• Art - Blog

    Whimsical flowers

    I went the whimsical way today…I was attempting to lift my mood a bit. The weather is darn cold again and it’s got me a little down.

    summer flowersThis also reminds me that I better get my seeds started. I usually start what I can indoors right about St. Patrick’s Day and I haven’t gotten it done yet…I’m falling behind!

  • Art - Blog

    A gift of understanding

    I started this journal page before working yesterday…I’ve been at the schools a lot this week between working and volunteering…so my creative time has been pretty much nil.understandingI put on my apron and was very careful with my paint so I wouldn’t mess up my nice clothes. I completed the background before leaving for work. Whew…no splatters on me.

    Later in the afternoon I had some down time and I started thinking about my day. Actually my week…and the kids I’ve come into contact with at school. The reason for the position is for extra support for those who need it. Some of them can be very angry and resentful towards you…but today it just all clicked for me. I didn’t take it personally at all…getting yelled at by a teen boy the same size as you isn’t all that fun. This hasn’t always been the easiest thing for me which is why I prefer to not work in EBD classes. However, amidst the yelling, I had a moment of clarity and saw that the yelling wasn’t about me even though it was directed solely towards me. It was pure frustration that had been building all week…not that it was the proper way for him to handle it….but this moment was a great learning experience for me as well.  I received the gift of understanding.

    I didn’t think of it in those words but they fell into my lap when I sat down to finish my page. Love it when that happens!

  • Blog

    T Tuesday: Japan edition

    Tuesday again already….T stands for Tuesday with Elizabeth sneaks up so fast. Especially when life has gotten so busy as of late. That’s ok…I’m not complaining. It’s just an adjustment for me.20140318_4520Twice now I’ve mentioned gifts brought back from Japan. I’m finally getting around to posting them…geesh.

    Little J heard that there were different flavors of Kit-Kat candy bars in Japan and asked her Uncle if he’d bring some back.20140302_4361These were strawberry flavored. She loved them…I thought they were ok…but I’d rather have chocolate.  She also got this package of sweet puffed rice…we still aren’t sure if its for eating or if it’s just to be left out as an offering of sorts for a custom that is to bless couples with a new relationship…or something of that sort. I’m really not too clear and my future sister-in-law is working so I can’t ask her. (They got engaged while in Japan)

    20140315_4517Her uncle also had this custom drawing made for her…so cute.

    20140315_4505Continuing on the food… Mr. G’s new kaiju is holding a snack mix we are afraid to try even though the package tells us to “please enjoy tasting”. (click on the photo to enlarge…there are tiny whole dried fish in there)

    Big J got a t-shirt with a map of the Tokyo subway system and a funny headband….neither of which I can seem to find this morning.20140315_4511I got this super cute washi tape holder…already have it loaded with a few rolls.

    20140315_4512And a couple packs of beautiful papers…they even saved a fun shopping bag that they knew I’d use. 🙂

    In addition, they brought us back a refrigerator magnet…which is something we ask friends to buy us when they travel. We have magnets from all over the world…it’s nice to have well traveled friends.

    I’m off…have to go work my half day but I’ll be back later to visit my blog friends and their T Tuesday posts!