Under the Sea

I went to visit my sister and her family at the Tennessee Aquarium a couple weeks ago. Watching her children play in the darkness of this underwater world was stunning.

But, as always...watching my sister thrive as a mother was even better. The love she gives...man oh man is it big.

I heart fall break

Two and half days + one weekend off of writing, teaching, learning, and enlightening the artistic minds of middle school girls. (Inhale one BIG sigh of relief). Here is my to do list...I really hope I can stick to it.

Bake this so I can eat it for breakfast every morning

3191visualblogging

Spend at least an hour and a half here buying a million veggies to make the best soup you have ever tasted.

Go running here because the leaves have finally started to turn beautiful shades of orange                                                              

            

  

Finishing reading this, not like I need more introspection in my life but...hey, why not?     

And run away with the boyfriend to this magical place, to celebrate our one year of love

We'll see if I come back.

Bawling tears of joy and celebration

One of my very dearest friends from childhood was married yesterday. No parents, no friends. Just her, her love, her sister, and his roommate who officiated- all together in City Hall in San Francisco. After it was over she called me to tell me the news (preparing me before the mass email was sent out to their world wide family of friends and relatives). First I told her she was lying, then I smiled, and then I cried...for the next three hours straight.

I guess when the girl that has shared everything with you tells you she's married, you realize that life has suddenly started to go by really really quickly.

Love to you both. I can't wait to wrap my arms around you in celebration. 

Emily and Andrew: 10/8/2010

The mug of the evening (this one made by yours truly)- filled with Earthy Digest tea.

Yum and goodnight.

A sip with soul

My school brought potter and professor Regis Brodie to speak to our high school art students today. After 45 min in a lecture room with him I was aching to get on the wheel and make some work (luckily fall break is just around the corner). But, even more I was aching for more beautiful ceramics to own. I've been improving my collection over the years but I need more. Especially from artists like these...

Sarah Burns

Tim Christensen

Chris Gustin

Don Williams

Kristen Kieffer

One day I strive to own 100% handmade dish ware. It just has a soul to it that porcelain china does not. Mugs are my favorite...especially on a cool day today with some hot green tea.

What is your favorite mug to drink out of? Send pictures! I'll post my favorite tonight.

You can do it, just let go.

CM 2010

I wouldn't be a good art teacher if I didn't try to push my art agenda on everyone I know. I can't tell you how many people in my life say they are awful at art, especially drawing. Guess what? I used to say the same thing. 

CM 2010

Seriously, before I started teaching drawing was my least favorite way to express my artistic endeavors. Until I realized two things: 1.) It doesn't matter if it looks good because the act of silently drawing is the best meditation out there, and 2.) I'm certainty not getting any better by not doing it.


During a lecture with Nick Bantock years ago, he said "Art is the balance of intuitive knowledge and letting go." So here is a little motivation to jump start YOUR letting go. 


James McMullen has started a brilliant series in the Times on getting back to drawing. These little pieces are so inspiring and if they won't make you pick up a pencil while at your desk I don't know what will.

Getting Back to the Phantom Skill

The Frisbee of Art

Hatching the Pot

CM 2010

Have fun. Your assignment is due by Christmas.

Drawings by Caitlin Matthews (Spanish teacher by trade, artist by cups of tea and vegan treats at night)

The healing kind

Needless to say, I am very into my dog right now. 3 posts in one month about the same yellow mutt? Sorry...I just can't help myself. This week especially, she's never off of my mind. Those eyes...those ears! Breaks your freakin' heart. Actually no...this poem does.

Dharma

by Billy Collins

The way the dog trots out the front door
every morning
without a hat or an umbrella,
without any money
or the keys to her doghouse
never fails to fill the saucer of my heart
with milky admiration.

Who provides a finer example
of a life without encumbrance—
Thoreau in his curtainless hut
with a single plate, a single spoon?
Gandhi with his staff and his holy diapers?

Off she goes into the material world
with nothing but her brown coat
and her modest blue collar,
following only her wet nose, 
the twin portals of her steady breathing,
followed only by the plume of her tail.

If only she did not shove the cat aside
every morning
and eat all his food
what a model of self-containment she
would be,
what a paragon of earthly detachment.
If only she were not so eager 
for a rub behind the ears,
so acrobatic in her welcomes,
if only I were not her god.

Think good thoughts for Sandee this week. An aliment has left her hurt up for a while...healing thoughts, safe thoughts. Many thanks.