Tool Box Class

Everyone needs a tool box......or magazine rack.......your choice on this project.  This was another fun woodworking class with head woodworm Gene Chism.  Check out some of the finished projects - click here.

Make-A-Clock Class

What time is it?   Its not Howdy Doody time.....but time to once again have fun in woodworking class.  Gene Chism cut the wooden clock face and prepared it with the proper cutout for the clock works.  Class members decorated the face of the clock to their personal liking.....painted, decopodge, etc.  These woodworking classes are fun because you get to "visit" while your hands are busy working.  Check out the finished clocks - click here.

Advisory Meeting November 20, 2013

The ALL Advisory Meeting was held on Wednesday, November 20th, 2013.  Review the minutes of the meeting by clicking the link below.  We hope that everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday with family and friends.  The Fall Semester will continue for a couple more weeks....through December 13th.  We are planning on a holiday party similar to what we had last year.  Please mark your calendar for Friday, December 13th for a potluck get together from 11:00am-1:00pm.  Bring a dish to share.......either savory or sweet.  With a little of "this" and a little of "that", we will have a great variety.  Iced tea and water will be provided.  P.S. Santa has dropped off a bag of goodies for those that attend.
November Minutes - Click Here

Don Quixote Class

Professor Laura Taggett gave us an exciting review on the book "Don Quixote".  Her probing questions helped us see the story within the story.  Her explanation of "metanarrative" likened to layers of an onion.  In Don Quixote you have the story of the old crazy man, then you have the narrator telling the story about the old crazy man, then you have the underlying sub-story that the narrator wants you to perceive.  Perhaps it is commentary on life in a troubled social system and how men with values are always needed within any society.  Review Laura's outline to see common themes running throughout the book.
Laura's Presentation - Click Here
Additional websites you may want to review.

1.  Overview of medieval chivalry: 

          http://usna.edu/Users/history/abels/hh315/Chivalry.htm

2.  Overview of Don Quixote's place in history:

          http://www.royalhonor.com/book.htm

3.  Contextual information regarding Don Quixote:  

          http://www.college.columbia.edu/core/node/1764  

If you want to re-read the book, you can download the entire book for FREE at this site:

          http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/996

Click on this link to review chapters I - IV   Click Here

Producing A Novel

Jim Lower was with us again to talk about producing a novel.  Do you have a burning desire to write and publish a book?  Of course the first step it to develop an idea into a manuscript.  But then what?  Jim gave the class members several ideas on both writing a manuscript but also on how to get the book published through the both traditional publishers and newer electronic publishers.  The last step is to sell your book.  Review Jim's presentation to learn more about the process.   Click Here

Basics of Photography (and then some)

The photography class with Dick Cummings has come to an end.  For the first four classes Dick led the discussion talking about general tips and techniques, books to own, magazines, where to buy stuff, repair shops, and local photography schools in Houston.  There was in-depth discussion about the Exposure Triangle, Depth of Field and White Balance. The last class was a review and critique of student photos....certainly a learning experience.

Click on this link to see Dick's suggestions - Click Here
PowerPoint Presentation of Class Photos - Click Here
PDF of Class Photos - Click Here

Charro Bean Soup

In Texas, Charro Bean Soup is a favorite at every Mexican restaurant.  Elsie Markuson shared her recipes with us...both a full version and a simplified version for those that like shortcuts.  This recipe makes a big pot that can be shared with friends.  Add a salad and chips and you have a complete meal.
Elsie's Recipes - Click Here
Pictures from Class - Click Here

Women on Fire

Professors Bobby O’Brien and Robert Holmes gave us an interesting presentation on two dynamic women of the mid-1800s in Concord, Massachusetts….Mary Moody Emerson and Mary Merrick Brooks.  These women were intellectual leaders in a time when women were generally not included in higher education.  Learn more about Mary Moody Emerson and Mary Merrick Brooks by reviewing the following items.

Books:

To Set This World Right: The Antislavery Movement in Thoreau’s Concord by Sandra Herbert Petrulionis

Virtue's Hero: Emerson, Antislavery, and Reform by Len Gougeon

Shadrach Minkins: From Fugitive Slave to Citizen by Gary L. Collison

Mary Moody Emerson and the Origins of Transcendentalism: A Family History by Cole, Phyllis

Emerson: The Mind on Fire by Robert D. Richardson

 All on Fire: William Lloyd Garrison and the Abolition of Slavery by Henry Mayer

Two journal articles on Concord by Robert A. Gross

    Click Here

    Click Here

The Concord Library is a great additional source -www.concordlibrary.org/scollect/scoll.html

Jewelry Making

Gloria Marubio led this fun (but sometimes frustrating) class on beading.  She presented several stitches including Peyote, Daisy Chain, and Spiral.  Most class members were beginners.....but through four class sessions learned the basics of these techniques.  I think all will continue in beading and expand to make beautiful jewelry.....something to be proud of.  Pictures of jewelry in progress - Click Here