Arts education...

So, it's been a year since I've been in Phoenix and I've been pretty stressed about work.  It really made me realize that I need to get back to doing what I love...which is art...and traveling.  But let's just focus on the art right now.  

I'm looking into starting a Master of Art in Arts Education, this will allow me to teach art...which is my lifelong goal (to become an art professor).  I will be looking at online program for now, my two main schools are University of Nebraska and University of Florida.  I may also consider Boston University but I'm not too sure.  Most of the colleges have a required 1 week session, which I am looking forward to (this is why I'm considering Boston, because I love the city).  University of Nebraska is the frontrunner because I started the application process in 2010 and I am still in contact with the professor that runs the program.  The program is usually 1 year and I will still try and complete my MBA (as long as I'm with the company). 

After this I am going to try to teach some and then look into a PhD in Arts Education or Art History.  Art History will be harder because I have to know at least 2 other languages and one has to be a romance language.  The plus is that most universities will accept German in the place of a romance language.  I'm so glad I took some German in college, so I will be looking for German classes in the area and hopefully they will accept Farsi as a second one.   If I can get a intermediate level in these languages I may go for a romance language.

The PhD in art history is not set in stone and things will change.  So right now I am focusing on the MA in Arts Education and looking in volunteer opportunities in the area.   I'm hoping to stick to these plans because I need to find a career that I really enjoy and can grow in.

London, Paris, Rome...

Hey people, the travel group I am a part of will be doing a trip to London, Paris and Rome...if you are interested check it out here http://travelsistahs.grouptoursite.com/groups/travelsistahs.aspx...if you have any questions just leave a message and I can get you in contact with one of the coordinators.  It's open to anyone who is looking to explore London, Paris and Rome with a group.

Peace and Zen in Phoenix...

This weekend I meet up with my travel group at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Phoenix.  It was a must after the crazy week I had.

Let's just say work is back to being stressful, including an "intial" warning...I know that I should and will work harder, but the real surprise was that the job was not what I thought it to be but I will do what I need to go because the economy does not appear to be picking up anytime soon.  But anyway back to the peace and zen...

I was a little surprised at where the graden was located (downtown Phoenix) and how peaceful it was...I know that I will be going back soon...actually made plans with the hubby to go back next weekend and after looking at the membership prices, I will definitely be getting one for the hubby and I.  After seeing the pictures he was a little disappointed that I did not invite him because his father spent 6 years in Japan, and he is very interested in the culture because of the stories his father told him.

Info on the gardens:

• names Ro Ho En
• 3.5 acres
• designed by landscape architects from sister city, Himeji in Japan

more info at http://www.japanesefriendshipgarden.org 

Anyway, here are more pictures to enjoy (including massive koi fish) and hungry ducks...