One more draft and I could cross another project off my March list and then it kept snowing all day and I didn’t even bother to get out of my pjs. I can’t even remember if I brushed my teeth.
I had just a few things left to do on this piece I shared above.
Usually, I’m in total control of these pieces but for this one it wasn’t just my story to tell. I had to create in collaboration with my SUNY New Paltz team because this piece was for them. It was their story to tell to N CATE, the team that moves onto the campus to observe and determine their continued accreditation.
I bristled a bit, annoyed that I had to wait for Tom’s revisions and when they arrived the process slowed down as I tried to honor their requests and do justice to the process.
I’ve been at this for 15 years, maybe more and it never gets boring. I always procrastinate before I jump into a new project, adding some unnecessary pressure, so I’m forced to race to the finish line, making it dramatic- heading to bed in the early morning hours. But I love it when one of these creations (OLW-create!) goes live on You Tube, a new addition to my channel.
I love this storytelling format, using Final Cut software on my Mac, editing with their razor blade, condensing the heart of the story, the story of teaching… making what we have kept hidden for so long, public.
In this piece three teacher voices proclaim the power of the Hudson Valley Writing Project. I hope I did everyone justice.
Digital Bonnie 
Love it. The idea that we can share/reflect/create with video and audio (in addition to so many new digital arts-and-crafts ways) infuses me with the spirit to try things. However, something that has happened to me, and I wonder if it has happened to others, is that I no longer truly have a writing space. My writing space has become mobile–on the move–it could be a corner of the sofa just as easily as it could be the dining room table or the outside patio or a hotel room in Rome–and all have been my spaces over the past two years. The idea of a writing space is changing–for me anyway.
Same here Brian. I was so proud to finally have a room I could use to create a great study and I never use it. I carry my laptop with me and everywhere is my writing space.
You did everyone justice. What a great opportunity for those teachers and teacher candidates to be involved in to truly be a learner. Kudos to you Bonnie for honoring them.
What a wonderful program. You are a storyteller and it shows in how you craft these pieces. I am in awe of your skills and want a group like that to be with!
Your work never fails to inspire me, Bonnie, & I’m so envious of these teachers who are able to work together like this. You told the story in three voices, but it encompassed so much more. Terrific!
What a great video, Bonnie. you definitely did justice to the Writing Project and the people involved in it. I am going to share this video with our site director if you don’t mind.
All your pieces speak volumes about the types of thoughtful conversations teachers need to have in order to blossom…and feel vested in their profession. Bravo!
Beautifully done, Bonnie. It’s so professional, and certain to impress anyone who sees it. You truly are an inspiration to me!