Sunday, September 26, 2010

drawing a flower


I spent three hours drawing this flower yesterday. Why? Because I took a class at NC Botanical Garden, called "Drawing for People Who Think They Can't Draw" and this was the subject I drew. For having very little faith in my ability to accomplish this task, I feel good about what I walked away with. Along with some good drawing tips and tricks, we learned about observing the small details and taking your time, both of which are qualities I value in my everyday life. It wasn't as much of a stretch as I thought it might have been. As for the drawing, maybe if I could figure out how to add some color . . .

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Grandma, Long Ago

This is a picture of Brian's grandma that I came across and I'm so taken by it. I love her open expression, her smile, her relaxed pose. She's beautiful, without attempting to be. I love that. When I look at her image, like any other photo taken so long ago, I wonder what she's thinking about, what her aspirations and hopes are at this point, what her story is in this moment. Is she married yet? Does she have children? What are her interests, her hobbies, her passions?

It's difficult to imagine people other than how we currently see them, especially if we didn't know them before now. But, with photos like this, we have clues to who someone might have been. Based on how friendly and open she appears in this image, I'd be so happy to meet her younger self. But that isn't much of a surprise, as I feel so fortunate to know her now.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Teacher's Pet

On Friday, Brian shared with me that Eric let Ms. Nancy (his preschool teacher) know that he loved her. Not once, not twice, but three times during their reading circle. I asked him about it, and he'll only admit to saying it once. "No, for truth, Mommy, only one time." But I'm not buying it. He's just buttering her up and getting on her good side, before she gets to truly know his crazy, fun-loving, little self.

He really does have some very endearing qualities, despite me, Brian, or Sarah yelling, "ERIC!!" every day, more times than we care to count. Oh, wondering about that picture? He was dressing up as a police officer. Nice placement of those stars, huh?

Friday, September 10, 2010

end of summer/at the pool

During the month of August, we spent as many days as possible at the pool. It closed for the season on Labor Day, and we were there, enjoying one last swim. It wasn't nearly as pleasant as it had been a few warmer weeks earlier, and we didn't last long, but we were still there. We've decided that next year, we'll sign up for the entire summer. It was just too much fun.

Eric's claim to fame - everytime he went underwater, he pinched his nose. Despite his best efforts to avoid inhaling water, somehow he still did. It didn't seem to phase him too much. He just made a really cute, surprised face everytime he popped up.
As for Sarah, this summer she went from being afraid to swim to eagerly jumping in the deep end, over and over and over again. If I didn't witness it, I wouldn't have guessed she was the same kid. I'm constantly amazed.

Friday, September 3, 2010

a snail

I love that they are both fascinated by a snail. We put it in one of the pots out back after looking at it because Sarah didn't quite want to let it go.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

first day of school - part 2

Yesterday, I dropped Eric off at Ms. Nancy's for his first day at preschool. There was no flood of emotion on my part, unlike with his big sister. Why? Because he's been (both patiently and impatiently) waiting two years for his turn to go. And because I know this place, and it's a really good one. My hope is that I'll say the same in two years, when it's his turn for kindergarten.