Once upon a time, actually once upon today, there is a magical place in the beautiful plains of Boulder Colorado called Ziji Early Elementary. At Ziji the kids are free to play, discover, explore and witness…they are encouraged and supported by some of the most loving teachers and parents I’ve ever seen…and the space around them is INCREDIBLE! Imagine a beautiful home converted into a school where every corner sparks creativity and imagination…building blocks galore, art stations that make me want to PAINT!, a library full of books and comfy couches, a yard with so much room to run and neighbors who are horses. I was fortunate to get to spend a day at Ziji capturing some of the little details of the school and let me just say the following images don’t even scratch the surface. This place is seriously magical. I want to have a kid just so he/she could start his/her schooling in a place like this!
Author: Ali Carras
At a very young age I lost site of my mom in a local grocery store in Boulder, Colorado. I did, however, have the smarts to go to the customer service counter. The kind woman at the counter asked "What is your name little girl?" My reply: "Assi." The woman gave me a look like, "Are you playing with me you little devil?" but she proceeded to blast on the loudspeaker the "We have a lost Assi at the front of the store." Customers throughout the store gagged and giggled, but my mom knew exactly who the woman was referring to: the mullet haired little girl with a tongue too big for her mouth, wearing a leotard, skirt, tights, and jelly shoes (with florescent green laces in them...even though they didn't need the laces). A shy little character for whom every little detail in life was a huge thing. I am pleased to report that today I am able to fully pronounce Allison (aka Ali), but the Assi pseudonym has always stuck, evolving into Aszi. As for the shy little character for whom every little detail in life was a huge thing? Some things never change.
I have closed my comments due to mass amounts of spam that no filter could ever control. Feel free to contact me abeckord [at] gmail.com!
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