Children's Art

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Today I found a post about Children's Art: Do You Love Kid's Art?

I have always loved art created by children. It is the thing I miss most from teaching in elementary school. When I visit schools, I pay attention to the bulletin boards made by children's artwork. It is raw creativity, displays by kids who are not afraid to show emotion.

Here is some found artwork created by my son and former students.

A mosquito drawn by my son when he was almost 3.

Here is an 8 year old child's rendition of a glade (rocky area with a few trees).

How could you not be moved?

"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up." 

- Pablo Picasso

Day 31 for SOL #15 busy life

It felt as though I struggled to be consistent with my writing.
I posted and commented almost every day.
Some posts were early, other near midnight and once after the bewitching hour.
I read lots of other amazing posts and thoughtful comments.
I struggled to make meaningful comments.
But the business of life sometimes got in the way.

People told me it's only a month, no big deal.
That was about staying on a 28 day cleanse.
I made the shakes in my hotel room during conferences.
I ordered approved food items when I had to eat out.
I logged miles walking at the conferences.
But life got in the way and I didn't complete a perfect 28 day cleanse.

Last year I accepted a challenge to Draw My Awesome Year.
Sometimes I struggled to journal and draw every day.
I didn't complete all the drawing assignments.
But I still learned so much about drawing and writing.
I have a colorful journal filled with memories of that year.
And this year I sorely miss the monthly guide to draw and journal my life.

I hope to continue writing a slice of my life.
I pay attention to my life.
I reflect about my life.
I appreciate the small things.
I look for nuances.
I am more present in my busy life.

A little burn SOL Day 30 for SOL#15

One of the first trainng sessions with my current job was Fire Training, Level 1. To understand the reasons to burn an area, you can view before and after pictures. Burning gets rid of unwanted vegetation and provides conditions for dormant native seeds to once again flourish. Historically, Native Americans used fire to control much of their land. It was a subject on which I was very interested. 

Lots of preparation takes place prior to the actual burn. First the team leader makes a visit to the site then writes a burn plan. It must be filed with the fire department and work supervisors. A team of employees schedule the event on their work calendars. Prescribed burns can't be too early because of theMarch winds. It can't occur too late in spring because conditions would be adverse for the reptiles. Many variables affect the event, postponing the morning of the event if the humidity or wind change from the weather predictions. Sometimes canceling the event altogether could happen then it is placed on high priority for the next spring. 

A few weeks after the class, I got the opportunity to work a prescribed burn. We wore special Nomex clothing. We gathered nexessary equipment and headed to the area. The team walked the area prior to setting the fire. A line had already been established to prevent the fire from getting out of desired boundaries. A drip torch was used to start the fire in several locations. Precautions were taken to get the burn done quickly while keeping the fire from getting too hot. 

I loved the morning spent burning in the woods. I took several great shots with smoke rolling. My husband was concerned that I was not properly trained and didn't think I should be involved in any prescribed burns, so I didn't attend advanced training. But I do occasionally encourage him to burn our yard or field. 

This morning, I burned some paperwork. The wind got up, when I checked on it, the fire traveled out of the pit toward the field. I did not have a fire line set! I grabbed a rake and headed to put it out. It took some quick raking before I got it stopped. I know better, I should have created a line to contain the fire. See the picture below. 

Family time to celebrate a soon to arrive addition

My niece hosted a shower for friends & family for her sister-in-law, baby due in 5 weeks. Niece is a brave soul, she just this week completely moved into her house, both she and husband have full time jobs in education and they've been working on refurbishing the house for a couple of months. They had worked the entire week to have everything perfectly placed. Her dad drew a nursery scene on her chalk painted wall. She was a fantastic host, creating activities for guests and serving delicious food. She had a special table for three young children she expected to attend, it was stocked with crayons and pictures to color. But 15 children showed up! 

She had placed colored sharpies next to a tub of small diapers and a poem about leaving a clever note for the parents when awakened at 2 am for a diaper change. Niece had gone to great lengths.

When I arrived with my daughter-in-law we were taken on tour of the house. In the master bedroom we found 3 girls with heads stick under the bed desperate to reach something. I asked if the kitty was there. They said it was. I said the kitty was frightened and they should go away. My sister told them the kitty might bite them. Then a young boy comes in the bedroom with a cupcake and climbs on the bed with Mom in tow. Sister repeated to the mother the kitty might bite. The girls needed to go elsewhere. Children went outside on the patio area. Doors kept slamming shut as kids went in and out. The only parents monitoring children was two other nieces pictured with their young boys. 

Later as the honoree was opening gifts, we noticed outside the window and saw many children climbing over the deck railing. Someone asked if anyone was watching the children. Niece said, "No, but a train is coming, it is ok! She added, "I deal with 18 year olds (HS English teacher)." Her sarcasm was lost, not one moved to correct any improper behaviors. 

The lack of control of children is extremely difficult for a family of teachers (6) to witness, but we quietly held our exasperation. Misbehaviors ruined the atmosphere for the shower, not to mention her beautifully decorated house. 

After the guests left, niece's husband arrived, she met him outside spilling her emotions. He was also incredulous to hear about the large number of misbehaving children. 

What happened to the days of, "stay off the bed! "Don't slam the door!" "Make up your mind, in or out!" "Sit still and act like a little lady" If you show out, you will not be allowed to go again". . .

Day #28 in SOL#15 Another question for writers.

I’m continuing with 31 questions from a “Writer’s Whole Life Perspective”.

4.   What special, memory building moment did you have with family, friends, writing groups, by yourself and so on?

I treasure the comments I’ve received on my posts during this month. In reviewing my posts for a recognizable pattern, I read through the thoughtful comments other slicers made. The thread seemed to be those posts written from the heart, when I wrote about a special relative or memory. I suppose that is why writers are encouraged to write what they know or what they are passionate about. Views from the heart allow others a glimpse into that individual’s world. And people recognize similar feelings or situations in their own lives. I’ve recognized some of my life incidences and felt the emotional connection with the writing of other slicers. That is when a memory building connection is created.   

SOL Day 27 I am a writer!

Previously in 2012 I found a writing source, Writer’s Whole Life Perspective. Thirty-one questions were listed to help a “writer” reflect on accomplishments from the year.

Below I’ll list a few of the questions along with my responses, which prove to me that I am a writer.

·      Did you complete any writing challenges? My response to this is going to be a resounding Yes! In just a few days I can say I completed the month long Slice of Life Writing Challenge sponsored by the blog, Two Writing Teachers. I also worked on writing 750 Words a day. I completed that 10 days in a row while writing in the SOL challenge.

·      What writing skills were strengthened? Wow, I have learned so much from my participation in Two Writing Teachers. Some of the skills I’ve acquired are: new methods for writing poetry such as found poetry and book spine poetry, how to share unique bits of information as introductory pieces, how to look inward to identify my belief statements, how to comment when another post speaks to me, how to write a reflection at a higher level than memory and how to use mentor text.

·      Did you find the secret to time management? Time management is a tricky player. Some days I had lots of energy and could write a post during any part of the day or night. Some mornings or evenings I spent my time reading the other slicers’ writing. I think it was the procrastination gene causing me to delay my post. Other days were filled with tasks so I had to quickly write a last minute slice of life. Overall I found my days smoother when I wrote the post early in the morning and commented when I found time during the day and then again at night.

Communication with others is an important piece of this month long challenge. Viewing the world from their perspective gives me insight and hope. I feel successful at this writing life and hope to continue. My goal is to write something I can submit for publication.

SOL day 26 a watchpot never boils

I planted some white oak acorns is collected while hiking in January. Just barely under the soil, they need lots of water. It seemed to take forever, when the acorns finally burst, the little plants shot up. 

They seem so airy resembling bonsai trees. I love looking at them. I've been watering them daily and can't wait to plant them outside.

I've recently started some native plant seeds for a butterfly garden. It's been two weeks and there is no sign of anything growing. I'll need to be patient. I'm reminded of a saying by my Grandmother, "A watchpot never boils".