April 21, 2024 – My Favourite Thing

There is nothing I love more than JAM. When people are doing what they love, I can’t help but be enamoured by what they are doing. One of my most favourite things to do is going to craft fairs, like Circle Craft in Vancouver, BC. Artists and folks who make things bring their craft to be adjudicated. If chosen, they have the opportunity to sell their craft at the fair. From there, thousands of people browse the stalls at the craft fair and attendees pick and choose what to buy of try. Wow. That takes such courage, love, and belief in one’s work. That JAM is so admirable.

Last night, I watched “Rube & Rake” at the Art Space above Books & Company. I got an invite from one of my former students, now colleague. One of the musical artists is her brother. The performance, sound, and storytelling were amazing and entertaining. I was so glad to get out last night to be with folks from Harwin Elementary school. We were just “being people” on “be a person day.” It was a good day to spend the day. I loved listening to the lyrics and the playfulness of the music. I did not know how much I enjoyed the banjo until last night. It was fun.

I am reminded about passion, love, and joy watching this performance. You have to do what you love. As mentioned in last night’s performance, there are ups and downs when pursuing what you love. You have to have hope and dreams. You also have to have folks around you who share the same (or similar) hopes and dreams. The performers spoke about playing together on the east coast for about 10 years, they released 2 albums, and there is one more album on the way. The hometown boy moved to Newfoundland 13 years ago. I can only image his reasons why.

When I have experiences like this, I am brought into reflection thinking about my path, decisions, and journey to where I am today. I love teaching. I’m not the “best” at it, but I do appreciate the learning process and I love interacting and supporting others on their pedagogical journey. I love the flexibility, autonomy, and agency in my work and I love that I get to create, imagine, and critically think and reflect about teaching, leadership, and learning in K-12 and higher education. What I am reminded of is, there is always ups and down, but focus on the JAM and the joy.

I am grateful to have this experience. I am reminded of my love for JAM and that I was giving the opportunity to witness JAM and the joy derived from it. There is not guilt, shame, or embarrassment. All I saw was pride, love, and respect. Even the former student’s and one band member’s mom and dad were there to witness as well. I was so moved by their attendance and the stories (and jokes) told. You have to do what you love and not worry about what other people think. I am brought back to “the perfect curling shot.” I felt it. I saw it. One can only celebrate.