Looking Elsewhere

I get a ton of inspiration from my classroom by looking to other teachers. I am proud to call many of my #artsedheroes friends and look forward to our time when we connect at conferences. One of the great things about them is how I came to know them. I discovered them all online first before meeting face to face. The internet can be an amazing tool; it is a place where I gather ideas and sort out which ones will help me achieve my goals in my classroom and beyond. 

In addition to finding inspiration from teachers, I have recently been looking to other places on the internets. Here are a few places I regularly venture to for ideas and reminders.

Lauren's Lyst is a lifestyle blog by Lauren G Ireland. I am not really big on lifestyle blogs; I do not consider myself a fashionista, trendsetter, or even remotely stylish. What keeps drawing me back to this blog, though, is Lauren's hope-filled posts that reflect on enjoying life, both the one you have and the one you are building. From highlighting great sights, sweet treats, fun sips, and of course, great fashion, Lauren wraps up each post in personal stories which help remind me that making it personal matters (full disclosure: Lauren's grandmother is my great aunt). I appreciate the aspirational message Lauren offers and it acts as reminder of what I want to try to offer my students when they experience my classroom. 

He Fed, She Fed is a food blog by a couple who lovingly refer to themselves as Romeo and Juliet throughout their posts. I came across this site just a short time ago when trying to figure out where to get dinner in the Grand Rapids area and am sad to say that they concluded their run back in February. Even though their posts are no longer new, I have been enjoying reading back through their reviews and comparing it to my own opinion. Their honest take on food is a great reminder to trust myself and my taste about what is good and what is not. Sometimes I get caught up in hearing how great some restaurant is, and even if I try it a dozen times, I just can't seem to see what others do in it. This blog reminds me it is okay to call things as they I see them and not worry about what others think. 

Twitter is one of my favorite places to connect with teachers and seeing what new ideas and methods are being used to propel learning forward. It is also where I get to follow some of my favorite entertainers, which happen to include the two ladies pictured above, Lennon Parham and Jessica St. Clair. I first started following them after falling for their short-lived show BFF on NBC. I was really sad to see it go and was worried that would be the last chance I would see their shenanigans on air. I was incredibly happy to see them reappear on the USA comedy, Playing House. The show is filled with references and punch lines that makes me wonder if they are ease-dropping on my conversations. Their persistence is admirable and the way they connect with their fans is both fun and sincere. Their work towards living their dream reminds me to never give up on my own. 

One thing I will try to remember as I move into the school year is to keep searching out there for new places that inspire me. If you have a favorite place to find new ideas, please share below. 

Until next time, I will see you on the internets.