The Gods Must Be Crazy

Here's a lesson I learned today: when the thrift-store gods of cool castoffs decide it's your day, there is no limit to what they will put in your path.

When I headed out to make the rounds of my local thrift stores this morning, I wasn't really looking to buy much. I was simply looking for a few glass bowls to use for a project next weekend. But you know, once you're in the store, it never hurts to look around. And since I will be putting my office bookshelves back together soon, I had an eye out for any interesting tidbits that might spice up that space. 

But honestly, my expectations were dialed way back.

Which, it seems, is just the sort of situation that kicks the gods into high gear.

Because I found some fun stuff.

^ The animals are gonna get painted. Well, first, I'm going to rip out the owl's left eye, to match the empty socket on his right side. Sorry, dude, that's just how it has to be. Then I'm going to cover each one of them in a fresh coat of brightness - the little bird is definitely going to be turquoise, to replace a kindred spirit who was recently broken. And the owl...well, he just needs to get over those flame-colored feathers. Anything will be an improvement.

As for the books, I'm always a fan of books about places. And I'm making an effort to attract a few more horizontally-oriented oversize volumes to mix and mingle with my mostly-standard-sized book collection. These slim, stackable cuties threw themselves at me today, and they are just what I had in mind.

^ The glass containers are destined to become planters. I've searched for suitable containers on several thrift-store sweeps in the past, to no avail. Today, perfect specimens were raining down on me, and now I'm totally prepared for next weekend's DIY bash. 

As for the elephant, yes. I'm always a fan of elephants, and this guy is so cute that I may spare him the fate of spray paint. Oh, that curving trunk and expressive ears. Love him.

Candle holder from Cost Plus World Market? Yes.

Brand new red candle? Of course.

Old hardcover book with a bright yellow binding, entitled, Mystery Walks the Campus? No one in their right mind would turn down a gem like that. 

^ Basic wicker basket for the new jumbo houseplant I found at IKEA last week. I spent the weekend considering the ceramic alternatives at Home Depot, all of which were about ten times the price of this no-frills number. And honestly, this rustic version is way more my style. Win.

^ Mr Orange Retro Vase had me at hello. That purchase was a no-brainer.

Turquoise books? True confessions. I bought them for the color of their covers. But whatever. Twain and Frey are legends, albeit for completely different reasons. And Meg Cabot's work is a bit too girly for me, but that adorable red font won me over. 

^ This geometric metal sculpture is my favorite find of the day. Technically, it wasn't thrifted - I found it at Hobby Lobby for 50% off, which is every bit as much of a bargain. And I am insanely in love with its lines and angles and open spaces. In a weird way, it reminds me of the geometry I've been teaching in my trigonometry class, and when I look at it, my brain automatically works through the two proofs of the Pythagorean Theorem. 

Now I'll be the first to admit that that's weird. But it's also pretty cool. So happy this inspiring creation fell into my life.

* * * * * 

So thank you, you crazy generous gods of second-hand shelf decor, for showering me with riches today. I'm surprised beyond words. 

Now if you could just speak to the people in charge of drying times, and get the polyurethane finish to harden up so I can carry on with the fun job of reloading and restyling my bookcases, I'd be forever grateful.

* * * * *

Wanna read more about my office makeover? Check these out:

Ready, Set, Go!

Inspiration And Perspiration

Wild And Reckless

Baby Blues

Fresh Paint

What About Polka Dots?

Making Progress

The Undisputed Truth

Multi-Tasking Mania

Dirty Jobs

Spray Paint: Part 1

No Turning Back

Judging Books By Their Covers

Home Tour: Peace And Harmony

You Wanna Be On Top?

As a consequence of her particular Instagram obsession, my second-born likes to dress up in a cute outfit, find an interesting wall, hold a quick photo shoot, and then post the best results to her feed. 

Usually, she asks me to serves as her photographer. That's cool.

I'm perfectly relaxed on that side of the camera.

But the other day, when we were at IKEA and taking some shots of her at the iconic blue wall, she threw me a curve ball.

"Hey, Mom. Your pants and bag would look good against the blue. Let me take some pics of you."

Uhhhh. So outside my comfort zone. But okay.

So, I strutted across that grass, leaned against the gorgeous wall, and struck my pose. Starting straight down at the ground.

Whatever. That's how all the stylistas are doing it nowadays. 

And I guess it went alright because I'm still in the running towards becoming America's Next Top Model. 

Thanks, Tyra!

                top | Mossimo Supply Co. at Target 

          sweater | Mossimo Supply co. at Target several years ago

                bag | Phillip Lim for Target

         leggings | UNIQLO

             boots | Mossimo Supply Co. at Target similar to these 

The Undisputed Truth

Oh sure. I'm smiling from ear to ear in this photo, captured in the midst of dousing my bookcases with liquid sandpaper. But after two full weeks of sanding, scrubbing, painting, sanding some more, staining, refinishing, and then shampooing the carpets, I'm not quite as chipper as all that.

Which reminds me of this:

Smiling faces, smiling faces, sometimes they don't tell the truth.

Smiling faces, smiling faces tell lies and I've got proof.

So today, after another drab session of dirty jobs, work clothes, and smelly fumes, I was ready to experience some beauty in my life.

Enter these maple trees, bursting forth with fall color and decorating my afternoon errands with their soul-satisfying beauty.

As if that wasn't enough glory for one day, this sweet pastel sunset followed me home.

And then I smiled for real. All the way down to my toes.

Can you dig it?

* * * * *

Wanna read more about my messy office makeover? Check these out:

Ready, Set, Go!

Inspiration And Perspiration

Wild And Reckless

Baby Blues

Fresh Paint

What About Polka Dots?

Making Progress

The Gods Must Be Crazy

Multi-Tasking Mania

Dirty Jobs

Spray Paint: Part 1

No Turning Back

Judging Books By Their Covers

Home Tour: Peace And Harmony

* * * * *

Ready for more sunset-related adventures? Read these:

Winter Sunsets
Taking Back The Sun
Camping: It's All About The Sunsets
Tucson Sunsets
Sunset Chaser
Sunsets And Saguaros

Sunset Chaser, Tucson Edition
Langkawi: Somewhere Over The Rainbow
This Is My Reminder For Today
A Sweet Story
Perpetual Sunset
San Juan Islands: I'll Be Back
Number 45: Texas
Cheers To Tucson
Home Through The Trees

Sunset Chaser, Seattle Edition
The Sunset Speaks
Looking Up: Thanksgiving Edition

Sunset Chaser: Sometimes You Win 
Sunset Chaser: Sunrise Edition

Endless Summer

Maybe it was the long, dry summer.

Maybe it was the extra mulch and watering.

Maybe it is just my lucky year.

But even now, in the first week of October, my August-blooming pink echinacea are still going full blast. Those sweet purplish petals and spikey orange centers, perhaps a bit faded and scraggly after all these weeks, are still the highlight of my front garden.

And I could not be more pleased about this determined icon of endless summer.

Chickens And Eggs

Which came first: the chicken or the egg?

Well, in the case of my remarkable art students, the answer is clear.

These energetic egg drawings, made today in our study of shading and shadows, definitely came as a result of three marvelous mother hens who watch over these budding young artists and help me manage this class.

It's worth explaining that the school where I teach is a very unusual kind of school. Although it's part of a public school district, this is a parent partnership program that supports parents who choose to teach their own kids. The K-12 system works like a college - a list of available course offerings is posted each semester and students work with their parents to build an individualized schedule and learning plan. Parents - mostly mommies - come on campus with their students to supervise their behavior and help them make productive use of their time in between classes. The best of the bunch get actively involved in learning opportunities and support their students in countless ways that make a big difference.

And that is where my art moms come into play. Over the years, there have been many parents who have stepped up to support me in this class; but for the past few years, these three have consistently come through. Interestingly, each one plays a unique role and the four of us have become an effective team:

Tiffany | The Thinker

Organized, meticulous, scrupulously on top of her logistical game, Tiffany is the person who reminds me of upcoming school breaks, locates the optimal classroom, and leads the fundraising efforts to support our supply budget. While she would modestly deny it, she is a forward-thinking problem-solver who sees the potholes in the road ahead, and paves them over so I don't fall in. 

She is mommy to two darling, black-haired girls who have inherited her quiet determination and insightful attention to detail. This threesome has been part of my art class for seven years now, and I can't imagine our class without their calm, happy, thoughtful presence.

Jean | The Dreamer

If Jean were a circus performer, she would be the plate spinner. With four little ones, the youngest just three years old, she is usually seen simultaneously wiping a nose, fetching a snack, reminding her older kids to get to class, and jiggling a tired babe. Yet throughout this madness, she will be enthusiastically advocating for a trip to an art museum, suggesting a new proposal for class, or describing a sculpture project going on at home.

With a background in visual and musical arts, Jean overflows with ideas and suggestions for new activities and skill sets for our class, and I often use her feedback to push the kids in new directions. Like their mom, Jean's four kids are bundles of passionate energy, driven with an intense desire to make art. The whole family is a creative tornado that blows into my classroom each week, and they inspire me to keep up with them.

Laura | The Lover

Quite simply, Laura is the gentle spirit who infuses our classroom with peace and loving calm. While most of the moms are busy with other tasks during our class time, Laura sits quietly by, ready to help me with an overly emotional artist, a spilled cup of paint, or any other traumatic event that threatens to disturb our creative energies. She is gentle, caring, and absolutely unflappable with all the children, readily anticipating their needs.

Laura's two younger daughters are members of the class who mirror their mother's good nature. Ever sensitive to others' needs, they watch out for the younger children, praise their peers' work, and enthusiastically help with classroom chores. As a family, their warmth and care for others bring a special nurturing energy to the group that creates the emotional safety required for true artistic expression.

* * * * *

So there you have it. Three mama birds who support me in vital ways as I teach art to their little ones. They are indeed the chickens who came before projects like today's beautifully drawn eggs, and I am thankful for all that they do.

* * * * *

For more stories about my talented and adorable art students, read:

Action Painting: Beautiful Echoes

Action: Painting: Oceans Of Bubbles

Action Painting: Weeks One And Two

Action Painting: Turquoise Spots

Action Painting: Smiling Wolves, Dancing Ducks, And Two Red Legs

Art With Kids: Learning By Heart

Hands And Feet

Lights

A Cinderella Story

Why Art Matters
Make It Work
Draw This: Watercolor Valentines
Action Painting: Polka Dot Pet Party

Double Rainbows

Yesterday, in the late afternoon, I needed to run over to Alderwood Mall. It's an easy fifteen-minute drive from my house but let's face it - I am not a fan of errands to the mall during rush hour, and I was dreading the trip. 

The day had been a stormy one but as I began my journey, the raindrops let up, the heavy clouds were lifting, and the sun came out to shine. Brilliant blue appeared behind harmless, high, white clouds and all the world seemed glistening and new in the late afternoon light.

The familiar landscape was made new by the beautiful skies and I felt my spirits lift.

I couldn't resist the urge to snap a few pics as I drove along. I know. It's a problem. 

^  As I pulled into the parking lot at the mall, this was the scene that met my eyes.

The western skies above Alderwood always seem to be particularly brilliant and beautiful, and this scene was definitely exceptional.. Billowing layers of clouds were tossing and turning in the breezes, sunlight illuminating them in varying shades of brilliant white and gold, and a few last rain showers were playing themselves out. The overall effect was dynamic, dramatic and intense, and my previously grumpy mood went from good to great.

And then I made two quick left turns into a parking space, and suddenly found myself facing east.

^ A pair of double rainbows, stretching from horizon to horizon, filled the skies. Black clouds from the previous storms were rumbling in the distance, providing a brooding background for the brilliant colors. Breathlessly, I watched for three or four minutes as the rainbows intensified and faded and intensified again, dependent on the mysterious balance between light and water for their miraculous existence.

And I thought of how our lives are sometimes like that - a mysterious balance between the mundane drudgery of our daily lives, which sometimes requires dumb trips to the mall, and the sublime beauty of the heavens.

My mood was transformed. I saw my afternoon's mission as a cosmic reminder rather than a nuisance, and I put life's little annoyances into their proper perspective. It felt really good.

But I still don't like to run errands.

Making Progress

Ah, it's been a satisfying work weekend here. After a long week of agonizing prep and dutiful spackling duties, I finally picked up my rollers and let the paint fly. The walls and ceiling of my home office are now happily and thoroughly covered in fresh paint.

Hallelujah, I love a good transformation.

Today, I've been cooling my heels, waiting for my equally fresh and oh-so-shiny refinished baseboards, chair railings and crown moldings to go back into place. Darn you, Cleveland Indians, for making the post-season playoffs and distracting my carpenter from his duties.

In the meantime, I decided to snap some comparison photos to show how far my room has already come.

^ Goodbye, dark red upper walls! You were good to me but I am so tired of looking at your multitude of imperfections.

Goodbye, dark taupe-y colored lower walls. Twenty years we have had together. That's too long. I'm over you.

^ Welcome back, bookshelves, from your drop cloth bubble. You are a cluttered and dusty mess, and  I'll be taking you apart next!

^ Now, at this early stage of my photo shoot, a little someone came wandering into the room, looking for me.

Yes, my Irish Setter and constant companion  Ranger, had realized that it was about time for our daily afternoon walk. It's absolutely his favorite time of day and he gets super excited about it. Also, his sense of timing is uncanny and he KNOWS when I'm late for our standing date.

Look at his eyes. He uses those lasers to pierce my soul.

You don't need me to tell you what he's thinking, but I'll translate: "Mom. It's time. Pleeeeeeease can we go now!!?"

^ Abruptly, momentarily, his attention shifted to some minor disturbance in the front yard. A squirrel, one of our cats, maybe even a leaf tumbling by in the wind. Always on watch, my handsome guardian is. But I knew he would not be distracted from his great task.

^ His eyes and attention returned to me in a heartbeat.

Warming to his task of persuasion, Ranger decided to start off with a good and proper stretch. He always goes through this little yoga routine in exactly the same way. First, he stretches out his front legs, shifts his weight backwards, and works out the kinks in his front legs and chest: a classic downward-facing dog pose

^ Then, in Phase Two, he shifts forward onto his front legs and gives his hips and back legs a mighty stretch of their own. 

When Ranger was younger, he would do a triple pump, and stretch the front half all over again. But now that he's older and wiser, he has honed his art to perfection in just two moves. Clever lad.

^ Notice, please, that during this entire procedure, Ranger's eyes remained riveted on me. I was doing my best to stay cool, snapping pics and trying to appear nonchalant. 

Because at this point in our routine, any twitch on my part, any sudden movement, any indication at all that I might be moving toward the front door will send this bloke into fits of enthusiasm and abandon. 

But I successfully played it cool, because Ranger decided to amp up his game to the highest and most persuasive level.

^ He barked at me.

Well. He whined, pleaded, cooed, begged, and asked me pretty please with sugar on top. All at the same time.

Just look at that mouth. When you can see his bottom teeth like that, and his lips are all furled up on the sides, you know he is in his hard-core negotiation mode. I don't really stand a chance.

Because the noise he makes is both powerfully persuasive and incredibly annoying. Just like a newborn baby's cry is biologically programmed to spur caring adults into action, so is Ranger's whine designed by the Creator himself to kick me into walk mode.

So the photo shoot was abruptly abandoned, the office remodel temporarily forgotten, and I went to fetch my darling puppy's leash.

* * * * *

And that is how I make progress around here. Slowly, patiently, and often according to other people's schedules. But somehow, I am managing to move ahead in my office remodeling project, and still find time to take my wild-tempered Irishman for his daily walk.

Room makeover in progress! To catch up on the project, read:

Ready, Set, Go!

Inspiration And Perspiration

Wild And Reckless

Baby Blues

Fresh Paint

What About Polka Dots?

The Undisputed Truth

The Gods Must Be Crazy

Multi-Tasking Mania

Dirty Jobs

Spray Paint: Part 1

No Turning Back

Judging Books By Their Covers

Home Tour: Peace And Harmony