Thank you, Pharrell Williams

Until a recent awards show I had never heard of Pharrell Williams. I know, you are thinking that I must live under a rock to not have known about him or his music. Please bear in mind that I am at least a senior, or by some standards elderly, citizen even if I do not admit to being old. But since that first sighting of Mr. Williams and that hat, I have become a fan. Well, that is if you can call it being a fan if I am still unfamiliar with most of his music.

Anyone who can write and perform a song that makes people around the world of different cultures want to sing, dance, and rejoice in being happy deserves all the awards and accolades. But it was in an interview with Oprah Winfrey that Pharrell Williams made an impression on me. During their conversation he repeatedly gave credit to the teachers, especially music teachers that had meant so much in his life. When shown video of people across the world singing and dancing to his song, he seemed genuinely touched that his music reached so many.  Later I saw a clip of when he visited a class, surprising the teacher and her students. It seemed like an honest gift to that teacher rather than just another celebrity seeking a photo op.

In an earlier blog I talked about my music teacher and put in a plug for education in all the arts in our schools. Hearing Pharrell Williams talking about his teachers, I couldn’t help but wonder how many children are out there, loaded with talent that they may not even recognize yet, or have a chance to develop without access to an arts program.

I’m not suggesting that we neglect science, math, or any of the other areas. But we really need things that cross all national and political boundaries, unite us, remind us of the ways in which we all are alike, and make us happy. That his song can do that reminds us of the power of art.

Thank you, Pharell Williams.  

 

This and That

My last post was about music, yet most of my teaching career was as a visual art teacher, and now I'm trying to be a writer. In the lingo that some of my former students might have used, "What's up with that?" The off-hand quip I usually respond with is that I can't decide what I want to be when I grow up. But the more serious answer is that most of us live longer than some generations before us, so we have time for more than one career. In addition, many of us will spend perhaps decades in retirement and thus be able to take seriously what was once a hobby.

I have just returned from the Daddy's Girls' Weekend, a conference for writers and readers. More about that in just a bit, but for now I want to take a sidestep and mention an interesting conversation I had with someone there. We were both in favor of a liberal arts education, of programs that give students a broad base of knowledge - of instilling in them the desire to learn, and giving them the skills to continue learning over a lifetime.

When I was eighteen I was certain that I wanted to do cooking demonstrations as a Home Economist for Alabama Power or Alabama Gas (alas, the Food Network was unheard of at that time,)  or perhaps work for the Extension Service, so my first degree was in Vocational Home Economics. I taught in the field for awhile, but realized later that I wanted to do something else. Taking an art course for my own enjoyment led to another, and another, until I had a second degree in Visual Art, then later yet another degree in Textile Design, followed by additional courses in a variety of areas. You've probably figured out by now that I love going to school, so teaching was the next best thing to being a student. And I got paid to teach. I'm so grateful that my educational experience from high school forward was not limited to one specific area. My life has been so much richer for having been encouraged to explore more than one option whether it be in the sciences (yes, I also taught science, briefly) or in the arts.Will I have a late-life career as a writer? Who knows? But the pursuit of it is satisfying, and I'd like to think that it keeps my brain from totally turning to mush.

That brings me back to the Daddy's Girls' Weekend. If you are a fan of the Carolyn Haines 'Bones' mystery series featuring Sarah Booth Delaney and her side-kick, Tinkie, you probably have heard of the conference. If not, go to www.carolynhaines.com. for more information about it and her books, including the latest in the 'Bones' series that releases on May 20. At DGW, several fans and many would-be writers (including me) gather to learn more about writing and to meet authors, agents, and publishers. To let you know how much fun it is, someone who came from New Zealand last year returned this year! 

In case I don't post again before then, don't forget the Alabama Book Festival on April 19. 

"It Might as Well Be Spring"

My high school teacher, Mrs. Merle Mc Corkle, was fond of Rogers and Hammerstein musicals. Actually, of almost all musicals, so we often sang medleys from many of them. It is surprising how often I find myself humming some of the tunes or singing some of the lyrics, if I can remember them, that is. After all, it’s been over 50 years since I was in her chorus.

 According to the calendar, the first day of spring was March 20, a day I’m particularly fond of, not only because it was my birthday, but because spring is my favorite time of year. What’s not to like when all the daffodils are in bloom? But I’m getting off track here. The song that has been running through my head lately is “It Might as Well Be Spring” from the musical State Fair.  It’s a song more about restlessness and wanting to be in love than spring, but perhaps just the word ‘spring’ in the refrain was what brought it to mind and voice in the last few days. From there my mind wandered to some of the other show tunes and once again I felt a deep appreciation for what Mrs. McCorkle meant to me. The number of students in the Lanier sophomore class that year was one and a half times the population of the town from which our family had recently moved, the number of students in the chorus almost that of the junior high I’d attended. Needless to say, I’d never seen a play on Broadway, nor heard most of the music.

Some critics said that ‘Mrs. Mac’ taught us music that was too mature for us, but I don’t think these detractors ever realized what a gift the exposure we had in her class was to many of us. We sang music from all but forgotten musicals such as The Desert Song by Romberg (which made its debut in 1926,) along with other classics including H. M. S. Pinafore, Oklahoma, South Pacific, Sound of Music, and Showboat. But it wasn’t all show tunes. We came to know Handel, Beethoven, Bach, and many others whose names I may have forgotten to attribute to their compositions, but not their soul-uplifting music. And last, but not least, were the rousing patriotic songs. The closing number of the concert each year was a stirring arrangement of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," during which we former students eagerly went on stage to once again be part of her chorus.

I’ve rambled more than a bit in this post. Maybe it’s spring fever, or perhaps it’s soap box time. In all the midst of all the discussion about Common Core and educational standards, I wonder if those making the decisions know what a life-long impact exposure to all the arts can have. Because of Mrs. McCorkle and the opportunity to sing in her chorus, I developed a joy for music that has only grown, and thanks to her, I’m never “Without a Song." 

Fifteen Minutes of Fame?

When I commented this morning that I felt like a celebrity because I was the guest on Debra Goldstein's blog today, a friend cautioned "Be careful, fame is fleeting." Of course he was right, but I'm happy with even a few minutes (probably less than fifteen minutes) of far less attention than fame.

It has been my good fortune to have opportunities in recent years to get to know authors, not just through their books, but in workshops and conferences. One of the surprises has been how generous most of them are in encouraging those of us who are hoping to join their ranks. Debra Goldstein is one such author. I am honored to guest blog for her today. I hope you'll check out www.DebraHGoldstein.com and get to know her and her work. And while you are there perhaps read my offering today.

Groupie? Stalker? Fan? Admirer?

I once described myself as an author groupie or author stalker. Neither is accurate, although a couple of authors might beg to differ. I like meeting authors, hearing them read or promote their latest books, or just getting to breathe the same air. To say I'm merely a fan or admirer doesn't quite cover it.

Auburn University at Montgomery, Huntingdon College, Alabama State University, and local bookstores Capitol Books, and Roots and Wings (sadly, now closed) have provided numerous opportunities for me to hear or meet authors, both famous best-selling authors and the newly published. In addition to the book-signings and/or one-time presentations, there are some fantastic day-long or weekend events in Alabama. In mentioning this, I fully realize that I am not providing a complete list by any means, so I'll only rave about the ones that I've attended in the last couple of years, or will attend this year.

My author fix for 2014 started with "Murder on the Menu" held in Wetumpka on February 9 (sorry that I didn't think to tell you about this is time to attend - but mark your calendars for next February.)  Held as a benefit for the library, attendees have lunch with around 20 mystery writers from across the country, hear panel discussions by the authors, perhaps become a character in an author's next book, et cetera. This was either the fourth or fifth one I've attended - they're that much fun.

On the first weekend in April I'll be in Mobile for Daddy's Girls' Weekend. Followers of the Bones/Sarah Booth Delaney series by Carolyn Haines will recognize the term Daddy's Girls. If you don't, run out and get one of the books immediately, because you're missing something. The weekend features events for writers and readers. Mini-workshops with well-known authors, agents,and publishers are coupled with several social events that are more fun than some of us should be allowed to have. There is the crowning of a new Big Daddy each year. You just have to be there is all I can say about that! Oh, and did I mention (insert brag here) that I got to work with Carolyn Haines and other Daddy's Girls on a cookbook that will make its debut that weekend?

April 19 is the date for the Alabama Book Festival, held in Old Alabama Town in Montgomery. It would take pages to tell you about this, but for now I'll remind you that it is a free, all-day event. Notice, I said free. Of course you will probably want to buy some food or books, but it's nice to be able to bring a family on a nice outing with events for all ages that has no admission charge to any of the venues. If you have children, there are special free crafts as well as wonderful authors. I can't even tell you how excited the children are to meet the authors of the books they love. (Parents, are you listening here?) There is only one problem with the book festival - you can't be everywhere at once. There are usually six or more venues with things going on at the same time. I think the line-up includes around 60 authors this year. Check the Alabama Book Festival website to see who they are this year. Come that morning and stay all day, or come for an hour or two if that's all you can do. My favorite local bookstore, Capitol Books sets up on site in the Grange Hall that day to make the books by the presenting authors available if you want to have an author sign one.   

The Alabama Writers Symposium held in Monroeville is the weekend of April 24-26. This year the theme is "Saints & Sinners." In addition to the readings and discussions by wonderful authors, there is the presentation of the Harper Lee Award for Alabama's Distinguished Writer. This year's recipient is Mark Childress. The Eugene Current-Garcia Award for Alabama's Distinguished Literary Scholar will also be announced. A not to be missed extra is the stage version of "To Kill a Mockingbird" performed at the courthouse. Yes, the very courthouse where Harper Lee's father was a lawyer, and the locale for Gregory Peck's scenes in the movie version. Be sure you drink the water while you're there. So many outstanding authors, musicians, and artists have Monroeville connections that many think "there's something in the water."

Fairhope is the setting this year for the Alabama Writers' Conclave Conference on July 11-14. Rick Bragg, the Writer-in-Residence, will speak, and will lead a workshop as will several other authors and an agent. A highlight of the conference each year is the awards banquet, where awards are presented to winners from across the country. It's a good conference, and it's in Fairhope - not that I need much reason to go to Fairhope.

As I said at the beginning, I know this is not a complete list. Visit the Alabama Writers' Forum website www.writersforum.org often for news of events in Alabama.You may be surprised to find how many wonderful things are going on!

Postscript

The weatherman was right. We did have snow. Unfortunately we had freezing rain first, then sleet, then snow that left our streets coated with ice. Facebook posters and national news commentators made numerous comments about us being shut down over such a small amount of snow. We should have been prepared, they said. And how were we supposed to do that? First of all, we didn't know that Mother Nature would change not only her time schedule, but the temperature and type of precipitation.

Yes, we've had ice before - but the last time I remember anything even vaguely like ice to this extent was in 1982. We don't buy snowplows and stock chemicals for something that happens maybe every thirty-plus years or less. Snow tires or chains? Most of us in the South have never even seen them. Comments about lack of skill for driving in this? What are we supposed to do - construct an ice field somewhere and run us all through it as part of our driving exam? And as best I can tell, even the most experienced driver can get into a real mess when ice is involved.

And you laughed about some of our schools closing. Some didn't, and hundreds of children were stranded overnight and longer because the roads became impassable when the storm moved in much earlier and further north than expected. School buses couldn't run, parents couldn't reach the schools. As a former teacher I can say from personal experience, most people do not realize how seriously teachers take their jobs. Nor do those outside the field understand how much responsibility each teacher takes on every time she or he enters the classroom for the day. Teaching the content of the curriculum is but a small part of the job. To all those teachers who not only stayed with stranded students, some of whom had possibly never spent a night away from home, but made them feel safe and secure, I want to say "Thank you."

Did the Weatherman Say SNOW?

For several years I have attended a week-long summer institute in July held in Radford, Virginia. Around a thousand gather there – families, singles – all ages from infants to some in their nineties. They come from all over the United States along with a few from foreign countries. Spending the week there has given me the opportunity to make friends a wide variety of people.

When some of them realize that I live not just in the Deep South, but in south Alabama, the question often arises: “How can you live there?” It didn’t take many times for me to figure out what was behind their question, and given the time it often leads to wonderful discussions. If time doesn’t permit or I think the person is not really open to discussion, having already made up his or her mind about our area, I answer “January.”

Most of the questioners are from those areas of the country where January is always cold, often with snow and ice. I mention that our cold season is from December through February with an average daily high of 63° F., and that by mid-March the daffodils are blooming. Sometimes I just can’t help myself!

Our weather was unusual for a few days in the past weeks, with colder than usual temperatures that led to closing schools or delaying opening. No doubt that amused our neighbors from cold climates. They didn’t realize that we rarely have weather like that, so often a sweatshirt will suffice. Few if any of the children have clothing appropriate for standing at the bus stops when the wind chill is in the teens or lower.

Snow is predicted for tomorrow, and again our weather-hardy friends will wonder why even a little of it shuts down everything here. Think about it though – most of us have never even seen a snow plough since none of our cities own even one, and the state doesn’t have any of that stuff that keeps the overpasses and roadways from freezing. Our best hope is that the sand they scatter about can make for a little less slipping and sliding, and that people who have rarely seen icy roads will stay off them.

There is the also matter of ice on the lines that causes them to snap, leaving us without power or phones. It could happen, so I guess I’d better end for now and make a grocery store run before all the bread, batteries, and candles are gone. Stay warm friends!