James Cooper

Why is it that every time I walk through the halls, I hear giggling and whispering?

And it's not something new, either. It's been going on since last year, but I didn't realize until recently that the giggling and whispering is directed at me. Have I done something to amuse people?

Ollie is growing so quickly! He can practically knock me over now, and he tires me out with all of the exercises he needs. It's worth it, though. He keeps me busy.

Other than that, this summer has been nice and relaxing. I've been enjoying the pool and sketching in the woods. The weather really has been beautiful, though it is pretty hot. Starting school will be exciting, though.

It's nice to see so many new students around! Hopefully there will be a bunch of us around for the summer. I'm going to the Hamptons for a week or two but other than that, I'll be here. It should be fun!

I think I've gotten sunburned already from sketching outside. I've got a- what are they called?- a farmer's tan. It's really unattractive.

I've finally managed to paint and organize my entire apartment. I was looking out for the perfect shade of blue for my work space and I finally found it last weekend. All my furniture is set up and it seems like I may have enough room to get a puppy after all. I'll bet Emily would love that.

I know that I've brought this up before, but now that more students are using these blogs, I figure I'll bring it up again. I'm interested in starting an art club that would focus on painting and drawing. Would anyone be interested?

Are any of the students who use these blogs interested in an Art club? I was hoping to start one up, but I want to make sure that there is enough interest first. I've got some wonderful students in my classes who seem like they might be interested.

The weather is getting nicer so I was thinking of taking one of my classes out to the woods to sketch. Would that be allowed? Nature is so inspiring.

I can’t believe that Elizabeth is graduating from Andover in the spring. I’ve always thought of her as my baby sister, but now she’s getting ready to go off to college. She’ll hear from Yale in about a month and I’m sure she’ll get in. She’s a little genius, after all.

I’ve finally arranged my apartment properly. It’s the perfect amount of space, really. I always managed to get lost in our place at the Hamptons. I’m thinking about getting a dog to keep me company. Dogs always make places feel more like home. Are there any pet shops around here?

Paintball was loads of fun last night, even if I am still sore. I think Casey enjoyed herself, which is most important.

It seems that most students consider Introduction to Art a time to sleep. At least three of my freshmen were out five minutes into the class. Are there ways to prevent things like that?

The campus here is beautiful. I've never seen so many scenes that I've wanted to sketch in one place. It's quite a break from the city. Less noise, less yelling, less dirt. Less people to hide from.

I suppose I should introduce myself. My name is James Cooper and I will be a new art teacher here at Goldfinch Academy. Yes, I am a teacher. I've already had far too many students approach me asking what dorm I'm in. Perhaps that's an advantage? Think of all of the conversations I'll be able to listen to.

Just kidding.

I'm teaching Intro to Art, Graphic Design I and II, and Pottery this semester. Once I settle in, I think I may ask if I can organize a Painting and Drawing class, as well as an art club. Perhaps we could take trips around the campus and sketch different sights?

That's all for me for now. If anyone has actually read this, thank you for reading.

James