Artists of the Future - Six Years Old

Sometimes we catch glimpses into the future.
This past week the six year olds in our neighborhood were part of an art show.
This art show was hosted by Carter (6 years old). He is our children's friend.
The children brought their art to Carter's home before the art exhibit.
Carter took the time to label and display each piece.
We have artists in the making.
Our Max loves to paint and draw. He makes his own picture books.


Here is Max in front of one of his masterpieces.

 D. J. (AKA "Daniel Johnson" when his Mother means business)

The boys. Carter is bottom left.

Here is a sampling of the art work displayed.

 "Rock Bird".

"Three Red Birds"

The show was held in the basement of Carter's home. 

 This one reminds me of Van Gogh's Starry Night.

"Alien"

 "Hi"

"Bird In A Tree"

  "Mommy's Bunny".

"Super Heart"

 "Merprincess"

 "Barbie Mom".

 "Fawn To The Rescue"

 "Underwater Mission"

These are the faces of possible artists of the future.

Free Spirit Friday

 I usually spotlight someone who is unique, or shown talent or bravery on Free Spirit Friday. I was thinking this morning about what moments in their childhood may have inspired them to be the people they became. Was it parents who guided and supported them? Was is a unique and challenging childhood? Was it a spiritual event that caused them to act? Or, is it simply that we are born with the blueprint of who we will become. I wonder if this is the old nature vs. nurture theory? Whatever it is, I believe that we have influence on children. I remember teachers who made me feel empowered and gifted when I was the child who was different than the others. I remember the mailman who greeted me with a smile and blue, twinkling eyes each day. I am blessed to have had a comfortable childhood with parents who loved me, older brothers and sisters who included me, read to me, encouraged me, taught me about God and The Lord Jesus Christ. My childhood was full of adventures, pretend, dress-up, nature, books and art, spankings, inspiration, guidance and love. I am not one who has made a big impact on humanity, but rather, small ripples in a small circle of people my life has made contact.
Now, I have the great responsibility of guiding our four precious children. I hope that I inspire them, promote their gifts and interests, lead them gently to God, re-direct when necessary and never snuff out their spirits or prevent them from becoming who they need to be. What do you do in the life of a child to encourage them to be all that they will become?
Listen, care, encourage, read, respect, direct, and above all LOVE always.
I'd love to hear from you (yes, you)!

What I Love About the Ocean

I love going to the ocean. I was born near water and have always lived near an ocean. As a child, it was the Pacific Ocean, now it is the Atlantic Ocean.

• I am not the type to sunbathe or surf. I'd rather beachcomb. I love finding sea glass and shells and beautiful ocean rocks that have been polished by years of salt water and movement.

• I love the sound of the waves crashing. I love the low tide when I can walk out into the water and find shells seldom seen. Tide pools inspire me. When we lived in San Diego, the tide pools, near La Jolla,  filled with sea urchins, sea anemones, mussels and tiny shells was a frequent place to explore.  I have fond memories of deep sea fishing with my Father off the Pacific coast in Redondo Beach, California. We would catch fish and place them in gunnysacks. I remember watching Daddy gut and clean the fish. It was a man's job with a sharp knife. That night we'd enjoy our fish feast. Our home smelled of fish. So did the green VW bus we rode in. The memory of the sea between my toes and in my hair and ears washed off at bath time remained in the tub. The ever present sand reminding me of our trip to the sea. As I drifted off to sleep, I could hear the ocean sounds and feel the swaying of the waves.
• Sand castle contests in Ocean Beach, California is fascinating to see. The talent of sand artists is a rarity. We found this sand art on the beach of Ogunquit, Maine. I have experienced the ocean in all seasons. I have bundled up and walked the sand in snow boots. I have had sand in my hair for days. I have tasted salt. I have felt the spray of sea water on my face. I have felt the tug of the sand under my feet pulling me deeper.  I have sung songs around a fire and eaten hotdogs and toasted marshmallows with my friends. I have had my Mother wipe my burned skin with apple cider vinegar to cool my pain. I have years of freckles from sea sun. Now, we are introducing our children to the sea and all it's wonders. They collect broken shells, driftwood, sea glass, smooth stones, and fallen feathers with unruly and separate vanes. They are building their own memories of the sea. We are remembering ours and seeing it fresh again.

A Dog's Day ~ by, Charlston Chew.

• It's a dog's life with four kids, three cats and two big people.The cat's are jealous of me. I get to get muddy in the bog and then have a hot bath. They say that I am a Beagle-Hound mix. They call me "Pup-Pup", but my formal name is Charlston Chew. I survived a rough birth in Tennessee where the people who had me abandoned me and my pup sisters and brothers. Somehow we managed to wander into the road and a nice lady rescued us. We were nursed back to health and then traveled to Massachusetts to be adopted. I landed in the lap of luxury. I get to help "wash" the dishes. I try to drink the cat's tuna water. I get to run on the beach and play in the water. I get my belly rubbed and at the end of the day, I get to curl up under the blankets and dream of chasing motorcycles, running with the kids, and lounging in the sun.

                                                        Life is good.

Embracing Spring and captured moments

• 
  
  These photos capture a moment in time. Our chilren grow up so fast. If I could hold time in a bottle, these are the moments I'd cherish. They have such a delight in nature. Flowers grace their grubby, little hands each Spring and Summer and end up wilting in little jars all over our home. Free gifts from children are the best, aren't they?Max studies the plants and decides what they are all about. Sometimes he'll be inspired to draw what he finds in our bog and yard. Dandylion fluff is the best! Make a wish and blow your dreams into the future. By the next week we'll have yellow flowers scattered in our yard, ready for more flower chains and if they last long enough, more fluff again!Charlotte is all girl. She is strong and bossy with her three brothers and loves them so.  She would rather wear brown than pink, but she is into anything Hello Kitty. She loves kittens, hamsters and bunnies. She is begging us to get a bunny for her. Grant is in his imaginary place where knights and soldiers and sword fights live. This Spring he has discovered the Civil War and wants his birthday cake to "be a Civil War cake". I'll have to get creative and hopefully the cake will match the idea he has in his head. Ben is our kind soul. He has an emotional intelligence rarely seen in children. He is tender and kind and loves dogs. He draws dogs with hearts. He sleeps with his stuffed dogs, has puppy pictures and dog books in his special place by his bed. Ben is a dog boy.

We welcome Spring. We embrace the rain and warmth, but most of all, we are thankful for the gifts God has given us...Grant, Max, Charlotte, and Benjamin.
What are the times you'd like to capture in a bottle?
(All photos by Jeremy or Ava ~ thank you!)