Home Spun comic strip #477

My Old Man

My old man is not very old.
If I admit that he is, I must admit I am getting old.
And I am not old.
I think I get that from my dad.
He seems to get younger.
Maybe because of his love of babies and animals.



My old man is something special.
He puts his heart into all he does.
And LIVES.
How many can say their dad
Fought against the injustice he found in his community?
Gave up smoking because he didn't want to be addicted?
Was saved from an aneurysm because he was part of a health study?
Or walked on hot coals?
My dad did!
He backs me up in my crazy schemes
Because he's had a few of his own.
He once recruited teachers for public schools
And now he supports my homeschooling with the same energy.
He is proud of his grandkids.
My three and three more grandsons.



My old man is something special.
And he is not old.
Age is merely how many years you have traveled
Not how much living you have packed into your suitcase.
My dad is full of life!
¡Te quiero papá!
Happy 7oth Birthday Dad!

Home Spun comic strip #476

*Your mileage may vary!

Home Spun comic strip #475

First rule of educational toys: If it talks, it will get annoying fast.

Panic Interrupted

Last Wednesday was an interesting day, and part of the inspiration for my comic strips this past week. Our regular storytelling day took place that day, but close to the same time was an information meeting for homeschoolers at the community college nearby. These two events were taking place within a ten minutes drive from each other, so I definitely could not pass up the chance to have Marina look at her very first college.

In case you are wondering, I have not discovered the secret to being in two places at the same time. I'm hoping Marina will come across that in her "fun" readings of physics. Until then, I will have to do what I did on Wednesday, which was to leave Chase in charge of running storytime and in charge of Sierra while I left the library early with Marina to drive her over to the college.

There was a great turn out for the college meeting. Many homeschoolers in our area use college classes during the high school years. I was probably one of two parents who were actually there for information about going to college and the special needs homeschoolers have in our area. For example, we wanted to know about the 24 credit option for the high school equivalency degree, since NY will not let New Yorkers get a college degree unless the have a high school or equivalent degree. It is so gratifying to know that New York has such high regard for their high school diplomas that they will refuse to give you a hard earned college degree unless you can prove you are capable of passing the GED.

Anyway, after a question and answer session that easily could have gone on for another hour, we started the tour of the campus. It was already late, and since I wanted to get Chase and Sierra before the homeschoolers left the library's playground, I left Marina with the tour group and headed back to the library. Luckily, storytelling had gone smoothly, and some homeschooling moms were still enjoying the lovely day while the children played. I took Chase and Sierra and drove back to the college.

Now all I needed to do was find the group. I called my friend's cell and she told me they were heading back to the administration building. I figured I might as well wait for them, since I was already there. Twenty minutes and several whines of hunger later, I called my friend again. They had stopped at the library and were now heading to the student center. I told her I would meet them there. If nothing else, we would be doing something besides whining waiting.

Colleges have lots of buildings. I remember that from my own college days. What colleges could really use are more "You are here" maps. I asked one student for directions and ended up in front of the wrong building. By the time another student walked us over to the student center, I wasn't sure they would still be there. I called my friend a third time but her phone kept dropping out. I caught the word "student lounge" before we were disconnected, so I stayed near the center hoping they would eventually show. They did. I was in time to walk back to the Administration Building with the group.

During this whole experience, I couldn't help feeling freaked out. It was probably a good thing that I had to coordinate running back and forth between the library and college. That gave me something to occupy my mind. Without that distraction, I might have spent more time thinking, "How can my baby girl be ready to look at colleges?"

Home Spun comic strip #474

Half of my scheduling conflicts come from forgetting to write an appointment on the calendar. The other half comes from forgetting to look at the calendar after I've written on it. To make matters worse, I don't always check my pocket calendar against the wall calendar. I'm a scheduling accident waiting to happen.

Since I'm aware of this, you would think I had fixed the problem by now, but no. After telling everyone for a week that Marina had an orthodontist appointment, I managed to completely forget the morning of the appointment. That is, I forgot until the phone rang. Then I remembered. I didn't even need the caller ID to know it was the orthodontist's office calling to tell me Marina missed her appointment. I rescheduled for this week, wrote it down on two calendars, and told everyone in the house to remind me. I even baked cookies for the office to apologize. This time, I didn't miss it.

But I did forget to bring the cookies. One step forward...

Home Spun comic strip #473

I think I got this idea from Stephanie, the stark raving bibliophile, but she'll have to verify that since it was from a few blogs ago. :o)
If I'm wrong, thank you whoever it was that gave me the idea. And forgive my tired, overworked brain cells for the memory lapse!

Carnival of Homeschooling: The Cartoonist's Desk

Welcome to the Carnival of Homeschooling: The Cartoonist's Desk edition!

For this carnival, I thought I would let everyone take a peek over my shoulder as I draw my comic strips for this week. This is a long one, so grab your tea or coffee and make yourself comfortable!

Inspiration.
Where do I get my ideas? Life! My comics start with the day to day adventures I experience. I often remember anecdotes that happened several years ago. Although some may not have been funny when they happened, I've learned to see the humor in these old crises. As Carol Burnett said, "Comedy is tragedy plus time."

Inspiration is important, and not only because it means the drawing of air into the lungs (although I happen to like the connection). Inspiration nourishes us, encourages us, and influences and affirms our choices. Sage Parnassus shares some of Charlotte Mason's inspiration and wisdom in Boys Run to Seed.
For more thoughts on Charlotte Mason and education, take a look in The Common Room for Attached to the World At Many Points of Contact.

Not all ideas are created equal. Sometimes the ideas that come in are funny without any help from me. Sometimes they need a lot of work and input to turn them into a comic strip. Just because an idea is harder to turn into a comic strip doesn't mean I scrap it. Many of those challenging ideas have become some of my best comics. Likewise, some children easily learn and require little direction while others benefit from gentle guidance. The Expanding Life explores how "unschooling allows every child to be the best at being herself" in Child Prodigies and Unschooling.

I find that if I have trouble coming up with ideas, it helps to spend some time outdoors watching wildlife. Bugs, Knights and Turkeys in the Yard watches bats in Bats and Bat Houses.

Sometimes, you simply need to have a mini-adventure. Like the Sebastopol Mini-Adventure at Blah, Blah, Blog.

The best inspiration comes from chatting with friends. Time4Learning Parent Community asks, Are you Socializing?

Of course, there are times when my friends are busy. Ever feel like you are the only one homeschooling? Waiting for Charlie talks about Isolated Homeschooling.

Taking Notes.
Earth Day is this week. I love recycling! I'll grab any sheet of paper available to take notes when I get ideas. Scribbled on scrap paper, open envelopes, and the thousand and one notepads sent to me by charitable organizations have all been used to pull together ideas for my comics. I always keep a pad and pen in my purse, since I never know when and where that next idea will come from.

Reading and writing seem to go hand in hand. See how a Kindergarten Reading Log can improve writing at Hope is the Word.
And if you are really ambitious, you might want to consider book reports. All American Family has some wonderful ideas in How We Handle Book Reports.

Sometimes I do need to deal with writers' block. When this happens, I need to shift gears and do something completely different, like gardening or reading, to give my brain a break. Homeschoolers can burnout too. If you've been struggling lately, The Legacy of Home has some excellent ideas in Homeschooling as a Way of Life.

Struggling with a busy schedule can be a great challenge. The Thinking Mother writes about combining homeschooling with participating in a competitive sport, it's not as easy as she thought. Read about it in Kids in Serious Sports.

Of course, it always helps to know your effort is appreciated. I like getting feedback on my work. And Arby at Boarding in Bedlam knows that S-T-A-P-L-E-R Spells "Love".

The Blank Page.
Once I have ideas, I start sketching them out. That's when I pull out the smooth Bristol pad. I wanted a way to quickly draw three comic panels so I could spend more time sketching the strip and less time measuring out panels, so I designed a template to simplify the process. I've reused this template for at least three years now.

Speaking of templates, Everything Home...with Carol has an easy way of teaching kids to write an essay in The Composition Template.

Once I start drawing, I need my own space. True, my space is the area of a fold down desk, but I know it's mine. Kids need their own space too. Roscommon Acres explains why in Every American boy needs a shed.

Pencil and Pen.
Pencil happens to be the preferred writing tool in our house. They rarely return to their home in the desk drawer. I usually have to hunt down my good pencil when I want to begin work. Yes, I have a favorite pencil. I prefer a pencil that is easily erased if I change my mind about a scene or the perspective.

Penciling helps me figure out how I want to present my strip and explore my options. There are lots of options with homeschooling. Your Family's Homeschooling Options are explored at Parent at the Helm.

Just as I might erase a sketch and start over, sometimes homeschoolers need to take a step back to make things work better. Going backwards can make any homeschooler nervous! Quiverfull Family discusses experiencing homeschooling anxiety, especially where phonics are concerned, in Back Tracking?

And while we're stepping back, let's consider why we homeschool. My Domestic Church presents Reasons 3 and 4 Why I Home School.
If that isn't enough, Why Homeschool has More Reasons to Homeschool, from the archives.

Sketching in pencil gives me an idea of how I want my comics to look without needing to be exact. The same can be said about curriculum for young children. Spiral Goddess Home School; The Moon and Her Flowers shares thoughts and links on Preschool-Kindergarten Curricula.

I use many pens. I have water resistant fine tip markers for the straight lines and I have my #102 Hunt Crow Quill pen for the actual drawing and lettering. It probably makes me old-fashioned that I still use a dipping pen, but sometimes the older ways are better and more personal.

Is it possible to be more old fashioned than pen and ink? How about drawing on rocks? Make your own Hot Rock Art at Once Upon a Family!

That crow quill pen can take you back in time. History can be found everywhere. That's why it's good to take trips to places like the United States Naval Academy. Read Saving The Best for Last at No Fighting, No Biting!

Seems like everyone is taking trips to Washington D.C.! Home School Dad learned a lot on his recent trip. Be sure to pack a lunch and read some of his observations in Washington Trip Day 5.

When you return from the trip, you want to save those memories. It's wonderful when someone in the family takes on this project. Barbara Frank tells about the last big family trip and the special way their memories live on in Good Things Happen When We Let Go.

The best thing about using pen and ink is that it helps me slow down. Some things can't be rushed. Coplings Hobbit Hole talks about Slow Parenting.

And if you need a reason to slow down, read this excellent article, Race to Nowhere? at Laura Grace Wheldon's blog.

Kneaded Eraser.
If you don't use a kneaded eraser, you really should. It's gentler on the paper, leaves less debris than the hard pencil-top erasers and it has the added bonus of being a great stress reliever and artistic outlet. You clean the eraser by pulling and kneading it. Think eraser meets Silly Putty.

Homeschooling is serious stuff. Sometimes we need a little silly to lighten the mood! And if we happen to learn something while we are having fun, more points for us! See what you can learn from Balderdash and Blokus in If I Had An Elephant.

If your creativity needs a boost, Serfronya Wallace shows how you can Homeschool Using Free Printable Coloring Books.

Triangular Rules.
The template is fine for sketching, but once I set my comic in ink, I want to make sure my lines are neat. When I first started drawing comics, I only used a T-square. This was fine if my paper was square, but I soon discovered that I can't always rely on my paper being cut straight. This may not seem important, but once I transferred my work onto the computer, the crooked angles were glaringly obvious. I would spend a lot of time straightening my lines on-screen. So I started using a triangle to make sure my angles were 90°. And to think I never believed I would use geometry.

Speaking of geometry, check out love2learn2day and watch how Cynthia teaches geometry in Geometry Class #3 (Geometry with kids ages 7-10).

If you are looking for real world lessons in math, try Real Life Math Lesson Using the U.S. Census at I Want to Teach Forever.

For an interesting way to look at the basics, check The Cookie Factory Guide to Long Division at Let's Play Math. (Make sure you have a few cookies standing by, you might get hungry!)

Hands on learning is the best kind. Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers shares this article, Adding Spark to Your Homeschool Through Hands-On Learning: Science.

Scanner and Computer.

These are my final tools for getting my comics to my blog. I scan my designs into my PhotoStudio 5.5 program, where I clean up stray marks, add gray tones, and tweak the design. My husband also bought me a writing tablet for the computer, but I'm still learning how to use it.

Some day I will fully embrace the virtual world, and when I do, there will be cool links everywhere! Here are 100 Amazing Firefox Add-ons for Homeschoolers at Online Degrees.

I'm thankful that I have my own Tech Support (husband) if I need help. TutorFi.com presents Student Success Resolution #6: Get Help When Needed.

And we have now come to the end of this edition of the carnival! I hope you enjoyed yourself. If you feel inspired, please consider submitting an article to a future carnival. You can use the carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on the blog carnival index page.

Home Spun comic strip #472

I can't figure out what inspired me this week. Was it organizing the Carnival of Homeschooling for tomorrow? Taking Marina to work, picking her up and then heading to a book store to meet Bruce Coville? Trying to track down a park ranger to sign Chase's Confirmation service log? Oversleeping and forgetting to take Marina to the orthodontist? Looking for a Communion dress and veil for Sierra? Going to a baptism on Sunday?

All of the above?

I think I'm forgetting something...

Home Spun comic strip #471

Home Spun comic strip #470

Every once in a while, through one of the many blogs I read or my local homeschooling group, I'm directed toward an article that rages against homeschooling for one reason or another. This week, I thought I would take an unsteady step into my own thought process in regard to negativity toward homeschooling.

First, I want to point out that I have been very lucky. My husband has always supported my homeschooling efforts, likewise my extended family and friends. I can count on one hand the times I have come across concerned strangers wielding the "S" word. I am honest about homeschooling, but I won't elaborate beyond "we homeschool" unless I find genuine interest. Most people I meet tend to be supportive of homeschooling, many know someone who homeschools, and only rarely do I run across someone who is completely in the dark about it. ("You mean they go to school at home?")

This is why I'm always amazed when I see a critical news item online or a blog that rages against homeschooling. After homeschooling for ten years and blogging for four, I've come across a lot of opinions, especially online. Many speak out of ignorance on blogs or in anonymous comments, their misconceptions about homeschoolers ranging from the common (they're all Christians) to the ridiculous (they're plotting to take over the country!). I don't think there is a homeschooler online who hasn't heard one myth or another about homeschooling.

The misconception that has always fascinated me the most is that homeschoolers somehow sacrifice the feminist cause by choosing such a traditional role. I translate this to mean we don't get paid for what we do. While it's true that I draw no salary, I believe homeschooling has a place among many honorable professions that are done for love, not money. By choosing to educate my children, I have enriched my life in ways that move beyond monetary value. I am close to my kids. I am proud that we are close and can sit around sharing laughs and ideas. I have learned along with them. I've learned from them. And the knowledge I have gained has made me a better person. I make no apology for what I have become. I am true to myself. I don't consider myself a feminist, but a familist!

Another Author Encounter!

Our favorite indy bookstore, The Voracious Reader, had another last minute author guest at their store. Being the rabid book fans that we are, we dropped everything and headed over to meet Bruce Coville, author of The Magic Shop Book series and The Unicorn Chronicles. We're also big fans of his audio book line, Full Cast Audio. If you haven't heard any of these audio books, you must treat yourself. They do an excellent job of bringing books to life.

Meeting Mr. Coville was a great thrill for us. As it happened, the last minute notice coupled with a gorgeous day meant that not many came to this event. That gave us a rare opportunity to spend some time chatting with this author, and we took full advantage of the chance. I'm hoping he enjoyed his time with us as much as we did with him. I know Marina and Chase won't forget it! Chase was a bit star-struck and quieter than usual, but Marina enjoyed discussing everything from books to travel to our quirky, crazy life. Mr. Coville, if you're listening, you made our day!

Carnival at Our Curious Home, Next Week Here!

The latest Carnival of Homeschooling: The Front Porch Reopening edition is happening at Our Curious Home! Please stop by and enjoy this week's submissions!

And if they inspire you, be sure to submit an article to the next Carnival of Homeschooling because....

Next week's carnival will be hosted here at Home Spun Juggling!

Home Spun comic strip #469

A Lotta MoCCA

I attended the Museum of Comics and Cartoon Art's MoCCA Festival today. It took a lot of effort for me to go. First, because I wanted to make sure I had at least completed my comics for the week, since this will be a crazy, busy, why-don't-I-look-at-the-calendar-after-I-write-in-it kind of week. Second, because I wrote down the address of the museum, rather than the address of the festival, so I managed to walk 40 blocks out of my way trying to find it.

But it was all good. I had left myself plenty of time, so in spite of my detour, I still arrived before the doors opened and I got my cardio workout for the day. Maybe for the next three days. I'll let you know if I can stand up tomorrow.

I have never been to a comics convention before. I know. Shocker. I've been to a sci-fi/fantasy writers' con, but never a comics con. I'm not sure why. Maybe I'm intimidated by people wandering around in superhero costumes. Or paying money to see people selling things. One of my cousins was going to be at a booth there, so I figured if nothing else, I could go to say hello. He self-publishes his comics. (Parental warning: This site contains strong language.) As it turned out, I attended a workshop about coming up with stories and a panel discussion on the future of comics. Both were interesting and well worth the admission price. I felt guilty not bringing Marina along, but she probably wouldn't have enjoyed the 40 block detour. The ideas I gleaned from the workshop should help with my occasional bouts of writer's block. The panel discussion has simply given me ideas. We'll see what comes of that (she said mysteriously, waggling her eyebrows.)

Aside from seeing my cousin, I also ran into a cartoonist I know from blogging, Ryan Sias. Ryan writes Silent Kimbly, a pun comic. He has some really cute board books out, too. You can look at them at his site. And, homeschooling mom that I am, I scanned many tables for homeschool worthy comics and graphic novels. One of my best finds was Ken Wong. I was drawn (ha!) to his table by the Pandora's Box comic. Pandora's Box is a retelling of the Greek myth folded up into a box. Each side of the box is a cartoon panel which moves you around the box until you reach Pandora, about to open the box. Open and unfold it to get the rest of the story, as well as directions for refolding. He also had an origami comic explaining the concept of Schrodinger's Cat which is folded as a schoolyard "fortune-teller." If that only made sense to me, it's also known as a cootie catcher in the series "Arthur." If that still doesn't make sense, I'll take a picture of it.

I found many sellers of graphic novels based on classics, especially Shakespeare, but also reprints of the Classic Comics and a series based on the story of Gilgamesh. History-themed comics could also be found at many tables. There was a collection of Action Philosophers that I wanted so badly I went to the bank for more money. Hardly anyone took plastic at this event. (At this time I will point out that I have not read the entire Action Philosophers yet, so please review for child-appropriateness.)

In the end, I did not buy as many comics as I would have liked. I still had a 16 block walk back to the train and a heavily laden bag to shlep. Next time, I'll make sure I have a teenager with me.

Home Spun comic strip #468

It is always exciting to come across a book, magazine or film that you know your children will like, especially when it teaches a concept that you yourself had difficulty with. Math and science were never friends of mine in school, but since teaching my children, I have found a wealth of books that I only wish were available when I was a kid. The Sir Cumference series by Cindy Neuschwander was useful for teaching geometry. Algebra Unplugged by Kenn Amdahl explained algebra to Marina when she had lost all confidence in her math ability. The book The Physics of Superheroes by James Kakalios was just sitting on a shelf in Borders in plain view, waiting for me to snatch it up. We happened to be in a physics year of the trivium, so I could immediately hand it over to my eager comic-loving children. (I see now there is a second edition of the book. I might have to pick up a new copy...) If only everything were as easy to wish for. I'm still waiting for my million dollar lottery ticket.

PS- If you go to The Physics of Superheroes website, do take a look at the videos. They are hilarious!

Carnival at Nerd Family!

The Carnival of Homeschooling: Open House edition, is happening at Nerd Family! Stop over and enjoy this week's selection of articles!

Home Spun comic strip #467

The lesson: Hard-boiled eggs may explode in the microwave, even if you cut them in half. We learned that last part this year!

Home Spun comic strip #466

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter!

Home Spun comic strip #465

This weeks strips were based on one of our "favorite" hikes from three years ago. I'm much better at making sure I have a map now. Or plenty of time for getting lost. Sometimes I manage to have a map and time!

I'll be in the Back...

I have been going to a lot of meetings this year. It's what happens when you have one child preparing for Confirmation and another preparing for First Communion. Every time there is a meeting, our religious ed. coordinator sets up two semi-circle rows of chairs. I've noticed that with very few exceptions, parents prefer to sit in the back row, rather than up front. At the last meeting, after the second row filled, parents dragged extra folding chairs over to set up behind the back row rather than take seats in the near empty front row. Eventually, there were three rows set up behind the untouchable first row!

There is something instinctively frightening about that front row. Consider all that it represents--full exposure, the front line, nowhere to hide. It's the spot where the most attention is focused. If you don't want to be called on, you hide in the back. It's human nature to want to protect yourself from harm, be it an enemy's attack or a teacher's questions. It doesn't seem like a metal folding chair would be so sheltering, but that is exactly what it is to those who sit in the second row.

There is a character in the book McBroom's Zoo by Sid Fleischman called the Great Seventeen-Toed Hairy Prairie Hidebehind. This was a creature that would follow you on tiptoe, but every time you spun around to look at it, it would still be hiding behind you. Perhaps we all have a little Great Prairie Hidebehind in us. I know I do.

Yes, I'm a second row sitter. I admit it. I'm uncomfortable in the front row. The times I've sat there I haven't been able to relax. I cross my legs, I hunch, I try not to move to avoid attracting attention. I am like a rabbit trying to hide in an open field. As a result, I'm usually stiff and tired by the end of the meeting. I prefer having that metal chair to shield me. As a homeschooling family, I feel we spend enough time in the front row. I do my best to make my family presentable to the world. I smile, I answer curious questions honestly and simply, I do my required paperwork and testing for my school district. I try not to take it personally when I see a negative article on homeschooling. Like every other homeschooler, I'm doing the best I can, knowing I've gone against the societal norm.

I think I've done my front row time, don't you?