The beauty of the mythical Phoenix

It's amazing how renewal sometimes will surprise you. Like the mythical Phoenix bird.

A few weeks ago, the '79 VW Bus caught on fire. The fuel lines were new, we don't know what caused the fire - but I left the bonnet unlocked and someone may have tampered with the engine. It doesn't matter now. It's completely destroyed. The very next day, my Friend Joey posted some works of his on his FB profile. The Phoenix Woman is the image shown here. Joey Gonzalez is an amazing artist, and I hope he will sell me a print, (or a copy of the digital file)!

Because of the Bus' destruction - complete destruction - I bought a new car. While I was completely happy with my "hippy-mobile" , commuting 60 miles a day in L.A. traffic, I am so spoiled now with a 5-star safety rating, ac, power windows, power steering, airbags, and an integrated system for my iPod (books and podcasts during the commute!)

I also actually filled up my Mac mini's hard drive so much with the images and comic books that I CRASHED IT! A few hours at InVision Mac Services in Tustin, CA (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED) I have a MUCH bigger hard drive, and 2 gigs of ram. What I had with my mini was fabulous, now it's super-charged, ready to podcast and host sites, get back to digitizing my student's art, creating my own digital works, and keeping current with how to use the shiny new tools.

Destruction can be helpful at times. It makes room for bringing in something new.
Now, how can I incorporate this into my teaching or curriculum?

*in my experience, InVision's staff is far superior in support, knowledge, and helpfulness than any Mac store I've been to!

Another step forward

I've created my google account, linked this blog, and finally have begun searching for rss feeds. No longer kicking and screaming as I join the new century of technology - but dreaming of how to incorporate what I learn and use with the tech not only in my teaching, but my daily life. More importantly, how can I bring my '79 VW Bus into the new millennium without ruining it.

Yes, I've seen the '64 that was redone. (see the link) I've contacted VW and the company that did the installations. Whatever magic they've worked on the bus, they're not yet open to sharing, or taking me on as a client. What a pity. It would make the daily commute so much sweeter.

Baby steps, baby steps: I still need to get the bus painted, and a few minor tweaks here and there. Baby steps with technology, too. The "Flylady' motto seems appropriate; "you are not behind, just jump in where you are."

Wednesday is mine!

The last day of the year will be filled with fun tasks to complete. I'll be working on the bus and also on listing Dan's comics for sale on eBay.

I'll visit a bit with my grandmother who will be celebrating and avoiding her birthday. I'll sure be glad when I shake this cold, though. It's time to wrap a few loose ends up and move into 2009 ready to enjoy it all.