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About 9:30 yesterday morning a Facebook message put a smile on my face and a happy tear in my eye. I haven't stopped smiling since. I'm not trying to be cryptic, but it's not my story to share, not really. So I'll keep my mouth shut, my keyboarding fingers quiet, a smile on my face and wait til it's OK to share.
But after that good news, the day just kept getting better.
I finished grading my Creative Writing students' Digital Storytelling projects. Wow. Most of the kids did an amazing job. Some are heartbreaking. Some are disturbing. And I'm not going to sugarcoat it, some are awful. Well, not awful really. They just didn't spend the time on the assignment that it required, and what they ended up with was just incomplete. I'm sharing out more of them on our Facebook page and through Twitter #CWFierce if you'd like to see some more.
Here's one of my favorites:
Then I got home and checked my personal email. A letter for Chloe from Sam and a note from Ruth made my smile even bigger. We're finally going to meet face to face! At NCTE! Next week! For Lunch! Ruth is one of my bucket list people, you know. I feel like we've been great friends for awhile, we just haven't sat down face to face. And if meeting Ruth is anything like meeting Christy, well, we'll talk like we've known each other forever!
There are others on my bucket list also--and I've started connecting with them through Twitter and Facebook. I hope I have enough time to go to sessions!
NCTE. It's this coming week, you know. And this
I've got my list of things to pack. I've extra boxes in the car to bring books home. I've got a rolling bag to drag through the convention (though that may be overkill). I've got the author signing list in my folder, books to take for the swap on Sunday, comfortable shoes (and I am shopping today just in case I need some new ones). I've read all the blogs I've found for navigating NCTE. Followed advice on Twitter. I am ready.
Can it be Thursday already?
Wow! What a week you have ahead! All that learning at NCTE and then the highlight of meeting Ruth beside! I know it will be wonderful! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteI love the digital storytelling project. I'd love to know more about how she filmed herself drawing the pictures. Is it a special app, or she just took lots of pictures in process or ????
I think she used time lapse photography on her iphone or ipad. I'll have to ask for sure, but isn't it cool?
DeleteI've enjoyed the digital projects I've seen so far. The ones you've posted are great, obviously.
ReplyDeleteLet me tell you, from personal experience, meeting Ruth is awesome! You will talk like you've been friends for years. Of course you have been friends for years. Enjoy your time at the conference and hanging with some amazing people. Color me green with envy.
I've posted a couple more Elsie.
DeleteSo glad you're going to NCTE and meeting Ruth will be the frosting on the cake! It's never too late. I went to my first NCTE last year after retirement, and it was so fun! Enjoy every moment. The hardest thing - deciding between sessions that occur at the same time. Take along plenty of fruit and protein snacks because you won't stop for meals, except, of course, the lunch with Ruth!
ReplyDeleteFruit and snacks are on my shopping list today. Lunch with Ruth is Thursday when we both get there, so at least we won't miss sessions!
DeleteLoved the digital story! I need to borrow that idea. :-) How exciting that you're going to NCTE! My first time was two years ago in Boston, and I was overwhelmed and beyond thrilled! You'll love it! My session is late Fri. aft. Have fun with Ruth - she's wonderful! I'm excited to meet Margaret Simon for the first time! We have lunch plans, too. :-)
ReplyDeleteI have your session marked, Holly. And Margaret is another I would love to meet! And you!
DeleteHey Deb and Holly, "Here I is!" Can't wait to met you both F2F!
DeleteI went for the first time a couple of years ago, Deb. It doesn't matter how experienced, it is a thrill. So happy you and Ruth can finally meet. And looking forward to this 'new' wonderful news.
ReplyDeleteA couple weeks Linda and it will be a celebration post!
DeleteHave lots of fun at NCTE!!! Meeting people face to face was my favorite thing about the conference last year. Wish I was going this year, but alas, I'm not. I can FEEL the excitement with your post!! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteExperienced teachers need inspiration and energy boosts just like newbies and sometimes a bit more. How exciting that you are going to meet Ruth.
ReplyDeleteDeb,
ReplyDeleteI am so excited for you. You will LOVE this conference. It is mecca for us literacy folk. I am going and hope to meet you. ENJOY the ride.
What a great community teachers online have created and to meet in person must truly be a thrill!
ReplyDeleteThat video is amazing. Your student did an excellent job. Have fun at NCTE!
ReplyDeleteDeb, I am so excited that you will be going to NCTE. Margaret Simon, Paul Hankins, and I are meeting for dinner on Thursday night. I asked Ruth if she was free. Want to join?
ReplyDeleteLots of voice in your student video.
I would love to join you all! I'd cross off more of my bucket list!
DeleteI love the digital story telling! That turned out so well!
ReplyDelete