Safe to Learn
  • About
    • Why Safe to Learn? >
      • Page 2 - Why School Safety?
      • Inspiring Quotes
      • Thank You...
    • Leading Safety >
      • Select one action item to support the Safe to Learn Community Project
      • Incorporate Safe to Learn
    • Safe to Learn
    • Safe to Learn Community >
      • Mission & Values
      • Background: Safe to Learn Pilot Project
      • How Are the Children?
      • Reflections: Education & Safety
      • Educators Q&A: "Why be part of Safe to Learn?
      • Saving School Safety
      • Let's Be Safe
    • Quick Views >
      • Principals Quick Views
      • Teachers Quick Views
      • Directory Quick Views
    • Advisory Council >
      • Chate Asvanonda
      • Dr. Nancy Degnan >
        • Uncommon Sense, Uncommon Courage
      • Renee Domingo >
        • School Safety Standards
      • Kim Colella >
        • A Musical Journey to Africa
        • Kim Travles to Africa
        • Kim's Photos from Africa
      • Dr. Tom Horton >
        • 1923 Cleveland School Fire was Catalyst for School Fire Drills
      • Kay Karr >
        • Why Plan?
        • Lessons Learned from Hurricane Ike
      • Avagene Moore >
        • My Dream of “A Nation Prepared”
      • Sgt. Tracy Moore
      • Captain Jim Olsen >
        • School Shootings - What Have We Learned
        • Let's Listen - School Shootings
      • Barbara Thurman
    • Safe to Learn Teams >
      • Our Team & Contributors >
        • Dee Beaugez, Founder >
          • Interview Q&A
          • About Safe to Learn >
            • Preparedness Experience
          • Real Images
        • Donald J. Beaugez >
          • Technology Expereince
        • Diana Savage
        • Jessika Savage
        • Elizabeth Hall
        • Patti Lowry-Parrish
        • Kanun Andrade
        • Jorge J Martinez >
          • A Gateway to Freedom
      • Pilot Project Team - LCISD >
        • About the Safe to Learn Pilot Project
        • Thank You - Lamar CISD Principals & Assistant Principals
        • Balancing School Safety and Academic Goals
        • Irma Nurre
        • Sonya Sanzo
      • Safe to Learn Authors
    • Authors
    • Authors In the News >
      • Phillip Martin - In the News >
        • The Mural Man - Liberia
        • Help African Teachers Expand School and Clinic
        • Mural Man - Moldova >
          • #1 TV Interview
          • #2 TV Interview
          • #3 TV Interview
          • #4 TV Interview
          • #5 TV Interviews
        • The Mural Man Series Begins
        • A Taste of My World Cookbook
      • Rick Tobin - In the News >
        • Ten Tips for Safer Schools Series
      • Authors Press Releases
    • Media & Press Releases >
      • TEPSA Conference 2016
      • Three Questions June 2016
      • Authors Press Releases
      • Advisory Council Press Releases
      • About Safe to Learn
    • eBook Submission Guidelines >
      • eBook Submission Requirements
  • Blogs
    • Wander My World With Me by Phillip Martin >
      • 2018 - 2016 Directory Wander My World With Me
      • Introduction - I Draw
      • Faces in the Crowd Logo
      • Help African Teachers Expand School and Clinic
      • Wander My World - Liberia -eBook Helps Fund School
      • About Murals for U.S. Embassy Ebola Survivors Project in Liberia
    • Safe to Learn by Advisory Team and Authors >
      • Dream of A Nation Prepared
      • About the Masai Warriors
    • Golden Navigator by Sage West
    • Ask Tiffanie - Seasonal Foods and More >
      • Tiffanie's Invitation
      • About Tiffanie Boldizsar
    • Nurse Stitches
    • Authors Blogs >
      • Authors Blog Directory
    • Honoring Mourning and Remembrance
    • Preparedness Perspectives >
      • Preparedness Directory
      • Flooding in Texas
    • What Have We Learned? >
      • Directory 2016 - What Have We Learned?
      • Let's Listen - School Shootings
    • Inspiration for Life
  • Let's Guide Safety
    • School District COOP
    • Principles for Principals >
      • Leading the Way to School Safety
      • Reflections >
        • The Day After 9/11
        • Observations
        • Be Prepared and Be a Leader
        • Communication is Key
        • New Safety Checklist
        • Practice, Practice, Practice
        • Note to Ada
      • Author Ada Rosario Dolch
      • It Takes Time & Practice
    • Keeping It Real >
      • Building School Response Teams >
        • Lucien Canton, CEM
    • Response to Violence >
      • The Best Response to Violence in Your School Is the Response which Never Has to Happen >
        • Dr. Cathy Anthofer
        • Links and Resources
    • Ten Tips for Teachers for Safer Schools >
      • Elementary Schools
      • Middle & Junior High Schools
      • High Schools
      • A Great Starting Point
      • Rick Tobin
    • Color Me Safe Series >
      • Patti Parrish >
        • Pet Safe - All Seasons
        • Keep Pets Disaster Safe
        • Lucky Dog's Message
        • Lucky Dog Rap
      • Denise Langston
    • Forever Hope >
      • Fulfilling a Dream >
        • About Vickee Greer
    • 2016 Authors Inspiring Safety & Awareness
    • 2016-2017 Authors Inspiring History & Leadership
  • Safety Series
    • Invest 1 Hour a Month to be Safe to Learn
    • Principles for Principals by Ada Rosario Dolch
    • #1 - Safety First
    • #2 - Calendar >
      • Safe to Learn 2016-17 Calendar
    • # 3 - Fire Drills >
      • 1923 Cleveland School Fire was Catalyst for School Fire Drills
      • Fire Drills Prepare Students for Real-Life Incidents
      • Outstanding Safe to Learn Pilot Project for 2014-2015
    • #4 - Building & Campus Safety
    • #5 - School Response Teams
    • #6 - Tips for Teachers
    • Why Plan? Documentary >
      • Why Plan? For Sale
    • Future Safety Series
  • Teachers Tools
    • About Health Equity Project >
      • Waiting for Health Equity
      • Start a Conversation about Health Equity
    • The Door - A Must for the School Year >
      • More About - The Door
    • Tsunami K-6 Curriculum
  • Let's Read
    • Wander My World - Liberia -eBook Helps Fund School
    • Let's Read Authors
    • Contact Safe to Learn About Volume Orders
    • Let's Read - Books >
      • What Do You Do With An Idea by Kobi Yamada & Illustrated by Mae Besom >
        • Resource: Examples of Lessons Plans Based Around "What You Do with An Idea"
      • The Mitten by Jan Brett >
        • Sheir Loy Reads "The Mitten" to Help with Safety
      • Sleep Ponies by Gudrun Ongman
      • Garbage Bag Suitcase
      • A Long Walk to Water >
        • Links - Linda Sue Parks
      • What Color is Your Parachute for Teens
      • Helping Traumatized Children
      • Let's Be Prepared Resources
    • Let's Read Educators
  • Let's Talk
    • Start a "Let's Talk" Round Table Discussion >
      • Let's Brew a Cappuccino
      • Every Child Needs a Champion
      • Foster Care & Garbage Bag Suitcase >
        • More about Garbage Bag Suitcase
      • "Why Plan?" Documentary
      • 9/11 Webinar 9/13/2016 >
        • New York 9/11/2015 >
          • Let's Talk 9/11/2015 - Stand with Me Today
          • New York 2015 - 9/11 Images
          • Remember 9/11 by Phillip Martin
      • Documentary Films >
        • Let's Talk - Most Likely to Succeed
        • Let's Talk - Beyond Measure
        • Let's Talk - Paper Tigers >
          • Educational Versions
          • ACEs/toxic stress color wheel
        • Let's Talk - The Cats of Mirikitani >
          • The Cat Who Chose to Dream
          • Asian American History
      • Distracted Driving Awarenes
      • Discovery Education MS 88 Brooklyn NY
      • Bullying Though the Eyes of a Child
      • Kindess Matters Campaign
      • Let's Listen - School Violence
      • Let's Talk - Safe to Learn >
        • How Are the Children?
        • Reflections about Safe to Learn
        • Why Safe to Learn?
      • Let's Talk - Safety >
        • Active Shooter
        • Make A Difference
        • Emergency Preparedness for School
        • Incarceration >
          • Incarceration - Links and Resources
        • Natural Disaster - Lessons Learned
        • Teaching 9/11
        • Violence in Schools
        • Violence Prevention Resouces
        • Cure Violence
      • Let's Talk - Social Issues >
        • Homeless Students >
          • Homeless Youth Resources
        • Helping Hunger
        • Human Trafficking in Schools
    • Health Equity Issues
    • Share Your Ideas
  • Free
    • Free Graphics for Teachers
    • Presentations for Teachers
    • Free Art Lesson Plans
    • Free Coloring Books
    • Websites for Teaching and Learning
    • Original Stories
    • Safe to Learn Calendars
    • Safe to Learn Drawing
    • FREE Seasonal Recipes >
      • ​Cumin-Jalapeno Black Bean Soup
      • Pies by Barbara
      • Healthy "Ice Cream" Treats
  • Links
    • Suggest a Link
    • Animals and Children >
      • Pasado's Safe Haven
      • The Gentle Barn
      • Red Rover Readers
      • Travel the World & Learn Kindness to Animals
      • Animal Stories & Books
    • Children, Education & Safety Resouces >
      • Linda Lantieri
      • Resilience Resources
    • Let's Talk - Preparedness >
      • Emergency Plans
      • Incident Command System
      • FEMA Trainings
      • Earthquake and Tsunami Resources >
        • The Really Big One
      • Distracted Driving Awareness
      • School Bus Safety Resources
      • Fire Drills
      • School Safety Resouces
    • Homeless Youth
  • Leadership
    • Inspiring Leaders >
      • Every Child Needs a Champion
    • In Memoriam >
      • Principal Susan Jordan
  • Amazing Educators
    • Every Child Needs a Champion
    • Sheri Loy's Innovative Lockdown Solution
    • Miss Julie Inspires Safety >
      • Julie Kennedy, Teacher/Educator
      • Outstanding Safe to Learn Pilot Project for 2014-2015
    • Let's Sing >
      • Nancy Stewart, Founder of Sing With Our Kids >
        • Sing With Our Kids - Nancy's Pilot Project and Free Resources Website
        • Nancy Stewart Free Website Resources
        • Why Sing? The 5 Practices of Early Literacy
        • Safe to Learn - Let's Sing Excellence in Education Award Winner 2015
    • Let's Sign (ASL) >
      • Nancy Hanauer, Founder Hop to Signaroo ® >
        • Babies Can Communicate
        • Signing for Social and Learning Skills
    • Educators in the News >
      • Abigail's Plan
      • 10 Minutes of Compliments >
        • Special Books Project
      • Inspiring Student with Music & Songs
  • Let's Explore
    • Phillip Martin - The Mural Man >
      • Directory of Murals
      • Let's Explore Mural Man Series
      • Murals #43 and #44
      • Mural #14 - Don't Let Drugs Take You for a Ride!
      • Murals #6, #7 & #35
      • Food Pantry - Ohio, USA
      • Mural Man' Phillip Martin
      • Artist Phillip Martin
    • Wander My World With Me Blog Directory 2016
    • Water >
      • Water Center - Earth Institute | Columbia University
  • Let's Taste
    • A Taste of My World Cookbooks by Phillip Martin >
      • Let's Brew a Cappuccino
      • A Taste of My World, Vol. 1
      • A Taste of My World, Vol. 2
    • The Very Exciting, Great And Nutritious (VEGAN) Cookbook >
      • Kanun Andrade
    • Flavorful Food Adventures >
      • Tiffanie Boldizsar
  • Communities
    • Principals Resources >
      • "Why Plan?" - School-Center Emergency Management
      • Lessons Learned from Hurricane Ike
      • THE DOOR - Health -Safety
      • "Principles for Principals" A Gift From Ada Rosario Dolch
    • Leadership & Safety Series Downloads >
      • Leadership and Safety Series HS
    • Lamar CISD Community
    • Inner Resilience Program
  • TEPSA 2016
  • About Health Equity Project

Midnight in Marumbi

12/6/2016

 
Picture

I never saw it on the map.  I don’t know where it is.  But it took an hour and a half to drive to Marumbi, a small village of just a few thousand people.  You can stand in the street and see fields on both sides of the town.  It’s not that big.  And, I was there with my hosts to attend a surprise party.  We were the surprise.

My surprise was how many people I knew at the party.  Hey, I’d only been in Brasil for two weeks!  For starters, four of the people who met me at the airport were in attendance.  Anyone willing to drive an hour and a half to meet a total stranger at the airport simply warms my heart.

One of the painters who showed up on the national holiday to paint my first mural, Esdras, was also there.  I sat down by him for coffee at A Gincana while Bianca, directly across the table, nearly had a stroke that “Phillipe Martin” was actually sitting so close to her.  One hand over her heart, the other hand reaching out to stop me from killing her with my presence.  I don’t normally generate that kind of excitement anywhere.

Bianca attended the party.  But, the thrill was gone.  She could talk to me without any fear of a stroke.  However, her friend Lucas had his “Phillipe Martin” moment.  He couldn’t breathe.  He froze in his tracks and blushed.  I heard him repeat my name over and over in shock.  Again, these are moments I’ve never had before and most likely never will outside of Brasil.

If you keep up with my blogs, you’ll know that I had a camera malfunction and lost a big chunk of photos.  There were three portraits that I especially regretted losing.  Hey, I’m always on the look-out for a good portrait.  One young man with a charming smile wore a tie to A Gincana.  He possibly wore the only tie present the entire day, his personal fashion statement.  And, we shared a laugh as he tried to teach me some dance moves.  I’m not a dancer at all.  I have no rhythm in my genes.  But, Ivan appeared to be a dirty dancer.  I just chuckled as he tried to get me to copy moves I couldn’t do.  Then, I took a portrait of him and his tie.

It just so happened that Ivan was also a part of this group.  He was one of the last to show, well after the sun went down.  But, he gave me a hug (which all Brasilians do) and then gave me a two-page letter – in English.  The kid didn’t speak English.  This was a major effort on his part and I was very touched.

He didn’t happen to have the tie on, so Ivan raced home to get the tie and a change of clothes from the previous photo.  Again, I found this to be such a thoughtful gesture.  So, I got the lost photo that I never expected.  But, the surprises weren’t over for the night.

PictureIvan and his style statement tie
I gave Ivan a portrait I drew from Mexico.  It’s how I thank the people I meet along the way.  I never expect anything in return, but Ivan told me that he had a gift for me.  Then, he took off his tie and put it on me. 

It was a very good moment in Brazil.

Ivan’s letter started out with a quote that I’m going to take with me from Brasil.  I’m not really sure if they are his words or something he translated from Spanish.  Either way, it is a good message.

          In life, we take many turns . . .
          And during these turns,
          We find many people who mark us
          And they leave us something special.
 
Of course, he meant it for me, but I find it is also true for the very special people I met at a party that lasted after midnight in Marumbi.

Dalillah (Lillah)
12/7/2016 04:33:48 am

Phillip.

I do not know what I could tell you not even time to meet you.
I just cry, and this is no secret to anyone.
But today I just have to thank you for giving us so much. So many moments of laughter and emotions, "gathering" couples, banging on the table and singing "kisses, kisses" or "shake a boogie" with a can in hand.

The moment of "sadness has come. Goodbye. Three weeks that made us look like they've always been known. Today I went to Barbosa Ferraz in the morning, there was no one sleeping in the backseat, there was no one to laugh in front of the "Notel" on the road, and no one to train my English in the afternoons, no one different (since I have The Gê every day), to give that good night embrace, good rest and sweet dreams.

You have become very important, a friend. Someone who managed to change my stereotypes about Americans. Yes, I confess I've always had the back foot with them. But your presence here with us, enjoying a surprise birthday, a surprise engagement request, and so many other surprises, and seeing and feeling a heart as big as yours, is indescribable and incomparable thought before and after your visit.

I hope to see you soon and soon. And let it come to you, let us have your presence longer, and let the work be only a consequence of your next visit. So that you can see more of these small towns, the interior of Paraná and Southern Brazil.

Have a good rest, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, a great birthday (if it were still here, would it be a surprise party, any questions?) Hehehe. But let all the gifts be tanned within every person, every heart and mind.

Big hug and affectionate kiss.

Lillah.

Dalillah (Lillah)
12/7/2016 04:41:13 am

In time, guess if I would cry while reading this post? No doubt.
Ivan, Bianca and Esdras were students of "my" first group of Jaa. I still remember them as if it were yesterday! My affection is enormous for them. So, I thank you for this affection you had with them.
Oh, speaking of dancing ... I have video of you dancing in Curitiba, see? It is impossible not to be infected by the energy and joy of these classes. You yourself did not hold back and went to the dance floor to "forget" the ankle pain acquired in the Twister in Marumbi.

Phillip Martin
12/7/2016 07:38:47 am

Opa Dallillah,

I know that hardly anyone ever reads my blog and almost nobody ever writes comments. I'm used to it. But, you took me completely by surprise today with your heart-felt kind words. Now, you know, I'm supposed to make you cry when I write my blogs. It is not supposed to be the other way around.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for welcoming me into your life for three wonderful weeks. It sounds like a long amount of time but it went so fast. It certainly wasn't enough. It was simply incredible to be surrounded by your, your family and your lovely friends who welcomed me with open arms.

I'm so glad that there are so many things that will remind you of me. That way, I won't be forgotten and Geremias will have to find a way to bring me back. Remember, January 2 is not too soon. :-) Give the mayor one day and then get that ticket.

Thank you for the photos you've been gathering and posting. Thank you for the kind words. Thank you for opening Brasil to me. Thank you for treasured memories. And now, just find a way to bring me back.

Phillippe

Pat Randolph
12/11/2016 02:00:43 pm

Wow! What can I say? This has been an amazing experience for all involved. I'm proud to call you friend!

Phillip Martin
12/11/2016 08:13:31 pm

Pat, you're right. It was three weeks of one amazing thing after another. This was one special night though. Very wonderful people and I hope to paint a mural with them in the near future.
Phillip

wenderly link
12/22/2016 05:04:56 pm

Happy birthday phillp, many years of life.
hugs

Phillip
12/23/2016 03:01:03 pm

Thanks for the wishes and the hugs.


Comments are closed.

    Wander My World With Me 
    by Phillip Martin

    Artist, Muralist,
    Photographer and
    World Wanderer
    Blog Directory

    Wonder about Wander My World With Me?
    • I Draw (Introduction)
    • Faces in the Crowd
      About Icon Images 
    • Directory

    Archives

    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016

    Categories

    All
    Portraits
    Travel

    RSS Feed

    View Previous Blogs and Add Comments
    Scroll to the bottom of this page and select "Previous" 
    and/or add Comments by selecting "Comments" and fill in the "Leave a Reply" form.
    Phillip Martin's Web Sites
    • Facebook
    • ​The Mural Man
    Phillip Martin's Books
    • The Mural Man Series 
    • A Taste of My World Cookbooks
“Safety and security don’t just happen; they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. 
 We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear.”
 
~ Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa



Proudly powered by Weebly
Design by DivTag Templates