~Ms. Aaloka~

~This beautiful flower was given to me by Ms. Aaloka.~ It is a "Tube Rose" & it smells so wonderful!~ Aaloka is her first name & she is from Bangladesh. We worked together for about a year in the "after school day-care, at Our Lady of Lourdes School".~It was a perfect part-time job for me at the time.~We were took care of the pre-K & kindergartners. She was Ms. Aaloke & I was Ms. Amy, to the little peoples.~
~So, I call her Ms. Aaloka, Aaloka, means "lustrous".~ And, Ms. Aaloka really is, she lights up when you see her.~She is more than likely in her mid, maybe late 60's, but it is hard to tell, by the way she looks & acts.~Her manner is kind,loving & very happy.~The two of us, just loved each other & would talk & talk.~
~Anyway, our job was to love & care for those "little, tiny bits" when they were done with school.~From 3 till 5:30.~
~At the end of the school year, Ms. Aaloka started bringing these flowers in, from her garden~ some for Ms. Kathy ~who was our wonderful "boss-lady"& some for me.~What a gift !~She told me, "put them on your table & when you wake up in the morning your house is going to smell so wonderful!"~I fell in love!~Amazing smell!~
~I had to quit working there this past Dec., I was painting a lot of sets~& that was a good thing, but, bad, because I had to leave the after care program & my sweet friends & "little stinkers".
~So, this Spring~who do you think I got a call from?~ Ms. Aaloka~Funny because, I answered the phone:"hello"~ the very sweet Indian voice on the end said,: "Amy!~Who do you think this is?"~in my mind I was (smiling) & saying, "ummm this is hard, lol!"~ Out loud, I said: "Ms. Aaloka!"~(she doesn't use the phone very often, I know this, because, she told me so. :)
~Her answer was the sweetest :"YES!"~ you ever herd.~
~We talked a little, then she said:" Remember I told you, I would give those flowers?"~
~me~"Yes"~ Her: "I have some for you!"~
You have to know how happy she sounded, my heart felt so happy too.~
We planted them in the front yard, near our porch.~
~So, I now have my own Tube Roses~ & they are blooming right now.~ I'm not sure, but, I guess they bloom all summer.~Because, Ms. Aaloka's bloomed in the Spring.~We had no blosomes when we planted them & I didn't think they would bloom till next year.~
~I was just sitting outside & their beautiful smell was just now, relaxing me & making me feel so happy.~
~Thank You Ms. Aaloka~<3~
~amy~

~I want to write my name in the sand with my toes again !~ This "little" family needs to have a vacation.~We all have been working real hard & we need to be refreshed.~ I have taken the kids on little day trips to the river & "here & there's".~But, we need a real get away.~ It has been 3 years since our last family vacation.~
~Well, with any luck after these last projects are complete, the Sullivan's will load up the"Sulevan", (that is what my license plates read) & get away to breath the ocean air.~
~amy~

~To Pick or Not to Pick~

~"That is the Question !"~
~After driving my son to work very early this morning, I stepped out of my car, to a wonderful smell.~ I followed my nose across my yard to these gorgeous irises, that opened a day ago. They are a beigey , green color, very old fashion in style, very ruffled petals.~The blossoms were so heavy that they were leaning almost to the ground.~I planted them 2 years ago, wish I knew what they were called.~ Then I walked over to my peony's, another wonderful smell.~"Hmmmm, to pick or not to pick?" ~We always pick the magnolia blossoms & put them in a bowl, sweet lemony smell.~Poor Iris broke while I was trying to take her picture.~So, into the bowl.~
~I think the answer is BOTH.~~~~Well, I am painting sets tonight,"Peter Pan"~ so I need to put my "paint clothes" on~ I wouldn't want to get paint on my favorite overalls.~ LOL~
~This weekend is going to be full to the brim.~amy~

~Slowly~

~Cinderella Set~

~Rowan, all dressed for the "Fairy Tale Ball, last weekend~"Sound of Music" theme.~
~My oldest son Gabriel w/ Vicky~at the ball~"aren't they sweet?~
~Slowly~
I haven't been here in forever.~Time just keeps getting away from me.~
And, when I come by & think I need to leave a post~ I just freeze. What will I write?~I can talk about, painting sets or homeschooling Rowan or how hard this past February & March were, with the passing of my sweet Mother-in-law, Delma & how much I miss her.~
But, I say nothing.
~So, I'm going to "Slowly" come back to my bloggy.~ I have just started painting on a new set~"Peter Pan" !~ I have been working in my yard & learning how to teach my little girl, who is dyslexic.~I am also dyslexic, you just learn differently, you are smart, you just see things in ways others do not.~Well, it has been a journey, but I must say, I am glad that I am taking it with Rowan.~
~Here are a few pictures, taken over the past few months.~<3~"SLOWLY"~

~Revamp My Heart~

~Oh Goodness !~ For really !~
~We have had some snow here in Richmond Va., yes we have !~ All the snow that we have been wishing for these past, many years.~But, we have gotten it all at once or twice, maybe three times, it's becoming a blur.~ The little snowman tells the story, Rowan made him & with each snow, he just gets better & better looking.~Wish I could say the same for me. ~LOL~Actually, I love snow and everything that comes with it~snowmen , sledding , the thrill of going to the grocery store, with all the other "goof-balls".~
~But, the reality check is painful.~Shows have to go up, so sets need to be painted & we are behind.~ And, oh how hard is it to get into work mode when there are so many gaps in what you neeeed to focus on.~ That's me right now.~
~But, today I took a moment to "Revamp My Heart"~ the wooden Valentine heart that I have been hanging on my door for about 10 years, needed some revamping.~I had Philip cut it out for me & I painted & decorated it.~ I should have taken a before picture, but trust me the gold leaves & berry's were pretty sad looking.It was a kinda Baroque look.~Now, my heart has a new look, pretty !~
~amy~

~2o10~

~Wow, it is 2o10 !~
~I am eating my black-eyed peas & turnip greens, as I write this.~I am lucky because, I really do enjoy both. I woke this morning & remembered to say "Rabbit, Rabbit", even before I got out of bed.If you say "Rabbit, Rabbit" on the 1st. of every new month, it is supposed to bring you luck for that month.~So, peas, greens & Rabbit~ that should do it ~right ?~
~I come by superstitions honestly, being 1st. generation Scotch*Irish !~But, rest assure that I am not putting the future in the luck of rabbits or peas.~ No, no~ working hard at what I love & praying that our Lord will bless my work.~Much better, yes ?~And, I feel this is going to be a very good year !~

~So, eat your peas & greens, then take some time to ask that the coming year will be "WOnderuSe"!~(i made up that word)

~"HAPPY NEW YEAR !"~

~SNOW~

~"While visions of sugarplums dance in their heads"~
Last week my 15 year old, Hannah, came dashing down the stairs~"Mom where's the camera?"~
"Come up stairs, you have to see this"~ it was very early morning, still dark outside & this what all the fuss was about.~ Hannah was all, "She's so cute when she's sleeping."~"Look at her little hands."~& our kitty "Sprite" all cuddled up with Rowan.~ "Ahhhh, so sweet"~ sorry, it came out so dark, but, I took it over to picnic.com to try & brighten it up some & then started having fun with all the goodies they have to enhance pictures.~cute, right?~(just wish it was brighter)
~AND~we had a very Magical weekend. Look at my front door ! Snow !~that's right beautiful magical snow, Richmond Virginia was just soooo excited, we haven't had a snow like this in years, years I tell you !~It was a huge celebration of WoW! Everyone was calling, Facebooking, running to the grocery store, you have to "run" to the store, it's in the "Snow Book of Rules"~ I think we got about a foot of more.~
~I hope everyone is having a truly lovely & blessed Christmas !~
~ooo~amy~

~Oh Christmas Tree~

~See my "Snow Babies"?~well, really they belong to my children~I gave them, each one for their 1st. Christmas~but, until they get "all" grown up & have their own trees...now that I'm thinking about it, quite a lot of these ornaments belong to them.~o~o~But, that is the spirit & fun of putting up the tree~remembering when...~O~I can remember when "Snow Babies" were kinda hard to find.~
~This paper Angle has been my tree topper, ever since I had my very 1st. Christmas Tree~way back in 1983, when I was in college.~A few years back I started adding the star.~I think they look so pretty together.~

~This jolly elf is one of my favorite ornaments~he is decorating my little chandelier this year.~
~ AND~ last ,but not least~~~This darling "little elf" arrived in the mail on Saturday.~He was my gift from the "Littlest Elf Swap" , hosted by the lovely Vivian.~He was created by the very talented Fran, at "Dolls Are My Canvas Within My Soul"~ He is so cute & sits on the tiniest bench~ I think I am going to find a spot for him, on the Christmas Tree~"Thank you Fran !~"~
~I can't post pics. of my elf to Fran yet~ I don't think he has arrived in Las Vegas yet !~That's right !~my littlest elf is going to Vegas !~lucky little guy!~

~ooo~amy~

~It is Time~

~When you just threw away a" beaUtiful" head of cauliflower~& you see that you own, not one but~2 heads of cabbage~& worst of all you let a red pepper & an eggplant go bad !~ Well, something is not right, in my little world.~Cleaning out your fridge can tell you alot about yourself. And, I don't look very good.~Oh boy~not good.~
~I am way out of balance !~I love cooking!~ Curried Cauliflower recipe will be in this post.~
Such a pretty cauliflower, gone !~
~I have just been running in to many directions.~ It does not work well with me. Things fall apart, when I juggle to much.I am thinking on it.~

~Creamed Curried Cauliflower~
1 sm./med. head of Cauliflower
2Tbsp. butter
2Tbsp. flour
3/4 tsp. salt
2 cups milk
scant 1/2 tsp. curry powder

preheat oven to 400~
Cook cauliflower in salted water~till barely done.Drain~
(lemon juice will keep it "whiter"~while boiling~but not necessary~)
Butter a casserole dish~mine is 11x8 oval~
Brake up the cauliflower (mouth size)
~Sauce~
~in a sauce pan over mid-high heat, melt butter
add flour to butter & whisk, till you have a rue~
add milk then, keep wisking till you have
a creamy thickness~
take of the heat & add curry~

~cauliflower in your buttered casserole~
~pour your sauce over~
~I often top with bread crumbs & dot w/ butter~
~Bake 15 min. or till bubbly~
~Very Good~

~amy~:0)

~Happy Halloween"~

~My doll~ came so wonderfully packed~ REESES~ my favored candys~

~HAPPY HALLOWEEN !~
~I have been working~painting, painting, painting~SETS~
and a set painters schedule~ is long & hard.~it is true~
& a set painter(scenic artist) who has 4 children & is as so very close to 50~like myself.~well, it is alot. And, I have a part time job from 3~5:30, as an after-care provider for my churches school, me & 2 other sweet ladies look after the pre-K & kindergartners.~Those darling little peoples are now, quite used to seeing "Ms. Amy" in her "paint clothes", they really love them.
Anyway~HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE !~
~So, to keep myself happy,(in the love of making art way) I have joined another "SWAP"~ Zan at Wild At Heart~had the Monster Swap~
& & &~ my Swap Partner was Vivian~ from, Viv, Out On A Whim~
AND~ How I love my little Monster~ she is "scary", "I know", but, if you do not put your finger to close to her mouth, ~she is the sweetest, little mon-star ever. Just look at her. I lalalove her !~& the next sweet thing , is Vivian herself, the lovingly talented artist,an amazing lady, just bursting with the love of life & how much fun it truly is !~Surely things do not happen by accident.~It has been very good for me to visit her blog, I smile every time. And, we have much in common, our darling, "long haired" husbands, for one. She just recently posted pictures of her past & present, GO see, really wonderful, 28 years of marriage. I think I need to do the same.~But, Philip & I have only been married 18 years, we were "late bloomers".~:)
~Vivian is soooooo BeaUtiful !~ inside & out~

~~~~~~THANK YOU * VIVIAN !!!!!~~~~~~

~HAPPY AUTUMN !~

Welcome cool, crisp days ! So, nice to back in my bloggy world. How I have missed being here.
I have been ever so busy. But, I am back. I have been working on my own home, painting, cleaning out, decorating. And, I feel so much better.
Rowan & I have started Home Schooling and we love it, love it I tell you.~
I have also been working on "bigger projects" outside my home. I am finishing one up now.~~~Think~calm, spa, beauty & TREES~ very cool~ I have taken photos & will post them when all is done.~
Gabriel is home from the Art Institute of Washington, remember they are on a quarterly schedule, so his 1st. quarter is done. He did great & we are ALL very happy to have the Big Brother home.~
Well, that's all for now~ Sept a BIG KISSY & HUG to all things AUTUMN !~

~the river~

The summer is coming to an end. We couldn't take a "big" vacation anywhere, so, I tried to fill the kids summer with fun little days. We discovered the James River & what a blessing it has been.
We go to a beautiful spot, called the "Pony Pasture". It is lovely there, with large rocks that you can lay your towels out on. We bring a picnic & enjoy the day. Rowan & I stay close to the bank & my older ones venture further up the river & ride the rapids back down. Dragonfly's flutter about, while ducks & geese swim nearby & eagles can be spotted flying overhead. So, relaxing.
Everyone leaves feeling quite satisfied & of cause good & tired from spending the day in the water.
I am now looking forward to the fall. I haven't done much art over the summer & have decided to forgive myself. But, I am aching to get back to my art, I have so many ideals swimming around in my mind.
I have really enjoyed these simple days with the kids & giving them my undivided attention.

I have decided to home school Rowan this year. She is going into the 3rd. grade & is dyslexic (like me) she has had IEP (independent education program) since the 1st. grade. Which means she has received extra help in school. But, she is still not reading independently or even close.
The program is not working for her, so I need to help her. I have been reading all summer about how to teach dyslexic children. Funny thing, I have suddenly been meeting family's that home school. And, the more I learn about it, the more excited I get.
So, I am going to have to put into place a daily schedule for us. Time for school, time for mom to do her art.....
She is such a bright, happy little person. I can remember being her age & sitting in class & thinking to myself, "why is this so hard for me & it seems so easy for everyone else?" I knew I wasn't "stupid". But, of course in the 60's, they didn't know much about children with learning disability's. So, I just had to work very hard. And, I had my art. That was something that I could do and well. Art got me threw school. It is what held my confidence together. Without it, I know I would never have gone to college.
So, when they talk about & even take the arts out of schools, I think about my school days. How truly sad they would have been.
Well, I really am looking forward to working with Rowan and keeping her the happy, imaginative and smart little girl that she is.
She just learns differently~ that's all~
:)
~amy~

~Here Comes the Sun~

~Hello~ I sure hope everyone is having a lovely summer!
Mostly we have been having a "staycation", as moneys are pretty tight these days. But, that is O.K., the "staycation" part. I have been trying to focus on little, old fashion ways of enjoying the summer with the kids. Like we have discovered the James River, there are some very kid friendly spots to spend the day. And, the kids "love" it ! We/I have been doing "home projects",
Just trying to get things in order around here.
Anyway, I also teach at summer camps. So, I needed to come up with a project that will work for ages 6-12 & can be completed in two days. This is what I came up with this year.
The SUN sculpture that you see here. The kids are split up into 3 age groups & go to differant activitys threw out the day, so you have them for about an hour. On the first day they made there sun & on the second day they painted it.
I used an airdry clay that I found at Ben Franklen's craft store. I was quite pleased w/ it. It was not paperclay, too exspensive. But, this clay was very similar. I rolled out the clay myself & gave each child a flat pancake of clay, that was formed around half a styofoam ball. They then cut out the rays of the sun. Leaving them with extra clay to make the eyes, nose & mouth.
I loved the what the kids came up with. And, they really seemed to enjoy this project.
The last two were done by me. But, I gave mine away, to my darling "galfriend", Janine. that manages the camp.She does an amazing job.She is such a sweety & she calls me "Teensy", I like that! Go & check out her "bloggy", the "Make Believe Cooking Show".
:) ~amy~

Summer, Family Photos~

~I just love this "sister picture",the Gethins girls~ L-R, Bronwyn, Megan, Bridget &
I am the one in the back.
My very pretty mommy ! Patricia Gethins
Here is my son Ian, SMILING~ he try's, hard not to smile
in pictures. :) But, my sister Bronwyn , caught him. Yay, Bronny !
The car photo. ~~~But, mostly what I have been doing here, in this post is learn how to use Shutterfly. Bronwyn told me about it. And boy, do I need Shutterfly. It is a great place to load your pictures, all safe & sound. Still learning how to get them over here on to my bloggy.

It has worried me, leaving all my pictures on my "puter". And, you can load as many as you want onto Shutterfly. If you have not checked them out, I would. ~Shutterfly.com~
They have all kinds of cool things you can do there. Like share with your family. Create albums.
Bronwyn, my sister, took the top pictures. She is a wonderful photographer.

Not, looking forward to the "Big Move" of my pictures, but, it will be worth it.

~amy~

Gabriel

~Well, we took Gabriel off to the Art Institute of Washington this past Tuesday. It is here in Virginia, not Washington state. The school is located in the D.C. area of Arlington, Va., which is about two & half hours from here. (Richmond)
Lucky for us, my husband was raised in Alexandria and the school is only 9 miles from his mothers home. So, we left Tuesday evening, stayed there & got up & took Gabriel to his "housing orientation". The car was all packed with his stuff.
After orientation, they gave him his apartment keys, they don't have dorms, so they house their students in these very nice apartment buildings. I am not kidding, fancy, fancy.Pool & gym.
They are given Metro Passes, to get to & from the school.
So, we made it to his "new digs" & unloaded the car. This is where we took these pictures.
I thought I did pretty well. I didn't cry, I had done plenty of that over the last 2 weeks or so. Not, big "boo hoos", just little moments of getting teary.
Then over the next two days, man, me emotions were all over the place! Mostly happy & proud, but there was also a "feeling lost" feeling. That I really can't describe.
So, by Saturday, I flat out "crashed" and realized, I just needed to sleep. And, sleep I did. And, when I was not sleeping, I read. Hannah has been reading the "Anne of Green Gables" books.
So, I had joined her. She is already done with the 4th book and over the weekend I was able to finish the first & get half way threw the second book.
Yesterday, I woke up & felt soooo much better!
Now, I can move on to my next project.
I am sure, that all the moms out there will totally understand what I was feeling, this past week.
WOW !
ooo~amy~

~Under the Sea Swap~

~From my "swap buddy"~ Kim Turner at Soggy Dog Studios ~
~My, my I have been a busy girl...~
But, what do we have here?
They are the art dolls from Zan's "Under the Sea Swap", over at Wild at Heart .Zan is one of these amazing ladys, not only is she an artist, but she does so much more~like raising bees, in the city!
Well, they are at least two of the many dolls made. My "swap buddy's" & mine. My swap buddy was, Kim, at Soggy Dog Studios. And, looky at my beautiful doll, I was so excited when she arrived. She is just perfect and those are my colors. She is painted fabric & stuffed, then was glazed. I know just where she is going to live here in my house. It just so happens that I am getting ready to paint my dinning room blue. This precious mermaid is going to live amongst my china.
The second doll you see here, was made by me. Her name is "Emmaleen", my daughter Hannah, named her. And, I have to say, she was a pleasure to make. It feels like she came to life in my hands. She grew a little personality.
She is made of paperclay. Then, a crackle glaze was applied. Then I painted her w/ the blues & greens. Then, I used an antiquing glaze here & there. Then finally a clear coat was applied.
~OH~ and the shells were found by my youngest Rowan, when we were at the beach a few weeks back.~ Then she was mailed to my buddy, Kim, in Florida! What a lucky little "mer-girl", to live in Florida. Specially, since she loves collecting shells, so much.
:)
~amy~