Baby Girl Flies South

It is a joyous, bittersweet moment as my baby flies to visit her sister, and I stay behind and hope and wonder. Such is the life of a mother on the verge of encouraging her baby to fly out on her own. It is a thoughtful time reflecting on the JOYS of motherhood. Watching one's children grow up is bliss in action. Sharing it with someone you love and hold dear is miraculous. So, I count my blessings.

Basketball Mania

Watching her play basketball gets my heart pulsing. I wonder what it does to her?

Flying
Leaping
Shouting, commanding
Running, turning, running
Smiling
Pointing
Shooting
Breathing
Beautiful daughter

Lipstick in Afghanistan by Roberta Gately

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This first novel by Roberta Gately is pivotal because it is written from her personal experience as an "Amrika" humanitarian worker and nurse in the war zone in Bamiyan, Afghanistan. It describes real events that occurred there: the Hazara tribes in Afghanistan, the 2001 destruction of the sandstone Buddhas by the Taliban, site of the world's oldest oil paintings, and the civilian homes in the nearby mountainous caves. It is a highly personal book with a love interest to boot. True to historical events, the writer does not skirt violence and destruction. Nonetheless, I recommend this book, especially in light of the 10th anniversary of 9/11.



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Flowing Like the River

We can flow or not.

I chose to flow.
Keep an open mind and be mindful in life.

Leaning on nature to soothe my woes is healing for me.

Tears of JOY

My teenagers, the babies, are driving to Chicago to see their sisters this weekend. It's a joyous occasion to see them spending time together. Precious time. Willow is a senior in high school, so I know I have to enjoy every minute of her boundless energy before it's QUIET at home. That will be sad.

Quietness

Being alone in my busy life is a gift.

I accept the silence soaking it in
as it pours into my spirit
juices of creativity to
hack into when I am needy.

Today the ALONENESS feels wonderful.
I need it to grow.

A mother killdear protects her four eggs with loud cries

and spreads her wings to alarm me.

Teaching Theo and Annabel

Teaching art to Theo and Annabel reminds me of working with my own children when they were young. They are eager to please and laugh a lot. I am always impressed with their focus when making art. It seems as if it is so natural. Where does this desire and focus go to as children age?

I wonder?

Summertime and the Living Is Easy

After finishing a rigorous school year for myself and my students, I am excited about summer. I feel like I am in elementary school; and I have a LONG time to relax, reflect, and recuperate. The vibrant colors of my backyard gardens and the comfort of my home is healing energy. Bring it on...

technology as sport

Technology is the tiger
I am hunting for this beast
Will I survive and walk away unscathed
I believe I can learn new tricks.

Why Casa de Arte?

Casa de Arte is me. I live in a world of asking questions, seeking knowledge, and creating art from simple materials.  My home is my studio, my window to the world. Art is the point of reference from which I view the world. My home is where I am.  I am a seeker; art is my canvas to understanding my life.  I am art. Art is me.  I live in a house of art, mi casa de arte.

Quiet Spaces

Alone is a fresh feeling as if I am riding my bike for the first time after an extensive absence of not having a bicycle in my life.  There are so many questions to answer. So many new roads to wander.