July 31, 2010
Temporary Print Shop
Re-Learning Yoga
Eight years into practicing yoga (a surprise to realize that I have been practicing for that long) and I am re-learning the poses. This has been prompted by a shoulder injury that is now going on two years.
Although I have been in physical therapy for the past three months, last weekend was the first time I started to understand the bones, muscles and ligaments of my shoulders. This was learned in a yoga workshop I took with a local practitioner, Ada.
Now I am fascinated with anatomy. Previously, I honestly had no idea that there was anything beneath my skin, I was that unaware. This week I ordered an Anatomy of Yoga book from Amazon and am eager to learn how each pose impacts my infrastructure. As I practice each familiar pose I now find myself moving slower, more deliberately and using new muscles. The result is that I am re-inspired in my practice.
Although I have been in physical therapy for the past three months, last weekend was the first time I started to understand the bones, muscles and ligaments of my shoulders. This was learned in a yoga workshop I took with a local practitioner, Ada.
Now I am fascinated with anatomy. Previously, I honestly had no idea that there was anything beneath my skin, I was that unaware. This week I ordered an Anatomy of Yoga book from Amazon and am eager to learn how each pose impacts my infrastructure. As I practice each familiar pose I now find myself moving slower, more deliberately and using new muscles. The result is that I am re-inspired in my practice.
July 30, 2010
Stand Tall
July 29, 2010
Ode to Megan and Dallas
Note to other friends: I prefer if you do not move away as a way of expressing your generosity.
Men Watch Flying Women
July 25, 2010
Hidden Selves
Last week I substituted for the Consumer Behavior class at AiC-SF and learned so much, even though I was teaching the class. My colleague is using Consumer Behavior for Dummies as one of her required readings and although this wouldn't seem like a good college text to adopt, it is a useful book.
We discussed the Hidden Selves that consumers tap into when considering their needs and how this influences their consuming behavior.
Real Self
Ideal Self
Public Self
Private Self
Our class inspired me to think all week about what is the Real Self vs our Ideal Self as we may believe we are projecting one but actually living the other. To whom do we reveal our Real Self? Sometimes not even to ourselves. Most often I find that my Real Self comes out when I'm having a deep conversation - one that goes beyond the surface. This can be with a dear friend or even a stranger. Although I always hope to be authentic, meaning true to myself, there are so many Hidden versions of who I am.
The Ideal Self and Public Self can be how we package ourselves - the clothes we purchase, the foods we eat, the books we read, the statements we make, and the actions we take. This is particularly the case in urban areas, I believe, where there are so many communities and cultures that people try on both in our actions and our beliefs.
Dare I say that this blog presents one version of my Real, Public and sometimes Private self. Of course I don't put everything here, but I am willing to "live out loud".
Last week I was particularly Private after teaching for so many hours. I was "on" for 16 hours in classes and to re-charge my batteries I needed intense Private time. As a new teacher the Public and Ideal Selves I am presenting are quite draining. As the quarter progresses I will find balance and the ability tap into the Public Amy that my students need as their Professor. At the same time I need to identify how to nurture the Private Amy.
We discussed the Hidden Selves that consumers tap into when considering their needs and how this influences their consuming behavior.
Real Self
Ideal Self
Public Self
Private Self
Our class inspired me to think all week about what is the Real Self vs our Ideal Self as we may believe we are projecting one but actually living the other. To whom do we reveal our Real Self? Sometimes not even to ourselves. Most often I find that my Real Self comes out when I'm having a deep conversation - one that goes beyond the surface. This can be with a dear friend or even a stranger. Although I always hope to be authentic, meaning true to myself, there are so many Hidden versions of who I am.
The Ideal Self and Public Self can be how we package ourselves - the clothes we purchase, the foods we eat, the books we read, the statements we make, and the actions we take. This is particularly the case in urban areas, I believe, where there are so many communities and cultures that people try on both in our actions and our beliefs.
Dare I say that this blog presents one version of my Real, Public and sometimes Private self. Of course I don't put everything here, but I am willing to "live out loud".
Last week I was particularly Private after teaching for so many hours. I was "on" for 16 hours in classes and to re-charge my batteries I needed intense Private time. As a new teacher the Public and Ideal Selves I am presenting are quite draining. As the quarter progresses I will find balance and the ability tap into the Public Amy that my students need as their Professor. At the same time I need to identify how to nurture the Private Amy.
July 23, 2010
Speak
July 22, 2010
Define a Process and Teach it to a Friend
For tomorrow's Career Development class I just developed this assignment. Since the students are from all different arts majors (although at least a third of the class are Graphic Design majors this quarter) I am going ask them to pair up with someone from a different major to explain a process they use in the creative work.
First, we will discuss Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator and share the results from the "test". This will help us understand out preferred communication styles and also help understand how the "opposite" types take in and process information. Then we will watch a short video of where George Lucas explains his process of previsualization (thank you Janice Levy for teaching this concept to me way back at Ithaca College). From here I will have the students identify and define a process they use in their creative work.
Now the fun begins as they follow theses steps:
1. Get process down to 3-4 steps.
2. Explain the process to your partner.
3. Provide an example so that the process is memorable.
4. Have your partner explain it back to you.
5.Your partner will then explain the process to the class.
This is great preparation for interviewing as well as management, team-building, instruction, and mentoring. We'll see how it goes.
First, we will discuss Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator and share the results from the "test". This will help us understand out preferred communication styles and also help understand how the "opposite" types take in and process information. Then we will watch a short video of where George Lucas explains his process of previsualization (thank you Janice Levy for teaching this concept to me way back at Ithaca College). From here I will have the students identify and define a process they use in their creative work.
Now the fun begins as they follow theses steps:
1. Get process down to 3-4 steps.
2. Explain the process to your partner.
3. Provide an example so that the process is memorable.
4. Have your partner explain it back to you.
5.Your partner will then explain the process to the class.
This is great preparation for interviewing as well as management, team-building, instruction, and mentoring. We'll see how it goes.
July 21, 2010
Balancing My Introvert, Extrovert, Judger and Perceiver
This week I am teaching four classes at the Art Institute of California, three in San Francisco and one in Sunnyvale. The fourth class is just for a week, as I substituted for my colleague's Consumer Behavior course. Being "on" for each of these four, four-hour teaching blocks, takes great amounts of preparation, energy and focus. Students need precise information and very clear directives in every way that I communicate - by voice, with movement, in handouts and on their written assignments. Each class session takes hours of preparation.
Getting into the teaching "zone" and then re-charging my batteries in preparation for the next class is changing my weekly schedule. Previously, I had many meetings scheduled and countless mini-projects. Now, I have streamlined my calendar and even my social life. It is quite a change for me, the person who usually generates projects, leads community discussions and loves to meet.
In three of the four classes I am teaching this week we are discussing Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). Each time I present the content I gain a clearer understanding of the personality types and reflect on my ENFJ. Slowly, but progressively, I am balancing out my first and last letters with their "opposites". My extrovert is allowing my introvert to emerge and similarly, my judger is giving way to my perceiver.
With all this change, I actually feel more inner peace, or perhaps it is better balance. Yes, I am always running the show in my Professor role, but I am also allowing room, space and acceptance for others to find their voices. Students need to step in and step up if I want to help them learn and grow. In that space emerges all their personality types and also their daily dramas. I am like the captain of a pirate ship who pulls and pushes forward towards our hidden treasure while the crew attempts mutinees. They need the captain's leadership but also battle it all the way.
After teaching each class I meander back to my house, feeling no need to rush. I feel relaxed, if tired, having taught another day and managing to keep the ship afloat, avoiding capsizing, and being challenged along the journey by my curious students.
I am at a new point in my career and the change is welcome. Perhaps I am fearless in my willingness to continuously evolve my path - no two days alike, except for as much of my class plans as I can overlap into Human Resources Management, Executive Leadership and Career Development. Also, my new growing ability to ride the wave and not battle it for control.
July 17, 2010
Found My Heart
July 15, 2010
HeARTist Video
Searching for a video to show my Career Development students during tomorrow's first day of class I came across John Kraft Hearts in SF Project V artist's video.
So fantastic to see this project continues as an inspiration for artists, audiences and the SF General Hospital Foundation.
So fantastic to see this project continues as an inspiration for artists, audiences and the SF General Hospital Foundation.
Flyaway on the Women's Building
July 14, 2010
First Day of School
July 12, 2010
New Legs
Fionna, my lovely car which is getting so abused by Oakland, is getting new tires today. Re-joined Costco just to save some bucks and as a bonus was able to use a fantastic coupon.
July 11, 2010
Honey Bear
Tell Me About Your Dream Cafe
What would be your dream cafe? Tell me about the setting, food and people. Share your vision here or at Amy's Dream Cafe.
July 10, 2010
July 9, 2010
July 8, 2010
Louie C.K.
I heard Louie C.K. being interviewed about his new comedy show called, Louie, on Fresh Air yesterday. Yet another 41-year-old addressing change. This guy is hysterical. Divorced, father of two girls, trying to date. You just know he's the kind of guy you'll meet online. When he does his standup routine he's so appealing but then when the real life scenes are inserted you appreciate that he is doing his best to make his confusing life work - and living out loud in the most outrageous sense. Worth watching.
Teaching at Another Art Institute!
Fantastic news! I've just been hired to teach Human Resource Management for the Art Institute CA - Sunnyvale in their Fashion Management Department. Yippee! Class starts Wednesday. I'm now up to three courses this quarter. The two AICASF ones are Career Development and Executive Leadership.
July 7, 2010
Dream House
Self Portrait Day
July 6, 2010
New Bed Buddy
Eduardo, my traveling companion, aka my new laptop, is now spending his first night in bed with me. The blackberry use to be the last electronic I checked before bed and when I first opened my eyes in the morning. Now it is Eduardo. This habit started over the past week in DC and each morning I easily tootled away three hours typing, searching, thinking. That's how Amy's Dream Cafe was born!
Seeing Home Through Different Eyes
I arrived home to Oakland just now from DC/CT and my apartment feels...organized, small, clean, well-designed, my personal love nest of all-things-Amy.
Fionna had a bit of a dent accident while I was gone. I can't tell if someone tried to break into her or if they smashed the car door with their car door. Poor girl. She's just so bootiliscious.
Fionna had a bit of a dent accident while I was gone. I can't tell if someone tried to break into her or if they smashed the car door with their car door. Poor girl. She's just so bootiliscious.
July 5, 2010
Scott Belsky Inspires Me to Capture Evernote
Thank you Nancy Hytone Leb for recommending this book! Nancy is the catalyst for many of my ideas and dreams becoming reality.
July 4, 2010
Fourth of July in our Nation's Capital
Matt, Rachel and I are watching the DC fireworks on TV, even though we are only 4 miles from the National Mall. The finale is blasting and we can hear it from their house. I've never before watched July 4th fireworks on TV. Matthew calls it Fireworks Porn.
July 3, 2010
Amy's Dream Cafe
My brother Matt inspired me to follow my dream of starting a cafe. So far Amy's Dream Cafe is virtual but some day it will become reality. Visit the cafe!
July 2, 2010
Ice Cream with Obama
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
Who Wants Prosciutto Ice Cream
Another New York Times article about an inspirational artist following his dreams at the age of 41. This time it is ice cream where this hipster entrepreneur derives his inspiration. I'm sensing a theme in these posts which are stirring up the permission to release, or perhaps ignite, my inner creative.
Link to article.
Link to article.
July 1, 2010
Surer, Stronger and Safer
Ever have a life-changing moment that has made you more certain about your heart? That's occurred with me in the past 48 hours and it has altered my reality - for the better. Makes you recognize what and who is important in your life. In fact, I would say it has helped me define my personal vision and mission. Powerful.
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Stamford Shoreline
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Designers as Constant Arrangers and Vignette-Builders
Today's New York Times' Home section has an article about Best Made Company's Peter Buchanan-Smith and his change of career from graphic designer to ax designer. I found this piece hugely inspiring as it is about living your dreams - taking all of the seemingly-random experience in your life (at least that's how my life feels) and building up to something so simple and satisfying as designing a useful tool.
I especially like one of the article's photo captions which states, "Designers like Mr. Buchanan-Smith don't just have 'stuff'. They are constant arrangers and vignette-builders. One a window sill: a plumb bob, a bottle of cogne, a moth." Sounds a lot like my design aesthetic.
Buchanan-Smith is also brave to publicly share his many life-changes including divorces from his wife and also his business partner. Out with the old and in with the new.
I especially like one of the article's photo captions which states, "Designers like Mr. Buchanan-Smith don't just have 'stuff'. They are constant arrangers and vignette-builders. One a window sill: a plumb bob, a bottle of cogne, a moth." Sounds a lot like my design aesthetic.
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