On friendship, and the very best rewards

So I was feeling a little sorry for myself for a moment tonight.  The finalists for the Art Ed Blog of the Year were announced today, and I was not included.  It brought me back to high school.  I was (and still am) really short, just under 5' tall, and on top of that, I'm kind of pigeon-toed and wear glasses.  I was, to the casual observer, a nerdy sort, I guess, good at math, an avid reader, artistic, but socially insecure, and a total klutz in orthopedic shoes.  When teams were chosen in gym class, I was always the last pick.  I didn't get asked to the prom.  College was a bit of a chance to reinvent myself, though I was still short. I have memories of having hair down to my waist, being in a crowded bar where a lot of people were smoking cigarettes, and smelling that awful smell of burning hair. Yikes, it's mine!!!  One of the hazards of being short....  Here's me, circa 1972-73, SUNY New Paltz.

 I have felt like the odd girl out many times in my life, but as an adult, and in my career, I discovered I was good at what I did, and I gained confidence in myself.  I put myself in leadership roles, and became president of my school district's local teacher association.  I began teaching workshops at my state conferences, and discovered that I had workshop 'groupies'.  I began blogging, and I discovered you, my loyal wonderful readership. But there are still times when I feel left out.

Back a number of years ago, at the annual conference of my state art teacher association they would award the Art Teacher of the Year with a really fun gift: an Art Teacher Barbie.  I was smitten.  I am a member of the original Barbie generation, and always thought this would be an award that would really be special to me.  But I knew it was an award I'd never get, because, simply, someone needs to nominate you.  I was the sole art teacher in my building, and felt really on my own.  That story has a happy surprise ending, that I wrote about here.  Here's my Art Teacher Barbie, though not dressed for work.

 

 So I have learned that I get my rewards in unusual ways.  I have a great family, including a talented son who has become a fine young man (as well as inheriting some of his mother's quirkiness), and of whom I am very proud, and that is the best reward ever.  Here's my family:

 

And I have had, and still have, students who are the craziest, happiest, most loveable and creative  beings on the planet.  Here are a few:

 

 

And, I may not be in the Art Ed Blog of the Year top 10, or even top 20, but I have YOU, the best readership on the planet without a doubt.  Many of you have become SO much more to me than just casual readers of my blog and/or writer of your own blogs.  You have become real friends.  So to me, getting to know people such as (I'll use their blogger names) Art Project Girl, Cassie Stephens, Mr. R, Mr. E, Rina, Mrs. Hahn, Marcia, Christie, Artful Artsy Amy, Patty, Sharpiewoman (where are you, Pat?), and more, has been a real joy.  And those of you I haven't named - you who read my blog regularly, who talk to me via email when you want to pick my brain, who recognize me at conferences (the silver hair is a giveaway) and stop me to say hello, you cannot begin to know how important you have become in my life.  Certainly, having readers and friends like all of you is a 1000 times better than having an award badge to figure out how to stick on the side of my blog (which is too crowded already anyhow).

Note: the pics below are with blogger friends and more, at NAEA 2012 in NYC

 

 I expect to have a lot more smiling pics like this, from the NAEA convention this March in San Diego!  Maybe some of you will be in these photos!!


So no sour grapes here; after a little moment of disappointment, I realize I am no longer the goofy shy kid waiting to be picked for a team.  I am proud of myself, and I wouldn't change a thing!  Thank you, readers and friends, for giving me the best award ever.

Love and hugs to you all!