Listening to...

Jesus Fever by Kurt Vile.

This ever so catchy song has been running through my mind all day long. In an effort to clear my head, I am passing it your way. Download Jesus Fever for free on Kurt's website, or give it a listen on Pitchfork.

I pack my suitcase with myself, but I'm already gone...

Gummi bears galore x

Who knew that gummi bears could be so elegant? I happened upon these gorgeous chandeliers online and couldn't resist posting them. I recently moved into a new place, (which happens more often than I would like to admit), and I have the decorating bug once again. There is only one furniture store in Queen Charlotte, and no Haida Gwaii craigslist, which has forced my roommate and I to be rather inventive. We have spent the past few weeks gathering logs and driftwood, 'building' couches out of old shelves, and sewing cushion covers. As cozy as our granny bungalow is becoming, I can't help but imagine a stark white industrial space featuring a glowing gummi bear chandelier. Oh how the grass is always greener...

I showed this post to one of the parents from my school, and we just decided to try our hand at making one for our upcoming Chocolate Circus! The chandelier above was made by artist Yaya Chou, and below by a company called Jellio.

Kid Politics

I recently listened to an interesting podcast on This American Life that investigates the idea of kids becoming involved in politics. Ira Glass begins by discussing a documentary called Please Vote for me by Weijun Chen, that I happen to have watched on an amazing zine-style compilation of films and shorts that my brother gave me last Christmas. It was super interesting to witness the eight-year old children's approaches to campaigning for votes. Another fascinating part of the podcast focuses on the free school movement. The staff visits The Brooklyn Free School, where students are given the power to make all of their own decisions through frequent school meetings and discussions. It is particularly relevant to me, considering that I am working at a school with similar values regarding student autonomy. As a new teacher, I am drawn to alternative education, but also respect many aspects of public schooling. Give it a listen, and see what you think!