Lately, I have felt as if I am a missionary.
Every day, I sail my ship up to the Land of Yeahbutz.
I sail into the harbor from the Sea of Possibility and dock my boat in the Cove of Content.
As I wander around the island, I meet people who live in NeverNufTime Cliffs who are always glad to see me but are anxious to get back to their planned schedule that has worked for a long long time.
I wander on and greet people in both the Hills of Why and answer the same questions and meet with the people in the Plains of Always as we discuss the good old days.
The Isle Never Change group is always cautious as I approach wondering what new idea I might offer that they will have to either ignore or find an excuse for and I continue on my way to the Valley of Good Enuf to greet people with smiling faces, who love their village, and feel that it is the perfect place to live.
I always am sad as I journey on to the Coast of Lakafunding. They would really like to expand their village, keep current with new ideas, yet…..they do not have the resources to move forward.
As I leave, I am filled with sadness for I wish to be an influence to these people, but yet……have not made an impact.
I did notice though, as I sailed away today, I saw several groups of people moving towards Hope Bay. I look forward to meeting with them on my next visit.
Smiles,
Just my thoughts today.
Jen
February 7th, 2009 at 7:43 pm
love it!!!!
February 8th, 2009 at 9:06 am
You creatively said what i feel often!
February 8th, 2009 at 1:42 pm
What a Fantastic blog!
February 8th, 2009 at 2:20 pm
Jen,
Your writing is very clever and really is something that many teachers, technology coordinators, and workshop presenters could quote! I did a workshop for High School Science teachers last week and I think I was on your island. They had many legitimnate complaints about what is blocked in their schools – but also just very ingrained in how they had always done things.
Anyway, you have got to look beyond your school and beyond what you see day to day. I am in touch with so many teachers who you are making such a difference in their classrooms with your projects. You have to know that all that you do is changing how teachers are collaborating and understanding how these projects effect their student’s learning.
They are also listening to WOW2.0 learning about what is available to them and meeting other experts through you.
Remember your “baby steps” and your “take each success as it comes” – You are making such a difference in our world of bringing the excitement of technology to make life long learners. I know you are one of the trailblazers and you need to know that!
But, gee, Jen, when you are a little down – you sure write good!!!!
February 8th, 2009 at 10:27 pm
@Andrea @Lor @Andrea — Thank you. Means a lot
@Judi –
Had to laugh — I didn’t feel down — I just had the urge to be more creative. Had an image in my mind, and just wanted to blog it.
Smiles, but I shall try to be down more often — LOL, just kidding.
Thank you for your kind words. They are very appreciated.
Jen
February 9th, 2009 at 10:46 am
Absolutely loved your post! I’m going to print this and post it on my bulletin board. It’s those folks that do move to Hope Bay that make the job worthwhile.
February 9th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
You are amazing! Trying to stay on the coast….the coast of The Sea of Possibility.
February 9th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Came by after Cathy alerted me to your post and had to muffle my laughter as I am proctoring DRA tests today (ick). The tech gal is always “free” for this sort of thing, isn’t she? Judi is right about your sphere of influence though. I am a big fan of yours and you’ve taught me so much via the podcasts!
February 9th, 2009 at 7:28 pm
Hi Jen, As usual, your post is right on. Cleverly written but oh so true. There will always be these groups….but take note that you are making a difference on a global spectrum. And, I for one, thank you for what you do.
February 9th, 2009 at 10:17 pm
Smiles — to all my friends who posted.
Sorry if it was so dramatic — honestly, I just had a vision of an image and drew a story around it. Things are okay at my school — they (and I) always could do better.
Interesting though, in the last 24 hours, 3 teachers have come out of the woodwork wanting help with things I have suggested many times before.
A good friend told me tonight — until they have the need, they won’t see the need. Which is true…once they see how some things will help, I am pleased as punch to assist them.
Thanks though — for those who tried to console and encourage me — honest, I wasn’t down. Just having some fun being creative.
Jen
February 10th, 2009 at 11:12 am
Jen,
Very thought provoking. May I use this in a future presentation with proper credit, of course? You’re full of talent, girl!!!
Thank you for being so willing to share!
Lee
February 10th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
@Lee —
please do.
J
February 16th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
Jen,
One of the most cleverly written posts I have read in awhile. You have created a country that we all know too well.
Loved it!