those lines, check out PLANET SARK, and her wonderful, bright, inspiring offers...

Click here to visit Planet SARK.

back on the wagon

2010-01-24T22:58:00.002Z

thinking about this blog-- which I clearly haven't done for 8 months...

what do I want here?

who am I sharing with?

A student of mine suggested that I share my thoughts and ideas about my artwork as I do it...

problem is, I haven't done much, and am still working on the same project for the last 2 years.

So, maybe I will TRY to motivate myself by attempting to do this, or maybe I should just turn this into a teaching tool for my PLC class??

Don't know... but with think about it.

long wet days

2009-05-18T23:33:00.002+01:00

It has been a painfully long, full school year, but it is nearly at it's end, which I am delighted about. Not that I will be relaxing in the sun... I will work all of June and July, but I welcome the change of scenery, and a break from an often negative environment.
Is it just my neck of the woods, or has all this recession business got people showing their worst sides? It seems everyday there is something new to complain about, and while I so love complaining, I get tired of people complaining and not trying to change anything.

Maybe the weather is just the last straw.... we cannot possibly be expected to put up with this all 'summer'!

I have been working at trying new things and continue my attempts at being healthier... I just finished a 10-week sewing course with my 13-year-old daughter, which I really enjoyed. We both made skirts, as well as figuring out how to make alterations and use the sewing machine properly. Next it's Project Runway!

I have also been trying to get a small show of my 365 project hung (see my flickr site for these self portraits) and am working on a painting exhibition along side some of my students for the Environmental Summer School in Lanesboro this summer...
So, my days have been full, and not the regular repeats for which this blog was named. (yes!)

monday / tuesday

2009-02-03T00:37:00.001Z

back in Illinois the sky was lovely...

happy new year's eve!

2008-12-31T17:22:00.001Z

live, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa... I wish you a very happy new year.
I promise to start posting something worth reading/seeing very soon.

full-time elf

2008-12-15T02:12:00.002Z

"Would you be interested in full-time elf or evening and weekend elf?"

Every Christmas I read HOLIDAYS ON ICE by David Sedaris, and I laugh out loud.

Thank you David, and Happy Holidays!

Manic Monday

2008-12-08T21:38:00.001Z

Leaving for the US in 2 weeks! I cannot wait.

365 days have passed, thank God!

2008-11-02T22:22:00.000Z

the calm

2008-10-17T00:18:00.000+01:00

wrecked!

2008-09-29T20:32:00.000+01:00

Sarah Palin, no thanks!

2008-09-26T21:44:00.002+01:00

this is a great read--

http://womenagainstsarahpalin.blogspot.com/2008/09/gloria-steinem-wrong-woman-wrong.html

missing post! alert the authorities...

2008-09-23T01:49:00.003+01:00

I am sure that I posted since that Craft Magazine mention... must be some sort of blog thievery going on.

Busy, busy, busy with school and family, and was feeling lousy for nearly 2 weeks. But hopefully I will soon have something of value to post.

We'll see.

Anyway... I am still here.

Are you there?

Craft Magazine (US)

2008-08-23T22:43:00.003+01:00

Oh, I mean to say every time that I get a copy, that anyone and everyone interested in artsy-craftiness should check out the magazine Craft: transforming traditional crafts http://www.craftzine.com/ . I am so glad to have stumbled on a copy when visiting the States in December. I read every word on the flight home, have used some of the ideas at home and at school, and immediately subscribed. It is awesome! And I never, NEVER use that word. It inspires me, keeps me aware of 'my people' in the states, and is entertainingly written to top it off.

I LOVE IKEA!

2008-08-23T22:32:00.002+01:00

I have spent the last part of my summer break from school redecorating a couple rooms of the house, and continuing on my quest to get organized. I must say, it is going pretty well, but even BETTER after my 2nd visit to the new IKEA store in Belfast. My IKEA catalog was worn and tagged, marked and circled, but it paid off, and after a near 10-hour spree, my friend Irene, and I came away with a great bunch of stuff. And now, even better, I just got an email with a 10.oo off my next visit, which I am planning in the next month. God bless IKEA for their great, modern design, quirky little household items and their reasonable prices!

can't wait!

2008-08-20T23:57:00.001+01:00

Welcome to the family!

2008-08-18T01:20:00.003+01:00

This week we adopted a new kitty, Carly, from the ISPCA. She looks so much like my family's elderly Kit-Kat when he was little, who is still living in Georgia. Blue decided to dress her up (as you do). Our other 2 cats are not yet fond of her, but we all are. She is the softest little thing I have ever touched! Just what we need to lift our spirits with the continual rain.

it's raining AGAIN

2008-08-13T16:17:00.002+01:00

Summer holidays will be over in another short week for us secondary school teachers in Ireland... and I can't say that it has been much of a summer (weather-wise) but we have accomplished a lot around our home and garden, and I have done a lot of reading.
This morning I finished Stephenie Meyer's BREAKING DAWN, the 4th and supposedly final book in the Twilight series.
I must say, these teenage vampire books have kept me reading til all hours of the night- I have really enjoyed them, and was sorry to finish this one. I was left wanting to know more.
Probably like many 16 year old girls out there, I will anxiously await the movie.
Anyway, give them a try---
happy reading!

busy, busy, busy

2008-07-08T22:10:00.007+01:00

I have an almost-sleeping child on my lap, making it difficult to type... but life has been so busy for the last month that this may be my only chance.

Not that I have much to say... my summers tend to be hectic rather than relaxing, as I do multiple sections of corrections for the state exams, and end up working for 8 of the 12 weeks of summer much longer hours than my normal teaching job. But it is good money at the end, which we all need.

What has happened in the last 5-6 weeks? Well, that cat is now giant and concrete, and sitting outside of my school (as you can see) ... it needs some finishing colour and sealant, and we have specially made stepping stones to put around it, but that was a big accomplishment to finish off the school year.

I finally gave up the breast-feeding after 2 years and 9 months... it was a difficult few days, but definitely time for it. Sad but good really. We have moved on to cuddling. My other daughter, aged 12, has made her first trans-Atlantic flight without a family member, which was scary, but necessary, and I am glad to report that she did great, and that the people at American Airlines were very nice (for a fee, but fair enough). I have corrected about 200 Junior Cert art portfolios, over 200 Leaving Cert Art History papers, and have another 8 days of practical work to go... it makes me both love and hate art!

the big black cat

2008-05-08T00:17:00.003+01:00

this is what I did at school today... in 2 weeks this sculptural/folklore project will be complete (I hope)

it is a lot more work than I anticipated, but has gone very smoothly and I (and the kids) have learned a lot.

(the next step will be to secure it outside on the slab that I still need to pour, then plaster it with a concrete mixture and carve out detail as we go... the concrete will eventually be 2-3 inches thick, and will be sanded to a nice stony finish on completion)

this is measuring roughly 10 ft long, 6 deep and 5 foot tall at ears... the tail is designed as a seat, but students can sit/climb on entire piece when complete

wish me luck!

Wave Runners a.k.a. Illinois Girls Trying to Surf

2008-04-25T00:38:00.002+01:00

I had a really great weekend with Katie and Teresa (my kind-of little sisters) visiting us. We went to the Boda Borg, we snooped around abandoned houses and cars and took photographs of everything, and we went surfing in the icy cold waters of Sligo. Actually, with wetsuit, wetsocks, wetgloves, and wethood, we got wet, but really did stay pretty warm. As a person who is perpetually cold, this was a great and welcome surprise for me, and it made the work of surfing so much easier.

And let me tell you, it IS work! but work that is well-worth it. We had what was meant to be a 2-hour group lesson, which went on for nearly 3. The instruction was good, and the staff was very helpful and encouraging. I will definatley try it again. I got up to standing successfully on one occasion, and it was a fabulous few seconds. The rest of the time I paddled my arms out of their sockets, I had great fun knee-surfing, and riding the waves.

april fool

2008-04-10T00:15:00.002+01:00

okay, so I am late on the whole april fool's day thing... but am feeling foolish and small lately, due to my depression, I assume. I hope that it quickly passes, as I am getting hard to stand I think. And I am finding IT hard to stand.
My Blue turned 12 over the weekend! It is shocking to me, and suddenly I feel tired and old, though her 2 year old sister generally leaves me feeling that way too. Time just passes, regardless of how I feel, what I want or what I am/ am not accomplishing.
I feel anxious about it - as if I am running out of time, am not 'getting things done'- does that mean I am not fully 'saying yes to life'? I get confused by the advice I read (or hear on Oprah)... learn to say no, set limits, don't overextend, but say yes to life, to experience, to new things- take risks, but don't do anything risky...
today I am left wondering if I should be financially responsible ( ie save my money and/or don't go deeper into debt) or live for today, and book a family holiday to Portugal- which we would really enjoy (fun and sun), need (fun and sun, remember we live in Ireland) and WANT (fun and sun).... I am constantly teetering between two opposing sides. Light/dark, depressed/content, healthy/unhealthy, save/spend, binge/purge (generally, not literally)
How do you find balance? Why does life always feel like a series of sacrifices rather than rewards?
I wish I had been born one of those 'glass half full' types, but fear that I am the other...

reading and resting...

2008-04-02T23:20:00.003+01:00

the last few weeks have been tough for some reason... maybe it was the long last stretch of winter, the teething baby, my mom's anniversary, our bank balance.... our just my own emotional spring-cleaning funk! I don't know, but I really hope that the sun and the Zoloft will be brightening my days soon.

and please god, let that child start sleeping through EVERY night again!

i have been reading a good bit -- enjoying Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series. I know I am about 15 years too old, but it has been a great escape. Thank you Stephenie. I even found a podcast (quite a few actually) about the series, the storylines and the upcoming movie/s, which was entertaining to listen to as well. So, if you like to read about teen-age vampires (and werewolves), or think you might, give them a try. Addicitive.

it's been ages...

2008-03-05T23:34:00.002Z

It has been a long time away from the fledgling blog, but since no one is really reading it but me, I will suit my own timetable.
There seem to be one busy day piling up on another with no time to rest and catch up with life. I feel as if I could stay awake for a week and not 'catch up' with all of my to-do lists, but that is the life of an over-extended working mom. Yesterday, March 4th was also the 8-year anniversary of my mom's death, and Sunday, March 2nd, was Mother's Day here in Ireland, both leaving me feeling a bit sad and left out. I cannot believe how raw the loss of my mom still is after this length of time, nor can I believe how much of my life (and children) she has missed. It is sad. How does one ever accept such a loss?
I am not a person of faith, so I an left with anger and sadness. I accept that death is a part of life, and inevitable one, but I still think it sucks.
In my last post I mentioned Lisa Leonard's silver word-stamped stuff, and I finally received my THRIVE necklace today, along with a couple of rings with the girls names in them.
So, I guess I better just focus on that- go back to that word, and do it.
Thrive.
THRIVE.

Parent Teacher Meetings

2008-02-13T00:11:00.000Z

I have been on both sides of the P/T Meeting table in the last week, and all went well. As teachers, we find that the parents we really want/need to talk to NEVER turn up, and as parents, I always feel surprised that the teacher seems to really know my daughter. I get to know many of my students well, but not all of them. I wonder if their parents feel the same sense of surprise when I say something that confirms that I know their 'real' child?? (and would they guess what we get up to in class-- see photo)

Who knows? I also find it funny that even though I am a teacher AND have a great kid to discuss, I feel nervous or uneasy (like a student or something) when stepping into my daughter's teacher's classroom.

It is funny. Well, it's kinda funny.

My tasks for the month are coming along swimmingly-- I have been exercising a couple times a week (and aching the rest from overexersion), I have increased my water intake (not just Diet Coke and coffee), and I am getting some of those pesky household jobs done. Tomorrow I will even be posting my dad's very belated Christmas gift. Yea me! I ordered my THRIVE necklace from Lisa Leonard (see link in previous post) and look forward to seeing it as a daily reminder.

All is all- life is good, except for being broke! BUT there is another lotto draw tomorrow....

fingers crossed

b.t.w. apologies for spelling errors if they are here- the spellcheck on blogger seems to rarely work

Jones Soda Photo Gallery: Welcome to Jones Soda

2008-02-02T23:12:00.000Z

Jones Soda Photo Gallery: Welcome to Jones Soda

Hey-
a few of my contacts on flickr are doing this Jones Soda label contest-- and I have decided to submit a few pictures that I already took- for fun, I certainly don't expect to win, but it is cool to see your photo on a label. If I didn't have to pay shipping all the way to Ireland I might actually order some... I have had it before, and I do recommend it-- so take a look, and join in!
Happy Saturday

ps- I saw the movie THE KITE RUNNER tonight-- my husband and I both really liked the book, and I highly recommend the film! Highly- way up there, but take your tissues.

thrive- to prosper, flourish, make steady progress

2008-02-01T00:43:00.001Z

Forgive me reader, for I have sinned.... No, really, the year started off a bit bumpy- bad mood, tiredness, car trouble, and complaining. Not that anyone is reading this (yet) but the whole point was to spur me on to make changes in my life. I declined on any real resolutions, as I wasn't in the mood for letting myself down, but I am ready now.

For starters, thanks to the inspiration of Ali Edwards http://www.aliedwards.typepad.com/
I have chosen a word for 2008- what I want for myself an my family- to THRIVE. I made a long list of words like: accept, achieve, authentic, bloom, grow, do, ask, blaze, shiny... to name a few. But when I started looking up the definitions, thrive struck me as how I would like to define my life this year. I have creative goals, personal goals, professional and financial goals, but what it all boils down to is making progress, trudging forward and prospering- seeing and feeling a positive result. So, wish me luck, and feel free to add your word via a comment.

Another great things Ali suggested, which I loved, as I always need visuals, are these gorgeous, hand-made necklaces that you can order with your chosen word. http://lisaleonard.blogspot.com/2007/05/sterling-stamped-jewelry.html After spending a few days contemplating, and then changing my word (I was thinking CARE), I have made contact tonight and look forward to wearing my word to remind myself and others of my focus.

I have been reading a lot of craft and photography blogs recently-- making my own seem senseless as I'm not dispensing any knowledge, ideas or templates, but oh well. There is so much inspiration to be had (artistically, at least), and I will get revved up eventually and figure out a focus for this.
Maybe this blog will become more than my personal rant at some point. For today, I can say, it never stopped raining or sleeting where I live, and my accomplishments were limited. BUT I did fit in some exercise, some me time, and some art (throwing a small pot at school and making a boring poster for the computer teacher, but the second doesn't count since it has no spark)
So, for me, the day wasn't bad. I ate pretty healthily as well. Anyway, babbling....

Monday Again...

2008-01-14T23:37:00.000Z

It has been a very busy week. Since writing last I have.... what have I done? Well, I had a very near-death, near-miss car situation on a slippery country road on Wedneday, when a big SUV pulling a trailer swerved into my lane, eventually completing a 180 degree turn while nearly hitting me head-on. The next afternoon, on the same stretch of road, while changing gears, my clutch or gearbox went out of business. I sat on the side of the road, waiting for the 24-hour emergency roadside assistance assholes to pick up their phone, which they didn't. I attempted to push the car myself, but the clutch had to be engaged, as I couldn't put it in neutral, and I only got a few feet...

Eventually I got help, and was home a couple of hours later. But, I still don't have my car, and I miss her.

What else happened? I have worked on my school yearbook, but not touched my quilting project. I haven't taken any great photos, though I do like the one above, as it was funny at the time, and I look thin-ish.

I must plan my 365 photos a bit more, and would love a DSLR.... but right now I will have to keep on wishing, as the car repair will probably be the cost of a decent camera (or well on the way to it).

Anyway, it's Monday. I have survived it, which is a good start to the week.

Feeling Lost (again)

2008-01-07T17:46:00.000Z

The thing about family is their consistency. I am the eldest of three children, and the only girl. But my brothers are far from babies these days. At the age of 25, they SHOULD be able to remember dates and make small efforts, yet, it seems that they are remaining real 'little brothers' in this regard. And at 35, with our mother dead almost 8 years, I would really appreciate some contact or effort. I realize that everyone is busy. Everyone has their own lives and priorities. But it seems that any tradition or commitment to relationships within the family was swept away with my mom. This really makes me sad. As a family, we had a lot of good times together. Yet today, my dad and each of us kids, are flying solo. I at least have my own little family.
I feel guilty that they are alone, but my efforts to stay in touch seem to only get a luke-warm response. Dad is not bad with email, but my brothers will go months without touching base, and no one has phoned me since I moved to Ireland in 2001.
Does this count as normal these days? Is it the age we are living in, or does this have more to do with us being broken still from my mother's death?
And if we are broken, is there any chance of repairing what is wrong?
I recently took down a notice board I had hanging over my desk, with this bit of newspaper tacked to it-- a little note from my brother, from 2000 or 2001....I think it had been attached to a book he bought me as a belated birthday present when I came to visit. It made me cry on the day, because I honestly adore my brother, and I have the same response now. I miss him, even though he has missed every birthday since.
It's Monday. It's raining here in Ireland. I wonder what my brothers are doing in Atlanta and Korea.....
I just might have to try and track them down. (again)

In with a bang!

2008-01-03T14:03:00.000Z

Wow! We attended a wedding on New Year's Eve- and there was a bit more celebrating that one needed. I am generally very good at monitoring my drink at these events and pacing myself. I cannot say the same for my hubby, but he tries early in the night. Anyway, the killer are the shots- like this Mickey Finn, which looks like anti-freeze or something. The Baby Guinness's are tough too. So, into the new year, and ready for a week of detox.

Seriously though, along with the creativity goal, I DO hope to get healthier. So, you can quote me on that-- I am going to eat (and drink) better and possibly even stick to some exercise! That is the plan anyway... also continuing my 2007 goal of decluttering and organizing all of my beloved stuff. As an artist, teacher and mother, I always find an excuse to keep a broken toy or torn shirt, or lid to a lost Tupperware bowl-- I see it all as fodder for something else. Well, I have been trying to either DO SOMETHING with this crap, or bin it. So, wish me luck in all my endeavors, and I will return the wish to you!

Happiest of new years to all!

happy new years eve!

2007-12-31T00:30:00.000Z

hello, hello....
happy holidays, and soon to be happy new year!
I have no great insights and nothing to share on this eve of the new year. I am heading to a wedding today, going to share in a couples new beginning. I don't particularly like weddings... they are usually WAY too big, and I start to think that they are meaningless and about money and impressions and NOT the commitment the two are making.
Anyway, if I had mine to do over again, I would certainly do it differently. But here's to the bride and groom! may they have the day they hope for.
Happy New Year!

TGI Friday, for real...

2007-12-21T17:31:00.000Z

Christmas is in full swing, and I still feel like a bump on a log. A log that is leaking. My nose won't stop running, and despite the advice of those 'Secret' followers, no matter how many times I 'see' my nose dry and flesh toned, it keeps running. So, what I should be saying to the Universe is NOT I don't want my nose to run anymore, I should be saying I want a dry nose? I want health and prosperity?? I really feel that for the Universe to fully understand the issue at hand (i.e. the running nose) I must mention said nose or else the Universe won't know what I'm on about. Basically, my fledgling confidence in the 'Secret' is fading fast. I am a faithless person, end of story.
I'd like to believe, but it just doesn't happen for me.
So, there you go!
That god (or whoever) it's Friday!

I am really, really bad at this

2007-12-14T01:13:00.000Z

Not that anyone is looking at this blog, or if you are, I don't know how to tell, but I am really, really bad at keeping up with it. In the morning as I drive to work I think of topics to write about and say them aloud to myself... and during the school day, as I have strange interactions with teenagers, I again think, this is blog-worthy. But at 1:15am, when I am actually here at the computer and on this site, well, now I can barely type, let alone string competent sentences together. Sorry.
But already you might be noticing the repetition in my life. Hence the title of this blog. I am always running late, always behind on my work (teaching or art-making), am am always drowning in laundry or other domestic duties, and it truly feels like the same day over and over. I watch the same tv shows weekly, as anyone does, and eat the same few meals again and again. I wear the same 20 items of clothing constantly (but not at once), and I do my hair the same each day. My make-up has not changed drastically for 15 years, except for that one blue eyeliner I got last year.
God, I sound like I am 50. Not that 50 is old or bad, but in reality, I am 34, and until the last few years my life was up in the air the whole time. For example, I have now lived in my house, my first house-house, with mortgage and all, for four years. In another year or so it will be the place I have lived for the longest in my life. We had a good handful of moves in my youth, and once I moved out at 17, it was a different place roughly every year, sometimes less. Each place different, and with them were often new jobs, and new schedules to live around.
I was in and out of college too, my mother had cancer, a lot happened a lot of the days of my life.
Really I should welcome this repetition. I am healthy, my children and husband are too, and I think they love me most of the time. I have a job that I like most days, that allows me to be creative and goofy, while still earning money. I have a sweet dog and cats and entertaining chickens. I live in a 'foreign' country, which offers it's own delights, and sleep in a cozy house filled with the people and things that I love. And during the summer months, my yard rocks!
Life is leveling on me... staying the course, I guess.
That's good, right? I just have to adjust to the absence of drama and upheaval.

jet lag

2007-12-05T23:46:00.001Z

I plan on making a better effort here-- but AFTER I get a good night's sleep. Not feeling up to it tonight. I am feeling homesick for the states and for my friend after being with them for the weekend (them being the friend and the United States, who is in fact like another friend. A friend with margaritas, good books, snow and promise...

Heading back stateside!

2007-11-29T23:08:00.000Z

It seems that this is going to be more of a weekly shindig than a daily... Too much of the same stuff over and over...

Seriously, I have been busy with work and family in preparation for my first getaway- to meet my best pal in Boston for a long weekend. Yes! So it is 11pm now, and I have to leave the house at 4am latest. I planned to colour my hair, cuddle my husband and get a few winks before then, but I am not even fully packed. As usual, I am packing WAY more than I need, especially since I will buy more stuff as soon as I arrive at the airport, but old habits really DO die hard. In this case, they don't die at all.

Terrible Tuesday? Not really, no.

2007-11-20T22:50:00.000Z

Well, another week has started, and it has been a busy one so far. My school days have been very full lately as I am trying to motivate my (art) students to create more unique and interesting work and to really improve their skills. This isn't easy. They are generally lazy teenagers, who, nice as they are, have taken art because it is fun and 'easy'.
At the same time, I am trying to improve my own skills, to reignite MY imagination and find a niche for myself.
So, my days range from creating wire armatures for ballerinas, glazing clay pots, building paper maché dogs, drawing fashion illustrations, doing digital photo editing, 35mm film developing and photo printing in the dark room. Today I also had a professional sculptor come to help plan and build an outdoor sculpture/ seating area with a group of the kids.
My brain feels overstimulated.
I got home at 6pm to make dinner and entertain my kids. My primary creation for the day ended up being turkey enchiladas. spicy.
Once I got the little one to bed I was too tired to do anything more than look at other people's creative endeavors on Flickr. It hasn't been a terrible day, not at all, but a very full one. Just as the moon is nearing fullness right now... so am I. I couldn't take in much more, and most certianly can't put anything out. Oh well, there's always tomorrow.

my secret's out!

2007-11-16T01:32:00.000Z

Today I decided to tell my husband that I am writing/making this thing, as well as working on the flickr site. Why am I doing it, and for who? Both reasonable questions, but my only reply was 'I don't know yet'. I just feel like I have to do something. But here I am at 1:30 am again, and god knows what I am saying at this point. I have to wake up in 6 hours, so I really just need to go to bed.
I am hungry for some creative experiences. I am tired of talking about being an artist, showing teenagers how to make art. I want to start creating my own work, again, or finally. I feel like someone who had so much 'potential' (a word us teachers love) when I was in highschool and my first attempt at college... but I was young and afraid to take risks. I was worried about being cool, or not being accepted, or simply not having anything original to say/do.
Today the last concern is still there, but the others won't hold me back. In recent years it was work and family, but I am aiming for 2008 to be the year for my creative growth.
So maybe THAT will be the subject of my blog.
2007 was my year to let go of things, and to really get organized. Still working on that one, but I am getting there bit by bit.

The lost day off

2007-11-14T22:44:00.000Z

It is Wednesday night, which is usually good for me as I have had Thursdays off for the last 3 years. Since my 2-year-old started daycare this has meant I had one day a week to clean, go shopping, run errands, schedule appointments and work on my masters dissertation. Well thankfully I got the masters out of the way in September, because as of tomorrow I am officially teaching five days a week.

This may sound like a step up the career ladder, but no, I still have the same number of hours and therefore the same paycheck, so it's simply bad luck for Michele. Boo-hoo.
I realize that I have been lucky up to now, and still am lucky in the sense that 'lucky me, I have a job!' but it is still a perfectly valid loss to mourn. I just hope that next schoolyear either allows a rebirth of the day off, or full time hours for this art teacher, who frankly needs some time to make art.

(photo above shows me hard at work in my school, with the visiting Minister of Education, Mary Hannifan)

Tuesday

2007-11-13T22:36:00.000Z

who actually thinks that sunday is a day of rest?

2007-11-12T02:03:00.000Z

Today was another one of those days that goes on forever, yet I seem to get very little accomplished. And accomplishment is a big thing with me. What I did do was this: swept piles of poo out of the garage and swished disinfectant around. Our new puppy, Shadow is restricted to the garage at night and when we are away. Yes, we are cruel, but obviously the mutt is NOT housetrained, so what do I do?
What else? I dropped a big, hot bowl of stuffing on my mother-in-law's floor, and broke the bowl into three parts. She wasn't pleased, as this happened just after she had drop the bowl, and I had then scooped most of the stuffing off the floor and said it would be fine. Being a lover of stuffing, I still ate it and so did my devoted (to stuffing) husband and daughter, but the m.i.l. was sure she would choke, so went without.
Finally I held my crying, teething daughter from 7pm until just after 1:30am-- and now my back and arms are killing! I better hit the sack, as I have to get up earlier than usual tomorrow and be told that my car is not roadworthy at the NCT (National Car Testing) centre. Then I will have 30 days to fit in an expensive trip to the mechanic and pray for luck.
For additional joy, I was told that I will now have to work 5 days a week instead of 4, but will be given no additional hours. So the one day that I had a bit of freedom to bathe, clean, run errands, attempt art... now belongs to Lanesboro Community College. (which is a highschool in Ireland)
Great.

2007-11-11T02:29:00.000Z

One of the things I am trying to stir up my creativity and examine my life, is a project on Flickr called 365 Days. I am taking a self-portrait a day for a year. I turned 34 this year, and find that I am looking and feeling older than I think I should. Like all the women who appear as guests on Oprah, I feel like I have lost my spark, physically as well as mentally and emotionally.

After only 13 days, I feel that my self-awareness is growing, and I am haivng fun (gasp!)- could changing my life really be as simple as holding up a camera and making faces?

We'll see.

what to do?

2007-11-11T01:30:00.000Z

I am totally unsure about this blogging business, but I want to write. One of my life goals has always been to write a novel. I also grew up loving journalism, and find that blogging is it's newest form. So, here goes...

I moved to Ireland from my native Illinois during the summer of 2001. After meeting my eventual husband in an Irish pub in Chicago, I found myself loading a container and heading to a country that I had no interest or connection to, but was ready for the adventure of it all. I had a 5-year old daughter at the time, and since then she has become a real caileen-- totally Irish, in other words It was meant to be for a year, but my mom had died the year before we left, Bush was president and then 9/11 happened.

Suddenly, or not so suddenly, I was happy enough to keep my distance. In this new life it was easier to forget that my mom was gone- since I was so far away from home. It was a fresh start, a new life.

Well, a lot has happened between then and now, but recently it has just seemed like 'more of the same'. It is feeling stagnant and boring.

Back home I liked to think of myself as a traveller, somewhat nomadic in my settlement. I have always loved starting over-- I have had countless jobs and a very long list of addresses. But now I am a wife (yikes!) and a mother of 2. I have 2 dogs, 3 cats and 4 hens.... a mortgage and a very big back yard.

I regularly feel as if I'm living that Talking Heads song-- 'this is not by beautiful house!' 'how did I get here?' ...... Now, don't misunderstand. My husband could not be better, really, besides his lack of tallness, and being able to eat ANYTHING he wants and not gain an ounce, he is a dream. But my life is not as I had dreamed.

First of all-- take away said husband and kids-- they weren't in my plan. (Correction, they were both planned contraception-wise, but growing up, I never thought I wanted them) Same goes for marriage. Both of my parents were divorced, and seemed fairly unhappily married to eachother when my mom died, and she was only 45. It isn't as if that got bored of eachother in old age- but anyway, my point is that nearly everyone I grew up with came from divorce, and it didn't really appeal to me.

I THOUGHT I would grow up in rinky-dink Urbana Illinois, get away asap, preferrably to NYC- become a professional photographer and/or journalist (either National Geographic for travel and sites or some political watch dog for action and controversy) No ties, only adventures.

Well, I must say there have been some adventures, but now it seems I get up tired, go to bed wired, feel annoyed by students and co-workers during the day, and generally live a whole different life that just happened.

I am itching for change, which brings me back to the whole traveller idea. See, here in Ireland, there is a sub-culture of 'travellers', a race of gypsy-types who once travelled around mending pots and pans or doing odd jobs. To be called one is generally considered derogitory, as they are seen in modern times to be lazy, uneducated and somewhat inbred characters living off the dole.
Right now I would take either-- the travelling life, or the lazy one.

There is too much activity in my days, but so much of it feels meaningless. In the past that has meant I should move, get a new job, or acquire another pet. Today, it means to write, to paint, to take photgraphs and to recognize that this life is an adventure too!