Everyday the big wigs at the top of behemoth corporations dictate our lives and take away another fragment of what little freedom we  have left. All the while, they are robber barons stealing people’s last nickels, dimes, and even pennies. There is much to say about this, and Joe said most of it in his book. The latest marriage proposal between Comcast and NBC-Universal is a true recipe for disaster for the ordinary person – and the person trying to make a living from the Internet. As Joe stated in Knowledge and Critical Pedagogy: An Introduction, “The achievement of a[n] [hegemonic] infotainment culture is a remarkable coup for the power of capital, for such a ‘cultural pedagogy’ penetrates to a geographical breadth and depth of consciousness never before imagined” (p. 194). Comcast and NBC must be stopped.

This is about music, this time. Joe loved music, which is clear, given all of the MUSIC Easter eggs he hid in his books. Music comes from the hearts and souls of people who create it and it speaks to the hearts and souls of people who listen to it.

But the multinational corporations such as Viacom aka CBS and top recording studios would have the hearts and souls stripped out of each and every one of us. Yes, they would have no qualms about putting children in prison for five years for copying a song to GIVE to their friends and they have sued YouTube for a BILLION dollars to prove they are serious, and it has gotten ugly, invasive, and even uglier.

It is interesting to note that Viacom has great legal and political connections. I wonder if these big corporate conglomerations have anything to do with it being a crime, (purportedly to protect the musicians so that they can make their money) for copying a song, ya think maybe? Oh, are these corporations ever so altruistic…hah! I don’t believe if for a minute.

This is not about money for the musicians. It is not about money or “capitalism” at all. Capitalism is merely one small tool these corporate conglomerates are using to take over the world. They have many more powerful tools – such as making it a CRIME to copy even one song to share with a friend. Another great tool is owning ALL MEDIA so that they are able to infiltrate minds with their ideological, fear mongering infotainment. This is about POWER soon to expand the globe, and the sooner we all get together and exert our “proletariat” collective power, we can have these megacorporations begging at our feet. It takes commitment and it takes collaboration and it takes unity– but we are all too busy, too isolated, and too afraid to take the actions necessary to cut these idiots out of our lives. We are exactly where they want us and keep us. Sad, very sad. What are we going to do about it? And when are we going to do it? Are we going to wait until it is too late? Maybe it is too late already.

How does power and music interrelate? As I stated, if they can take our music away from us, they have taken our very souls and they have thus succeeded in the most despicable manner possible to take power. In fact, Joe had commented in Knowledge and Critical Pedagogy: An Introduction, that if the music is over, it is ALL OVER. And we might as well turn out the lights.

As far as money for the musicians – of course,  they need money and should reap the rewards for their talent, skills and work. Is there a grassroots effort going on anywhere for and by these musicians? For example, are there options for them to get out from under the big corporate recording studios who just steal much of the money anyway, far more than their fair share?

We simply must not let the music end. First, if we can afford to pay for the music, we should do so. One way to support such efforts as YouTube and the artists at the same time, is by clicking on their links and buying the music. Or why don’t musicians all get together and break their unfair contracts, set up web site similar to YouTube and ask for contributions. Is there such a site already? Can musicians work in the united effort this would require? Those of us who know how valuable music is and have money to contribute will do so, generously.

Also, perhaps, if people were to set up a “collective” critical kitty in which we could contribute money for the music – the people who have the money – and distribute it to the musicians who want to participate in order to make up for any suspected loss in revenues on account of technology and the easy reproduction of their music…..(although, I will say that the jury is still out as to whether technology has harmed or helped the music industry; perhaps it’s the corporation’s deep pockets that are more to blame). Nevertheless, this sort of system might be very beneficial for new, emerging artists. OMG!!! This looks like communism --- or maybe socialism (what’s the difference?)…..yikes! Help! Get me outta here.

I don’t know what the solutions are or if any solutions are in the works; I just know that it does not look good for humanity when people can be put in prison for five years just because perhaps they don’t have money and so they copy a piece of music they would like to listen to…..

Let’s just keep the music playing.

How do You Keep the Music Playing – Tamia and James Ingram

Image courstesy of Microsoft

Today’s Public Service Outreach Announcement was going to be about the Liberty Bell, but word came to me that there are families feuding. It was requested that I change the topic to family discord and anger management. The Universe, in spite of what many may think, prefers harmony and when families argue, fuss, and fight, it upsets the natural, rhythmic flow of its evolution. And it upsets people.

There is no reason for yelling, name calling, or any form of violence – even the threat of violence. Yet, there are many of you who resort to such things and worse. The only reason I am bringing this topic up is because I was asked to advise people out there who have these issues within their families to research their local areas for social services that will help. This is especially important if you are a woman and also if you have children who are witnessing these threats and violence. That is so devastating to children. Now, I know that it can happen the other way around – the woman can become violent, and that’s not right either, but statistically, men are the ones most likely to become violent and they can more easily defend themselves in the event a woman becomes violent -- although, not always and these men need to seek outside assistance as well.  If you are a woman, please keep the phone number of your local women’s shelter organization handy so that you can call them should the need arise that you would wish to take your children out of the situation. They can also help arrange services such as counseling so that you and your spouse can work out the issues that lead to these escapades. Also, do not hesitate to call 911 if you feel your physical safety or the safety of your children is in jeopardy.

As a classroom activity or for you own general information, please research:

What is the prevalence of family violence? What are some statistics surrounding who commits acts of violence upon family members? What are the outcomes of such violence? How do physical and emotional abuse differ? How are they similar?

Why is violence and abuse so prevalent among families? What can be done to alleviate it? How might social services, family counseling, and anger management training assist in alleviating violence in families?

What is the difference between discipline (or guidance) and abuse? What are some healthy and positive ways to guide children?

And why is family violence so often referred to as domestic abuse?

Please stop fighting in families. Home is supposed to be a place of refuge, peace, and harmony. If you cannot do this for yourselves, please do it for the children.

That’s it for today. As I said, I was going to write a PSOA about the Liberty Bell, but this sort of crisis situation came up, I guess, and I was asked to cover family violence. And I always want to please the “High Council.” Right now, they are concerned about this particular epidemic. That reminds me; there is also divine intervention available for those who have open consciousnesses and the willingness to accept the help when it is offered. Don’t let rainy Sundays drag into Mondays.

Keep the peace,

Vanessa

Rainy Days and Mondays - Carpenters

Photo courtesy of Microsoft

Well, that got your attention. No, not A Culture – MULTI-culture. (According to my dreams, of course, so this is an exercise in stretching the imagination) The vision for the New Earth, is an Earth that is inhabited by the most diverse peoples one might imagine (entities, actually, from all over the universe). And they all live together with radical love. How do they do it? That’s being worked on by the Intergalactic High Councils who are gathering together to plan this monumental new world. It seems that all of these entities will live in their own communities interspersed around the world --  if they wish to, (everyone is free to live where and with whom they wish). But the goal is to try and maintain (evolvingly, of course) culture with no one infringing their culture on others. It will be place of delicious exchange of all aspects of culture – a place where entities from all over the universe might wish to journey in order to sample the scrumptious richness of Earth reborn and encompassed with such great harmony, love, and knowledge-sharing. The New Earth will be a new school that will be availble to those who are committed to education – the Master Teachers to teach at – as well as a school for those souls who wish to work for their planets to alleviate the discord and teach love, harmony, and new knowledges. That is the plan (my dream plan).

You see, there are other planets in the universe that suffer the same discord as is presently occurring on Earth and there must be living examples to assist those souls from the other planets to find their way out of their darkness – just as particular souls on Earth must do. So members of various planets – the greatest minds in the universe – are holding Intergalactic meetings for the purpose of ensuring that their collective plans result in “a community of many diverse, unique entities that all live, work, and love together on one planet. Of course, we have no doubts about the ability to accomplish this superbly but we want to make the experience a feast for all souls who ultimately visit the new Earth for education and sublime experiences….that will be the new Earth – a Shining Gem that will be an Educational Center for the Universe – this is why we are adding Universal Holidays –while all cultures have their own holidays, the agreed upon Universal Holidays unite all….Everyday will be a celebration – such is life in the [imaginary] bliss lane.”

MUSE- BLISS

Image courtesy of Microsoft.

This was my [imaginary] message today: “Please, Babe, take another day for RR&R [Rest, Relaxation & Rejuvenation]. You have earned it and it will restore your energy for what’s ‘Coming Up the Pike’ (Treasure Hunt).”

Oh, and this is special: “Fairy tales really can come true…[private message, lol]….you seem to find my antics funny.”

What Work Do Queens Do? (All Women are - or will be - Queens)

“Whatever shall the Queen work on to ensure a happy life while imprisoned in the darkest depths of 3D land? A Queen should work on whatever her heart desires – have you not figured that out yet?”

A Word About “Practicalities”

“But, yes, ‘practicalities’ rule the mind when surrounded by those fidurodians who would choose to take someone’s very last possessions and destroy their very soul. Practicality is again a fidurodian construct that keeps one on a narrow and focused road. Love at all times is the path that leads the way. Do what you love for love and all goodness will emerge, in the final analysis.”

Music for the Soul

I played my new keyboard, which is always SO much fun. I do try to play it every day, but I missed a few days when I was working on the exam. I can actually play songs with chords now; something that I could not do in the past because the organ that my family had when I was child (which was sold out from under me) had buttons that you could press for chords. The sound was not nearly as good as playing chords on the keys. I am slowly getting better. I think I’ll get some Christmas Music and play some of my favorites.

What Surprises Are Around the Corner?

Then, the maids came and cleaned my house – just one of my blessed rewards for working on the mission. I have always hated housework and I find it very distracting, but I do love a clean house. There seem to be many people who kind of enjoy it and need the money, so we exchange energy that way and it helps keep the energy flowing. I do feel so blessed. It is kind of weird because I am at the edge of poverty constantly, myself, yet every week the money is there to pay them, even give them a little extra so that they do not mind coming to my house. As it stands today, I don’t even know if I will have a teaching job after two more weeks. It is deplorable what has happened to online teaching. All teachers are merely in an “instructor pool.” If they need us, they let us know a day or two before a session starts…so we never know if we will have food to put on our children’s table for more than six weeks at a time (the length of the “quarter”). Of course, there are no benefits with this job, other than the joy of working with the students.

I just keep my faith that the Universe will provide for me better than I could provide for myself. And, anyway, abundance is NOT what people think. Abundance is having everything you need Just In Time, and nothing more. Anything beyond what is needed must go into the mission project of making the world a better place and alleviating human suffering. It takes a lot of faith to get to the point where one truly believes this and does not freak out when the bank account approaches zero. I know, it has been part of my initiation training, and although I have improved vastly, I still have more to do to improve my faith.

I have been given a TON of information about the MISSION, and there are so many things to do that I don’t know where I should begin. All of it will be announced here, in these blogs and elsewhere on this website and its “sister” sites as soon as I receive the instructions to do so.

Stay tuned,
Vanessa

I Believe in You – Joe

That was my word this morning and it is so appropriate since I just finished my comp exam! The next time I mention this exam will be when I have received the word that I have passed it! That could be a few weeks, but since I worked so hard on it and put my heart and soul into it, a day of rest, relaxation, and rejunenation sounds like a great plan to me. My day is free to do whatever I choose to do and one thing I simply must do is take a nap since I was up until after 5 AM finishing the exam. Wouldn’t you figure: At the very last moment technical glitches arose. I suppose it was just a test of my patience, another test that I passed with flying colors because I knew it would all work out, and it did.

As most of us know by now, Thanksgiving is a mythologically-based holiday that was constructed by dominant power and it is one that has quite a negative and sad history associated with it; the perpetuation of the myth is disheartening. Again, Joe has covered all of the bases here. In his new edition of Getting Beyond the Facts: Teaching Social Studies/Social Sciences in the Twenty-First Century (ed. 2), he has provided a sensitive approach to teaching and learning about Thanksgiving. He has provided an account of a very enlightening incident he personally experienced over referring to the holiday in a negative light during his young professorship years in which he was overseeing student teachers.  As usual, Joe has provided a brilliant treasure with his "Chapter 14, Thanksgiving in the Elementary Social Studies Classroom: Students as Researchers Yet Again." I will wish to study this issue in  more depth and formulate new actions that can be promoted.

In the meantime, Thanksgiving, as with any day, is a good time to celebrate our gratitude for blessings and beauty. Easy for me to say, I suppose, since I do not find myself in need of anything at this particular moment. I do enjoy expressing gratitude for even the small things because, as I have discovered, even pennies can be monumental in their significance. Some people say that if you express your gratitude, you will be more fully blessed. That works for me. Can’t hurt to try it out for awhile and see what happens.

This will be short again because I am VERY tired and I simply must get a nap in today. Plus, I was informed (even though I begged for my next priority project) that I would not be given the information about any new project to start next (or old project to continue on) for this mission I am on because I am to take the day off and practice the 3 R’s -- Rest, Relaxation and Rejuvenation. I must obey orders; they come down from the top of a very special hierarchical ladder – one that I can live well with because it is not constructed to divide, conquer or rule. It is a system based on love, wisdom, respect, and egalitarianism that would have each and every one of us at the top of the ladder.

Of course, not everyone is so fortunate to have today off from work. I am thankful for all of these people and the services that are provided because of their dedicated work even on holidays. It should be remembered that these people are crucial to maintaining the health and welfare of our society. I hope everyone, working today or not, has a wonderful day and can take time to practice the newly defined 3 R’s!

Vanessa

Rainbow Heart of Tibet - Many Blessings



Photo Courtesy of Yours Truly.

What can I say? Not only am I on the FINAL EDIT for my COMP EXAM, I had to get FINAL GRADES in for the classes I teach and I had to start on the FRONT Yard Search Treasure Hunt, because I promised I would at least start on it before finishing my comp exam. It has been a weird day, and so the blog is very late. Better late than never, as they say. Oh, and I have had two more really cool poems sent to me. I think I will have to put all of my poems into a book of poetry, there are getting to be so many of them. Amazing, since I am not a poet.

I finished grading. I also had to run an errand and it took FOREVER to get back home because everyone was leaving town for Thanksgiving. By the time I returned home, I barely had time to start on the Yard Treasure Hunt. But I had promised. I ended up finding something, but it became too dark to see what it was; I will have to try again when it is light outside. I also had another penny from heaven delivered right on my lap. I didn't even notice it this time, but my daughter pointed it out to me. Wow! Another penny from heaven that fell right into my lap, almost secretly....I wonder what it means. This one is 1994, but I have had no clues (I don't think) that would give me any guidance for this penny. Maybe the clue will come later, so I will just hold onto it for now.

And now it is time to get back to editing. I have to type a few changes, throw all the pieces of the paper together, submit it for a plagiarization check and then email the "baby" in....and I shall be done before the midnight hour -- at which time it will be high time to celebrate and rejuvenate.

I hope everyone enjoys their time off out from under the FIDURODians.

Vanessa

P.S. Some exciting new things are "Coming up the Pike." Check back soon. Here's a hint that was handed down to me this morning (something to think about):

The cosmos bends, molds, and is shaped with LOVE and solely love (or should it be SOULY love?)

Midnight Hour - Wilson Pickett and the Blues Brothers Band

A few sweet days ago, I was pleasantly told that my initiation is not quite over yet. In fact, I was told I now need to search my FRONT yard with the metal detector (I had already completed the back yard). This, when I thought I was totally done with yard searches and initiations….not quite….the mission has not officially started. I will announce when the mission starts just as soon as I receive the ORDERS from the TOP to make that announcement.


The Yard Search Treasure Hunt Revived: Is there Still a Diamond in My Yard?

Let’s review, here. All of this treasure hunting that has been discussed in these blogs began with the Yard Search Treasure Hunt. I found lots of neat things, like old rusty bolts, washers, screws, nails, and huge staples. But all the searching was not in vain because I ended up with a special, sweet, significant symbol of soul mate love, which I have talked about so many times here, people are probably sick of hearing about it, the yin yang symbol. But, the truth is, I just cannot get over how miraculous it was. Here, I have never experienced these sorts of things in my entire life, when out of the blue, I get mysterious instructions given to me to do these treasure hunts, with the Yard Search being the first one. I was instructed to buy a metal detector since I did not have one, nor have I ever in my entire life used one. But something inside me told me this was all good. This was something special. These instructions, while I knew I did not have to follow them, are instructions that I felt would bring me many blessings and so I willingly and with great gratitude, followed them.

Imagine my total delight in uncovering such a meaningful symbol of love in my back yard. No, I will never get over it – especially since it all involved a beautiful diamond ring that I was supposed to find buried in my yard, but instead was delivered right to my door. It was so amazing. At first it felt like my “handyman” was proposing to me. He came in my front door to do some repairs and immediately, out of the blue, pulled out a velvet case, opened it, and lo and behold he was showing me an absolutely exquisite marquise diamond engagement set. I wanted it! I wanted it because it would represent my commitment to education, or more specifically, to Joe’s work, and the handyman was willing to sell it for a fraction of what he paid because he needed the money – well, you can read more on the blogs about it, if this is new to you.

So, recently, right in the middle of my comps, no less, I am ordered from the top to do some more yard searching. Of course, again, this is not an order, exactly, but I do respect where it comes from (wherever that might be) and so it becomes a total honor to follow through with these instructions. I like to call them orders because it reminds me that they come from a very loving place in the universe, have very divine purposes, and are truly blessings for me. I would be foolish not to follow them.

At any rate, I simply got sidetracked with the comp exam and some other dastardly educational issues and still, today, I have not done the search of the front yard.

With my latest message being…

Btw, you were supposed to do the yard search – start on it at least – before you finish your exam. There’s something very special out there – even more special than the very significant yin-yang disk you found in the back yard. I am very excited and can’t wait until you discover this next treasure. And it will be all yours to keep – to have and to hold forevermore.

…it can only mean one thing -- that I had better DO IT. That’s great, I love that song!

Off to see the (good) wizard (and to finish my exam),

Vanessa

Do It Baby - Miracles

Photo courtesy of Microsoft.

I really do wish I could write like Joe! Every sentence he has written is chocked full of knowledge and significance. As I had commented once about his book, Critical Pedagogy Primer, I found myself underlining nearly every sentence! Every sentence he has written in his books, really are that important because they can be interpreted on so many different levels or they have so much depth and emotion. They each need to be underlined about seven times or more, for different reasons.

So, the reason I am wishing today that I could write like Joe takes me back to that song I posted on my blog a few days ago: “Don’t Fence Me In.” This is relevant because as I near the finish line (which is Thanksgiving Day), I find it very difficult to compact what I have written into 16-17 pages for each question. The reviewers will review 50 pages total and that is it. Period. So, at the max, two questions must be limited to 17 pages and a third question must be no more than 16 pages.

Of course, there is a little flexibility in how the pages are distributed between the three questions, but play around too much and it will mean a rewrite. I really don’t want to go through the torture of a rewrite. I have had enough migraines to last me the rest of my life. The rationale behind such a limit in page numbers escapes me, except that it must be so that we can ALL learn to write like Joe! THAT’s what it is! We can hone our writing skills to write on multidimensional levels so that we communicate our messages to multiple audiences. OK, then, that is a true blessing.

The next few days will be spent “nipping and tucking” to get two more questions down to the right length of pages. This is painful. I don’t want to leave certain things unsaid, but I just don’t seem to quite have the writing skills that keep the information in a condensed format and still be coherent with the rest of the paper…ah, well…when this is over, I can say the rest that was left unsaid somewhere else. I know! I will put it all in my dissertation! Joe would have loved that.

“Onward and Upward!” (Something he used to tell me between obstacles)
Vanessa

Onward Christian Soldiers - Libera

Image Courtesy of Microsoft

I don’t know about you, but I really get tired of the hype and partial information about the "Matrix” and “The Secret,” and “The Secret behind The Secret.” 99% of this information, while it may be correct in many ways, has as its primary purpose to just make money and/or lead people down the wrong track. I will expand on this topic in the future as to what those wrong paths are, how they work, and why they have been constructed for us. Actually, if you don’t want to wait, it is all in Joe’s book, Knowledge and Critical Pedagogy: An Introduction.

Joe talked about the Matrix; it is an analogy people can relate to, primarily because of the popular movie. In fact, he spoke in an interview once about “reloading” the Matrix. And as he states in Knowledge and Critical Pedagogy: An Introduction, in relation to epistemology, “We begin to realize how Matrix-like (in the movie sense) our world is. I hope that such a realization leads us to rethink the nature of that world and how we can reshape ourselves in ways that undermine the fecal reality in which we’re often enmeshed” (p. 241-242). In his book, he presented -- in a way only Joe could have done -- his very sweet version. Personally, I love his version and I pick Joe over all of the others. Can you find it? There will be no clues here.

The following videos are by Sonja Barrett who recently wrote a book, The Holographic Canvas. I am not making any judgments here because I have not read her book yet, and I provide these videos as a launching point – in the tradition of these Public Service Outreach Announcements (PSOAs) – for people to do more of their own research. I have watched a number of her videos and enjoy listening to her. She has a way of explaining complex science concepts so that they are easy to understand. She claims to give us the truth about the secret. Does she, in fact do this? What IS the truth?

This would make for a great treasure hunt for the classroom and students can learn some science while they are searching.

Yours very truly,
Vanessa

Unveiling the Matrix – Part 1

Unveiling the Matrix – Part 2


 

Unveiling the Matrix – Part 3

 
Image courtesy of ifilmdb

California Tuition Protests
Drastic Tuition Hikes

In light of the outrageous tuition hikes, my heart goes out to California students, especially those who already struggle with tuition and are wondering how they can possibly go on with their education.

We must not allow these sorts of actions to continue to rage on. This is purely a rigged government takeover of education. It is just a sample, a preliminary “test” by those in power to see how far they will be able to push for the takeover of ALL education. It must be stopped.
The “government” has been slowly and slyly moving in on education for years, but the greed of those at the top are now leading to unprecedented actions. Education serves them two purposes: It is a “cash cow” and it allows them to shape people’s minds in a way that will provide robots for their wars and slave jobs. They want it all and they want it now. If this is allowed to continue, it will hit every state. Government will take over all education from Preschool, on up – yes, PRESCHOOL. They want to take control of your child’s mind very early because it is known if you can reach a child before the age of three, you are pretty much ensured that you have them under your control for life. This is why you see all of the discussion about P-12 education.

What is fascism?
Fascism, pronounced /ˈfæʃɪzəm/, is a political ideology that seeks to combine radical and authoritarian nationalism^[1][2][3][4] with a corporatist economic system,^[5] and which is usually considered to be on the far right of the traditional left-right political spectrum.^{[dubious – discuss][6][7][8][9][10]} Fascists believe that nations and/or races are in perpetual conflict whereby only the strong can survive by being healthy, vital, and by asserting themselves in conflict against the weak.^[11]Fascists advocate the creation of a single-party state,^[12] with the belief that the majority is unsuited to govern itself through democracy and by reaffirming the benefits of inequality.^[13] Fascist governments forbid and suppress openness and opposition to the fascist state and the fascist movement.^[14] Fascism opposes class conflict, blames capitalism and liberal democracies for its creation and communists for exploiting the concept.^{[1 Reference: Wikipedia}

Everyone – and that is literally everyone in the public must get in and fight this battle. We must fight to maintain the right to an education; we must create new ways for education. This is not a call for violence. This is a call for smart, creative, and productive ways to keep educational opportunities available in your communities. Learning and education is a lifelong endeavor and knowledge is power. It does not need to be “government certified” to be valid, rigorous, and highly useful knowledge. Government certified knowledge is only devised to keep us away from truly powerful knowledge.

We have this powerful knowledge among the populous. Do what you can to preserve and share it. Everyone has a role – absolutely everyone has a role in education. People must begin to realize this quickly because this is where we went wrong and why we wound up in this position. We were falsely led to believe that education is something you get in boxed in schools and we naively believed the government would tell us what we need to know. The truth is – life is education and education is life. We all have something to contribute and if we all do our part, education and learning can never be stolen from us.

I received the following song in a dream last night. It is not a religious song, unless you would wish it to be so and it gives you strength by viewing it in that light. It is a message of love and hope to people everywhere. Just know that there are people who are working behind the scenes, and working hard to turn things around, but everyone must do something, no matter how small to contribute to education. We must not separate, blame, or rejoice in others’ misfortune. It saddens me to see that some people are showing no empathy, care, or concern. This is playing into the very hands of those in power who have instigated this and will not serve even those who choose to carry such attitudes. It is time for change, human compassion, brother- and sisterhood.

Look at this is an opportunity to act on. It is an opportunity to take back our education and to turn it into something we want it to be. Please act. This is not going to go away unless you do.

Love & Peace,
Vanessa

Wings of a Snow White Dove – Ferlin Husky

 
Image courtesy of Microsoft.

The song, “Don’t Fence Me In” by Cole Porter came to me in relation to how I feel as I continue writing the answers to my comprehensive exam questions. The questions are so tricky that you start going in circles over how to answer them and the next thing you realize, you are backed into a corner and it is difficult to find the way out.

However, I also received the message that, essentially, we create our own blocks and fences and we really do not need to do that. So, we are perfectly free to step outside, climb over, or even tear down any fences, walls, or blocks that have been erected around us. We do not need to stay within them. This is a powerful and transforming concept. There is no need to accept and remain behind the artificial obstacles, even those that have been created by others for us. There are doors and windows of opportunity and if they appear closed, we must simply empower ourselves to open them.

Joe’s work has paved a path for doing just that. I will be opening and going through many more of those doors and windows -- blasting through them, as a matter of fact -- even after my comp exam is finished.

Only six more days. I just realized that my comp exam is due on Thanksgiving Day. Perhaps that is a better reason to celebrate than for the traditional lies we have been fed about this holiday.

Vanessa

Don’t Fence Me In – Cole Porter

 
Image courtesy of Microsoft.

Oh, you don’t know what they are. I am so sorry because they truly are special and kind of like gifts from Angels.  I have them quite often. Anyway, I had one last night and it was so funny. If you read my blog yesterday, you know I am on the topic of alienation. I feel SO ALIENATED by my comp questions. I have had everything from migraine headaches to being dizzy to feeling downright sick. The reason this happens is because after reading Joe’s book, my consciousness expanded, but the only way I can understand and answer the Janus-faced questions (I will explain that later, Joe talked about it a lot in his work), well, is by painfully squeezing my consciousness back into the little box that education would have it reside in.

So, as a result, I begin to feel very spiritually alienated as well, because as we all know, education does not tolerate any sort of spirituality or what they label as “metaphsysics.” And, again, I ask, what the hell is metaphsyics? Anyway, as I said, I feel very alienated from all of my “dream friends,” as Joe liked to call them in one of his books. So what happened last night? I had this wild dream, and what happened was that one of my dream friends practically yelled at me, “I’M HERE!!!!“ I awakened in a state of surprise and feeling spirituality rejuvenated, and  I said, “Yes, You ARE here!” I found out that another one my very brilliant dream friends came up with that idea. It is just so funny. As they say, we are never alone. At least that’s what I like to believe.  It keeps me sane in a crazy world.

The song for today is about a dream that is much crazier than the dream I had. I guess we all have our own interpretation of what a "Midnight Surprise" is.

Pleasant dreams,
Vanessa

Midnight Surprise – Lightspeed Champion

Judging by the elitist attitudes I have found myself subjected to throughout my life, whether it has been in my professional, educational , or everyday life, it is quite clear there is a major misconception among those in powerful positions. It is no different in academia: there are some who seem to hold a very arrogant attitude that our actions down here at the bottom rungs of the ladder can cause us to be alienated. Academia has segregated itself into little clans, groups, cliques, covens, or whatever else you wish to name them and if we – we at the bottom – do not happen to “buy into” or otherwise ascribe our worth – give up our very souls -- to the ideologies of the “in crowd,” then we are threatened with “alienation” as educators like to call it, or in everyday terms, we are “cast-offs.” This is just one more example of why education needs to change: even elitist professors and rocket scientists are not so wise, after all.

I have news for elitist people of all professions. We are already alienated. Does it take a rocket scientist to figure out that we cannot alienate ourselves? Neither rocket scientists nor elite educators seem to be able to figure this out since they still try – and they do often succeed -- in getting many below them on their contrived “socioeconomic” ladder to cow tow to them and so this is how the status quo rages on. It matters not what name or function any educational elite crowd may proclaim and hide behind. They cannot see their own hypocrisy and, unfortunately, many of us at the bottom can see no hope, no way of achieving equality, democracy or freedom in this game.

Being at the bottom of the ladder as I am -- already and forever alienated -- I can readily see the hypocrisy of the threat of alienation used against me in academia in an attempt to get me to enact their ill ideologies. In my view, from my own personal experience, there is no longer any point in doing things the “proper and correct way” per academia with its staunch rules. No point at all. That, in a sense is very liberating if we can fully grasp what it means. It sets us free.

Of course, Joe knew that alienation first-hand and he conveyed this through his many depictions in his works of being a "hillbilly" from the Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee. He also knew how to transcend the limitations and restrictions placed on him. His book, Knowledge and Critical Pedagogy: An Introduction is a transformative guidebook for experiencing that freedom and for rebuilding a new way of doing education and being in the world. If you are among the majority of us who reside at the bottom, forever alienated, this book will empower you to see new and better ways – it’s a whole new game plan for learning, working, and living. It is a multidimensional pathway to freedom.

Vanessa
Freedom – The Pleiadian Perspective

Oregon is a rainy place to live sometimes. It can rain day after day during the fall, winter and spring. And so it’s raining today and it’s been raining for a long time. There are still three last yellow roses on one last rose bush, a little cheer midst the dreariness. I had an enlightening dream last night, but it was also depressing because of the many obstacles that keep the truth hidden. Seems that the unity problem Einstein was working on really was solved, that is, his quest for a theory of unity, but now all of these random people either claim it was not solved or that they have solved it and so they present these solutions that have nothing to do with what Einstein was trying to accomplish. In other words, the waters are muddied. It all has to be sorted out by someone who is really good at the sort of “thought problems” that Einstein used to develop his conceptions -- or someone who is good at sorting through the obfuscation and lies and digging out the truth. When that happens, it will be a sunny day.

Still working on my comp exam…9 days to go.
Vanessa

Waiting on a Sunny Day – Bruce Springsteen

 Image courtesy of Microsoft.

OMG, almost ever since I have started taking my comp exam, I have been suffering from migraine headaches – and I NEVER get headaches!!! I have had to take mega doses of aspirin and Tylenol and have spent more time trying to sleep off the headaches than writing. That’s how bad it is for me; I feel the pain of having my concsiousness constrained as I seek answers to the questions and end up finding myself diving into the deep end of the FIDUROD abyss, barely coming up in time for air. Honestly, if Joe had not written his last book, there would be no escape from drowning in the depths of the deep, dark seas of obfuscation and false objectivism…yet, somehow I must keep moving on.

And so, my song for the morning – you won’t believe this one! LOL. Whence does this music ever come???? But I do love it!!! (There's an Easter egg in this video.)

Back to work,

Vanessa

Rawhide – The Rowdy Bunch

Image courtesy of Microsoft.

That was my message yesterday morning – that we do not want to tip the rocking boat over quite yet, but there is no doubt that this ship is taking in water and eventually is destined to sink. I have mentioned that before. It came up for me again because I am working on these comp exam questions for my PhD….I asked my dream friends for some spice to liven up my answers, because truth be told, education research can be so dull. I know exam time is not the time to change education, but I still want to feel like I am making some sort of progress toward the goal to change education and not be totally on hold until I finish the comp questions.

“If wishes were pigs it would be harder to keep kosher.”
That's something Joe said is in his book -- I'm not sure what he meant by it.

One thing is certain. Education needs more science – the Einstein genius sort of science. His work has not been adequately interpreted for the masses. In fact, he is left out of science textbooks – both high school and college! (Unless you are an elite) and it is time for education to fess up. As much as the power wielders who control the education puppet strings deny this with their objectivist positivist “scientific method,” the truth is, education is the most UNSCIENTIFIC discipline there is. This is a fact. This includes educational psychology. There is no psychology in education psychology (except the word) – or science either. As I was told, Educational psychology is not psychology at all, but rather a devised system to maintain that people are nothing more than mechanistic robots that can be programmed to do the dirty work it takes for the elite power wielders to maintain their stations. We are being sold one helluva “bill of goods” here. Education is designed to make a few rich and the rest of us slaves.

In case you want the definition of “bill of goods”:

Noun

1.

bill of goods - communication (written or spoken) that persuades someone to accept something untrue or undesirable; "they tried to sell me a bill of goods about a secondhand car"  Source: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/bill+of+goods

Well, that sounds a lot like that big word they use in education – hegemony – that they talk about a lot, but never do anything about. This seems hypocritical to me. And indeed, education can be very deceptive. This can be shown in so many ways, but Joe did such a fantastic job in Knowledge and Critical Pedagogy: An Introduction showing us how the system works and this book blasts open our consciousness if we take the time to read it….I hope you read it – and, at the same time, enjoy looking for the Easter eggs and other puzzles – just download the free instruction manual that gives clues as to how to find and interpret them. Of course, I will expand on this in the future because for now, these are just the EASY treasures in his book….much more is yet to come. If you get a jump start by finding the easy ones, you will be ready when it is time to move up to the next level.

Well, it is back to the comp exam for me….time is wasting away. In the meantime, I will stay patient just as recommended by my dream friends, and only add a hint of delicious spices to the answers to my comp exam questions.

And so, my song today is “Patience is a Virtue.” And I agree with the advice. The timing must be right. There can be no detours to the Boat Repair Shop. Nope, that door is shut and locked. As we all know this has been tried too many times and has always failed. Patience, however, will allow the ship to get at just the right angle so that when it receives the last final pushes, it sinks forever and it can never again destroy human potential. We will all be free to be who we really are – free to create our own minds instead of dependent on an outside source telling us how our minds should be constructed – an outside force that does not have our best interests in mind. Education will never be the same again once it receives that final push that sinks it forever into the dark abyss of history.

Patience truly is a virtue – and love rules,
Vanessa

Disclaimer: This is just an analogy to relieve the pain those of us who are in the lower echelons have suffered at the hands of the way education has been practiced to date.

Patience is a Virtue by John Lash

 

Patience is a Virtue by Joanie Mendenhall

 

Photo Credits: Sinking Ship, Blogspot; Books and Piggy, Microsoft; Boat Shop Repair Door, taken by Vanessa on the No Ordinary Treasure Hunt (which had transmuted into the New York! New York! Treasure Hunt).

Well, this was weird. A couple of days ago, November 12, to be exact, I had a “dream” that I was going to get a special gift that day that would be “happy and blue” in celebration of a special 6 week milestone in another dimension, which I will keep private because people just don’t understand the concept that space-time can also be time-space (you know, switched inside out – you would have to take some advanced physics to know what I am talking about and how it allows you to travel to places you have never been before and do things you have never done before because they are in the future -- in your dreams, of course.) At any rate, November 12 was a very special day in another realm and so, since I am stuck here in 3D Land most of the time, I was promised a very special gift on November 12 – “a happy and blue gift.”

Well, the gift turned out to be another one of those pennies from heaven. It seems this is getting to be a regular occurrence. There was the first incident which I wrote about in the blog, Pennies from Heaven. There was the second incident Another Penny from Heaven. And then there was my enlightenment as to what these pennies mean….and then there was November 12, a very special day indeed. So, I was going to write a check and as I took hold of my checkbook, a penny literally flew out of it right into my lap. It did not fall, mind you. It literally flew in such a way that it really caught my attention. The first thing I thought was – it’s my special gift for the day! It’s another penny from heaven.

That made me happy because I really think pennies from heaven are very, very sweet. It was kind of amazing because the date on the penny is 1954. I don’t see pennies that old anymore, so that’s unusual. I was one year old in 1954. Other than that, I don’t know the significance. I looked up the penny online and it is worth more than a penny. 1954 pennies are worth from 10 cents to a dollar. Is there anything else significant about this penny? Perhaps something special happened in 1954?

Anyway, it is true: The penny made me happy because I knew instantly that it was a penny from heaven. Now for the blue part – well, I was a little blue because it was not worth a million dollars. But, that’s not the kind of blue I am supposed to look for. I am supposed to look for the color blue in relation to this penny. Hmmmm….I guess I will see what happened in 1954. I will google it right now!

After a little searching I FINALLY found what it was all about – MUSIC OF COURSE!!! What else could it possibly be??? Now, that’s a new and creative way to send me a song. Here’s what I found exciting that happened in 1954:

Elvis Presley makes his first commercial recording July 5 in the Nashville, Tenn., studio of Sun Records and achieves some success with the blues song "That's All Right, Mama" by Arthur Crudup and an up-tempo version of Bill Monroe's 1947 song "Blue Moon of Kentucky." http://www.answers.com/topic/1954-1

So….you can probably guess the music for today….lol. COOL! Two songs for one penny – that ain’t too bad. (oh, that’s right, it’s worth more than a penny). SWEET!!!

I dedicate this song to all cute little baby boys everywhere -- and girls, too, of course (cuz girls love blue, too). This is definitely “happy and blue music!”

Blue Moon of Kentucky – Elvis Presley

And this song is dedicated to their Mamas! Blues music – also very happy!

That’s All Right Mama – Elvis Presley

 

All I have to say is --- OMG life can be such bliss if you notice the signs and signals all around you. And there is so much to learn -- who would have known those facts about Elvis? This could only have happened once in a blue moon, right??? Not in my lifetime. I have a sneaking suspicion that all of these treasure hunts I have had so far are just the beginning of some very amazing things. I was very sad tonight, but searching for the meaning of my “happy and blue” gift – my penny from heaven -- that brought me two new songs, cheered my up and I am thankful for that. It reminds me that we really are not alone in the universe and there is astounding significance in even the seemingly most insignificant things. So, I will say it again: If you find a penny on the ground -- or if it gets thrown at you (lol), then you know it has to be significant!

Peace, Joy, & Bliss,

Vanessa

The article below came to my attention on November 11, 2009, which is kind of interesting since just the day before I was requested to continue on with the Yard Search Treasure Hunt. Originally, in this treasure hunt, I was supposed to find a diamond ring in the yard that was thrown when the couple living in my house just prior to me moving in broke off their engagement (that was the information that came to me in a dream)….but, the weird thing about that was the ring was ultimately delivered to my door. And it, too, was a remnant of a rather acrimonious dissolution of an engagement, and yet a symbol of devotion for me. I went ahead and finished up the Yard Search Treasure Hunt.

I was only required to search the back yard, and then on the spur of the moment one day, what turned out to be a penny of significance was found next to the yellow climbing rose bush. The back yard hunt proved fruitful because what I did find was a special symbol of soul mate love, the Yin Yang Silver Disk (shown in the picture). This is highly significant. And now, I am supposed to extend this Yard Search Treasure Hunt and, with the metal detector, do the entire front yard – weather permitting. So, I had been thinking about this for a day and up pops this interesting and related article right in front of me on the Internet:

Boy Finds Wedding Rings Buried in Yard

(Nov. 6) -- A 3-year-old boy digging in his yard found wedding rings that were lost by the home's original owner 33 years ago.

The rings 3-year-old Ryan Baima, of Franklin, Mass., dug up were lost in 1976 and belong to retired school teacher Joan Mulligan, reports local TV station WCVB. After some detective work, Luna Baima, Ryan's mother, called Mulligan with the good news Sunday night.

"She said, 'I think I have something that belongs to you.' And immediately it flashed through my mind that's what it was. I couldn't believe it," said Mulligan, who lost the rings when she was gardening.

The rings were originally lost on the other side of the yard from where they were discovered. Ryan found the rings even after eight to 10 truckloads of dirt had been removed from the yard in the past couple of weeks.

"I gave (Ryan) $50 in multiple bills and he was in the house throwing it up in the air and going, 'Woo!" Mulligan told WCVB.

Mulligan said she will have her long-lost rings repaired in time for her 50th wedding anniversary next year.

2009 AOL LLC. All Rights Reserved.

2009-11-10 15:16:21

Well, that’s interesting…another “sign” that I had better continue forward with the Yard Search Treasure Hunt….I wonder how many rings have been lost in people’s yards. I remember when I was ten years old, playing tetherball in my yard and my favorite ring flew off my hand never to be found. Anyway, I have the indication that I am STILL going through initiations – the Higher Councils want to know that I will follow their instructions and that I will do so thoroughly, and they want me to have more practice before we are immersed into the true mission project. I believe that when you are given advice and instructions in your dreams, this is sacred advice and needs to be followed. When you do so, in the end, it becomes clear why those special instructions are so important, even if it might not make sense while you are following them and you might look like the “fools of the gods” as Joe put it in his last book. Ultimately, there is a divine purpose. It’s like me writing these blogs every single day. I am instructed to do this. It may not make complete sense. My blogs may seem to be all over the place. They may make me look crazy. But in the end – sometime in the future, and I have no idea when that will be -- through Joe’s critical bricolage, his critical hermeneutics, his critical complex epistemology, and the evolution of the outcomes, it will eventually be clear why I was asked to do them. There have been many times I have not wanted to write them and many things I have not wanted to post on this website, but I respect the sacredness of my dreams and the people who are guiding me each day of my life, my dream friends.

What I am getting from them now is that the Comp Exam should not totally stop my Treasure Hunts. So, weather permitting, I am to continue with the Yard Search Treasure Hunt. Of course, there is another major reason I am supposed to do this, I would guess. Perhaps, I will find something really amazing. We will see. I found many treasures in my backyard in the process of finding the yin yang disk, but they are not the kinds of treasures that are really worth digging for. But in my book, finding the yin-yang symbol and then having the diamond ring delivered to my door was quite divine. Oh my achy, breaky body, bending over to dig in the dirt! Today’s song was sent to me last night. (Ugh! Not more digging in the dirt!) I should note that I do not care much for country and western. The song sent to me was My Achy Breaky Heart by Billy Ray Cyrus, and I negotiated for a different song (something I have only done a couple of times now and is allowed if I feel very strongly about it) -- thus, the one below. I love this song! 

You Gotta Have Faith!!!

Photos courtesy of me; rings courtesy of Microsoft

The first photo is David Wilcock and second one is the late Edgar Cayce. According to Wilcock, his father and his best friends all bear striking resemblances to particular people who were important in Edgar Cayce's life. Whether or not Edgar Cayce and his friends really have been born again, one thing is certain, there is no question as to the amazing similarities as can be seen in The 2012 Enigma, Part One. And David Wilcock is taking his own work forward in ways Edgar Cayce could only have dreamed of, much of which is available at his website www.divinecosmos.com.

In my perusing on YouTube the other day looking for a song that had been sent to me in my dream, I just happened to come across David Wilcock and all of his videos on YouTube. Prior to this, I did not know David Wilcock or about his work. I was fascinated with his videos and ended up watching them all – there are 10 parts to The 2012 Enigma and then a four part series called The Science of Peace which are based on a book he wrote. His website www.divinecosmos.com is also a fascinating site with a lot of interesting content.

The amazing thing is that as I watched just one video, (The Science of Peace Part 3 was the first video I watched) was how everything David Wilcock stated matched up with what my Master Teachers have been teaching me in my dreams the past nine months or so. How does all of this stuff come out the same? Well, it doesn’t really, at least not if you try to find it in the popular media, and Wilcock does a great job explaining what the obfuscation is all about and why. Movies, the news media, and television are the worst because they want to play on people’s fears; the tactic is to control by fear. They present partial truths, as David illustrates in his videos.

Miraculously, the information I have been receiving primarily through my dreams, some of which I have conveyed in these blogs, align with what David Wilcock presents in his videos and on his website. Being totally new to this “spiritual" stuff (which is beginning to look more like science) I found that the information Wilcock puts forth in his videos is very reassuring guidance. It’s not that I had any doubts at all about devoting my life to what I believe is the right purpose.  Joe’s work is divine, I have no doubt about it, and it needs to be taken forward. His work was written from the foundation of his magnificent love for people and his sincere desire to see that people do not suffer. But, rather the reassurance that I seem to need is how is it that this information comes down to us? How is it that this knowledge that I have been handed down in my dream state about esoteric things matches up so precisely with what other people, such as David Wilcock say and experience when I have never even delved into these topics previously, if these experiences are all just a figment of the imagination? I have read in some accounts that we all have this knowledge but we have forgotten it. I wonder if that might be true… however, only we each can really decide these things for ourselves. It never ceases to amaze me, however.

Presentations such as David Wilcock has given us provide a strong message that it is important for us all to keep open minds, whether we experience such blissful things or not -- and I use the word blissful, because that is exactly how these experiences are for me. But, don't get me wrong. There are "initiations" as they are referred to and they can require monumental changes within ourselves -- David also discusses these in his videos. Still, in the end, when you can rise above these (and because you do), life is blissful.

In my dream last night, my message is that the primary purpose of the mission that I am willingly participating in is to work toward the alleviation of some of the suffering during the next 20-30 chaotic years. (I hope I can live up to what I am supposed to do, at least in some small way.) It is not the end of the world, but we will be going through transition, transformation, and some very confusing paradigm shifts, which for many people will not be easy. This is clearly beginning to happen and it shows up in the field of education in some very powerful and acrimonious ways. Joe was clearly prescient, far ahead of the times, and his work provides tools that will be useful to help alleviate suffering, just as he had always proclaimed was his mission, during these coming transitional years. His work, when applied, will take education to the higher levels necessary to raise consciousness, the very medicine that is needed for the “illness” in education today (as he has framed it). There will come a point when more people will realize the true gifts Joe has left us all.

Peace & Love,
Vanessa

Consciousness is the Key

 

OK, I admit that I get a little outside the edge sometimes when it comes to creativity, but it’s fun. (I never did like to color inside the lines.) And I was once told by someone who knew both me (online) and Joe: “You’re crazy smart like Joe.” Now that was a true compliment and I will never forget that comment. I would drop his name here, but he would be ticked, I am sure, and would probably want to deny it today, but I don’t mind. Joe didn’t mind either [being called "crazy smart"] (he told me so, several times, in fact, very sweetly, plus it's in his books)…and, anyway, the comment has already been recorded in the permanent Akashic Records. The truth, of course, is that I would never be able to match Joe's level of brilliant creativity. I still liked the compliment, though. There is no way I would classify myself even remotely close to Joe in creative or intellectual ability. He was a total genius! Anyway, my purpose is not to try and take Joe's work to a new level. There is no new level for it to go to. It is there. Honestly, his work is probably at least 100 or more years ahead of most educators today, so there is no need to take it anywhere except into the classroom. All I am doing is going through the wide open door he left for those of us who dare walk through it.

That reminds me: Tomorrow’s blog will be about the Born Again Edgar Cayce! Isn’t he the one who can read all of the Akashic Records??? Isn’t he the one who made predictions that came true? And he’s BACK!!! Wow, this will be exciting…Don’t miss it!

I am not very happy at the moment because there is just far too much UNcreative craziness in the world – the kind that keeps the poor, poor and makes the rich, richer. It all makes me want to just isolate myself. And, anyway, I am taking this comp exam that has me trying to weasel my way around to avoid making some pretty bizarre assumptions about education that I do not agree with, while trying not to upset the apple cart (kinda like that tip toeing through the tulips I mentioned in an earlier blog). Thank goodness, I have some smart dream friends, geniuses, actually.

Not wanting to be disturbed so that I can get through this exam ordeal, and then seeing this funny flu shot video on top of it brought out the creative side of me. This image is actually a poster you can hang outside your door if ever you are taking a comp exam or are otherwise busy and you are serious about not wanting be disturbed.

“If we lose our sense of humor, we have lost damn near everything.”

(I’m not sure where that quote came from.)

Have a great day – and check back tomorrow to learn all about the Born Again Edgar Cayce,

Vanessa

Funny Flu Shot Video

 


This song was sent to me by someone very special in my life. The message with it was: “Keep the music comin’ Baby!”

The Way You Do the Things You Do - Temptations

We have not seen anything yet in the way of treasures and puzzles in Joe’s books, is the message I am getting as I think about all of the work Joe has left us. I do not think I have even scratched the surface as to the amazing gifts and treasures he has concealed within all of his books. With time, they will be revealed. I am currently embroiled in trying to solve a couple of puzzles that I know are puzzles, but much like when I first recognized that FIDUROD was a cleverly disguised puzzle, it is taking me time to decipher them. While there are a few MUSIC Easter eggs in his book that are relatively easy to find, some of them, as is demonstrated in the free download, are quite complex to decipher. I don’t think he wanted to make everything in his books too easy to decode. I am sure there was a reason for that. Perhaps it was to make us all think for a change instead of expecting knowledge to be spoon fed to us.

I am not a poet. I do not write poetry, but this morning I was recipient of the following poem (There are other poems throughout my blogs that came to me the same way – When I awaken in the morning they just come to me automatically). This poem is dedicated to soul mates everywhere. I keep getting messages from within and from without that more and more soul mates are going to be finding each other. There is a scientific explanation for this phenomenon, but generally these blogs are not where I get into the deep science of it. There is an excellent book titled The Science of Soul Mates written by William Henderson, for anyone who is interested in learning more about the “how” and “why” of soul mates. Because the world is in such a state of turmoil, confusion, and full of deception, soulmate love is a natural and reassuring option, for there is nothing more powerful than being surrounded by the deep spiritual love of your one true soul mate who is able to fully understand you and your needs. Likewise, there is a special form of loving reciprocity in all things between “true blue soul mates” that cannot be fully experienced in any other earthly relationship.

From One Soul Mate to Another 

You want to go outside and play
It’s not another rainy day
But all the droids are in the way
They spit and spout their evil facts
They load the park bench with painful tacks
And just when you’ve wised up to their dirty tricks
They throw at you all kinds of rocks and sticks
You’re better than putting up with the trouble
You’ll outwit them two times double
They are the ones who will run in the end
Because their minds cannot possibly bend
To comprehend the royalty you own
Where you’re from, your one true home
They run away all shriveled in fear
And you are free to live the life, my Dear
Royalty, diamonds, silver and gold
Send the droids away so I’ve been told
They dare not steal from special ones
With rainbow auras that sparkle and glow
You’ll show them, Love, who’s running the show
So sit back, relax, and take a joyful ride
No need to hide or give away your pride
You have the love and support of many
Angels, master teachers, God of Love, it’s uncanny
So go about your dull earthly duties
But make ample time for many beauties
Aesthetics, art, creating, joy, music, love
And remember always, you are protected from above
That’s my gift for you today
Now be sure you take some time to play
You struggle daily midst the turmoil
You need to take a moment to let thoughts boil
Simmer and seep within your mind
Melt and meld with thoughts divine
Once you form this as a daily habit
The droids in town can no longer nab it
With their greedy paws and weapons
You have royal help from the heavens
That keeps you safe, sweet and totally sound
And nowhere else can ever be found
A single soul who loves you so true
A single soul mate who’s your true blue
Blessed are those who remain sweet and meek
The earth is theirs as is everything they seek
For they seek it not for their own pride
But for the wish to share it far and wide
The Angels and goddesses, gods alike
Witness, observe the truth  . . .  

They see the innocent ones cry at night
They dry their tears so tomorrow they might
Go forth on that continuous path
Toward freedom in the aftermath
Of great destruction, sadness and turmoil
Over mountains, next to seas that boil
With waters of contamination and pollution
As years pass by and they receive dilution
But faith and trust – they persist on
And love is never burdensome
Those who are blessed as me and you
Live on for eternity where waters are blue
Where air is fresh, invigorating and clear
Where I hold you in my heart tenderly, my Dear
Feel the radiance and sparkle of my love
Feel the fire that sends your emotions above
Any earthly sense of concern and care
The greatest love experienced anywhere
Take it, Love, it yours to keep
It’s yours to hold so very deep
Within your soul, your very heart
And from you, my Love, it will never, ever depart
So, there you have a special rhyme
To carry with you through all time
Have it, hold it, along with me
Your one true soul mate for eternity

Vanessa

You’ll Never Walk Alone – Gerry and the Peacemakers

 

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ME. The yin-yang symbol is handmade of silver and I found it during the YARD TREASURE HUNT, which I refer to as training and initiation.

Shakespeare graphic courtesy of Microsoft.

I have been thinking that I really need to mention that I have not forgotten all of the treasure hunts in progress…as I have said previously, treasure hunts never really end and the treasure hunts described in these blogs have barely begun. There are also all of the other puzzles and riddles in Joe’s books that are just waiting to be solved and the golden keys that still need to be found. All of these super fun things have not gone away; they are just on the back burner while I take my comp exam.

Only two more weeks and I will be finished, unless I am asked to revise some of my responses in which case it would be another two weeks. After all of that, I begin with my dissertation work, but I will definitely set aside time for treasure hunting plus time to uncover some more of the treasures in Joe’s books – and I am now beginning to think he left a gazillion treasures. It is so exciting. I hope some of you who read these blogs are also looking for treasures. Once you start noticing them, they will begin “popping out” at you.

It seems that every time I open one of Joe’s books I discover another hidden treasure. Of course his “dream study skills program” (1989, p. 327) works wonders for decoding his really difficult puzzles – like the FIDUROD puzzle. (Have you solved it yet???) Remember, FIDUROD is the acronym Joe devised in his book to represent all of the ingredients that go into forming the complex and particularly virulent positivism that operates in our world today. It was not that easy to even realize it was a puzzle or to solve it and I don’t think I would have “gotten it” if it had not been for help from my dream friends.

Oh, this is cool. It now appears that some of the treasure hunts will be incorporated into my dissertation. Don’t ask me how. I just go on faith and trust. Obviously, it is going to be a fun dissertation, a new type of treasure hunt, no doubt.

Anyway, I will soon go back to work on all of the treasure hunts I have left hanging and the exciting search for more puzzles. Wild horses couldn’t drag me away!

Have a great day!
Vanessa

The following two songs were given to me by a special friend and adviser. As is always the case, whenever she gives me music, it just happens to fit with the blog I have just written or had planned to write.

Wild Horses – Rolling Stones

Wild Horses – Susan Boyle

 

PHOTO COURTESY OF RAINBOW PRINCESS

References

Kincheloe, Joe L. (1989). Getting beyond the facts: Teaching social studies in the late twentieth century. New York: Peter Lang.

 

The Bhagavad-Gita is an inspirational scripture of Hindu faith. It is a timeless and beautiful message that reaches across cultures.

The first video is a beautiful and important message for us all, no matter what faith we do or do not practice. The second video provides some of the most inspirational and soulful music I have ever heard, combined with rich, creative, and powerful images. Both videos are divine and worth the time viewing.

May you experience the bliss,
Vanessa

Surrender devotion and doubt at the feet of the divine
 

From the works of Living Enlightened Master Paramahamsa Nithyananda. In this clip taken from discourse titled, "Accept and Transcend the Oneness", Swamiji answers a question about developing devotion to the divine. He says that changes in the depth of devotion are purely swings in our mind. He tells us to use the technique given by Ramakrishna to surrender both the depth and shallowness of the devotion at the feet of the divine. When doubt and trust are surrendered at the feet of the divine, trust happens and it is only through trust that spiritual growth happens. The complete discourse may be ordered online at www.lifeblissgalleria.com.

Pure Bliss by Adi Shankara

 

Bhagavad Vita

Vasudeva sutham devam,
Kamsa Chanoora Mardhanam,
Devaki Paramanandam,
Krishnam Vande Jagat Gurum. 1

Salutations to the teacher of the world, Krishna,
Who is the God who is the son of Vasudeva,
Who killed Kamsa and Chanoora,
And who gave immense joy to Devaki.

Athasee pushpa sangasam,
Hara noopura Shobitham,
Rathna kankana keyuram,
Krishnam Vande Jagat Gurum. 2

Salutations to the teacher of the world, Krishna,
Who decorates himself with flowers of Athasee.
Who shines in garlands and anklets that he wears.
And who has a bangle made of jewels in his right hand.

Kutilalaka samyuktham,
Poorna chandra nibhananam,
Vilasath kundala dharam,
Krishnam Vande Jagat Gurum. 3

Salutations to the teacher of the world, Krishna,
Who is blessed with black curly hair,
Who is very similar to the full moon,
And who shines in his ear drops.

Mandhara gandha samyuktham,
Charuhasam chathurbhujam,
Barhi pinjava choodangam,
Krishnam Vande Jagat Gurum. 4

Salutations to the teacher of the world, Krishna.
Who has the sweet scent of mandara flowers,
Who has pretty smile and four arms,
And who decorates is hair with peacock feathers.

Uthfulla padma pathraksham,
Neela jeemutha sannibham,
Yadavaanaam siro rathnam,
Krishnam Vande Jagat Gurum. 5

Salutations to the teacher of the world, Krishna,
Who has eyes resembling the fully open lotus flowers,
Who has the blue colour of rich clouds,
And who is the chief gem of the clan of Yadavas.

Rukmani keli samyuktham,
Peethambara shobitham,
Avaptha thulasi gandham,
Krishnam Vande Jagat Gurum. 6

Salutations to the teacher of the world, Krishna,
Who is engaged in playing with Rukmani,
Who shines in yellow silks,
And who is attracted by scent of ocimum.

Gopikaanaam kucha dwandwam,
Kunkumankitha vakshasam,
Sriniketham maheshwasam,
Krishnam Vande Jagat Gurum. 7

Salutations to the teacher of the world, Krishna.
Who is embraced by the two busts of Gopis,
Whose chest has the marks of saffron,
Who lives with Lakshmi and has a big bow.

Sree vathsam mahoraskam,
Vanamala virajitham,
Sanka chakra dharam devam,
Krishnam Vande Jagat Gurum. 8

Salutations to the teacher of the world, Krishna,
Who has the mole Sri Vathsa on his chest and greatly enjoys,
Who is decorated by garlands of forest flowers,
And who holds the conch and the holy wheel.

Krishnashtakamidham punyam,
Prathar uthaya ya padeth,
Koti Janma krutham papam,
Smaranath thasya nasyathi.

If one reads this as soon as he awakes in the morning,
This divine octet of Lord Krishna without fail,
Sins committed in billions of lives,
Would be destroyed, if one thinks about him.

How Cool! Yesterday I received a new book of Joe’s in the mail (new for me, anyway…eventually, I want to get all of his books, but he has written so many, it is taking some time). One of the books that I got is so amazing (all of Joe’s books are amazing). Here, in my blogs I have been mentioning all of these dreams I have about Joe on a regular basis and how he teaches me in my dreams about all sorts of things: his work, life force energy, the stars, lights and crystals, educational topics of all sorts from preschool up through grad school, how to write better, how to make research easier, about Einstein’s work and quantum mechanics, and of course, a lot about his work, including the bricolage.

Well, what is SO COOL about this book is that he talked about how we can all learn to gain a certain amount of control over our dreams for the purpose of learning. He says it is a great strategy to teach to children and college students and they will find it fun (and he found it fun, himself). So, we are to teach how important dreams are and how to use them to help students – and us -- learn to read and write well and to improve learning in other subjects, as well as to improve other aspects of our lives.

He has a well-thought-out plan that can be applied in the classroom in this book, Getting Beyond the Facts: Teaching Social Studies in the Late Twentieth Century (pp. 324-330). Joe was always so far ahead of us that his work, even written in 1989, is highly applicable today. I really encourage people to read it and implement it in the classroom and in their own personal lives. I know, from having experienced this only a brief time in my life now, not even a year yet, that tapping into dreams can make a huge difference in many realms of our lives.

This strategy will definitely be taught in the first Joe Lyons Kincheloe Academy. Of course, as Joe pointed out, other cultures, such as Native Americans and the Senoi tribes of the islands from the South Pacific, have always valued dreams for a variety of purposes, including serving as guides for their lives. He had taught on an Indian reservation where he learned more about dreams and implemented a dream program in the classroom.

Another thing Joe mentions in this chapter is that American Indians view their dreams as sacred. I can relate to this aspect very well. “The dreams are real – with real characters operating in an authentic, albeit different, reality. The Indian who wishes to remain true to the ancient traditions must forsake his secular ambitions and follow the instructions laid down in his dream, wherever they may take him” (p. 327). This is what I have come to learn as well – that it is in our best interest to follow the instructions of the master teachers in our dreams. The rewards are divine blessings that cannot be described.

And leave it to Joe to not leave out a science explanation as well. He provides an extensive discussion of Einstein and his “bi-modal” thought, along with how synthesizing the left/right brain type learning helps promote this type of thought. And the way we can improve in our thinking is by engaging in more right brain type activities (since the curriculum over-focuses on the left brain type of learning), which includes our dreams as well as all forms of art and music. All of these things can be included in every subject. You can read much more in the book.

I totally love his idea of referring to the people in our dreams who guide us and teach us as our “dream friends” (p. 327). For whatever reasons, maybe due to the intense trauma his sudden and unexpected death caused me, Joe became my dream friend. Do our minds construct these sorts of dreams out of trauma? Not according to most cultures outside of our Western imprisoned consciousnesses. Personally, I am not the one to answer this question, though. I only know what I experience and I have lots and lots of dreams about Joe. I think there are many clues in Joe’s last book, Knowledge and Critical Pedagogy: An Introduction and learning more about the value of our dreams is only one reason we need to incorporate multiple perspectives and diverse ontologies into the curriculum We have so much to learn from each other. But then, Who am I to say????

Who am I to say? - Hope

References

Kincheloe, Joe L. (1989). Getting beyond the facts: Teaching social studies in the late twentieth century. New York: Peter Lang.

Images courtesy of microsoft.

Today’s blog is supposed to be “short and sweet.” It was requested that I post a “pre-announcement” to draw attention to the fact that 11-11-11 11:11 PM will be a significant milestone in human evolutionary development. Honestly, I do not understand the science behind it, but I hope to be privileged with more information as time goes on.

My knowledge about this date is limited, and about all I know is that it relates to the radiant light and other energy that shines down on earth that is propelling many people toward sudden shifts in consciousness. Although, this event started back a number years ago (the 1960s) and some people have been experiencing this for some time, it has been progressing more slowly among others. Today there are more and more people who are beginning to notice it.

It should be noted that this shift in energy is causing the matching of soul mates at an increasing rate. Many people are matching up naturally as the energies between them strengthen, and much like a magnet, it pulls them together. There are positive and negative energy forces between soul mates that create this natural pull and as it gets closer to 11-11-11, the forces become more powerful, resulting in the disruption of social and cultural constructs regarding commitments between men and women, thus contributing to a sense of increasing chaos for those who do not understand that this is the natural flow and order of the universe in action. What these people do not understand is that there is enough love to go around for everyone.

Those most influenced by this energy force at this time are experiencing more and more incidents of such things as being pulled toward their soul mates, telepathic communications, premonitions, and much more. Many of us are reveling in this new hyperawareness, while others are very confused and may feel victimized by certain things happening around them. Locked in old paradigms, this new awareness is difficult for them to assimilate into their consciousness.

The reason it was wished that this announcement be posted is because there is an urgent call for more people to become enlightened to these occurrences by conducting their own research surrounding it and to gain as much information as they can so that they can assist others in their transformations. There is a call for many more teachers, mentors, counselors, pastors, social workers, psychoanalysts, humanistic psychologists, health care providers, spiritual advisors, and others who are cognizant of this evolutionary event and who, themselves, have experienced or are experiencing this great transformation in thinking and being.

Here is what others say about the date: The significance of 11-11-11  
It’s PARTY TIME! This is a physicist’s idea for a party. Hmm…Not a bad idea, but I think we can do even better than this! An 11-11-11- Party.

I WANNA HAVE A PARTY!!!!!! I WANNA PARTY HARD!!!!!!

In celebration of united soul mates -- Anam Cara --
Working together for love, peace, and justice

11-11-11 with a special event
at 11:11 PM!

This announcement will come up for review,
and an update will be provided on 11-11-10.

Anticipating the Party,

Vanessa

The following song was posted on YouTube for a special brother who needs healing.

Rise Up and Be Healed, Brother



Rise Up Singing

 

I searched on YouTube and found this video, which provides a little more information about 11/11, some of which may be “reality” and some of which may not (it’s your call). I am posting it because it does provide some good information, no matter what your personally constructed reality may be.

This is the 11/11 Movement

 
Chakra Image courtesy of Microsoft; Soul Mates image courtesy of Freewebs

Of course, most people who have read Joe’s work know that his primary mission was the “alleviation of human suffering.” Sometimes it can be the smallest things that cause us to suffer as individuals. Often, there are things we have little power to change or control and that can set up a nonstop chatter of negative thoughts or a set of negative attitudes toward other people and circumstances. A focus on the negative transfers our power to those people and circumstances outside of us. While we need to take inventory of the things that are wrong in the world and in our lives, we need to move on with real actions that can change things. It is difficult to move on toward creating change if we are stuck in the pit of darkness, yet this is exactly what is needed if we are to empower ourselves.

Taking the smallest of actions toward the effort of regaining control over our lives or particular circumstances can often make a huge difference. It is related to the concept Joe has portrayed often in his work: “the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.” We can take a tiny action and because of the complexity of all of the interacting dimensions related to the problem, it can completely change the outcome in our favor. The explanation of how and why this happens is, in itself, highly complex and beyond the scope of discussion in a blog, and I will address this concept in future work.

Speaking of future work, people reading my blogs may question my academic discourse abilities. I just would like to point out that these blogs are my CREATIVE outlet. My academic writing typically goes beyond my professors' expectations and I am happy to say that after completing TWO doctoral programs – one in Instructional Design for Online Learning (IDOL) and one in Professional Studies, I still have a 4.0 average. Why two programs? It appears that IDOL did not like the topic I was proposing for my dissertation, which was to synthesize Joe’s critical complex epistemology for a more effective instructional design theory. I guess they are happy with the theory they use, although I was not proposing changes to the IDOL program at all. My purpose is bigger than that. I do expect to pass the comp exams without too much difficulty, as long as I can restrain myself from getting too activist-oriented.

The comprehensive exam is not the time to “Change the World” as much as I would dearly love to. Speaking of which, I am now beginning Week Two, with just three weeks to go. Can I do it? Can I pass them while teaching four courses (thank goodness, I finished up the grading for the two courses that just finished!), plus write these blogs every day (which I actually love to do because every morning it seems like the topic and the music are just sort of “handed down” to me. I don’t know how else to describe it; there is little time or effort involved in most of these blogs: they just “flow.”), PLUS write a transformative book that needs to be distributed to those in education who have the power to make a difference? The book will be finished up and distributed right after comps and I hope to make money to put toward the development of the first Joe Lyons Kincheloe Academy. I have an account set aside for that purpose and when the funds are great enough, I will look into acquiring the piece of land I am interested in and hire a creative architect to begin working on the architectural design. Of course, the design for the school must be a "Smart" design and use the latest and greatest energy efficiency technologies.

Well, have a great day, let the dogs out, and don’t listen to the “yakety yak!” (my two songs for the morning).

Vanessa

Who Let the Dogs Out? Baha Men





Yakety Yak - Coasters




Yak image courtesy of http://zacko.org/moreoftens/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/yak.jpg

Photo of flowers - by yours truly taken in Depoe Bay, Oregon, on the Pacific Coast Eager Beaver Treasure Hunt

This sounds like another puzzle to me. I am on a quest this month to “find” things during the process of researching for my Comp exams. It’s totally exciting cuz I always get these crazy clues. Like yesterday (and again today), the clue was that I am supposed to find some kind of “dialectical surprise” which will turn into a “turkey in the eyes” of certain people who give me grief. Well…that’s interesting. I have no idea what it could be and I was told that that’s the only clue I get and that I was given it early so that it would cheer me up. I have been a little distressed yet about the DROID running free in the neighborhood. It is amazing how we can sometimes let such entities have so much power over us that it can take the pleasure out of what was once a divine existence. I love my neighborhood, if it were not for the DROID.

Back to the topic of turkey. So then it dawned on me that perhaps I should google “turkey in the eye.” This really funny song came right up to the top! So, of course, there is something significant about it. I will have to assimilate this for awhile because I figure that since I was given this “early” the true significance will show up later this month, maybe in time for Turkey Day. As with the treasure hunts and all of the puzzles that come my way, this “Turkey in the Eye” puzzle is multidimensional. So, I wonder how many turkeys – from the past, present, and future – we can find this month. It may just make us feel like not wanting to eat turkey – but that is a good thing.

I did discover something very amazing yesterday after I was given the clue and it does really seem quite dialectical. It’s Joe’s theory. He clearly, but covertly (now, that’s dialectical) presented seven dimensions of his theory. How cool is that? It looks like my dissertation is going to be demonstrating those dimensions and correlating them with esoteric and (sh!) “metaphysics.” What in the heck are metaphysics? Can someone please define this for me?

Anyway, it’s all going to be SO DELICIOUS. My God, Joe was so brilliant….

Here’s the funny “turkey in your eyes” song. I don’t know where all of this creativity comes from – but HAY! It is so much fun! I have to include a second song today because it was handed to me this morning by someone very special in my life as a sign of appreciation for all of the work I do with such “love, joy, and enthusiasm.” So the second song is very special to me.

Turkey in the Straw

Have I Told You Lately – Rod Stewart

 

Image courtesy of Microsoft

That was my message this morning. I am almost on “overwhelm.” We still have a DROID running around our neighborhood, which upsets me greatly – along with thinking about so many other injustices in the world. It literally tears me up inside, thinking about these things. So what is my message this morning? I am to put all of this on the back burner for the next 3 weeks so that I can finish up my comps. I was informed that those things will still be there when I am finished with the comps and I can deal with them then. I do appreciate this advice because I am so totally swamped.

Not only do I have comps, but I am teaching four online courses and doing final grades for two courses that just finished up and helping students get through their last minute crises. It is so sad what so many of them experience – everything from no Internet service because they could not afford to pay the bill, legal problems, family crises, death of a loved one, computer crashes and lost work, viruses delaying work, called to work double shifts at the last moment, and the list goes on. Now, I know some teachers would take the position that these students are making all of these problems up. It just is not so – and I know that because I have been there! These students are the poorest of the poor and so my heart goes out to each and every one of them.

So, on top of all of that, I am trying to research and write my comp exam, plus trying to prove you can write a book at the same time with very little effort (if you know the secret which, as I mentioned yesterday in these blogs, you can learn the secret).

And so my song handed down is a very highly motivating one. I once read a little booklet that was titled “Just DO It!” I don’t remember the author or what all it discussed, but the point was quite clear by the title. Don’t procrastinate, don’t make lists you won’t follow, just get in that space that is often called “flow” and JUST DO IT, DO IT, BABY!

Do It Baby -  Miracles
 

We are talking here about how complex educational research – and life for that matter – is these days. Most of us are awakening to the fact that everything is much more complex than we have been led to believe in our past education. How do we study and learn to understand relationships and multitudes of interacting variables midst all of this complexity? How do we sort it all out and make some sense of it all? Well, actually, what Joe said was, “The bricolage does not enter into this paradigmatic situation as a knight on a white horse ready to ‘save’ the field” (Kincheloe, 2005, p. 331). But, then on the other hand, he states, “Do not misread this humility: I strongly believe in the power of the bricolage to move the field in a positive direction…” (p. 332).

What is the bricolage? It is a way of doing research that does not privilege only one way of doing research and most importantly, one ontological and accompanying epistemological position – and it does not throw out perfectly fine variables during the research process. It recognizes the complexity of interaction between all variables and how throwing out (or controlling for) variables is subjective (even though it is supposedly objective) and can lead to misleading information, to put it mildly. In fact, it can even lead to information that is exactly the OPPOSITE of what we know to be true, yet researchers take it as viable knowledge and force implementation (Freeman, 2007). Now that is scary. In my view we really need that knight on a great white horse. After all, the bricolage is how we learn. We are all bricoleurs.

I think one of the great powers of the bricolage is that first of all, we are all bricoleurs in a sense. At least as much as we can be with the way education has totally fragmented knowledge. The challenge is putting the pieces together when there are so many missing puzzle pieces. Of course, this is all planned by those at the top. Heaven forbid should the masses put the true or at least more closely true picture together (the puzzle can never be fully put together since everything is changing). Hell, we might even figure out a truth that could really give us a huge advantage. It might just become impossible to hide knowledge from us. Like the true SECRET. What a bunch of malarkey all of that is. I have not found anyone in education or outside education YET (except for Joe) who put the true truth out there. And I have been so blessed and so fortunate, because he chose me specifically to teach the secret to. Now I know the secret and I can see how many people are all out there acting so smart and smug and actually SELLING this so-called secret and it’s all a bunch of big lies because not a single one of them tell what the secret is. Not even the book, The Secret. This is not right. They should not be able to make money off a bunch of lies. The true secret is in Joe’s book; in fact there are many secrets in his book, but the problem is that you have to be able to decode them – kind of like I did with the MUSIC Easter eggs and his FIDUROD Puzzle. I was really fortunate. I was his student and he taught it to me, personally.

Read Joe’s book, Knowledge and Critical Pedagogy: An Introduction. Even if you do not immediately realize it, when you are finished reading it, you will know what the secret is.

I will have much, much more to say about the bricolage…if you want to learn more, check out the two articles below, one by Joe and the other by Richard Freeman.

Great White Horse -- Buck Owens and Susan Raye

References

Freeman, Richard (2007). Epistemological bricolage: How practitioners make sense of learning. Administration & Society, 49, 4, 476-496.

Kincheloe, Joe L. (2005). On to the next level: Continuing the conceptualization of the bricolage. Qualitative Inquiry, 11, 3, 323-350.

Images courtesy of Microsoft

It is amazing that October is already over. I received so many gifts last month during the Surprises in October Treasure Hunt, some of which I have not even written about. You will have to review my October Blogs to get an idea of the amazing and divine gifts that were sent to me. And what was even more amazing, similar and additional gifts were given to me in another dimensional time-space. I have not mentioned all of them, but I did mention the crystal heart. This month I am supposed to pick up where I left off last month (which was SO divine) with the Pacific Coast Eager Beaver Treasure Hunt. As if I did not receive enough gifts from that treasure hunt last month, I am supposed to make another trip to visit a crystal shop in Depoe Bay to try and find the crystal heart that was in my dream. I saw the crystal shop on our previous trips, but I did not ever venture inside it because I figured the prices were too high for such beautiful items of crystal. Apparently my divine guidance has other ideas.

Why “Off to See the Wizard” as the theme song for today? Well, Joe had this philosophy that while we may sometimes be feeling pain when forced to address educational standards, which can be very boring for teachers and learners, we should also be engaged in teaching and learning that touches on our passionate interests. In my case, this involves exposing the wizards behind education and revealing solutions for rising above their tactics so that we are free to engage in the teaching and learning we desire. Basically, Joe was telling me that this was one reason why he gave me the opportunity to write a book about online critical pedagogy. He knew I was passionately interested in this topic and it would be a happy diversion to work on a book about it while I met the professorial requirements involved with writing a dissertation. Joe was just so sweet that way and I’ll always love him for what he did for me, even though I did not have the opportunity to write that book he wanted me to write. I will still do so when I reach the dissertation stage. I know he made the same offer to many other students and I wonder how many took the opportunity to do both at the same time, or decided (mistakenly, in my view) that they were only capable of handling one stressful project – the dissertation – thus, allowing it to consume their thoughts and time and not allowing working on something they felt passionate about to also fuel their motivation to work on the dissertation. Not only can both be done at the same time, it is easier and more enjoyable to do both at the same time. It allows you to purge yourself of all of the things wrong with education in a passionate way in book form, while at the same time presenting your knowledge in your dissertation in a way that is socially and professionally expected (albeit, still exposing the wizards).

This philosophy seems to have carried forth to my comp exams which I am completing (and must pass) prior to embarking on the dissertation. I have been “handed down” an assignment to write a very special book that exposes the “scoundrels behind education.” It is not put in those terms at all and the entire scenario is extremely complex and very laid out as far as specific mission….more will come out much later. I must also write a book about How to Write a Book While Taking Your Comp Exam for Your PhD.

For now, it’s Off to See the Wizard!

Have a Great FunDay,

Vanessa

We’re Off to See the Wizard

Photos by Vanessa