Tell it like it is.

Things come to me at strange times. I write notes to myself regularly in order not to forget. A lot of times this happens when I lay down to take a nap. I am a napper. I will take one everyday if I get the chance. But often I am interrupted by thoughts. Things coming to me as I quiet down...or as I want to quiet down...that is when the thoughts come. Paper and pen is handy on my bedside table.

Lately it has been thoughts for my album class at CKU. What do I want the students to learn? What do I want them to take away with them - more than just an album. Content. With meaning. I want them to leave with more knowledge & confidence about designing their own albums AND I want them to take home a new appreciation (or a renewed appreciation) of the everyday. That the everyday is the bulk of our lives and should be celebrated.

My notes are often reminders, such as this one above which says, "I want to be the one who tells it like it is - my pages are lined up + orderly (most of the time) - but for me, beyond the design is the story." A reminder to myself to focus on the story. What is it that I want to say with this page? What is the story I want to tell?

I like compiling all my little notes together. Seeing what I was thinking...and bringing it back to the forefront of my thoughts when I need it most. I guess that is the beauty of it for me. Writing it down allows me to clear it from my mind for a time until I need it again. Simplifies things. Makes my head less full of stuff...so you can imagaine the piles. And the loose papers. Bits of things here and there. All little evidences of my thoughts. Reflections. Memories. Things to be remembered.

On another note: Part of my morning today was spent creating a CD for my CKU class. I want to try to incorporate some music into my presentation - or play some during the work times. Going through our collection of CD's and uploading them was so cool. Music really is all about memories too - times and places come into my present. I came across this CD by Calobo. A great little west coast band that was so hot when I was in college. Funky, mellow, happy - just the right mixture for spring on a college campus. If you like the Dead or any other folk rock music this might be one for you to check out.