Free as We'll Ever Be

Alright, after much procrastinating I am finally joining up with Simply Feather on her creative art inspired weekly Thursday meme, encouraging folks to get a little creative and inspire each other. My resident artist and youngest son Gabriel was all over this task when I tried to explain it to him. He draws daily and encourages/begs me to join in any chance he can get. How can I say no to him when his oldest brother who is 14, some days will only scowl at me. I understand how fleeting time can be, you have to take advantage and cherish. So anyways, Gabe wants to be a comic book artist one day soon. Hs first choice is to be Captain America, but if he can't save the world literally he will do it through his art. This week I told him that I would be trying to create something inspired by our trip last weekend to the butterfly sanctuary. Here is what we came up with. I used watercolor pencils and sharpie, and Gabriel chose some old paint by number paints. Yes I know it's quite a mix, but it worked. After some frustration on my part( my computer not printing and having to run between rooms to gaze at my inspiration); Gabe being a more instinctual artist was able to just visualize and create. He was in his glory, his Mom at his side and his creative juices flowing.

About a week ago I watched Crossroads on CMT with The Zach Brown Band and Jimmy Buffet. I cannot get enough of their heartfelt cover of Free/Into the Mystic, a song that perfectly sums up their love of what they do. Van Morrison's version of this song is classic, but this cover is so special. I have been playing this on my Ipod all week, and it is what we listened to as we worked on our art. Take a few to listen and you will be glad you did.

You can check out what Simply Feather and friends have done this week also and what inspired them at http://simplyfeather.blogspot.com/ . And, I am also hooking up with The Inspired Room at http://theinspiredroom.net/. This is a beautiful blog full of great creative ideas.

Peace.

Rainy Days and Daffodils

Trying to remain wordless, it is Wednesday after all. We have unprecedented amounts of rain in these parts. I rescued these pretty things from my mother-in-law's yard a few days ago, and just in the nick of time as " the rain rain rain came down down down in rushing rising rivulets, and the river crept right out of it's bed and ........." Winnie the Pooh anyone? This is definitely wellie wearing Christopher Robin weather we are having. Happy Wednesday, hope your staying dry.

Pretty Green

This "pretty green" butterfly is my entry for The Pioneer Woman's latest photography contest. "Green" is the category, interpret as you wish. If you have not visited her blog you need to do so asap. It is amazing; and beautiful and fascinating and informative, colorful, insightful, inspiring and just about perfect. I could go on and on, anyone could really. Do check it out, and wish me luck. I will choose another submission for tomorrow, I think the contest runs for four days. Join me! http://thepioneerwoman.com.

Mosaic, Macro Monday

Spur of the moment yesterday I took my younger boys and my niece to visit the butterflies. It was a little bit of a road trip for us. We packed some snacks, wrote out the directions and with my niece riding shotgun and the boys in the next row asking how much longer, we were off. It was a cool gray day, almost like being stuck in a black and white photograph. When we arrived and finally entered the sanctuary it was as if someone switched to color film, like in Wizard of Oz. It was warm, lovely and peaceful in there and we spent a few hours making friends with the butterflies and admiring their beauty. It was magical and well worth the trip and worthy of Macro and Mosaic Monday. Do check out the rest at: http://lisaschaos.blogspot.com and http:// dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com.

Mellow Yellow Monday

You can visit other cheery photos on this rainy mellow monday at: http://mellowyellowmonday.blogspot.com/. Enjoy

Monochrome Weekend

I took this photo a few days ago, just off the beaten path, literally. It may look like I was way out in the wilderness, but not really. I am always on the look out for interesting scenery, someplace to rest my eyes that is not familiar and bland. I think I was distracted by the rusty swampy water contrasted with the bright green clumps of new grass growing like little islands. I checked my rear view mirror twice and carefully pulled the minivan over. I grabbed my little point and shoot digital, set on auto. This could not be a drive by shot. I would need to get out for this one. After uploading the photos I saw all the interesting reflections the trees were making in the murky water. Today I decided to turn it black and white and see what else emerged. Wow. I really like the vertical zebra-like stripes of the reflections; cool, interesting and jungle like.

You can check out what others are posting in monochrome at:http://monochromeweekendtheme.blogspot.com/. I just took a quick look myself and I am speechless. La la lovely. Happy weekend.

Sky Watch Friday

Muted gray skies abound here, nothing too dramatic. Have fun checking out the skies around the world at:http://skyley.blogspot.com.

Wordless Wednesday: Signs of Spring

A Crab's Crib

That's my home in a shallow bowl, thanks for stopping by MTV.
http://showyourworld.blogspot.com/

Macro Monday

Look what I got at Walgreens for $8.99! At Walgreens? Who knew. It is so tiny and lovely and perfect for a macro photograph. La la love it.

Go to http://lisaschaos.blogspot.com. for more lovely photos. Enjoy.

Mosaic of Life

My boy is back to school this week. He thanked me for taking care of him last week when he was home sick. Really. He did this just as he kissed me and ran out for the bus, one quick deep connection and he was off. That is his style. His brother left grouchy, rude and nearly late, a night owl who cannot get out of bed in the morn. My oldest boy skipped breakfast, again. This will nag at me all morning until I know he has had lunch. And, my daughter has her first boyfriend and is often caught staring off into space, listening with head phones to a CD of special songs he made her. Oh my, it is all so heart warming and exciting, and every time I hear a Taylor Swift song it "takes me back to that place". My empathy for her and this experience nearly knocks the wind out of me. Oh well, they are off and my "to do" list is large, and now I will be distracted by all the lovely mosaics at http://dearlittleredhouse.com.

Shadow Shot for Sunday

Lots of great shadows around here today.

Yay for sun!

kids outdoors, and in and out and in ,

a clean garage,

water fights,

real forsythia blooms, not forced,

5th's is fading fast,

and balls on the roof.

Strong shadows everywhere.

Go to http://heyharriet.blogspot.com and check out all the shadow shots.

Pleading with Fifths

Dear 5th's Disease,

Why do you call yourself a disease when you are just a virus? It makes you sound deadly when your really just annoying and uncomfortable but pretty harmless. Why is this itchy rash, that now covers my arms, legs, torso and cheeks lasting so long and getting worse, especially at night when I need my sleep and my Mom does too. Also, why does allergy medicine seem to make me hyper when most kids get sleepy from Benadryl? I didn't get to sleep until 4:ooam! Sure hope the Zyrtec works better. So far though I am more hyper than ever, running on only four hours of sleep, but bouncing and zinging my new kick ball off the walls and ceiling, much to my Mother's delight. FYI: I am naturally an itchy person so you are the perfect storm of a disease for me. Also, does an oatmeal bath really have alot of oatmeal in it? Will I swim in the oatmeal? What if my cheeks are still red tomorrow will I go to school? Will my Dad take his third(unprecedented) family sick day and pick me up from school early? I like that!! :) Finally, do you call yourself Fifth's Disease, because on the fifth day you get better? Mom will like that!!

Love, My 8 year old itchy self

Wordless Wednesday: Forcing Forsythias

Red Delicious Monchrome

Today I am joining up with the group at Monochrome Weekend. There are already so many gorgeous monochromes from around the world and really cool shadow shots. Check it out and enjoy:http://monochromeweekendtheme.blogspot.com/ and http://heyharriet.blogspot.com
. Regards!

Skywatch Friday

This was taken from my front stoop a few weeks back. If you look closely you can see Summer off in the far distance. :)

Today I am off to buy new razor scooters for my boys. They need more "fun" in their lives so I've been told. I think we all have Spring fever. My 11 year old keeps rollerskating down steep inclines. His arms flailing wildly, dodging on-coming traffic, trying to keep up with his buddy on a motorized scooter and impress the neighborhood girls. We live in a hilly area, and impulsive and not the most coordinated child this is causing me stress. I am thinking of having a t-shirt printed up with "wear your helmet!" silk screened across the front and back. I've said it about 50 times this week.

You can check out skies across the world at: http:skyley. blogspot.com.

Wordless Wednesday

Here Comes the Sun.....do do do doo

I've been feeling a little off lately, maybe even a little "imbalanced". Examples: not nearly patient enough, not getting along well with off spring, feeling sorry for myself with no good reason, annoyed with self over this, distracted easily, in need of a back rub, overwhelmed by the mess and clutter of life in this house. Could be a woman thing but I'm going with lack of vitamin D. I just need more sunshine. Yesterday was lovely weather, warmer breezes and lots of sun, finally. I painted my goddaughter's little toenails bright pink, her choice, on our front steps and we shared a chocolate bar. Bliss. Today I found runnuculus in the grocery store for $1 a bunch! I love these funky flowers. I'm feeling warmer already.

Sky Watch Friday

Love the nostalgic feel of the birds on a wire. Why do birds on telephone wires remind me of 1950? You can check out skies around the world at: http://skyley.blogspot.com.

Mosaic Monday

I just heard some tragic news as I was swallowing my toast that brought me to tears. In a nearby town two teens were killed in a car accident, on a Sunday afternoon. They were brother and sister. My prayers go out to their parents. Teens, I am realizing are all about seperating from you and independence. It's part of life. But, losing them that early and with that finality should not be. I will remind myself (and husband) to cherish every interaction we have with our's, no matter how trying those interactions can be.
Here's to many more lovely mosaics and days ahead.

Silhouette Sunday

I know I am stretching the shadow thing a bit here, but with all the dull grey skies lately there has not been a lot of opportunity for shadows. By solarizing and warming this photo a little I was able to emphasize the silhouette of these trees. I took this in my mother-in-laws driveway. She had us over for lunch today, as she is soon headed south to bright sun bright enough to cast shadows. Enjoy Meme. You can check out more shadow shots at: http://heyharriet.blogspot.com.

Superstition

I feel like I am living in a parallel universe and it's getting more and more confusing. We live in the northeast part of the country that has been getting pummeled with snowstorm after storm, yet we get relatively little. We seem to be in a vacuum. Blizzards swirl all around us, yet we remain unscathed. The weather men are even more confused than me. They now babble in circles , insecure in their ability and can no longer predict the weather with any accuracy. I can't even look them in the eye anymore. I am annoyed and sympathetic at once. The yellow bus in this photo shows up at odd times and drops the kids off, home early for the day with only light flurries in the skies. Some mornings we get only rain and still the bus does not show. Two weeks ago, the state closed early as we were expecting 12-18 inches of snow. We got 2 and a half. The kids don't seem to mind ofcourse; I see them walking around the house, up late on school nights, shirts inside out and backwards, and lately I have been finding spoons under the beds. Their superstitious ways seem to be working.

Shut -Ins

Today I feel like a shut-in and just a little batty. We had yet another snow day even though we didn't really get any snow. Go figure. I thought about taking my group to the mall since the roads looked just fine, but then came to my senses. We ended up just laying low and riding out "the storm". I decided to practice my photo taking/editing skills since I had so many captive people within reach. I bribed my son who I have hardly photographed in the last year to pose for a few stills ( he was actually playing xbox or wii or something like that most of the time, but at least he's not bolting from the room). My sweet daughter was more than willing to pose for me today and her littlest bro jumped in near the end of the shoot, always willing to ham it up. My other son was hooked up to his ipod "watching Fred". Who's Fred and is he okay for 5th graders?

My Cyber World

This is our computer desk where a lot of interest in our home is centered. We keep our desktop and a laptop computers here in this space just off our family room. We are able to monitor our children in this scary cyber world we live in. They use the computers for homework as needed, to play games, and our highschoolers, to chat with friends and browse facebook. When limited it is not a bad social option for young teens who you don't want out at night unsupervised, although recently we have limited their time to an hour on school days as it was too much of a temptation when there is homework to be done. I do like that they can get their social fix with friends from the safety of their home as I lurk nearby. "Mom, your a creeper" I have heard, more than once from my oldest son. Apparently this is face book slang for one who frequents your page and or looks over your shoulder. If I'm a creeper so be it, it's part of good parenting in 2010. Just when you think you have it all under control your 13 year old purchases what you think is an ipod with this Christmas money only to find our that he has unlimited access to the Internet, anytime, anywhere, any site. Shouldn't they write that is bold print on the front of the box? Just a little FYI to parents maybe? This was last year and now they have perfected the parental controls and you can shut their access down as an option, which we promptly did after much research and fretting. This year when our 11 year old spent his money on one for himself we were able to immediately shut this option down leaving him with what we thought were game applications and the ability to store his music. We were shocked to learn that he has texting. His is not a phone, but with a free texting application he was good to go. A ten year old friend shared this info with him. We were even more surprised to learn that even though he does not have access to face book via our computer because we feel he is too young and have not yet caved under his begging, on his ipod touch he can go on face book even without Internet access, providing he knows someones password and can then update their status and post photos. Scary on many levels, especially when it is your password he knows. All this technology worries me regularly and keeps us on our toes. Our youngest child, only 8 but quickly approaching 15, is an Internet surfing wiz. We will be creeping on him for years, I'm sure.
You can check out what's going on in other worlds here:http://showyourworld.blogspot.com/.

Ruby Tuesday

I found some color in my house. La la love it.

It's Ruby Tuesday, check it out:http://workofthepoet.blogspot.com/

Eye Can See You

Eye thought eye would join in macro Monday this week with this up-close and personal shot of my son. Eye like how the high black and white contrast makes his lashes pop. You can see more macro photos at: http://lisaschaos.com/. Enjoy!

Vacation Week Recap

It is Mosaic Monday, and the day is flying by. The house is quiet; and kind of tidy which is nice. Woke this morning with visions of the week ahead, only to turn on the weather to reports of mashed potato snow. Really, that's how the weather man described it. The forecast for this evening will be cloudy with a chance of mashed potatoes, which will probably mean a snow day tomorrow. No school! My little one tried for a sick day today, with a stuffy nose, and a sore leg muscle from his wrestling tournament yesterday. I quickly gave him a light dose of ibuprofen and a pep talk. "You will probably be home tomorrow I reminded him if we get the mashed potatoes they are predicting." He smiled and ran out the door to catch his bus.
Thanks Mary at: http://dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com.

Monochrome Home

Snowy photographs look grand in black and white. Throw in a birch tree and shadows cast and contrast is king. You can see many lovely monochrome pictures at:http://monochromeweeklytheme.blogspot.com/. Enjoy the contrast.