bloomin'

A marathon of doll making and proposal writing, late nights racing against a deadline, and allowing for a few pleasant distractions... this has been my hectic life lately. I can't wait to go to sleep, but I also want very much to post something tonight, to show what's currently in bloom!

Lupine, iris, delphinium...

poppies, pansies, and a pond...

despite the heavy rains that keep falling and falling, flowers - and a budding relationship - open up

oh! if only it were my garden! but it's Schreiners iris farm with its lovely display gardens.

Maybe I should have been working inside, but I what a lovely distraction it was getting to know the S.A.M. better!

Stellar Ligts

Two trios of new dolls have blossomed

What's blooming in your world?

LIFE

The past two weeks have been more than full of "events," but resiliency abounds. (Love and prayers to family members as their hearts and bodies heal.) XOXOXOXO

The sun has made a showing. The tightly budded ball of peony has finally burst open and the promise of summer is just around the corner. As we slide toward the end of the school year, I've been so in love with my students - dedicating themselves to their creativity, finding their joy in the world, pursuing their curiosity. This is what learning should be. (Field trips ROCK!)

AMAZING student creativity!
The historical fiction project

M.E.'s work: Superb!

P.G.'s work - compassionate and evocative

First grade tour de force readers' theater

Third grade stuffies - so cute!

This weekend, aliens spotted in McMinnville.
(Thanks, S.A.M.!)

Resistance is fultile - the Starborgs are everywhere!

Later that day a farewell party for Astrid, "nuestra tía querida," as she prepares to head back to Sud América. Bailamos salsa, merengue, y comimos killer chocolate cake! We'll miss you, Astrid!

Mientras tanto, I've been working away on new dolls and trying to finish up class proposal samples. Here's a sneak peek of works in progress:

Yippee! Life is good.
: )

If you build it, Part 2

Woo hoo! This past week, Michelle, Diane, and Deirdra came over to help me test the effectiveness of the new art table. Conclusion: it works! We had a blast as Michelle showed us how to work à la Jesse Reno.

Finger painting fun

Check out the painted palm!

Diane working on the first of many layers.

Michelle's colors were as gorgeous as the sun streaming through the window.

I've built up a textured jungle.

Beginning to look for what could emerge...

the paintings change.

In Deirdra's some eyes appear...

Some more watchful eyes!

Our accomodating table

Michelle's cool art bag and Diane's final transformation - fantastic!

Results of our time together

They may continue to change, but for tonight, we're calling it good.

So much fun to be "arting" together - I can't wait for the next gathering!