art and artist

and ps I know I am slow on the valentines day challenge prizes- not forgotten just busy week...

1. tasty dinners 2. boys who love books 3. inspiration

art under the influence

Many artists use illicit substances, torid affairs, exotic travel to inspire their art. Since none of the following are available options for me- 1 and 2 definitely out and 3- with 3 small boys in tow I could really appreciate, so I have to resort to things in my very everyday life. This first piece was literally inspired by mango lassi- no joke. I had been in a painting slump since Christmas and something happy, sweet, and surprising was enough to hurl me out of my funk.

Here is a detail and then the full piece- the awkward, ungainly size of 24" x 48". I like it's sort of tension of pattern with confusion the play of contrast with monochromatic green layering. The canvas is textured with layers and paint and sheer papers. I can't wait to varnish it and let the colors pop out and highlight the surface texture.

Also this week a quick study of valencia oranges that may look familiar from my post aboput feeling the love, remember that arrived for me unexpectedly from CA.

My recipe for artistic inspiration: Input food--> art

Maybe this is how it worked back when artists had patrons who sponsored them and provided their livings in return for their work- takers? anyone? smartmama sponsorship? bring food offerings?

or maybe I have some artistic fetish for orange fruits?

1. playdates 2. libraries 3. sun & visible grass

gushing with love

Well no Valentine's day is complete with out a valentines day card- right? Sorry no conversation hearts that taste like chalk included. So big hugs and kisses from smart mama and family to you and yours!

Also 2 thumbs up for smart daddy-o Valentine's present: a new fancy faucet for my kitchen sink. Installed and ready for action. I am gushing with love! Yes how we love practical gifts here!

Attention all Valentine's Day Challenge Participants- to be eligible for prizes you must either email me (share some of your favorite things- preferably) or post a link (you can leave it in the comments) to your own blog post talking about what you did for the Valentine's day challenge. All posts/emails must be received by Feb. 20th.

1. practical gifts 2. new faucet 3. time to finish organizing upstairs closets.

pathetic indeed- postal woes

...that while I have been out of stamps for weeks I haven't made it to the post office to buy stamps. I tried the other day at the grocery store but you had to go to customer service and I had 2 falling apart kids and had already carried the 25lber through the store was pushing the cart and trying not to run down the heals of my hop- on, hop- off 3 year old and I was not waiting in one more line to be serenaded with cacophonous whine sand squawks.

I hate nothing else like schlepping to the post office. Maybe I was traumatized as a child, I don't know. My town actually has really nice postal workers. I should not be so avoidant. There is just something about driving 7 minutes out in the cold strapping and unstrapping 2 children all for some little stickers.

I asked my postal worker if I could justifiably beg off the lateness of my Christmas thank you notes which have been sitting in want of stamps due to winter hardship or if i was just a sign that I was plain lazy.

Today seeing as the snow has finally melted off my deck and patches of grass are poking through. I couldn't pull the snowed in excuse- although the seasonally affected sun deprived February excuse probably could've bought me a few more weeks. Today after 14 minutes in the car, 2 strap ins, 2 unstraps, 3 coats, $9, 3 sheets of commemoratives, and one round of chase the pages of stamps that are blowing away in the parking lot. My thanks will now be complete.

1. detours 2. nice postal workers to ease the pain 3.thoughts

serving up sweetness

If you haven't made them yet, sugar cookies are a valentines day requirement.
Did I mention I have a problem with sprinkles? Is it time for an intervention when you have over 50 kinds?

On other valentines notes- for all my thrifty friends just say no to flowers for valentines. As a floral designer let me tell you the prices double just for valentines, especially for roses (it does at the wholesale end too- supply/demand) while a kind gesture - save it for the off season and you can do it 2x. While I can whip out an very impressive show with a dozen roses, it is far more fun when you get to do designers choice of flowers. So remember that too.

I am way too practical and would usually prefer the gift of furniture, shoes, music, dish towels or small appliances. So branch out even though the retailers want you to believe candy, jewelry, and flowers are the only good options.

So what gifts would you like? What great valentines gifts have you received in the past?

So what are your plans for the big day?

1.pot roast 2. wheaty goodness 3. sprinkles

love =

I am loved, really everyday I see it evidenced... In case you are looking for ideas, here is only a sampling of the love I felt this week...

Surprise Indian food lunch from my friends , and a flurry of hilarious emails all week (to help me cope while smart daddy-o was off in Mexico on business), and cookies for the ride home from church (because that is a long and torturous 25 min ride without yummy snacks).
A friend making a special trip to Ikea just to buy me fabric I was wanting and then mailing it to me thousands of miles away. Along with a note and fresh Valencia oranges from her yard (so beautiful that my boys asked to use them to paint a still life). She is doing a her own very cool variation on the 14 days of valentines you can read about it here.

Notes on my white board from my husband, he was also my personal massage therapist and best kitchen cleaner around.

A friend watching my two youngest, in addition to her 3, so I didn't have to trek them to pack meeting on a frigid night way past their bedtime.

Tasty heart pumpkin chocolate chip treats from a friend, even though she was busy getting ready for a trip.

An 8 year olds offer to let me have unlimited use of his webkinz account to play air hockey and samplings of all the treats he received from the valentines cupid.

A three year old to tell me stories, Silly Annabelle, Rumpelstiltskin and 3 billy goats Graff, and to sneak into my bed at 5 am and snuggle beside me. Who also volunteered to clean the floor with vacuum and steam mop and did a whizbang job!

An offer to come over for dinner from my always charitable friend.

A baby who always wants to be with me and gives delicious kisses.

Kids I used to teach telling me how much they loved having me as a teacher.

Thoughtful emails from friends.

Have you been feeling the love this week?

1.-2 lbs 2.love 3. a baby who dances to the beegees

overheard

Here are how my days go down with my 3 and a half year old.
Scene: Legos on the stairs.
Me: You know the rule, no legos downs stairs. You need to put them away.
SS#2: I can't.
Me:You got them down somehow, so you can get them up somehow.
SS#2 But it's hard---somehow.

Scene: Hoarding of marshmellows under the dining room table.
Me: You need to control yourself.
SS#2: I can't mom, my 'self' is just controlling me.

Watching a seminary video, little girl in dream sequence is riding a bike through the stars, he responds (in the same voice as the famed Muppetts "PIIIIGS IIINNNN SPAAAAACE") "Flyyyyying Biiiiiikes in Spaaaaace"

He has recently begun professions of faith by making up his own songs like:
We believe that bad guys will be punished for their own sins (to the tune of the 2nd article of faith) and his rousing to new hymn Called to serve the newborn king (think hark the herald angels sing and called to serve rolled into one extravaganza).

Never a dull day.

1. movement 2. busy days ending 3. naps

high octane only...

I have always heralded myself as being a low maintenance gal, but as the years go by I require more. I feel like I am becoming one of those cars that require premium gas so they don't ping. (Who wants to pay 30 cents more per gallon to fill up their car, that is just silly. If you have one of those cars- I don't think we can be friends)

I just want premium sleep- perfect blissful, uninterrupted, with just the right combo of pillow frost, down, and soft blankets. Really I promise much better performance if I get a good 8-9 hrs. No grouchy sputtering noises, no whining, just smooth running and high performance for hours!

(yes this is my scrumptious new bedding you might remember from my december obsession. every night I sigh with pure contentment when I climb into it's perfect softness each night- the best money I've spent in a long time!)


You can join me on segullah today where I am posting, Confessions of Moroccan Dream Date Barbie, a piece on perspective). I have just taken over the editorial reigns there at the blog with my cohort in crime the ever talented, Michelle L. There are always some interesting, thoughtful post over there and you are always welcome to join in. Happy Challenge day#3!


PS- How are you doing, all you little valentines cupids you??

1. pleasant shoppers (my kids) 2. new boots 3. a dancing baby

all are safely gathered in

... to the new breadbox that is.

I know I have reached the next level of motherhood and domesticity when I dream about things like getting a breadbox. I had suffered too long with ugly bread and english muffin packages littering my counter. So Target did right by me with this little stainless steel number, bringing more zen to my kitchen counters!

And that bowl of fruit, well that is about the cheeriest thing around these parts this time of the year. A testament that color does still exist in the world, just not in New England in Februrary.

What little things are brightening your world these days?

1. love abounds 2.cheerful kids 3.energy

let the love begin

The countdown has begun....5-4-3-2-1...

Get ready for lift off, the 2009 Smart Mama Valentines Day Challenge is about to launch. Yes, 14 days my friends- don't let me down-- the world as we know it depends on you! I'll be here at mission control, monitoring your progress.

Now to be eligible for prizes you must return and report. If you have a blog, you can post about some of your favorite things you do or you can email me and let me know, maybe like this...

"Reader to smart mama- do you copy?"

"Copy that, reader, smart mama here."

"Mission accomplished, I repeat mission accomplished."

(deafening clapping and cheering, kissing, hugging)

"Congratulations reader, head back to base, smart mama out."

Then I'll pick a few winners...hmm let me think...maybe by categories-- this part is TBD- but the prizes are good!

and special thanks to my cousin Andy's wife-- Debby, who, inspired by the love challenge post decided to show me some love and mail me some darling photos of my family from her wedding. This photo is of my now 8 yr old, circa spring 2001! A seriously sweet and fabulous surprise.

1.clean 2. parties 3. babies

Can I get a witness?

I hear voices, really not regular voices- A gospel choir. They sing to me in my head- they wear blue satin robes with white collars. And at various times through out the day I hear...

"Can I get a witness, wit-ness

Can I get a witness, wit-ness"

They are clapping and swaying very enthusiastically. My children often hear me join in with my choir and watch me jive and clap as I sing in the kitchen.

So either, I have some deep unfulfilled need for affirmation. Or maybe this is call for me to witness to others. Whatever the reason it's there.

Why a gospel choir? Not exactly sure. It certainly does not come from the choir of my religious heritage, the good old Mormon Tabernacle choir. They don't break into such exultant jubilee.

Maybe it's because a few years back though I served in an inner city branch of our church once and my favorite thing was as you gave a talk, the branch president (congregational leader) who was of course sitting behind the speaker, would gently nod his head in approval as you were talking and if you said something good you would get an audible "mm-hmm" as you spoke. And if the congregation liked your words you got especially loud Amen at the end. I loved the way other's truly witnessed with you.

Truth always deserves a hearty affirmation. So next time I am at church I'll be looking for some subtle head nods, and listening for some heart-felt amens--

"I wanna get witness, wit-ness"

1.snow day 2. clean house 3. fun with my boys

I have a crush

I am married, I know I shouldn't, but I just can't help these feelings I have...for IKEA.

I know it's mostly plastic and pressboard and cheap MDF, and I know it can't last forever but, would it really be so bad to indulge in a little fling, I think it would be fun while it lasted. I just can't take my eyes of those little roomlets with every square inch of space maximized. Every little thing in a row. The allure of the clean lines and simplicity, how can a woman resist. The efficiency just gets me. And that no frills euro style makes my heart pitter patter. I get giddy, butterflies in my stomach when I unload those boxes and break out the allen wrenches and those step by step instruction booklets with the universal demo man and 30 minutes later am admiring a hemnes dresser.

My husband indulges me, as I snuggle under my fluffy down comforter and all starry-eyed peruse the pages of the 2009 catalog. Longing for a new set of canisters for the 5 types of chocolate chips I cook with regularly, or as I pine for some new light fixture or lamp, (I have a thing for light) or daydream about adding more doors to my bookcases to hide the books and the clutter. I just can't stay away, I finding myself constantly thinking of when I'll see it again.

So dear Ikea will you be my valentine this year? XO smart mama

ps- if anyone is going soon they were out of some fabric I need

1.canisters 2.dinner in the crockpot 3.organization

Valentines Day Smackdown

I am throwing down the gauntlet my friends, the time has come for the 2009 Smart Mama Valentines Day Challenge. As we all know, smart mama is a big fan of love. As a professional in the field, by this I am referring to my graduate degree not my amazing kissing abilities, I am here to entreat you to engage in more "loving behaviors". Yes, I could enumerate from a psychological standpoint the importance of acts of care, empathy, affection, intimacy, but I will spare you the gritty details from old grad school papers in emotional and moral development (it was a great class Dr. Scoresby- no slight intended).

So this year smart mama is signing up participants for the 14 days of valentines challenge. Yes it's still January, I am just giving you a heads up so you can formulate ideas or pickup a few extra things as you do your shopping this week. Which means everyday from the first through the 14th of February you do something nice, something extra for your spouse, your kids, or your friends- or all of them. It's about personalizing our lives and putting more effort into the thing that matters most -- relationships. You can chose to take this your own direction, give it your own personal flair-- some like it cheesy (Like my friend emily of heart shaped hot dog and mac n cheese fame) or my friend becky with her stuffed animal bear with photobelly. Some like it sweet, others spicy-- pick your flavor. Your call. All that matters is that you do something. Here is a link to smart mama's 250 ways to say I love you page because I will not leave you idealess. And seriously if you can't think of 14 nice things to do for the people you love well it might be time for smart mama to take you on in the ring mano y mano for a real smackdown.

So bring your A game-- or rather you L-O-V-E game. Suit up and show me what you're made of!
Let me know if you're in...there will be prizes for participants--because oh how smart mama loves prizes!

So yes- keep track, take pics if you want. And either tell me at the end or as you go along about some of the great things you do! I want to feel the love and reward you!!
1. pie=love 2. a challenge 3. deserving recipients

Lifesavers wanted- marrow donor registry

Activist Smart Mama here today: As I was out shuffling my young ones to their Dr. well visits, and visiting the lab I saw the table to sign up to be on the bone marrow donor registry. So despite clutching 3 winter coats and 2 kids- I signed up, how could I not? It was a fast form and yes 4 cheek swabs (40 seconds of your time) and you're done. Then they input you into a database and if you come up as a match for someone in need they track you down and see if it can work out.

Hey you just might be that one who is a match. And what if you are on the other side of the bed and it is you, your spouse, or your child, waiting for a match? I used to work with bone marrow transplant patients as a child life specialist. I know what those many long fearful months of hospitalization, treatment, and uncertainty mean. Too often the stories don't end the way we hope. In the spirit of inaugural hopefulness and valentines love do this one little thing!

Here in New England, insurance companies are required to cover the cost of the donor testing. So it is no cost to you. And if you call this number you can learn more here or by calling 1-800-726-2824. They will they will even mail you a kit to your house for you to return. They are also looking for ways to spread the word to more so they can increase the database of potential donors (lifesaver!) so you can organize a donor drive at your work, with friends, whomever. Really being able to give someone else the gift of time.

Here is today's painting of day, I finished this week- Emerging Eden-
1. healthy kids 2. donor programs 3. miracles of medicine.

drink deeply

My baby reminded me today to drink deeply from the bowl of life. Rapture and joy can be found even if you are wearing ugly, well worn pajamas and the bowl is filled with macaroni and cheese.

You can join me on segullah today where I talk about being a Mormon in New England.

1. being needed 2. stepping back 3. cakes baked

an interview with smartmama

"Smart mama, recently you have been blogging as though you are being interviewed by some anonymous questioner, can you explain this?"

Well yes, after all we are taught to "be prepared" right? As is I am way too unpolished for improptu spots on David Letterman, ET, or 20/20 and should I stumble upon sudden fame I would find myself totally unprepared.

So today my readers you may ask smart mama all your burning questions and I will do my earnest to answer them to the best of my abilities...

1.snowy sundays 2. no school mondays 3. reading and writing

the ideal duane hanson sculpture

So this picture of my kids begs to be a duane hanson sculpture or a photorealist oil painting does it not? I was cleaning out photo files and had to share- The best part was it was taken at the MoMA.

1. quiet kids at cookie class 2. MA project completed 3. good ham

outdoing myself with smartness

Yep, sometimes I really outdo myself with smartness...Like this Christmas I bought my husband 4 half zip sweaters (in a variety of colors) to wear to work (don't want those engineers looking sloppy now do we) that way I wouldn't have to iron or at least feel guilty at not ironing.
Inspiring-- guilty as charged. When I do things like this I like to give myself a nice big pat on the back, reward myself with a good piece of European chocolate, and say way to go smart mama! All that positive reinforcement keeps those good (or lazy) ideas coming.

What smart things have you done lately--do share?

1. chinese resteraunt FHE 2. nice phone calls 3. granting forgiveness

we start them young

...because truly life without good food would be tragic! My baby learning in the shadow of the great mixer.

1. helpful friends 2. children creating ala kandinsky 3.dominos delivers sanity

for want of a tub- percolating inspiration

I have sacrificed for the sake of my husband's career- let me explain. Our previous house had a bath fit for a king (or smart mama rather) a giant corner tub, an oversize shower, sprawling counter space and very well doubled as a small ballroom where we could host guests. But our move to New England brought with it a colonial residence, which although ample, has postage stamp sized bathrooms. New Englanders must reserve traditionalism and austerity you know. (I will pause to note my current wading pool of bath would be consider excessively luxurious in most parts of the world- so I will cease my ingratitude). Anyway back to my glorification of the bath.

I take my baths extra hot, no bubbles. I also like a fluffy white mat, and robe, and always double hung shower curtains. No I don't need candles or rose petals or other such accouterments.
Truthfully, I would like to return the bath to it's place of proper glory. I mean the Romans were big fans of the bath, I know this because I did many Latin translations about outings to Marcus and Sextus at the baths in my Ecce Romani book in high school) and hey Turkish baths, now there is an exfoliating scrub down for you. Really baths have been the ugly step sister of the shower ever since jerry seinfield disparagingly described them as a "tepid pool of my own filth".

I propose the bath is therapeutic and inspiring. Why do so many people abandon this practice at the age of 4? The bath is one of my secret weapons of inspiration. If I am formulating a talk, a lecture a presentation, some writing, some paintings I go and sit in my bath. It's like the heat steams out all the extraneous thoughts - brewing with perfect clarity whatever I am thinking about. In fact I wish they'd make a waterproof laptop because man I could crank it out from there. I can get so lost in thought that I don't even notice the half a dozen architectural digest insert cards floating around me or fail to be bothered by the playmobil people my baby tossing in at me.

I think this might also explain why during pregnancy I lose my creative mojo as I am banned from excessive temperatures. (maybe I should also share this post with my son's bus driver, who I am sure wonders why I often have wet hair at 3:15)

So what is your place of inspiration...