Just wanted to say...

Happy Easter everyone!

Have a giggle packed and jelly bean filled weekend!

Creativly yours,

Kat

Erin Gruwell Coming to ESU!

I just found out that a woman who I have looked up to for a very long time is coming to ESU! Her name is Erin Gruwell and she proved through her work as a teacher that writing CAN change lives! I have looked up to her for a very long time and when the video Freedom Writer's was released I practically wore out the DVD! Needless to say, when I got the memo on my desk stating that she would be visiting ESU (campus where I work) on April 28th I was very excited! This is also, coincidentally, my 21st birthday! Who could ask for anything better!

For those of you who don't know who Ms. Gruwell is, let me indulge you! Erin began her teaching career at Long Beach High School in California and entered a very tough and divided school. The kids who entered her classroom were claimed to be "unteachable," but this didn't stop her. Through a series of events and by sticking to her beliefs, hopes and stubborn personality... Erin helped all who entered her classroom and together they learned the power of words and their effect on all of our lives. Her students and she compiled stories that would later be published as Freedom Writer's Diary: How a Teacher and 150 Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves and the World Around Them. These same 150 students (who were thought to be lost cases) went on to graduate not only high school but most pursued further education. All because one teacher chose to believe in them. This amazing story was eventually created into a movie, Freedom Writer's. A good movie to watch it you haven't already!

What I love about Erin is that she found hope in a place where there as little, and a story where there was thought to be none. She found a way to prove that each and every one of us is living out our own life stories and they are worth telling. Writing is a powerful thing, and words CAN effect other's lives. I know the student's of Ms. Gruwell's class had a powerful effect on my life. I am very excited to see her! Of course, I will take pictures and post them here! If you happen to be in Emporia and are interested, the event will be happening on campus in the Albert Taylor Hall at 7p.m.. Ms. Gruwell will be giving a speech and speaking about her experiences as well as her thoughts on becoming a catalyst for change, teaching tolerance, and nurturing the leader within.

New Book Idea!!!!

I don't have much time but I wanted to send out an update! I was hit by a wave of inspiration on Saturday and have been working away at a new book idea ever since! It involves.... are you ready for this... a PICKLE PIZZA! It is unique and been a lot of fun to work with! I don't want to share too much just yet but I will update you as I get a more solid layout of the story!

Until then my friends...

Creatively yours,

Kat