Full Circle

Thoughtful Friday

It is not so much the example of others we imitate as the reflection
of ourselves in their eyes and the echo of ourselves
in their own words.
~Eric Hoffer

Thoughtful Friday

Although human subtlety makes a variety of inventions by different means to the same end, it will never devise an invention more beautiful, more simple, or more direct than does nature, because in her inventions nothing is lacking, and nothing is superfluous.
~Leonardo DaVinci

Thoughtful Friday

Fourth of July parade, 2007
"You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism."
~Erma Bombeck

Thoughtful Friday

Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space
lies our freedom and our power to choose our response. In our response
lies our growth and our happiness.
~ Viktor E. Frankl 

Thoughtful Friday

"Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must
have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves.
We must believe that we are gifted for something and
that this thing must be attained."
~Marie Curie

(I'm participating in Bella Dia's Thoughtful Friday)

Thoughtful Friday

"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on."
~Robert Frost

Thoughtful Friday

"Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe. We are the focus of their love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made."
~Roger Caras

Cassi at Bella Dia has started Thoughtful Friday and I thought I'd join in.
Maybe you'd like to, too? ;)

Patterns

The kids brought home bones and flowers and such, I brought home some of nature's patterns to play with...

black and white stripes and zebra swirls



vertical ocher shades and flowing organic circles



I'm trying to copy these in my sketch book for practice.

A Stitching Time

We had a nice break from our regular routine and went with our little homeschool group for another docent tour at one of the local galleries. This one was called The Seditious Stitch. The artists in the show seek to demonstrate that fiber arts, usually relegated to domestic and decorative craft, can be on par with modernist painting and sculpture.



Pieces above and below by artist Sheila Hicks



Work by Stephen Sollins...



Artist Hildur Bjarnadottir stitched "moss" on this tablecloth...



Sitting in the middle of "Lost in the Tall Grass: Sunday" by local artist Stephanie Marvel...



Sister trying her hand at weaving...



Our docent had a small activity for the kids afterwards - gluing a variety of yarn, in any inspired pattern, to a piece of black construction paper. The kids enjoyed the tour and it was nice for me to be able to sit back and let someone else be in charge for a bit ;) I enjoyed being a "bystander" and observing the kids in a different setting. I was able to concentrate on picture-taking and absorb all the creativity on display. Very relaxing and a good outing for all of us!

To Hell With Scarlett's Curtain Dress...

I want Mammy's blanket! The kids and I have been learning about the Civil War and in the process have been watching a few related movies. We watched the second half of Gone With the Wind last night and I fell in love with the blanket shawl Mammy is wearing in one scene. It looks like crocheted granny squares to me, but its pattern is so much more detailed than you usually see. I tried to get some photos of the TV screen and this was the best I could do :( I guess you'll have to rent the movie to really appreciate it!