Art Show Opening

I was super excited to have my art in a juried art show.  I was even more excited when I got to see all the incredible art in the show.  There was my little old art among a stunning array of pieces and work.

I love going to art openings, but I rarely treat myself to those sort of events.  I also loved taking Sam, who was completely taken by assemblage sculptures.  {Maybe this is why he likes legos so much!}

I felt so shy and uncertain.  {I'm surprised by how much courage it takes to put my work out there!}  It was all in all a great experience.

When have you been shy about putting your work out there?

Classroom Writing: Ten Word Stories

Here's a fun and easy writing idea:

I started doing these little writing projects with my students back in December.  I call them Ten Word Stories.  I have been very pleased with the results.  It seems to give my students enough structure to really let their creativity flourish.  I also like it, because we do not have many opportunities to celebrate seasonal events and holidays.  This allows us to sneak in some of the fun while still doing the work.

Here is how it works:

I give students a list of ten words that they must include in a story.  The students write, and then we share.  They can be as creative as they want to be.  (In December I had a little alien, named Reindeer, living on the planet Santa!)

Here are lists of words for January through April.

I also think it might be fun to give 10 verbs or 10 adjectives!  (I haven't done this yet.)

We've added art, and they have made a great hall display, too!

What You Do Around The Edges

I just saw this quote again on someone's FB page, and I was reminded of two things.  First, I love and believe this quote on a profound level.  Second, this quote is being manifest in my life--all around the edges.

Sometimes I get lost/stuck in the reality that school does not work the way I believe it should or want it to be.  At times I am consumed by that.

At those times I'm not able to look out into the periphery--where some really rich stuff abounds.

This weekend the stuff around the edges came into focus, and it was rich and beautiful.

I had two noteworthy experiences:

1.  My art was accepted into my first every juried art show!

Here's a piece of my little painting.  I can't wait to see the exhibit!  You can find out more about it HERE.

2.  I took a leap and started a little gentle yoga class at my house on Sunday evening.  There's always that feeling of doubt that anyone will even show up, but there were 9 yogis packed into my living room and dining room.  It was amazing and a treat to spend the time with such incredible women.

If you might like to join us, email me, for details!

As I reflect, it just seems perfect to say, "Let the beauty you love be what you do!"  (Rumi)

That's just resonating in the deepest heart center of who I am this evening.

What's resonating with you right now?