Inspiration

There are many things that inspire me whether it's to design or photograph, inspiration for teaching, or self-awareness. Here is the start of my collection............

My dad is an inspiration having survived a massive stroke a year ago, but I was also inspired by the young interns at Duke Medical Center that were his physical therapists immediately after his medical treatment. My dad had lost all mobility on his right side, and because of the brain damage, had to re-train the brain to move and to walk. His cognitive skills were impaired as well, and he was in a state of giving up.

Young Interns 

 Well, three young women interns, all in their early twenties, weren't letting that happen. One in particular, would lead the effort to pick him up, strap him to a computerized walker, and physically move each foot one at a time down the hallway. I was inspired by their patience, determination and compassion. One year later, May 2013, he has full mobility, near 100% recovery. 

 Industry Leaders

Colleen Jones - Content Science

Working in the field of web technology, I am continually looking for reference sources that help me improve my skills in the field. One such author is Colleen Jones, a content management consultant. She has a book out I use for thinking, planning, and writing smart, relevant content with meaningful presentation. 

 Her book is Clout, the Art and Science of Influential Web Content, Colleen Jones, published 2011.  

Her website www.content-science.com is one of my top resources. 

Susan Riley - EducationCloset

The website forum offers free daily articles, lesson seed downloads, videos, publications, classes and and access to an annual conference. 

Her website: www.educationcloset.com

Cathy Hunt - ipadartroom

Cathy is an experienced Visual Art teacher using a 1:1 iPad classroom for diverse students in years 6-12 on the Gold Coast, Australia.

With a passion for using art as a vehicle for engaging with creative processes, improving visual literacy and divergent thinking skills, Cathy is keen to share her knowledge and experience in transformational learning in the art room.

iPadartroom.com was created as a home base for educators to engage with innovative ideas, resources and technology for learning in a art room that combines paint and pixels.  Cathy is part of an international learning network, a strong presence in social media and a reliable voice in the education community.

Her website is: www.ipadartroom.com

Books

I spend alot of time looking for and collecting books on all subjects. I am particularly interested in books on society, leadership, learning, and the arts published in the 50s and 60s. I enjoy comparing the philosophies, beliefs and recommendations for living and learning from over 50 years ago - and noting how little things have changed. I continue to look for the latest written word on how to lead, motivate, teach and create. I have found some great "old" inspirational books for a dollar. 

 One book I recently picked up had a memorable quote. 

"What we do to our children, they will do to society" Pliny the Elder.  

The book, Help at Any Cost, is about the challenges of troubled teens and the cost of private rehabilitation methods, by Maia Szalavitz, published 2006.

I purchased it for 50 cents. The quote was inspirational to me as a teacher......I thought, how true today.....all the more reason to teach. Pliny was a Roman author born in 23 AD.

Artists

I look to the mosaic sculptures of Niki De Saint Phalle for inspiration for color, texture and design. I photographed her work in San Diego, CA. 

Lee Bontecou is another favorite artist of mine. Her intricate drawings and her steel sculptures are based on natural phenomena and organic biological life. One of her books I use for inspiration is, Lee Bontecou: A Retrospective, by Elizabeth A.T. Smith, published July, 2008.