jewelsB

My name is Julia, but some people call me "jewels". I am 93 years old and look fabulous for my age!!!!! (photoshop works wonders!!!) All kinding aside, I am a positive individual who is a participator, not a spectator, in the game of life. It is extremely hard to sit on the sidelines when I could be a key player. Playing leads to winning...and I LOVE winning. I also like being physcially and mentally active...I have alot of energy and it needs to be channeled.If I had to describe myself in a word, it might be "eclectic". now to some that may translate into, "oh...you mean scattered!" NOT SO!!!! I am extremely focused (at least when working on, or at, something I enjoy!) My passion relates to music and the arts, both fine and performing. Music allows me to express myself through dance and skating. Writing allows me to express myself through poetry and commentary. BUT, I also have an academic side...After teaching dance for ten years (in a performing arts school) I opted out and I now teach English Language Arts and Mathematics. I love passing on information and making it FUN!!! Watching a kid "get it" is one of the most rewarding feelings in the world. Promoting self-esteem is also important to me. Recently I have exercised my passion for art through photography. Through the meeting, connection, and encouragement of someone I call "friend", I have rediscovered the importance of "capturing a moment". Through the push of a button, I can freeze-frame anyone or anything. (and with all the "buttons being pushed" on a daily basis, this is the most creative, positive and productive for me.) Through editing, I have been able to enhance an image and create designs (without distortion). I am constantly learning and I am having so much fun and loving every minute of it!I have also been introduced to the world of graffiti...an amazing art form that has no boundaries or rules (some conservatives might say it "breaks the rules")....I say, TRUE ART. I enjoy attending different "painting events" and watching the "productions" evolve from the "outline" of an idea to the colorful, elaborate designs (pieces and backgrounds) created through spray paint. Traveling in this circle has caused me to take "road trips" to a variety of cities and allowed me to meet people from various walks of life who are (considered by some) "underground" artists. Trust me, they are amazing, extremely talented, and creative. I have also explored neighborhoods that I was totally unaware of (and NEVER would have gone into) and have become shocked into the reality of how some people live in this land we call "America". Meeting new people is important. I love walking into a room of strangers just to see how many people I can meet and learn something about before I leave. I am not afraid to go places by myself (well most places...LOL). Sometimes that's necessary. If I depend on someone else to go with me, I may never get there.I am described by some as being very "approachable" and "happy"...I take it as a compliment and use it as a strength...It allows me to constantly grow through an "exchange of information", no matter how trivial it may seem (to YOU). It also opens up new experiences that enhance me as an individual. Someone once told me that "ordinary wasn't an option". THAT is a very important statement. "Ordinary" is for the lazy..."striving to make a difference" is vital...like breathing! It gives life to "change"...and change breeds growth. So I make sure I am "breathing" EVERDAY!So...if we are "speaking the same language", I welcome your introduction...and it's a pleasure to meet you! (my site is under construction and albumns will be added as I complete them...)