creative faery

7 Random Facts

I was tagged by  Valaine   :) The Rules: I am to share 7 weird or random facts about myself and then ask 7 others to do the same by commenting on their blogs, list them and link back to the one who tagged me.

Let's see...this week I was told I was not "normal," so it should be relatively easy to share random and weird facts about myself huh?

1.  Bursts of energy - I've always been energetic, able to survive on very little sleep...these bursts of energy sometimes has me going in many directions at once...however, when focused, I can accomplish so much!   It also causes me to be weird because I get bored and have to entertain myself and bring joy to others in random ways.  (I used to be shy, but have come out of my shell in the last few years because I really like people.)  So, here's what I do at school, I ask them "Is your Mama a Llama?" It's a popular children's book that rhymes.  It takes people aback and makes them laugh.  I have a few people at school whom I ask quite often, and now I say, "is she?"  It's hilarious.  When I went traveling this spring, I found llama signs on buildings and even a no crossing llama sign.  It's been fun to use with my kids at school.  Then I ask if she's from the Bahamas and wears red pajamas and creates llama drama.

2) I LOVE to learn!  You can find me taking classes in just about anything.  I like all kinds of subjects and have varied interests.  I like the challenge learning brings me.  I also like overcoming those difficulties.  (Right now, art is kicking my butt!  But I will conquer one day!!!)  This week an 18 year old in my class was really curious why I was "going back to school," and I said, I'm just continuing my journey and will probably take classes the rest of my life.  She was quite puzzled by that...

3) Adventure sports - I haven't done a lot lately, but to overcome fears, I do adventure sports.  I've been skydiving, bungee jumping, white water rafting, and cliff diving.  I still have a fear of heights, but I'll go if someone goes with me.  I still can't be first.  (don't know why) 

4) roller coaster junkie - give me ANY rollercoaster, and I'll do it!  And yes, I'll be first and up front on these.  I've always wanted to go to Cedar Point , but it's so expensive...we just might get there this summer.  If not, definitely next summer.

5)  I ADORE music and have always wanted to play the piano...so I began teaching myself.  I do okay and can read the treble clef notes, but have a difficult time memorizing bass clef.  Now that I have more time on my hands, I can probably conquer this..but we're back to the I have too many interests going on right now...maybe I'll pick it up this summer.  I'd love to be like Valaine with the guitar and play for hours, but it doesn't sound that great yet.   Time and practice, as always.

6)  I inherited my grandmother's piles...My grandmother was wheelchair bound for about 30 or more years, and because she couldn't bend down or reach or gather...she kept envelopes stacked in the pockets of her wheelchair...so even when she seemingly couldn't make a pile she did!  And now, even when I don't want to, I find little piles of papers I don't want to file or incomplete tasks.  I really hate it!

7)  I'm just a weirdo...I love having fun and making people laugh...I make random noises like growls or laughs or saying outrageous things like the "your mama is a llama thing..." just to see a smile or change up someone's name.   Joy is what it's all about.

I'll have to tag someone later because my husband is bugging me to go get coffee and he's tired of waiting!  ha-ha... Have a blessed day.

Happy Mother's Day

Good Morning!  And happy Mother's Day to all of you wonderful, beautiful moms out there!  You are generous and giving and nurturing not only to your own children, but the children of the world, and you are valued.  I remember many women in my life who filled in the space of mom because my mom was absent.  I don't know where I would be today without these amazing women in my life.  You never know when something you do, even a small act, is revered and treasured by another.  I can't tell you how many acts of kindness have been given to me...and though I try to acknowledge these gifts when I can, there are many times I am unable to give thanks in a proper way, and I whisper them to the Universe in hopes they will be carried to the intended.  May your day be blessed!

I have come up for air!  My drawing class has ended, which makes me sad and happy at the same time.  I feel a great load lifted, and a normally crazy last few weeks of school somehow doesn't seem as crazy as these past few months, so I'm actually feeling lighter!  I'm sad because this class was a gift to me and to my art.  I learned things I never thought I could learn, and I can do things I never that I could...though not as good as most in the class, I feel a great sense of accomplishment for being diligent and following through.  It's very difficult to continue on when you know you are one of the worst in the class.  (It's not a harsh judgement; you should see the way these people draw!)  I have to keep reminding myself to compare myself with only myself, even though the teacher is comparing me with everyone else.   I shall have to post a picture of my favorite drawing.  It's my first portrait!  We had to smush our face on the copier and make a funny face.  It was one of the most fun projects!  I did pretty good, though I need to be more careful about transitions of value...but it was fun, and I learned a lot, and it looks like a person!  It even looks like a squishy me!  ha-ha...

 

Have a wondermous, blessed day everyone!

Sunday Blessings

Whenever I feel overwhelmed or that life is kicking my butt, I have to remember what blessings I have and how far I've come since I was a child...  It is nearing the end of my school year, and I have so much to do, and not near enough energy or time to complete it all.  I must be still and calm and remember that all is well...what needs to be done will be done, and the rest will have to wait...My topmost priority is to love, love, love my students and nurture them and enjoy them for the small time I have left.  The best thing about this new school is that I get to see most of these kids for another 6 years!  The last school only allowed me to see them in 1st grade, and then they moved to another school.  I am blessed.

I miss my writing, especially poetry...it's poetry month, and I haven't written a single poem!  I've assisted my students with theirs, but alas, my well seems dry.  It will come.  The summertime brings many great opportunities, usually when I'm in the middle of my art.

Yesterday was my birthday, and my husband bought us both a pedicure.  He's never had one in his life!  However, the best part was that we got two whole hours with this really nice girl, relaxing and calming while we got pampered...then, I went to my writing meetings...it was exciting...I bet you think that's weird to enjoy a meeting?  These are the ONLY ones I look forward to because we have a fellowship of writers who get together and decide where we are going next with the BSU project.  It's a time of sharing and learning about each other's lives (something we don't get to do during a school year) and bounce ideas off each other.  I enjoy the comraderie and the creativity...I'd enjoy it more if we had a regular writing group where we wrote together and shared it like we did when we started the project...It will come.  I have faith!  Then my daughter came over with her friends and we joked and played around....all my family called, and I felt loved...Went to bed with a smile on my face!

It's a beautiful day outside, so we're going for a walk.  We haven't had this kind of sunshine and warmth in awhile.  Time to soak some vitamin "D," and yes, I'll wear my sunscreen.

Have a wondermous week my friends!  And may you be blessed in all the ways you deserve.  Don't forget, YOU ROCK!

Compose

I was intrigued by the Sunday Scribblings' word:  compose

It iliicits so many elite images in my mind as a conductor leading his orchestra.  How all the musical pieces and instruments must work together to create the perfection that provokes an audience to feel an emotion.

For me, compose contains images of grandeur, acts of pure rushes of creativity.

When you imagine Mozart composing, it seems like an act of feverishly writing notes down as quickly as possible because his mind won't let him rest.

When composing a poem, one line or a sonnet, the music persists until the poet is exhausted.

I never realized untiil today how much power this simple word contains...and yet, when you think of someone composed, you don't think of them as powerful, just able to restrain and creatively find ways in which to keep themselves in check in ways many of us have never thought.but imagine in acts of pure fury or angst, what creativity it might take to "remain" composed in a heated situation...

Ahhhhh, yes...I hear the melodies in my mind now...melodies of notes...melodies of words...melodies of paint swish swishing on the canvas...melodies of click clicking of the camera, composing a masterpiece, because the master MUST!

Sylvia day

I declared a "Sylvia day" last week as one of my favorite students from all time had to leave us and go to another school.  You aren't supposed to have favorites...but children like this one don't come along very often.  There's not a person I've ever met who doesn't like her; and I don't believe there's a person in our brand new school who doesn't know who she is.  She's that kind of girl - spitfire joyous, loving to all, kind in ways you could never imagine.  The irony of it all is this is a young girl who has had a very challenging life, many times not being loved in the way any child so deserves to be loved.  She has suffered more in her five years of life than many of us have in our lifetimes.  And she is still joyous and loving...

How can you go through all that and not be bitter?  How can you still be so joyous?  How can you live a life so forgiving?  You are truly an example of grace.

Sylvia is also the perfect example of "dynamite comes in small packages."  She explodes a room!

So, we had a Sylvia day.  I gave her a crown.. and we sang Sylvia songs and we danced Sylvia dances, and together we made her a treasure box to put all her kindergarten things...and we had special treats and made up a special "we will miss you" song sung to the tune of Happy Birthday so she will remember us and we will remember her when others have a birthday.   She soaked it all in, and she didn't look back...It wasn't because she wasn't going to miss us or that we weren't important to her life.  She was ready for her new adventure, a life with her sisters, and she was sooooooooo excited!  A reminder to me to live in the moment and enjoy the people you have now....

The best part is that we don't have to wait once a year to have a Sylvia day.  In honor of her, we can celebrate Sylvia day anytime we're needin' a little ray of sunshine joy or we're counting our blessings.  What would Sylvia do?  She'd keep on livin' that's what she'd do!!! 

She taught the teacher so very much.....................

small art victory & the beauty of Idaho

  As some of you know, I have had some difficulty with art because I started a little late in life; and frankly, sometimes I don't think I see what others see...proportions have been stinky, and I had little or no concept of value.  But, this drawing class has really helped me see my world through new eyes.  Yesterday, when we went on a trip to a few little towns outside of Boise, Idaho City, Placerville, and Pioneerville (very small), we went through a lot of backroads and moutainous areas.  I could actually see value in the mountains and rocks and plants...It was the coolest thing ever!  I took pictures like crazy! (thought I'm still not so good in taking pics)  And maybe...just maybe might do some artwork relating to it...

Here is my latest drawing in value.  We have to draw drapery and balloons (thought I'd describe it for you so you could actually see it hee-hee).  For those of you who don't know, folds are hard to draw!  Getting sheets or drapes to look like drapes were very difficult for me.  A girl in my art class said didn't you ever draw clothes?  No, I never have!  I don't think many people have until shows like Project Runway and new fashion programs came along...maybe I was too busy climbing trees and rollerskating...but hey, I didn't live a drawing life...I might have drawn clothes had I been drawing all my life. 

So anyways, it's tricky, and it's even trickier to see reflections on balloons.  I feel my first drawing I did better on the balloons..but this drawing, I can see the folds of the sheet!  YEAH!  So, yes, you get to join me in my celebration...  It still needs to be worked some...but I'm a bit tired and will do it tomorrow...just wanted to celebrate today!

Then, at the bottom, I'll show you a little bit of Idaho in pics...It was calm; it was quiet and peaceful.  Hey, wait, you might move here!  So, no really, noisy...noisy as ever.  Just kidding!  Come on down!

 

(This crane is a bit blurry because it was a camera phone.)

Sunshine gone again

My sunshine went back to Portland...and they say it rains a lot in Portland...but I'm sure with my Kelci there, it's sunny more often than not....funny thing, it's raining here in Boise today....It's dreary...

But ohhhhhhhh, did we have a great time!  We had the best Easter we've ever had..about 8 kids, lots of pizza and laughing till our guts fell out...then Monday we went to a concert, Kate Vogel; she's soooooo cute, energetic and fun!  She was featured on One Tree Hill, a teenage soap-like drama on t.v.  I hear lots of good music, even the show is not that exciting to me. The other two bands who played with Kate were fun too - Whitest Light had some good music and they have some clips on I-tunes...nice alternative sound, clear quality voice - Kelley James wasn't as good of a musician, but he certainly was entertaining and had a good song called "Stalker," but he assured us it was in a good way?    It's not main stage music, but I like small town people, they're down to earth and you can be right next to them on stage.  It felt intimate, like we were listening to them at a party, and then you can meet them afterwards.  There are still some good things left in this ever growing city.

Yesterday was errand day for Kelci and I...but it didn't seem like it because we talk and laugh a lot.  She's like my best friend...ohhhh I'm gonna miss her!   We took time to have pedicures ( a splurge I know - but we feel pretty!)

      I took a couple of Springish pictures...I say Springish is because Boise is being stubborn about breaking out the flower splashes this year....we have a couple of small buds, but hey, isn't it time to get this party started?   I found a squirrel out and about, but he "discovered" me and scampered off, and then I found this bird.  I'm not very knowledgeable about birds, but he was willing to pose for me.   I'm going to have to brush up on some of Valaine's great tricks....I know there are some more colorful guys out there!  I have to brush up on the focus too...It's a start toward the positive hope that Spring will soon be here. 

Well, until next time and more signs of spring, have a wondermous week...

Happy Easter

Today is a beautiful sunny day in Idaho, and I'm sooooooooooo excited!  Our kids are coming over for Easter dinner and a special egg hunt.   Now, talk about untraditional...when I asked them what they wanted for dinner, ham or turkey, they said "pizza!"  Normally, I wouldn't consider it because I LOVE mashed potatoes, but my girls have been ever faithful in staying away from pizza for lent...that's 40 days...and for a kid, well, that's forever!  So we're having pizza. (Maybe I'll still make mashed potatoes for me.)

And last year, we started a tradition of putting money in the Easter eggs since our girls are adults now and it seems everyone is on a tight budget.  It was really fun!  Sometimes it's just quarters and candy, but we slip some token dollars and a couple of fives to entice some interest.  (The girls get their own eggs with a special amount just for them and then there are a LOT extra ones)...I'm reminded of what my daugthers' faces looked like hunting for treasures when they were little....They have a few friends coming over too...it sounds like a bribe, and maybe in a small way it is...but people want to come over and we have a good time doing it too.  AND it creates a nice family tradition...something our future grandkids will look forward to coming to when they get older...  It's also a fun way to give my kids a little extra spending money without it looking like a handout. 

May each and every one of you enjoy the warmth and beauty of the day and of family and of the blessings of forgiveness and hope we receive on this special day.  I can't wait to visit you!

(p.s. I'll add pictures later today...)  :)

The Power of One - RISING ABOVE

There's a video on   The Modern Goddess web-site that is very powerful.  The author describes that it 's an advertisement going all around India to promote the hidden talents of everyone.  It's a must see about the power of one.      One click away!  (sorry my blog doesn't do video well.)

The shows the power of one little boy getting others to work together.  Imagine if this small boy's inspiration and determination can pull this many people together, how might you and your thoughts MOVE THE WORLD?

Someone translated some of the words from the song.  I don't know if they are correctly translated, but they are inspiring nonetheless. 

     Hold the sky to stand, and walk with the wind in your hands,
     Be the front-runner; because when you walk, Hindustan walks with you.
     Lend your hand to pull out the Sun in the morning,
     Fill your hands with sunlight, and throw it around,
     Keep you legs on the horizon, and walk with pride,
     Hold the sky to stand, and walk with the wind in your hands,
     Be the front-runner; because when you walk, Hindustan walks with you.

I'm inspired everyday by the people around me with their acts of kindness, their daily writings of their soul journeys, their friendships giving just a phone call. 

I Visit blogs weekly to see people "Rise" above their tragedies to inspire others. 

Kind words daily spread from mouth to mouth and what was once a red light, discouraging day, becomes a green light, on my way day.

What can you do to be the frontrunner who inspires others to rise above themselves?

Empowerment

I respect and admire this word because it is such a word of uprising to a stance of strength from the ashes of brokeness.  I believe in the human spirit of the underdog and that just by pure will and determination someone can lift themselves to a higher place, one they never dreamed they would attain.  I devour books with characters like this and see every movie with this theme because I will never cease to be amazed at the raw courage and strength it takes.

I have seen kids in my life rise above the chaining/binding power of meth and live to tell and be examples to others.  I have seen women who have been verbally and physically abused refuse to take it anymore, stand tall and take on the world, accomplishing more than they ever dreamed they could. And I have seen men defeated in their lives with not one more reason to live find an ounce of hope that convinces them to believe and conquer.

1. And better yet, these very same "underdogs" who beat the odds become our heroes and OUR reasons to live and breathe beyone what we believe we are capable.  THEY EMPOWER US!