Sample Photo for Wednesday's Image Presentation

Here's the photo I will present to you on Wednesday. To see a larger version, click on the photo.

Two benches, a coffee table and a tree in a blue pot (centre background). How can this possibly represent community?

First off, this is the front yard of a neighbour's house, not the back. People who live on my street are always welcome to sit (it's a sunny spot) and rest or contemplate. But, more importantly, the tree in the blue pot is in memory of a neighbour of mine, one who had a profound effect on all who live near me. She (I won't name her since I want to preserve my privacy as a teacher.) died last year, suddenly, from cancer.

Where I live, I know my neighbours. I've been living on this street for nearly 30 years. The woman who died, a wife and mother, always took the time to have a conversation whenever we met on daily errands. She employed my daughter as a babysitter and her husband and I go back 35 years to when we met while working at a community centre in Vancouver. They moved to my street intentionally, because of the community feeling we share.

When she died, my neighbours knew they needed to do something to honour her memory. That's how the tree was added to the benches that were already there. Last year, on her birthday, we met together, shared stories, sang and remembered her. It was a short ceremony but a very important moment. To me, community is walking down the street and being greeted by name, catching up on the latest news and, sometimes, sitting down and remembering those who have left us.

NOTE: The post for your "Temple Grandin" comment is below this one. Please post asap if you have not done so already. I will be back on Wednesday and very much look forward to your images and ideas in your second presentation of the term.

Learning to See: Responding to the Film, "Temple Grandin"

Write a personal response to the film. Include a comment on one scene you liked (for example, an interesting scene early in the film shows Temple’s mother trying to help her learn to read; other important scenes include Temple’s college graduation speech, buying a truck, the door at the market, visiting her professor etc.) Write 150 to 200 words in a paragraph, word process and bring to class. Be sure to mention specifically something we see (an image) and not only what happens.

If you missed class or wish to watch scenes again, here is a link to an online stream for the film, Temple Grandin. Be patient as the stream is slow. Pause the playback for a time to avoid buffering.