My hubby, Coop, is the principal of a school in Denver and let me tell you... He has his work cut out for him. It's a struggling school, the kids AND the community NEED him; he works constantly, noon and night on their behalf. Seriously, give some love to your kiddo's teachers and administrators; they work HARDER than you'll know. And while I'm on my soapbox, take a moment to tell them how you appreciate them; let them know you care, etc. Do you know that one of the only times teachers and principlas hear from you, the parents, is when you want to gripe; never realizing how passionate the school is about your kids, their future, the school and community? Your educators sincerely put in grueling hours and really want to make a difference. The way I look at it, if you have a concern, or a problem, (and of course you should, it's your child's education), first, it's important to change your approach and secondly, consider providing positive feedback, ideas and solutions along with it. Just think how much better you'll feel and you'll be amazed at the response you'll receive from your teacher, coach, secretary, or principal.
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| Coop hosted a motivational event for his teachers. I made similar inspirational cards like these for The Makerie Creative Retreat so I decided to duplicated the idea for his event. |
So now that I've had a moment to speak'n release...(thanks, I guess I needed that) :)
Because his schedule was SO hectic and he worked so many long hours + barely had a summer break - we made the family decision to forego summer art shows. Yes, this is how I meet most of my new clients, and yes, this is a large part of my biz income... And... Coop and I really enjoy doing them. We love meeting the new artists every season, and we love meeting all the customers and travelers who come from all over to visit Colorado. It is super fun. But ye know... sometimes a girls-gotta-do-what-a-girls-gotta do. Support her man. He needed a break and we needed time together.
The kids were done with school the end of May, but a summer program was placed in Coop's school for the month of June - so he worked until June 29th. During the final week we took care of details, got the car packed, the puppy-dog ready, and we high-tailed it out of town the morning of Sat, June 30th for a sunny road-trip,and some much need R&R. Awesome! Crested Butte, Colorado - here WE come!
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| I've been known to road-trip with a few Red Vines and Tootsie-Pops. Some how it makes singing in the car sound that much better. |
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| Just a few townies showed up on their bikes to hear some outdoor music under the mountains and stars. Did I say they have a few bikes in the Butte? LOVE it! |
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| Mt Crested Butte, right in town. |
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| A view of the Maroon Bells, from the other side of Aspen/Snowmass |
And CB is doggy-friendly. Jetson, our dog, had a BLAST, meeting new buddies over morning coffee, on the trail and during the outdoor concert we attended.
*Also, if you ever get the chance to visit... Listen to me now... THIS is important!
You MUST stop by Third Bowl Ice Cream. It is seriously the BEST ice cream you have ever had! We don't typically eat dessert, but we wandered over to this super-friendly, crazy-yummy place ever night just to try all the creative flavors. (The couple who own Third Bowl had just opened it the week we were there - how lucky were we?!)
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| The cute boy; having so much fun! |
And Coop...?? He finally got to breath.
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| THAT's my man. Doesn't he look SO happy on the river? |
Here's a few fun pics:
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| My outdoor studio next to the river = FUN! |
One morning we hiked Rustler's Gulch Trail - amazing 360 views!!
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| Jetson thinks that was just the BEST hike EVER!! |
I don't know what next summer has in store for me and my normal,
busy schedule of shows - but I do know I'm so glad I took a break THIS year.
It was a summer to remember!
Awesome post! You made such great points about parents needing to support those that educate their kids. My niece is a grade school teacher and I know from her, just how much love she puts into the kids in her class.
ReplyDeleteI know you guys had an awesome summer and much needed break from the crazy that can be art shows. Happy you let me be part of it that first week in June. Love you guys!