Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Exercises


Hello, Storyteller! I slept so well last night, no stuffy nose, no extreme aches and pains as I repositioned myself during the night, and now I have a calm serene feeling at the beginning of this still dark morning. Hooray! I have been spraying patchouli mist around. The clerk in the "good smelling stuff" section of the grocery store said that some people have "bad memories" from their patchouli days. I thought of my precious friend, Kari. She will smile when she reads that. I was an elementary school student during the hippie time period. I also lived in a small farming town, far from the nerve centers of counter cultural thinking so my romantic notions of hippies are very sweet. I like hemp bracelets and the smell of patchouli so I bought some lotion and the mist and it makes me feel spunky. Just saying I'm thankful for "feel good" mornings. Smile.
Three books. The Lutheran hymnal full of truth/scripture. Creative is a Verb. Jane Redmont's When in Doubt, Sing. These three are singing to me so I'll share just a tiny bit. Jane has a blog called Acts of Hope. This particular book is such a full work. There's too much in it for me to justifiably share it with you, but I will say, "I recommend!"

I did paint with watercolor in my journal. I like happy scenes. I like big bodies of water. I like boats. What do you like?


Patti Digh (Creative is a Verb) gives ten minute assignments to be completed on note cards. I've done five. One one side I respond to a question and on the other side I draw an image (with direction from the book). Here are four of mine.
Here is the image side.


Here's the writing side.


It's fun.
Back to school this Tuesday morning. The kids were very chatty yesterday. My classroom (with the faulty heating system) is unbearably hot. It's a challenge. I moved my desk around so the kids would stop hovering around it so much. Does that sound mean? It's kind of like having ten children tugging on a mother's apron strings and sometimes I can't focus when there are so many birdies fluttering about. I'll take a picture of my little "Pom Pom corner" at school so you can see what I'm talking about. Today, I shall walk about and clean off each desk. Hold each student in my heart and mind for a moment and take one step at a time. I'll get used to it. I think.
January can hold bright sunny days and I shall hold her in my mind and love her. Each day is a gift.
Smell some good smells today. Draw an image or two. Color or admire something real like a face or a sky line. Give some of those one-of-a-kind smiles away freely. Thank you for stopping by for a kind hello. I like knowing you're there.

19 comments:

Leslie said...

Can't wait to see the picture of your corner. I think creating atmosphere is one of the most fun parts of teaching or homemaking. I wish you some breathing space today. Sara went to school yesterday (she is taking a wintermester dual credit class at the jr college) and the heat was out so she got to do math in the cold for 3 hours. Poor girly.un

GretchenJoanna said...

"Each day is a gift" seems to me to sum up your rich variety of testimonies and exhortations, Pom Pom...thank you for the gifts that YOU give.
Maybe I felt similarly this morning just passing by the lit Christmas tree and being happy that it's still Christmas.

Anonymous said...

Another interesting post, I'll check out the website in a minute, thanks! I want to see your "Pom Pom corner" at school too! :) Hugs! xx

Elderberry-Rob said...

I just ordered 'Creative is a Verb' for myself - really looking forward to reading. Can't wait to see your teachers corner. If I was a teacher I would have a glass top on my desk and would put different pretty things under the glass depending on my mood - favourite poem, leaves, pressed flowers, photographs, sketches, etc.

Kerri said...

Hi Pom Pom! Glad you had a good sleep. It makes all the difference! I loved your watercolour paintings and no I don't think it's mean to move your desk. Just remember you'll be able to teach better if you have more peace :)

The dB family said...

I'm glad you're feeling great again. I so wish that sometimes there were two of me. One that could spend my days reading and creating and another to do all the work that needs to be done. Tonight, I just might work on some collages thanks to your inspiring post.

Praying you're having a good day with those busy birdies.

Blessings!
Deborah

Left-Handed Housewife said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your hot room! I remember feeling overheated in school as a student, and having a hard time staying awake! I hope your temperature gets fixed soon.

Each day is a gift. I'm going to go draw something.

xofrances

debbie bailey said...

What a sweet little boat painting. I love it! Didn't realize you are so talented!

Jessica Lynn said...

Hi Pom,
Oh how funny that you talk about patchouli. I just made a tiny patchouli reference in a post today too. It's that great minds..... thing again ;) I happen to love parchouli. I mix it with my perfume & I always get compliments. But I've heard the bad memories thing too about patchouli, I was too young to have those pertaining to that era.... Though I do have some ever so slight hippie leanings. Ha, just ever so slight ;) it's my moms fault & my brothers for playing all that led zeppelin ;) oh I do ramble, don't I? Sorry.

Your sketches look fab. I have a book called life is a verb- it's more about inspiring a fully embraced life rather creativity but I think that they go hand and hand.

A garden just outside Venice said...

Mmh..my memory is getting worse everyday more..did I already wish you a happy New Year?! :)
xxx

Jayne said...

What a lovely, creative post today, you inspire me so much!

Gumbo Lily said...

I love the sails on your boat, the colors and the stitching. I like your other paintings too. I ordered the Creative is a Verb book and I'm looking forward to playing with it.

Have a happy new day!
Jody

Kari of Writing Up A Storm said...

Yes, I am smiling! I used to burn eucalyptus nuts on a trivet on the stove, and I still like to do that. The scent takes me back to my flower child days, but only the best memories!! I love your watercolors. I think that's a wonderful way to journal, with both words and watercolors. I'm going to try it myself. That Digh book looks wonderful! One day at a time!! xo Kari

melanie said...

Really looking forward to seeing your corner Pom Pom :) Have a great day xxxx

Anonymous said...

Oh, hello, Pom Pom! Happy New Year to you! I love your drawings!

Sweetest blessings to you!
Sharon

Lisa Richards said...

"Creative is a Verb"...Oh, I love that! I'm going to find a copy by hook or by crook, because I need an "excuse" to be creative and a little push!

I just took the "100 Words a Day" challenge to write at least 100 words a day. I topped that easily and look forward to that creative goal each day.

I love the index cards you shared and the watercolor painting in your journal. I bought myself a set of watercolors with Christmas money my son gave me and feel so smug knowing it's there whenever I want to use it in my new sketchbook!

Blessings on your New Year!

Lisa Richards said...

Speaking of hippies, I spent my teen years in the '60's and '70's right outside of Boulder, CO, hippie haven of the world! I still have positive feelings about that generation of young folks. It was a fun time of my life and, for the most part, people were peaceful and kind to one another, though sorely misguided in some ways. LOL! Thanks for the trip down memory lane!

Melissa W said...

I love where your desk is!!! and I love your boat picture!! I wish I could paint. :)

LOVE STITCHING RED said...

Dear Pom Pom
Thank you for the sweetest apple and apricot post which plopped on my doormat and brought a smile to my face. I like getting Pom Pom post!

Thank you :o)

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