Mother’s Day

The birds serenaded Blue and I on our early morning walk. Thankfully the pouring rain from earlier had stopped, though we’d have walked anyway. Enjoying breakfast now and some quiet time before the boys wake up. I love being their mom. My oldest son gave me my Mother’s Day gift early by going to the Good Friday artist reception and service in April. My younger son wrote me a poem that I’m not supposed to know about, but I saw the rough draft on accident while looking for his weekly report. Since he was out sick three days last week his awesome teacher sent it home with Friday’s homework with a post-it, “For Andrew’s Eyes Only :-)” I didn’t peek! Hope everyone I know has a blessed day filled with abundant love that overflows. Hug each other close. I had no idea how much my parents loved me until I became a mom. I get it now. Love that knows no bounds.

May 10, 2015

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kitchen thoughts

blue skies and sunshine today
birdsong too
the boys in my house are still sleeping
even that big dog, Blue
once home from our walk
he fell back asleep
looks like he’s crashed for awhile
I’m putting coffee on and cooking an egg
“blue skies and sunshine”
the title of the painting I did
as part of a public mural
one rectangle among many
to decorate the downtown
I painted within a panoramic rectangle
sized 10’ wide by 3’ tall
while balancing atop scaffolding two stories up
that was a year ago
(yet it seems further away)
today I’m reminiscing
because it’s mural dedication day
complete with blue skies and sunshine
which feels very apropos

June 8, 2013
as of 7:40 a.m. on Saturday morning

nice words

Yesterday I heard two things a woman always loves to hear:
1. From a wonderful friend, “You look thinner.”
2. My 14 year old nephew, “Aunt Janean, Grandma just told me how old you are.”
I reply, “I’m 41.”
Sweet teenage boy says, “I can’t believe it! I thought you were in your 30’s.”
These are words a woman remembers. If you’re looking for me today, my thinner, 30-something self, will still be floating on Cloud 9 with a mile wide smile, Artist, Poet, Daydreamer Style.

June 7, 2013

I Dream of Lilac Time

This morning as Blue and I walked through the park I savored the scent of the lilacs. Their fragrance reminded me of a long ago art fair conversation, with a painting woman who has the same first name as mine. She told me she was named for the song, “Jeannine, I Dream of Lilac Time.” I found it years ago to listen to, but had forgotten. Rediscovered it today on YouTube, and listened again with a smile this morn. Ah yes. It’s lilac time.

I Dream of Lilac Time

I LOVE ART

I enjoyed being a Career Day guest speaker. The fourth graders were great listeners! One class even clapped after I read my poem, “sing your song.” Others ooo’ed and ahh’ed at my artwork as it appeared on the smart board. I have a new skill now too: Smart Board Operator. I’ve already been invited back for next year!

May 10, 2013

This afternoon I’ll be speaking to three 4th grade classes about careers in art. I’ve had a few: gallery watcher, gallery crew/gallery watcher, graphic artist and art director. Currently I’m a fine artist and volunteer art teacher. I’m also to work in references to reading and math. I’m going to thrill the teachers when I say, “Artists need to know how to add and divide fractions.” ‘Tis true! I’m sending each child home with a copy of my poem, “sing your song”, as well as a brochure of summer classes offered at the McLean County Arts Center and business cards for Main Gallery 404. I added an extra copy to each stack so the teacher can have one too. Next week my Art Club will receive the same packet. Oh, how I love sharing the fun of creating art with others. Especially children. *happy sigh*

May 10, 2013

I love my RAV
Just sayin’
When I bought her in late August
I had Art Haulin’ on the brain
This picture shows eight pieces stowed upright, between the seats
There is one more “big one” lyin’ flat in the way back
(18” x 24” plus frame and glass)
The back is usually reserved for Blue, soccer balls and groceries
…though not all three at the same time
Two of these nine pieces I dropped off for the next art show that opens April 19th
Details to come…later
There is art to unload right now
I love my RAV
Just sayin’

April 5, 2013

I finished making the second piece of art last night at 6:00pm. Loaded up the frames I’d bought last week (when they were half price) and my reluctant youngest son. Art framed. Check. Art delivered by 7:00pm. YES!!! Supper was a late dinner date for two, a boy and his mom. Breakfast eaten on couch with cartoons on. Guess it’s time now to clear the remnants of art making from the kitchen table…before lunchtime rolls around. Kitchen table art is my favorite kind. A solid oak circle placed in the heart of the home. Feels right.
~ Janean

March 29, 2013