Posted: 2 years ago

It is interesting how a lecture in a classroom may start anywhere with the germ of an idea. I went to the YMCA this morning as is my customary practice every M-W-F-Sat. As I passed the desk where the gym instructors are, one (who I knew well and kidded with often) asked: "Professor, what are you going to wear tonight for Halloween?" My answer was not planned but it came easily since I had been watching the election reports closely: "I was planning on wearing an Obama suit, white shirt, dark tie and polished shoes but I found out that I would have to raise $150 million dollars in September to just try it on; then I found a new catologue from Alaska with a Sarah Palin Caribou Barbie outfit, wig, glasses, high heals, short skirt and designer blouse with a scarf, but I found out that outfit costs $250,000 dollars and that does not include the shipping; therefore I decided to wear my Henry the Eighth costume that I will wear in two weeks for my college class in Art Appreciation. I have already paid for that and it fits." As I left the laughter behind, I got on my favorite stationary bike and began my routine of 20 minutes. During that time, I adjusted what I told my instructor friend to a beginning for the introduction for my coming into the class in two weeks as Henry (for my Tuesday class at 8:00 am). Also it will give me an opening to talk about art and politics: such as, the Pope sending his army to the farm land of Italy to bring back Michelangelo to paint a ceiling at the Sistine Chapel (how degrading: a sculptor being forced to paint a ceiling like any low-life painter). Also it was hard-nose politics on the Pope's side. It is interesting where ideas come from that can be used in the classroom: such as, humor and art politics.

Posted: 2 years ago

Just a bit late in replying.  This was great.. So what did you wear for Halloween? I am sure your neighborhood kids really enjoy you.

Carol Anderson

Posted: 2 years ago

I wore my Henry the Eighth costume, sitting on the porch, giving out tricks (magic tricks) more than treats. They were given a choice: trick or treat. I was surprised that many kids choose "tricks"- but of course, they also got a treat after they were shown the disappearing candy magic trick. Even the older ladies group that came by wanted "tricks".

You can never tell what people will want. My daughter dressed as a peasant girl, my granddaughter as a princess (probably Elizabeth, but that is the problem of Anne that I had to execute in the next life- I did not see her in heaven, hmmmm....). Mathew, my grandson, was the Hulk.

Joe