Seems like the weeks are rolling by and school will be out next week here in Houston! I haven't posted in awhile because I have been sick with Thyroid problems. That little butterfly shaped gland in the lower part of our neck is really giving me a hard time. I think I am on the road to recovery and my doctor tells me (with my medicine) I should be my nutty self in about six weeks. Yay! for that.
I have had some changes in my home which have affected my workspace. With the help of my wonderful husband my studio has changed from one side of my home to the other. At first I was not the happiest girl but I have come to like it more in its new location (I am blessed that I can even have my own studio at home so no gripes here!) Anyhoo, I am in the process of painting and arranging everything, plus I have pictures to share later.
The picture above is the little wall outside my studio doorway. I have been collecting "J" for years but decided to put only a few of them up.
This is the "J" I made using some old colored pencils I had. I got the idea to do this from the magazine Creating Keepsakes which had photo's of
Ali Edwards workspace in it. I can't remember what issue it was in but I do know it's been years and years ago. If I remember correctly a friend made her an "A" and I loved it so much I just had to make one for myself.
pottery
Originally uploaded by teachergal
I tried to focus more on the letting the writing guide me… not letting the photos lead the way, like I have the other days this week. (The writing on the left side of this layout captures the essence of my [...]
There are some wonderfully vibrant picture books around which both add a zing to El Día de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead) festivities taking place today in Mexico, and give children everywhere the opportunity to take part, even if it is via their imaginations.
Jeanette Winter has both written and illustrated books on the theme. In Calavera Abecedario: A Day of the Dead Alphabet Book, the special papier maché skeletons come to life and dance their way through the pages: it’s a fun and lively introduction to the day’s inherent craft traditions. Illustrated by Jeannette Winter, Day of the Dead is equally effective visually; the book’s author Tony Johnston tells the story of a family’s day of preparations before going out into the night “to welcome the spirits of their loved ones home again”.
Author Janice Levy and illustrator Loretta Lopez have teamed up again (published earlier this year was Celebrate! It’s Cinco de Mayo! / Celebremos! Es El Cinco de Mayo!) on a new, bilingual story, I Remember Abuelito: A Day of the Dead Story / Yo Recuerdo a Abuelito: Un Cuento Del Día De Los Muertos. It’s about a little girl who is thinking particularly about her beloved abuelito (grandfather), who has died a few month’s previously, as she helps her family get ready for the Day of the Dead celebrations, when she knows she will find him again. A full review of this gentle and uplifting story with accompanying activities will be published in this month’s update of PaperTigers… Janice Levy is, of course, also the author of the very special The Spirit Of Tío Fernando: A Day of the Dead Story/El espíritu de tío Fernando: Una historia del Día de los Muertos.
And for a story - Magic Night, Noche Mágica - directly from author René Colato Laínez‘ manuscript, check out this post on La Bloga…
Meanwhile, on the other side of the world from where all these festivities are taking place, today has been chosen as the UK’s Family Storytelling Day, to kick off the month’s StoryQuest. Even if you’re too far away to take part physically in any of the many events being organised all over the country, take a look at the website for ideas and tips on how to go about introducing your children to their own family heritage: share in the Día de los Muertos celebrations and bring your ancestors alive by passing their stories down through the generations.
glad you're getting settled in your new studio space! i LOVE your "j" collection...my favorite is the one you made from the colored pencils...fabulous!
sorry to hear about your thyroid challenges...i've been taking thyroid meds for 15 years now...i understand how it can get you down. i hope you're feeling better soon!
hugs,
:)
I like the wall of J's! Very cute.
Your J's rock! How fun.
Funny you should mention this....I have been researching thyroid problems lately & am signing up to get myself tested soon... :~P
i adore that pencil j ... and the fact that you even collect j's ... way cool ....
you're just full of inspiration these days! the pencil j is just too clever and adorable! i need one, want one, gotta have one!! of course, i already have tons of pencils to get started.
have a wonderful weekend, jennifer!
i'm kind of partial to 'j's' myself....
I love the colored pencil "J". I just may have to make a "K" someday. How fabulous.