school

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 14, 2013 Image

I’m sorting Art Club’s artwork into portfolios to give them at our last hurrah lunchtime pizza party today. I’m as excited as they are that we get to be together one last time this school year. We’ve had fun AND they made some cool art. Win win!

May 14, 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

March 14, 2013

via text

Some mornings don’t go as planned.
^ That’s the understatement of the year, as every parent knows.

Things ran clockwork fine here, but my close, dear friend, well, that’s another story…
A private one mostly but had to do with car, truck, jeep trouble. Damn. All just while trying to get her children to school. Which she did (mostly) on time, because she’s not a quitter. Ever.

She texted her troubles. Summarized. She knows where a caring heart resides. Ended with, “Calgon…vodka…take me away!” Oh, how I heard her!

So, I saucily replied:
Oh, Vodka.
That blue bottle that I crave.
Not yet for me…
But I can mix and serve!
😉

We take turns making the other smile. ‘Cause that’s friendship at it’s finest. Love, prayer, propping up with hugs, kindness and laughter complete the lasting bond. Best of all, each of these, can be sent via text.

March 14, 2013

March 8, 2013 Image

I’ve stayed out of the boxes of Swiss Rolls in the pantry. They are for the boys of the house. However, this poor l’il Swiss Roll duo traveled round trip, all the way to school and back. It returned home uneaten, due to a fundraiser bake sale. Well, you know I took pity on it, I didn’t wanna waste, and no one else would eat a less than perfect looking one…. So, OK OK, these two I ate! Yum.

March 8, 2013

February 15, 2013 Image

I made this valentine for my family yesterday. Chocolate kind. Inside and out. In the heart shaped pans my Grandma Thompson gave me, well over 20 years ago. Funny thing is, even though they’ve been mine for that long, I still think of them as hers, and think of her, with a smile, each time I use them. Happy Day After Chocolate Day! Yes, my two sweet boys had hunks o’chocolate cake for breakfast. Why not?! I count it as a pastry, along the lines o’donuts and cinnamon rolls. Plus, it’s a half day of school (Parent’s Day) and we’re going out to eat for lunch.
~ Janean

February 15, 2013

February 11, 2013

more wind talk

I prayed aloud as I walked Blue on our usual route in the biting wind, at times towing the dog to follow me, as I pressed on against the frigid gusts.
I am not a quitter but I’m not a stupid fool either. < Just had to add that!
God can move mountains. I’ve seen and felt Him do it, time and time again.
I trust God. I love Him too.
Trying to wake up sleepy boys and need to corral a barking dog who has the cat cornered behind the dryer.
Must be Monday morning, and a school day at that.

February 11, 2013
6:40a.m.