Blogger has not been kind to me. . .

Sorry to have disappeared, everybody! I haven't been able to post to Blogger for some odd reason. As I type this, I'm not even sure that this time is going to work. So if you are reading this, cheer along with me!

We're in the middle of summer already. I love the togetherness of summer -- the schedules seem lighter; the deadlines less stringent. . . or maybe it's my attitude that changes. But at the same time, your kids might be getting bored about now.

So here is a challenging project for you all to work on together, depending upon the ages of your kids. It's messy but fun and there's so many options for your creation. Enjoy! And if you get this stuff all over your hands, arms, etc -- go outside and spray each other down with the hose. It'll feel great!

http://familycrafts.about.com/od/makeapinata/How_to_Make_a_Pinata.htm

It's a color-full afternoon!

Lots of things to do around the house today but i have to take breaks for bursts of color in-between those jobs I have to do.    There is a sketch to be colored-in. . .  No sense in sticking with what I see every day!   I'm creating violet vines (i like the way that sounds!) and there are  stars of lime and sparkly torquoise.   The scattered bubbles are periWINKle -- I love when colors 'wink' at me ;-)

i must dream of colors for the flowers that i never see in the real world.. .

3rd Saturday of every month. . .

Visit the Blue Line Gallery on Vernon Street in Roseville!    Free hands-on activities for children held every 3rd Saturday from 1:00-4:00.  

You can follow up that creative explosion afternoon with a quick dinner in the area and then go on to participate in Roseville's monthly 3rd Saturday Art Walk.   

A fun day every month for everyone in the family!

Mothers Day candleholder

May 10 is the big day!   Here's an idea for you to create for Mom:

supplies:  baby food jar, plastic gems (flat back), craft glue, votive candle, ribbon, sparkle glue

Once the jar is washed and dry, glue your plastic gems in a pleasing pattern onto the jar.  Let dry.  Add decorative squiggles with sparkle glue and let dry thoroughly.  Tie a thin ribbon around the neck of the jar (be sure it won't be anywhere near the flame of the candle).   Voila!  

Keeping busy during spring break!

Spring break is upon us. . .  and so is the rain!   Need something to keep everyone busy?   Check out this link. . .

http://www.education.com/activity/Soda_Bottle_Greenhouse

Coming up. . . Earth Day!

Mark your calendars for a celebration of our Earth.   check out this link:

www.roseville.ca.us/explore/earth_day/default.asp

I'm back!

In addition to art, I also love teenagers and youth ministry.   During the past few weeks, I have been working with our church and making plans for our senior high students to spend their Easter break serving the people of the Central Valley.   They all took off yesterday.   I'm so excited to hear their stories upon their return!

it's Second Saturday weekend!

March 14 is Second Saturday.   Many art galleries in Sacramento, Roseville and Fair Oaks stay open late on the second Saturday of each month and host "open houses".

In addition, there are family-friendly activities here in Roseville!   Check out this link http://www.roseville.ca.us/parks/parks_n_facilities/facilities/maidu_indian_museum_special_events.asp

You can spend an entire Saturday at Maidu Center for only $14/family.   Make it a special Second Saturday!

A "p.s." for the kids:   be sure to take a sketchbook with you on your Second Saturday adventure!  All you need is a sketchbook and a good quality pencil.  Sketch your favorite parts of your day and when you return home, you can add color with crayons, markers, colored pencils or watercolors... or not!  It's up to YOU because it's your art!

Your sketches will bring back these fun memories more than a photograph - because you will be sketching what YOU see and what was most important to YOU.   Have fun. . .  and I'd love to see them so post a link in a reply to me, ok?

Is the doom and gloom getting you down?  Here's a prescription!

Traditions are a wonderful way to draw families and friends close to us and to focus on the blessings of life that don't have to do with the economy.  Part of the JUICY lifestyle is to embrace simplicity and love with GUSTO!

Here are a few ideas for planning for next week because...    St Patrick's Day is coming up!

I encourage you to celebrate family and embrace the JUICY-ness of life!   Here are a few ideas for next week - March 17 - St Patrick's Day!

http://allrecipes.com/howTo/St-Patricks-Ireland/Detail.aspx

http://allrecipes.com/howTo/Green-Punch/Detail.aspx

http://allreceipes.com/howTo/Luck-O-The-Irish-Brownie/Detail.aspx

Whip up a recipe or two,  set the table with a white or green tablecloth, sprinkle Lucky Charms cereal and/or chocolate coins around the table for edible decorations!   And when everyone is seated, kick off the celebration with this traditional Irish toast:

"May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, the sun shine warm upon your face, the rain fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the hallow of his Hand"

Celebrating the birthday of DR. SEUSS!

One of my favorite places to take my students is the Blue Line Gallery on Vernon Street in Roseville.

In honor of Dr. Seuss, the Blue Line is currently hosting a special exhibit: The Art of Dr. Seuss.   In addition, you can continue celebrating the event thru March 7, 2009, by attending "Seussical the Musical" showing at the Magic Circle Theatre also on Vernon Street in Roseville.