in this moment

May 25, 2013 Image

I found a seven of hearts while on my morning walk with Blue today. Of course I picked it up, sort of unearthed it, from where it was lying. The whole card is there, folded over and stuck together, with grass and dirt in the middle. Does anyone know the name of the movie where the male lead found playing cards in random places and ALWAYS picked them up? I know I didn’t imagine it, and admittedly it’s driving me crazy that I can’t quite recall. Google doesn’t often let me down, but today it did. I KNOW this was a plot point in at least one romantic comedy. The question is, WHICH ONE?! (Perhaps it’s time to have some coffee?) ~ Janean

May 25, 2013

May 19, 2013 Link

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

May 18, 2013 Image

I’m letting Blue dog curl up next to me in the empty love seat spot
There is a doorknob jangle
Nearly 8:00am
First boy is out of bed
My oldest, The Early Bird (like me)
He saw Blue on the love seat and said, “Oh boy. Mom!”
Then he pet Blue and said, “Look at him. He likes this I betcha.”
Yep. He does. Spoiled rotten love him too much Blue dog.
Nearly 9:00am now
Youngest son joins us in the family room and says, “There’s another Blue on the couch.”
To the dog he says, “Blue, you’re in my spot.”
What follows made me laugh aloud…
Youngest boy climbs across arm of love seat, surprised dog gets down, then once my nine year old son is tucked tightly up against my side, Blue jumps up again in the space remaining
Quiet from earlier is replaced with a WWII show from History channel being played back via DVR
Saturday morning has truly begun
Blue is even sleeping on the floor
Breakfast for the boys is next
Good morning

May 18, 2013

May 18, 2013

morning calm

quiet stillness
except for a l’il birdsong
dog’s tags jingle
children sleeping in
my breakfast gone
one cup o’coffee left
Saturday morning

P.S. All I have to do is say or think, “Ahhh, quiet” and it disappears in less than two seconds. Next thing I knew Blue was wild woofing out the front window. Silly dog doesn’t understand that on Saturday his boys get to sleep in because there is no school today. Once the woofing stopped he started racing around like Rodeo Dog going for first prize in the Barrel Racing Competition. Now?! Well, I shouldn’t admit it, but I let him curl up next to me on the other half of the love seat. We’d done such a good job keeping the dog on the floor until recently when he sort of snuck up onto the couch to try it out. I shoo him down again…eventually. Amazingly enough, my two sweet boys are still sleeping, tuckered out from the last five day school week, with just a few more days to go before Summer Vacation arrives. That last cup o’coffee is nearly gone.

May 18, 2013

May 10, 2013

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

May 10, 2013 Image

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