Savannah – Page 35

Five Friday Happy Bringers (3/1/13)

Posted on February 28, 2013March 1, 2013 by Neal Saye

It’s Friday again! Here are a few Happy Bringers.

1. Samples of some of my SCAD international students’ work turned in this week. The assignment is called the Visual Essay and is based on a book we read, Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist. After reading the book, the students choose a theme, a character, a symbol, an idea, etc, and “make” their essay, using the composition concepts of thesis, structure, organization, support, and detail to get their point across. Here are some completed projects.

2. My obsession with Irish blessings, quotes, and anything Savannah-St. Patrick’s Day-ish:

“May you live as long as you want, and never want as long as you live.”

3. My brand-spanking-new NealEnJoy blog card holder (and cards):

4. A picture that doesn’t make me look too fat:

(Can I wear skinny jeans at my age?)

5. Taking my ENG 193 (Composition for International Students) classes on a really fascinating docent-led tour of the exhibits at the SCAD Museum of Art during the recent DeFINE ART event (which was actually held at three of SCAD’s campuses in Savannah, Atlanta, and Hong Kong).

[More complete blog post on the museum tour to follow soon.]

Have an Artfully Beautiful Weekend!

College Teaching

NealNotes on Neal’s KeyNote

Posted on February 10, 2013February 10, 2013 by Neal Saye

I had a great time at Friday’s Student Success in Writing Conference here in Savannah. And I delivered the Keynote Address!

Here’s the blurb from the conference website:

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“Teaching Life: the Heart, the Art”

Dr. Neal Saye. Associate Professor Emeritus of Writing and Linguistics Georgia Southern University. Adjunct Professor, Savannah College of Art & Design

Chair or co-chair of the Student Success conference for much of its 14-year history, Neal was also a key member of its founding committee. He reported on these experiences in “Pearls and Perils of Starting a Conference” (co-presented with Mary Marwitz and Michael Mills) at a Popular Culture Association in the South in Jacksonville, Florida. He brought the same dedication to running this conference as he did to his teaching philosophy. A dedicated blogger, Neal posted to his Facebook and WordPress sites: “My passion in life is learning about/exploring/playing with the subjects of joy and happiness. For the past five years or so, I have used this subject to inform my pedagogy and my day-to-day classroom assignments and activities. What has happened is that teaching about happiness has made me (and I hope my students) happier. Thus my passion spilled over into my teaching, which came rushing back into my life.”

Now an associate professor emeritus after 24 years of teaching writing at Georgia Southern University, Neal has returned to academia as an adjunct professor for the Savannah College of Art & Design. In addition to his well deserved emeritus designation, Neal’s honors and awards include Georgia Southern University Professor of the Year, 2010 and 1993; Dorothy Smith Golden Award for Teaching Excellence, Writing and Linguistics Department, 2003; Georgia Southern University Award for Excellence in Contributions to Instruction, 2001; “Most Approachable Professor” Award, Success-In-U Program, 1994; and “Funniest Professor” Award, Success-In-U Program, 1993. Neal earned his Ed.D. in Curriculum Studies/Cultural Studies in 2002. After earning dual B.S. degrees in English and Biology from Berry College, Neal came to Georgia Southern to earn his M.A. in English Language and Literature.

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Here I am at the podium about two seconds after being introduced:

Kidding. I actually loved all 35 minutes of it! The audience was attentive, fun and laughed and ooohed at all the right places. I used loads of technology with videos, pics and graphics–which all flowed seamlessly. I’ll post the text of the talk a bit later (in case anyone’s interested) when I clean it up a bit for publishing. For now here are some photos.

The conference was held at the beautiful Coastal Georgia Center.

Here’s what I wore. Up to the last minute, I was trying to decide between hip or plain ole.

I know. Probably too much. But I wore a jacket over it. But that eyeball kept looking out at people.

(Armani, borrowed from son-in-law.)

I loved catching up with former Georgia Southern colleagues. Here I am with good buddy Mary Marwitz, who introduced me:

(Isn’t that a cool scarf?) And with Interim Writing and Linguistics Department Chair Phyllis Dallas:

Interim Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Curtis Ricker (and fellow grandfather):

Chatting with J. Marie Lutz from Continuing Education and fellow GSU retiree Nancy Dessommes:

And trying to listen in, unseen, on private conversations:

Where are all the people? Nobody’s here!

Another fellow retiree Mary Hadley:

GSU Provost Jean Bartels:

Former co-worker and blog commenter Rachel VanHorn Leroy:

Coolest tie at conference:

What a crowd showed up!

Here’s a video I used about teachers dancing behind students:

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And here are a few quotes from the address:

“We find what we’re looking for.”

“Teaching is the greatest act of optimism.”

“Caring for Students 101 should be a required course in all teacher education programs.”

“The student is more important than the subject being taught.”

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A great time!

Santa, Baby

Posted on December 25, 2012December 1, 2021 by Neal Saye

Grandtwins Madison and Matthew:

Grandsons Gabriel and Daniel:

Most awkwardly funny moment of the holiday so far–wait, let me set the scene. We were in the incredibly beautiful and highbrow lobby of the Ritz-Carlton–Buckhead in Atlanta over the weekend. Just past these Dickensian carolers:

Resplendent Santa standing by the fireplace, creating a perfect Christmas tableau, with adoring children all around. Without warning and with great, earnest conviction, five-year-old grandson Daniel yelling, “He’s a Fake!” His parents threatening loss of Christmas coming.

Joyful Christmas to you!

Savannah Joy

Jones Street

Posted on December 15, 2012December 15, 2012 by Neal Saye

Jones Street, in Historic District Savannah, exudes grace, grandeur and the beauty of yesteryear at any season–but especially so at Christmas time. Last night I took a holiday stroll down her brick and cobblestone sidewalks.

A sampling of the visual feast I enjoyed:

It’s amazing what beauty you see when you look for it.

Holiday Joy, Humor

Staring Contest #4 (Thanksgiving/Early Christmas Version)

Posted on November 26, 2012November 26, 2012 by Neal Saye

Minding my own business over the weekend, peacefully walking along the river in downtown Savannah, not at all trying to start something that would have to be finished, my joyfully calm day became something altogether darkly different when an overly confident Toy Soldier started to–.

Wait, let’s back up a second. Some of you know that I occasionally find myself, through no fault of my own, smack dab in the middle of the most painfully demanding staring contests. Renaissance men, famous football coaches, even Pirates all have been my adversaries in this universally accepted battle of true manhood and endurance.

Anyway, back to my story. As I was trekking through the lobby of the Riverfront Marriott, hoping to find some free holiday punch and maybe a cookie to further cheer me, and thinking about the feasibility of writing a letter to Santa at my age (that confession might be borderline funny if it wasn’t so very true), I heard a Snicker, a Snigger, and felt inexplicably Scorned, Scoffed. Initially thinking, Ebeneezer Scrooge-ishly, that the interruption might simply be the result of the fried duck and waffle breakfast I demolished earlier at B. Matthew’s on Bay Street, my sauntering slowed as I heard/felt the intrusion again. So I turned casually around …

… only to see a Smirk, a Sneer on a colorful (I’ll give him that), sorta French-looking Toy Soldier. I tried to be polite and friendly (afterall I write a happiness blog), but TS obviously had other plans, jerking his head one way, then the other in an only-partially-successful effort to intimidate me.

Finally after what felt like only minutes later, the feeble, old-enough-to-be-MY father concierge told me (rather rudely in my opinion), that I had to get out of his lap, and that no, his table was not big enough for both of us to sit behind. So I marched right back over to the Toy Soldier (he was perched by the only exit), knowing a battle awaited. Gathering my gumption, I flung myself headlong into Staring Contest #4.

And as is usually the case, whenever I stop trembling, Neal’s courage arrives. Holiday revelers gathered round, about half of them backing up TS, the others for yours truly.

Big deal that his fans were more festively dressed and enthusiastic than mine.

The battle intensified.

And even though I really had to use the bathroon after having sipped all the concierge’s cocoa, I held my own. The game I’m talking about.

And I …

Won! How? I can’t give away all my secrets.

Later. I’m outta here.

College Teaching, Savannah Joy

Five Friday Happy Bringers (11/2/12)

Posted on November 3, 2012November 3, 2012 by Neal Saye

Okay, I know it’s Saturday. but yesterday was an uberbusy day. And isn’t today gorgeous? It’s cool. It’s Fall. And it’s time to acknowledge some Happy Bringers.

1. Enjoying the Savannah Film Festival this week (hosted by SCAD).

2. Making little Halloween goody bags for my international students, most of whom had never “done” Halloween before. Then discussing the Day of the Dead (which some of them celebrate) and being grateful for all our relatives and friends who have passed on.

3. A great-smelling rose.

4. Attending and enjoying the Taste of the World food festival at SCAD yesterday. Here’s a little bit about the event from the ISSO (International Student Services Office) newsletter: “Dine thali style and sample more than 80 international dishes. Visit the mixed grill area specializing in tandoori chicken, Thai chicken satay on skewers and Persian beef kebabs. Enjoy live performances inspired by international cultures and Savannah’s own Latin and Merengue sensation, Son del Coqui.”

I ran into some of my colleagues from SCAD’s Language Studio. Here’s Coordinator of Language Studio/ESL Ana Turner (right after leading a traditional dance).

And here’s the Director of Language Studio/ESL Christina Cavage.

New full-time prof Curt Klinghoffer. (I wish my last name cool like Curt’s. I mean, Saye? Really?)

Officemate Emily Gung.

Oldtimer–I mean “experienced”–ESL prof (and my mentor) Todd Nemanic.

I appreciate the appropriateness and truthfulness of this affirmation:

And I loved seeing some of my students at the festival. Here’s Sonali.

And Juliana.

Andrea (with a friend).

Raquel and Juli.

And some other people I met. Juwan, for example–I took his picture because of that cool blue hair. I’m thinking about green for mine. Yes?

And Devyn wins my prize for hippest necklace and pants.

I really had a ball there. So much fun.

Now let’s play a game. It’s called Oh Saye, Can You See?

I ran into my buddy Mangue Banzima with his gorgeous daughter.

Mangue writes/photographs a beautiful blog about fashion in Savannah, Qui Style in Savannah. Check it out sometime. Okay, check it out RIGHT NOW because I’m in it for the second time! Keep scolling down, past all the really cool and hip-looking people, until you get to the Taste of the World pictures–then, again, scroll past those young, stylish folks till you find … me! [First post from a while back about fashion: I’m a Famous Fashion Model]

What a fun couple of hours in the fall beauty of Savannah.

5. Seeing smiles as the most significant means of communication between people.

Joyful, Smiling Weekend!

Holiday Joy, Savannah Joy

Oh My Golly! My First Diwali!

Posted on October 28, 2012September 28, 2014 by Neal Saye

My new adjunct professorship at SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) in Language Studio/ESL comes with some very cool perks. One is enjoying the beauty and history of SCAD’s many restored and repurposed buildings scattered across the Historic District of Savannah. (Most of SCAD’s buildings are not new–more often than not, they were derelict or ready to be torn down before SCAD came to the rescue.) My office, for example, is in Habersham Hall, part of the old Savannah jail. (No more comments about finally being where I belong, please.)

Another perk is being exposed to so many unique cultural opportunities (for example, the Savannah Film Festival started this weekend). On Friday night, I ventured over to the Habersham courtyard to celebrate Diwali, or the Indian “Festival of Lights.” Diwali, or Deepavali, is a major Hindu festival that celebrates the triumph and victory of good over evil, specifically when the Hindu God Rama defeated the demon Ravana. Celebrations incorporate the lighting of lamps and fireworks to symbolize hope, restoration and joy. That’s right up my blog’s alley!

Turning the corner at the end of that mysteriously dark walk, I was amazed to see what looked like an Indian street festival in full swing. Just look!

A large group of folks, many in traditional Indian garb, hovered around the food area. And for good reason–the aromas were enticing. The music was body-swaying. Of course, I wanted to make a bee line directly to the grub, but I saw two of my students from ENGL 193 (Composition for International Students) and felt I had to pretend to be mature and say hello. Here’s Kathrine and Stefanie:

But oh gosh, the food! I can’t remember any of the specific names, except for naan (the bread), but here’s my plate:

After stuffing myself to an embarrassing degree, I finally came back to my other nongastronomic senses and saw on the other side of the courtyard in the stage area another of my students, Aakash Mani (aka Cash Money! Really!). I made my way toward him, stopping to say hi to some of these folks along the way:

I finally made it to Aakash …

… and discovered that he was one of the stars of the entertainment part of the evening! Here he is dancing up a storm!

After the performance, I asked Aakash what made him happy about Diwali and the festival. He explained that the festival itself, because of its recognition of the triumph of good, is reason to celebrate, that it’s all about happiness, and that the very smile on his face (which is almost ALWAYS present) is there because of the joy of life. He also said that dance shows happiness. (That sounds like an A+ answer to me.)

Other entertainers:

(Should I take up belly dancing?)

I was amazed at the beautiful orchestration of the evening. So much fun!

I didn’t want to leave.

I love this place!

Five Friday Happy Bringers

Five Friday Happy Bringers (9/14/12)

Posted on September 14, 2012September 14, 2012 by Neal Saye

Here are five of my happiness providers this week:

1. This little fellow resting in the curve of my Elephant Ear stems. I love how he embraces snugness.

2. Getting to know my new SCAD students from Taiwan, Colombia, India, China, South Korea, Panama, Vietnam, Denmark, Guatemala, and Puerto Rico.

3. Every now and then, quieting down, closing my eyes and enjoying the nourishment of stillness.

4. This scene from Breakfast at Tiffany’s when Audrey Hepburn sings “Moon River.”

“Moon River” is a Savannah standard, since local boy-who-went-famous Johnny Mercer penned the Academy Award-winning song. And btw I cross Savannah’s Moon River whenever I head out to Skidaway Island to visit my older daughter and family.

5. Next steps in life.

So those are a few of my bringers of happiness. What about you? What makes you joyful on this beautiful September Friday?

College Teaching, Humor, Savannah Joy

SCAD-ing Outta Retirement

Posted on September 11, 2012September 12, 2012 by Neal Saye

BFF’s–Blog Follower Friends (or anyone at any restaurant where I’ve eaten for the past two and a half months; or at the Post Office; or at Savannah’s coffee shops) know that on June 21, I retired from Georgia Southern University after teaching English there for twenty-four years. [First retirement post. Second retirement post. My final GSU Walking Tour.] And I had such a fun retiring summer! Sitting in my backyard, visiting a vineyard, embracing the Savannah Asian Festival, getting put in jail, exploring a fort, going to a Savannah Sand Gnats game, Tybee Island partying, etc.

But then summer started to come to an end, and (as all teachers know) the REAL new year started–the Academic Year. I grew a bit restless. And thought about getting a part-time job to keep me off the streets and such, but neither of my Top Five Prospective Second Careers panned out:

1. Tug Boat Operator.

2. Little Caesars Sign Dancer. I became interested in this one because the LCSDers at the corner of Montgomery Cross and Waters here in Savannah always seem SO enthusiastic. So I researched the job a little. Here’s the description and qualifications from the Little Caesars website:

“Get paid to dance and have FUN! Part-time Sign Dancer job available! Are you an outgoing energetic individual looking for work? Are you someone who can attract attention? Do you like having fun at work and staying positive?” So far, so good. Work SHOULD be fun! And I write a happiness blog! This job seemed right up my alley.

“If so, this is the job for you! We are looking for a part-time Sign Dancer who can hold a sign and have fun at the same time. We are not just looking for your average sign holder. We are looking for someone who can dance with a sign and attract attention.” Again, surely I could HOLD a sign and have fun in a non-average way.

Requirements:

You must be very ENERGETIC and get people’s ATTENTION!!!
You must be in decent health. You will be outside.
You must be able to wave at passing cars while on duty. I’m friendly!
You must be able to stand the entire shift. I’m a teacher. I stand all the time!
You must have reliable transportation and arrive on time.
You must be able to pass a drug test. What about Allegra or Tums?
You must be at least 18 years old. I’m SO over 18! This job is MINE, I thought!

But alas, after hours practicing with a broom in the backyard, I came to find out that Little Caesars wants sign dancers who are not quite so OVER 18.

3. Quality Control Praline Taster at River Street Sweets. (Pure pralines, NOT turtles!) Jen, can you HELP ME OUT HERE??!!

4. Famous Italian singer.

5. Part-time CEO of Apple. Afterall, I HAVE read the Steve Jobs biography, I have an iPhone, and I realize that Jobs and I have a whole lot in common, well except for the LSD, and the no-deoderant issue, and the need for absolute control (okay, maybe we have that one a little bit in common).

Anyway, recently I started seeing all those pencils and notebooks and protractors (is there really such a need for those things nowadays?) and composition books (does anybody else out there like to smell, really smell, composition books?) at just about every store I entered. And, still frustrated and pouting with hurt feelings over the Little Caesars debacle, I decided to go to Craig’s List to see what kind of jobs were available. Bad idea. I won’t even begin to tell you what kinds of “job opportunities” I saw there. So after an hour and a half, I left that site.

Then, after Googling “part-time job” + “$250,000 per year” + “low-to-no work requirement” and only getting hits for “U.S. Vice President” and “Ostrich Feather Fanner for the Kardashians,” I got down to business and Googled “part-time job” + “Savannah” + “education,” and an adjunct position posting at SCAD came up. SCAD is the Savannah College of Art and Design, an incredibly beautiful and innovative art school scattered primarily throughout the historic district of my city. Thrilled, I looked into the requirements, and soon after was asked to come do a teaching demonstration.

Initially terrified that I COULD NOT TEACH ART (well, actually I can do some cool little foam-board pictures with macaroni, dried pinto beans, glitter and Elmer’s Glue), I stopped hyperventilating and realized I would be teaching composition (my old stomping ground). The demo and subsequent interview process went well, and they offered me the job! (I figure I can work in the macaroni pics eventually.)

Doing a tad of research about SCAD faculty, I discovered on the college website that SCAD faculty include:

Emmy® Award winners
Academy Award® winners
Fulbright scholars
Cannes Film Festival Jury Prize winner
National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship recipient
British Academy of Film and Television Arts Award nominee
LEED-accredited professionals
U.S. patent holders
Scholars published in academic journals
Best-selling authors
AIGA Award winners
Character animators for Beowulf, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and The Chronicles of Narnia
Illustrators for The New Yorker, Time, Disney and NASA
Visual effects artists for Titanic and Jurassic Park
Sequential artists for Dark Horse, DC Comics, Marvel, Cartoon Network and Warner Bros.
Producer of Fried Green Tomatoes and The Breakfast Club
Writer for The Cosby Show and As the World Turns
Script Supervisor for Driving Miss Daisy

WOW!

I felt a bit overwhelmed. But then I checked back a while later, and lo and behold, something about Yours Truly was added!

Finalist, Eighth Grade Spelling Bee (perhaps would have gone further but spelled “Georgia” as “Jeorgia” due to nerves)

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I am thrilled, THRILLED to be a part of the SCAD faculty on a part-time basis. I will be teaching international students English composition. I’m looking forward to this next phase of my teaching career and life.

Here’s the building where I teach:

It used to be the old Savannah jail.

I put retirement in jail.

Later.