What a wonderful idea- move the easel upstairs to where the light is, maybe you'll paint more! Yes, it happened. Out of the basement and into the tiny second bedroom that is also a closet, computer room and now my studio. I spent all day Tuesday organizing and moving all the stuff up and down the stairs in the house. But what a pay off. There's tons of light that flows into that little room, and just enough space to hold all my supplies, and lets me spread out if I need to.
I finally finished a collage that will be the basis of a painting. It's been unfinished for 2 whole years (it's also 2 by 4 feet). Amazing. I also finally started applying pieces to a smaller canvas that has been staring at me for a year or so as well. Maybe by the end of the year I'll have enough pieces for a show.
It's so nice to have a space where there is enough light, and I can actually leave things out with no worries about cleaning it up or anything. Finally!
So this could be a really good start to 2010, now, if I can get back on track with the running.... hummm.....
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Snow days!
How nice for the City of Alexandria to give me two extra days off after my wedding. Just kidding, we did end up getting a lot of snow, which NOVA cannot handle. Many parts of our neighborhood haven't even been plowed. Major roads are really drivable, but the neighborhoods need a little more thawing out.
While it's nice to have these additional days off next to our holiday, we will have to make them up. Which begs the question-- why didn't they just give these two days to us in the first place when they were planning the school year? Oh well, I'll take them. I think this only means we lose a few built in teacher days, big deal.
So being snowbound has been a lot of fun. Got a lot of relaxing done. And hanging out with the new husband isn't so bad either. We made it out and about yesterday, we went and got a glass of wine with a friend who wanted to congratulate us. She was stuck over in apartment-- so she definitely wanted to get out.
Today is full of baking. I made shortbread, and I'm about to make some chocolate cookies... YUM! We have a lot of driving this holiday to do, and when we go from place to place I plan on bringing cookies.
What a great way to start the winter break!!!
While it's nice to have these additional days off next to our holiday, we will have to make them up. Which begs the question-- why didn't they just give these two days to us in the first place when they were planning the school year? Oh well, I'll take them. I think this only means we lose a few built in teacher days, big deal.
So being snowbound has been a lot of fun. Got a lot of relaxing done. And hanging out with the new husband isn't so bad either. We made it out and about yesterday, we went and got a glass of wine with a friend who wanted to congratulate us. She was stuck over in apartment-- so she definitely wanted to get out.
Today is full of baking. I made shortbread, and I'm about to make some chocolate cookies... YUM! We have a lot of driving this holiday to do, and when we go from place to place I plan on bringing cookies.
What a great way to start the winter break!!!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Yes it's true
I got married yesterday, and the blizzard of 2009 started the same night! Nice day for a white wedding. Pictures to follow soon. My parents have the pictures of the nuptials, and I have pics of the blizzard.
Maybe I'll get an early Christmas present and not have to go to school on Monday and Tuesday!! I seriously doubt that the DC metro can handle all of this snow!! We'll see if we can all dig out by Monday-- I seriously doubt it, since the holidays are on every one's mind. Too bad we only have 3 snow days built in to our school calendar. It's only December, and this part of the world is known for getting hammered in March!
Happy Holidays everyone!
Oh, by the way, I hope that if you were someone who was traveling back to the US this past weekend that you had safe travels!!
Maybe I'll get an early Christmas present and not have to go to school on Monday and Tuesday!! I seriously doubt that the DC metro can handle all of this snow!! We'll see if we can all dig out by Monday-- I seriously doubt it, since the holidays are on every one's mind. Too bad we only have 3 snow days built in to our school calendar. It's only December, and this part of the world is known for getting hammered in March!
Happy Holidays everyone!
Oh, by the way, I hope that if you were someone who was traveling back to the US this past weekend that you had safe travels!!
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Times
It's been a whirlwind of school year. And who knows? Things might be up for a change again. With the economy the way it is, no one knows what will happen next. I thought J and I had recession proof jobs. Turns out, I at least do. J was reduced to half time at his non-profit job. He's busily searching for something as quick as possible, and so, times are interesting.
We're doing fine, we will just be living tight for a while. He is looking for jobs all over the world, which excites me to no end. I would love to pick up and move to some exotic locale, and would be totally up for it. We may put our hat in the ring of International teaching. We're still tossing the idea around. He would do it if there was no other choice. He doesn't see himself as a high school teacher.
But he does see him self as a college professor. Which I see. So he's made a huge decision to apply to a University in New Zealand. It might be a shot in the dark, but he knows the head of the department there and has some "ins" so it's a very big possibility that this could happen!
I'm trying to remain calm about it, but I am hoping that this could be a move we could make. I am currently imagining what I would do there, how I could get a teaching job? Or if I could focus on something else? I think about the nature and beauty. Ahhh!
But for now, I'm here. I really love the one school I'm at most of the week. And if we do stay here because he got an amazing job change state side, I'd be fine with that. We have our house, we have our life. It's all good.
So the times they are a changing, but almost always for the better, at least in my opinion.
9 more days of school, Christmas time approaching fast, but the tree us up!!!
We're doing fine, we will just be living tight for a while. He is looking for jobs all over the world, which excites me to no end. I would love to pick up and move to some exotic locale, and would be totally up for it. We may put our hat in the ring of International teaching. We're still tossing the idea around. He would do it if there was no other choice. He doesn't see himself as a high school teacher.
But he does see him self as a college professor. Which I see. So he's made a huge decision to apply to a University in New Zealand. It might be a shot in the dark, but he knows the head of the department there and has some "ins" so it's a very big possibility that this could happen!
I'm trying to remain calm about it, but I am hoping that this could be a move we could make. I am currently imagining what I would do there, how I could get a teaching job? Or if I could focus on something else? I think about the nature and beauty. Ahhh!
But for now, I'm here. I really love the one school I'm at most of the week. And if we do stay here because he got an amazing job change state side, I'd be fine with that. We have our house, we have our life. It's all good.
So the times they are a changing, but almost always for the better, at least in my opinion.
9 more days of school, Christmas time approaching fast, but the tree us up!!!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving!
Here's to hoping I can keep up with blogging again. I found that when I actually blogged, it helped in other areas, meaning I actually did things with my life. Things have been really busy for me, actually. I have been adapting to my job(s), and it's been really hectic. I'm still not a fan of going to two different schools, it seems like a lot, still.
In other ways, I think I want to revamp the idea of this blog. I have a few months to decided on which way I want to go, but I think I want to make this more of my own personal art blog. I feel like I haven't been doing a lot with my art the last 2 years, and I feel horrible about it. I have time to do it, I have time to make things, but I don't. Not that I haven't been doing anything, I just never finish anything. I could come up with all sorts of excuses about how I don't finish pieces, or only work on examples for school, or make cute cards for friends and family, or my wedding invitations... but I'm just going to stop.
So my goal-- to make something everyday. It doesn't have to be much of anything, just something. I think they're all going to be small pieces. Maybe 5x5 inches. Maybe slightly larger. I like the idea of squares... more like tiles. I think that these "everyday" pieces will be drawing, or maybe just pen and ink, maybe watercolor-- maybe marker, crayon (who knows). I don't know yet. I guess that's the fun of it. The point of it is to make it a habit and maybe spark some inspiration. I'm having trouble with inspiration lately.
I've always felt that making artwork for me was meditation or even therapy. I know that if I don't do it, I feel less like me. So here's to all your creative people out there who are already doing what i want to do. Just make art, make it for yourself, and see what happens....
Oh- and Happy belated Thanksgiving...
In other ways, I think I want to revamp the idea of this blog. I have a few months to decided on which way I want to go, but I think I want to make this more of my own personal art blog. I feel like I haven't been doing a lot with my art the last 2 years, and I feel horrible about it. I have time to do it, I have time to make things, but I don't. Not that I haven't been doing anything, I just never finish anything. I could come up with all sorts of excuses about how I don't finish pieces, or only work on examples for school, or make cute cards for friends and family, or my wedding invitations... but I'm just going to stop.
So my goal-- to make something everyday. It doesn't have to be much of anything, just something. I think they're all going to be small pieces. Maybe 5x5 inches. Maybe slightly larger. I like the idea of squares... more like tiles. I think that these "everyday" pieces will be drawing, or maybe just pen and ink, maybe watercolor-- maybe marker, crayon (who knows). I don't know yet. I guess that's the fun of it. The point of it is to make it a habit and maybe spark some inspiration. I'm having trouble with inspiration lately.
I've always felt that making artwork for me was meditation or even therapy. I know that if I don't do it, I feel less like me. So here's to all your creative people out there who are already doing what i want to do. Just make art, make it for yourself, and see what happens....
Oh- and Happy belated Thanksgiving...
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Another year.
Oh boy, another year has come and gone. It was a quiet celebration. But Jarle made a delicious gourmet meal for me. A lovely chianti stained risotto with a pear reduction and gorgonzola with walnuts. Just so very tasty, it's definitely going on the "make again" list. He also made homemade brownies. What a sweetie pie, I can't believe him sometimes. I'm so lucky. The dinner also came with a mix cd he made and a new book to read. I can't wait to read it. It's the new one bye Audrey Niffenegger. She wrote Time traveler's Wife (unfortunately it was made into a movie).
The whole day my students knew it was my birthday because they announced it over the announcements and all the kids kept telling me happy birthday yesterday. I even got a few today. It was nice.
I'm still feeling a bit overwhelmed with the 2 schools. I feel so behind. I find that writing things down on a calendar is a must. Especially for meetings. Do you have meetings like me? I mean it's either and IEP meeting, an art meeting, a parent meeting, or an after school activity, or something. I never leave when school is actually over. It's amazing. And I go home with tons of stuff to do. It's like I'm a new teacher all over again. Hopefully by November I'll have it all worked out.
I need to get ahead with a litttle planning and I think i'll feel much better.
Then there's the wedding. We have an engagement party 2 weekends from now and I'm so excited. Mostly his family and friends will be there, and a few on my side. My parents, my younger sister and my best friend. It will be nice. I'm making it an excuse to buy a nice dress for the evening.
So busy busy. The fall weather is beautiful right now, I can't wait until the leaves really start changing. That'll probably happen in the next week or so.
So 34 isn't looking so bad these days. Bring it on.
The whole day my students knew it was my birthday because they announced it over the announcements and all the kids kept telling me happy birthday yesterday. I even got a few today. It was nice.
I'm still feeling a bit overwhelmed with the 2 schools. I feel so behind. I find that writing things down on a calendar is a must. Especially for meetings. Do you have meetings like me? I mean it's either and IEP meeting, an art meeting, a parent meeting, or an after school activity, or something. I never leave when school is actually over. It's amazing. And I go home with tons of stuff to do. It's like I'm a new teacher all over again. Hopefully by November I'll have it all worked out.
I need to get ahead with a litttle planning and I think i'll feel much better.
Then there's the wedding. We have an engagement party 2 weekends from now and I'm so excited. Mostly his family and friends will be there, and a few on my side. My parents, my younger sister and my best friend. It will be nice. I'm making it an excuse to buy a nice dress for the evening.
So busy busy. The fall weather is beautiful right now, I can't wait until the leaves really start changing. That'll probably happen in the next week or so.
So 34 isn't looking so bad these days. Bring it on.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
Do you ever get the urge?
I'm talking about purchasing music on itunes. It's so easy, and once I get on I can't stop myself. This week I had the urge to purchase folk music. I know what you may be thinking... What is she freaking doing? Well, I happen to really like folk music. I was probably the only kid in any school I went to who knew who The Kingston Trio was. Ahh, parental influence. I listened to my parents' music (Motown, 60's, folk, Helen reddy, beach boys, rolling stones, Marvin Gaye, Tina and Ike, and more...) until i broke free in the mid-eighties. There I dove into new wave, pop music, the cure (oh I heart them so), Brit pop, Debbie Gibson. One of the first songs I remember really loving was -Eye of the Tiger - . It was voted the best song in second grade.
I do love music. I love it all. The good, the bad, the embarrassing, the loud, the teenie bopper... all of it.
So with the passing of Mary (of peter, paul and mary), I felt the need to re-claim the original songs that introduced me to music. Folk is great. it's heartfelt, soft, feeling, emotional,universal, and fun. So yah, I bought "Puff the Magic Dragon", "Big Yellow Taxi", and one of my all time favorites ,"Kodachrome". I plan on enjoying a little peace and love, and making it a low-fi weekend.
Here's to satisfying the urge fo folk music.... may it reign forever.
Here's to the musical parents I have, I'm so happy that music has been and always will be such a part of my life.
"The times, they are a changing."
I do love music. I love it all. The good, the bad, the embarrassing, the loud, the teenie bopper... all of it.
So with the passing of Mary (of peter, paul and mary), I felt the need to re-claim the original songs that introduced me to music. Folk is great. it's heartfelt, soft, feeling, emotional,universal, and fun. So yah, I bought "Puff the Magic Dragon", "Big Yellow Taxi", and one of my all time favorites ,"Kodachrome". I plan on enjoying a little peace and love, and making it a low-fi weekend.
Here's to satisfying the urge fo folk music.... may it reign forever.
Here's to the musical parents I have, I'm so happy that music has been and always will be such a part of my life.
"The times, they are a changing."
Sunday, September 06, 2009
I thought Labor Day weekend was supposed to be Labor FREE!
Ahh, it so nice to sit down at the end of the day and just relax. After a hard day of hard labor outside, I'm looking forward to relaxing the rest of the day away. We worked so hard on our yard today. We've been trying to figure out what to do with certain eye sores, huge over-hanging branches, grass seed, weeds, crabgrass, and other random stuff.
I love a yard, but honestly it's a whole lot more work getting it to be less maintenance. We're still getting tons of rocks, and random objects (files, tubes, little cars, barrettes, hose) coming out of the ground. I am sure that our backyard will someday be an anthropologist's dream to see how lazy homeowners lived in the early 21st century in Alexandria, VA.
But lazy we are not, and the work is paying off a little bit. It's been almost a year since we bought our house, and we've done quite a lot of work. It's been rewarding, and now it's just about time to take on some big projects again, or at least try to decide what changes we think we want to make. Not sure yet...
So anyway, after a long days work I'm looming forward to a nice drink, cheese and crackers, some pasta and a fresh salad, and homemade peach pie (that I made) with some ice cream on top. What a day. What a weekend. It feels good to be home.
I love a yard, but honestly it's a whole lot more work getting it to be less maintenance. We're still getting tons of rocks, and random objects (files, tubes, little cars, barrettes, hose) coming out of the ground. I am sure that our backyard will someday be an anthropologist's dream to see how lazy homeowners lived in the early 21st century in Alexandria, VA.
But lazy we are not, and the work is paying off a little bit. It's been almost a year since we bought our house, and we've done quite a lot of work. It's been rewarding, and now it's just about time to take on some big projects again, or at least try to decide what changes we think we want to make. Not sure yet...
So anyway, after a long days work I'm looming forward to a nice drink, cheese and crackers, some pasta and a fresh salad, and homemade peach pie (that I made) with some ice cream on top. What a day. What a weekend. It feels good to be home.
Friday, September 04, 2009
Holey Moley is it September already?
How time just vanishes, and I don't even realize it. School FINALLY starts on Tuesday, and I think I'm ready. I had 2 classrooms to get in order because I'm going to be teaching at 2 different schools. One school is my "home school" and the other I'm only at 2 days a week, however, it still somehow became my responsibility to get 2 rooms together. Argh.
But it's done. And they're both ready for students.
We had 3 days of pep talks. Which is fine, I'm all for supporting teachers, lifting them up, but 3 days? I enjoyed hearing 2 of the Freedom Writer come and speak, and I liked this other guy a lot (forget who he was). But did we need 9 keynote speakers? I don't think so.
So finally, I'm ready for students. Bring them on! They're going to be full of energy and excited, I can feel it. I got to meet a few of my future students this morning, and they seemed really cute. It's been a while since I've taught the little guys, but I'm ready. I think it's going to be a lot of fun.
What else? I have no idea...Lots of things. In the midst of planning the wedding too, of course. Came up with some actual ideas that may work... We'll see. Don't want to give anything away in case i don't do it. But yes, I am still making origami cranes. I have about 600 more to go. I think Jarle is going down to C-ville next week, so he's going to measure the place we're getting married at, and making sure we can fit the tables and chairs etc... it's at some one's house, so... I have no idea how it's working yet.
I'm so excited too-- because next week I'm going to go try on dresses! yay!! My best friends from high school are coming along to see and help me. So it'll be fun. I have no idea what I want, or even what might look good on me, so it will be nice to get their help. They're honest-- I think .....
Anyway, I'm ready for the weekend to begin and hopefully I'll have a little time to relax in between the school planning, yard work, and cleaning (our house has been so neglected the last 2 weeks).
Happy last unofficial weekend of summer! Enjoy it well!!!
But it's done. And they're both ready for students.
We had 3 days of pep talks. Which is fine, I'm all for supporting teachers, lifting them up, but 3 days? I enjoyed hearing 2 of the Freedom Writer come and speak, and I liked this other guy a lot (forget who he was). But did we need 9 keynote speakers? I don't think so.
So finally, I'm ready for students. Bring them on! They're going to be full of energy and excited, I can feel it. I got to meet a few of my future students this morning, and they seemed really cute. It's been a while since I've taught the little guys, but I'm ready. I think it's going to be a lot of fun.
What else? I have no idea...Lots of things. In the midst of planning the wedding too, of course. Came up with some actual ideas that may work... We'll see. Don't want to give anything away in case i don't do it. But yes, I am still making origami cranes. I have about 600 more to go. I think Jarle is going down to C-ville next week, so he's going to measure the place we're getting married at, and making sure we can fit the tables and chairs etc... it's at some one's house, so... I have no idea how it's working yet.
I'm so excited too-- because next week I'm going to go try on dresses! yay!! My best friends from high school are coming along to see and help me. So it'll be fun. I have no idea what I want, or even what might look good on me, so it will be nice to get their help. They're honest-- I think .....
Anyway, I'm ready for the weekend to begin and hopefully I'll have a little time to relax in between the school planning, yard work, and cleaning (our house has been so neglected the last 2 weeks).
Happy last unofficial weekend of summer! Enjoy it well!!!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Back from the Beach...
Well, I got a week at the beach this year, and I was so glad I got to go. I spent time with my niece, Riley. We had a good time. I don't really get to see her all that often, but we got to spend a lot of quality time together. Our schedule was really nice:
Wake up
Eat breakfast
Ride bike to beach
Walk on the beach, play in the surf
Ride bike back home
Play tennis (or laugh trying)
Swim in the pool
Go home and eat lunch
Ride bike back to beach
Swim, play games, relax, read
Ride back home
Change, shower
Cocktail hour
Dinner
Ride bike to Boardwalk
Eat Ice Cream
Ride bike back home
Relax
Read
Go to bed
Repeat 7 times.
That's a schedule I can deal with. It's always a little hard for me to leave the beach. It's one of my most favorite places. We've been going to Bethany Beach since I was 7th grade, and it's just such a part of our family traditions. The years I haven't been able to go has been heartbreaking. I'm always longing for the beach. I love love love the beach.
One of the cool things I learned to do at the beach this year was make hats. My mom showed me a knitting pattern and I actually made one! It didn't even take that long. Last night I made a second one. They turned out really nicely. I had no idea I could do that.... I thought it would be really hard to figure out. I'll have to post pictures later. I plan on making one for everyone this winter. Merry Christmas!!
We also did a little wedding planning. BUT, I won't totally bore you with that. Except these few things:
I've decided to make 1000 cranes for decorations (to be determined how exactly)
We're planning on have a signature drink
Jarle's list is so much bigger than my invite list...
It will be outside
That's about it so far.
And now school is just around the corner, and I'm busy trying to figure out what to teach to elementary students in 2 schools. Trying to figure out what my schedule is... and a little nervous that I'll have 2 principals to deal with...
Oh well, work has to happen at some point, it's just a matter of not thinking about it as work. And with all the other things going on, it might be that work becomes the least of my worries...
hahahah!
Ok, enough for now. More to come.
Wake up
Eat breakfast
Ride bike to beach
Walk on the beach, play in the surf
Ride bike back home
Play tennis (or laugh trying)
Swim in the pool
Go home and eat lunch
Ride bike back to beach
Swim, play games, relax, read
Ride back home
Change, shower
Cocktail hour
Dinner
Ride bike to Boardwalk
Eat Ice Cream
Ride bike back home
Relax
Read
Go to bed
Repeat 7 times.
That's a schedule I can deal with. It's always a little hard for me to leave the beach. It's one of my most favorite places. We've been going to Bethany Beach since I was 7th grade, and it's just such a part of our family traditions. The years I haven't been able to go has been heartbreaking. I'm always longing for the beach. I love love love the beach.
One of the cool things I learned to do at the beach this year was make hats. My mom showed me a knitting pattern and I actually made one! It didn't even take that long. Last night I made a second one. They turned out really nicely. I had no idea I could do that.... I thought it would be really hard to figure out. I'll have to post pictures later. I plan on making one for everyone this winter. Merry Christmas!!
We also did a little wedding planning. BUT, I won't totally bore you with that. Except these few things:
I've decided to make 1000 cranes for decorations (to be determined how exactly)
We're planning on have a signature drink
Jarle's list is so much bigger than my invite list...
It will be outside
That's about it so far.
And now school is just around the corner, and I'm busy trying to figure out what to teach to elementary students in 2 schools. Trying to figure out what my schedule is... and a little nervous that I'll have 2 principals to deal with...
Oh well, work has to happen at some point, it's just a matter of not thinking about it as work. And with all the other things going on, it might be that work becomes the least of my worries...
hahahah!
Ok, enough for now. More to come.
Friday, August 14, 2009
I have to share the goodness
The Swell Season. If you saw "once" you know what I'm talking about.
http://www.npr.org/templates/player/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=111679769&m=111828142
Well worth checking out, watching and listening to. Love it!
http://www.npr.org/templates/player/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=111679769&m=111828142
Well worth checking out, watching and listening to. Love it!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Trying out slide
New York City-- Hope this works!!
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Monday, July 27, 2009
long time no post!
I know it's been forever, but it's summer! And I have some HUGE news!
I'm engaged!
Yes, J and I are going to the leap! So excited, and couldn't be happier. It happened on our trip in Italy. We got back this past weekend, and I have tons of pictures to post. I took way too many and I'm still going through them all.
I also got a new job. I am going to be teaching in 2 elementary schools this year. Not the best possible situation, and I'm going to have to dig out a lot of my old lesson planning out. It's been a while, and I'm a little nervous about the little guys. I also feel a little guilty about leaving my current job, but it was time.
I'm looking forward to biking to work (hopefully) and being able to plan things for the long term.
So--- LOTS going on. Busy busy busy... But that's ok, I like it that way.
I will post pictures soon!! Hope everyone is enjoying their summer!
I'm engaged!
Yes, J and I are going to the leap! So excited, and couldn't be happier. It happened on our trip in Italy. We got back this past weekend, and I have tons of pictures to post. I took way too many and I'm still going through them all.
I also got a new job. I am going to be teaching in 2 elementary schools this year. Not the best possible situation, and I'm going to have to dig out a lot of my old lesson planning out. It's been a while, and I'm a little nervous about the little guys. I also feel a little guilty about leaving my current job, but it was time.
I'm looking forward to biking to work (hopefully) and being able to plan things for the long term.
So--- LOTS going on. Busy busy busy... But that's ok, I like it that way.
I will post pictures soon!! Hope everyone is enjoying their summer!
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