The Starry Night sweater

Where did this month go? Snow storms and working on NBPTS entries is my answer. For a little creative break I have been working on needle felting 'The Starry Night' onto a sweater. I've had this idea for a while; it took forever to find the right WOOL sweater at Goodwill. Some people have 'Goodwill luck' finding clothing - I am not one of them. I have found many great picture books though, even some older Caldecott medal winners to add to my collection. At present, my creative output will remain minimal until I'm done with NBPTS. Happy soon-to-be Spring!

Snow~Day #2, NBPTS

Today was a great snow~day. I had coconut, ginger, cashew granola made, orchids and chickens watered and the wood box filled with firewood - all before 7:30 am. I spent the rest of the day working on my National Board for Professional Teaching Standards portfolio. Tea mug in hand... it was a 'can do' kind of day.   

Orchid and Winter Window

This wonderful orchid is blooming for the first time in two years. It arrived here in Maine as a gift after flying home from West Palm Beach, Florida. I love the sunny yellow color of the blossoms.

I thought a picture of my window would make for a nice contrast. It has been below zero here every morning for the past week. BUT IT IS STAYING LIGHT A LITTLE LONGER EACH DAY!
Ah, 'wintah' time in Maine. I'll bet I own more polar fleece items of clothing than the state of Texas has collectively. In my studio working on my National Board certification I look like a bundled up cave woman. No complaints though, it all feels good. I was meant to be a modern day cave woman pondering art lesson plans from my studio overlooking the wonders of winter. This IS the life. Cheers! - may 2013 be wonderful.

H-A-P-P-Y New Year

Snow~Day #1, Hello Kitty and EGGS!

My first snowday of this school year! Under a blanket of snow, today was actually... somber. This day off created an opportunity to reflect on the recent tragedy in the elementary school in CT. As an elementary school teacher, I can not fathom something so horrific.  My students are children... innocent, wonderful, loving, funny, caring... children. As today started, I felt like I wanted to do something for them. Something that said 'I love you guys'. Well it came in the shape of 'Hello Kitty' mittens - what can I say?! Tomorrow the 6th graders hold an auction. Twice a year the class holds this event. All year long the students earn tickets for various things, behaviors, grades, etc. The teachers donate items and the students use their tickets to cash in on the donated goods. Many of these students 'buy' items as holiday gifts for their families. I made this pair of mittens to donate to their auction.

                                                                               
My chickens finally started laying EGGS! Wa-hoo. The first eggs are always so much fun because they are so little. Omelet anyone?