Tuesday 30 April 2019

Sporadic Blogging in May


My blogging will be noticeably spotty and much more sporadic in May because I'll be in class full-time at ELLA (Edmonton Lifelong Learners Association). This year I'm taking three courses:

"Drawing for Beginners"

Perhaps it has been years since you picked up a pencil to draw or maybe you believed you were only capable of drawing the classic stick figure. Do not let this stop you! This course breaks everything down for you sequentially and provides a step-by-step instruction that is easy for you to understand. With guidance you will learn where to start and develop your drawing and keep it in proportion. You will learn how to “see” and how to shade your drawing with a variety of mediums.Be prepared to be totally amazed at your acquired skill.


"Jesus and Buddha: Historical Origins"

Focusing on the quest for the historical Jesus and the parallel quest for the historical Buddha, this course will explore the differences and similarities. Also, exploration of the parallel sayings of Jesus and Buddha on compassion, wisdom, materialism, the inner life, liberation and the future; and the question: Was Jesus a Buddhist monk?


"Maps & Cartography"

Maps are influential documents. The power of their message has a great effect on their audience. Whether creating a map or reading one, the one question that should always be asked is “What is the map’s purpose?” This course will look at three distinctive map themes: War and Empire, Literary Maps, and Maps of Canada. How and why maps are used for geopolitical and strategic purposes, as well as communication tools, will be looked at in week one. Week two will look at maps and literature and how they mix observation and fantasy. Week three will look at Canadian history through its maps.


Going to ELLA is much more fun than classes were in my university days -- no notes, no homework, no studying! But if you sit in the back row, you can still goof off with the other slackers!

74 comments:

Moving with Mitchell said...

So great! Enjoy the month. Hope you’ll share what you learn... and your creations!

coffeeontheporchwithme said...

That sounds like fun! I just couldn't imagine a course that's just for interest sake. It would be an adjustment. -Jenn

mxtodis123 said...

Just for the heck of it, I checked into the classes offered by our Lifelong Learning center. Should have checked sooner. I missed an awesome art class. Sign up for classes. You will enjoy it.

jaz@octoberfarm said...

wow...this is exciting! have fun!

Miss Val's Creations said...

Fun! I hope you show us some of your work! I am one of those who believes I can only draw a stick figure.

Lady M said...

What an interesting array of classes - all of these would peak my interest.

Bob said...

Wow, that's quite the mixed bag. Sounds very interesting, and fun.

Marie Smith said...

We have similar classes here. Love them. Enjoy!

LL Cool Joe said...

Good for you, sounds like you will be very busy. Enjoy!

SmitoniusAndSonata said...

What a wonderful institution, it obviously has a great range of courses. Our local equivalent seems obsessed with computer skills and local history, both useful in their own way but not inspiring.
Enjoy!

Dr. Theda said...

Took over 6 years of Art schooling... we hope that you enjoy... we used to draw / sketch a lot (nerves not so good to do so these days)
... Wishing you the best.... Stacey

Dr. Theda said...

oh, and look forward to seeing pics of some your work !!

Deedles said...

You can blog about your sporad anytime you want, honey!

bobbie said...

Sounds like a lot of fun! I could especially go for the one on maps ~ I've always loved them!

Kirk said...

I think I'd find all three of those classes interesting.

Mistress Maddie said...

Always nice to learn new things dear. I love your curious and urge to learn new things. I'll be hit or miss myself.


I also got you email. Thanks you dear...it was great fun!

Leanna said...

I wish they had extracurricular courses like that here. I would be on it in a second. I loved being a student in college and I miss it.

Susan said...

What a great line-up! Very right/left brain!

Parnassus said...

Hello Debra, What makes them think I can even draw a stick figure? It seems you made nicely varied choices--to me, the Maps and Cartography sounds like the most fun.
--Jim

DEZMOND said...

Can't wait to see your drawings!

e said...

No homework?!? What a rip-off!

I'm sure you will have a damned good time, Debra. All three of the classes look fun and interesting. I hope we get to read a synopsis or two...
Enjoy the month!

Bill Lisleman said...

that's a great idea - always enjoy learning new stuff. Lectures are easier than reading sometimes.

anne marie in philly said...

the maps class sounds the most interesting to me. I love geography!

Ol'Buzzard said...

Sounds interesting
the Ol'Buzzard

Lisa said...

Enjoy your classes. The one on drawing stick figures sounds especially interesting.

jono said...

It is way more fun to go to school as an adult. Eckhart Tolle sometimes speaks of both Buddha and Jesus teaching similar ideas. It could be fascinating. Have fun and bestow some of your newly acquired skills and information on us when you can.

Bea said...

Super! I haven't taken a drawing class in about five years. I found it very inspiring. Enjoy the month of May!

Magic Love Crow said...

This is fantastic Deb! Have a great time! Yes please, show us your drawings!! Big Hugs!

Barbara said...

Good for you. All three classes sound terribly interesting. I wish I was up there and I'd go with you.

Lowcarb team member said...

What a good mix of classes. Enjoy them …

All the best Jan

Lady M said...

Those all sound like classes I would enjoy.

Anne Johnson said...

I admire your courage with that drawing class. I've tried and failed my whole life to produce a decent stick figure. Be sure to post your creations! The map class sounds fun too.

Sixpence Notthewiser said...

This sounds like a super fun month!
Would love to hear what you guys discuss about Buddha and Jessie.

XoXo

Joanne Noragon said...

I would take two of those classes in a heartbeat. I was reasonable decent at sketching, once, but since that steenking bus accident, I barely do stick figures. It would be fun to be taught again.

Martha said...

That is wonderful! Sounds like a lot of fun. The courses are always interesting. Enjoy!

Sarah said...

It sounds busy. The course sounds interesting, especially the Jesus and Buddha one. I once heard a hypothesis where it believed Jesus travelled and studied in India, possibly Buddism or Hinduism.

BWBandy said...

The one on maps has my interest.

^.^ said...

Happy 4 U, friend D … Love, cat.

G.B. Miller said...

Self-enrichment is always a good thing to do. Enjoy the classes and expand your knowledge of life.

brewella deville said...

A course on maps, especially the maps in literature part, sounds fascinating.

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

That sounds wonderful! Have a great month!

Rommy said...

All those classes sound so cool! I think I'd like to go and take a drawing class again to at some point.

Professor Chaos said...

Enjoy! But don't neglect us completely!

My Grama's Soul said...

I love that you are doing this, Debra. You are never to old to learn something new.

Jo

Fundy Blue said...

How wonderful, Debra! I'm wishing you much joy in learning and some fun goofing off in the back! I would love to take any of these courses, especially the map one. Please share some of what you learn!

Carol Blackburn said...

Well, those all sound like wonderful courses. I do hope you enjoy every moment.

Barb said...

We have Olli (the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, I think is what it stands for) which is on various universities - it however is a semester thing more than a month thing and offers a variety of classes.the last two O took were great decisions. I also pay for the great decisions through amazon prime!

Empty Nest Insider said...

I love the idea of taking classes for the joy of learning without the added pressure of tests. I can’t wait to hear about your schoolgirl adventures. Enjoy!

Julie

junemac2 said...

Yes i am loving the idea of this course. I could use a course like that here in the UK. Enjoy it my friend and come back and show us how it went.

Hugs June x

This N That said...

They look like interesting courses that you selected..Always better when you do it for fun..Enjoy..

Guillaume said...

I am not sure that Jesus ever existed, let alone that he was a Buddhist.

DVArtist said...

Wow great classes. Have fun and share with us what you learn.

bj said...

My slack time was the whole month of April and most likely will be for the whole summer. My reason....just not that interested in blogging any more. When I lost Bill, I lost a lot of my interests...I AM doing better now that it's been almost 2 years since he passed. I am working some on the little patio he and I made for our alone time...you know, where we sat in the swing and solved all the problems of the world. I didn't touch it all last summer but I have a little more desire to be out there now.
Have fun in your learning process...can't wait to see your first drawing!!

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

I'm excited for you. I'm also excited for us - we can to see what you learn. The class on Jesus and Buddha sounds particularly interesting.

Magaly Guerrero said...

You had me at "cartography"! My jealousy is deep. Have a blast! Then... draw us a map of where Buddha and Jesus doing cool things together.

Liz Hinds said...

They all sound good! I tried to draw a map for my dog-walking club book. Failed miserably.

In the different religions there are lots of parallel sayings, usually because it's a good saying! I think I heard a play once on the radio about an alternative life history for Jesus where he spent his youth travelling and studying Buddhism. It's ringing some sort of bells. But that might just be my ears.

baili said...

Wow ! this is so inspiring dear Debra!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

learn must not be stopped t any part of age .
i really wish i could do the same when the children are on their own and i have time to myself

specially i would LOVE to learn painting!

my heartiest best wishes are with you my friend!

enjoy and embrace the true pleasure of life LEARNING!
hugs!

Sandy said...

Hope you enjoy your classes, the historical religion class sounds awesome.

miruspeg said...

I like the idea of no notes, no homework, no studying.....sounds right up my alley Debra.
Have a fun time.
Hugs
Peggy xxx

Ur-spo said...

I too look forward to seeing some of your drawings and hope for many lovely maps as well.

Hena Tayeb said...

Sounds wonderful Enjoy your classes

holli said...

All 3 of those classes are going to be great!! I cant wait to hear about the Jesus /Buddha class.
Enjoy and soak it up!

The Blog Fodder said...

Those sound like wonderful courses.

Rain said...

How fun Debra! I love that you're going to be drawing!!! :) And the cartography course sounds really interesting! I missed your tin foil competition what with the house crap. I saw on Louise's blog that she entered, lol...her hat was really cool and such a lovely gift you sent her. Very nice! :) Enjoy your May, hope your snow has melted! :)

Rue said...

Oh my gosh, these sound wonderful! I really wanted to take some classes at the college this winter but with all the snow I just chickened out. We don't have any continuing education classes in the summer months so perhaps I'll get some in during the autumn. You've inspired me! Enjoy!

The Liberty Belle said...

What a nice variety of classes! I hope that you will enjoy your classes and meet new friends along the way.

The Captain said...

Quite a mix. I love maps and often find myself pouring over old maps online.

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

Thanks for sharing Debra. I used to draw while in high school. I need to start again. Have a wonderful week.

John M said...

I should take some classes, at least to keep my mind alive.

Riot Kitty said...

That is so cool! I'd like to see some drawings if you're willing to share.

Sandy said...

Popping round again to say hi, as I make my blog rounds.

RO said...

My blogging has been sporadic for the past year or so, so I totally get it.(lol) That stick figure is also the perfect example of my drawing skills.(lol) Happy weekend! RO

Susan Kane said...

Your post inspires me to open the pencils and paper.

Anonymous said...

I just came to say hi,, missing your posts, thinking of you,,