From The Middle of Nowhere

Social and Collaborative Media: Tools and Strategies for Today’s Educator

2010-10-05T11:10:00.000-07:00

James Surowiecki captures the power of social media technologies in his book, The Wisdom of Crowds (2005). His premise is succinct: “Large groups of people are smarter than an elite few, no matter how brilliant—(They are) better at solving problems, fostering innovation, coming to wise decisions, even predicting the future.” Although ‘group power’ is not an entirely new concept, thanks to social media, the definition and function of a ‘group’ is changing. Traditional institutions such as schools and libraries as well as educators around the world are at the forefront of this discussion and are being forced to revisit the new learning demands on a daily basis. Having examined ample evidence of the, “social media rubber” meeting the demands of today’s , “educational road” from several of today’s leading social media contributors and their websites, blogs, podcasts and wikis, one can easily conclude that traditional education/ role of educators and students today is indeed rapidly changing. The questions for me throughout this investigation however are 1) Is education changing for the better or for the worse and 2) How can educators (at all levels) use this technology to improve learning?
Sarah Robbins Bell believes that social media technology provides a way to open our classrooms, our students and ourselves to the world. She believes that if we don’t find ways to integrate technology, our students will find the way forward without us. In her podcast at the EDUCAUSE Conference in 2008, http://hosted.mediasite.com/mediasite/Viewer/?peid=5eb9cd4798a4488288e0b6d117f5c99c Bell recognizes the desire of many colleges and universities to hold onto the concept of lifelong learning by simply providing access to a high quality education. However, because learners and social media technologies are changing the way students and teachers interact, she says that institutions have to change their thinking and embrace technology vs. limit access to it. She specifically warns that, “If we are not careful, social media will replace us.”
She brings this point home by contrasting the major differences between traditional higher-ed and social media networks suggesting that while education institutions provide the credibility that many seek in the form of a diploma, social media provides the day to day interactions and collaborations that many of us use along the way and throughout our learning lives. The bottom line for Bell is that social media technology offers new forms of communication; “ad hoc” education if you will, on a scale that we have never seen before. In addition, social media gives everyone a voice (even those hard to reach students) and it’s always “on.” I connect most with Bell on 2 things here: 1) We educators cannot continue to believe that we alone control access to formal knowledge 2) We should encourage learning independence for our students and view technology as a tool or gateway to learning. Although educators don’t necessarily create the technologies we use, we can teach students to use them effectively and apply critical thinking skills.
As an educator I will use technology to communicate with parents and to collaborate more effectively with my peers. I see an opportunity here to leverage social media groups to more effectively communicate whether it’s extending the lesson, homework assignments or projects or research that’s relevant to our daily work. I believe in lifelong learning and feel that the best way to encourage learning is to provide students/families and colleagues with access to information, communication and guidance or support along the way. Although technology has limits, it provides us with a way to communicate more effectively, differentiate learning for our students, encourage discovery and establish the classroom as a learning community.
Steve Hargadon furthers this discussion during his podcast on the value of Web 2.0 technology to help educators ( http://www.portical.org/podcasts/social-networks-%e2%80%94-a-framework-of-tools-part-1-of-4/176.htm ), supporting the use of (Web 2.0 wikis, blogs) in and out of the classroom to develop and sustain cost-effective, global, bi-directional communication. Although he recognizes the limitations for teachers (access to technology, limited time, cost), the benefits for him far outweigh the concerns.
With the advent of web 2.0 technologies such as blogs, wikis and the NING.com environments, educators and students have an ability to engage in or create their own virtual community of learners. In addition, social media/networking provides a way of accessing each other, more flexibility, and more access to information. I have recently become a member of a first year 5th grade teacher community and am thrilled to have found a community I can belong to that share many of my questions, hopes and ideas.
Libraries and librarians (to my constant surprise) are at the center of these discussions too. The need to integrate with social media in their world seems much like a life or death situation. In other words, it’s not a question of if you use social media it’s how often. In 10 Ways Library Schools Should Be Teaching Social Media (http://blog.danielhooker.com/2009/06/23/10-ways-library-schools-should-be-teaching-social-media/) the authors describe the importance of integrating social media in terms of:
1-Promoting Content-“Social media tools bring traffic, and they connect with users who aren’t physically able or necessarily willing to come into the library.”
2-Crowdsourcing – “Social media tools provide unprecedented ways to interact with a large user base with very little effort. “
3-Publishing with Social Tools – “Pushing your openly accessible research out through social media only provides further benefit to those who are following your web presence.”

4-Building Community and Rich Content – “Community has long been an essential part of the library’s function, and it only follows that your library should be doing everything it can to encourage the growth of its user base, both physical and virtual.”

5-Ethics –“Without an understanding of how to separate personal and professional or public and private identities online, it is far too easy to end up excluding or alienating users that normally could have found a home in your library’s online community.”

In my exploration of social media tools, my biggest discovery was the way in which they are being used to find and use research. I was amazed at the depth of the collaboration particularly in regards to the creation of open source curriculum that is underway worldwide. There were 3 sources in particular that really helped expand my thinking on these topics:
1-Twitter as a Learning Tool – Really (http://www.astd.org/LC/2009/0409_galagan.htm)
The point of social media is to turn learning into a more participatory activity. However make no mistake people; Tweeting is not just about socializing. Twitter is indeed a major player in education (whether it’s a political fight, an event or critical discussion or source for more depth and understanding) and can provide educators with immediate feedback on material, class conversations, additional interests and the need for more support. Twitter allows teachers to quickly post tips, questions, writing assignments, and other prompts to keep the learning going.

A minor concern with Twitter, like any social media technology, is the fact that you have to be careful with what you publish. I do think this for the most part is a minor concern given the educational uses I examined but knowing that what you tweet is open for all to see is an important caution for all users.

2-Global Education Collaborative Twitter Users (http://globaleducation.ning.com/group/twitter)
“The mission of the Global Education Collaborative is to bring people together in order to build the professional relationships necessary for effective collaboration related to global education topics.”
3-World Wide Workshop (http://www.worldwideworkshop.org/)
An example of open source information is The World Wide Workshop. They are “a global foundation for developing open-source applications of social media technology and game production, to enhance learning, innovation, entrepreneurship, and an understanding of the world in economically-disadvantaged and technologically-underserved communities.”

“The GLOBALORIA program uses open source social media and Web2.0 technology to empower youth, educators & professionals to create, collaborate, contribute and lead in today's digital and globalized world.
Participants learn thorough creating original interactive media, simulations and web-games with social and educational purpose. In this process they learn content, technology and livelihood skills.”
I was most impressed with the scale of these 2 open source organizations. It was amazing to discuss just how accessible and relevant (not to mention) open sourced information can be.

Whether or not James Surowiecki, Sara Robbins Bell, Steve Hargadon and a worldwide community of social media devotees are right about the power of the group or not, one thing is for sure, the role of education and the demands for information on a global scale is changing because of social media technology. Having reviewed what I would consider only the tip of the social media iceberg, I believe that we educators must thoughtfully evaluate and incorporate the technologies that we feel are most relevant to our learners and our objectives in the classroom. That’s not a cop out by any stretch. I believe that our value as educators is to make students/colleagues/communities aware of what’s available (technology wise) and use critical thinking skills (that transcend technology), to engage in exploration. Like Sara Robbins Bell, I believe that we should not should not fear technology or hope to maintain a monopoly on access to education. We should open our classrooms and ourselves to a world of learning.
To do this, I will personally use a variety of social media technologies such as NING communities and Twitter and Diigo to identify groups, ideas and resources to enhance learning and communication. I will use Blogs and Wikis to manage projects, share information and communicate with students/families/colleagues outside of the classroom. I will use and create podcasts, Facebook accounts, Skype calls to participate in educational activities outside of the traditional learning realm. Most succinctly, I will embrace technology as a tool for communication and collaboration.
Sara Robbins Bell says it best, “all communication is education.” While true, this can backfire. We have to be careful and know that technology has its limitations. Sources like Twitter, Wikipedia, Facebook, are not always credible sources. To this point, I believe that if we are going to make students aware of technology and encourage investigation and exploration it is our responsibility to serve as their guide on that journey. As an educator and technology user I hope to 1) use these technologies myself with my classes and collages and in that way serve as an example to them and 2) educate my students on these technologies and how to use them in a safe and appropriate manner. I will commit to experimenting and sharing what I have learned with others.
There are certainly roadblocks to using technology. They include: time to learn them (let’s face it we are not all lifelong learners), access (our schools block several of the technologies I listed here), cost, immediate gratification/adoption, lack of control can certainly be hindrances. However, like Steve Hargadon I think the positives here far outweigh the negative.

Social Media

2010-09-27T10:53:00.001-07:00

Just reviewed the latest Lee LeFavre videon on Social Networking/Media. Lee cleverly compares the creation of a town called Scoopville--the best ice cream makers in the world apparently, with the creation of Social Media promotion. In this zaney little "video" (all of his videos look whiteboarded) the ice cream HQ no longer is the only game in town making ice cream. People can make their own. When they do, they need to create ways to share information, get reviews and comments on their culinary creations.

Whala! Social media presentation 101. When we become the creators of information/products and invited others to see what we have done via etechnology, you have social media!

Great and easy to understand.

How to Use PhotoStory

2010-09-21T03:09:00.000-07:00

Jing Project "Tell A Story in 5 Frames"

2010-09-20T06:55:00.000-07:00

View my screencast at: http://www.screencast.com/t/NzVhNjQyYT

Here is the script as well in case you want to read along. Enjoy!

The Eyjafjallajokull Caldera is located on one of Iceland's smaller ice caps located in the far south of the island. It is situated to the north of Skogar. Initial eruptions of the volcano lasted for a period of siz days in April 2010 with activity continuing into June.

Sesmic activity begain showing up as early as 2009 and fradually increased in intensity until March 20th 2010, wen a small eruption was triggered.

Although these eruptions were very small compared to other volcanic activity, its powerful blasts resulted in ash and fire causing major disruptions to air travel across Europe. In fact, debris from Eyjafjallajokull created the largest disruption of air travel in Europe since WWII.

In this first photo, you can see the rise of teh ash clud which ultimately reached a height of 9 kilometers or 30,000 feet.

Although Iceland is an isolated Nordic island, arctic winds drove the great ash plume to the south shutting down most major airports across Europe including Glasgow's International Airport shown in the sign here in picture 2. Additional airport closings included: London, Paris, Berlin, Dublin, Madrid and Rome.

This next photo captures the beginnings of the second phase of the eruption which started on April 14. An estimated total of 250 million cubic meters of pyroclastic material was ejected. the viscous material shown here in picture 3 is being ejected from the caldera which stands approximately 1,700 meters or 5,500 feet high. Although this volcano has erupted several times since the last ice age, the second phase was raqted as a class 4 eruption. Though large, it pales in comparison to the class 5 eruption of Mount Saint Helen's in 1980 or the 1991 class 6 eruption of Mount Pinatubo.

As the activity ceases, picture 4 shows a fissure or vent opening, approximately 150 meters or 500 feet in length, releasing the less violent, viscous lava at a temperature of 1,000 degrees celsius or 1,800 degrees farenheight, in a slow moving stream.

By May 21st, almost 2 months into the eruptions, the second phase has subsided to the point that no further lava or ash was produced. Although the ash and lava effects will be felt far into the future, picture 5 shows a welcome end to the day, as a sun sets on the ash filled skies over Northern Europe.

Flickr Pic With Notes

2010-09-20T05:13:00.000-07:00

Check out my photo w/ notes: http://www.flickr.com/gdisharoon/5007595223/

I chose a tourist map from our summer trip to Mystic Seaport, CT. What a beautiful little town! Roll over my notes for key locations!

Aviary Screen Capture and Image

2010-09-17T01:10:00.000-07:00

Screen Capture and Image

http://www.aviary.com/artists/gdisharoon/creations/mcdaniel_college_steel

There are so many bells and whistles with this feature that I really didn't know where to begin. You know you are low on ideas when you struggle with finding a simple URL to capture and begin manipulating! Once I settled on "disturbing" McDaniel College's images, I really did try to use some of the really amazing tools on the site.

I really liked the metal glow feature (as you can see). I really like the simplicity of zooming and cropping which I was probably most familiar with.

I guess what I was going for was an image that transformed the classroom into a moment caputured in time. I hope you enjoy it.

Tell A Story in 5 Frames With Flickr

2010-09-16T23:48:00.000-07:00

Check out my newest (and currently - ONLY) new story on Flickr!http://www.flickr.com/photos/gdisharoon

I believe that telling a story in 5 frames with Flickr provides teachers and librarians with a tremendously good opportunity to encourage literacy across the curriculum. First and foremost, it requires students (and teachers) to be precise and economical--that is, telling a story with little to no words, forces the reader/user to use what has been provided to infer what happened, what's happening and what will happen next. I like the idea of potentially using 5 frames to help students create, talk about and share processes. Questions like, what's happening here, what's going to happen next, how do you know, are great opportunities to think through process and outcomes. Assignments using this siteware could include having students create and present video journals. Ideas may include: something I feel passionate about, what I did this summer, what my family means to me, something impactful in the world that I would like to change, etc.

Secondly, this platform provides students and teachers with an opportunity to think across the curriculum and integrate key links between subjects. For example, I am working on an integrated unit plan on volcanic activity in Science and Math (5th grade) and want to incorporate Social Studies and ILA. A 5 frame story is a great way to continue the Science/Math themes but explore what we have learned in difference ways either through Writer's Workshop (using what we know about science/math related information) to write about what happening in the photos or synthesize what we have learned to create an entirely new narrative. For example, I love the idea that volcanoes can be both destructive and creative forces. In Social studies I may build on the destructive properties we learned in science and math and use the descriptive narratives in ILA to talk about how volcanoes can be creative--where cultures are created and how those cultures incorporate volcanoes and volcanic imagery all throughout that culture.

For me supporting balanced literacy in the classroom means giving my students an opportunity to read, write and present (share) information that they have learned (preferably by making connections across the curriculum). I believe that telling a story in 5 frames with Flickr is an excellent way to use technology to achieve that goal.

Classroom Blogs

2010-09-03T06:16:00.000-07:00

I took a look at 3 different classroom blogs. Here's what I found:

Grade 5/6 - Ottawa, Canada - Elementary
http://mysm2000.edublogs.org/

Very interesting blog. Using edublog and Studio 22, the teacher conducts a book club where students either read a book (or part of a book) and respond by blogging or interact with a book they are reading by writing a letter to the author or character in the story and recording and reading it. There are several excerpts here to preview.

In addition, students conduct news programs, things they find interesting and record them as well. It's a great way to conduct projects within various units and use technology to complete the projects in a new and exciting way.

Collaboration Nation A Middle School Social Studies Blog - Middle School
http://pbogush.edublogs.org/

Another very interesting way to tackle the blog. The teacher sets up a series of topics/questions that the students can post to. Each theme incorporates a Social Studies topic or objective (for example, what is a hero and provide some examples throughout history. why are they heroes).

A great assignment on its own right? Well the teacher goes a step further by actually creating a blogging club that links to the main blog site. Each student member designs his/her own blog page and responds to the topics. The users are accessible from the main page to see what each student is blogging about.

http://grade11fld.edublogs.org/ - High School

An 11th grade Foreign Languge Blog that has resources such as links to studying grammar to glogster poems that the students wrote in the class---GREAT IDEA!!!!This blog also has a link to an international collaborative project (an exchange with Portugal) that this class is engaged in as well as the class calendar and other useful links.

I really liked what I found in these 3 classroom blogs. I loved the Glogster Poem idea. What a great way to not only have students write poetry but have them engage using technology. It's also a fantastic way to archive information and share with parents, families, administrators, teachers, etc.

I particularly like the aspect of using blogs almost as a class guide and diary. You get a real sense for what the class is involved with throughout the year. I do like the international exchange opportunities here (penpal blog).

Blogs can also be as simple as a way to de-clutter students by storing information electronically.

Library Blogs

2010-09-03T05:32:00.000-07:00

I recently visited 3 different library blogs to look at what School Libaries are up to--more specifically, what they are blogging about.

I got started using a wiki site of worldwide school library blogs (K-12). Here's that link: http://www.blogwithoutalibrary.net/links/index.php?title=School_libraries

Goldenview Middle School, Anchorage, Alaska http://goldenviewlibrary.blogspot.com/

The blog functions much like a wiki actually with pictures of students and activities the library hosts. It provides a great deal of information such as: when to return books that have been borrowed throughout the year, Summer Reading Lists, news and updates on themes, projects and contests the school and community host, specialist visitors and upcoming events. It's even got a great section called "Spine Poetry" where books are stacked up to create poetic statements

Dickens Elementary School, North Las Vegas, Nevada http://mrsbentheim.edublogs.org

This blog puts my personal blog to shame. It's the most beautiful and complex blog I have ever seen! It covers everything from recent updates from the librarian (Mrs Bentheim) to reports to the school principal and administration to local school news. In addition it is home to the library newsletter, procedures, policies and latest greatest activities in the school by grade. It comes complete with videos, graphics, newsletters, etc.

Ward Melville High School, East Setauket, New York http://wardmelvillelibrary.blogspot.com/

This blog is more along the lines of what I expected from a school library blog. It's not bad it's just not flashy. Postings include assignments and projects from various participating teachers, Summer Reading Lists, what's going on at the Community Libraries, professional development for teachers and much more.

After taking a look at just these 3 blogs (I looked at some others but there were a few broken or missing links) the possibilities of library blogging are endless both from a content, user and visual standpoint. It's safe to say that I was amazed at how accessable and complex these blogs were. Some common themes included: Available Books and Publications, Procedures, Policies and Newsletters, News (what was happening in the library), Grade level information, Projects, Teachers and Students. I think library blogs are a terrific way for teachers who have a limited time to engage with the library and school media center to read, present and discuss topics of interest. It's also a great way for families to ask questions and stay connected to what's going on.

I personally do keep a blog (though I am not as faithful as it would like me to be). I try to update it quarterly. I started with a monthly post but that's just not possible to keep up with.

I think teachers are pretty scared of blogs. For the most part I think they see them as time consumers with little reward. Since many schools seem isolated (and many are geographically) I think blogging is a terrific way to connect teachers and their classes with other schools/classrooms around the world. A great way to initiate blogging might be through the pen pal concept (blogpal?) To get teachers involved in the school I think librarians could pull together a quick You Tube type video (or live) to demonstrate what it is and how to use it. IF it's short and compelling teachers will come. Oh and it never hurts to serve food.

Visit My New Wiki Page!

2010-09-03T04:07:00.000-07:00

Go to:

http://edvancewiki.wikispaces.com

Wiki

2010-09-03T03:29:00.000-07:00

I just watched the Lee LeFavre, Wikis in plain English---hilarious. Not only was it extremely well presented but it was fun to watch. This would be a great great video to show kids in a library media presentation on wikis or help teachers get on board the wiki bus. It makes something that could be very complex very manageable and reminded me of the smart UPS commercials--I think they are called UPS Whiteboard? I am a fan.

Pagecast Sharing

2010-09-01T05:29:00.000-07:00

Hello again readers,

It's been 3 months since my last online session. Yes, I know, you're disappointed. Me too. Blogging is a not an excercise its a ritual, a routine a full-time way of life.

Anyhoo, I have just started a new course (by the way I only have one left and student teaching!!!!) towards my Master's in Education. I can hardly contain myself.

This blog entry is quite interesting (to me) as I have been perusing various pagecasts (no I didn't know they existed before this either). Another thing you know about me is that I am led by 3 things: Food, Music and Art. I have looked at 3 pagecasts.

Art

I loved this one. It's a new pageflake apparently and it's chock full of all kinds of different artists from all over the world contributing their drawings, paintings, sketches, cartoons, doodles, etc. I think this is just a great way to not only get your work "out there" but a great way to connect with other artists, share space, collaborate, find new inspiration etc. I am particuluarly interested in the art produced from various travels or as a diary of ideas. Some really beautiful pieces here. Take a look: http://www.pageflakes.com/DebiLynn/23879026

Food

Everybody eats right? But not everybody cooks. I love this pagecast called Gayla's What's Cookin. She's got everything in here! From what herbs to grow in your garden to creative cooking by emptying your fridge to international cuisine to the latest/greatest cookbooks out there. I was specifically looking for comfort, everyday meals with a twist. And people..........here it is. How does Coconut Mango Flognarde sound? Don't know what a Flognarde is.......well take a look and find out. http://www.pageflakes.com/gatraylo/21185737

Music

One of the best things I can think of is listening to some great music, drinking a nice wine with friends and making some great cuisine. I often use iTunes to figure our what's new (Lyle Lovett has a new album out!) and I love the feature that makes recommendations based on what you have already purchased. I am a HUGE fan of Blues and Alternative Country. While I was snooping around looking at pagecasts, I came across this one: Messy Blues. It sounds like a great combination of cooking and blues music right. It's also in Spanish which is interesting because there are not that many Spanish speaking blues artists out there. Anyway, have a look see.

http://www.pageflakes.com/messyblues/12245003

That's it for today. As always, in my hope to remain relevant, I hope that I have impacted you all in some small way.

Kelli Hawthorne Run For Life Cross Campus 5K and Fun Run | Westminster, Maryland 21157 | Saturday, May 15, 2010 @ 9:30 AM

2010-03-12T06:32:00.000-08:00

http://www.active.com/running/westminster-md/kelli-hawthorne-run-for-life-cross-campus-5k-and-fun-run-2010

News From the Middle of Nowhere

2010-03-12T05:57:00.000-08:00

Well, I had a wonderfully written new "post" and my internet connection permanently "edited it" for me. Must not have been all that good.

The gist was to inform you that......no....I have not joined the circus.......nor have I been recruited to melt snow in Baltimore. I am in fact, still here....basking in the Middle of Nowhere.

QUESTION OF THE DAY: Why is it that the older you get the harder you try to hold on to your youth? What is the point friends? It's a losing battle. Case in point, I am driving down the road the other day listening to the Drive By Truckers (my attempts at youthful rebellion) when I am suddenly possessed to floor my 2002 Honda Odyssey (carseats in tow), leading police on a high speed chase through the outskirts of Westminster.

This of course was just a short film playing out in my mind as I was driving hither and yon but I ask you.........why? Good lord, why? I am not sure. Am I alone? I doubt it. Perhaps my vast reading audience has some good answers or funny aging stories of their own. I would love to hear them and comiserate (and laugh) with you.

Anyhow......my purpose for this latest blog is really to update you on my latest project (a la Positivity).....the Kelli Hawthorne Run for Life Cross Country 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run. Remember my story in November about my friend and colleague who suffered a horrible fall in September? Well......we are trying to raise funds to help her family cover the cost of her medical bills-----90% of which were not covered by insurance (if that's not criminal I don't know what is). All proceeds from the race will go to the Kelli Hawthorne Fund.

IF you are interested:

WHEN: May 15th, 2010
WHERE: McDaniel College (start/end at the track)
HOW: Go to http://www.active.com type in Kelli Hawthorne at the top in the search field. You can also go to http://www.mcdaniel.edu and click on Graduate Studies to look for the logo.
You can also email me at: khrunforlife@gmail.com
COST: $25 for the 5K $15 for the 1 Mile Fun Run
We are also taking donations for Kelli (also available at the active.com site) or contact me for other options.

Every little bit helps. Perhaps more than the donations, I think this race is about helping Kelli and her family stay positive through this very difficult recovery process.

Thank you for reading..........as always.

Stay well..........and remember to laugh.

Am I really happy?

2010-01-20T06:13:00.001-08:00

The answer is yes!

Second Thanksgiving

2009-11-24T05:20:00.001-08:00

Forgive me friends.....it's been 1 month (plus) since my last blog confession. What can I say.....other than, I have been "busier than a one-legged man in an ass-kicking contest!" Some of you may have predicted this.

As we head into the Thanksgiving holiday, I wanted to simply say that I have much to be thankful for. With much going on in the world and around me, I am most thankful for the peace AND chaos of my, "Middle of Nowhere" retreat. May you be as peaceful and as chaotic in yours.

So as not to lose my vast blog audience, (are there any?).........I have chosen to include a seasonal poem for this month's posting. It's one of my favorites from the great Leona Sevick entitled, "Morning Prayer." It reminds me that life is indeed filled with many riches. Enjoy! Oh and...... Happy Thanksgiving!

Morning Prayer

When their bodies
are pressed against mine
their soft snores
filling the air
with sour-sweet.
Their arms crossed over my heart,
supplicants in sleepy searching
for my earlobes
which they finger between
pointers and thumbs.

When I touch their hair
with my mouth and sniff
one, and then the other.
stroking tiny backs
with bones like those of tough birds
leaning toward flight.

When they shiver with morning--
stretching and curling
unfurling with quivers
that anticipate the day’s work.

When one of them,
still asleep
smiles or smirks
with some secret
hidden deep in the folds of memory
or longing.

I give thanks.

Courage

2009-10-12T17:47:00.000-07:00

When I was younger, someone once tagged me as one of those, “eternal optimists.” It started out like, “you know what you are…” Can you imagine? One of those! I don’t know about the eternal part--that’s a heck of a pace to keep up. Eternity is a long time. But......optimist..............ok...well….maybe I am. Maybe I am not. I guess the truth is in the eyes of the beholder. I like to think that I am I guess. It’s certainly not something I am going to apologize for or something I feel the need to seek emotional therapy for. “Help me, I am an optimist and I can’t stop being positive.” Just…..can’t……do it.

Quite simply, I do purposefully “look on the bright side” of most things whenever possible, or as my mother used to say…….I "accentuate the positive.” Perhaps it’s her fault after all. Yeah…..that’s it, it’s genetic. The reality is that my desire to be inspired is just as strong as it is to inspire others. What’s wrong with that? Consider the alternative…..I’d end up sounding like Ron Smith from WBAL otherwise. Am I alone? Of course not. There are probably thousands of others out there just like me. We're everywhere! ALSO, I know these things to be true: 1-I don’t live in a vacuum, 2-I don't run from the truth 3- I don't take drugs. I am a relatively normal guy living in the middle of nowhere with two kids a wife, a dog, a fish and a house. Life happens to us out here; the good AND the bad.

The purpose of this new blog is to stop now and again (hopefully monthly) to reflect on some of my latest observations and happenings.......even way out here. It's life and death stuff and even far less, but I am going to reflect and there are some interesting, positive and courageous things going on.

First topic: COURAGE. These days, courage may be hard to find but not hard to define. To me, courage is something that CAN develop overnight or in an instant. It's not what happens to you necessarily, it's what you DO about it. There are degrees of course. Courage is fighting someone else’s battle when you know you could just walk away and be fine. Courage is always doing the heavy lifting for those who cannot, thinking beyond yourself, fighting the good fight even against unwinnable odds. Courage sometimes is facing your fears or creating something from nothing simply because it's needed by others. Courage is a risk. Courage is overcoming incredible odds and quietly going on....looking ahead.

Here’s an example: I am currently pursuing a Master's in Education at McDaniel College in Westminster, MD with a group of excellent people; I call us "non-traditionals," all from different places and pasts. We are a mix of all walks of life with a common desire--to work with and inspire children. Not necessarily courageous right? Well.......on September 20th 2009, Kelli a friend and fellow classmate, suffered a life-changing injury while hiking near Portland, OR. She fell 25 feet over a cliff landing head first into the rocks below. She suffered broken wrists, hands and fingers. She broke her cheekbone, all of her teeth, her jaw and several ribs. As a result, she also tore her liver and bruised both lungs. She was saved by the quick thinking and resolve of a friend (equipped with an iPod with GPS-which helped guide the paramedics to her). After 45 minutes she was flown to a hospital in Portland where she weathered the first of many surgeries during her 2 week stay in the ICU. It was a miracle that she survived. Even more miraculous perhaps was her fighting spirit, her determination to live and her sense of humor.

I had the fortune of speaking with her Mom and her best friend throughout her early recovery process. They told me that within the week of her accident that she had begun and was so relentlessly dedicated to her speech and physical therapy that the doctors and support staff asked her to stop. Couple of things here that surprised me: 1-that someone so quickly after a traumatic injury would be motivated to do anything let alone at "too fast a pace" for her doctors to speed along her own recovery. (Last year I ruptured my calf and spent 8 weeks rehabilitating. This makes that look a short little stroll in the park.) 2-According to her Mom, the number of people that knew Kelli and have responded to her and her family has been overwhelming. All without Kelli's request.I guess Kelli has not necessarily reinvented courage for me but through her quiet actions she's just helped me find much more perspective for it and allowed me the chance to have caught a glimpse of raw courage through her story. I feel lucky to know her and to have been able to get to know her friends and family through her amazing story. Even out here, from the middle of nowhere.

I don't know that that makes me an optimist but I can't help but think how positively inspiring she is.Kelli has since been returned to the East Coast where she is recuperating in a hospital closer to home. I have heard that her first priority is getting recovered but shortly getting herself back to her studies and goal of becoming a teacher.