A Good Time Was Had By All

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After our film presentation Saturday afternoon, Martha drove Lexi and me back so they could change for a gathering at a friend’s home.  I was outside waiting (and smoking, if the truth be told), and one of Martha’s neighbors, Mr. Ali, greeted me from his balcony.  It turned out that he had attended the film presentation at the high school.  He asked if I was a coffee drinker, and I replied in the affirmative.  He told me he’d be right down.  True to his word, within three minutes, he was downstairs with a cup of coffee!  OH, JOY!  He told me to just toss the cup when I was done since it was a “throw away.”  I looked at the cup—it was quite sturdy, and it said WOLF TRAP on it.  Martha later explained that it was from a cultural or artsy park where cool things happened.  I decided I was taking it to Nebraska with me.  🙂

My cup made it safely to Nebraska.

My cup made it safely to Nebraska.

The “girls” came downstairs, so we left.  Lexi and I were treated to a fabulous supper by Martha’s friends and church family.  We were surrounded by good food (TACOS!) and great people.  I will never remember all the names, but the faces are tucked away in my mind.  I wish I had some pictures of the people there that night.  The fellowship was so amazing!  There were people everywhere!  Lexi was peppered with questions about Nebraska in general and ranching specifically.  She even showed a video of her dad riding a bronc.  Her audience was captivated.

After supper, Renee got us organized for a game of Family Feud.  I just love that game!  It was a super evening, and I hope to keep in touch with many new friends.  I want to hear their stories.

Southern Hospitality

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If you’ve been keeping up, you already know I spent the weekend in the Annandale (VA) area.  My student and I were there on school business, but Martha (founder of American History Film Project) informed us that Saturday morning was for sight seeing in the D. C. area!

Kim and Stephen picked us up around nine in a convertible!  We felt like royalty!  Stephen even gave us some spending money!  I jokingly asked him if he had nothing better to do on a Saturday morning, and he said that God told him to drive us around.  I appreciate that.  🙂

Lexi and I loved the car!

Lexi and I loved the car!

Loving it!

Loving it!

Stephen and Kim took us to so many places that there is no way I can remember them all (in order!).  I have to say that the war memorials were quite moving.  The combat patrol was especially intriguing for me for some reason.  Kim really knows her stuff, and she was chock full of information.  Our brains were full in no time!

The combat patrol is behind Lexi and Kim.

The combat patrol is behind Lexi and Kim.

This fine officer attended a Nebraska university! Small world, eh?

This fine officer attended a Nebraska university! Small world, eh?

Lexi and I both spent some money here. The white shirts were $4!

Lexi and I both spent some money here. The white shirts were $4!

I will post more pictures in the next day or two, so come back soon!  There’s more to tell!

 

 

 

American History Film Project!

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The audience was wonderful. They had some great questions for the presenters.

The audience was wonderful. They had some great questions for the presenters.

L-R Martha, Kim, John and Bonnie

L-R Martha, Kim, John and Bonnie

A student and I made a whirlwind trip from Nebraska to the Annandale (Virginia) area this weekend.  The purpose of our trip was to introduce student-made documentary-type films about our local community.  My student presented her film along with several other students from other states.  Our involvement started last year by a simple Google search!  I manage to “fall into” the most amazing experiences sometimes.  This was one of those experiences.

A year and a half ago, I was informed that I would not only be teaching my normal Spanish classes, but also 7th grade world history.  I take my job seriously, and it sounded like fun, so I spent a lot of time looking for resources.  I found the most amazing idea for a history project when I found Martha Barnes’ brainchild, American History Film Project.  I was intrigued, and we spent the school year emailing about projects.  Three of “my” kids participated making two short films.

Martha (I can call her that because she is now a friend!) has a true passion for history, and she encourages students (and adults) to be proud of their communities.  It’s a grassroots movement to give students a voice.  It’s quite empowering for them to see that others are interested in their communities when they share their films.

Martha’s brochure sums it up best: “Everyone needs to feel important as an individual, yet connected to something larger.  As students learn about and take pride in their local history, the American History Film Project helps them realize their importance as members of a community, while being connected to our nation.  When children across the country create a short film about the local history and share their films with children in other states, they become the teachers.  There is so much to learn from one another!”

Head on over to Facebook (link below) and give Martha’s page a “like.”  Share the link with your friends and family, and make plans to participate!  The American History Film Project is also searching for sponsors, so if you or someone you know can help, please get in touch with Martha!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/American-History-Film-Project-Exhibition/132398160299263?fref=ts

 

Power Hungry?

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It seems like every time I read the news, there’s another headline about a flight attendant kicking an innocent kid and/or family off of an airplane.  It really makes me angry on behalf of the families.  I think today’s flight attendants are missing the point of their job—it is to provide service to customers who have paid a high price for that service.  If a customer is drunk and/or menacing, please have that person escorted off of the flight!  If a kid is crying and needs warm milk or an Aspie child needs a snack to provide comfort and a bit of joy, provide some heated milk or a snack!  It’s your JOB!  That’s part of the service you are on board to provide.

If you are unhappy with your life choices and feel powerless, go find another job.  Don’t go on a power trip by berating an already embarrassed parent of a crying toddler.  Stop bullying children who can’t help their actions.  You are making the situation worse and making yourself look like the small person you are.

It reminds me of the time my (older) daughter and I were on a Greyhound bus from Virginia to Georgia to visit a friend.  It was about nine at night, and she was sitting on my lap giggling.  She was tired and trying to stay awake.  Others on the bus were quiet and napping or thinking profound thoughts.  I tried to shush her, but it made her laugh anyway.

The bus driver gave us a couple of stink eyes before he motioned me forward to say, “Would you keep your kid quiet?  People are trying to sleep.”  I didn’t miss a beat and replied, “I have a great idea!  Why don’t you keep her quiet, and I’ll drive the bus!”  I marched back to my seat, and we made it to our destination with no further issues.

Suffice it to say that I believe most flight attendants love their job and are good at it.  It’s the bad ones getting the press coverage that makes them all look bad.  That’s a real shame.

 

 

Red Carpet

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The cosplayers who wanted to walk to red carpet were (finally) lined up.  I was in a hurry to get a spot for pictures, but it was a bit crowded.  I squeezed in anyway!

The line went around the building to the front of the building for the grand entrance.

The line went around the building to the front of the building for the grand entrance.

My celebrity was getting interviewed.

My celebrity was getting interviewed.

These Dragon Ball Z guys were interesting.

These Dragon Ball Z guys were interesting.

After the red carpet, contestants went into the main room for the catwalk and final judging.  There were some awesome costumes.  The judges looked for workmanship and how much time was devoted to making the costumes.

Bela said this guy made the whole C3PO outfit.

Bela said this guy made the whole C3PO outfit.

This gal won the top prize. She made the whole thing!

This gal won the top prize. She made the whole thing!

Comic Con Part 2

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This fine fellow had a few handlers to help him navigate, dress and undress.

This fine fellow had a few handlers to help him navigate, dress and undress.

Day 2 of Comic Con was even better than Day 1!  Lots more people showed up Saturday, and it was amazing to see so many people in character.  Bela dressed as Black Butler’s Undertaker and was psyched for the costume contest and the red carpet event.  That was the main event for me as well.  I had to make sure I got tons of pictures of her walking the red carpet.  Bela said she was a bit nervous about it, but she did it anyway.

It finally was time to check in for the costume contest, so Bela had her number (42) in her pocket.  I was surprised to discover that I also had a number—42H.  The H was for “handler.”  Interesting notion.  Since Bela is a minor, I had to be there for the judging.  Some cosplayers had two or more people leading them around and helping them with their props.

In between judging and the red carpet line up, I was roaming around taking all kinds of pictures.  In fact, I took 503 photos Saturday!  I had on my red volunteer shirt, but I didn’t have to cover a booth like I did Friday.  I spent a little over an hour Friday covering Alexa Hunt’s booth.  She was awesome.  I managed to sell $60 in merch for her!  I was so proud.

People hung out while the judges talked to each contestant.

People hung out while the judges talked to each contestant.

Anyone recognize the one on the right? I DID!

Anyone recognize the one on the right? I DID!

The judges asked if any of the cards on her dress were rare ones. She said they were all very common cards.

The judges asked if any of the cards on her dress were rare ones. She said they were all very common cards.

On one of my rounds, I met a fellow named James.  His handler told me James is deaf, so I got to introduce myself in ASL.  I was so proud to be able to communicate with James.  His handler even stepped away after he saw us signing.  🙂  James gave me one of his cards and showed me the booth he was working.

James posing with Bela

James posing with Bela

Kim helped Bela put on her wig.

Kim helped Bela put on her wig.

I’ll post more soon about the red carpet event.  It was pretty neat.  We found out that Bela and George (Stoick the Vast) were on Channel 6 Omaha news Friday night.

http://www.wowt.com/home/headlines/O-Comic-Con-Attracts-Big-Crowds-305535621.html