I’m at War with Myself…

Posted on February 23, 2014 by Harry Brake

Funny, I heard this phrase during previews for Saving Mr. Banks with Tom Hanks.  Then there was also Twelve Years a Slave – I would say the same phrase would apply  the war for several reason inside the characters of these films, and oddly enough, the last few films have been all – ALL based on try stories.  Dealing with Twelve Years a Slave, everyone was stuck in their chairs following the film, and my chest HURT from holding my breath the whole time.  Then there is the involvement of director, Steve McQueen.  Stunned was only one way of describing the events that unfolded about Solomon Northup and how how life was snatched away from him.  Amazing perspective in the events that occurred in the Unites States and their dealings of slavery and ashamed is only one of many emotions that appear when you look back at how history unfolded.

Saving Mr. Banks was also an eye opener.  What was the best thing?   Going in thinking this was about Mary Poppins and realizing the unfolded a story about families and the so much ore real story that lay behind the actual characters.  From everyone that included the driver to Mrs. Travers, well so you think it is until you realize that the name Helen Goff is a game changer in this movie.

Overall, most people walk into the movie theatre, it is a move and leave all reservations and ideas behind because it is a movie and the same when they walk out. I am not sure why, but I bring in more and take more following such movie. These two films we have seen certainly redefine the way we look at ourselves and others – powerful in their own right and then add what we have come to believe to know as history.  Worth the visit? Yes, and you will create a new vision of yourself and how you see things along the way.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Winter’s Tale Expectations

Posted on February 16, 2014 by Harry Brake

“Nothing is random, nor will anything ever be, whether a long string of perfectly blue days that begin and end in golden dimness, the most seemingly chaotic political acts, the rise of a great city, the crystalline structure of a gem that has never seen the light, the distributions of fortune, what time the milkman gets up, the position of the electron, or the occurrence of one astonishing frigid winter after another. Even electrons, supposedly the paragons of unpredictability, are tame and obsequious little creatures that rush around at the speed of light, going precisely where they are supposed to go. They make faint whistling sounds that when apprehended in varying combinations are as pleasant as the wind flying through a forest, and they do exactly as they are told. Of this, one is certain.

And yet, there is a wonderful anarchy, in that the milkman chooses when to arise, the rat picks the tunnel into which he will dive when the subway comes rushing down the track from Borough Hall, and the snowflake will fall as it will. How can this be? If nothing is random, and everything is predetermined, how can there be free will? The answer to that is simple. Nothing is predetermined, it is determined, or was determined, or will be determined. No matter, it all happened at once, in less than an instant, and time was invented because we cannot comprehend in one glance the enormous and detailed canvas that we have been given – so we track it, in linear fashion piece by piece. Time however can be easily overcome; not by chasing the light, but by standing back far enough to see it all at once. The universe is still and complete. Everything that ever was is; everything that ever will be is – and so on, in all possible combinations. Though in perceiving it we image that it is in motion, and unfinished, it is quite finished and quite astonishingly beautiful. In the end, or rather, as things really are, any event, no matter how small, is intimately and sensibly tied to all others. All rivers run full to the sea; those who are apart are brought together; the lost ones are redeemed; the dead come back to life; the perfectly blue days that have begun and ended in golden dimness continue, immobile and accessible; and, when all is perceived in such a way as to obviate time, justice becomes apparent not as something that will be, but something that is.”
― Mark Helprin, Winter’s Tale

Life is funny, and sometimes it takes a good word, a bad word or even a remembrance and flashback to remind you of this, and in that funniness, you see the beauty.  I love movies, always have, I get lost in them, and when the lights come back on, this becomes my outlet for contemplation.  This is one of many sources for me to dig back in and take a look at what matters to me.  For some people this occurs in a quiet place, or involves a pattern of behavior, or something else to get their contemplative juices flowing. It is different for each and every person.

After walking out following the film  “Winter’s Tale” I have to admit, I felt better.  Was it fate this was filmed in New York and we are headed there in a few weeks?  Something in me tells me no  😉   To detail without going into too much details, I have been bombarded with events in the 2014 year that just have made we wander, how hard is this year going to be, and why does it have to be this hard?  Yet take heart, while it seems we are the only one that faces adversity, we are not.  Here are some words of encouragement –

We never know what lies ahead, but for those that fail to try and look ahead, their road is much shorter than those that always strive to look ahead. Promise, hope, and motivation all exist and often are overlooked when we live a life full of dreams, dreams become the reality of our life if we choose to be optimists, and not adversaries for those around us.  There are completely so many things around us that can change the tide of doom and gloom, and life truly is too short to be stalled and stopped by the elements that can hold us in one place.  There are naysayers everywhere, there are situations that trap us and capture us and never let us go, if we choose to be part of the process that stays concerned about negativity.  Yet I am convinced, those that take the criticisms, those that take the bad times and strive to turn them into something better are the true winners, the true survivors, and in turn, their lives become a dream.

Some people do not like movies that inspire, however, I am maybe the minority that does. I love a good drama alongside a good action, and I have to say, Winter’s Tale did change me.  The critics rated it below par, and well for the first time, they missed something in the message for sure.  The acting of Colin Farrell was amazing, as well as was – Jessica Brown-Findlay – and of course, yet, true as in life, the words that you hear play the important part.

I almost missed this move, I biked to Reforma 222 at 5:45 and made it at 6:18- the line was a mile long, miraculously 2 new lines were created, and someone cut in front to us with two people to go – and I was thinking, I need to maybe consider a another, and yet I went in at 6:40 – (start time 6:20), considered cutting across everyone to my seat and just too a front seat to not interrupt anyone.  Through all the above challenges, I left the theatre in tears – yes, I am not too man enough to admit it.  I took into the theatre a lot of thoughts I was trying to work through – little encouragement from past ventures, a sad story involving a seven- old girl who has been supported by my family and friends from all over the world, a year that just has offered nothing but hurdle after hurdle after hurdle, and little promise of a finish line in sight and yet – the words of this film combined with the amazing music of Hans Zimmer – touched my very heart and made me realize – there is plenty to complain about, but too much beauty in the world I want to continue to experience to let it bog me down.  Take this to heart too – there is always hope – ALWAYS – and in the light of the darkest hour, hope and finding hope to give to others separates the person here on earth to live their life, from those willing to help others live theirs as well.

I have seen 47 Ronin, an amazing pointed and true story, as well as the film Philomena, which touches the very heart of belonging and stories that affect family, and pieces of real life in The Book Thief, that hands down pull on every heartstring there is,  and The Monuments Men that gives us a glimpse into what Hitler had tried to do to wipe out a whole history of people through art and his greed to capture that – he was a living contradiction. Yet, through all the films that have been based on true stories that have inspired us, ironically, it is the one tale of mystery and fantasy, mzgical realism, that pushed me into the chair of hope and allowed me to move past a rut that would indeed cause me to ponder the following:  Should I keep on?  Am I good enough to keep going on or am I failing when I think I am moving forward?  Do others appreciate me?  Am I an asset or a detriment to those around me?

None of us are good at everything we attempt, (though some of us would like to think so) myself included, yet I am coming to realize, as hard as it is sometimes, that if we truly believe in an idea, we believe in a way of being, and we keep on, the trials that are put in our path make us a better and stronger person.  No one said being different, doing something differently, or striving to the breaking point to make something better was going to be easy – that is the risk of striving for an ideal you believe in, and often, that is a lonely road.  Yet, at night, you need to be able to fall asleep knowing you are trying your best, striving for the very best ideal and situation that you believe in, and you need to believe in yourself, period.

In doing so, the belief in your own strength, you slowly equip, yourself to bear armor to deflect the hard times that will come your way.  I have always been trained to rely on grades as an assessment of how well I was doing in school for example.  Yet, even as students today are trained the same, it takes such a bigger understanding to see good grade or bad, it is what you take away from the table that matters, and how it impacts others down the road.  This in the grand scheme of things matters most in a world where are a thousand A’s, B’s and C’s and yet, wouldn’t it be the best to have someone with a long string of C’s be the one to find a cure for Cancer?  Or someone that always was designated for Harvard or the best of the best schools to be the one that was found in a desperate part of the world willing to sacrifice their supposed destiny for the sake of building up those that would never have a chance to experience a real life out of their situation?  I want to be one of those people that did something to push others forward despite the hardships along the way, not to be self-serving, not to be selfish with my time, and live my life the fullest alongside others.  Believe it or not, this film, Winter’s Tale, represents all of that and more – and has a larger message about what life could be if you let it, and all you have to do is be willing to let it flood over you.

I am so amazingly thankful for those of you that, without a second glance, joined in and sent pictures and messages to Sabrina based on the last post.  This says so much about you, my family and my friends in choosing to dig down and support someone.  I am not sure about you, but I can hardly wait to see the video as well that combines all of these together, and I think the spirit of Sabrina should be in all of us, we owe her that much and I think each of you have shown, her life is an extension of all of ours – the love and care you have shown her is beyond all of what I ever imagined, I am sending each of you a hug for this.

Keep on keeping on – I have one particular student that created a group called SAD – on Valentines’ Day.  The beginning is something like Students Alone, and forget the last but it is well, not a great reflection for what Valetine’s means for those single.  Maybe SAD is Single and Depressed.  🙂   I hope those of you that have a significant other let those that do not have a significant other, that they are amazing for several reasons, and that celebrating the reasons they are important does not rely on having a partner, but relies on their wisdom, selflessness, and what they give back to the world.  This is more important than any holiday created for any reason – any – and I feel that I never have felt so lucky on Valentine’s Day – there are those that take and say thank you, there are those that take and do not say thank you and those that take, take, take, and then…those that take not caring what is given in return just to see the happiness on others faces with no expectation.  I like the last group the best, and noticed that most of my family and friends fall into that category, which in turn makes me a better person.  There could be no better love than that, could there be?

So let’s give a huge hurrah to the end of the second month of February, and an optimistic March, which contains my favorite holiday, St. Patrick’s Day – and all the while know, I see my pot of gold at the end of the rainbow as each of you, friends and family that help e keep pushing forward and knowing, anything is possible – let’s spread that message every day in some form!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Sabrina, the world, you and I.

Posted on February 5, 2014 by Harry Brake

First, before I begin, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!  🙂

Screen Shot 2014-02-04 at 9.55.11 PM

“Hey there! one of my friends cousins has a stage four brain tumor. She’s like 7 and the one thing she wanted to do was see the world. You think maybe you could reach out to some of your international friends and see if they’d be willing to take a picture wherever they are with a sign that says Sabrina?”  (See my next to last paragraph of this post to see how you can be a part of something amazing – I hope you will join in! – it will change her outlook on things!)
       Okay, I admit, the above message is not your typical Facebook message from a fellow Repentino. staff member, however, it did catch my attention.  On the day of Digital Literacy Day, I realized, Digital Literacy is not about the apps, the computer, or the network you are using, it is about taking technology and figuring out how to reach others and make life better, combining technology with what the real world has to offer, few realize that ; while some make technology their everything, it is vital and a true example of learning to see those that take technology and make it a part of the world to make it better, technology is a tool but truly, not everything.  In the movie Her I just saw, I do believe the main character, Theodore, realizes this through his experiences of technology taking up so much of his life to a certain point.
      As Repentino. continues to evolve into being a magazine that reaches out to people to help them get noticed, and help their situations through their talents, and become truly a charitable project beyond just a magazine – we hope you check out the Tumblr site to be a part of our efforts on this Digital Literacy Day and also be a part of what Digital Literacy Day has to offer.  In addition to our staff being a part of this Digital Literacy Day and preparing to take the Repentino. show on the road to New York in March of 2014, a moment to reflect on what American really means…
     Some of you saw the article on the outrage about the Superbowl commercial that has American being sung in different languages.  If you need a recap, the link is here for this.
       Overall, in being outside the U.S. for three years, my perspective has changed majorly.  MAJORLY.  I tried when I was in Delaware to bring a perspective students would not normally see, I learned that from Dr. DiMarco in World Lit, Slippery Rock University, and never wanted my students not to realize what was just beyond the classroom door.  In coming to Mexico, I realized that America was North America, South America, Latin America, and beyond…it never quite hit me when I was in the U.S..  I love the United States but I want it to be better.  How?  To realize, acknowledge, and understand other cultures do not exist to be imperialized, taken over or controlled, but exist to make us a better person and have an even larger awareness of what the world could be if we all put in our thoughts TOGETHER.  The greatest gift has been looking at the United States from the outside, inside of within, and views you never knew existed appear.  I hang my head about the comments made about the commercial of so much controversy, because I want to be know as a citizen of the U.S. that embraces diversity that makes the U.S. a country of open thoughts, not closed doors.  I feel many people have so far to realize this, yet, that depends on individuals that want to change the perspective of the U.S. and how we are perceived by other countries.  I still believe the U.S. should not be a police force for the world, but an advocate of change, equality, and bettering the world, not trying to be better than everyone IN the world.  I think there is something in a seven year old who wishes to see the world, knowing she has limited time to do so, and we have the ability to appreciate the world and many of us are NOT appreciating the diversity the world has to offer, is that ironic or is it just me?
      Here is a commercial break – and I want to say, it is ironic, within the last three years of being in Mexico, I have found on four different occasions money lying on the street when I have been well, walking.  Tonight (this morning) I found 20 pesos on the sidewalk walking the dogs, three months ago, going to Balderas market with friends, 40 pesos, before that about a year, 50 pesos, and of course, when I was in Delaware escaping a bad job situation in Pennsylvania, I had lone and behold found a twenty dollar bill that got me to my new job until my first paycheck – what does that mean? I have NO idea but, I am not complaining… okay, end of random thought commercial and my last statement for this blog…
 Screen Shot 2014-02-05 at 2.33.51 AM  This is the next to last paragraph I was speaking about! I would ask each of you if you would be willing to submit a sign with Sabrina’s name on it, and especially for privacy reasons for students as ASF, a picture of something showing where you are from and a text somewhere stating where this picture is, it will bring the world to Sabrina, and she WILL be able to see the world thanks to you.  What better of a way to show someone the world, using technology?  Exactly what I was trying to say earlier in this post, we have a chance to put together a project for a little girl that most only could dream about, and in Digital Literacy Day, I can think of no better way to celebrate what technology really could strive for, real life hands on experiences.  If you want to send them to my google mail, which is harrybrake@gmail.com, I can begin to compile them into one long project for her – I am not sure if you can submit photos here on my blog in response to this post, (I know you can leave a comment, but think the ability to leave a picture is not possible)  I feel this could be an amazing project that will represent each of you and change a sever year old’s heart and mind.
Also, (I like this option better) I created a Facebook group called
Sabrina travels the World and if you want to be a part of this, I can invite you (just let me know via email or Facebook (My name is Harry Robert Brake there) and you can post your picture there for here and when we are done, (maybe a week?) I will let her in on the page!
       Personally, my life’s goal would be that I want  to leave so many things behind that will/would make the world a better place; this would be the legacy I would want more than anything else, and if I would be remembered for that, I think that would be what I have worked for all this time.  In doing this, and maybe unknown to others, but I would be celebrating lives of individuals that meant so much to me, a true Paying it Forward!  I hope you will take my offer of participating in this project for Sabrina, as I feel this is only one of many ways that you can show, worldwide, we are truly one beating heart.
 

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Touching deep down and digging deep…

Posted on February 3, 2014 by Harry Brake

In seeing the movie “Her“, it will be easy to oversimplify the plot from the movie trailer and the movie itself.  However, all throughout the film, as well as still following this film, layers of human and technological layers reveal themselves to allow, if you allow it, for yourself to evaluate what, where, and to what depth your own life takes, will take, and has taken.  Scarlett Johannson, Joaquin Phoenix, and the amazing actress that was also in the film American Hustler, Amy Adams, is only one of many reasons you will fall in love with this move.  There is also just the hint of the film Vanilla Skies film in this as well.  Also, the PANTS, you will notice the pants!  I am still thinking about this movie, and also, reflecting on many aspects I have often moved past about my own life.

In closing, the death of Phillip Seymour Hoffman, known way past the Hunger Games, shocked me to my core. I can’t say the words that come to mind, the same as I felt when walking out at the end of “Her.”  On all aspects, I think you will feel the same.  You will continue to feel way after this film, and Phillip Seymour Hoffman, your impact continues to reverberate in and will for many many years to come. I felt as this week, if I took the time to listen to my heartbeat, it will tell you many things you often forget to hear – “Her” brings these to the surface.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“I am haunted by humans”

Posted on February 2, 2014 by Harry Brake

As the last lines of The Book Thief rolled across the screen – I was highly – highly impressed with the deepness and feeling that went into this film.  Yes, as they often due, humans do have this aspect of curiosity.  I noticed this as I walked the streets the other days, seeing the person bike by with an amplifier and playing guitar as he passed block by block, seeing the car of angry people because they are stopped by a taxi in front of them losing 5 minutes, sensing the hurriedness I sometimes feel creeping up, witnessing the moment of getting a hair cut by someone that can put you to sleep in three seconds with the brush of her hand, stopping by the corner pizza shop and being reminded good-anturedly that three slices come with a three soda from a complete stranger, hearing the quietness of sleep in a 5-10 block radius in the early hours of morning, on and one the moments roll like a reel film.

One of the highlights this week was Young Adult author Adi Alsaid, also ASF Assistant Basketball Coach, drop a galley copy of his book by to do a first read.  Exciting to have friends that think of you like that!

Perhaps the easiest part of getting lost in The Book Thief is seeing how you can get lost into Liesel’s eyes as you find yourself sinking deeper and deeper into the story.  Memories of the film, Meet Joe Black came back to me from the depth and level of commitment the characters put into getting the feelings to come out from the screen into the viewers.

Then let’s take a look at the film Wolf on Wall Street.  This mimic of scumbag Jordan Belfort, it is easy to see what money can do to people and ironically still does as it seems Jordan is just a different type of jerk outside of Wall Street today.  While a great film in showing the debauchery of money, I felt myself sad in between moments at the deepness of being lost that Jordan found himself in just when he had chances to right the wrongs.

Going to American Hustler, which I thought I would HATE – every time I saw the previews I thought – gross, cheap and not well done movie that will be.  I was wrong – and Jennifer Lawrence did pay a different role as I imagined, as someone urged me to consider in seeing the film, and Hunger Games never even entered my mind as I witnessed her transformation.  I have seen a run of films that have depicted real life events of the past, as well as many depictions in these two films, of how corruptness came back to haunt the chief characters.  Is the film business sending us a message?  I am intrigued with the film “Her” and look forward to that ending this weekend.

Working on the books Under the Volcano, Spontaneous Healing, and finished with Let’s Get Lost, I am having a content run of good books with much insight.

Repentino. is exceeding expectations as two staff members received honorable mentions for their submissions to the Scholastic Awards, we are gearing up to prepare for Digital Literacy Day, and sales of magazines are moving forward, as well as preparing the outline for the 2013-2014 Repentino.  Now to get the 2012-2013 magazine to artists from last year.  Always motion and moving required to keep moving forward.  January 29th’s Open Mic saw 72+ attendees, as well as some amazing performances with Tony from Egypt with Mr. Isaacs, Mr Vinelove, then another act with Sadie and Joe Edwards killing it with ASF students – amazing talent put together under one roof – so many more to mention and it is exciting to see the performers improving so much within one year

SUPERBOWL!  Look, I like Payton Manning and love the Bronco’s but, I have this spot for a team (Seattle) that has never won a Superbowl, and that is one team this would not get close to the Steelers with rings so in that respect, wouldn’t it be cool to Seattle obtain a win?

Of course the commercials remain one of the most exciting aspects as well and without the Steelers in the Superbowl, sigh – it seems not like a Superbowl at all.

I like the additions I am making to restaurants as well as unique places on the corners I find, so check them out on here as well as they continue to grow.  Some good pizza at a few new added restaurants to the list, and hope to see more exciting and refreshing food as time goes on.

There will be many more new things to come, but in the meantime, Happy Constitution Day Mexico – I feel there are many new things to occur with Mexico as well, and it is exciting to have a front seat to the changes.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Purposes

Posted on January 24, 2014 by Harry Brake

It’s funny, a new year, a new breath of fresh air, new initiatives.  This year has been just a writers block of a year for me, as I am sure many of you have had the same. Yet, I have noticed in myself a reserve of will I never knewI had.  I will tell you where I think that came and continues to come from, just like gushing oil, in a minute.  Within three weeks I have seen two amazing former students pass away suddenly, tragically, without a moment to even realize what happened until it was past – and the reverberation of this pain that hits you in the middle of well, everywhere, well it proves that time means nothing in the scheme of students that are brought into the fold of your family.

Funny thing, even as far back as my second teaching job, I would occasionally meet colleagues that would occasionally say, (not all would say this, just a select few) – “You spend way too much time with your students and not enough time in your job” – let me address this calmly – as I did hear this several times in the past week and this is of course my opinion, but has always been my view –

1) I would not have a “job” unless it was not FOR the students I think are amazing.

2)  I will never, ever, stop spending energy on the very reason I am still here today – students, and not just students, but my extended family in a weird sort of way since I already have 15 siblings, lol, they begin to be added to that number.  I would take a bullet, risk being fired, being criticized publicly, and so much more at the sake of not supporting any students I come into contact with.  That is my “thing”, my interest, my talent – meeting students halfway even when I have to tell them “No”, but still being there.

3) Anyone that knows me, really takes the time to KNOW me, knows, I will spend any extra time on any extra activity that requires it, if it means time is taken away from a task that is not done due to a student – need, I will ALWAYS – A L W A Y S go back and and finish a job, and finish it well, and better than anyone expects, just because, that was what my family taught me – and of course those that do not know me, and think they know me, well, it is easy to criticize when you don’t know.

4) I have begun to realize, if you believe in your students, and you know, not all students will think you are for them and many not until many years later – if you believe in them even after they leave your classroom, then you will not have their presence and opportunity to motivate them stop after they go on after you, I believe no good educator lets that be in vain.  You carry their will, they energy, and their potential into the next class, next month, and even the next year.  You risk and sacrifice pay, holidays, vacation, and precious time at the sake of your personal time, and your personal agendas to stand up as and educator and push them forward, then you later find that time to restore yourself.  Yet, if done right, their energy, spirit, and creativity will rush right back at you and fill you with a breath of energy that will outlast the largest serving of Red Bull, pasta on the eve of a run, and the largest pep rally that got you pumped than you could ever imagine.  THAT is the difference between an educator and a teacher, the BEING a educator rather than going through the motions of appearing a teacher.  Big difference.  to you Jeff Alfreide, this post is dedicated to the selfless spirit you showed on and off the track – the smile that crossed so many people’s days, that was as infectious as anything that could be positively infectious could be, and your unafraid and bold commitment to all things related to God was the reason you went on before others and forever were a winner in all that you did.  Your talent on the drums and in a jazz moment was unforgettable.  Your spirit – forever among us.  These are only some of the reasons you will continue to live on in our lives and we will never let others forget where our energy comes from, as it will continue to represent all the energy you ever brought to those that surrounded you.  Carry on my friend, and we know you will be winning every race you ever dreamed of.

Screen Shot 2014-01-24 at 12.26.56 AM

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

Vision Board…

Posted on January 20, 2014 by Harry Brake

That’s right, Vision board!  As we held our weekly game night Wednesday, amid a heated game of Taboo – the word vision board came up for the word – Dream – and although a little out there yeah – I like it VISION board.  It sounds expansive – and applies to alot of things we should all have a regular personal bulletin board of our Visions, dreams, and aspirations!

What a week, and yet many things just appearing everywhere

-5 students will actually be appearing AND PRESENTING at Columbia University – with 22 students attending the Conference in March 2014!

– Digital Literacy Day is February 5th!

– MOOC -ED Digital Learning Classes start today!

– The 2012-2013 Repentino. is out for sale!

– Chapultepec does NOT let dogs into the park – FYI!  LOL

– Wednesday, this WEDNESDAY – at The American Legion – 7:45 – Trivia games   start – get a team of up to five and be there!

Overall, as 2014 is rolling in quickly, I have to say, I HATE the cold, and this is nothing compared to the cold being experienced in the northern areas, YET, cold is cold and I am wondering, what is happening to the climate changes – What the heck!

Everyone keeps asking me what I think about the Superbowl, yet, I DO NOT CARE unless the Steelers are in it – however, if I HAD an interested opinion, I think it would be cool for the Seattle Seahawks to get a Super Bowl Ring – I think their first, no?

I find myself becoming more and more independent and wanting to experience things on my own this year, but I like that.  I am beginning to see that I am making up for all the time I delved out so much time to others, so now it seems is payback time to find myself in many new experiences, etc.

I am looking forward to heading back to Delaware for Spring Break and it will just be nice to be in a different place revisiting memories from the past.  🙂

As I work through new restaurants and new experiences in 2014, as always, I am grateful for the friends and family that make these experiences what they are, and help shape the way I see things and how they relate to me!  I am very interested this year in attending several Creative Writing Workshops to work on that aspect of experiences I need to strengthen.  What new experiences do you look towards in 2014?

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Tripping…

Posted on January 12, 2014 by Harry Brake

Yes, Tripping.  Seeing the film, Upstream Color wow.  Most would say, “Too Much going on, which came first the chicken or the egg. and need to see it again!” This Sundance Film is elaborate and brilliant, just give it a chance, trust me, let is soak in when you walk away from it, talk about it with someone, and intellectualism will appear, promise. LOVED it, loved the Pink Floyd “The Wall” feel to it, and it IS brilliant! – LOVE.

Meeting Marco Antonio Karam, President of the Casa Tibet Mexico, at the Tolerance Museum, AND seeing Richard Gere’s collection of Tibetan photographs, AMAZING.  I mean, AMAZING.  I learned so much just in talking with students, hearing Mr. Karam talk about the rainbow body  (Cool things, believed in this one particular cave location, (Milarepa’s Cave)  after full meditation, goal is to attain recapitulation – you become this burst of energy – leaving only hair and nails behind – since no nerves in this part of the body) achieving the ultimate level of attainment, the rainbow body.  We should all attain to be the most energy we can always be in our lives – always) among many other fascinating items, AND then going to an amazing restaurant, Tandoor in Condesa with India experts Isabel and Amy and family, amazing day.  it got better – Game Night with Sandra, her cousin and partner, Kirk, Camila, Tony, finally a good weekend.  😉

Today!  We are off to Pinche Gringo BBQ with a group then shopping. GORGEOUS DAY today!

Speaking of Tripping – three hour dog walk this morn, FIRST time the pups went into the Rio fountain and they LOVED it, and well what else can you say?

Reading my former Editor in Chief’s bio below on her recent tripping experiences from, well, you’ll see, everyone should be challenged to make the most of their days, amid the good and bad, and you’ll see good eventually does float to the top:

“To all those who made my trip the best experience of my life, thank you. The trip comes to an end and I am forever with pure amazing memories. / To all those who made my trip the best experience of my life, thank you. The trip is coming to an end and I’m keeping all the incredible memories with me forever.
Alberto Vadas Thomaes (the person most essential of my trip), Euge Guerrero the amigocha, Ana Graham and Patricia Ortiz to save us when we were stranded in Edinburgh, Monika Hall, David Hall and Steph Bell for the awesome first workaway experience, Henry, Rosy, Elaine, Svenja, Bernadette Thomaes for welcoming us into her home and showing me how to cook, Truyts Hans and Sara Vloebergh and Karen Truyts and Erwin Bogaerts and Kirsten Van Damme and Ellen Van Damme for the great time in Belgium, Ann Thomaes by the Mexican salsitas and the incredible journey in bike, Stahl Man, Manne Nordh, Mariana Zi, Abanoub Tharwat Malak, Dhab Mohamed for rocking our in Berlin showing support in a moment of crisis, Nur Ma, Kilian Zeta and León León by treating us like family and opening the doors of your House/bedroom, Anna Krenn and family Krenn for teaching me the most beautiful of Austria and for welcoming me with open armsLing Parisxalapa by
philosophical conversations and the great help to get to the railway station in time, Mireille Alexandra Combari for the awesome time in Paris, Soraya Soraya for being the same friend as always beautiful, Tamara Andraca session therapeutic we lay, Melissa Ohayon, Michael and Sebastian Garcia Luna Muñoz for the first Christmas away from home (which was totally and completely unforgettable), Ana Sansó family, Clara GS and Paty PS for a great new year, Peguels Leyba PAVITOOO TE AMA! My dad mane De la Parra for his support today and always, and my mother Luisa Leyba, who without their support I would never have dared to cross the pond.”
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Projects – an Open Door…

Posted on January 8, 2014 by Harry Brake

I love projects.  They help keep me focused on what is possible, what is not created yet, and what could be created with our own ingenuity and energy – all there for the taking, all we have to do is reach in, grab what we like, and make it what we can with our talents – and turn out an amazing project.  So it goes, dreamers are born, and the ability to dream, has been the one element that has drawn me to the field of education.  Being restricted and not being able to use the skills of creativity, research, organization, references, and choice makes me feel like being in the most restrictive strait jacket.  However, students all along the way have taught me, “My dreams do not have to be like that, we want to do what school requires of us but in our own translation!”  I so agree.  So here is a collection of some of my best and most favorite projects.

My friend Osseily Hanna had worked so long and hard on a dream of his, involving a book and a film, that takes music and brings to home to being personal.  He recently has directed us towards a SoundCloud of an artist that parallels his coverage of this idea of living alongside each other, amid conflicts, and using music as the connecting piece. David Broza is one of many artists polled, jumping on with Steve Earle, sharing this initiative to tear down walls of separation at this link.  Stay tuned to Osseily as there will be many more peeks into what he has to offer in the future.  Osseily’s energy shows that a will to change the world doesn’t stop within four walls.

I look back and am amazed at the energy that had been out in by the organization created with the idea of changing the community.  Creating a group called PAVE  (yet before that, what had it been called Christina?!) – Christina Stevenson named the group the second year PAVE (Peers Actively Volunteering and Educating), changed the way people looked at Project Based Education.  We created gardens in the Soroptomist Park with exchange students, we helped 5k’s, combining to cause change at Chapel Branch (see below!):

Students at Delaware New Tech Academy tackle Chapel Branch Nature Area

The students in the Environmental Science Class and Rotary Interact Club at Seaford High School have chosen the Chapel Branch Nature Center for their class project. This will be the first project that the students newly formed Interact Club will conduct by assisting the Environmental Class.
They selected Chapel Branch after hearing from two speakers that have been very involved in protecting the natural resources that are available to all of us living in Delaware. Jason Beale, Manager of the Abbotts Mills Nature Center addressed the students and talked about the plants and animals that make Chapel Branch such a valuable site. The next speaker was Marlene Mervine, President of the Nanticoke Watershed Conservancy whose agency established a conservation easement in 1998 to forever preserve Chapel Branch for the community. Mrs. Mervine talked about the lack of money available to the Conservancy and the need to upgrade many items that in the past have made the Chapel Branch Nature Area a very valuable piece of property for the enjoyment of the community.
The Chapel Branch site was purchased by DuPont in 1938. Previously, the land had been timbered and farmed and included a fruit orchard. The natural forest has gradually reclaimed the land and the Chapel Branch which flows to the Nanticoke River. The Chapel Branch Nature Center is located next to the Golf Course off of Woodland Avenue in Seaford. The site has two trails one known as a short trail of 1.25 miles and the long trail of 2.1 miles. There is a parking lot off of Woodland Road. A map was drawn in 1992 by B. C. Johnson and R.J. Keene. One of the projects the students will work on is an up-to-date map. 
The students have made a list of items that need to be fixed or updated and in teams of four they have chosen the item their team will work on. One of the most important areas will be fundraising and the students contacted Applebee’s, on Route 13 North, Seaford where on January 12, 2014 they will run a Flapjack Fundraiser where they hope to have great community support and raise funds to support their fellow students various undertakings.
“Without the funds we will not be able to accomplish all of the projects my fellow students at Delaware New Tech Academy want to do at Chapel Branch, “ said Drunna Hopkins in charge of fundraising along with Jalone Nichols abd Stefannie Ulysse. “We need the communities support by joining us on January 12th at Applebee’s,” she added.
Some of the projects the student groups are working on are as follows: make a flyer for Chapel Branch, building duck boxes, building a bridge, clearing trails, updating a trail map, writing childrens books, analyze and catalog plants, animals, birds and insects that frequent the area, developing a canoe and kayak map and finally rework the web site. To accomplish these projects the students need to raise money and that is why they are having the Flapjack Fundraiser.
Applebee’s only provides a lunch and dinner menu seven days per week. However, to assist local organizations they open their doors on Saturday and Sunday mornings for Flapjack Fundraisers. The Environmental Science Class of Delaware New Tech Academy chose Sunday January 12, 2014 to hold their fundraiser. Applebee’s provides a sample ticket and poster which the students can copy and the students have to supply all of the help the day of the event with the exception of a cook and manager. Students work as greeters, seaters, waiters, busboys, coffee and juice servers and most important sell tickets. Tickets will be available at the door or by calling John Reichenberg, Environmental Science Teacher at Seaford High at 302-629-4587 X2225. Doors will open at 8AM and close at 10AM.

Let’s make this a very big success and support the students on the 12th of January.

PAVE created support lines for Relay for Life, obtained grants for creating educational units on the Holocaust, and so much more.  All this with just the interest of DOING something different that funneled the talents of students, into high gear with the act of changing things for the better. The last President of PAVE was Tammy Pham and wow, she took on a lot by herself but nonetheless, oversaw projects tat many could have, but did not partake in and she was the last to initiate so many changes.  Winning four Governor’s Awards in 5 years was amazing.  Well, no, not really if you think about Kate Batz, Christina Stevenson, Melinda Duryea, Alison Schwinn, Monserret Celayos, Katie McMullen, Tuyet Nguyen, Tammy Pham, Katie, Alyssa Casey, Priyanka Patel, Vika from Russia, Firdavsi from Tajikista, and the amazing girls from Japan, Italy and MORE, many many more, that made this an amazing venture, it is easy to realize this would be a success to begin with.  I love the fact that the projects they did were done from the heart, done well, and recognized on the highest level at the time from the Governors of Delaware, multiple times.  This shows their commitment to changing the world around them.

I enjoy the fact that time is now allowing me to go back and obtain the pieces of a project started right here in Mexico City, that of the 911 Project. A group of students came together with the idea that we could take the event and involve individuals around the world in presenting something new with the event of 911 at the center.  We did in fact start a project, met with individuals, and eve n met with the Technology Department where we retained, and still have, amazing tools at our disposal to turn this project into a possibility that will amaze people when they see where we take this.  Do not give up on us yet, we have inly let the ideas simmer before be bring them out!

One of my proudest projects has been the one literary magazine, Reflections from ASF and now Repentino., started with the spark of an idea from ASF’s own Camila, passed now on to Alia and Clau.  Camila will soon do great things as her family does, Camila already has, and their spirit of giving knows no bounds as each consecutive ASF staff member has that potential ad I have no doubt, will go on to do great things. Deciding to want to invigorate the idea that a literary magazine can become a living, breathing entity, and being intelligent enough to not want to bury the past alumni’s efforts in Reflections, but to breathe new life into their groundwork, Repentino. was born.  (Yes with a period at the end).  This journey started with 6 people then 12 then jumped to 56, and the new realizations set in.  Wow, we can become a revamped, color literary magazine, then, wait, we can incorporate contributions from ALL OVER THE WORLD, then wait, we can incorporate art, writing, sculpture, alot! into this issue, and then….new chapters keep revealing themselves and we are able to show that borders have no bounds when it comes to exploring how we communicate in a variety of mediums, AND, how we can support each other’s efforts thanks to these mediums.  I cannot say enough about how research, initiative, creativity, strategizing, marketing, and so many more marketable skills have culminated into Repentino. as a magazine, creating Open Mic Nights, creating small pockets of fun here and there to advertise Repentino. and just traveling to CSPA’s Conference each year to develop and integrate further the ideas, methods, and strategies to turn a publication into something amazing.  That is what happens when a collection of diverse talented students put their minds to something, can carry it out.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Dia De Los Reyes and yes, AMAZING.

Posted on January 7, 2014 by Harry Brake

I love the beginning lines, “Bigger than Santa!”  In seeing the description of Dia De Los Reyes,  the beginning lines of the number one point definitely stands out.  I like to see that this celebration is an extension of the holiday of giving yet, it also has a deeper meaning than Santa as well, which is rewarding.  The feeling that something bigger than us exists is so important, and one of the biggest takeaways you can realize.  I went to get pizza and saw at least 10 boxes of Rosca de Reyes, along with some children’s toys being delivered to the pizza store out of a van, very cool.  I friend of mine took a picture of at least 10 boxes of Rosca de Reyes placed on the internet.  I bought my own Rosca de Reyes a few days ago, and tore into it not being able to wait and sure enough, found a Screen Shot 2014-01-07 at 3.56.54 AMbaby Jesus and a star burst image inside.  Whoever gets the slice with the figurine has to host a party on February 2nd or Día de la Candelabria.  Now, I am not sure how fair that is since I was the purchaser, but we will see  🙂

Speaking of things looming larger than us, it is natural and sometimes a bad habit of mine also, to get into a tailspin and be selfish and worry about things that affect me more than they do others.  I do not like particularly for this to occur, yet there is so much around us to remind us that others are in need as well so much more.  I heard some very disheartening news that a former student of mine had recently passed away tragically.  I was always under the belief that if you distantly knew someone, of course you never wanted anything bad to happen, but when it would, it would be like shell-shock and not hurt so much.  I am disagreeing with that sentiment.  As soon as I heard this news, I stopped dead in my tracks and literally just shut down.  I recalled the moments that made this person who they were in my mind, and I was hit with an unseen arrow right through the middle.  Then I realized, how incredibly much all my students have meant to me through the years – I decided to throw myself into their lives and being there for them unconditionally, and just as you realize this years later when they come back to tell you amazing stories of their accomplishments, and you glow in the bask of their success, the harder hit comes when they become hurt.  I did not realize this until this occurred to me so recently, and I have to say, I feel at least 10 years older and just from the news.  Then I received this from also, a former student –

“It is a curious thing, the death of a loved one. We all know that our time in this world is limited, and that eventually all of us will end up underneath some sheet, never to wake up. And yet it is always a surprise when it happens to someone we know. It is like walking up the stairs to your bedroom in the dark, and thinking there is one more stair than there is. Your foot falls down, through the air, and there is a sickly moment of dark surprise as you try and readjust the way you thought of things.” – Lemony Snicket

Somehow, in some way, it seems there always is a person out there that can sweep beside you and lay a consoling word, thought, or moment that helps break the shock of pain and part the troubled waters.  Students are amazing, they begin at this category to be subjected to frequent tests, quizzes, hurdles to overcome, life situations to supposedly mold them into a better and more mature person.  Take away all that cover – and underneath in most cases, you have a very amazing and sometimes different sometimes similar resemblance to you – wanting the things life has to offer and taking them and changing them in a form that seems befitting of understanding this world around us.  I have found it often takes another student to help me realize, that the word student is also a synonym for amazing.  Thank goodness I have had a ton of amazing along the way to help me remember that.  😉

Stacey Crockett, you will always be remembered.

Screen Shot 2014-01-08 at 5.15.47 PMSEAFORD-Stacey Joanne Crockett, age 24 of Seaford Delaware became our angel on January 1, 2014, surrounded by her loving family and friends.

Stacey was a 2007 Seaford High School graduate where she participated in Field Hockey and Softball.

Stacey worked at Bon Appetit Restaurant as a Server for 8 years where her employers, coworkers and customers adored her.

She had recently joined CrossFit in Seaford where she stole their hearts like she did any other.

Stacey enjoyed spending her time at home with her family, friends and animals, Laney and Cali. Her second home was Bon Appetit. When not enjoying those things, you would find Stacey anywhere a friend needed her. She enjoyed fine wine and great food so you could find her with any number of people, from any walk of life, at any number of places. Her passion was music, and she enjoyed many concerts and festivals. In fact, the Stacey Shuffle was known and loved by her friends. Her kind loving nature and acceptance of all peoples beliefs made her an unforgettable soul.

Stacey made the beautiful choice to be an organ donor at the tender age of 16, and was able to give the gift of life to 6 people immediately and many more will benefit from her selfless donation for research.

Stacey is survived by her parents Tim and Janet Crockett of Seaford, her brother Matt and his wife Jordan and niece Ella Crockett of Greenwood ,her brother Shane Kiser of Petersburg, VA, Uncles Mike and Scott Crockett and his wife Denise, grandmothers Elizabeth Crockett and Alice Kiser, all of Seaford and Uncle Bill and Aunt Cindi Martin of Salisbury, MD. Stacey is also survived by her cousins, best friends Margaret Rolich, Erika Brooke, and Cody Murphy and countless other friends and strangers whose lives she touched.

A celebration of Stacey’s life will be held on Thursday, January 9th at 4 PM at the Seaford Volunteer Fire Department Hall, 302 E. King St, Seaford, DE.

In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to your choice of the following. Gift of Life Family House 401 Callowhill Street Philadelphia Pa 19123. www.giftoflifefamilyhouse.org for online donations and tribute page. Seaford High Field Hockey Boosters ICO/Seaford High School 399 N. Market Street Seaford DE or CrossFit Seaford 120 Venture Dr. Seaford DE.
– See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/delmarvanow/obituary.aspx?n=stacey-crockett&pid=168958957#sthash.GEbH7a5b.dpuf

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment