Sunday, April 13, 2014

For All These Things










For… 
early mornings with the camera, 
pink flowers, puffy gowns, 
bow ties, shiny shoes, 
laughter in the hallways.

For…
Japanese maples, 
dandelions in the sun, 
selfies (with photo mom-bombs), 
old dogs and new dogs, 
time in the Word.

For… 
friendships, and phone calls, 
riding horses with
spring in the air.

For… 
prayer, good books, 
marriage, 
for food and long walks. 

For… 
yellow pollen, 
happy children who paint,
and teenagers.

For…
the privilege to
be present in 
these moments.

For all these things, I am thankful.

Wednesday, April 09, 2014

Rosie

Ten days ago we rescued a little shepherd mix from the pound.










Rosie officially belongs to The Girl, who has pined for a puppy all her own for several years.

I recently read the poem below and laughed out loud. We are diligently working day, and night, on training. But, truly, I'm not quite sure who is training who?

All the same, we're smitten….

My Dog's My Boss by Robert William Service
Each day when it's anighing three
Old Dick looks at the clock,
Then proudly brings my stick to me
To mind me of our walk.
And in his doggy rapture he
Does everything but talk.

But since I lack his zip and zest
My old bones often tire;
And so I ventured to suggest
Today we hug the fire.
But with what wailing he expressed
The death of his desire!

He gazed at me with eyes of woe
As if to say: 'Old boy,
You mustn't lose your grip, you know,
Let us with laughing joy,
On heath and hill six miles or so
Our legs and lungs employ.'

And then his bark was stilled to a sigh
He flopped upon the floor;
But such a soft old mug am I
I threw awide the door;
So gaily, though the wind was high
We hiked across the moor.


Thursday, April 03, 2014

Art Class









This week was the first week teaching art to students in my home.

I piled seven amazing students into my dining room, with my old chipped chairs, and we painted and played. It was so much fun.

I'm pretty sure my friends Kim and Julia gave me the idea to teach art in the home, but why didn't I think of it sooner? I get to plan and practice creativity in preparation, and then get to do it again with some smart and talented kiddos. It's awesome!

This week we played with tempera paints and learned some color theory and line drawing. Next week we'll play with watercolors.

Can't wait!