Monday, January 11, 2010

Diamonds in the Rockpile - Class of 2009: Writing In Faith


If there were a "desert island list" for blogs, Writing in Faith would be on mine. So would its author. I don't think I'm letting any cats out of the bag here with this one. Many of you already know Sandy's blog (actually blogs since Writing in Faith has a number of spin-offs), and if you are familiar with it you might wonder how it missed being inducted to the Mojo Hall of Fame last year with the inaugural class. The answer is simply that I hadn't discovered her yet. It wasn't until early 2009 that our paths crossed, but once they did I was pretty much an instant devotee. Writing in Faith was one of the first to make the list for Class of 2009, and if I'd done it the way I'd planned it would have been enshrined here long ago. And everything that's happened since then has only solidified my admiration for the blog -- and maybe even more for the blogger. More accurately for the person who is the blogger. A brilliant photographer, and an inspiring writer, with a unique perspective that she brings to both. (And umm... yeah... she is a bit of a hottie, but that's not among the criteria okay? No, seriously. It's not.)

There's very little that goes on at Writing in Faith that doesn't make me stop and think and evaluate and... yes, even dream. This you'd expect from a blog written by a teacher. And even though I've never sat in her classroom, I wish my sons could have when they were in middle school.

Because I can tell in every post, every poem, every photo, every anecdote that this is a woman who didn't get into teaching as a fallback position. She cares for these kids, and in many cases, she may be the first person who really has. They will be better for having been in her class, and I am better for having met her and followed her blog. Writer, poet, photographer, artist, teacher and mother all wrapped up in a package of beauty, compassion and goodness rarely encountered in these times. Go visit there. Be amazed. Be astonished. Be touched. You'll be glad you did. I am.
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9 comments:

SandyCarlson said...

I am humbled and honored and speechless. Thank you.

Unknown said...

Sandy is an awesome teacher. writer, person form what I've seen! I wish my kids had had her too, lol. What a wonderful way to highlight her! Congrats Sandy! :)

Daryl said...

Congrats Sandy .. I can feel her blushing from here and its all true, well I cannot attest to her hotness, but I do take your word for it...

Unspoken said...

Love the name of your blog and love Writing in Faith's Place.

Sylvia K said...

Thank you Mojo for saying it all so well because Sandy is, indeed, the personification of all that you wrote.

Sylvia

maryt/theteach said...

I met Sandy long ago when I first started blogging, Mojo, and I have to agree with everything you say. I read her blog Writing in Faith all the time and find inspiration every time. She does love her students and works very hard for them. She knows how to keep them interested. She's an excellent and thoughtful writer. She certainly deserves your award.

Maggie, Dammit said...

Congratulations, Sandy!

magiceye said...

that is such a wonderful tribute!

Maude Lynn said...

I'm checking her out right now!