My break was good, but it feels SO much better to get back into my artistic routine! This week I will welcome Not-Back-to-School days. Happy September everyone!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Home Spun comic strip #385
My break was good, but it feels SO much better to get back into my artistic routine! This week I will welcome Not-Back-to-School days. Happy September everyone!
Friday, August 28, 2009
Come Out of Your Shell
Marina has been in a knitting frenzy lately. This little guy became a gift for one of my nephews in California. All of those legs made the hermit crab take a bit longer than her usual project, but I think it was well worth it.
I happen to love hermit crabs. They are such unique creatures. Not as scary as a regular crab and not slimy like a snail. I had a few as pets when I was a child. They are shy creatures, hiding in their shell when they are startled. I remember sitting quietly with the hidden creature on my palm. It was always a thrill when it would slowly emerge. First its little "whiskers," testing the air. Next its eyes would peek out from under the rim of the shell. If it felt safe, legs would spill out and it would walk around, always ready to retreat into the safety of its mobile home at a moment's notice.
Unlike snails, when a hermit crab gets too big for its shell, it is time to move. House shopping usually involves finding a shell the next size up. You may think all hermit crabs instinctively look for a shell that is a perfect fit, but we once witnessed a crab dragging a shell along that was at least two sizes too large. It was a wonderful learning opportunity. I pointed out the different hermit crabs on the beach. The kids (back then it was only Marina and Chase) noticed how the crabs that fit their shells could quickly move across the sand and climb over obstacles while the crab with the large shell moved slowly. His shell left a furrowed line behind him, as if he were plowing a field. He may have thought his shell was nice and roomy, but it left him much more vulnerable to predators than his fast moving friends.
Sometimes I feel like that hermit crab. I think about how nice it would be to have a bigger home with more room. But a bigger house is not a good solution. To paraphrase George Carlin, a house is a place to keep your stuff. You get a bigger house because you have too much stuff.
I don't want to have my stuff hold me back. I would rather make the effort to declutter than to save piles of things. It is also better for my health if I have a more open area, since it is easier to keep clean. I've been decluttering a lot since I built my bookcase. I want to have room for Sierra to dance or for me to do yoga. I'm getting there, little by little. It's an ongoing process.
I hope the hermit crab found another shell. Your possessions shouldn't hold you back.
And so another lesson from watching animals...
If the shell fits, wear it.
If the shell fits, wear it.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Carnival at Homeschool Bytes
The latest Carnival of Homeschooling: We've Got Style! edition is happening at Homeschool Bytes. I'm sure now that you've seen what blog carnivals are like you are itching to head over and check out the latest from fellow homeschoolers!
Personal Energy Conservation
I'm trying very hard to conserve energy lately. Not what you think. I've done energy conservation for years. I mean conserving my energy.
It's so easy to get caught up in activity, don't you think? As a homeschooler, I think I'm prone to doing too much. I have three children. Even if I allow each child to do only one activity per week, that still sets me up for driving to three activities per week. Chase's Tae Kwon Do is time intensive. If I don't take him at least two or three times per week, it isn't worth it. That puts me in chauffeur mode a couple more times per week. Chase and Sierra still go to religious instructions, on different days, of course. And Marina works now, but doesn't drive yet. There is an unsafe area (known for its police activity) between here and the library, so I reserve my right to be an overprotective mom and not let her walk there. Then there are household chores, yardwork, writing my comics...the list goes on and on.
I remember one of my psychology professors in college talking about how stress affects us. Usually, the type A personality who hasn't had a vacation in years is not going to drop on the job. Sickness happens when you finally allow your body to rest after keeping it stressed for long periods of time. Think of it as driving with your foot to the floor on the gas pedal. Eventually the engine is going to complain. My body complains with asthma or migraine headaches. I had a doozy of a headache this weekend. It scared me enough to make a doctor's appointment. I had been putting off scheduling it for three months, setting my children's needs before my own.
It is so important to take some time to rest. Time to conserve energy. That's what I'm trying to do now. I'm going to try to take some time daily to do something restorative, like yoga, meditation, or simply taking a walk or finding ways to make myself laugh. (Laughter is very restorative.) Even if I have to break it up into small pockets throughout my day, I need to get out of the habit of putting it off and renew my energy reserves. September is right around the corner and I know our activities are going to start up again. I need to take care of myself so that I can be there for my family.
Want to conserve energy with me? Tell me how you will take time for you.
It's so easy to get caught up in activity, don't you think? As a homeschooler, I think I'm prone to doing too much. I have three children. Even if I allow each child to do only one activity per week, that still sets me up for driving to three activities per week. Chase's Tae Kwon Do is time intensive. If I don't take him at least two or three times per week, it isn't worth it. That puts me in chauffeur mode a couple more times per week. Chase and Sierra still go to religious instructions, on different days, of course. And Marina works now, but doesn't drive yet. There is an unsafe area (known for its police activity) between here and the library, so I reserve my right to be an overprotective mom and not let her walk there. Then there are household chores, yardwork, writing my comics...the list goes on and on.
I remember one of my psychology professors in college talking about how stress affects us. Usually, the type A personality who hasn't had a vacation in years is not going to drop on the job. Sickness happens when you finally allow your body to rest after keeping it stressed for long periods of time. Think of it as driving with your foot to the floor on the gas pedal. Eventually the engine is going to complain. My body complains with asthma or migraine headaches. I had a doozy of a headache this weekend. It scared me enough to make a doctor's appointment. I had been putting off scheduling it for three months, setting my children's needs before my own.
It is so important to take some time to rest. Time to conserve energy. That's what I'm trying to do now. I'm going to try to take some time daily to do something restorative, like yoga, meditation, or simply taking a walk or finding ways to make myself laugh. (Laughter is very restorative.) Even if I have to break it up into small pockets throughout my day, I need to get out of the habit of putting it off and renew my energy reserves. September is right around the corner and I know our activities are going to start up again. I need to take care of myself so that I can be there for my family.
Want to conserve energy with me? Tell me how you will take time for you.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Reprint #100
I'm taking a little break before September. I thought this reprint illustrates the concept of relaxing best. I hope all of you have a wonderful day!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Home Spun Vignette #6
Whoops! Is it Friday already? I currently have no ideas for next week. The bookcase and the heat have sapped my creative energy. Unless it cools down significantly, I may take a week off from drawing comics. Either that or someone who is not me has to haul my air conditioner up from the basement and install it.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
The Final Product
The bookshelves are done. I'm pooped.
It has been quite a week. I spent last week organizing the Carnival of Homeschooling, so bookshelf production had stopped as I read through submissions and took advantage of good weather to take pictures for my theme. I want to thank everyone who visited the carnival, especially those who submitted articles and everyone who took the time to leave nice comments.
I've said before that my creative energies lie in the production. Once I posted the carnival, I was ready to throw myself back into my bookshelf project. Frankly, I had no choice. The idea was in my head and it begged to be made real. Which makes me think of Pinnocchio. My idea wanted to be a real bookshelf!
In my creative fever, I did not even notice the heat wave that set the temperature in the 90's with high humidity. I swam in sweat as I cut the pieces, assembled, varnished and added finishing touches. Now I can feel the pain in my knees from standing awkwardly for hours, and my neck is raw with prickly heat, but during the building I noticed nothing. I even told one friend that it seemed pretty cool here!
And so, without further ado, I present my bookshelf/windowseat wall unit:
You can see I haven't finished putting books on it! I will be getting rid of the old TV table as well. I wanted to have more floor space for Sierra. I have enough scraps of wood left to make an extra table. I might eventually put some doors on the bottom of the left bookcase. We shall see. I'm feeling the heat now...
Can you tell she loves this?
It has been quite a week. I spent last week organizing the Carnival of Homeschooling, so bookshelf production had stopped as I read through submissions and took advantage of good weather to take pictures for my theme. I want to thank everyone who visited the carnival, especially those who submitted articles and everyone who took the time to leave nice comments.
I've said before that my creative energies lie in the production. Once I posted the carnival, I was ready to throw myself back into my bookshelf project. Frankly, I had no choice. The idea was in my head and it begged to be made real. Which makes me think of Pinnocchio. My idea wanted to be a real bookshelf!
In my creative fever, I did not even notice the heat wave that set the temperature in the 90's with high humidity. I swam in sweat as I cut the pieces, assembled, varnished and added finishing touches. Now I can feel the pain in my knees from standing awkwardly for hours, and my neck is raw with prickly heat, but during the building I noticed nothing. I even told one friend that it seemed pretty cool here!
And so, without further ado, I present my bookshelf/windowseat wall unit:
You can see I haven't finished putting books on it! I will be getting rid of the old TV table as well. I wanted to have more floor space for Sierra. I have enough scraps of wood left to make an extra table. I might eventually put some doors on the bottom of the left bookcase. We shall see. I'm feeling the heat now...
Can you tell she loves this?
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Carnival of Homeschooling: The Juggling Workshop
Welcome to the Carnival of Homeschooling Juggling Workshop! I have heard many people use the term juggling when talking about their homeschooling life. This always makes me smile, because I am a juggler! I figured I would walk you all through one of my juggling workshops as you read this week's contributions to the carnival.
Balance.
One of the first things I teach students is how to balance an object. This is very simple. Place a peacock feather or pool cue (or broom, bat, or other similar object) on your hand. The wider or heavier end should be up in the air. Keep your eyes on the top. When you see the top shift, move your hand underneath it to maintain balance. Keeping your eyes on the top is sort of like watching your goal. Things are easier to balance if you are always looking up. If you watch the end in your hand you are more likely to struggle with balance because you don't notice your object is tipping until it has already moved significantly from 90ยบ and is about to fall. Sometimes homeschoolers feel out of balance when they lose sight of their goals.
Carolyn at Guilt-Free Homeschooling helps us keep our goals in sight as we head Back to Homeschool with New Ideas. After all, moms need back-to-school supplies, too!
More words of wisdom from Alison at The Homeschoolers Guide to the Galaxy. Just in case you forgot my theme, this one is called Juggling Homeschooling.
Monica from Paper Bridges describes how a glance from her son set them on a path to rediscovering the joy of reading in Truth in his eyes.
As a new school year approaches, it's important for homeschooling parents to remember that their mixed emotions come with the territory. Barbara Frank looks forward to the new homeschooling year in Won't Be Long Now...
Dave at Home School Dad is setting up his goals for the new school year in Hark! The New School Year Approacheth!! All this, and he tells jokes too!
Juggling is Throwing Up!
With any juggling form, we start with one object and learn how to throw it properly before we move on to two, three, etc. Taking things one step at a time is the key to success.
Taking things one step at a time is certainly helpful when moving from school environment to homeschool environment. In New Home Scholar Not Behaving? Ruby at Freehold has advice for any parent who is new to homeschooling, and worrying about getting the kids to settle in & take Mom or Dad seriously as a teacher.
Katherine at No Fighting, No Biting! has finally finished her school year, two weeks before they start all over again. Hallelujah!
Scarf Juggling.
Scarf juggling is one of the easier forms of juggling. I teach scarves to beginners because they fall slowly, which gives the juggler more time to catch. Scarf juggling throws are different from beanbags. With scarves, we direct the scarf to where we want it, before we let it go. Scarves help us learn the basics of throwing and catching in a slower and gentler form.
Speaking of basics...
Pat from I would never wear orange talks about learning and reading in You can do anything?
Bur Bur & Friends has a fun way to promote education and physical activity together in this article, Hey teachers and caregivers! GREAT ideas to get kids moving. It emphasizes the importance of healty lifestyles!
Jennifer at Quiverfull Family shares a free online phonics program that motivated her daughter to practice. My youngest used this particular site as well. Who needs All Those Fancy Phonics Programs?
Barbara at Online College.org lists links for learning foreign languages in 101 Tools to Learn ANY Foreign Language for Free.
Beanbag and Ball Juggling.
Beanbags and balls are a different throw. These objects are tossed into the air and the juggler must be prepared to catch it before it falls to the ground. This isn't as hard as it seems! If you throw it well, it should land safely in your other hand. Just as homeschoolers are trusting that we have given our children what they need before we let them go out and explore their interests. But we are always there to lend a hand when they need it!
Susan of The Expanding Life considers When are Books Better, and When are They Not?
ChristineMM of The Thinking Mother shares her Thoughts on Plagiarism and Homeschool Writing Composition. She shares a link to a great article about teaching our homeschooled kids about plagiarism and writing composition.
Beyond the Basics.
More advanced students of juggling want a challenge. Like homeschooling, there are as many different ways to throw as there are objects for throwing. Luckily, once you learn the basics of balance, throwing and catching, the possibilities are endless!
Susan at Corn and Oil discusses the recent passing of John Hughes and relates Ferris Bueller's Day Off to homeschooling in "The Philosopher of Adolescence"-Rest in Peace.
Vicki at Balderdash & Blokus talks about unschooling and college in Is College for Unschoolers even Possible?
Club Juggling.
Many jugglers move on to clubs, a.k.a. pins, for more challenging juggling. Club juggling can be beautiful and artistic.
Aimee's Land has some wonderful ideas for teaching literature at Homeschool Talk: Literature Units. Aimee, your daughter's bread looks delicious!
Let's Pass!
Another wonderful challenge is passing. Jugglers like to get together to do some partner juggling. Passing can be as simple as juggling with one partner and sharing objects, to juggling in groups where you pass in various patterns. Sometimes one juggler will lead a "feed." Feed juggling involves a leader taking turns passing with a line of jugglers. Homeschoolers often pool their resources like this. Two families take turns teaching the children. Parents form a co-op where they take turns leading children in various subjects. We look to our community to enrich our children's lives.
My mother, Inner Elder, takes a look at Grandparents as Resources.
Lydia at Little Blue School talks about the Junior Secret Noveling Club she formed in How to Teach a Child to Write a Novel. Bonus! She gives links to her lessons for us to use!
Jugglers also enjoy getting together at clubs and events for social juggling. There. I said it. Socialization.
Lara at Texas Homesteader offers 5 Reasons to Attend a Homeschooling Conference.
Connecting with other homeschoolers who blog can be another way of socializing. Kate from Online Education.net lists the 100 Best Blogs for Homeschooling Moms.
Get out the Knives and Torches!
To the audience, knives and torches look very dangerous. They are certain the juggler is going to get herself hurt doing that. But to the juggler, these objects are no more dangerous than club juggling. In fact, close examination of the knives will show that the juggler has taken the necessary precautions--the edges are dull. Homeschoolers know that people who watch them from a distance don't always recognize how careful they truly are.
Teresa from Higher Education addresses some of these criticisms in Top 12 Reasons to Ditch Homeschooling.
Sometimes even closer examination causes criticism. The knives may be dull, but they could still hurt if the blade hits you. And you could burn yourself with those torches! Sometimes we have to trust our instincts that we are doing this right.
Arby from Boarding in Bedlam has a thought provoking piece on academic freedom and criticism from defenders of public education in Breaking the Mirror.
That concludes this edition of the Carnival of Homeschooling. I hope you enjoyed it! The next carnival will be at Homeschool Bytes. Submit your blog article to the next carnival by using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.
Balance.One of the first things I teach students is how to balance an object. This is very simple. Place a peacock feather or pool cue (or broom, bat, or other similar object) on your hand. The wider or heavier end should be up in the air. Keep your eyes on the top. When you see the top shift, move your hand underneath it to maintain balance. Keeping your eyes on the top is sort of like watching your goal. Things are easier to balance if you are always looking up. If you watch the end in your hand you are more likely to struggle with balance because you don't notice your object is tipping until it has already moved significantly from 90ยบ and is about to fall. Sometimes homeschoolers feel out of balance when they lose sight of their goals.
Carolyn at Guilt-Free Homeschooling helps us keep our goals in sight as we head Back to Homeschool with New Ideas. After all, moms need back-to-school supplies, too!
More words of wisdom from Alison at The Homeschoolers Guide to the Galaxy. Just in case you forgot my theme, this one is called Juggling Homeschooling.
Monica from Paper Bridges describes how a glance from her son set them on a path to rediscovering the joy of reading in Truth in his eyes.
As a new school year approaches, it's important for homeschooling parents to remember that their mixed emotions come with the territory. Barbara Frank looks forward to the new homeschooling year in Won't Be Long Now...
Dave at Home School Dad is setting up his goals for the new school year in Hark! The New School Year Approacheth!! All this, and he tells jokes too!
Juggling is Throwing Up!
With any juggling form, we start with one object and learn how to throw it properly before we move on to two, three, etc. Taking things one step at a time is the key to success.
Taking things one step at a time is certainly helpful when moving from school environment to homeschool environment. In New Home Scholar Not Behaving? Ruby at Freehold has advice for any parent who is new to homeschooling, and worrying about getting the kids to settle in & take Mom or Dad seriously as a teacher.
Katherine at No Fighting, No Biting! has finally finished her school year, two weeks before they start all over again. Hallelujah!
Scarf Juggling.
Scarf juggling is one of the easier forms of juggling. I teach scarves to beginners because they fall slowly, which gives the juggler more time to catch. Scarf juggling throws are different from beanbags. With scarves, we direct the scarf to where we want it, before we let it go. Scarves help us learn the basics of throwing and catching in a slower and gentler form.
Speaking of basics...
Pat from I would never wear orange talks about learning and reading in You can do anything?
Bur Bur & Friends has a fun way to promote education and physical activity together in this article, Hey teachers and caregivers! GREAT ideas to get kids moving. It emphasizes the importance of healty lifestyles!
Jennifer at Quiverfull Family shares a free online phonics program that motivated her daughter to practice. My youngest used this particular site as well. Who needs All Those Fancy Phonics Programs?
Barbara at Online College.org lists links for learning foreign languages in 101 Tools to Learn ANY Foreign Language for Free.
Beanbag and Ball Juggling.
Beanbags and balls are a different throw. These objects are tossed into the air and the juggler must be prepared to catch it before it falls to the ground. This isn't as hard as it seems! If you throw it well, it should land safely in your other hand. Just as homeschoolers are trusting that we have given our children what they need before we let them go out and explore their interests. But we are always there to lend a hand when they need it!
Susan of The Expanding Life considers When are Books Better, and When are They Not?
ChristineMM of The Thinking Mother shares her Thoughts on Plagiarism and Homeschool Writing Composition. She shares a link to a great article about teaching our homeschooled kids about plagiarism and writing composition.
Beyond the Basics.
More advanced students of juggling want a challenge. Like homeschooling, there are as many different ways to throw as there are objects for throwing. Luckily, once you learn the basics of balance, throwing and catching, the possibilities are endless!
Susan at Corn and Oil discusses the recent passing of John Hughes and relates Ferris Bueller's Day Off to homeschooling in "The Philosopher of Adolescence"-Rest in Peace.
Vicki at Balderdash & Blokus talks about unschooling and college in Is College for Unschoolers even Possible?
Club Juggling.Many jugglers move on to clubs, a.k.a. pins, for more challenging juggling. Club juggling can be beautiful and artistic.
Aimee's Land has some wonderful ideas for teaching literature at Homeschool Talk: Literature Units. Aimee, your daughter's bread looks delicious!
Let's Pass!
Another wonderful challenge is passing. Jugglers like to get together to do some partner juggling. Passing can be as simple as juggling with one partner and sharing objects, to juggling in groups where you pass in various patterns. Sometimes one juggler will lead a "feed." Feed juggling involves a leader taking turns passing with a line of jugglers. Homeschoolers often pool their resources like this. Two families take turns teaching the children. Parents form a co-op where they take turns leading children in various subjects. We look to our community to enrich our children's lives.
My mother, Inner Elder, takes a look at Grandparents as Resources.
Lydia at Little Blue School talks about the Junior Secret Noveling Club she formed in How to Teach a Child to Write a Novel. Bonus! She gives links to her lessons for us to use!
Jugglers also enjoy getting together at clubs and events for social juggling. There. I said it. Socialization.
Lara at Texas Homesteader offers 5 Reasons to Attend a Homeschooling Conference.
Connecting with other homeschoolers who blog can be another way of socializing. Kate from Online Education.net lists the 100 Best Blogs for Homeschooling Moms.
Get out the Knives and Torches!To the audience, knives and torches look very dangerous. They are certain the juggler is going to get herself hurt doing that. But to the juggler, these objects are no more dangerous than club juggling. In fact, close examination of the knives will show that the juggler has taken the necessary precautions--the edges are dull. Homeschoolers know that people who watch them from a distance don't always recognize how careful they truly are.
Teresa from Higher Education addresses some of these criticisms in Top 12 Reasons to Ditch Homeschooling.
Sometimes even closer examination causes criticism. The knives may be dull, but they could still hurt if the blade hits you. And you could burn yourself with those torches! Sometimes we have to trust our instincts that we are doing this right.
Arby from Boarding in Bedlam has a thought provoking piece on academic freedom and criticism from defenders of public education in Breaking the Mirror.
That concludes this edition of the Carnival of Homeschooling. I hope you enjoyed it! The next carnival will be at Homeschool Bytes. Submit your blog article to the next carnival by using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Friday, August 14, 2009
Home Spun comic strip #384
It isn't too late to submit an article to the Carnival of Homeschooling! Deadline is Monday, 6PM PST (9PM for me)!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
A Wolf at the Library Door
Our library had a special visitor yesterday. He hasn't been here for a few years, and since it is a popular program, I was fortunate to get Sierra in to see Atka the Arctic wolf.
Atka was visiting with some friends from the Wolf Conservation Center. From their brochure: The center was founded to promote wolf conservation by teaching about wolves, their relationship to the environment and our role in protecting them. The Wolf Conservation Center participates in the Species Survival Plan and Recovery Plans for the critically endangered Mexican gray wolf and red wolf.
Right now, the center is home to 28 wolves, but they will be getting some more soon, including three red wolves. They already have one red wolf, so this addition will give them two mating pairs. We also saw pictures of some of their successful Mexican gray wolves. A pack was released into the wild last year (in New Mexico? I forget. I should have taken notes!)
Since most of their wolves are being bred to return to the wild, they are not given a lot of human contact. That is why it is nice to have Atka. He is a teaching wolf. He was raised with a lot of human contact, so he's pretty laid back around people. As an ambassador wolf, Atka has traveled quite a bit, teaching people about wolves and busting some myths about the species.
Some facts about wolves that we learned:
-A pack is made up of an alpha pair and their children.
-Wolves communicate through marking, body language and howling.
-Wild wolves live from 6 to 8 years.
-Wolves are very shy and avoid human contact.
-Gray wolves come in many colors. Arctic wolves are a species of gray wolf.
We also learned that Atka loves water fountains. He took full advantage of a low water fountain in the multi-purpose room.
Sierra and I loved the wolf program. If you want to find out more about the center, they have a website: www.nywolf.org
Atka was visiting with some friends from the Wolf Conservation Center. From their brochure: The center was founded to promote wolf conservation by teaching about wolves, their relationship to the environment and our role in protecting them. The Wolf Conservation Center participates in the Species Survival Plan and Recovery Plans for the critically endangered Mexican gray wolf and red wolf.
Right now, the center is home to 28 wolves, but they will be getting some more soon, including three red wolves. They already have one red wolf, so this addition will give them two mating pairs. We also saw pictures of some of their successful Mexican gray wolves. A pack was released into the wild last year (in New Mexico? I forget. I should have taken notes!)
Since most of their wolves are being bred to return to the wild, they are not given a lot of human contact. That is why it is nice to have Atka. He is a teaching wolf. He was raised with a lot of human contact, so he's pretty laid back around people. As an ambassador wolf, Atka has traveled quite a bit, teaching people about wolves and busting some myths about the species.
Some facts about wolves that we learned:
-A pack is made up of an alpha pair and their children.
-Wolves communicate through marking, body language and howling.
-Wild wolves live from 6 to 8 years.
-Wolves are very shy and avoid human contact.
-Gray wolves come in many colors. Arctic wolves are a species of gray wolf.
We also learned that Atka loves water fountains. He took full advantage of a low water fountain in the multi-purpose room.
Sierra and I loved the wolf program. If you want to find out more about the center, they have a website: www.nywolf.org
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Carnival at HomeschoolBuzz and Next week... Here!
This week's Carnival of Homeschooling: LOLcats Edition is at Homeschool Buzz! Please head over and check out this week's articles and enjoy a few LOLs!
Next week I will be hosting the carnival for my first time. In order to be successful, I need the help of all my bloggy friends. Please submit your homeschooling related article to the blog carnival. Don't tell me it's hard. If my mom can do it, so can you. OK, I'm helping my mom, but if you need help, just send me a note and I will be happy to assist you!
Next week I will be hosting the carnival for my first time. In order to be successful, I need the help of all my bloggy friends. Please submit your homeschooling related article to the blog carnival. Don't tell me it's hard. If my mom can do it, so can you. OK, I'm helping my mom, but if you need help, just send me a note and I will be happy to assist you!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Friday, August 7, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
In the Yard...
We had some gorgeous weather the beginning of the week. All of our butterfly bushes, bee balm, echinacea and rudbeckia are blooming. Walking outside, the air was alive with buzzing and fluttering. I grabbed my camera, of course.
There were three tiger swallowtails enjoying the white butterfly bush. I must have taken six pictures of this one before it stood still long enough for a clear shot.
I guess I enjoy the challenge of moving subjects. I liked the way this photo came out. Click on the picture to get a larger view on my Flickr page. It's worth it.
These next to pictures are a victory for me. They were the only two shots I got of a clearwing hummingbird moth before it flew off. In all the years I've lived here, this is only the second time I've seen a hummingbird moth. I suppose I should thank my neighbor. He said something was eating his tomato plants this year.
As its name implies, it flies like a hummingbird, wings moving so fast they are a blur. The first time I saw one, I thought it was a hummingbird, until I noticed the antennae. Hummingbird moths come out during the day.
I've said it before, my camera is amazing. I didn't really see the wings until I looked at my pictures.
For more information and links, go to Hummingbirdmoth.com
There were three tiger swallowtails enjoying the white butterfly bush. I must have taken six pictures of this one before it stood still long enough for a clear shot.
I guess I enjoy the challenge of moving subjects. I liked the way this photo came out. Click on the picture to get a larger view on my Flickr page. It's worth it.
These next to pictures are a victory for me. They were the only two shots I got of a clearwing hummingbird moth before it flew off. In all the years I've lived here, this is only the second time I've seen a hummingbird moth. I suppose I should thank my neighbor. He said something was eating his tomato plants this year.
As its name implies, it flies like a hummingbird, wings moving so fast they are a blur. The first time I saw one, I thought it was a hummingbird, until I noticed the antennae. Hummingbird moths come out during the day.
I've said it before, my camera is amazing. I didn't really see the wings until I looked at my pictures.
For more information and links, go to Hummingbirdmoth.com
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
A Work in Progress...
So last Friday I finally started a project that has been in my head for years. I don't know about other people, but when creative inspiration hits me, I need to see it through, otherwise it keeps hitting me until I do. It's madness for me.
Originally, I wanted to make built-in bookcases and a windowseat. Hubby preferred I didn't build it in (some day he plans to pull up the linoleum and put in a nicer floor) so I had to rework the plans in my head for freestanding units. I have one more bookcase to make. It's a pretty simple design, I'm only an amateur carpenter. This is my work so far...
Notice how quickly it's filling!
Things I have learned during this process:
-Seven year olds are useful for grunt work like holding the wood up while I cut it and sanding. Sierra also helped varnish it.
-1 x 6 planks are not. Apparently it's too hard to call them 3/4 x 5 1/2.
-Sawing wood is difficult in humid weather.
-On the plus side, I lost a few pounds and my shoulders are rock hard.
-The triangle is my best friend.
-Sometimes making a new piece of furniture leads to other projects, like mending the holes behind the old bookcase, and learning how to match wall paint when you realize the paint you saved has dried up.
-Books breed like rabbits.
Originally, I wanted to make built-in bookcases and a windowseat. Hubby preferred I didn't build it in (some day he plans to pull up the linoleum and put in a nicer floor) so I had to rework the plans in my head for freestanding units. I have one more bookcase to make. It's a pretty simple design, I'm only an amateur carpenter. This is my work so far...
Notice how quickly it's filling!
Things I have learned during this process:
-Seven year olds are useful for grunt work like holding the wood up while I cut it and sanding. Sierra also helped varnish it.
-1 x 6 planks are not. Apparently it's too hard to call them 3/4 x 5 1/2.
-Sawing wood is difficult in humid weather.
-On the plus side, I lost a few pounds and my shoulders are rock hard.
-The triangle is my best friend.
-Sometimes making a new piece of furniture leads to other projects, like mending the holes behind the old bookcase, and learning how to match wall paint when you realize the paint you saved has dried up.
-Books breed like rabbits.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Carnival of Homeschooling at About Homeschooling
The Carnival of Homeschooling: Game Day edition is happening at About Homeschooling! Read some interesting blogs and Beverly also shares some of her family's favorite educational games.
And don't forget, the carnival of homeschooling is coming to my blog in two weeks! Get your articles ready!
And don't forget, the carnival of homeschooling is coming to my blog in two weeks! Get your articles ready!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Home Spun Vignette #1
I apologize for the lack of a full size comic strip this week. I spent my weekend working on a project that has been on the back burner for a long time. Hopefully I will have pictures up later in the week!
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