Social Media Changes the World

Only recently have I seen what great things social media can do!  It has become a fun hobby of mine and at times very addicting.  I never thought of myself as a social media butterfly; in fact, I never thought I would have a Facebook or Twitter account, among others that I have recently joined.  I have to admit, I really enjoy keeping in touch with friends and family that I haven't talked to in years.

Now, let's look at another aspect of social media.  Helping others has become global.  Americans or the United States are not in a box, just looking out for the needs of each other.  It's bigger than that.  This world is bigger than that.  Using Twitter, it reaches those in United States, Australia, Canada, France, etc.   It's about awareness and then doing something about it.  It's about finding a cause that is important to you...and being willing to give a little of yourself.

I have always had a soft spot for animals, domestic and wild.  One of my greatest causes is for protecting all animals, for preventing cruelty to animals, and helping them when I can.

My newest passion has to do with children and schools.  As an elementary school substitute teacher, I have been to over 30 schools in the last few years.  I have been to the wealthiest  of schools, with the best and newest technology and to the poorest or lowest income schools.  There are some schools where teachers have three years worth of  supplies just sitting in the classroom.  And there are some schools where teachers are bringing in their own pencils/crayons, or students are sharing supplies and books.  If every teacher that has been blessed with an abundance of supplies would give one box or more to another school, a school that is in need, many good things would start to happen.  Teachers sharing their wealth would start to make changes that would greatly be felt by those young students and their families.  Like the saying goes "It takes a village..."

Follow Your Dreams

As I sit down to write this today, I have been thinking about where my career or jobs and situations have led me so far.  I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and now I work as a Substitute Teacher.  That is far from the path I originally hoped to follow.  Art and writing has always been my true passion.  All these years later, I have found that I am still doing those things that I once hoped to follow as a career.  My job locations, positions, and job choices have changed along the way...but my artistic goals have never changed.  I am still pursuing a writing career.  I am still hoping to hone and use my drawing/art talents.  I am still artistically improving my photography skills.  I try to capture something different, like a different angle or tell a story with my photos.

Never stop pursuing your dreams, no matter what they are.  Never stop improving.  Never stop learning.  Along the way you may fail...in fact it is almost guaranteed that you will fail from time to time.  Many artists, writers, and musicians have been told they should give up what they were doing, because they would never succeed at their profession.  Stephen King, John Grisham, and other writers received rejection after rejection in the beginning.  Now look at where they are, artistically as writers.  Thomas Edison once said, "I have not failed.  I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."  Also, look at the history of Abraham Lincoln.  These two men and many others have this in common:  They never gave up!  So, go out and pursue your dreams, and never, never, never give up!! 

Until next time, thanks for checking in...You can follow me on Twitter at coffeegirl_77.

CMegill

What I've been up to....creatively

There are some days where I am concentrating on one thing or the other...but most days my mind switches between four or five different projects.  It can be mentally draining, but I am always full of ideas that I want to try or stories I want to write.  This week hasn't been any different.  I have finished several sketches, crocheted, taken many digital pictures, and worked on several writing projects, including writing the music for song lyrics I recently penned.

As a Substitute teacher, when I have free moments from the students, I am finishing a sketch or working on one of my movie scripts.  I love to share my endeavors and I hope you enjoy them.  Here are a few sketches/pics from this past week. 

I wish you all a great week with much happiness!  Thanks for visiting.   CMegill

For the Love of a Pencil

One of my favorite passions is drawing/pencil sketching.  It started when my grandfather was sick...I was in college and living with my parents.  They went out of town to visit my grandparents and I was alone in the house for almost a week.  I decided to start drawing, and I didn't stop until they got home.  I have dedicated all my art and sketches to my grandfather.  I guess he was my muse in the beginning.  Even though he is gone now, I still think of him everytime I sit down and work on a sketch. 

Here are some of my recent sketches...I am really enjoying working with the manga style.  These are my renditions of a picture/drawing from a book.  I do not take any credit for these being originals.  Hope you enjoy:-)

Acting as a Teacher

Everytime I take a substitute job, I see myself as playing a part...I am a third grade teacher, an Art teacher, or maybe I'm playing the part of a Music teacher.  Sometimes, I get to be Librarian (glasses and all).  Maybe I see it this way because I am a writer, a creative person and it puts me where I need to be mentally for that day.  I try to have fun with each of my teaching assignments, because some days it really isn't fun. 

Just like in acting, not everyone is right for the part.  If I play a part...let's say a Kindergarten teacher, for the day, I usually find out right away, it isn't the right part or assignment for me.  So next time, I may be better at choosing my assignments.  It takes a lot of patience to be a substitute teacher; and it's not the job for everyone.  I have been doing it for five years now, and I have been told time and again that I'm really good at this or that...and they want me back.  So, I guess, I get proverbial actor's call back...  One of my favorite things about being a Substitute teacher is my schedule.  I am able to choose when I work, where I work and how long I work, depending on which jobs I sign up for; I have control over my time. 

Every day is like a "first day of school," experience.  If that is what you are looking for, a job that is different and challenging, and you get out for the Summer, then you should give substitute teaching a try...but if you are looking for a part that is going to last for a long duration, then you should find something more stable.

The next post on teaching:  I will share some of my good, bad, and unbelievable moments of teaching.

Thanks.

Writer's Life

For over ten years my passion has been writing.  I try to write everyday and have recently completed two screenplays.  I love the Mystery/Drama and Action genres.  I'm working on another screenplay and a tv script for spec...to add to my writing portfolio.

Recently, I realized how much I love editing.  When I write a post for twitter, I find there is always a more concise way to say the same thing.  In fact, every time I rewrite a script...I always feel the project is better.

As I work on an article I hope to publish, my mind is always drifting to one of my scenes in my screenplay.  Creating characters and drama is so much fun.  I try to put myself in the character's mind and be the character momentarily while I am writing.  It is probably not wise to be the character that is in a car chase while driving, but that always adds a little excitement to my life.  Sometimes, it seems the character is taking over and the dialog just seems to write itself.

--Charis