Serious Play

Summer Manifesto

So, I am thinking of the approaching summer.

 

Inspired by Ali Edwards and others, I have written down a few ideas about how I would like to spend my summer. I know that I will want to add more to this list as the days go by, but here is my starting point.

I am excited for the purposefullness that writing these thoughts will bring to my days. Being a teacher, I feel fortunate that I am blessed with the summer off from work. However, at the beginning of each summer I feel like I have so much time to accomplish so much and by the end of the summer I look back and think, what did I do? where did it all go? what do I have to show for it?

This summer, I want to focus more on being than doing. Even though my manifesto contains 'to do' items, my goal is to really be present in those moments and to think about who I am and how I am developing myself rather than the end result of painting my kitchen wall.

My One Little Word this year is OPEN. As much as possible, I want to also incorporate my OLW with this Summer Manifesto in as many ways as possible.

 

This summer already feels different now that I have a Summer Manifesto...

Sneak Peek :: Half Marathon Mini

So, I am working on a new mini album.

 

Not quite ready to share it as I have a few more things to add, but it will be ready soon.

Also, being on Spring Break right now, I can't predict how much blogging I will get in this week.

 

Please be patient.

I'll be back...

 

 

 

Spring Break

So, we are on Spring Break this week.

 

I have had my two nephews for the week while my sister is on a Mediterranean cruise! I want to be with her in Europe, but I am also glad to be able to help her out by looking after her boys.

Our week was full. We built a city with cardboard, played hoops in the basement as well as mini hockey, drew treasure maps, did various crafts, read books... I forget what it is like to have to be 'on' all day since my girls are now teenagers.

The picture above is when we went on a scavenger hunt along the Glenmore reservoir. I had a list of things to see, hear, smell, touch and we checked off each item as we discovered it. The boys each had their own little scavenger hunt journals and they kept track by drawing the items that they found.

Along the route, we came upon a playground and the boys played hard for nearly and hour. Funny how they gravitate to the puddles and sticks. I forgot that too. Although girls are very different from boys, as I was clearly reminded this week.

The boys went to Gramma's house today. As I wash the fingerprints off my walls and pick up scraps of cardboard from under the kitchen table, I smile. Even if for a short time, I was able to share life with them and pour my love on them.

...and of course was filled up in return.  8-)

 

 

 

 

Consumed

So, I have been consumed lately with my girls' upcoming high school play.

 

I volunteered to take over the construction and decoration of Cinderella's carriage.

So, I've been painting...

And doing papier mache...

 

And hot glueing tulle and bows...

And repeatedly going out to purchase numerous crafting supplies...

 

I am so proud of my girls who are right there leading and directing!

And it is all worth it when I catch a rehearsal scene which gives me goosebumps...

The play is next week. Everyone is so excited.

 

Having said all that, I have not been in my own craft room working on my own projects. This means that the Starbucks mini album that I shared a Sneak Peak of, is not blog-ready. And I probably will not get to it this week. My apologies.

 

 

Gotye Music Video

               

So, have you heard this catchy song by Gotye?

 

I know that it has been around for a while, but I heard it on the radio today and it made me go watch the video again.

I love the passion in his voice.

And hers.

I love the painting.

I think it is going to have to show up in one of my Art Journal entries.

 

On another note...

I am taking a little blog break. My day job has been extremely busy these last few days leaving me exhausted in the evenings. I am playing a little, but have no energy to blog right now.

Will be back next week.

Blessings.

 

 

 

 

Valentine's at Starbucks

So, I am impressed with the new Valentine Starbucks cup and app.

 

Have you seen it?

I picked myself up a tea latte before work yesterday and surprise...a new design on the cups! 

With a smile on my face, I head off to work.

Then I noticed the little lettering along the bottom that said, "Download our Cup Magic mobile app, then scan this cup to see it come to life." So I immediately found the app and followed the instructions to "see it come to life".

It took a few tries, but when it did work, I was totally impressed. 

I chuckled.

Then I giggled.

Then I tried it again.

And grinned a big grin.

 

Have you tried it out yet?

Go now.

 

In the meantime, I am working on another page in my Art Journal...

 

 

 

 

Merry Christmas 2011

So, as we all take a break from the regular routine of things, I send blessings your way.

 

I am eager to show you my remaining December Daily pages. However, I will be away from my blog for a few days to spend time with my family.

 

May you experience the true meaning of Christmas this season and end your year on a wonderful note!

 

 

Gone Away

So, I will be away from my computer this week.

 

I am going to Indiana for a conference. It is all about Quality Learning and how to teach students about Quality in their work and how to make improvements in their learning habits.

I know that this will be a profitable time for me as a teacher. There will be long days and long nights. I really want to give my all while I am there and come home full.

So, I am taking a break from blogging this week and will be posting again when I return.

 

Blessings

Arrival of Fall

So, it is time to bring Fall into my house!

 

I hung this adorable owl banner above my bay window. I wish I could say I made it myself, but I got it for only $4 at Superstore...I couldn't make it for that!

 

It is not typical, but our temperatures here are still above 20C and we are lovin' it, but all those rich earthy colors were calling my name!

 

 

 

RadLab Giveaway

So, I have been secretly yearning for the fabulous photo-editing actions that RadLab offers for quite some time. Here is a chance to win them!

 

I found this amazing giveaway at Simply Tiffany Studios. Follow the link to her website and leave a comment to win. She also gives a fabulous explanation for what RadLab is offering. You'll like it!

And if you'd like to check out more of what RadLab is all about you can go here.

A few weeks ago, Shimelle also did a very informative post about RadLab actions that you can see here.

 

The giveaway ends today, so go right now and enter to win!