Signs of spring. A jolt of joy! Blossoms cheer, weary hearts. Ode to Joy, hope and faith. Cheers to you and Happy Spring~
Ode to Joy~ —
I am back. I took a sabbatical of sorts from the blog, as I only checked in on comments and to follow up through the reader. It has been a busy time supervising student teachers, attending online events, presenting at online events, writing, getting published, and life in general. I am unsure how active I will be. I hope to be posting 2-3 times a week and maybe write some new poetry.
I return with a share from Cindy who takes wonderful pictures of nature close to home in the Holler and further afield. The images remind me we are entering the time of the year where life comes alive after its dormant period, Yes, things do remain in a state of flux with weather. Despite the uncertainty, it is a time to rejoice and search out the joy and beauty located wherever we look in nature.
Cindy shared a video of musicians playing Beethoven’s 9th Symphony as a virtual ensemble. Artists of all forms find ways to lead us in the most challenging times and COVID-19 is no exception. I am grateful we have wonderful artists who take the lead in meaningful ways.
It has been hard this past year for each of us with less social interaction. An emerging area of interest for me is the role virtual communities can and will play in our lives moving forward. It is what I presesnted on this past weekend and am fleshing out an article for submission. People surprised me with their response to what I talked about. I see hope and joy in sharing online. It brings me together, often with people I have not met and likely will never meet.
Common is the root word of community, communicate, and communion. What do we have in common that brings us together, besides our grievances and grief? In short, what gives each of us joy? How do we experience communicating what we receive from others and share with others? How has listening to others changed in this brave new world? Communion goes beyond the religious concept, speaking to a level of intimacy. How do we reveal who we are in a virtual world? Virtual and virtue share etymological roots, speaking to our character in these communities.
I leave you with a video from Mavis Staples. How do we get it together and bring joy into our lives as a collective and community?
ivonprefontaine
Teacher as Transformer 
Glad to see you’re back! Hoping all is well.
Thank you Carrie. Things are going well, busy but well.
Thank you for continuing to visit my blog during your absence from posting.
Looking forward to your poetry.
I am looking forward to stopping by your blog on a regular bais.
It’s wonderful to see you here, Ivon. No pressure for you to publish regularly, just when you have time or want to connect. Online connections are the norm now, as you say. It’s a tough time but glad to hear you are busy with work and personal projects. Congrats on pursuing publishing as you mentioned!
Thank yo Chrisy. I am beginning to explore the whole leadeship and virtual community thing. When I presented on Saturday, I was pleaantly surprised how much interest there is in the topic. I see you are exploring how to make friends in a pandemic.
Things have certainly changed in our personal contacts during this past year. So many events and meetings now are held with Zoom or a virtual presentation. It’s a great substitute but doesn’t replace the real thing for me. I’m definitely looking for more joy!
Wonderful comment Bev. I am looking forward to joy. It fits nicely with hope.
Good to see you again! Have missed your updates. 🤗
Thank you Shruba
Good to see you back Ivon! C
Thank you Cheryl. It’s good to be back.
Welcome back! 🙂
Thank you.
Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
YOWZA, YOWZA, YOWZA-!
Thank you Jonathan.
YES SIR, IVON!