#4 Documenting Everything That Happens In Our Life

So, if you have not yet heard about the "optional" summer project, then you will by the time you have finished reading. Documenting our lives is one of the best ways we can examine growth... Or, sometimes, lack of growth in our own life. At the very least, documentation gives us an accurate glimpse of a story or event we may be many months removed from. The written or photographic artifacts give personality to the life we lived and the way we navigated challenges, triumphs, sorrows, success and yes, even the ordinary.

Below, you will find details on how you can document the next year of your life. Good luck and happy photographing! :)

Project 365: How to Take a Photo a Day and See Your Life in a Whole New Way

People will often say that their whole lives flashed before their eyes after they experienced a traumatic event. Perhaps it’s a bit morbid, but we think that sounds pretty incredible.

When Taylor McKnight started taking a photo a day on January 1st, 2004, he never imagined the project would not only serve as a way to remember a year, but also help him understand what was important to him in his life.

Whether it was his relationships, his career, or his fashion sense, recording a photo a day for a whole year left him with a rich visual history of his life. And it made him a better photographer to boot!

Now that he’s in the middle of doing it for a second time, we asked Taylor to write about it for us. Read on for our tutorial on how and why to create your own daily photographic history.

#3 - The End of the School Year

Who doesn't like the end of the school year? Though it was a great year and there is some sadness as we see yet another class of PEERs move forward, we also know that life is about bringing new people into the mix and sharing life together. Apart from that, the summer brings the promise of much relaxation, days at the pool, and, most importantly, no homework!

Where will you be this summer? Who will you spend your days with? How will you spend your time? Respond to the post and let your new mates know what you will be up to from now until September...

#2 Twart

So, you may be wondering what Twart is? In other areas of the globe it might be known as Artwizzle or Twizzler Art, but in our school it’s Twart. Mostly for convenience because we, as PEERs, rarely make words longer than they need to be. Twart is an activity that helps us grow and it’s one that we don’t give away easily. Basically, it involves Twizzler Pull and Peels and a group. Each person in the group sketches another using the medium of Twizzlers. The result: A good time had by all. Below are the keys to a good Twart experience:

1. Never take Twart personally. Some people cannot help that they can’t “draw” with Twizzlers. Besides, the more ridiculous, the better.

2. Good Twart requires humility. Never brag about previous Twartwork. Your Twart skill level varies for each experience. Good Twart is like winning the lottery.

3. Pay attention to detail. All it takes for Twart success is having one good detail of the person you are Twarting.

4. Don’t eat your supplies. If you eat while you are working, then you will run out of Twizzlers. If you eat after your finish, it’s just gross… How many hands have touched those Twizzlers? Or better yet, when was the last time your desk was washed?

5. Never Twart the teacher… No explanation needed here. It just doesn’t end well.

# 1 Card Writing

Here is an easy "Ten Step Plan" for one of our favorite PEER activities: Card Writing.

1. Begin with a wonderful, yet generic statement.
Ex. There’s so much I want to say or I don’t even know where to begin…
2. Acknowledge how much time has passed. It’s preferable to pretend like it’s been a great deal of time even if it’s only been like an hour.
Ex. I can’t believe it’s already been four hours since the last card I sent…
3. Be sure to acknowledge the purpose of the card in a casual, but meaningful manner.
Ex. I just wanted to take a minute to wish you a very Happy Boxing Day (Canada only)!
4. Referring back to the beginning of the card, be sure to shorten their name in some way.
Ex. Instead of Dear Jennifer, write “Jen,”
5. You must include a significant series or list, which must also end with a “grand finale” of attributes.
Ex. There are so many reasons to celebrate. You are a ridiculous Transformers fan, you volunteer for the most peculiar activities, but, most of all, you draw incredibly disturbing clown pictures.
6. Make a suggestion for furthering your friendship, relationship, etc.
Ex. I really hope that we have an opportunity to hang out again soon.
7. Include some characteristic of theirs that you wish you had for yourself.
Ex. I really admire your ability to applaud in American Sign Language and wish that I could do that myself.
8. Be sure to conclude with something that could possibly make them cry.
Ex. You’ve always been one of my favorite people and I cannot begin to think what my life would be without you in it.
9. The sign off is clutch… Don’t mess it up!
Ex. All my heart, Lots of Love, Hugs, etc.
10. The pen you use is just as important as what your write in the card, so please choose wisely.
Hint: Do not use crayons, colored pencils, or any other medium that will take away from the meaning of the note.

Happy writing everyone!
Future posts: Thank You Notes, Choosing The Perfect Stationary, Spelling PEER With All Caps