Mr. Maxwell

I have had a lot of requests to read The Raven by Edgar Allen Poe, so today we are doing a poetry reading. I hope that you enjoy!

I recently did a TikTok of a tutorial where I showed how I made made a book clutch. I figured not a lot of people would be interested in the video, so instead of trying to be all polished and put-together I just shared my authentic and rather chaotic method of making things. I even referred to myself as a “chaotic creative”. The response was far more enthusiastic than I could have ever imagined. The video out performed almost of all of my other videos. What really touched my heart was that there were so many people who commented that they too were Chaotic Creatives. Grab some tea (or coffee, or water, or hot chocolate, or a chicken nuggie I don’t care get what you want it’s your life) and join me as I talk about the creative process and try to figure out how to explain my complicated and chaotic relationship with creativity.

My second year of teaching, while getting ready to go on a field trip I collapsed. My blood pressure was in the 200s over 120-something and I quickly found myself in an ambulance heading towards the hospital. This was the beginning of years of mysterious health crises that resulted in me receiving two important diagnoses: Systemic Lupus Erythematousis and Autism. This week I wanted to share my diagnosis story.

Lately I have noticed an increase in YouTube videos where people show their morning and evening routines. Part of this is because I am obsessed with routines, I have come to love creating routines for the recurring tasks in my life. Grab some tea or coffee and sit with me as we talk about routines, what they are and how they impact our lives, productivity and creativity.

I recently stumbled across a paper I wrote while pursuing my masters in education in which I had to develop my own philosophy of education. I thought I would share parts of it with you, as this paper truly embodies who I believe I am as an educator, and continues to drive why and how I do what I do in the classroom.

This week I have been thinking about the Power and Importance of Rest

I had to relearn this lesson the hard way last Monday. I have been working full time again, and I was not resting enough the previous weekend and I spent the night in pain, and by morning I was exhausted and hurting. So I had to spend the day in bed. As I lay in bed, I began thinking about the importance of rest, and why I cannot afford to forget how important it is for me to take care of myself.

Let’s have coffee together and answer some random TikTok questions.

Recently I was talking with some friends of mine who are engaged about Marraige, and the lessons I’ve learned from being in a 20+ year relationship (friends 1 year, dating 3 years and married 16.5 years). These lessons are built around my 5 philosophies, and while I can articulate these lessons, they are ones I have to relearn more times than I care to admit. Even after all this time I am still learning how to be a good husband/ life partner to my wife. As always, let me know what you think, and please consider buying me a cup of tea (or coffee) to help support the work I do here. www.buymeacoffee.com/mrmaxwell16

Now that school is going back I wanted to share a few thoughts about why I believe that caring for my students mental health takes top priority for me as a teacher. I also share some insights into how I care for the mental health of my students, my own children and myself as an educator.

Heard a story where Warren Buffet helped his pilot with setting goals for his life. I began to think about my list of 17 things I want to accomplish in life. What if I truly focus on just what is in front of me? What if I focus on my top five and use that as a filter for how I spend my time? Here are my top five: 1–Family: being a good husband and dad

2–Teaching: helping others to live meaningful lives

3–Content Creation: share things that entertain and inspire me through short form videos

4–Art/ Design: create stickers, t-shirts and hoodies that I can sell

5–Fencing: I want to compete in epee once a year. What are you top five goals/ priorities?