Around here ...

BEING AN ARTIST ...
In my quest to become an artist, I jump at any chance to use a paint brush. My darling husband carved this block of wood to resemble a snow man (including his hat!) and I spent a few evenings painting him. I've got these cheap acrylic paints I picked up from Pearl last year, before they closed, so, I gave them a try. It took four coats of the white to get the smooth white effect of snow, and it took 5 coats of black to get the hat to look like I wanted. His nose was also created by dh and painted orange by me. The little green scarf was a quick crochet!



TEACHING ...

In my job, I follow a script to talk to fourth and fifth grade students about living in the Everglades and about water management. There's not much room for changes, but this year has been challenging. I haven't figured out (yet) how our program meets the new "Common Core Standards," but I'm working on it. My motto? As long as the teachers are happy, I'm happy!

DESIGNING ...

Still working with my darling daughter, the entrepreneur, and creating some fun things for use on social media. A lot of folks in my generation pooh-pooh social media, but, I think it's here to stay. As a user, I think it's a lot of fun and a great way to stay in touch with family and friends.

DISCOVERING ...

Many of the elementary schools I visit have butterfly gardens. The past ten years has seen a  huge, countywide movement to restore habitats for Florida's wildlife. Recently, I discovered a caterpillar that looks like a pile of bird poop on a tree branch. It's a swallowtail  caterpillar and, had it not been pointed out to me, I would never have seen it, much less recognized it! Once again, Mother Nature has an amazing way to keep the planet going!

Only 7 shopping days left until Christmas!

September sweeps ...

Oh. My. September is nearly done.

We have created a lovely show at Art Gallery 21 at the Woman's Club of Wilton Manors: the art of Nia Nakis. And, what an absolutely delightful human being she is! A lovely group of her friends and students have visited the gallery and they've all agreed with me about what a gifted artist she is! AND, she's sold a couple of pieces, which is always fabulous for an artist! You still have time to see Nia's show if you're in the neighborhood. It doesn't close until Friday, October 10.

I recently visited a passive park out west next to U.S. 27 ... Chapel Trail Park Nature Preserve in Pembroke Pines. Walked all the way out the boardwalk and took photos to share with my students this year. I think it's important to show them what's out there; places where they can go and experience the Everglades for themselves.

I've been doing a little design work for my darling daughter, the social media maven with the Master's Degree! This is a sample of the things we've created together ... (SoFi is pronounced like the name, Sophie) and I'm enjoying the entire process! It's been a fun way to, once again, dabble in some graphic design and to work with my girl. I'm so proud of her, my little entrepreneur!

My day job's kept me jumping, too! Research projects, prepping for school visits and wrapping up the budget for 2014-2015. Danbo will attest to that, too! He's been hounding me to clear my desk!

And, let us not forget that 30 days from today I will be with dolly friends, old and new, at the 2014 Integrity Toys Convention in Orlando, Florida where I and 499 likeminded folks will play for three glorious days with all those gorgeous Integrity girls!


C'mon, October!