We were not totally still all weekend. After a great little children's musical about Junie B Jones, we hit the town for some fun earth week activities...and might I add shopping. Pajama Girl and pal Lily loved all the displays and this friendly snake the nature center rescued. It was real smooth...does it come in a bag? (I did mention shopping and no snakes where harmed due to my continued search for a great bag)
The girls also were able to make there own chia pets. A fun and simple idea. The grass seeds and potting medium where in a knee high stocking and all they needed to do with the lovely assistant and her glue gun was add a face then bring home and add water.
Later that night we hit a local gold mine...ICE CREAM! The rest of the area had the same idea but let me tell you. It was worth the wait at this fabulous Ferris Acres Creamery
That was all the fuel they needed to hit a fun park the next day before the ride home.
Here they are resting in the shade
...and here are us moms teaching them leap frog! (I am on the bottom and Kim is hopping over me)
Here is how it all began...a visual trip that left me by the following definition, "characterized by a lack of movement, animation, or progression" ~static~
When I was away this weekend there were no barking dogs to feed at dawn, just the sun to greet me.
the sun invited me outside of my small little guest accommodations
the one we call our barn away from home
there is a secret garden there
with a window to static life, the stones may seem as they are just still but are by definition: "exerting force by reason of weight alone without motion" ~static~
if I never move again will I be as beautiful as this rock "producing an effect of repose or quiescence <a static design>"
if I remain still for a while, I know I will be in good company!
Now tell me why I want to hustle and bustle again because I really do not remember where I was in such a rush to get to!
Just one year old in this picture and my Pajama Girl is showing the world what she is made of...Love...(and a little moxy from her mama) I scanned this photo in to add to Flickr as another way of safe keeping and was discovered by Best Kisses, a website full of love and the best kisses around. She is posted there today with several other adorable, beautiful and loving pictures. I am only sad to say that the photographer's website is no longer available. Her name is Jennifer Young and she is brilliant behind the camera. I will continue to search for her
We are back and I am holding on to a few moments of peace before I hit the cage for 12 hours. I have some fun pictures to share but not as many as I should have taken. I was too busy enjoying weather near 90 degrees. A fun jump to take when leaving on a morning that was in the 40's. I will post some more pictures during the week...a week I plan to take slow and enjoy as Spring blooms.
...it sure is going to be hard to leave these behind today!
This is just a little doodle I did yesterday while waiting for Pajama Girl during her art class. Just some carefree doodles and not really paying attention to what I was drawing. I grabbed some of the beat up broken kids colored pencils for color and went about my way. I had not really planned an Earth Day post...it sort of snuck up on me.
I had to work today and again tomorrow, pack for a getaway this weekend and get my car worked on. I went in for an oil change yesterday and they told me a wheel bearing was bad...when I asked about the miles I would be putting on this weekend they laughed saying "Not a good idea". So they got me in for today which meant getting there before work, then they brought me to work and delivered me my fixed vehicle...all covered under an extended warranty I chose when I bought it too! (the vehicle is an 04, bought in 03 and that warranty rocks!)
I will be taking a short blogging break to "get outa Dodge", much needed. You may see a comment or two from me while away, I usually get some nice quiet time being up before everyone else :)
Look at this email I just received! HA! This will go down in history as the first time in my life I am fashionably ahead of Anthropologie! Seems as though they are catching on to the bee thing! Great news since their audience is much larger than mine! Thank You Anthropologie! This is reason #10 million to love you!
This came in an email called "Bees, if you please"
I have been meaning to tell everyone about one of the few presents I bought Pajama Girl back in March for her Bee-Day. She thrives on learning and it was time she had her very own "bee book"
Bee & Me: An Animotion Experience by Elle J. Mcguinness and Heather Brown is not only exciting with images that move but educates a child on the importance of bees and how not to be scared. There are also some great facts in the back. You know I like those facts!
Please take a moment to watch this video about the reasons behind the making of this book, the importance of teaching our children about respect for bees, a bit about the artist, Heather Brown, and a preview of the story read to you. If interested there is more about the book from it's publisher here.
Next I would like to share an amazing find, an art piece by Michele Maule. You may know her work already, especially when you see those amazing blue clocks or typewriters but this is the one I love. I LOVE this piece called "bBb Hive". If you go to Michele's Flickr photostream you will see why I all of a sudden have an urge to give up canvas and start making art on wood panels.
Please visit her Etsy store for some fabulous gifts for yourself or others. You will not be disappointed with what you see there. Thanks again Michele, you are a honey!
I would also like everyone to enjoy another wonderfully talented artist I discovered on Flickr. Sandra Dieckmann illustrates so bee-utifully! I fell in love with a book project she is working on, hence the bees and this adorable bear. She just posted a new picture of a book cover idea on Flickr and I am in love with the title " The Bumble Bear and the Grizzly Bee" . Once at her photostream you can enjoy several "ideas" of hers. Here is a glimpse, (notice the little "grizzly bee" on the bear's back) I hope someday we will have a copy of this book, good luck to you and thank you Sandra!
It seems my life is full of the "one that got away" stories! I guess she who is clicking all over the Internet randomly hesitates is without art. I fell in love with the beautiful face of Rowena's "Girl of the Bees"
Anyone who has been keeping up with Rowena this past year has witnessed an artist reveal true talent. I love each and every one of her pieces and would never be able to pick a favorite! I love that she exposes her whole life and thought process for those of us who may think the same way but are not always able to write about it. Rowena you are a honey of a friend! Thank you!
Last week I started spotting some great photos from my contacts at Flickr. I was getting a little confused with all the pretty people standing on benches...until I took a closer look. There is a "bench Monday" group pool that really has captured my attention. I love it! Stand on a bench, take a picture and it has to be Monday. I remembered again today as I saw the bench shots loading in on my contacts pages and said to myself...I have to at least try.
It is dark and rainy here today so off to my tiny spare back bathroom for a shoot!
EEEK!
phew, it was just a toy mouse!
Well, these may not be as exciting as the beautiful pictures in the group. My legs had their day before 20 years of being a pharmacist and 12 hour days on my feet and I am afraid cute shoes and bare feet are a thing of the past unless someone comes up with a brilliant leg make up... LOL!
My dearest friend Kim, thinks she is an "average" photographer. I think a little different and have lived a vicarious life through her photos and the stories they tell. She has traveled the world over and still does. Whether it is the subject matter or the eye of the beholder, every set she shares I find something truly unique. Kim's recent visit to Florida was sent to me via 95 pictures and this time I just had to speak up and ask if I could share. I nabbed some screenshots and with permission granted I welcome the world outside our circle to enjoy Kim Charles~the above average photographer!
(keep in mind, these are just screenshots, imagine what the originals are like!)
(this next one captures the essence of her inspiration on a daily basis)
More favorites of the millions from her archives!
I could do this everyday for a year and still have a ton more beautiful shots to show you. She is too much of a secret and now I ask for your help.
Please comment here to help me to persuade her to start her own blog and or Flickr photostream, both of which would be highly entertaining as they would be beautiful! Kim, I beelieve in you!!!
by Elle J. Mcguinness and Heather Brown
