Digging

Saturday was full of sprouts, roots and creepy crawly things. I guess I could add to my list of favorite things to do - digging in the dirt. I turned my little veggie garden by hand and moved some lilies and hostas to the back of the yard. Both Maya and Ellie wanted to share in my enthusiasm and each transplanted a couple of things themselves. Ellie did not want to hold any worms in her hands as she used to when she was two years old. We all took a little time to watch all the creepy critters for a while. I saw some of the biggest grubs and night-crawlers I have ever seen. I'm guessing big worms will be good for my garden. Big grubs will probably eat my lawn and attract more moles.

Again I was going to paint this in watercolor, but decided to digitally play around with a small sketch from my sketchbook.

As for TV Turnoff week...

I could say it was completely effortless. I probably benefited most of all. I don't watch much TV, but I usually turn it on to unwind right at bedtime. Reading is really a better option for that. And I think the girls have forgiven us for forgetting to tape "Dancin' with the Stars". They are sad that they missed the big group dance and last week the stars were supposed to design the costumes. One week later - does it really matter?

Impossibility - Illustration Friday

One of the first things that popped into my head

was a ship in a bottle.

That's not an impossibility.

On the other hand,

getting the ship out of the bottle?

Happy Birthday Rosey!

The fairies that visit Maya and Ellie are named Lilly and Rosey. Today is Rosey's birthday! Ellie has been waiting for months to do something special for a fairy birthday, since her American Girl "Tiny Treasures" book is full of miniature projects that we can make out of stuff we have around the house.

What a beautiful celebration it will be
when the fairies visit the fairy garden tonight!

To give you an idea of the scale - the plates are buttons, the cups are Perler beads, and the candles are short snipped pieces of plastic coated electrical wire. The tablecloths are tissue paper. The streamers are curling ribbon, but I split them lengthwise to make them narrower. The cake is cut from an everyday household sponge (the size of a quarter). The directions say to paint it with white acrylic paint, but I used gesso because it's thicker and looks creamier. Ellie made the banner and hats (and pies, of course) all by herself and wrote a beautiful letter.

TURN OFF WEEK

TURN OFF WEEK
APRIL 20-26, 2009

The following is a re-print from last year - written earlier than that. I hope I don't sound too preachy, but I don't feel I could say it any better than this. I really just want to present the idea to people and perhaps inspire. I don't ever intend to tell people how to they should live their lives.

TV Turnoff has evolved into "Screentime". Yes, last year I let the girls play Wii and I feel that was a mistake. I think they played more video games than ever. I told them maybe this year we could limit Wii use to only sports and fitness, but we FINALLY have some spring weather so why not ride bikes and play catch?

I also told the girls I will not be going one week without using the computer. But, I will refrain from playing any computer games and I will not spend every morning surfing the internet while I drink my first cup of coffee of the day.

Why would anyone turn of their TV?

I've gotten used to the looks I get when I tell people that I don't have cable TV. It feels a little like I've just told them I am from another planet. But last year when I suggested to a few people that they turn off their TV for one week, they looked at me like I had just asked them to cut off their right hand.

My personal crusade started in 2003, when my four year old daughter came home from playing at the neighbor's house and told me it was "TV Turnoff Week". She informed me we needed to make a sign with and red circle and a line through it, put it on our TV and we couldn't watch TV for a whole week. My husband and I thought it was a great idea, especially since it was suggested by a four year old.

It was an eye-opening experience. Shortly before that, I had started working part-time to spend quality time with my two young daughters. I realized during that week that I needed to question the quality of time spent. Sure, we only watch PBS educational kids shows, but why was the TV on all the time?

The first few days were rough. Emotions ran high. I realized how often I used the TV to shut down emotional outbursts when I could not rationalize with a four year old or a one-and-a-half year old. I also used it to calm them down when they got a little too rambunxious. So the fact is, I was constantly using the TV to distract and sometime mildly sedate them. That is a sad fact. But, still in the first few days of "TV Turnoff Week" during those rough parenting moments I wanted very badly to give up and give in to the easy answer... "Hey look! It's Barney!"

It was a lot of work. I spent much more time dragging out toys, putting them away, cleaning up finger paints and other project supplies.

But, by the end of the week a lot had changed. I noticed a difference in my daughters' attention spans and imaginations. They began to play more independently and for longer periods of time. A new quietness had settled into the house. Everyone was more attentive. We didn't have to compete with the TV for the kids attention or talk over the extra noise. It was so fabulous I keep asking myself, "Why don't we do this more often?"

The truth is, we may have cut back a bit since then, but TV is sometimes more than a bad habit, it is addictive and a tough addiction to overcome.

The following year (2004) we missed TV Turnoff Week because I was not informed of the dates. The year after that (2005) I decided to look it up on the internet, to inform people and to invite them to participate. The next year, (2006) I hardly mentioned it at all because I feel my efforts are futile.

I had remembered seeing an article in the newspaper when I was in my mid-twenties about school kids who were challenged to not watch TV for a short period of time (maybe it was a week). The article was about a few kids who enjoyed it so much they kept going for months! I admired those kids, because at the time I was quite the couch potato. I thought perhaps those 10-12 year olds had more interesting and fulfilled lives than I had.

I do not want to imply that TV is horrible. I am not going to quote statistics that state TV makes people violent, obese or stupid. (All though in excess, I believe all those things are possible.)

I would like to invite everyone to experience the difference that I have experienced. And, I am not just addressing families with small children.

How many of us adults use the TV to distract ourselves from our emotions or shut our minds off from our anxieties? If turning off your TV could improve your attention span and imagination, would you do it?

I cannot suggest that turning off your TV will be easy or make your life instantly more wonderful. But, sometimes the more difficult task is the most worthwhile and rewarding.

Traveling

1) Grouseland. The home of William Henry Harrison, Vincennes, IN
2) George Rogers Clark Memorial, Vincennes, IN
3) The Labyrinth, New Harmony, IN
4) Inside the Roofless Church, New Harmony, IN
5) New Harmony Inn, New Harmony, IN
6) Full scale replica (42 feet) of Athena
7) The Parthenon, Nashville, TN
8) Guitar shaped swimming pool Music Row, Nashville, TN
9) Hiking in Nashville with Katie

Unbalanced, but Graceful

I've been thinking of making a mobile for some time now.

This past week, I realized it would be a great exercise for my Women's Circle. I am the only "artist" (in title only) of the bunch. My friends love when I lead them through a creative project. And I love drawing out the creative side from those who struggle to do so. We gather to expand and grow spiritually, and of course I feel creativity is the best way to connect with Spirit.

Initially I thought we could create symbols of the aspects of our lives we strive to keep in balance: mind, body, spirit; family, career, health, prosperity; etc. I may still explore that option, but I found a downloadable pattern on the Web for this paper mobile I created today.

"This paper mobile hangs
gracefully and the components
slowly change their orientations
as gentle wind currents flow
around any room."

Beginning from the bottom and working upward, it is necessary to find the center of balance of the smallest piece, (by balancing it on your finger) then attach to the next larger. Starting small and building up, again find the center of balance of the connected pieces and add on.

So here is a symbolic reminder to keep in my conscious mind. Find the center of balance. Start small. Build up. Move gracefully. Slowly. Always changing orientation. Gentle currents. Flow.

And in actuality I'm uncertain if it is not quite balanced or just a little flimsy? Symbolic of myself? Perhaps a little too flexible, to the point of looking a little saggy and weary. I will begin again, with posterboard (or heavy cardstock) as recommended rather than a lighter-weight cardstock. In spite of all that, it's still beautiful.

Poise - Illustration Friday

A flower girl who takes her job very seriously.

Earth Hour 2009

It would be exciting to see
Earth Hour
really catch on with an
observable effect.

This Saturday,
March 28, 2009
please turn off your lights
at 8:30 pm local time.

Seven More Bunnies!

I wondered if I made a lot of little creatures - would I make them much faster? I made this batch of seven all at once, assembly line style. It went pretty quickly. And now I am so excited to have lots of bunnies for Spring... and Easter.

Tiny Treats

Ellie has been wishing for the American Girl "Tiny Treats" book for some time now. Last night we went to Barnes and Noble to spend gift cards and Ellie got her wish. Unlike the miniature blueberry pies she makes out of bottle caps, felt and beads, these tiny treats are edible. A little powdered sugar, cinnamon and melted chocolate chips turn Cheerios into tiny donuts. The tiny breakfast is made from white melting chocolate (for candy molding) M&Ms, tiny bits of Tootsie Rolls and real toast cut real small. We can't wait to make some of the other treats.

Legendary - Illustration Friday

Irish legend says if you find
a four leaf clover, it will bring you good luck.
Good Luck! And Happy St. Patti's Day!

Don't Think. Just Do.

It seems when I don't have time to create, I am flooded with creative ideas. Then, when I find I have a little time, I don't know what to create or where to start. Today I was surprised to have a little time to myself as Ellie went off to a birthday party and Maya played at the neighbor's house. When I realized I could actually sit down and paint I worked very quickly for 2 hours on these four little pieces. Nothing was pre-planned. Nothing feels quite finished. They may be under-paintings or preliminary sketches for future works.

OPRAH!

Oprah was so much fun! I never really thought about going. When Katie lived here, she asked me once why we have never gone? We are right here! I guess tickets are really hard to get (of course). My neighbor told me last week she was going. She said they were looking for an audience full of moms with crazy mom stories. She wrote in on the website, and they called her the next day to ask her to come. There is not an air date scheduled for the show yet, but they said probably within the next month, so watch for previews of "The Secret Lives of Moms". I will talk more about the show when it airs. I don't want to be the one to spoil it. I will say this... there was one small giveaway! Yay! I want to go again.

I was going to take my "Intricate" watercolor to work with me to scan. I really should be scanning my artwork rather than shooting it with a mediocre camera. But - what a busy day! I had to wake up at 5 to leave at 6 to be downtown by 7 - back home by 1pm (confession of a bad mother... at that point I had not made arrangements for someone to care for my children). I called the neighbor to catch Ellie off the bus. Went to work at 1:30. Chatted and showed off my new minoHD flip video camera - THAT OPRAH GAVE ME - to everyone at work. Got a little bit of work done. Was planning on working until 7 or 8 pm, but then remembered I had a Girl Scout meeting at 6. We met at our small town local historical society to earn the Local Lore badge. It was very nice. Now it's 9pm and I should really think about going to bed early again.

Intricate - Illustration Friday

I started this yesterday and was planning on starting over. But, I sliced open the tip of my index finger on a can of cream of mushroom soup. For now, drawing is too cumbersome and a little painful. I better just to go to bed early tonight so that I can wake up at 5:00am to get to the OPRAH! show! Yes! I am going to see OPRAH! and I am very excited.

Survival

I survived a Girl Scout overnight with 19 girls ranging in age from 7 to 11 years old! Much thanks to Yvette for doing all the planning along with the other grown-ups who give me the confidence and courage to put myself in such situations. We were blessed with some spring weather, finally! I am proud to say I am the one who was able to get the fire going in spite of pretty damp wood. We were impatient and I prematurely spread out the coals for cooking s'mores and apple desserts. At that point I killed the fire and we ended up in the kitchen. I am especially proud of my little Daisies who were quite the little independent campers. Such fun makes me not want to resign next year as I continue to lament the difficulty of managing 2 troops... and a job... and a family.

Make the world a better place.
peace.

Happy Birthday!

I didn't want to mention that the bunny house was for my 3 year old little niece. I think Auntie Rhonda was more excited than the birthday girl. She told me she was hoping it could be. Maddie, take good care of the little bunny family. May your Golden Birthday be full of sweet treats and happy surprises!

Love,

Auntie Patti

Breezy - Illustration Friday

Bunnies Find a Home

Truth be told, it was never a dog house. Pookie (the dog) was anxious to model it and I was anxious to share - before the bunnies were created.

A friend asked me if I had any sort of pattern for the house. I am happy to say "no". I am the architect, builder, interior designer and creator of little creatures. I even knitted the blanket on super small knitting needles. This is what I lay awake in bed at night and think about. I am planning on improving the process with the next little playhouse.

Dog House

5"x4"x4" Matt Board and craft paper.

Instinct - Illustration Friday

Instinct.

Very different from my cute little girls dancing, reading, chasing balloons and eating cupcakes. I don't feel versatile. I feel like a split personality. I'd like to illustrate cute, sweet, happy, fun, children's pictures. I'd like to avoid this mysterious weirdness that spills out of me. It flows so easily that it doesn't feel valid, but at the same time feels like it's supposed to be.

Celebrate - Illustration Friday

I suppose I could call this post "Make It Sweet Part III". If you've read my blog before, you might realize I tend to celebrate with sugary sweets that I love to bake myself. Yes, I made that cupcake with creamy topping and ganache. I am in the process of making a double batch for the Daddy Daughter Girl Scout Dance. Yesterday it was brownies for the Science Fair. I think I need to either open a bakery or a rehab center for people who share my sugar addiction.

Make it Sweet! Part II

One of my favorite things to do to celebrate Valentine's Day–strawberries dipped in chocolate. Mmmmmmmmm.

Make It Sweet!

For Valentine's Day, Ellie wanted to take our famous rolled butter cookies to her class and include the recipe.  Just about everyone I know has requested this recipe after having tasted the cookies. So here it is for your enjoyment.

Rolled Butter Cookies

1/2 lb. butter (room temperature)

1 cup powdered sugar

2-1/2 cups flour

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 tablespoon milk

Cream butter thoroughly. Gradually add sugar and mix well. Slowly add flour. Add vanilla and milk when flour is almost all added. Roll dough 1/4 - 1/2 inch thickness. Cut and bake at 325˚ for 12-15 minutes. Decorate with icing. 

So simple and delicious. 

Take the handmade pledge. I hear more references each year about Valentine's Day being a Hallmark holiday and people feeling pressured to buy stuff. Go against mainstream thinking and do what you want to do, not what you feel like you are supposed to do. Whether is a day of romance or friends or classmates, make it special in your own special way!

See this post and this post of last year's handmade cards. While linking, I see I made pretty much the same statement last year, as well as the same cookies.

peace [and love] 

Wee Little Creature

This Wee Little Creature is about the size of my little pinky finger. I was going to go to bed early last night. I was actually in bed with a sketchbook at 9:30. After having done a couple of little doodles of how might sew a felt fairy, I got out of bed to sew. It was about midnight when I finally crawled back in bed.

Thanks, Sharpie!

I was thrilled to have received a comment from the PR manager of Sharpie last week when I posted the photo of my impulsive drawing on my hand. Thanks, Sharpie! I also want to thank Sharpie Susan for noting that Sharpies are not tested for the use on skin and so it is not encouraged. I used the new Sharpie Pen, which I do love. It doesn't seem quite as toxic as the permanent markers, but I really don't think it's a good idea to write on yourself with any writing utensil. Although, a couple of times I have drawn a little temporary doodle on myself with an eyeliner pencil. I'm sure that would be okay. (See: What the Bleep Do We Know?) The Sharpie Fun I have resorted to is drawing mehndi on magazine hands. I did black out a tooth and draw a mustache, goatee and glasses on a beautiful fashion model, but that seemed both too crude and trite to post. The article on Intuition was from an October 2006 issue of Family Circle. It was a lovely reminder to trust yourself. In a nutshell – your subconscious mind holds plenty of useful information so don't over-analyze everything. Quiet your mind. Feel your gut. Listen to your heart.