Heart's Content

Just CREATE

2011-09-03T16:07:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday on a sheer whim, I registered myself for a workshop at CREATE Mixed Media Retreat in Lisle.Never been. Always wanted to go.One workshop intrigued me. It was on enameling. I got to make an art jewelry pendant: a ruffly little disk with a nest and eggs in the middle. I managed to get through the three hour class without sticking wire through my fingers, or spilling anything, or burning myself on the kiln, or setting the hotel on fire with the blow torch.

The instructor, Jean Van Brederode, was a natural teacher and appreciator of art. This came through in her comments and observations during the evening. I learned that one of the beauties of enameling is the process of creating a shiny piece out of dust (glass particles, really) that can surprise and delight you as it cools. What you see isn't always what you get. But the end result could tickle your soul. And, as many students found, if you don't quite like it, you may recolor it and fire it again.

I chose a cobalt blue for the background color, but sprinkled in a little pink to see if I would achieve a sort of violet hue. Jean explained that since the particles are glass dust, they don't "mix" together in the kiln. Still, I wanted a little visual texture so I went for it.

The wire bird's nest started out to be a lighter brown. After the first firing, although Jean commented on how I achieved the robin's egg blue color very well on the little eggs, I couldn't just LEAVE IT ALONE..... I had to add a little more color. The second firing affected the brown in the nest, though, and it looks almost gray now. Well. All I can say is..... sometimes more is more. But sometimes it's better to just be happy with whatcha got.

After buffing some bumps out of the enamel pendant, adding a copper jump ring for hanging, and wiring on a little bird, the final step is the wire wrapping. We melted the end of the copper wire using a blow torch, which created a teardrop and a cool oxidation on the shiny copper finish. (I'm not sure that's the word, oxidation, so I hope you get the idea).

The workshop was just what I needed to kick me in the butt creatively. I was inspired by the new ideas and the stick-to-itiveness of my classmates to achieve the desired colors they wanted. Jean was very complimentary of everyone's work and marveled at the final products. Immediately I had the desire to play with more color combinations and copper sizes, and the wheels started turning in my brain..... "How can I do this without actually purchasing a kiln?" "If I went this direction, what kind of crazy cool flowers could I make?" "Maybe there's a co-op of artists in my area who get together and fire enamel, and I could join them?!"

For now, I'll just start a meager list for Santa Claus. If I finished the cluster of projects I already have started, I'd feel better about launching into enameling jewelry. Or, maybe the desire will overwhelm me and I'll be doing blog posts about firing a new color.

Meanwhile, click over to Jean's shop on Etsy, "Charmed I'm Sure," and take a gander.

Summertime

2011-08-29T17:20:00.000-07:00

During the summer, my garden takes up lots of my spare time (hence, the delay since my last post). But home grown tomatoes are a necessity of life, and so it goes.

It was a crazy summer of weather, with a storm in July that knocked out power to much of our county for DAYS. After all the rain, which came in bursts, the weeds arrived in full vengeance. Turn my back for a week, maybe 10 days, and... HOLY @#(&%^&#!!!!! The buggers have taken over!

I am thankful for the help with watering the garden in between bursts of torrential rain. (My watering buddy is mostly my son, who likes to water but gets most of it on himself rather than the tomato plants). And now, it's harvest time.

...and there are more coming.........

I have a little rabbit who has been a visitor since the spring. I'm thinking he is the one who has sampled many tomatoes but decides each time it's not for his palate. He (if he is indeed the culprit) takes one big bite out of the ripest tomato and leaves it hanging there, forlorn.

I also have "volunteers" in the garden. These are stray seeds that managed to flourish from being rototilled into the soil and sprung forth, encouraged by the hot midday sun. I'm usually so curious to see what will be produced on the vine that I don't pull them like those darn weed invaders. This year I have some weird cross-pollination between a gourd and what I think is a yellow crookneck squash.

Could be that the yellow squash, if left alone, gets a hard exterior and BECOMES an ornamental gourd..... or it's just completely a mutant. Most of them have become a blazing orange color with a hard and bumpy exterior. They will be fun guests in Halloween and Thanksgiving décor. I also have mini pumpkins and the usual dill weed that came back this year.

But back to the tomatoes. After a few days of being preoccupied with other things, I surveyed the garden to see that there was about a half bushel of ripe tomatoes. Not just ripe, but bursting with juice and hanging there like overfilled water balloons. Some had even let loose and dropped to the earth before I could pick them.

An abundance of tomatoes leads to 27 versions of tomato salad, tomato pie, marinara sauce, BLTs, etc., etc., etc. One of the simplest ways to present tomatoes to the dinner table, right out of the garden, is layered with fresh buffalo mozzarella, drizzled with a good olive oil, and sprinkled with fresh basil, salt and pepper. (Sometimes I also use balsamic vinaigrette, but not this time.)

And then there are the low maintenance, lovely-to-see-you sunflowers.

So unassuming.

So cheerful.

So tall and stately.

I imagine they have little gossipy conversations about me behind my back.

Great Women

2011-04-04T16:20:00.001-07:00

Last month, in honor of Women's History Month, the Lake County Women's Coalition held its annual brunch. The theme "Our History is Our Strength" was enhanced by a presentation of women "firsts" on a national level, then on a county level, and then members of the group were honored.

I volunteered to do table decorations. Gulp.

Since the group chose black and white with pink accents as the color scheme, I thought of a way to use pages of history as the visual. I have an old set of encyclopedias in the attic that I could never part with (called "The NEW Funk & Wagnalls" -- hah-ha!) that I dug out and scanned pages mentioning notable women. I trimmed, folded, and fashioned them into flower fans and glued them onto dowel rods.

Then, I remembered I purchased a set of ceramic numbers from a clearance rack a while back, knowing that someday I'd find a good use for them. The numbers helped fill the base of the glass vessels, to which I added some pink crinkly paper.

In the centerpiece I used larger ceramic balls with letters on them. Looking at this now, how fun would it be to make these flower fans out of spring colors for Mother's Day, or bold stripes for a child's birthday? You know..... have fun with it!

I think it all came together just fine at the brunch, alongside my humble home baked muffins (3 kinds) and blueberry brunch cake. (To find out about purchasing the display pieces: Hemingway Hurricane or the French Wire Tiered Stand, click here. They are part of the Willow House line.)

As I was working on this project, I thought about all the women in history who didn't have their stories told. And how remarkable the women were who garnered the esteem to land a page (or less) in my old encyclopedias. How women contributed to history loudly, in protest groups. Quietly, in sewing circles and prayer groups. Slyly, through dinner table conversations. Thousands and thousands of women who changed history in ways we will never know.

I am so thankful to be a part of the Lake County Women's Coalition and to have contributed in a very small way to their ongoing amazing efforts.

A Smile: The Genuine Article

2011-04-01T08:23:00.000-07:00

Today I read this achingly beautiful blog post, which touches the recesses of my memory on so many levels.

I'm sharing this in honor of one of my favorite and valued people on this Earth, who frequently says to me, "We have to get your smile back."

http://girlfromnorthcountry.com/2011/03/lost-and-found/

Enjoy!

A Week of Valentines, Sweeter Than Sugar

2011-02-20T18:05:00.001-08:00

Valentine's Day was a week long celebration this year. (Shouldn't it be that way every year? I vote YES.) There is the planning.... helping my son address and assemble Valentines for his classmates with careful consideration. Then there is the actual day, with chocolates and surprises, giggles and hugs.

There were moments throughout the week when I was reminded why I love the people who make the sun shine a little brighter in my life. And there were hours when I embraced my responsibility to love and care for them.

It became evident this week that we should try a new course of action in the treatment (rather, management) of my son's sensory processing disorder. A re-commitment to a dairy-free and gluten-free diet. I had let it slide for a variety of reasons when he started Kindergarten, and to tell the truth I was never too strict about it the first time around. But, now it could possibly make or break the success of his therapy. Who picks Valentine's Day week to explain to a child he can't consume sugar, flour, or milk? Sheesh.... there are easier things, for sure.

My mom's birthday is the day after Valentine's Day, and my sister's is a few days later. So we got together for a dinner and a combined celebration on the weekend -- which also meant another round of Valentines with the cousins. And more sweets. It was day 3 of the gluten-free diet, but I allowed my son to feel "normal" with our family and enjoy cake and ice cream. And my worst fears didn't come true. The sky didn't fall; the earth didn't come to an end. Everything was fine.

Valentine's Day week ended this morning, with my little one climbing into bed to snuggle. He slept an hour later than usual, which was the first reason to smile.

Then came my sweetest Valentine, ever. Not wrapped in a box, not laced with sugar. Not stamped on a conversation heart.

"Mom?" said a little voice.

"Yes?" I answered.

"I'll always love you."

Take that, Hallmark.

Painterly I Proceed

2011-02-03T15:52:00.001-08:00

I have the blues.

Buried in a blustery blizzard of blue.

Must paint through it.

Cool light-hearted aquamarine washes into baby blues. An ominous cerulean dances with a little cherry blossom pink.... and who shows up but the flirty periwinkle?

The colors dance into a background for a Valentine promise.

"Blueness doth express trueness." ––Ben Jonson

Get Ready, Get Set.........

2010-12-16T15:12:00.000-08:00

It has been an artsy-craftsy extravaganza the last six weeks, and low and behold, it's almost Christmas. My usual holiday pattern of vendor shows and craft fairs carry me through November to the first weekend of December. Then I tuck away all the craft supplies and focus on the holidays with the family.

This year, not so much. There's the AD/HD with all things creative. And then, there's........ the opening of my sister Melissa's new studio this weekend.

After visiting Melissa's Rapt in Maille booth at the One of a Kind Show in Chicago, the over-the-top excitement bubbled over and Mom and I descended upon poor Melissa, whether she liked it or not. A snowstorm prevented us from helping spruce up the new studio space last weekend, so...... a mid-week trek downtown was in order.

Color me impressed! The studio is a lovely space.

Melissa has carved out a spot to display Mom's "Twisted Tines" windchimes and my folksy snowmen, too.

That's a windchime with the compulsory addition of greens. Mom set containers of greenery all around the studio, too.

My snowmen canvas panels are taking shape on Melissa's workbench.

The opening reception is less than 24 hours away. There's still a frenzy of last minute details. Sort of intoxicated with pride over Melissa's latest accomplishment.

Join us for a glass of bubbly and help us celebrate.

We Came, We Saw, We Have Blisters

2010-09-26T15:51:00.000-07:00

Today was the last Antique and Flea Market of the season at the Walworth County Fairgrounds in Elkhorn, WI. So I decided to ignore my overgrown garden and piles of laundry and meet up with my Mom to do what we do best.... junque-ing.

Since two sets of eyes are better than one, together we can do an adequate job of hunting down our treasures. I look for vintage jewelry pieces and old buttons I can repurpose into new wearables and art forms. She looks for silverware and old silver tea serving sets she masterfully gives a new life as wind chimes.

We stopped by a few tried-and-true vendors. We saw Candyce Martens, of http://alteredeverafter.com/ -- she used to have a fab little store in our small town and we miss her. But we're glad she's still creating! Click through and take a look at her art and the altered jewelry, which is quite amazing.

Then we ran into Catherine Grunewald, my mother's folk artist friend and -- well, let's just say you get the two of those women in one place, hold onto your hats..... Cathy introduced us to our favorite vendor of the day, Doug the Silverware Guy.

He had LOTS of what we were looking for.

Mom needed a trip to the car to unload after that purchase.

There were lots of odds and ends throughout the afternoon. My favorite: the folk art rooster. Really wanted to bring him home to strut his stuff in my garden -- still mad for talking myself out of it.

But I did settle on a sweet little firefly. Can't you feel the zap of electricity from his rear end? Bzzt.

Elkhorn, you never disappoint.

We Interrupt This Regularly Scheduled Programming For a Message From Your Muse

2010-09-06T20:27:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago..... maybe even months now....... I carried my old trusty craft bins down from the attic, vowing to get a head start on the holidays this year. No more adrenaline filled late nights putting last minute touches on projects the week of a craft show. No more wishing I had just made one more gift. Time to enjoy Christmas without cursing myself for not planning better.

Broke out the paints, the brushes, the old wood forms rescued from craft store clearance racks. Glue. Markers. Fancy papers. Bits of lace. This and that. Covered my dining room table with newsprint to protect it. Started painting and...... nothing. It felt like drudgery. All creative spark was gone.

And so I have to apologize to anyone who lives with me or even stops by to visit. There my hopes sit, for all to see, scattered out over my dining room table until the inspiration returns.

One thing I learned is that the brain's urge to be creative is hindered by the physiology of the body while it's working on other things. I have spent the better part of the last eight months trying to figure out what ailment I had -- followed by a variety of guesses at how to heal me. Symptoms were all over the spectrum, from dizzying nausea and pain to fatigue and headaches. There were tests and medication. There were alternative therapies and homeopathics. All to treat (apparently) the wrong ailment. Silly me.

But I'm on the mend and the creative juices are stampeding through me like a herd of wild horses. So while I usually spend this Labor Day weekend enjoying the beauty and bounty of my garden, this year I decided to craft my own flowers in place of what is in the sad overgrown patch outside my window. The poor weeds have taken over -- they're having a riotous party knowing I've been too ill this year to send them packing.

First, I learned a new skill in jewelry: the wire-wrapped loop. I found some German vintage glass flowers at a little bead shop and decided they must be transformed into dangles for necklaces.

That's a head pin with a yellow crystal bead at the center of the vintage flower. I put a brass end cap on the top just to make it look extra vintage.....

It takes a right angle bend and then you wrap the wire around, then trim the excess.

Okay so I'm not a pro at it yet. More practice.

After I made a few flowers, I felt inspired enough to continue the flower-making trend in paint. Sunflowers in yellow, orange, and red. These may end up on the top of a trinket box or nailed to a harvest sign.

Oh, and while the creative urge is riding the crest, it helps to have a distraction for the five-year-old. At the very least, his own art project at the ready is a good thing and will buy anywhere from 20 minutes to a hour, depending on the task.

(At one point I looked over at him, tongue appearing at the corner of his mouth. Biting the tongue aids in concentration, don't you know. Tee hee.)

Alright craft show season. Bring it.

To The Rescue!

2010-07-24T18:44:00.000-07:00

Two small boxes arrived today via FedEx. Usually when the FedEx driver makes an appearance, it means a big box full of lovely products for me, then an empty big box awaiting my imaginative son to turn into an airplane, or a train, or a submarine.

Alas, that big box will arrive next week.

Today, my new fall catalogs arrived from Willow House. Grant studied the two little boxes and finally declared, "Mama, you need to make me a Buzz Lightyear costume!"

Immediately after dinner we set about cutting, taping, bending and drawing. He had a very elaborate plan and instructions that I interpreted as best as I could from an overly excited 5 year old. Insert Tab A into Tab B, whip out some twine, and......

A superhero, in the flesh, in my kitchen.

I think he's going to be an actor someday. I'm pretty sure he won't rest until he's battled Zurg.

A First

2010-07-07T18:08:00.000-07:00

This is the first book written by my friend, David.

This is the first book cover I've ever designed. For real.

The book will be available in about a week but pre-orders can be placed by clicking here.

Some firsts are too terrific for words.

Thank You, Spring Breeze

2010-04-30T16:03:00.000-07:00

There is a moment of the day (if you're lucky) when the bustling activity stops suddenly. The mind clears. The sound of birds chirping for rain can be heard above the din of life. A spring gust forces itself in through an open window, making the curtains dance, and brings with it...... wait, that's an old familiar scent...... Lilacs!

Usually it's Mother's Day weekend when I'm scrambling to fill a vase brimming over with lilacs from the bushes out front. Here we are -- one week early -- and the lavender beauties are in full bloom.

Stop everything. Find scissors. Grab a hammer (to pound the cut ends with so they fray and will take in enough water to last a little longer in the vase). Scurry out to cut a small handful of the most open lovely blooms. Pound. Old McCoy vase. Water. Ta-Da!!!! (The BIG vase spilling over with lilacs will come; this merely satisfies the momentary craving and happies up my afternoon.)

Wish I had a "Scratch-N-Sniff" feature on this blog.

Things I'm Loving Now

2010-03-14T21:36:00.000-07:00

Yes, spring is coming, my friends.

The days are getting longer. The sun in making a more frequent appearance. But to bide the time until I see the first crocus flower bloom outside my back door, here are a few things I simply love.

• A smile so wide everyone wonders what you're up to.

• Leftover Chicago-style deep dish pizza.

• Hunting for treasures and bargains. Combine both in one shopping spree, and I'm deliriously happy.

• The trend in fashion toward flowers adorning everything.

http://tinyurl.com/yhxxdso
––This one has that "Oh, I just threw this on" carefree, casual look about it.

http://emersonmade.myshopify.com/collections/big-blooms
––I'm sad when flower corsages go out of style, and rejoice when they're back in again. This is full bloom fun and crazy beautiful.

• The special knack my little boy has for delivering a compliment that stretches wildly beyond anyone else's ability to make me feel like I'm walking on air.

• Collage artists who are catching my attention:

Dolan Geiman

LuAnne Payne

Allison Strine

• Marion Cotiallard's performance in "Nine".

http://tinyurl.com/yjduvun

––This is chopped up because it's been made into a music video. I wish I could find the whole scene from the movie, but it's a bawdy jazz number that I think every woman feels like performing at least once in her life.

• A certain shade of blue. It has a touch of purple. Most would call it periwinkle. I love color -- vibrant colors that communicate emotion. Fiery red, energetic yellow, soothing green, electric blue all have their place and time. I think that when I'm completely at rest, I am periwinkle.

Live in full color, and celebrate the coming of spring.

Taking The Cake

2010-02-28T19:08:00.000-08:00

Tonight I finished baking my fourth chocolate cake this month, thanks to all the family and friend February birthdays. Chocolate was THE request. I think I'm ready to move on to other recipes, March celebrants....

Wanna lick the beaters?

Don't get me wrong, I love chocolate. What day is not made better by its presence? It's the perfect little pick-me-up when nothing else will do. (This feeling usually finds me around 3 p.m. in my office. If you happen to drop by, I'll be sneaking a luxurious piece of chocolate out of its hiding place in the depths of my desk drawer. I might even share, if you're nice.)

I read that chocolate contains a chemical called phenylethylamine, which causes a reaction in your brain similar to what you feel when you are falling in love. Delicious and enchanting. No wonder it's a Valentine's Day staple.

So as I say goodbye to February, the month to snuggle under the covers with a loved one, enjoy treats made of chocolate and linger over sweet prose from a little book of poetry, I'll avoid pondering how much chocolate I've consumed in this shortest month of the year. I'll try to reel in my chocolate cravings until..... Easter.

~Be My Valentine~ - 'JUNKMARKET' Style

2010-02-14T15:47:00.001-08:00

This takes me back to the Valentines I knew when I was in third grade.

~Be My Valentine~ - JUNKMARKET Style

Posted using ShareThis

Who Put The Happy In My Birthday?

2010-01-06T19:27:00.000-08:00

It began yesterday. People with well wishes jumping the gun. And a delightful card that showed up at my office depicting all the things and people I love in this world and beyond.

This, for a girl who spent some years purposefully hiding her birthday so that nobody would notice. I blame this partly on the fact that a birthday so early in the year meant suffering through birthdays at the hands of people ridden hard by the holiday monster. I mean, really, who wants to concoct another celebration and come up with yet another gift in early January. Cake, too? Can't we just say we're exhausted and make it up at another time?

The other reason I hoped to escape birthdays was the confusion about happy celebrations and excitement for the sake of it. I spent a good portion of my 20s working through codependency. I worked 12-step programs and attended Adult Children of Alcoholics meetings. I learned why happiness didn't seem natural to me, but confusion and chaos felt normal. My 30s I'm glad to say approached normalcy and happiness rose to the top of things worth fighting for. Now, I say, bring it on.

Not to say that birthdays weren't special days in my family. There were birthday dinners and favorite cakes. My grandmother turned out this lovely creation called an Italian Cream Cake, my hands-down favorite: a dense white cake with pecans, coconut and cream cheese frosting (topped with more coconut). Lordy. I have so many fantastic memories because of my grandmother and I miss her dearly. So when this little card showed up at work reminding me of my favorite things, my eyes fell upon the center of the card where a red heart with the word "Grandmother" in the center stopped me for a few moments. I searched my brain for how anyone would know what to put on such a birthday greeting, and remembered a little questionnaire I filled out shortly after I accepted my position. Who did I most admire? My Nanny.

Today was a birthday approached with reluctance at first, then full-on acceptance, sprinkled with moments of pure joy. Here it is by the numbers:

11
The shades of red nail polish I own, all with their own merits. Though I rarely paint my fingernails because I'm so hard on my hands and the polish doesn't wear well, I can't give them up. I contemplated if the extra minutes to paint my nails would be worth it as a celebratory birthday gesture. Decided to skip it.

35
The number of electronic birthday salutations I received this year, which is 32 more than I received last year. Long live social media, the marvel of my life in 2009.

3
The number of times a memory of my grandmother reduced me to tears today. There are days when the longing to be with her is palpable and it makes me wonder if she's one of my angels in close proximity at the moment I'm having that thought.

16
The number of cents left in my checking account. Let's not go there.

20
The number of dollars I was given as a gift card from one of my favorite stores as a birthday gift to come in and shop. What?! Free money on your birthday? Not a bad thing. I must spend enough money there that they decided to give a little back. I figure it this way: a new outfit makes you feel brand new. More than new shoes or a new hairstyle. Feeling good on your birthday is worth a week's worth of lunches and coffee, especially when you start with twenty bucks free and clear.

36
The age I would be indefinitely, if the universe ever gave me the option. Also, the number of roses it takes, when presented en masse, to make me giggle like a young school girl for at least a good hour.

1
The number of flowers my son can draw on my birthday card to make my heart beam with joy.

5
The number of sugar highs I experienced today as a result of tiramisu (a favorite dessert), chocolate cake with white frosting, followed by chocolate cake with fudge frosting an hour later, a chocolate caramel candy after dinner, and another chocolate birthday cake at home with the family. That's a new personal record.

All in all, a very, very happy birthday.

Holidays With Heart

2009-12-06T21:19:00.000-08:00

I'm poring over my finds from the One of a Kind Show today. Love it all. An entire floor of the Merchandise Mart in Chicago filled with artists doing what they are most passionate about. Oh what fun.

Here is my Vintage Sculpture heart that will find a place on my tree -- but a more permanent place after the holidays because I won't bear to wrap it in tissue and pack it away. www.vintagesculpture.com

Next stop: Weener Ware. Found a red cardinal in flight to wear on my lapel.
(www.weenerware.com)

Thomas Mann had lovely pretty things. Bought a tiny pewter heart to string on a necklace as a remembrance.... but will check out his catalog often! www.thomasmann.com

I could go on, and on. But I'm too inspired with thoughts to capture while the ideas are fresh in my brain. Got to get my hands dirty and be creative.

Attracted To These Holiday Magnets

2009-12-02T19:44:00.000-08:00

The urge to paint has come upon me. Seems my most productive hour is between 11:00 and midnight.

These are sets of glass pebble magnets -- and they make great little hostess gifts.

Reeling From It

2009-11-30T19:54:00.000-08:00

A smart woman told me the other day, "The universe always knows what you need, and gives it to you."

Well, excuse me while I recover from being bitch slapped by the cosmos. I'm not even sure what happened, which is I think at the basis of any good bitch slap.... you never see it coming.

It's not any one particular event, but a series of whirling dervishes set into motion by work / family / onset of the holidays / general conflict and over scheduling. I think my body started to shut down, because it started to rebel.

Then I had to resort to something I never do: ask for help.

The outpouring of kindness has overwhelmed me. It also kicked off an emotional upheaval that is like trying to stop the Mississippi River single-handedly. These days I can usually be found not more than arm's length away from a tissue box and people walk by doing double takes, wondering if they should say something. But what? "Here's another tissue"?

In retrospect, I probably don't cry enough. I'm probably too layered with self-imposed responsibilities that any minor infraction would seem cataclysmic. A better woman would take it in stride and say, "So what? This too shall pass."

Or maybe this is what is supposed to happen. Time to reach out to others. Lean a little weight on shoulders of those who care, love, and stand steadfast while I falter.

A sweet surprise showed up at my desk today, through a series of friends. It had a heartwarming note and a few sentiments -- and a book of positive affirmations. Page 164 says, "Allow others to give you loving care. Receive without guilt or apologies." -- Doreen Virtue, Ph.D.

I love you, my friends. I'll reel it in and be back to my old self shortly.

A "Break All The Rules" Day

2009-11-14T20:11:00.000-08:00

Today my little boy turned 5.

I awoke this morning and forgot what day it was. My eyes opened, I looked at the clock, and my first thought was: it’s 6:30 and I’ve overslept. No, wait. It’s Saturday. As usual on a weekend, the two males in my household who are morning people were already awake.

“Is it my birthday today?” I heard Grant ask from the other room. He has been grappling with days, hours, weeks, and minutes to understand which is his special day. “Yes,” replied his father. “FI---NAL--LY!” said Grant, with all the bit of energy a fresh five-year-old could muster.

And so it is. Five years ago he was born. I remember the moment when he was placed on my torso, a completely warm, moving, lovely baby who has just made me a mother. It was like a dream sequence. I circled my arms around him and looked up at whoever was near and asked, “Is it real? Is he OK?” My mother shook her head yes, and then the whole rest of the world fell away and I was holding my child. At 6:59 p.m., after weeks and months or waiting and 26 hours of labor, my sweet baby boy came into this world and changed my life forever. Yes, it was your birth day. Fi---nal---ly.

When he turned one, I made a solemn vow to myself to spend “just us” time with him on his birthday. With the pace of life, and the fact that he would be more mobile at some point and not want to spend time snuggling with me during quiet time, it occurred to me that a loftier goal like a whole day together might not be reasonable. But a quiet moment to let him know he is completely loved on his special day would be a promise I could keep no matter what.

And so he sped off. Learned to walk; hit the milestones. He was a toddler when we first learned about his sensory integration issues (see http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/). He has normal days, and then there are days when his need to interpret the world in a tactile or physical manner is not socially acceptable, or welcome. He spends a lot of time being told “no” and “listen” and “don’t do that” and “you can’t eat that.” So today, I wanted to allow as much “yes” into his universe as possible. Starting with a donut with sprinkles on it for breakfast. Sugar and flour first thing in the morning, Mr. Gluten Intolerance? Sure. Followed by bowling with every plastic bottle he could pull out of the recycle bin. Play ball in the house? Terrific. Stay in his pajamas and not run errands with Daddy? Mighty fine. And a snack out of a large bag of Doritos that turned his fingers and lips completely orange a half hour before his birthday party? Go ahead. Fingerpaint with the nacho cheese for all I care. It’s his day; he gets to decide.

Next was the party. You would think that a birthday at Rainforest Café with animatronic animals, thunder and lightening, music, shooting stars, and friends would spell disaster for a kid with sensory issues. Surprisingly, it was perfect. Just when the little ones were getting impatient for the food to arrive, the apes would launch into their routine. Or a storm would pass. It was a fine environment for a boy with a short attention span and sensory overload.

We kicked more rules to the curb. Don’t wanna nap? Okay by me. Play with two remote-controlled toys while watching a video? That’s multitasking at its best. A second piece of birthday cake? Answer’s yes.

If you’re really lucky you can give your child all the basics – clothing, shelter, food, predictability, safety, and a few fun diversions. But if you’re really, really lucky you can give your child memories that are fond capsules of love, outrageous laugher, a sense of belonging, and a reason to look forward as well as glance back.

“I like my birthdays,” said Grant, with a yawn. In his honor, make tomorrow your “Break All The Rules” day. And may it be outrageously fun.

***Grant's drawing: He traced his big boy hand, and then drew a picture of himself with an M&M cake. About 6 months ago he didn't draw much more than a frantic scribble because he was being criticized in daycare for not holding a crayon correctly. So he never wanted to color. After some muscle therapy and a new daycare provider, this is what he can do.

Spontaneous Art That's Not So Spontaneous

2009-10-31T21:27:00.000-07:00

This artist, Joshua Allen Harris, creates impromptu street art -- and makes it look so simple!

Watch this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PH6xCT2aTSo

Amazing what a plastic bag can do if given the opportunity.

Big Cheesy Grins By Creative Folk

2009-10-20T20:33:00.001-07:00

The chill outside coupled with a cast of colorful leaves turning crisp has put me in the mood to scout for Halloween inspiration. Found some great stuff, but one discovery rises to the top.

Folk art has always caught my eye. It's whimsical. It's humorous. It's got personality. It's art. Have some fun with this site:
http://www.chickenlips.biz/
Personally, I think Tim Burton doesn't have much on David Everett. I'm adoring his creations and can't wait to see more in the Christmas motif. And look here:
http://chickenlipsfolkart.blogspot.com/2009/10/pumpkin-in-box.html
What would Pumpkin in the Box say to you if he were to spring to life?

I don't see a witch among the characters, but I am reminded of a storybook that was read to me quite often this time of year: Old Witch and the Polka Dot Ribbon by Wende and Harry Devlin. Old Witch is a devilish old tart with layers of petticoats under her black skirt, striped red and white stockings, and wooden heels. Out of a smack of jealousy, she decides to foil the cake contest:

"A big green moon,
A toad's blue eyes.
I'll make nut cake
And win first prize."

...and so she did. But not before comic mayhem ensues.

I grew up in a baking family, so there was not a chance in hell we were going to miss whipping up the recipe for Old Witch's Magic Nut Cake on the back of the hardcover storybook. It's a luscious cake filled with pumpkin, nutmeg, cinnamon, raisins, and walnuts -- frosted with cream cheese icing. The instructions are to bake the cake in three buttered one-pound coffee cans, which I remember held a special place in the cupboard 11 months of the year until October rolled around so we could make the Old Witch's cake once again. The cake I remember from my childhood yielded completely round slices. It became an autumn tradition. When I baked the cake many years later, I couldn't track down the old seasoned coffee cans, but chose a bread pan instead. Similar results.... with the taste of nostalgia.

Can't subdue the big grin that creeps onto my cheeks as I read Old Witch to my son and enjoy the reverie around baking her Magic Nut Cake. Jumping Jehosaphat! It's almost Halloween.

A Newfound Respect for Glass

2009-09-28T16:46:00.000-07:00

My aunt and uncle from Grand Junction, Colorado were visiting this past week. I was introduced to photographs from their travels through Arizona and various parts of the west.

They visited a desert museum which features work by the artist Dale Chihuly. So I had to look more into this talented artist whose medium is blown glass. It is easy to marvel at the explosive color and intricate shapes that compose his glass sculpture. The interplay between art and nature are entwined in such a way it makes complete sense out of evolution and creation. But at the same time, you're delighted at his beautiful touches to supplement an already exquisite space.

There's Chihuly, an artist who is living out a passion for his craft and leaving quite a legacy for many generations to appreciate. Then there's my family tree of folks who appreciate "junque." Relatives who bend wire and bang metal into something other than its original shape, but still functional as art and craft. More about that in a later post.

Meanwhile, stop here and enjoy:
http://www.chihuly.com/installations/tam/Art/CdTAM2_Img0099B.html

Why I Make Things

2009-09-21T17:24:00.000-07:00

Creating art has been a part of my life from the time I was about 3 or 4 years old. Some of my earliest memories are drawing with crayons on a big sketch pad as my mom spent afternoons oil painting at an easel. She was taking a night class at the time, and painted portraits. I have dabbled in all kinds of arts and crafts thoughout my life, including pen and ink, acrylic paint, watercolor, needlecrafts, graphic design, clay, and most recently, jewelry.

Art is as necessary as breathing. Whenever I'm feeling antsy or off-center, I want to get my hands dirty and create... something... regardless if the creation turns out particularly well. Artists create because they are passionate about life. The creative process can be as different for everybody as the end product they achieve.

Lynda Lehmann wrote, in Art and Power, "...We see glimpses of beauty and wonder in places where other people may fail to look, unearthing it at every turn. We see new relationships, both visual and metaphoric, sociological and scientific." (See http://www.creativity-portal.com/bc/other/art-power.html) And thank goodness for artists, who transport us from our everyday lives to momentary greatness through their creations.

Now that the seasons are shifting into autumn, my thoughts turn to Christmas and the wonderful bins of remnants collected in the attic, waiting to be turned into handmade gifts. And the urge to create is upon me.

"Servitude" -- Dig It?

2009-09-16T19:27:00.000-07:00

Today I had the opportunity to connect with a favorite trainer, friend, and downright awesome person and watch him in action: delivering a speech at a luncheon. He always speaks from a place of love and serving others in a way that's very present. I so appreciate people who have come to a point in their lives where they realize that connections are an integral part of life. People who make a conscious effort to respond to others with a tone of love and support are amazing.

“After all this is over, all that will really have mattered is how we treated each other.”
--Anonymous

Gosh, why don't I have more reminders in my day to alert myself to the opportunities to lift people up? Where in the world do we find positive energy to keep us going, like a gentle unexpected breeze at our backs that helps move us along? To deliver a nice word or lend a hand when it's least expected?

What would change a simple word into a heartfelt exchange?

Some people deliver a speech to a roomful and touch every soul. Some of us have time to make a difference to just one. Whichever the case, it's making a difference that counts.

Approach each day with....

2009-09-13T14:21:00.000-07:00

love. A gentle reminder that I have thought of most often over the past year or so. I was first introduced to Og Mandino's Scrolls through a LifeSkills Leadership 1 training. See http://mandino.blogspot.com/2006/07/scroll-marked-ii-i-will-greet-this-day.html for the scroll that has been top of mind and a guiding force in my life:

"I will greet this day with love in my heart."

Many of us have a daily perception that has been shaped by old disappointments, hurtful interactions, crass indignities. Each day, however, is a chance to decide which attitude will guide our thoughts. Shall today be clouded by insecurity and distrust, or can I search for positivity and light?

I have found that with love at the core of interactions and intent, many approaches end (happily) with surprising results.

Many questions will be posed; some may never be answered. But this blog is intended to explore the many aspects of love as we know it here on earth.