I ooed and awed my way through this part of the museum. My camera didn’t like the glass protecting each one – but aren’t they just beautiful! It was a very informative display but really I was in it for aesthetics. I have been collecting a little ge0/gem board for quite some time on pinterest.
a little somebody wanted to be in every shot!
We spent Christmas in Pittsburgh, our one outing was to the natural history museum. Everyone had a good time, I could feel it coming on – I am not sure how t-rex gave me the stomach flu since he doesn’t have a stomach or an immune system but I am sure it’s from him. Then the whole family went to the spaghetti warehouse for dinner while I slept in the car. I laid low over the holidays, I finished my study on Ruth (more on that later), and my favorites at the museum were the minerals and gems (more on that later too). I am going to stretch my little week into another blog post or two so I don’t feel as guilty about not posting as much this year. Which I said I would never do (the guilty part) but it just happens. I haven’t made many new goals yet this year but (more on that later…!)
Ok, this is my last post of vacation photos… promise. One of my requirements for vacation is “art.” Pretty broad – a museum, workshop, gallery – just something to inspire a little creativity. I was thrilled to learn a town 15 minutes from where we were staying was the famous artist colony of Todos Santos. The people here are proud of their little town, laid back, sleepy seaside location, and the number of international artist “residents.” I loved Jill Logan’s painted waves and landscapes, the silver, hammered copper sinks, and a collaborative mosaic located in the center of the town. Definitely inspiring.
A friend of mine had recommend the novel The Red Tent, earlier this summer, which I took on vacation and actually finished! It was a very interesting read, loosely based on Dinah, the daughter of Leah and Jacob. It imagines life and traditions ancient womanhood, childhood, marriage, and the roles of each. I have been reading a book on Ruth as well, which is more biblically accurate, and have enjoyed the contrast and overlap of the two. It has been interesting to let the mind wander to what it would be like to live during ancient bible times and the stark contrast of what life is like as an American woman. So all of this was floating around in my mind while in Mexico, a foreign land, with my husband… still pondering all that. For some reason we had a very difficult time with meals on our trip, choosing restaurants, ordering, timing; but the last night we went to Taquila’s sunrise in Todos Santos, and had such an awesome meal. We even watched a local parade signaling the beginning of their festival go by. I was so thankful for the hospitality, good dessert, and on top of my meal were white pomegranate seeds.
I saw a yahoo article this week of “places to sleep on the beach”, hacienda cerritos was not on it but maybe it should have been… We gambled on a groupon and this is what we got! Our mornings started with coffee overlooking the pacific, with the continual sound of waves, and even better sunsets. We had a private infinity edge pool right outside our bedroom door. The house was artsy (just the way I like it!) and quiet (a rare treat!) You could see the ocean from every angle since the home was built on a rocky bluff jetting out over the water. The setting was first class, the hacienda was not perfect but close! The beach nearby is the best around for surfing (we didn’t try, the waves were a little intense for us), and we spotted some breaching humpback whales. The nights were so clear we could see millions of stars and the milky way. How awesome the views and nature and falling in love with my husband all over again! 
We try not to vacation in the same place more than once but looking at the photos again – I want to go back!
Last weekend, we took the girls down to GR to see artprize. I think this is our third year to make the trip. Since they are getting a bit older now, I wanted them to set the course of which direction to go and see what sparked their curiosity… I should have guessed, giant sculptures of teddy bears and pop cans and a swing set band. There was a lot of art to cover (no way we could take it all in one day) and a LOT of people. But truthfully, what took the prize for me was the drive north and seeing the autumn colors peeking the closer we got to home and the beautiful FULL moon rising over the horizon. Nobody creates like the Creator!
Can I take you girls on a “family date” tonight? My husbands idea of a surprise was to introduce us all to the driving range. I think I got a little farther with the camera than I did with the clubs… but the girls got into it. Nothing sweeter than seeing the love of your life teaching your little loves (in skirts none-the-less). Learning to take the moments as they come and embrace what’s around us. I keep saying “this is the best stage,” and praying that is my proclamation at every milestone!
This morning was too beautiful not to sneak out on a quick walk. Spring has been around for a while but you know, the trees are still waking up. I had to get a photo of this tree that looks like it has two different blossoms blooming from the same branches – I’ve never noticed this before. And my beautiful solomon’s seal which looks like the leaves unfold as it sprouts up. Hope you have a little son shine in your life today and get out for a little walk.
I love this project in our community and this Sawtooth Pinwheel block which pays homage to our towns beginnings in lumbering. Look at all those triangles, who new such a traditional “craft” like quilting could be simultaneously modern. The ladies who run our Osceola Quilt Trail do an EXCELLENT job and every block is painted with such a professional quality. In just a few short years they have painted and installed over 60 blocks throughout the community. I drive past many on a regular basis but think it would be fun to search out a few of the the hidden ones on the tour sometime. Much like quilting these blocks tell a story of the history of this area and the families who have settled here. Have you heard of quilt trails before or do you have a quilt trail in your community?
We are pretty busy in summer around here, so I really wanted to start something with our family that we could grow in, in a season wide open for us. So this year I took a gamble and gifted the girls some skis and passes at a local hill as their Christmas present. They LOVED it! It was confirmed when my husband stated “this was a really good idea.”
I was also able to knock off several of my new years resolutions with this little trip we just took. We snuck away for a little winter retreat at just the right time – we arrived at Crystal after the snow fell and after the power came back on. The trees were absolutely gorgeous weighted down with snow, and the sunshine peeking out to greet us from time to time. Here’s what our family gleaned from skiing together;
Even though this winter has been bizarre according to the weather reports, we have had the BEST winter! Wistfully I acknowledge this is a turning point for our family, as the snow melts the girls are shedding their toddler-hood and have fully grown into the big kid realm. The confidence they gained on the slopes has transferred beyond and to the pool, as they “FINALLY” go underwater and are starting to swim on their own. I find my self enjoying their company as I laugh with them now as their little humor matures. There is no greater joy as a parent than seeing your child claim the things you love the most for themselves… Little nut said to me “mom, let’s do this in a pattern, swim, ski, swim ski…” Oh, melt my heart, three of my favorite things.
“oh no, Flynn Rider is covered in snow!”
I took a moment this week to check out the drawing clay exhibit at Central Michigan University. Showcasing pieces on loan from artists all over the country such from Jenny Mendes, Beth Lambert & Woozel, Israel Davis and JustinRothshank, see more here. I took my nut along and she made a little art of her own, of all the slides on the wall she chose a frame of the Guggenheim museum and drew her own rendition.
It was so refreshing to see art in 3-D, I have been looking at lots of images lately but appreciated experiencing the pieces from all sides and getting to see the spectrum of colors of the unglazed portions of clay, earthenware, terra-cotta, stone-wares and porcelains. I am encouraged by the realm of possibilities in the different firings (wood, gas, electric) and the different types of surface design on clay. Many prints, decals and layers of slip & glaze. Inspiring for sure, it runs until Saturday.
