If I had to describe myself in one word, I’d always choose “creative.” I have been an artist ever since I can remember —I can’t imagine my life not covered in paint at 2 AM, editing photos and videos until my carpal tunnel sets in, or writing poetry with a cup of black chai tea and sweet cream. Its the part of me that I’m most proud of because it influences everything I do. I’ve always been the night owl with a brush or pencil in my hand. I’m very reflective and my mind never stops wondering. I make use of these never-ending musings by writing or making art. I grew up in foster care and there wasn’t much that I owned throughout all of the moves, but I did always carry a sketchbook with me. I guess you could call it my own little version of a security blanket.
Maybe it seems a bit cliche to say, but whenever I think about my life actually beginning, I think of being seventeen. I hear the Emily Bronte quote: “Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” It’s a sentiment that I cherish because it was creativity that allowed me to meet my husband, a person who is so much like me that sometimes it’s hard to believe we found each other. We celebrate 13 years together this year. We were two of twelve high school students selected for a summer internship to work with artists in our community. Needless to say, the summer allowed a beautiful friendship to form and ended with our first date. And he’s been with me ever since and we’ve shared the best moments of my life —from graduating high school, graduating college and beating the odds (fewer than 3% of foster children earn a college degree), to the phone call telling me that I landed my dream career of teaching. Together, we serve our community as wedding photographers and videographers with our business, Weis Photo and Film. We still find time to paint and create together whenever we can.
A little more about me: I graduated from Eureka College with honors and a degree in Secondary Education and English. I also have an endorsement in middle school and art education. I am wrapping up my 6th year of teaching this week! This is so hard to believe!! I have primarily taught Creative Writing, American Literature, and Photography. I am a rescue mom to three pit bulls. I am a painter. I enjoy reading books of poetry. Sylvia Plath is a word genius; her work renders me speechless. I love Johnny Depp films and anything with Robin Williams in it. I’m passionate about animal rights and giving a voice to those who can’t speak. I really want to move to the west coast and go whale watching and hike on the weekends. Maybe even try cycling with my husband. I’m proud of where I am in my life right now and trying to do everything I can to seize the day and appreciate the beautiful blessings that have shaped my messy (but wouldn’t have it any other way) life.
*Just an FYI: I got married last fall and my last name(Bridges) hasn’t officially changed due to a very busy teaching and photography schedule and now Covid craziness. I do go by “Mrs. Weis” now with my students, hence the name of my blog title, and I plan to change it as soon as the million places where I need to go reopen. 🙂