simply me and I suppose self-indulgent

I am part old lady because of my love of...

tea

cleaning house

sewing

vintage aprons

trivets and knick-knacks

doilies

oil lamps

robes and slippers

house coats

costume jewelry

long walks

cats

flowers and gardening

yard sales

an early bedtime

I am part intellectual because of my love for...

books of all kinds

long pauses

thinking, constantly thinking,

always looking for a new way

sometimes being way too serious

philosophy

considering the possibilities

analyzing art

I am an educator because...

I love to share

every moment is teachable

I love to learn

it is the lighting of a fire

I can't imagine doing anything else

discussing art is gives me goosebumps

there is no better way for me to express my theatrical side

seeing a child's pride in their art and them self is magical

I am a party girl because of...

my love for live music

an uncontrollable urge to dance

my love for good beer

an ability to slam a shot (most of the time)

my small collection of wild high heels

a desire to stay out until last call

a need to get everyone in on the fun

my love for bar tricks and flair

the fact that in my heart I will always want to bartend

I am a child because of...

my laughter at stupid jokes

telling stupid jokes

taking very little seriously ;)

my love of play

living for the moment

I am a sucker because...

I would do anything for someone I care about

I spill my guts far too easily

I am an artist because...

I spill my guts far too easily

I can't resist a pen/crayon/pencil and paper

of the smell of etching ink

of the way slip feels

the possibilities are endless

without it I am not

I am what I am.

ten

Ten things I am currently really excited about in no particular order

1. our wedding

2. the feel of two 3" binders of curriculum that I wrote!

3. Gabe (oh wait, I am always excited about him)

4. Bird coming to visit

5. seeing my niece again

6. the Printmaking class I am starting soon

7. the new Death Cab for Cutie album that I am planning on purchasing

8. planning a birthday surprise for my bestest

9. Watching Iris cuddling with Greg in the morning while he's snoozing away

10. the lavender hydrangea in our garden

so many things to be excited about and thankful for.

my kind of art

The Middle School kids recently went to the MET and when they came back a colleague told me about this show... Willie Cole. Are those shoes? Yes, yes they are. Can't wait to get into the city to see it!

Also, there's a big show coming up of German Expressionist prints at the MoMA. It's all about the prints reflecting the political and social climate. I'm not super savvy on such things, but I love the idea that art has so much of an impact on what is/was going on in the world.

ALSO! In June the manfriend's band will be playing the American Visionary Art Museum's annual gala ball! the theme this year is "What makes us smile". It's going to be a fun event. People get dressed up crazy and the party is in a huge warehouse part of the museum. They even have a John Waters painting in the exhibit! If I ever get married I want it to happen there most likely. It probably costs a zillion dollars though. Either way I look forward to the event.

Check out the site http://avam.org/ very cool stuff. The whole idea behind the museum is supporting and promoting artists without training.

Now to take my training forward! Samples will have to do for right now, especially with Empty Bowls coming up. Just made two bowls out of recycled fabric, an almost basket-making technique. It's a little bit of a pain, but kind of meditative at the same time. An example I found on the web below...

A video on how to make fabric out of dissolvable fabric.

So many options! Just trying to think of options that aren't just clay. Not that it's JUST clay, but it seems like the go to solution. I have three grades working in clay, one in yarn and flower pots, two in bisqueware, one in molds, one with melted records, and one in the above and recycled magazines.

all of these things.

idle eyes

Is it bad to be always wanting more? Or does that just lead to a life of dissatisfaction and regret?

Battling the balance between living contently and aspiring to more.

Things I want for my life...

Go back to school

Remain close to family and friends

Explore new places

Have a good sense of history

Make art

Learn new things... cooking, hiking, knitting, welding, building, gardening and more...

Write a book

Stay grounded

Become a Master Teacher

Teach at a college

Own a Home

Have a studio

Go back to Italy

Move back to Baltimore and be a part of the culture and community there

so many things... sometimes I feel like life is just rushing by and I'm not getting anything done. It all keeps moving and moving. My family is growing all the time now that everyone is having babies and I am excited for my sister to have her first child and simultaneously terrified. I want to be by her side to help her the whole time but she lives so far away. At the same time, though, I am happy here and know in my heart it was the right decision for me.

more, more, more. Billy Idol I know how she felt.